7ri\ baker, was examined by C. MS as to his/ bankruptcy fte^stotedthat he had started in to-day- fi?££E ago, without any capi- U**." 1" iS an established concern S taking o*« a bm of sale f or L2OO, a»d g! The business never was tie difference. ho c . lUecl hi a success-. l»«e ! offeve d them 2s 6d accepted Ins principal fo the f.* hICI .„,,;„„. it. All were paid esCepVhv Ll^O by payments to other creaf* C'> debtor ' ? account. His in creditors on U2() In January ■ d ebtedn*s he h n e hia credi . of this )wi d ;th their consent as toS SbSte to Cpupland and Co. One signed hi** d ite this asse nt, snbse /his crtd tor .ac t file _ T quentlysuedhm;^ m Cf «rd Co- ; book debts L±o (est - Coup and m flirnituve worth 10 Ht•ff-sonb of employment, and had StfaandW children. ■v Tustice Ward granted probate Lhv in re George Clements (deceased), yKSed letters of administration in re ffsSotb (deceased) to be issued, to ftKb(acreditor.) In re Shera i onat;»n and Another an order was de stayi"o" execution until the 21st inst. "Dnrfa" *be Progress of the compensation M «?Arkeirv. the City Council in the S-eme Court yesterday afternoon, a juror ■X\tA to the influence of the drowsy god SJfil^ After a time His Honor Scted the slumbering juror, .and smiling • nificantlv, he said that while he sym 9SS de Ply with the cause, of his Jgi heraust.recallhimtoasense of his duties. The juror woke up and tne jase proceeded. At the opening of the Supreme Court this momino1, ]\fr J. Aitken Council appeared Lore "Mr Justice Ward to explain rt e cause of his non-attendance the Lvious day to serve on the special fnrv summoned to try the compensation Le of Arkell v. the City Council, He gaid that he had appeared in answer to the summons calling upon him to show cause ff hy he should not be fined for non-attend ance as a juror. He could assure His Honor that it was out of no disrespect to the Court that he had failed to appear. As His Honor was doubtless aware, if he read the newspapers, lie must be acquainted with the fact that ho (Mr. Connell) was busily engaged in a political campaign, and on Monday last he was taking great trouble with the preparation of the address that he had undertaken to deliver to the women of Auckland, which ftia Honor doubtless knew. (Laughter.) His papers had accumulated to such an attentthat he lost sight of the summons, although he had placed it in such a posi tion upon his table that he thought it would jot escape observation. However, it got mixed up with his papers, and his secretary not having taken a note of the appoint ment, (laughter) it altogether slipped his mind, and that was the reason why he had not appeared at this Court. His Honor :-— Yon surely do not mean me Mr Connell to consider that as an excuse for your non attendance ? Mr Connell: Well, your Honor, I have only to repeat that it was out of no disrespect to the Court. If it had occurred to my mind on Monday that I had been summoned I would certainly have attended. This ended themafcter, and MrConnelFs slip of memory will cost him a fine of L5.

The Temperanco Club recently estab lished in Freeman's Bay is still a great centre of attraction for the youth of that locality. A capital bagatelle table and a piano have been added to the attractions, ■Me the charge in mtmbershipjias ben minced to a mere nominal 3d per week. fie weekly entertainments are likely to tome a popular means of enjoyment for ttepeople living in the neighbourhood - |bat of this evening being a limelight en tertainment by Mr Fell,which will be given in the Mission Hall, adjoining.

KAIKOURA'S MAIL DELAYED.

The s.s. Gairloch, which has on board the Auckland portion of the Kaikbura's English mail was nnablc to get over the Waitara bar yesterday. She leaves for Oneminera at 8 this morningl and should arrive there about 10 or 11 p.m. to-day. In all pro bability therefore the San Francisco nail, which is expected to-morrow with London dates a fortnight later than the Kaikoura will be delivered at Auckland ■within a few hours of the latter's mail. Before the Wellington "Post" talks any more about abolishing the San Franscisco mail it, should show that the Direct Mail is of any value whatever to the colony.

GALE AT WELLINGTON.

;f HULK DKIVEN ASHORE

FOUR MEN DROWSED.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. A heavy eale of wind has been blowing here since morning, and in addition to losa already caused it is feared that great destruction of property will result. A most deplorable casualty occurred at the Petone teach. The Gear Meat Compay's hulk Jubileewhich wasatanchorat the usual place parted her cables during the gale and wa s driven ashore. A boat was put off from shore to try and render assistance, but was capized by the violence of the waves. Four men are missing and arc believed to be downed. •

" Mr-Waller lias received the following telegram:-" Wanganui, this day: The Oreti is detained. Weather fearful."

The Gairloch, which should have left Hliaifv ralasfc ni Sht) was also detained there m tms morning through stress of weather.

THAMES NOTES.

Thames, this day. toERAL satisfaction is expressed here at ™c result of the appeal by Mr Burton, ta«nsee of the Junction Hotel, against the action of the Central Licensing Committee jn relusing his license. The application before the Com n*w ata!\ early date, when a monster petition wll be presented in favour of the license being renewed. S P t , 2? SGven <%* imprisonment ior being d ru n k while in charge of a horse. to fi??, dßof Ca Ptain Wildman, of the isSn Wlery> wiU ?*gret to bear that he i Will a V?f y cvifcical condition. Mr J. Vitall i S R. esident Surgeon at the Hos ■«S £i° h 1 \ Prec" state; and covejy* m the sh«lltest h °Pe of his re ffled,Alexander Patterson was SSa he s S bue^ Totava ?oinfcin an exposed L, ' }™ mS apparently been to thehST^ Of H3 ™* •ASTt'e^ reqnireS a- Htfcle *eakne" s ' v * merely "offering from *o Aueklinri f tes tbafc he recently came Uu fche Bouth Iskllld' but tlie.C* *> °btain employment .vent-to tk'Thamwti lo. m foence.he walked to Weeks. ' c JoUl'»ey occupying three

* J"tt Wynne Williams died last night.

ELECTION NOTES.

The electors of City North are to-night invited to hear the views of the fourth can didate* for their suffrages, Mr H. W. Farnall. The meeting takes place at 8 p.m., in the Temperance Hall.

A meeting was held in the lecture-liall of the Y.M.C'A. last evening in connection •with Mr J. A. Council's " young colonial" affair. About fifty were present. Mr Gonriell's propositions were enthusiastically received, and a committee of four was formed, with power to add to their number, to carry out the proposals. All young men in sympathy with Mr Connell'a candidature for Eden are requested to communicate with Mr W. T. Davies, Fort-street.

Mr C. S. Wright, one of the candidates for Ponsonby seat, announces that he will address the electors on Friday evening next.

A requisition is in cour.se of signature, intended for presentation to Mr Withy, asking him to contest Eden. We learn, however, from a member of Mr Withy's Committee that Mr Withy has definitely decided to contest Newton.

We understand that a number of the electors of Newton are considering the advisability of asking Mr Newoome, con tractor, to stand for Newton seat.

With reference to the requisition asking Mr G. S. Graham to contest the Ponsonby .seat we learn that Mr Graham has indicated that he will consent to be nominated pro vided that he is satisfied by the signatures to a requisition that ho would have a fair chance of success. Mr Graham who owns considerable property. ■ Auckland expects to be a resident here again before very long.

Sir W. Fox has agreed, in response to a requisition, to address a public meeting of the citizens of Auckland on the present political situation. The meeting takes place at 7.30 to-night in the City Hall, and will be presided over by Mr J. H. Upton. This meeting has no connection whatever with any possible-candidature of Sir William Fox for any city or suburban constituency, but is simply a public address at the desire of many who believe that Sir William's experience and counsel may be of service at the present emergency in political affairs.

Eden.

Mr J. Aitken Connell publishes in another column a certificate from Dr Haines to re assure his friends with regard to his health " physical and mental."

(BY TELEGKArH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Thames, this day. General satisfaction is expressed that there is to be a contest for the Thames seat. Up to the present only two candidates have announced themselves, viz, Messrs W. Fraser (late member) and James McGowan, and so far as 1 can ascertain there is very little likelihood of anyone else coming forward. The fact of Block 27. and Waiotahi riding of the Thames County being included in this electortae is generally admitted to favour the chance of Mr McGowan, who is universally respected by the miners. What, has been termed " a meeting to discuss the political situation" has been convened for Saturday evening by two miners, named E. Harris and M. Ryan. A lively meeting is expected.

Rodney.

Port Albert, this day.

Mr Hudson addressed the electors at Tauhoa on Monday, and had a good meet ing. He was well received, and. got a vote of thanks.

A requisition is being unanimously signed asking Sir William Fox to become a can didate, but the temperance party are not unanimous.

Mr J. Shepherd has been requested to again contest this seat. He would be a strong, opponent against present candi dates, but he declines to stand, and will support the present member, Mr Moat.

New Plymouth, this day. Mr Suell addressed the New Plymouth electors on Monday night, when a vote of thanks and confidence was passed. The meeting was not a large one, but it was enthusiastic. Wellington, Tuesday. Mr W. J. Hunt, land and estate agent, of this city, has announced himself as a candi date for Wellington South and suburbs. Mr Menteath, candidate for Te Aro, and Mr W. B. Edwards, for Wellington South and suburbs, in their addresses yesterday even ing, made a favourable impression. Dunedin, Tuesday. Mr Barron addressed his constituents at Caversham this evening. He encountered some opposition, but the majority were with him, and he received a vote of thanks and confidence.

The Wanganui Election.

Wanganui, thi3 day.

Mr Ballance addressed a meeting at Aromoko last nig^ht, and received a unani mous vote of confidence. He dealt mainly with local subjects, but touched on village settlements, education and retrenchment. With respect to the first-mentioned, he showed that the House was well aware of what it was agreeing to when the Special Settlement regulations came down. As to education, while the Government favoured retrenchment, as shown in Sir R. Stout's action with regard to reducing capitation, they would not favour lopping off a few thousand to ruin the system and render it inefficacious.

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Messrs J. P. King &C. La Eoche, J.P's.)

Drunkenness. - Five persons were punished for this offence, and one man was dis charged. Mary Lewis, for a third offence, was fined L 5 and costs.

Alleged False Pretences. —The charge against Edward Nolan, of obtaining goods from W. G. Allen by false pretences, was withdrawn on the application of Mr Theo. Cooper.

Alleged Larceny.—Walter Bowdodge was charged with stealing a silver watch, value L5, the property of George Faulkner. —The case was adjourned till the 26th, in order that the property might be recovered. —A charge against George Robert Herbert, of stealing a boy's ulster, value 6s lid, the property of C. A. Porter, was adjourned till Friday.

Disputed Ownership.—Kobert Clyde and Annie Kennedy were charged with stealing and carrying away a brown velvet dress, value £5, the property of John Clarke.— Mr Speed appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Campbell for the defence.—Mrs Clurke deposed that Annia Kennedy, who was her sister, gave her the dress, and she had worn it in ber company. Clyde and Miss Kennedy had stayed at her house for some weeks. The dress had belonged to her other sister, who was Clyde's wife, and who died some months ao-o. The evidence was considered insufficient to prove larceny and the Bench dismissed the case. Stealing a Swag. - John Thomas White, alias Bennett, alias Wyatt, alias Dyson, was charged with stealing a swag containing clothing and goods, valueLlO, the property of Duncan McKenzie.—lt appeared from the evidence that McKenzie was taken ill with typhoid fever in the brig Vision at Kaipara, and was brought down by accused. When they parted, prisoner promised to bring the .swag up to the hospital that evening, but he did not do so, and prosecutor pubse*

quently saw him on the wharf wearing some of the articles. Nurse Steele, of the hospital stair, Detective Tuohy, and prosecutor gave evidence, and prisoner was committed for trial.

SUPREME COURT.

Yesterday (Concluded).

Civil Sessions

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Ward, and a

special jury of 12.)

Claim of £1,000 Bamages Against

City Council. Daniel Arkell v. Mayoe and Corporation or Auckland.- Claim, LI,OOO damages for injury to his property in Gladstone street, by reason of earth and stones slipping, consequent upon the alleged negligence in filling in of the gully. Mr W. J. Napier (instructed by Messrs Hughes and George) appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Thos. Cotter (City Solicitor) for the defendants. R. J. Ellis, late Building In spector for the City Council, was the last witness yesterday afternoon. He gave evidence as to the plans, and the Court then adjourned until 10 o'clock this morn ing.

This Day.

On the Court resuming, Elrlred Steven ,son was the first witness called. He gave evidence to the laying of the concrete formations, which he was employed, to watch. —Simon Millington, contractor, gave evidence as to the brickwork foundations. It waa good solid work and the concrete was also sound. Alter the made earth in Gladstone-street slipped he perceived the cracks in the building. — George Baiter, labourer, deposed that when the filling wa3 started he made .drains to carry away the water from the site of the building. After the building was up he noticed that the road had sunk bodily towards the building. —Benjamin Berry was also examined. - James Baber, architect and surveyor, deposed that he took the levels of Arkell's premises in the early part of June last. In the base ment he found no sign of settle ment of any kind. Tae foundations Were good. The floors were pretty level. He found a crack on northern wall extend ing from the parapet downwards and a few other cracks. The cause was the pres sure of earth from Gladstone-street — a sudden pressure. It was a very strong building. It could not be called strong now. He did not think the cracks were caused by the foundation subsiding. William Francis Hammond, architect and surveyor, deposed that he had examined the plaintiffs building in Gladstone-street and surveyed its position. (Plan produced.) The position was in accordance with the survey made in 1882 of Fairburn's estate, of which the site formed a part. The building had been erected 12 inches from the street line at" the north cast side and 13 inches from trie street line at the south-east side. He inspected the foundations and found them to be solid and dry. They were perfectly substantial for the building to be carried. He tested the building and came to the conclusion that the fractures upon it had been caused by the pressure of earth on the south - east side. The timbers too had been strained by the same cause. The building had suffered a sovere wrench by some sudden pressure from the S.E. corner. The building was a perfectly solid structure. He estimated that 370 tons of earth were pressing against the building. The earth had slipped against the building through being saturated by rain. He esti mated that it would cost L7OO to re instate the building. The whole of the brickwork would have to be |t taken down and the timber work shored up.— Under cross-examination the witness stated that in dry weather only one-third the weight of the 370 tons of earth would press against the building, and in wet weather about one half.

(Left sitting).

INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH.

The Otago Expedition to

Auckland

(by telegbaah—own correspondent.)

Bunedin, this day. " Rocket," writing in the " Star," aays: " The decision of the Otago Rugby Union to send a team round bne colony, playing at all centres, has given an impetus to foot1) ball this season, and I understand that nearly 50 names of players willing to make a trip, provided . they are selected, have been sent in to the Hon. Secretary. The Southland Union are desirous of meeting the Northern Contingent before they leave, and if this fixture can be arranged it will come oft' on Saturday, the 13th prox., the team leaving for Auckland direct on the Wednesday following. Auckland, Nelson, Wellington, and Canterbury, will be played in the order named. At a meeting of the Match Committee on Saturday it was deter mined not to commence trial matches for next match but to continue Club fixtures, so no steps were taken towards the selection of a practice team. The selecting Com mittee are: Mr T. G. Austin, MrJ.H. Chapman and H. Rose. When they come to choose a team they will, I venture to think, have very considerable difficulty in picking their forwards, and their choice is certain.to be subjected to close scrutiny. The Canterbury Union is also sending a team to the North Inland. As they go away a fortnight in advance of us,we should be able to form some idea of our probable chances against. Auckland and Wellington before meeting them. Having seen several games in Wellington, and closely watched tho form there,! predict that Otago will re gain her laurels so unfortunately lost at.New town in 1883. The Wellington Union have a splendid forward team, and in Mclntyre one of tha finest place kicks in the colony, but m back play the Otago team should completely over-match them. Canterbury has suffered greatly recently in the death of Milton, who was probably tho best skipper in New Zealand. His loss will be difficult to replace. Probably some 20 men will be sent North, and without knowing who ar« likely to get the necessary leave of absence should they be chosen, I venture to submit the follow iug names as a likely team of Otago :— Full-back : Eraser (Union). Half backs : Thomson (Pirates) and Fraser (Pirates). Three-quarter back : Millar (Kaikorai) and Lynch (Clutha). Emergencies: Keogh (Kaikorai) and Watson (Montecillo). For wards : Beck (Montecillo), Isaacs (Monte cillo), Morris (Pirates), Macfarlane (Union), Henderson (Union), and Trcseder (Zingari, Richmond). These aae almost certain to find placet, whil* iL* »*«i nmy coma from Menelans (Dunedin), ijartin (Dunediu), Diamond (Pirates), Buckland (Pirates), Steole (Taieri), Wales (Zingari, Richmond), and Harper (Dunedin). At the late meeting of Canterbury Rugby Union considerable diauussion ensued on the question of profeaaionalism, and in view of the Union having adopted the rules laid down by the Home Union, it was decided to obtain an assurance from the Auckland Union that professionals would not be played by them in the forth coming match with Canterbury pro vince. This step, I understand, was taken as the outcome of some correspond ence which had taken place between Otago and Canterbury Unions, and it is intended as a protest against Whiteside being allowed to play. • -

Mr Withy at St. Sepulchre's Schoolroom.

Mr E. Withy addressed a meeting of the electors, of Newton at the St. Sepulchre's Schoolroom last evening, Mr T. B. Hill was voted to the chair.

Mr Withy, who was accorded a most flattering reception, commenced his address by a humorous apology to the people of Eden for bringing the election battle into their borders. He had already addressed two meetings of the electors of Newton, and intended speaking at Kingsland this week. Referring to Mr Tola's candidature for Newton, he said he had hoped to have seen him contest Eden, as he would then have been pit ted against a member of a previous administration and a foeman worthy of his steel. If Mr Tole had come out for Newton before he had announced himself, he would not have come oat; but he was not a man to shrink when he had com menced. He praised Mr Tole for his courage in defending his colleaguee, and also Sir Robert Stout; but he condemned the administration of the Government and proceeded to compare the claim of the Government that they had effected retrench ment to that of the manager of a grocery store, who sold the fixtures and put the proceeds down along with the proceeds of sales of tea and sugar. One of' the faults he found with the Government was that they had accepted defeat; another was that they had adopted unsound finance and called it sound. Besides that, they had shown their disbelief in their own Financial Statement, by increasing the taxation. In answer to Mr Tole's warning that if the Go vernment wore not relieved, chaos would ensue, he said he laid at the door of the Government the present appeal to the country. Let the constituency of Eden return one of the new men now contesting the seat. Let them send business men, and nob too many lawyers. (Laughter.) He asked them to send strong opposition to the Government. Speaking of retrenchment, he said that we must com mence with ourselves. In Auckland, Government House was maintained at con siderable expense to the country. Mr Withy then proceeded to state his views on the matter of retrenchment in the Legisla ture. Alluding to Sir Julius Vogel's claim for LIO,OGO for services rendered in the matter of raising loans while he was Agent-General, ho said unless it was proved that there had been a direct stipulation with the members that ho was to get it, he would oppose the granting of a penny to him. Mr Withy then proceeded to rapidly state his views on the education question and taxation, and free trade versus protection. With reference to the latter point he said he would put his views unequivocally on this point. (A voice : "Well, you won't suit the working men.") Though a free-trader, he was not a free trader of a quixotic order. He would not be for any early or sudden reduction in the tariff. He would not take off dues that- benefited struggling industries. Ho held that New Zealand was already a pro tected country — the ad valorem duty of 15 per cent, being really 20 per cent., and sometimes 25 per cent., before the articles got into the hands of the retailer. He was distinctly a disbeliever in the adjustment of the tariff to suit local industries, and felt sure that protection would not do for local industries what it was expected to do for them. Their experience of protection should have shown them that. Suppose all the machinery used in the coun try were made here, it would cost much more to make, and this would increase the cost of every article manufac tured by the machinery. Mr Withy thon proceeded to criticise the remarks of the Star on free trade. He had quoted some statistics from Farrer's book, but the Star did not take the same period as he had, which was unfortunate for the sake of com parison. The figures he had quoted were between '70 and 'SO. In 1880, victoria had a debt of L 22,000,000, and New South Wales, L 15,000,000 ; whether New South Wales had increased in debt to L 29,000,000 in 1885 he could not say. He demurred to the Star's proposal to take out all the wool from the figures, and he denied the effect on the question of the difference in the area of the two colonies. TheSTAß'sown figures showed that in the free-trade colony as much business was done as in the pro tective colony. Proceeding further to criticise the Star article, the candidate said that the protectionist was walking blind fold amongst red-hot ploughshares. The Star had never yet ventured to criticise the position he had taken up at St. George's Hall, when he had asked the benefit of a man paying L 125 for LIOO worth of goods. He wished the Star to take up the question of showing whether protection would reduce the cost of living in the country. The candidate then pro ceeded to advocate the payment of bonuses for the development of natural industries which he likened to firing at a target with a rifle, while protection was like firing with a blunderbuss loaded with buck shot in hope of hitting something. At this stage Mr Withy asked all the protectionists in the room to hold up their hands. Forty or fifty hands were held up. up. "Now," continued Mr Withy, "how many of you wear suits of New Zealand tweed?" Twenty hands or so were held up. The incident caused a good deal of laughter, which was increased when Mr Withy drew attention to the fact that, though a free trader, he was wearing a suit of New Zealand tweed.

Mr Withy then continued hia address, and after speaking on free trade amidst a running fire of good-natured interjections, which the candidate replied to now and then, he said the protectionist gentlemen present reminded him of a Radical he had heard of at Home. This man was walking about in a great • fume, and said to a gentleman, "Do you call this a free country ?" "But," said the gentleman, "Surely you can do everything you like." "Yes ! but I cannot make everyone do as I like." (Laughter.) He thought many of them liked men who trimmed a little this way and a little that. (Laughter and cries of " No.") Well, they had returned somo of them in the past. Having stated his views on other points, he sat down amidst considerable applause.

In answer to questions.Mr Withy said (1) Ho considered that an export duty on gum would do great injury to the trade of the colony. (2) Ho would be opposed to Granting a pension to Sir • Julius 'ogel, or pitchforking him into a snug billet. (3) He did not consider the position of New Zealand and England analogous on the matter of free trade and protection. (4) He had opposed the nine hours movement in England. (A voice : " More shame for you.") His linn had taken contracts to build steamers 12 months ahead, and they had L 40.000 locked up iv the hulls of steamers because they could not get them on to the next stage through the strike. (5) He did not think that ib was the function of Government to find work for working men. (A voice.: Why do they bring the men here ?") He had heard that men in the city would not work because they would not take as many shilling* a day as they had been getting. More buildings would have been erected but for this (Mr Hunter denied that this was true of the building trade.) (6) He would vote for the abolition of the clause in the Electoral Act con; polling candidates to deposit LlO before election. Mr White moved a vote of thanks to Mr Withy for his instructive address. Mr Hurle seconded. Mr Richard Wright moved an amendment that a vote of thanks and confidence be ac corded *a fc& ""uthy. Mr F. Rowe, junr., second***. Th* amendment • was carried by a large majority,

ADDRESS BY SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

Vote of Conlidence Carried.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

Christchurch, Tuesday. Sir J. Vouel addressed the electors of Christchurch North to-night at the Theatre Royal, which was crowded. The Mayor waa in the chair. .

Sir J. Vogel, who was warmly received, said he had been subject to so much criticism on account of his policy of public works, that he would review the past. It' was al leged that his public works policy had failed. In 1869 the colony was in a condition of extreme depression. He would compare that period with this. He then cited elaborate statistics relating to the two years 1869 and 1886, of which the following are some of the items:—lß69: Population, 237,000 as against in 1886 588,000; Customs, L 823,000 against L 1,311,000 ; Customs, per head L3os 5d against L' 24s Gd. Wool: 27 million lbs weight against 90 million lbs weight; value of wool, L 1,371,000 against L 3,072,000 ; value per lb, Is 4d against Bd. Railways: 46 miles against 2,654 ; land under crop, 257,000 acres against 985,000 acres; land sown in grass, 65,000 acres against 5,465,000 acres ; savings bank deposits, L 320,000 against L 2,158,000, to which might be added life insurance equal to Ll,285 : 000 in the Government office, and probably L 1,000,000 in other offices. He read extracts to show that Major Atkinson and Sir John Hall ap proved of what he had done, and said he could read many pages more by old friends and by the Opposition. It was cowardly to blame him. The men who had become rich, and who but for his policy would have been poor, were those who now attacked the author of the policy which had enriched them. Defence of the Government. He claimed that the Government had been prudent and economical. The distinguish ing feature of their policy had been the en couragement of local industries, in which he included land settlement and mining. He would briefly refer to the principal features of the administration, enlarging afterwards on some of the subjects. They hud started the North Island trunk line, and had pro ceeded with the Otago Central, Hokitika- Grey, Wellington-Napier, and the north of Auckland. The Midland Railway had been started, and they had put in hand the completion of the trunk system in each island excepting the Marlborough connection with the Midland. They had established friendly relations with the natives, and had brought into force a system for stopping land - sharking by enabling the natives to dispose of their lands through the Government. They had undertaken the systematic defence of the principal ports ; they had carried on with success negotiations concerning the Pacific Islands, and avoided a disastrous federation which the last Government nearly com mitted the colony to. They had secured the opportunity of making New Zealand the naval station of part of the Australasian. squadron, aresult for which he had striven for 17 years. They had amended and improved the laws relating to the local bodies, and had substituted the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act for the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. When he took office there was great disorder in the post-office in respect to the carriage of home mails. The Post-office, London, insisted on send ing part of the mails by way of Melbourne at a heavy cost He had even to threaten to put on a special rate by way of Mel bourne before the London Post-office gave way. They had made a contract with the direct steamers to England. He almost immediately saved some L 7.000 in the cost on the Californian service. A parcel post was about being established, and he had introduced a system of extending delayed telegrams, so that practically except for important business, the cost ol telegraphy was reduced one-half. The Government had saved L 5,000 a year for continuing the cable subsidy. The present Government had also arranged the most difficult matter, the purchase of the District Railways. This purchase, was rendered necessary by the clumsy legislation under which authority was given to com tract railways. There was no recourse but to buy the lines out; yet, if the legislation had been sound 8 no better object could have boon served than to encourage construction by private enter prise of branch lines to connect with the main railways. The Government had saved taxation, although they found the finances in the most disordered condition, with a de-v licit of L 150,000. They had practically intro duced a system of retrenchment; they had unceasingly, in every direction, endeavoured bo encourage local resources. They had baken means to make two Newcastles on the West Coast iv Greymouth and Westport. They had offered encouragement for the development of the fisheries, and had taken charge of the conservation of forests. It was well known how anxiously they had aided the permanent settlement upon the lands. They had endeavoured to in crease the tariff of 1885. They had dealt with the Charitable Aid question, which had evaded the ability of pre vious Governments. They had reduced the cost of administering; justice, besides in troducing some valuable) Acts, such as the First Offenders Probation. They had vir tually stamped out siab in sheep, and were on the point of relieving New Zealand of the ban placed upon it by the other colonies. It was a common assertion of their op ponents that the present Government had introduced crushing taxation, but what were the facts ? Whon they came into office the property tax was gd. During the three years they had been in office it had averaged 11 16ths, or l-.'l6th less than when they took office. They had not increased taxation through the Customs, but the revenue had fallen immediately through a change in the habits of the people in regard to the consumption of alcoholic drinks, and a fall in the value of goods subject to ad valorem duties. The Government must re-instate the Customs duty. Great objec tion had been raised to Mr Ballance in curring liabilities for village settlements to the extont of L 60.000. He admitted it was irregular, but not illegal, since the law allowed the Government to exceed the vote by LIOO.OOO. Retrenchment. Sir Julius then proceeded to discuss the question of retrenchment. He read an ex tract from a speech, by Major Atkinson, showing that he considered retrenchment merely a popular cry to displace the Go vernment. The year 1880-81 was Major Atkinson's model year of retrenchment. He alleged that he was making a gross saving in the Estimates of over half a million. Two years afterwards he ad mitted he was increasing the Estimates by newly L 30,000, though he alleged the increases were partly nominal, and partly to avoid undue hardships to the pub lic sorvice. Major Atkinson's retrench ment waß taking off one year and putting on another. He read an elaborate comparison between 1880-1 and 18S6-7, showing that there waß a great reduction o: ordinary expenditure, after eliminating some sums which he explained, and that this saving was notwithstanding the fact that there was 10,000 increase in population, and much larger wants to satisfy. Tha speaker proceeded to say they claimed to have initiated a system which would per manently lead to a reduction in the cost of the future Civil Service. He explained that a saving of L 1.300 per.year had been made by the recent changes in the Customs' De partment. He did not mean to say, however, that they did not suffer by losing the services of experienced officers. He referred to the savings in the proposed estimate, which, had the Government proposals been given effect

to, would have led to a saving of L 150,000, of which at least LBO,OOO might be set down to non -recurrent votes. The Government now proposed further retrenchment, as the country seemed in earnest about it. But it must be clearly understood that reduced expenditure beyond a certain amount would mean reduced services. It was yet to be seen whether when the various parts o c the country actually felt what retrench ment meant they would be content to accept it. If the country showed its determination in the matter, the self-denial of separate districts might be exercised to an extent which ■ had never yet been. For his part he meant to do all that could be done to reduce expenditure, even at the cost of losing useful services, not absolutely neces sary. Customs Duties and Protection. The increase of Customs duties was an absolute measure of safety, demanded by prudence and honesty, when the difficulties of the colony and its responsibilities were taken into account. The Customs duties in 1869 amounted to L3 9s «5d pc:- head of the population. In 1886 they had fallen to L 2 4s Gd per head, and during the first three months of the present year to less than L 2 a head. It was quite possible to increase revenue' and at the same time to give encouragement to local industries. This had been the policy of the colony for many years past. He introduced in 1871 the first unmistakable measure of protec tion. Lyttelton was exporting wheat and flour and importing timber. A judicious arrangement of duties soon led Auckland and Lyttelton to exchange their products, instead of sending to and receiving from foreign markets. The question at present lay in a nutshell - are we to disregard em ploying our population, and put them in competition with cheap labour elsewhere ? If cheap production was a superior con sideration to keeping the people, then they should import coloured labour, an absurdity whieh'the colony would not stand. They had seen this logical outcome of free-trade in the late proposal to em ploy Kaffirs to shear sheep. The plea that protection would lower the rate of wages was an insult to the intelligence of the work ing classes, It meant that in the course of time, say half ageneration, such competition might grow up that labour would be exces sive. But how could they put such possi bilities in the future against the present actual hardships suffered by the popula tion through want of employment? The probability of future competition through excessive local manufacturing was modified by the consideration that as the country grew its wants would enormously increase. Working men must not be deceived. Let them ask themselves would the philan thropists who are now opposing protection do so if they really thought it would reduce the rate of wage 3 during the next dozen years ? • His colleague, Mv Richardson, had done more than twenty men in encouraging local industries, by having iron bridges and locomotives made in the colony. If his col league had granted all the requests made to him he would be more popular, but he made it his rule to conscientiously refuse to the few what was not good for the many. It was not proposed, as had been stated, to tax agricultural implements. With very few exceptions, they had still been left free. Farming was an industry which gained largely by protection. Farmers must re collect that they benefit more by a home market than by a foreign one. He esti mated that at least five and a half millions sterling of farm and agricultural produce, including meat, was consumed in the colony, and it was short-sighted to think more of the foreign than of the home mar ket.

The Property Tax, etc.

Exception had been taken to the property tax proposal. The plan relieved some email payers, who ought never to have been taxed. Supposing the plan of the income tax exception in England was followed, in comes being capitalised at seven years' pur chase, the exceptions would be much larger than it was proposed. Supposing the rate was uniformly a penny all round, exemptions on the English scale would save small payers LIB,OOO more than was proposed by the Financial Statement. 12,000 tax-payers now paid in all 1.9,000, or an average of fifteen shillings each. Large owners wanted, by moving the exemptions, to make them pay fifty-five shillings instead of fifteen, and to get from those who now paid L 9,000 no less than L33,C00. This was monstrous cruelty. As regards the effect in England, they must not allow themselves to be scared by those who sought exceptional advantages. They must be just; Great Britain was really affected by the tax on mortgaged property. When the tax was originally proposed, forcing lenders to pay the tax was a severe strain, but now the contracts had fallen in, new ones had been made, and lenders of money had notoriously protected themselves by putting on a half per cent. The tax had never approached this, so the lenders of money had made the difference besides the exemption. He took an instance of a mortgage for L 5.000. The borrower would pay the lender a half per cent., equal to L 25, whilst at the average of the last three years the lender would only have had to pay, with exemption, Lls ss. Even under their proposals in the Budget, a penny tax would still leave the lenders the gainers by a fifth of a penny, equal on thirty millions to L 25.000. This was a sure gain to the lender, paid by the borrower, to be given to Government, and kept by the lender. He thought it would be well to remove uncer tainty in the future and to fix the tax on mortgages, so that it would not be altered without five years' notice. This would save exaction of a margin to cover risks. There was no danger of any Government of which he was a member committing spoliation. It was the duty of the Government of the colony to protect a person's property, liberty, and freedom. The working classes were inteiested in giving capital its due protection, for labour depended on capital; but they were not to allow capitalists who wanted more than they were entitled to, to black-mail them with threats of withdraw ing capital. They tried that on in Victoria, but Parliament there nevertheless insisted on a land tax on areas exceeding 640 acres, and with an exemption of L 2,500. . The colony had not suffered through it. He was charged with excessive borrowing. He read a statement of expenditure of borrowed money during the time Major Atkinson, Sir George Grey, and himself were in office respectively, and of the two years he and Major" Atkinson were in office together. It showed that during nine years he had spent of borrowed money thirteen and a half mil lions, while Major Atkinson in eight years had spent fourteen millions and a quarter. His yearly average was one and a half millions, Major Atkinson's L 1,780,000. He believed strongly in the Midland Rail way contractors, and those they contracted with had seen the country, and were, satis fied it would be a calamity to let it fall through for the sake of any trifling conces sion. That question and the questions of re-leasing runs and stopping incursions of rabbits into South Canterbury, were sub jects which would vitally affect Canterbury in the corning Parliament. There were 2,700,000 acres of runs in the hands of 92 holders paying L47.00Q rental. It would be a great question how these should be dealt with fairly fc* the benefit of the whole community when the leases fell in, as they would in a little more than two years. As regarded the united Canterbury plank, it was right a, large district should look after its own interests, but not band itself against the interests of other districts. The greatest misfortune there was was a want of colonial feeling, failing to appreciate that the whole colony bene fited by any benefit a portion enjoyed. There were two parties before the colony—their own and Major Atkinson's. Those who voted against one supported the other. Sir George-Grey &n.d Sir John Hall could organise parties. but they had ttato declared tU^\\- indention, to do ao, He

could not conclude without expressing his bitter disappointment at the want oi courage which distinguished most of the utterances through the colony. Nothing in the condition of the colony justified'such gloomy utterances. Retrenchment was de sirable, but the reinstatement of Customs revenue should cause no uneasiness. For the last three years it had been expected the property tax would be raised. The fact of the Government reducing its borrowing should stimulate private enterprise. They wanted capital, not lent on mortgage, buti invested in land settlement and industries. There was ample room for legitimately! employing capital in agricultural, pastoral, mining, and manufacturing industries. He ' ventured to expect a re-action from the prevalent despondency. , The speech was listened to very atten-'. tiyely and frequently applauded. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried amid ■ great enthusiasm, only three hands being ■ held up against it. Cheers for Sir J. Vogel and the Mayor terminated the proceedings.

CABLEGRAMS.

(by electric telegraph—copyright.) fi

CHOLERA IN EUROPE.

ALARMING MORTALITY IN \ SICILY.

[reuter's telegram.]

Eome, July 18. \ The outbreak of cholera in Sicily is rapidly increasing. Forty-two cases, twenty-five of which proved fatal, occurred at Catania, the capital, yester-;

THE EGYPTIAN CONVENTION.

NEGOTIATIONS BROKEN OFF.

[reuter's telegram.]

Constantinople, July 18. \ Dr. Radowijtz, the German Ambas-; sador, had a farewell audience of the Sultan to-day, in the course of which he made strong representations in favour of the ratification of the Anglo- Turkish Convention relating to Egypt. The Sultan, in reply, stated that the' Convention had not been ratified owing j to the strong Mussulman opposition to its provisions, [special.] London, July 19. \ The French and Russian Press are jubilant at the failure of Sir H. Drum mond Wolffs mission with regard to the Egyptian Convention. The Bri tish Press retort that the real victory remains with England.

MOBILISING THE FRENCH ARMY.

(SPECIAL.)

London, July 19.—The French Chamber of Deputies have by a large majority passed the Bill providing for the mobilisation of the French Army.

THE BULGARIAN THRONE.

Prince Ferdinand's unmilitary bear ing, and his jealousy towards Princ6 Alexander, and also his anxiety to con ciliate Russia, disappoint the Bul garian deputation.

THE GERMAN MAIL STEAMERS.

It has been arranged that the German line of steamers will touch at Genoa, both in going to and returning from Australia.

COMMERCIAL NEWS.

(keuter.)

London, July 18.—Consols remain at 101£. New Zealand 4 per cent, in scribed stock has advanced by 10s to £99. There is no change to report in colonial breadstuff's or tallow.

Mr Townsend Qedge has been ap pointed a London director of the City of Melbourne Bank.

Melbourne, July 19.—The manager of the National Mortgage Agency Company of New Zealand, reports as follows of the local grain market: Shipping wheat steady, but no active demand, 3s lOd to 3s lid; malting barley, more demand, slight improve ment, quotations 4s 6d to 5s 9d; New Zealand oats, feeding sorts, fair demand at 3s; milling oats, moderate inquiry at 2s lid to 3s; New Zealand oats, under bond, quiet at 2s to 2s 2d.

THE UNEMPLOYED DIFFI CULTY.

Melbourne, July 19.—The agitation by the unemployed is recommencing here. About 400 men assembled to day, and interviewed the Minister of Works, with a view of obtaining employment.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night.

Agricultural Hall—Royal Jubilee Burlesque and Pantomime Company, 8 Bell's Buildings, Wyndham-strect — Industrial Association's Exhibition, 10 a.m. to 3p m 7to 10-p.m ' City Hall—Skating Rink, 10 a,m. to 5 p.m. and 7.30 to 10 D.ra. Abbott's Opera House—Lecture, " Up the Rhine and over the Alps with a Knapsack," by Major H. C. Dane, 8 Miranda School-house—Addi-ess by Mr J. Jen« kins to the Electors of South Franklin, 7.30 Kohekohe School-house — Address by Majot Harris to Electors of South Franklin. T. 30 Oddfellows' Hall, Ponsonby—Jcrvois Quadrille Assembly, 8 Otahuhu Public Hall—Scotch Entertainment, 8 Nowton Baths—Auckland Draughts Club 7.30 Catholic Inititute-H.A.C.B. Society, 7.30 Waite's Hall, Mount Eden—Mr Connell's Work ing Committee, 8 Temperance Hall—Mr H. W. Farnall and Elec tors of City North, 8 Ponsonby Hall-Mr T. Peacock's Supporter^ 7*30«

Auction Sales To-morrow.

T. M. Jackson, Great South Road—HouseMd Burniture, Jewellery, etc., 11. B. Tonks and Co.—Butter, Maize, etp., H Arthur and Buddie—lCO Kegs Butter, 11; Cloth ing, 12 • . •• E. Bluck and Co., DeYonport—Furniture, &&,

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

July 21—Messrs C. La Roche and T. H. Lewis, j

THE AUCKLAND ETENINGSTARrWEDNESDAt^JtrLrgO^ISSt

5