' "lament has been made several The stote . fc . g probab]e thafc Mr t> oe _ lat retire from the position of jjitchelso" üblic at the close of tho J_in i9t , cr ° ( ,oion. Such was understood to be when ho took offic6j but lis inte "-Jnprobable now that he will do so. jt, is very 01 . two &n . O j n conversation tf Parliamentary reporter that ho from office if he could do so, OW~ colleagues would not hear of but "X ]j 0 gave it plainly to be '-'_ Itaod that he would retain his port una ers jr r jiitchelson expects to be in folio-, j™ afc the e nd 0 f the present week. Cllatq"' » nd MwehioneM of Drog f lW A 0 are on a visit to our shores have impressed with New Zea- W? SS 4_W°* of the Marquis, land s ;" be ii e ve, a relation of Mr Singleton le .*hf rt barrister- at-law of this city. L_.« s Wairarapa, which arrived from »£ to-day, came Mr Bland Holt's *•*• Sent (Mr W. K. Bishop), the same successfully piloted Mr Holt's *t_r ,j» an d " New Babylon" Company " h the colonies about five years ago. our readers who remember genial Th ° S H Holt and the splendid dramatic .« he presented to us on his former "P-f will hail with expectancy and T _«, his second advent with the great Ocular dramas: - "Alone m.Lon- Run of Luck" (in which a *"i n f fox-hounds and six horses "Taken from Life," »«. -JgJ World." The initial per . nnnfi will take place here ab the Opera Ese on Boxing Night, the bill for the " -«n being the latest of spectacular " Alone in London," which * ™ken of down South as the greatest I „ a tic treat ever presented in New Zea id The scenery and mechanical effects are 1 Preferred to in most glowing terms. The mnanvare people who rank high in the Session, several of them being now on If- flrct visit to the colonies. The prin- S are Mr and Mrs Bland Holt (the fi!f». wte Florence Anderson, a leading X onl the English stage), Mr Walter ZL Mr Frank Gates, Mr A. Glover, Mr f wian, Mr A. G. Poulton. Mr W. H. __»<rrave, Mr Harry Norman, Mrs Walter M (anold N.Z. favourite) Misses Ida Her- Srte Montie, Fredrics, and Mabel Tracey. Shop brought up with him the scenery d mechanical effects for "Alone in T_mdori " The company carry 100 tons of Benery and two mechanists. Amon <r the holiday announcements in .... advertising columns, will be found one ISoTtotheI.O.O.F.,M.U., A.D. This nmnlar and numerous Order of Oddfellows E t" hold ° P icnic in the "Domain wicket ground on Tuesday, December 27th. . D wJamme 0 f S p or ts has been arranged, kcludiD" Maiden Race, 100 yards, Hurdle L. 200 yards, Walking One Mile Handi -2 Hop, Step, and Jump, 150 yards Han fop, Men-o'-warmen 100 yards' race, Han- Lo 100 yards' race for members' sons ma.rl6, Royal Marines 100 yards, Half-mile Handicap; Siamese, 100 yards' race ; races to members' wives and daughters ; Tug-of w between men-o'-warsmen and marines ; •Is) between married and single members rftheOrder; race, 100 yards, Past Grand's Handicap. Juvenilo Race, etc. Entries for majority of the above class at the Cook iteet Hall on Friday evening next, at 8 o'clock. The procession will leave the itove-iiamed Hall at 9 a.m. on tho day of Ihe outing, accompanied by a brass brand. Hot water will be provided free during the jiy.and the net proceeds are to be given to the District Benevolent Fund. Wetraderstand that Messrs W. H. Fen ton ni Co., the well - known Queen - street litter, have just completed a contract for file supply of helmets for our local Police Force, which will be worn by the latter for j|»finl4_ne to-morrow (weather permitt b) tie helmets are what is known as the TOfe Military Helmet of the latest im mved style, with cork body and white M cover. They are very suitable for tkmrpose for which they have manufac tured, being both rain proof and sun proof, ud are exceedingly light and well made mi reflect great credit on the manufac tory:' " Jjjeannual examination of drawings, the nrkof the year, by the students of the free School of Art, took place to-day, and tbe fee" study competition on Saturday, __r__._4.Gifford, Gold Med., R.A., being tie ap-iner. The following are the wnitß.—lst prize, for the statue, Leonard J.Watkin, "Fighting Gladiator"; 2nd ptfee, Miss B. Cawkwell, "Venus de Met" Ist prize, for tho bust, Miss "Clytie"; 2nd prize, Miss S. I Corbet-, " Ganemede." Mr G ifford has tea pleased to notice the general increase -odimf-rovment in the drawings, as com psd tsftth those of previous years, the ttody of Clytie being especially deserv- notice. There will be an exhibition efthedrawings on Wednesday next, in the wn_g. after which the school closes for -holidays. A little girl named Burtensbaw 6 years d age, fell down a 12ft embankment in tale-street to -day, and was taken to Dr. Kant who found that no bones had leal broken and that otherwise tbe injury "stained was very slight. Weunderstand that Admiral and Mrs Wax and the officers of the Squadron We accepted the invitation of the Choral taietytoattend the performance of " The H__ih" to-morrow night. o %boyß named John Alworth and Alex wjrwere brought up from Gisborne to fyWing been committed to the Indus rail (chool. Sa Worship the Mayor and the Town Wipaid a'ceremonial visit to the H.M.S. Mpdtbismorning, and were courteously "farad by the captain and officers. Ad ■bl- Wax visited the Mayor ab the offices' to-day. "to hatches supposed to be part of the the Ketch, Opotiki, recently *«ked near Centre Island, have been ?W' np on the Buffalo Beach, near *"TOi_yßay_ glad to find Mr G. Leitch has ap ™»l«d our local talent so practically as Mm engaged Miss Rose Andrew, the s_»'<* Mr C. B. Andrew, for atrip 2 nd we Southern provinces. It will be "wered that this little girl, who is only f»yearg old, was brought out by Mr L. j™ last Q ueen ' s Birthnifjht, as W | id "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which 7We4 remarkably well. Since then r.f» been playing with Miss Gcorgie 2f°? t very successfully ; and is now EPS the part of "Frank Temple" in Nature " with Mr G. Leitch's J["T at the Opera House. We shall «aver career with considerable interest, "*« a native of Auckland. fiS o^6 Smi fchson, having re-organ f Rvoapany since the illness of Mr F. yMtoi starts out again to-morrow, gr*j « Onehunga to-morrow night. ■■jyJMwr lady's performances give the and since touring the *J she has met with unqualified suc jjtmSmithson and Company play at lffit < 5. -Thnwday night, and Darga- I! un, ™_. Christmas week. Sf/aile an(l D ouglaß arc holding a MP ab JI books to-day, at which fair mWv 8n S realised. A copy of 4L P w Zealanders"—a superb and Wkl 7? r ealißed £ 21, being purchased '* Auckland Institute. fiction to " Dampier's Wonder tmm*' . the notice in our C ? lumn - ~Mr Dampier has Vfi Bd '.-s' : .Atifckland for public fa -621 y ears > ar) d certainly takes . "' wa own particular business. Mb mm trouses to-measure, at , iß^an„C ftllg hey' s .__. ( A D vT)

PROPOSED TORPEDO DIS PLAY.

THE PROJECT ABANDONED.

(EY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. The Minister of Defence reassures mo that the proposed assembling of Torpedo Corps at Wellington next month is abandoned, and that your article in Wednesday's issue is based on a miscalculation of the facts. It is deemed advisable to concentrate the Tor pedo Corps pending the consideration of General Schaw's defence report.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(by telegraph.— own correspondent.)

Thames, this day. 7 P RINOE Imperial.—During the past week -Olbs or 401bs of picked stone have been ob tained from the various workings.

Westport, this day. With respect to the alleged discovery of payable alluvial ground at Moki hinui, Brandon and party, prospec tors, _ write to the local paper that ' while the prospects are anything but re munerative, under ordinary conditions, we yet hope that with the introduction of capital and the application of a new method of working the ground, the same may possibly be made to pay."

Waihi, Saturday.

According to a late cablegram, we are now certain to have a good round sum ot money expended in the development of our mines, and no man having a practical knowledge of the district has any need to fear the results. The records of the past with regard to the partially - developed mines here will bear the closest scrutiny and the only thing required to bring them to the front as bullion producers is the judicious expenditure of capital, nob only for the thorough opening up of the different properties, but also for the introduction of suitable machinery to reduce the ores peculiar to the place. Hitherto our work ing capital has been represented by so much paper, which was all very well so long as the output of bullion from the mines was suffi cient tomeet currentexpenditureandnocalls were made on the shareholders. The time has arrived, however, when sinking, hoist ing, and, very probably, pumping machin ery must be provided, and therefore the advent of foreign capital is most oppor tune. Whangamata, Saturday. The level in the prospectors' mine is now in a distance of 20 feet, and another 20 feet of driving should bring it up to the reef, upon which it will afford 50 feet of backs. As soon as tho lode is intersected an average sample of the ore will be broken out and foiwarded to Auckland for ex perimental purposes. Active prospect ing operations are now progressing in the " Just In Timo " claim,which is located west of the prospectors' and upon a distinct line of reef country. The lode here is about 10 feet in thickness and it yields fair prospects of gold and silver, the latter ?redominating. Further west still, the oung Colonial claim is located upon a reef which measures about 6 feet in thickness and the stone gives up somo very good re sults when is subjected to the assay process. At present the owners of this claim are breaking out a five ton lot which they intend sending to Auckland, where it wili be dealt with by Messrs Fraser and Sons, who havo an experimental plant which is said to be suitable for the purpose. Karangahake, Saturday. A seventy-ton parcel of general dirt is now being reduced at the Ivanhoe Battery for Heiteman and party, tributers in the Woodsbock mine, and the sbuff is shaping for a return of at least 3ozs. of bullion per ton. The last lot of bullion ob tained from the treatment of similar ore realised4Bsper ounce.and it is considered that the bullion resulting from the present crnshing will realise equally as mucfi if not more money. Mr W. Littlejohn, lessee of the Ivanhoe battery, is now working 5 cwt. of silver ore for the owners of tho Comstock mine by a new chemical process, which ho expects will redeem 80 per cent. of its assay value ab a comparatively trifling cosb for treatment. Latest advices re ceived from the London syndicate of capitalists who are negotiating for the pur chose of the Mammoth mine state that an expert will be sent oub bo supervise the prospecting operations which have now been in hand for some time. S toping out on the No. 2 reef between the lower and intermediate levels in the Crown mine is now in progress, and some good stone is being grassed every shift. Awharoa, Saturday. Last, week Frierson and party, tributers in the Smile of Fortune mine, cleaned up a crushing of 14 tons of general dirt for a return of 15 ounces of retorted gold, and this will pay them fair wages for the time spent in breaking out the stuff. A trial parcel of mabrix reduced for Pennell and parby yielded sozs. of retorted gold, which wals quibe up to expectations, and a much larger parcel will be crushed next Waitekatjri, Saturday. Hollis and party, tribubers in the. Waite kauri mine, cleaned up last week for a re turn of 33ozs. retorted gold, being the pro ducb of a large tonnage of general crushing dirt.

POLICE COURT-THIS DAY.

Before H. C. Baddeley, Esq., R.M., and H. Wilding, J.P.)

Drunk.—Three persons were punished for first offences by fines of 5s and costs. Rogue and Vagabond.-John Leonard was charged with being a rogue and vaga bond feng been previously convicted for vSncy- a_d habitual drunkenness, and wa? sentenced to twelve months'imprison m -George Evans was charged wiKwiuJly assaulting Henry^Conroy V t iTview of a co'nsbable, on case.—Lvidence w X appeared concerned m *f ft c threatened the fist, and that accused witn am Worship said the blows Allowed His v > ore P -J?\KS5i5nS oi? fighting in the Set, and iS__oSed a fine of 10, and costs

WAIKATO NOTES.

(FROM our own correspondent.)

Hamilton, Saturday. THE privileges in connection with the South iXdßUciubweresoldtMsa er „ oon: _Grand stand booth, Barton, £19, econd booth, Bright, _E9, temperance Kieley, £3 j gates, Murphy, £48 , cards, Edwards, £4 ss.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day.

The Railway Bill.

In moving the second reading of the Government Railways Bill, the Attorney- General said that it seemed to be the general opinion that £1,500 a year was too small a salary to secure the services of a nrst-elass chief commissioner, and therefore it was probable that an increase in the salary would be made by message Irom the Governor. This confirms the in formation wired you some days ago. Sir Frederick also intimated his intention of moving in committee the excision of the proviso making the granting of licenses to railway refreshment rooms subject to ap proval of the Licensing Committee. Mr Oliver defended Mr Maxwell's management, and expressed the hope that if he were nob appointed Chief Commissioner, he ought to be at least a member of the board. Speeches approving generally of the measure were made by several members, including Messrs McLean, Grace, Peacock, and Reynolds, while Mr Scotland alone opposed Harbour Defences. Some hours were spent on Saturday over a vote for £130,000 for harbour defences, but the item was eventually passed as printed. It was elicited in course of dis cussion that up to November 30th last liabilities had been incurred to the extent of £104,000, and that another £26,000 would complete the scheme of harbour defences, which had at their commencement been estimated to cost £300,000, but which, in reality, would cosb nearly half-a-million. The Premier ad mitted that our fortifications would be use less to repel an attack by a squadron, but they would prove very useful in protecting the main towns from bombardment by a stray ship, and that was what we had to guard against. He defended the expendi ture as a simple matter of insurance. Mr Marchant tried to get the vote reduced by £24,000, but was defeated by 25 to 23. Native Land Legislation. The Native Affairs Committee of the Legislative Council, in reporting upon the petitions of Arthur Owen, of the Mokau Coal Company, stated that, under the 24th clause of the Native Land Administration Act, 1886, certificates had been granted by the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court, which it was clearly never the intention of the Act should be so granted, and that provision should be made in the bill now before Parliament to pre vent such decision from being confirmed, as under the bill there was a possibility of such illegally issued certificates being con firmed. The Otago Central. By appointment, Messrs Pyke, Barron, Fitchett, Stewart, McGregor, Anderson and Turnbull had an interview on Saturday afternoon with the Attorney - General re specting his attitude in connection with the construction of the Otago Central be yond Middlemarch. Sir F. Whitaker said that while he opposed the pass age of tho Otago Central Extension bill this session he recognised that there was no other way in which the railways could be made henceforth save by the land grant system ; that the Otago Central had tho greatest claims of any railway projected to be considered by the Government; and j further if the present bill were postponed by the Council he would prepare a contract to be forwarded to the friends of the bill in Dunedin for their approval, and if a local syndicate could bo formed to start the affair Government would givo their sanction to it ut once, and ho would pledge himself to carry a bill through validating the contract next session. Messrs Pyke and Barron pointed out the extreme desirability of assuring the people of Otago of a possibility of the work beinpj commenced, as even a prospect of than would prevent a great many from leaving, the country. Theyalsomentioned thatlands along the line being at present locked up by advice of the Surveyor-General, pending the construction of the railway, it was very undesirable that any delay should take place, and they urged that the bill should be allowed to pass now and the contract bo made afterwards. Sir Frederick ad hered to his determination, and said that if the Council chose to pass the bill he would not be responsible for the con tract. Tho deputation expressed their entire concurrence with the proposal that any company formed should purchase the works already made at a fair valuation, and should also take over tho contracts that might bo in hand at the time of said pur chase. An Auokland Petition. Mr Moss presented a petition from John M. Grace asking compensation for losses sustained by his late father through illegal seizure of plant and breach of contract by the late Provincial Government of Auck land. The claim arises out of a contract which his late father had for the construc tion of the lsb section ot tho Auckland and Drury Railway which included the whole work from the present station at Auckland to Newmarket. Jottings. The Hon. George McLean says he saved more money every year when he earned a salary of £150 than when his income was £1,000. Dr. Grace declares the colony is ruled at present by schoolmasters and railway labourers, the latter of whom are most meritorous, because they do produce some thing, v ' . The exodus of members begins on Wed nesday, when the Southerners leave by the Takapuna. Sir F. Whitaker says the Railway Com missioners are to be absolutely unfettered by political influences, but while keeping in view the opening of the country, are so to work the railways as to relieve the colony of a portion of the interest on loans. A provision in theßailwaysßill, empower ing licensing committees to control the granting of licenses for refreshment rooms at railway stations, is strongly objected to by the Council, and will probably be struck out. . „ , Members had an outing in the s.s. laka puna on Sunday afternoon. ~'•.;__ The Legislative Council have decided that it is impolitic to. sanction in future any pro posed legislation of the nature of Special Powers and Contract Acts. Strict inquiry will be made into the state of the Seaeliff Asylum, and if it is found that the foundations have been skimmed, means will be taken to bring the contractor to book. , , Ministers are not prepared to say whether they will bring in a bill next session to authorise the construction of the ->orth Island Trunk Railway on the land grant Pr The P Colonial Secretary will consider whether provision can be made next session for simplifying the procedure of obtaining probates of wills. The question of making the concession of free passes to children who are attending other than state schools will be favourably C °Ministers aro advised that no Legislative Councillors have forfeited their seats.

Wellington, this day. Will of t_e Hon. J. Johnston.

Probate under the will of the late Hon. John Johnston was granted on Friday, lb ; a pxnected the amount lefb is close on hall a Son Mrs Johnston is to receive £20,000 and a house and ground in addition to sharing the balance of the estate equally with five other members of the family.

H.M.S. NELSON.

A SENSATIONAL STORY SPOILED,

" JACK " HOAXES THE "HERALD."

The " Herald," in a sensational article thi 00 morning alleging a kind of mutiny among the men of H.M.S. Nelson through Severity of work and a decision on the part of the officers to take the vessel out ot port during the Christmas holidays as a punish ment for the crew, appears to have dropped across a mare's nesb. Perhaps our contem porary has been made a victim of "the confi dence trick." At any rate, we are authorised to state that there are no grounds whatever for such a report. The ship's company i remarkably well behaved, and there have been fewer desertions from her than any vessel on the station. During the whole period of her commission, ex tending over 2 years and 9 months, the number of desertions has been only 15, which certainly would nob denote severity of work or discontent among the crew. It is true that the sights of .two guns are miss ing, and it is possible that these may have been dropped overboard by some mischiev ous individual, but there is no foundation whatever for the statement that the vessel is to remain at sea over the holidays. The Nelson left the harbour at six o'clock this morning for the purpose of performing the usual quarterly exercise with White head torpedoes. They are fired from the boats in shoal water, so that they may easily be picked up again. It is expected that the Nelson will return to port this evening, and she will remain here until after the New Year. The officers are extremely annoyed at the " Herald's" bib of sensa tionalism. '

THE A.R.C. SUMMER MEETING.

THIS MORNING'S TRAINING

NOTES

[By Hippona.]

The morning being a beautiful one,trainers were early astir, and some good work was got through. Tho tracks were all in splendid order. Choafe opened the ball by sending Victoria and Gannon over the Cup distance at their best pace on the plough. Cannon led the mare almost the whole dis tance, and it was certainly the best '• go " that I have seen him perform, but despite this I think thab Victoria could have beaten him in the last half-a-mile. Both pulled up sound and showed no signs of distress. Bangle, who went unkindly, put in a strong mile and-a-half, and Memorandum accomplished. a circuit on the grass at half-pace. Sex tant was worked on the tan. After can tering half-a-mile, he strode out alone till the stand was reached, when Tupaki joined in, atid the pair put in a sound once round, the timo being good. Nelson was sent a couple of rounds on the tan, the son of King Colo getting over the ground inadeter minedmanner. Heisquitesoundagain, and it appears to me that his mortgage on the Cup is a very big one. The steeplechaser Isaac put in a couple of rounds on the plough at half-pace, and I think it will bo found oub before the meeting is over that this horse is a bettor one than some imagine. Tetford accomplished a couple of rounds on the tan at half-pace, and Cinderella and W. E. Gladstone (in com pany) were treated to similar work. Paddy, tho Derby candidate, cantered, and Lady Noi-ah strode along twice round at a nice even pace. Balista went about two miles, going freely and well, and the jumping candidates Orangeman, Guy Fawkes, Shot over, and Falcon did serviceable work. The two-year-old filly Hilda had a flutter over six furlongs, beingpicked up in thelast three fur longs by Teksnm. Sheacquitted herself well. After breakfast, Forest King, Tartar, and Rataplan were tried over six furlongs, and Cushla and Derringer's full sister did a smart spurt over the same distance. The s.s. Wairarapa, which arrived this morning, brought up Maxim and the jump ing horse Uranus. Mr J. O. Evett, the A.R.C. handicapper, and Messrs S. H. Gollan, of Napier, R.- Mason, and the jockey Clifford were also passengers. On Thursday next, at 3 o'clock, Mr A. Buckland will offer for sale Man Friday, the two-year-old colt by Robinson Crusoe— Charity, theyearling colt Helmsman, byNa vigator,andFoulShob. ThesaleisatThorpe's Harp of Erin Hotel, and thereshouldbesome keen competition for tho trio. Man Friday is one of the most promising two-year-olds in Auckland, and Helmsman also gives promise of growing into a racehorse. Foul Shot wa3 no mean performer, and anyone in search of a stud-horse could not do better than secure him. The names of Pearl Shell and the cole by Leolinus — Lovebird were omitted from the list of acceptors for tho Great Northern Foal Stakes published on Saturday.

LARRIKINISM.

Two youths named Louis Simmons and David Simmons, aged respectively 9 years 7 months and 6 years 4 months, were be* fore the Police Court this morning on three charges of assault,viz,, with throwing stones at another lad named James Merdon, and with throwing stones, kicking and biting Agnes Smerdon. Mr W. F. Buckland appeared for the defendants, and pleaded not guilty, and Sergeant Pratt conducted the prosecution. Sergeant Pratt stated that the evidence would go to show that the accused boys though very young were, capable of com mitting those offences. They were a per fect nuisance to the neighbourhood in which they lived, and had been the subject of complaints to the police. This was one of those cases of larrikinism that it was very desirable to nip in the bud. Agnes Smerdon, 14 years of age, deposed that she lived with her parents in Beresford street, and accused lived next door. Her brother was going for the mangling when the accused boys threw stones at him. She went out to fetch her brother, -when Louis Simmons ran after her and threw stones at her, and bib heron the arm. DavidSim mons also threw stones at her, and kicked her. She gave the boys no 'provocation. The accused had also thrown stones at her on previous occasions. She gave no provo cation whatever. Evidence was also given by James Smerdon and John Smerdon, father of the two previous witnesses. For the defence it was alleged by the accused boys that the trouble arose through a dispute about a broom. Agnes Smerdon set upon bhe younger Simmons in Howe street and knelt upon hie chest. The elder brother went, to his assistance, when he was also struck by Agnes Smerdon. He struck her again in retaliation. It was also stated that Agnes threw a piece of brick at Mrs Simmons. His Worship ab this stage decided to adjourn the case till Wednesday to enable a milkman who saw the fight to be pro duced, the evidence so far being very con flicting.

THAMES NEWS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day. At St. Francis Catholic Church yesterday, Bishop Luck administered the rite of con firmation to about seventy candidates. The protest in connection with the recent mile race at Parawai, has been decided as follows:—Conroy, (Auckland) 1; Gordon 2; Mclntyre, (Auckland) 3.

AMERICAN TRADE WITH NEW ZEALAND.

VISIT OP A MANUFACTURER

HIS OPINIONS ON INDUSTRIAL

QUESTIONS,

Mr J. B. Sargent, of the firm of Sargent and Co., iron manufacturers, of New York and New Haven, is now on a vist to Auck" land in the interests of his business. A Star reporter waited upon Mr Sargent for the purpose of obtaining that gentleman's views on various commercial matters con nected with the United States—the repeal of the wool duties, the iron sand industry, etc., Mr Sargent, at the outset of the inter view, avowed himself a rank Freetrader, and expressed his conviction that it would be folly for us to try and manufacture iron from ironsand deposits. The firm of which Mr Sargent is a mem ber employs about 2,000 hands, and manu factures all kinds of iron, brass, and steel work. The firm has done an extensive trade with New Zealand in the past, bub has not hitherto been represented personally by a member of the firm, and Mr Sargent is now making a tour of the colony to remedy this defect.

Mr Sargent entered at once into American experiences of protection. We have, he said, sixty millions of English speaking people in the United States, or more than all the rest of the world put together. I suppose you know that we have absolute free trade amongst ourselves. As affecting the outside world we have protec tion from 20 percent, to 30 per cent, and as high as 50 per cent, on metals. This, in our foreign trade, is a great drawback to us when we go to export goods. It makes our raw materials cost more, or we have to pay for pig iron a price at least as much as from 7 to 10 dollars per ton higher on account of protec tion, and considerably higher, 25 per cent, probably, on all metals that enter into our goods. The Wool Tariff. We keep a duty averaging 55 per cent. on foreign wools in order to protect the American wool raisers. The eight wool States which joined the metal men in get ting this high tariff immediately after the war have seen their sheep and their wool crop decrease 25 per cent, in the first 20 years after they got a high protective duty. The manufacturers of woollen goods got a duty varying from 50 per cent, to 75 per cent, on the high grades for gentlemen's wear, and that high duty and the high duty on wool, together with the duty on the supplies they weie obliged to buy, ruined them entirely, so that five or six mills are all that are running on the higher grade goods, where hundreds were running before this hi_h protective tariff was im posed. An effort is now being made to either repeal entirely the duty on wool, or at least a large part of it, as well as the duty on the raw material that enters their manufactures. This was recom mended by President Cleveland in his message to the Congress on the 6th Decem ber.

As to the effect of protection on wages in the United States it has done bhe workmen no good whatever, for the reason that Aye have free trade in the importation of labour, which comes from Europe absolutely free. A manufacturer pays no more wages to tho factory workman than is sufficient to keep him from agriculture, and agriculture is without protection because we export so much of its product. With protection the expenses of the workmen are much higher than they would be with free trade, and that is exactly tho way it works with us ; we do not pay a particle more on account of protection for wages. In the United States there has been a great increase in the manufacture of pig iron. We have tin immense quantity of iron ore near the surface of the ground, and coal and limeetone are found in close proximity, so that we can produce iron as cheaply as it can be produced in any part of the world. Our production for the past few years has varied from five to six millions of tons. Land and Railway Policy. A large item in the consumption of pig iron is rails for railways, and we constructed in the year ending July last over twelve thousand miles of railway. In the year preceding, over 10,000 miles of railway were constructed entirely by private com panies, and every six miles of railway in volves a station and at least a small village. Men in tho United States give away land to people who are willing to settle upon it, and this is a great element of prosperity. I believe in putting every penny of taxes upon the land, and I would not have a Custom-house in the world unless it was a quarantine station. Iron from Ironsand. We do not deal with ironsand at all. There is ironsand on the Pacific coast, but it is not used, because it would not prove payable. A Freetrade Advocate. I have written and lectured consider ably on this question of freetrade in the United States, and I think we are gaining ground in public opinion. I also think that the workmen are changing their ideas very much. They see us.manufacturers getting rich, bub they do not see their own wages going up at all. It may be of benefit to the manufacturer himself, perhaps, to take a narrow view of the matter, but to the country at large I contend that protection is of no benefit. I have come right to New Zealand, and I intend to sell goods cheaper than I do to our own people, because here we meet in competition with the markets of the world and at Home we have protection. Our market at Home is very large, the demand that 60 millions of people give being very great, and yet we are constantly seeking new channels for the disposal of our goods. Protection in the United States, especially since this higher tariff has come into effect, has causad the growth of many immense manufacturing concerns, and the absorp tion into them of the smaller concerns which were unable to exist on account of the fluctuation in the demand for goods in the United States. I believe in absolute free-trade, and would not have a single Custom-House on the face of the earth.

After some further discussion on the sentiments expressed by Mr Sargent, our re porter thanked that gentleman and with drew.

FIRE AT COROMANDEL.

THREE HOUSES DESTROYED.

(by telegraph.—OWN correspondent.)

Coromandel, this day. On Saturday night a fire broke out in Mr Ryan's dwelling-house, the origin of which is unknown. Mrs Ryan and family es caped in their night clothe?. The fire quickly spread to the adjoining houses of Mr Wells, shoemaker, who got out some goods, and Elsmore, on the opposite side, who lost a large quantity of carpenters and engineer's tools. Jones, blacksmith, and Grant's shops had a narrow escape. The three houses destroyed were owned by Mrs Mcintosh and were uninsured,

INTERVIEW WITH ADMIRAL FAIRFAX.

MOVEMENTS OF THE FLEET,

THE NAVAL DEFENCE SCHEME,

ADMIRAL AND MRS FAIRFAX CHARMED WITH AUCKLAND.

A Star reporter presented himself ab the Government House this morning in order to request an interview with Admiral Fairfax. A smart young naval lieutenant received his card, and_ a moment or two later ushered him. inbo the presence of the Admiral, by whom he was greeted very affably. The Admiral, in undress uniform, was seated in his study, and apparently had been immersed in the work incidental to his position as chief of the squadron. He is a quiet, unassuming, and urbane officer, exhibiting _ none of that hauteur which rendered his prede cessor so unpopular, but maintaining his dignity quite as effectively without allow ing it bo obscure or minimise those social amenities which smooth people's intercourse with one another.

In reply to a question as to the probable movements of the squadron, the Admiral said : " From here the vessels will proceed about the sth of January to Wellington, and after staying there about a week, will go on to Sydney, in order to be present at the celebration of the Centennial."

Reporter : Is it your intention to return here from Sydney l Admiral: Oh, yes; I shall return during February in the Nelson, and it is probable that the Calliope may accompany me. The Rapid will not, because she is going to prepare for recommissioning. Indeed, her new crew are now on their way out.

Reporter : And the Diamond ? She is goinc Home I presume? Admiral: Yes ; the Diamond is, going Home, but when I do not exactly' know. It will be early in the year, at any rate. Reporter: When you return to Auck land I suppose one of the vessels will be docked here in connection with the opening of Calliope Dock. Admiral: Well, that depends to some ex tent upon the arrangements made by the authorities of the port. If they are desirous of having one of the men-of-war docked, and it does not interfere with my arrangements, I shall be most happy to see that project carried out. Reporter : Have you formed any conclu sion as to the adaptability of this port and dock for the purposes of a naval depot ? Admiral : No ; I have nob yeb inspected the dock, and I have not yet had an oppor tunity of giving much attention to the port. There is no doubt, however, it is a very good port. Reporter: Have you found Government House to be a comfortable place of resi dence.

Admiral: Mis Fairfax and myself are quite charmed with the place. It is indeed a very nice place of residence. We also admire very much the city, and the ad jacent country, so far as we have seen it. Reporter : Do you know if the Ad miralty are sending out vessels to Australia in accordance with the naval defence scheme adopted by the Imperial Conference. Admiral: Ido nob think so. It would bo rather premature. The scheme to which you refer was first of all to be taken up by the various colonies of the group, and after that it was to receive the sanction of the Imperial Parliament. Reporter: I see that Queensland has thrown out the bill. What effect do you consider tho withdrawal of that colony would have upon the scheme ? Admiral: Well, I presume the Imperial Parliament would not sanction it unless the colonies guarantee their proportion of the expense. Of course, I suppose Queensland's withdrawal could be compensated for by the other colonies combining to make up bhe proportion. Reporter: Do you think the Naval Defence Bill will pass the New South Wales Legisla laure ?

Admiral: Oh, I think there is no doubt about that.

Reporter: Assuming that scheme to be ultimately adopted, two vessels of the fleet I suppose would be allocated to New Zeal and and would remain with us.

Admiral: lam not quite certain what the arrangement would be. I should imagine that the whole of the vessels would bo worked together as much as possible. It is not a good thing to keep a vessel too long.in one place. I should think that the Admiral and squadron would make periodi cal visits to the different ports—say once a year. Reporter : Lord Brassey has been advo cating the fortification of Thursday Island. Do you approve of that step being taken ? Admiral: I think so ; certainly. There are many other places which ought to be fortified as well as Thursday Island. The Cape of Good Hope, for instance, is a very important Imperial station, and if at any time the Suez Canal should be closed there must be a great deal of money spenb there. Reporter : I notice that some controversy is proceeding in England with respect to a sensational scheme propounded by some naval writer for the relinquishment of Malta and the complete withdrawal of the English fleet from the Mediterranean. The possibility of the closure of the Canal formed an argument in favour of that scheme.

Admiral: Such a scheme, in my opinion, will find very little fayour from the naval authoribies. It is hardly likely that Malta will be given up.

Reporter.—Have you any information as to the position of affairs in Samoa ?

Admiral.—No ; nothing about Samoa, 1 expected to learn something new.

Reporter : Is it true that H.M.S. Opal is coming here from Tonga ?

Admiral: Ido not know,

Reporter: Is the proclamation of New Guinea as a Crown colony likely to affect the details of the Naval Defence scheme ?

Admiral: Oh no; that would have no thing whatever to do with it.

After some further conversation of a more general character, our representative expressed his acknowledgements to the Admiral and withdrew.

UNFAIR ALLOCATION.

SOUTHERN GOLDFIELDS, ;£21,000; NORTHERN, NIL.

MEETING OF PROTEST.

Wellington, this day. A special meeting of the members of the Goldfields Committee of the Chamber of Commerce was held at noon bo-day. Pre senb : Messrs A. Nathan (who presided), A. Porter, C. C. McMillan, R. Spratt, New man, A. Saunders, and D. J. McDonald. Some discussion took place with respect to the unfair manner in which the Northern goldfields had been treated by the Government. Mr Saunders stated thp.fc on Saturday he had received the following telegram from Mr A. J. Cadman, M.H.R..— Estimates provide nothing for Northern goldfields. Have written strongly about it to Mitchelson, as Auckland's representative in the Cabinet. Not being supporter of Government I can do no more. Present Government supported by 17 out of 20 members for Auckland. Would advise you to bring pressure upon them for considera tion Northern goldfields. Claims on supple mentary estimates before too late." Mr Saunders stated that he had wired to Mr Cadman asking what were the alloca tions for Southern goldfields, to which the following reply had been received this morning — '«Owing to nine

months of the year having gone it is im possible to state exact amount and m, dividual votes on Estimates, but under head ' Minister for Mines ' total amount goldfields roads specially mentioned in detail Nelson, Westland, Otago. and Southland for financial ending March nexb,over £21,000} for North em goldfields nil. This is independent ol vote for subsidy pound for pound whicb is allocated among goldfields all ovei. the colony." lb was decided to send the following telegram to each of the Northern members: — ' Com mittee representing commercial and mining interests of Auckland expresses strong dissatisfaction that no sum has been placed on estimates for Northern goldfields, while £21,000 has been voted for southern goldfields. They think an equally liberal subsidy should have been voted for the North." This requires immediate attention. —A. H. Nathan.

THE WATER SUPPLY.

A CITY COUNCIL PROSECUTION.

At the Police Couit this morning Lewis L. Levy was charged that he did, on the 19b November last, unlawfully draw off wa<*.=> belonging to the waterworks constructed by the City Council contrary to the provi sions of the Municipal Corporations Act by taking water from a street hydrant with out having paid for the water so obtained. Mr Cotter appeared for the prosecution and stated the facts of the case. The defen dant at one time paid for a supply of water, but for some reason the supply was cut off. Subsequently it was believed the defendant obtained water unlawfully. On the 19th November defendant was seen to take water from a hydrant in Hobson-street, thereby making himself liable to a penalty not exceeding £20. He asked that a severe penalty should be inflicted, as the defendant's con duct was next to actual theft.

Evidence was given by W. E. Payne, water-rate collector, who stated that the hydrants were nob intended for supplying water to the public. Defendant had nob paid the water-rate. James Carlaw, junior turncock, deposed that the city water had been laid in defendant's premises, but had been cut off in July last, because he had nob paid the rate. Defendant had no ap pliances for holding water in his yard ex cept a coupleof baths. Constable Addison stated that Levy brought a bath out to the street hydrant and tried to turn the handle of the pipe. Witness asked him if his supply was cut off and Levy said " his pipe was undergoing repairs." An employee of the Council came up, and turned the water on, and Levy took the bath full into his house. Lewis Levy then went into the box and said that the owner of the pre mises had agreed to pay the water rate but witness subsequently found that he would have to pay ib himself. He went to see about it and the Council wished to charge him for the whole block of which he occupied but half. On the day referred to he asked the water-cart man to give him some water for the footpath,and he filled a small bath for witness which was wholly used for watering the path. Witness did not think it any harm to take it from the carter. Mr Payne being recalled stated that no City Council employee had any right under any circumsbances to give any permission to take water.

The Bench spoke in terms of disapproval of Mr Levy's conduct, but did nob impose any fine because the water had been turned on by a City Council employee.

LATE CABLES.

THE LONDON RIOTS.

SENTENCE OF A RIOTER.

FUNERAL OF A VICTIM.

(special. )

London, December 18. A PROCESSIONIST named Harrison has been sentenced to five years' penal ser vitude, for stabbing a policeman at Westminster on November 13th.

The promoters of Lionell's funeral, in accordance with an order from Sir Charles Warren, the Chief of Police, decided not to approach Trafalgar

Square.

TRAGEDY AT SEA.

WRECK OF A BARQUE.

MESSAGE WASHED ASHORE.

[special.]

London, December 18. On the coast of Cornwall a tin case has been found, containing a letter, stating that the barque Helen (Captain Boon), from Hobart, was sinking in the Bay of Biscay. The Helen has not been spoken since she passed Port land.

CHAMBERLAIN THREATENED.

DOGGED BY FORTY FENIANS.

(special.)

London, December 18. It is reported that forty members of the Clan-na-Gael Society are dogging Mr Chamberlain.

(special.)

FRANCE AND ITALY.

London, December 18. The Franco-Italian Commercial Treaty has been extended for two months.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opera House — Leitch Company i» Harbour Lights ''and " The Librarian." 8. Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8 Temperance Hall—Auckland Operative Boot makers' Union, 8 Y -¥f£4- Rooms-Association for the Teaching of Divine Healing, 7.15 Seventh Day Adventist Church, Surrey Hills- Prayer Meeting, 7.30

Auction Sales To-morrow

A. Aitken—Poultry, etc., 11. A te> d p B "-, dl r Stock oCa Cabinetmaker* Gt. North Road, Groceries, &c., 11. • G. Lewis-Wines, Spirits, &o_. 11 it , ?? S A corner of Carlton Gore Road-, Household Furniture and Effects li ■ KoaQ  &. Cochrane and Son-Fancy Goorio p.,...-., Boots, Jewellery. &c„ U as * Booka

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

Dec. 20-Messrs F. G. Clayton and S. V.Colling

TM AUCKLAND EVfimntf- STAR, MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, IBB7*