DEVONPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

f-tnightly meeting took place last present: The Mayor (Mr M. ". % a nd Crs. Philcox, E. W. Burgess )1CC ° T Duder, E. W. Alison, J. Mays,' fitts, •>• d j;. Bartley. "L^tebyßeserve. -A letter was received p-Se Minister of Lands stating that the W " e terv reserve could not bo disposed f -fhout special legislation. It had been "ed to insert a clause dealing with the Special Powers and Contracts .1 The Mayor stated that it had not P- decided to sell the land. After dis „ tlio consideration of the matter was ■*&*> STOVETOE.-Mr Savage was ap ,id building surveyorfor the borough. IhatsßAY-street.— Mr E. T. Duianr, on i_iklf of Mr C. P. Quick, requested to be •formed whether the Council intended to fie over Rattray-street as a public road. Barred to Finance and Legal Committee. g____ LEVEis.-Tracings of street levels belaid upon the table by Mr Knox, gogb engineer who also requested lority to proceed with the laying of the IS of several small streets. It was decided that no further levels be laid at Borough Auditors.—The Auditor feneral MTote stating that during thc.pro o>nt year the auditors would be paid by tho Losses, but at the expiration of that time .^"Government would pay those oflicers, and recover from the borough.-It was re lived to award Messrs Hedley and Fraser Xea guineas each for the last annual audib le of the accounts. (Sesekal Rate.—On the motion of the Mayor, a rate of Is in the L was struck upon all ratable properties within the borough. Pats of Meetixg.—lt was ' resolved, •'That the meetings of the Council be hold on alternate Mondays." Bathixg-House. —ifc was decided to again jjllthe attention of the Devonport Ferry Company to the damage caused to tho bathing-house by the bumping against it of one of the ferry steamers, said damage taring only been partly repaired by tho .mpany. •-. Nuisances.— It was agreed to call the at tention of the police to the nuisance caused kthe rapid driving round corners, etc. Cr.Bartley stated that the boys attending (ie public school played in the street near (be building, damaging the footpatli by Awing holes, etc., and it was agreed to ynte to the headmaster of the school upon the subject.' Street Works.—Mr Savage reported the completion of a number of works in the dis inct and recommended that others be jniertaken.-r-The report was adopted.

Devonport- Hvll —Application having deen made for the renewal of the license for tMshall, a discussion took place upon the necessity of- various improvements. The Jlayor pointed out that the means of egress yere defective, as all the doors opened in ward, while the scenery was flimsy, conse quently very inflammable, and the gas ar rangements were bad - It was resolved that lie doors should be hung so as to swing tjiward before the license was granted.

..■JjsiNCE and Legal Committee.—This Committee recommended that the offices of fwii clerk; treasurer, rate collector. and clerk to Licensing Committee .should be combined,--and that applications for* the position, returnable by the 27th inst.,should & invited forthwith. That tiie attention |fMessrs R. and R. Duder should be called tithe insecure a_id neglected state of the tain line, the Council intimating that be fore entertaining any request for consent to tsnsfer the line must be pub in good order, id that if necessaiy the Council, on appli atioa. Will agree to the suspension of traffic W. i time to .permit of this boing done ; . 1100 copies of the aVmual statement of founts be printed ; that one month's Jae be given terminating the occupancy Vie present offices, and that the next '■Beting of the Council be held in the new filing; that immediate application be i. to the Property Tax Commissioner lt)he balance of- subsidy (L 93 15s) due to ieborough under the Finance and Powers 14 The Council, in adopting the 2'eport, Sedthe salary for the combined ofiico of Town Clerk, &c, at Ll2O per annum.

Cheltenham Beach. —Attention was (bdwn to .the fact that some of the fences meted by property-owners on Cheltenham Beach below high-water mark, and recently Km down, were being re-erected..- The psticra was whether the Council should takeany steps to assert its rights in the natter, but no decision was arrived at.

PARNELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Ai the ordinary meeting of the above Coun cil last night there were present:— The pHayor (Mr J. Winks), and Messrs Whitley, Savage, Dewes, Geldart, McConnell, Lyall, Say, McCabe, and Kidd.

, JEoeeespondence. - Mr A. Bretb wrote re .finished drain- in Hobson Bay, threaten kg legal proceedings—Received. Messrs A.; andQ. Brook asked for road crossing Mar their premises—Granted. Mr William Knnison, clerk of Remuera Road Board, •Mcd that that body was willing to pay 112 per. annum towai'ds the maintenance of Manukau.. Road, between Remuera and Pahiell—Referred to Streets Committee, jjjspector of Nuisances and Foreman of Works forwarded usual reports, which were Mopted. -• Jubilee Business.—Foreman of Works to&d-Council what holidays the Council *onldalio, road men during Jubilee week, %if Council would allow them pay during ame; agreed to'allow one day's pay. Counts.—The accounts were passed .wjayment. " Makukav Road Cutting.—A progress Payment of. L4O was not carried, it being -Wded to adhere strictly •to the original "gieement.

■ IWxceQomm^ee.—This Committee re- Mr E. Hesketh's account of p«;.sß'.be paid, the recommendation was Ipe. -The Streets Committee then re |*fflended."Thab the crossings be made TO their present width, and covered refuse similar to that used in the *. and that the kerbing and channelling |gj| Stephen's Road be discontinued as ?. aa the amount of channelling stone on Pttis used up." ISalvation ARMY.-Cr Lyell complained |We obstruction caused by the Salvation- M>k congregating in the streets.-Cr the Council should pass* a TW preventing the congregation of per mß the streets; the streets were often f* impassable for respectable women, ;» crowds of larrikins collecting.— S Worship thought tho Salvationists ?Mhe boys were no worse in .£*. ' .than in Auckland. - Cr Kidd '7 gave notice that he would 3 at the next sitting of the Council:— | shall assemble in any street, I Segregate at the corner of any Street, or 1 -i^Miy streets intersect; and no person 1 Z^ 3 shaU collect or cause any number IZ_3ti3to collect or congregate in any I Wfitcoiiduct or hold any public meet -1 *^we, so as to impede persons passing, § J; guilty -of any conduct calculated to l>the public." I JS^-Passed = " That a genera I _&_* in tllc he on the annual l_ff.fall rateable properties in fchetos |/3i»:tlie period from Ist July, 188-/, to I*# c ' 1888. payable in one sum on I^PENCHMENT. — Cr Gay moved that I; 2?. retrenchments '■ in salaries _ bo I;iPrAn - amendment - was _ camea, s"-ydiffering therefrom, to the follow

cXc Ll Co~ That the Town Clerk re the7v__? por ? nnum as s^ary; that and fcr,, 0. Woi'ks receive 42 5 , eS- tCa .h time t0 the Coun! only ™,*_ _ P . y ' and that labourers be Bellt t^' day; 0n the motion of Or hours h_ 1 re? olved ' "That th° °ffice 330 a„d %f™S ed *> oto 10.30 a.m. and wen U1 Xm\ .\ cry day cxce P fc Saturday, I lT» 7 T Uld be °Pen from 9 a.m. to _ ofL2u r WaS aPP°inted at a salary

ELECTION NOTES.

Tiie Premier's Manifesto.

(BY TELEGRAPH-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. ■IHE Premier, in again offering his ser vices to the electors of Dunedin East, has issued a manifosto in which ni eni ayS d°^n, ""> P 1™01!^ l^nks of his pattorm. lh eso are :-(l).Retrenchment tLnVV™? 10 Sfvice; (2) any ac tional taxation that may be necessary _h____J° ai;railffed as nofc t0 inc^ase tne buidens of persons of small means ; (3) any increase of customs duties to be so imposed so as to assist local industries ; (l) continuance of the present land settle ment scheme ; (5) the strengthening of local government by tho decentralisation of all possible Government functions ; (6) tho maintenance, at all hazards, of bhe present educational system. If Ministers carry out their expressed in tentions of stumping the country on the subject of Protection, a party of Opposi tionists, headed by Mr Scobie McKenzie and Mr Rolleston, will follow close on their heels to submit free trade arguments. Providing to elaborate his policy Sir Robert Stout says:—lam adverse to any scheme that would throw the representation of the people into the hands'of the few, of the wealthy; and unduly.'.reducing the members of the House of Representatives would do so.

, I believe retrenchment in bur Legislature can be effected, but this can be carried out without interfering* with the number of tho members of Parliament. Were the num ber reduced, several outlying or thinly peopled districts would be practically unre presented. Even now some districts are too large. It is passing strange that many of those who increased the number of mem bers in- 1881,- when the population of th colony was 490,000, should * now advocate reduction of niembe rs when we have 505,00 people.-

What the present Ministry has done for the colony by its legislative measures and administrative acts 1 shall detail to you when I address you. 1 may just add that our aim'has been to frame truly Liberal and democratic laws, and to carefully, prudently, and economically administer the affairs of the State. We have succeeded in many respects, and in the face'of a strong Oppo sition party in both Houses. We have effected large savings in the public expen ses, and more families have been placed on the laud by us than by any previous ad ministration. With the hearty assistance and co-operation of the Liberals in the colony,we can do much more.

It remains for you, and the other constit uencies of this colony, to. say whether this is to be permitted, or whether the legislation and admiration of the" colony are to bo handed over to a pdxty that lias denounced our attempted savings in the Civil Service, repudiated our effort to relieve the less wealthy from the property tax, refused to aid the . local industries of the colony, at tempted •to burk our . village settlement scheme, aud whilst in power neglected necessary public works in many districts.

Thanking you for all you have done for me in the past, and for your many kind nesses, believe me to be; gentlemen, yours obedient servant, ,„, ,','„

Robert Stout.

(BY TELEGRAFH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Sir George Grey's Intentions

Wellington, this day.

"Sir Geo. Grey purposes leaving' Welling ton on Friday next, and should reach Auck land on Monday. • Sir George informs me thathe will take the'earliestchanceof meeting his constituents, and after ascertaining de finitely the view they take of the Govern ment policy he will, if his present state of health continues, make a " stumping " tour through the colony. He considers the pre sent crisis such a peculiarly interesting one as to warrant this course, and will speak in as many centres as possible, the extent of his exertions being limited only by his health. The Exodns. Nearly all the Southern members of both Houses took their departure from Welling ton by the s.s. Wairarapa yesterday after noon. The Parliamentary Buildings have lapsed into their normal state of dulness. Mr Ballance leaves for Wanganui on Wednesday, and the Governor on Thursday, to take part in the proceedings at the open inc of the local exhibition.. (by* telegraph—own correspondent.) .-.*'■ '.: Christchurch, this day. Politics in Canterbury. A strong political association is being formed here for the purpose of influencing the elections as far as possible in Canter bury. The membership already includes some 30 notable good workers. The pro gramme adopted is as follows :-(l) Further retrenchment• (2) .fair taxation ; (3) En couragement of colonial industry ; and (4) a united Canterbury. A fair amount of work has been .done, The Association is distinctly opposed- to • the return to power of* the Continuous Ministry, and strongly objects to' so-called.. independent Caon thetubject of independent candidates the "Timos " urges the electors to distrusb all who come forward on bhab bickeb. lb .tvs- "Of bhe -various kinds of in dependent* politicians bhe rarest species is the njan >vho \ honestly can't make L Ids liind to work..with any party. Of this kind Mr Montgomery is, we should think, tho solitary-example in Hew Zealand " A fairly numerous class is compared to the thirsty cabman, wlw adorns Self with the blue ribbon, in the hope that he niay be tempted. _ • . Strono- efforts are being made to induce Mr John Holmes to stand again for Lhrist churoh South, but he has not consented to do so. It had for some time been under stood that for various good reasons Mr Holmes desired to retire from political life at any rate for a time, bub the electors are so exceedingly desirous that he should again represent them that he may be induced to reconsider his determination fl any case Mr Holmes would be a decided advocate of further retrenchment.

Mr James McGowan will in all probabdity be a candidate for the Thames at the forth coming general election. He has been con nected" with municipal and other local go vernment matter, at the Thames for years fea shrewd man, and a strong advocate of economical administration. y<:

Friends of the Young Men's Christian As sociation who purpose Searing Major Dane s popX lecture on " America as it is "on ffidav night, arc requested to note that tho plan of the hall will be at.Messrs Kidd and Wildman's shop to-morrow, when seats may be reserved. The-proceeds, rf the SJor's lecture will be for tho Building Fund.

THE SUEZ MAIL.

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

(From Our London Correspondent.)

London, April 29. Tiie ©rient Company. In the course of his speech at the annual meeting of the Orient Company, the Chair man incidentally mentioned three facts of interest to travelling antipodeans. The first was that the boilers and engines of the Lusitania (which, though one of the oldest, is one of the most comfortable boats in the service) have been renewed at an ex pense of L 30,680, and that this steamer can in consequence now keep up an average of 14 knots. (2). That the Company are well satisfied witli the Ormuz, which has fully answered expectations in the matter of speed. The directors had heard that day of her arrival at Aden from Adelaide, the distance having been accomplished ab an average of 15 knobs. Tho contract prico mid for this vessel "was L 205.000. (N.B — Remembering that a lew years back steamers of the class of the Iberia and Liguria cost over L' 200,000, bhis sounds cheap.) (3) Thab the loss of LBO,OOO in curred by the Company through the foundering 0 f tho Austral had been re couped, and, moreover, the vessel was now in every respect doing* well and enjoying the confidence of the travelling public. Personal and Miscellaneous. The " Anglo-New Zealander and Austra lian Times " (which is now under the full control of Mr Philip Mennell, and the best informed Ano-10-Colonial newspaper ever issued in London), has taken a lithographed portrait and biographical sketch of Sir Arthur Blyth. Bishop Barry has arrived in London. Sir Walter Butler has presented a Huia bird to the Zoological Society. Sala lectures on his colonial experiences at St. James's Hall on the llth prox. A special collection of the works of Sir Oswald Briefly, who accompanied tho Duko of Edinburgh on his colonial tour, arc being exhibited in Bond-street. They include several antipodean studies. The degree of Doctor of Divinity lias been conferred by Glasgow University on the Rev. J. Dunlop, of Dunedin.

I have just heard that the mahogany case containing Sir Pertab Singh's jewels, which were believed to have been looted by a steward during the confusion prevailing at the wreck of the P. and O. Tasmania, have been recovered. They were in the bullion room all the time.

The numerous friends and acquaintances of Lord and Lady Normanby in Australia and New Zealand will regret bo learn bhab bhey have jusb losb their youngest son, Lord Hervey Phipps, who died in Paris the other day at the early age of 33. He was, I understand, well known in all the colonies, but more especially in New Zealand, where he resided with his parents during part of their Vice-royalty.

Mr Win. Dunckley Paine, the well-known colonial broker, formerly of Mincing Lane, leaves, according to the " City Press," per sonal estate amounting to L 30,000. The Mercantile Bank of Australia an nounces the issue of 25,000 shares of L 5 each, with L 2 called up, at the price of L 2 os per share, payable 10s on application, and LI 15s on June lst.

Mr R. H: Long's famous mare, Dame Agnes, with which one Australian sports man won several important two-year-old races in ISB4, and hoped to carry off the Oaks in Lonely's year, has been sent •to Barcaldine on a visit, and will be shipped for Australia early in June. She is, of course, intended to join Mr Long's stud.

It is authoritatively announced that at the conclusion of the Hare and Kendal partnership next year Mr and Mrs Kendal will start on a prolonged, professional tour of the world, taking the Australian colonies first, and then America. No definite arrangements have, as yet, been concluded, but it is probable they will be accompanied by one or two members of the St. James's Theatre Company to support them in lead ing characters. The repertoire will include most of the big successes of tho Hare and Kendal management. *

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

London, April 29.

The Babbicoiube Murder. — An Extraordinary Story. A rumour of a most extraordinary and sensational character, which, if true, would' seriously shake public confidence in sen tences pronounced on circumstantial evi dence, is being whispered about amongst the clerks at bhe Home Office. Some years ago ft young man (a bubler named Lee) was sentenced to death for murdering his mistress and benefactress,' an elderly maiden lady residing ab Babbicombe, near Torquay. The case attracted a lot of at tention ab the time, and your readers will probably remember the facts* well.' I may remind them, however, that the lad had all through stuck firmly to his innocence. On the scaffold there was a ghastly and shock ing scene. Three times the hangman tried to°do his duty and three times the rope broke, till at length the sheriff refused to allow the execution to proceed. In accord ance with precedent in such cases the capi tal sentence was then commuted, and Lee went to "living death" at Dartmoor. Mark the sequel! Ib is now said that some months ago one of Lee's fellow servants-the.girl who, at the trial, was suspected of having an illicit lover—con fessed to the crime on her deathbed, and satisfied the authorities of Lee's entire innocence. The unfortunate young man was subsequently released, and pensioned for life at 30s a week, but not till he had given a solemn undertaking to the prison chaplain not to reveal the truth. The Home Office justify their extraordinary action in the matter on the ground that if the facts were known circumstantial evidence in capital cases would practically become a dead letter, and thab is most undesirable, as in 99 cases out of 100, conclusions deduced therefrom are correct. " Parncllism'.and Crime." ~, Since Gladstone's famous "Bulgarian Horrors " pamphlet thrilled all Europe, no political brochures have caused half such a profound sensation as the two penny re prints from the " Times " of its swinging articles on " Parnellism and Crime." The sale of the first series was almost unprece dented, but it has been quite thrown into the shade by that of the second, which contains, amongst other matter, a reproduction of the now notorious fac simile letter signed "Chas. Parnell. That the infiue'rice-of these pamphlets will be definite and far-reaching no one who reads them can possibly deny. Even the ultra-Gladstonians have confessed that to leave such a definite impeachment un answered must effectually ruin the Irish cause for the time being. Public opinion in England is unmistakably with Lord Har tington.when he says that to meet charges of the gravest character with passionate in dignation, unsupported by any serious at tempt at disproof, is not a course that will-satisfy either the House of Commons . or the country. On the other hand, Mr i Sexton denies the possibility of a libelled ' Irishman obtaining justice from an English -jury. The "Times" meanwhile i stands I boldly to its guns, and scoffs at the notion ■ of either Mr Parnell or his associates daring . to face the Law Courts. - "If the . charges we have made, .can be proved to, ' be . useless . nd calumnious," it

says, " they can be made the ground for criminal as well as civil proceedings. But inside and out of Parliament Mr Par nell and his friends prefer to fallback simply on vague contradiction and insolent abuse." Last'week, the "uncrowned King of Ire land " went over to Dublin, avowedly with the intention of hunting up evidence to quash " the ' Tim'es's' clumsy forgery." In the House, on Tuesday, Mr Sexton en deavoured to convict Mr Brodrick (an old Tory) of breach of privilege for avowing his belief in the genuine character of tho much canvassed epistle. But the Speaker .would not interfere.

AUCKLAND POLITICAL & FINAN CIAL REFORM ASSOCIATION.

A meeting in connection with the above was held ab Robson's Rooms at 7.30 last evening. Amongst those present wo no ticed Messrs A. Porter, Connell, A. Bell, J. McGowan, J. McLachlan, Rev. J. S- Hill, Messrs E. W. Burton, S. Vaile, J. Blaydes, E. Bell, F. Cherry, J. J. Crofts, Field, Hamilton, Hodge, F. Jeune, Duncan, T. B. Hill, J. H. Upton, E. McManus, G. A. Buttle, F. Lawry, R. Cameron, R. J. L. Duffus, A. Campbell, liolloway, G. Staines, A. Otto, R. J. Duncan, Leaning, W. McCullough, J. Lundon, J. M. Shera, G. Graham, John McK. Gcdde.s, Gilbert, and Crowther.

Mr J. H. Upton was voted to the chair. After some discussion as to the right of those who had not yet enrolled themselves as members to take part in tho meeting, a draft of the rules prepared by the Com mittee appointed ab a previous meeting was read. Considerable discussion ensued over the rule setting forth the objects of the Association, which was as follows :—" The objects of the Association shall be—(l) to secure purity of administration, substantial retrenchment and economy in the public service; (2) to secure competent men of well-known integrity and honesty of purpose as members of the General As sembly, pledged to carry out the objects of the Association."

Mr F. Cherry moved as an amendment, " That the objects of this Association be to secure a substantial reduction in the taxation of the colony, and a considerable reduction in the cost of government." He said they should have the objects of the Association clearly defined.

Mr McManus seconded the motion.

Mr E. W. Burton characterised the rules defining the objects of the Association as a " mere colourless platitude," and domanded that if the league were to be a success, they must have clearly-defined objects, and ex tend branches all over the colony. He ac cused the members of the Association of "voting by order and thinking by proxy." Mr Duncan said in justice to the Com mittee, he might say that the rule had been drafted by the last meeting of the league, and the committee were not responsible for its indefiniteness.

Mr E. Bell supported the . rule as recommended by the Committee, and claimed that it was perfectly definite. Mr A. Bell spoke to the same effect, and said he regretted to see Mr Cherry's amendment the apple of discord. Mr Cherry's amendment was carried by a considerable majority, thus becoming the motion.

Mr Holloway moved as an addendum to this, " And that the fiscal policy of the colony be so arranged as to be least distressing to the population and detrimen tal to the progress to the colony." Mr Kelly seconded. Mr R. J. Duncan urged that the Associa tion should address themselves to secure economy of expenditure. If they attempted too much they would fail. Mr Holloway's addendum was negatived, and Mr Cherry's amendment then became the rule. The other rules providing for the appointment of officers and committee, the holding of meetings, and the conduct of business were then carried. The reception of names of members was then proceeded with, and after the lapse of about a quarter of an hour the Chairman announced that 59 names had been received. Mr John Buchanan was then elected Chairman of the Association, Mr David Goldie Vice-Chair man, and Mr J. McLachlan Treasurer. The election of a committeo was postponed till Thursday night, and the appointment of Secretary was left to the Committee.

Mr McLachlan moved, " That tho atten tion of the committee be drawn to the' ex cessive cost of administration, and the advisability of reducing the Governor'o salary and allowances, the number of the Houso of Representatives and their hono raria, of the Civil Service, and teachers and their salaries, and of altogether abolishing the honoraria of the members of the Legisa tive Council, Ministerial residence, and the practice of granting pension." He spoke in support of the motion. Mr T. B. Hill seconded the motion and proposed " That the discussion be post poned till next meeting." The motion was carried. This waa all bhe business.

Dullness still reigns in the market, the Exchange being partially deserted. Some business has taken- place in Auckland Gas shares, and there are buyers of South British Insurance, Union Insurance, Colonial Banks at low figures. The mining market is dull. Sales of Saxons are reported at 2s 6d; Prince Imperials and Cambrais are asked for, also New Manu kaus. No telegrams from the mines have been received during tho day.

Mr W. L. Covert, assistant librarian ab the Free Public Library, writes in connec tion with the recent attempted burglary that he personally examined each window separately, and is prepared to swear that each and every one was securely fastened. Mr H. A. Keogh, the night watchman, wribes bo similiar effect He says : V The window could easily be opened wibhoub leaving a mark on the woodwork. There was direct evidence of the chisel having been used, as it was found stuck in the woodwork of the case. There is no fact (as stated) of the window being left open. On the contrary, it is most unlikely, as fche librarian and staff are most particular in carrying out their duties.

At an interim meeting of the Charitable Aid Board, held yesterday afternoon, as arranged, Drs. Haines and Macmillan at tended to speak upon Mr Mays's notion re the appointment of a House Surgeon at LSOO. After some conversation, however, the conference was deferred for a week. It was resolved to insure the Hospital. The Committee reported upon the unpaid fees of patients leaving the Hospital, and ib was agreed that the same be sued for. A letter was received from the Premier's office, stating that as soon as the subsidy was paid to the Waikato Board, the money claimed would be handed over to the 'Auckland Board. It was decided to ask Messrs Hesketh and Richmond for their opinion as to recovering the amount for which judgment had been given. Tenders for supplies were dealt with as follows: —For milk, Thomas Burton's tender of 7-Jd per ' gallon was ac cepted, and John Hamilton's at BJd, re tained. For bread, Thomas Tesdale's tender of 2d per 21b loaf was accepted. For meat, fowls, &c., with 15 per cent, al lowance for bone, Hellaby's tender of 2d was accepted. For firewood and coal, J. J. Craig's was accepted ; house coal 18s lid, steam 15s lid; long wood 9s 9d, cut 12s sd. W. Prime's tender for rations, and John Tuckey's for funerals was accepted. For drugs, two tenders were received, which were referred to the. House Committee. For crockery two tenders • were received and referred to the House Committee.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Per S.S. Rotomahana.]

Forwood in Melbourne.—Appli cation for Release.

An application was made in the Supremo Courb Melbourne, on June 6bh, for bhe re lease from cusbody of bhe Auckland solicibor, Charles R, Forward, who was arrested on a warrant charging him with larceny as a bailee of LBSO from a Maori chief. The application was made on the grounds that no offence was disclosed on the depositions. Accused's son stated that costs and other expenses had swallowed up the money due, and that his father left New Zealand by the advice of his medical man. For the Crown it was argued that the depositions stated, if not larceny as a bailee, at any rate, simply larcency. Judg ment was reserved.

A Tragedy in Sydney.

It was reported to the City Coroner that a woman named Eliza Borsboom had shot herself dead ab the Great Australian Coffee Palace, Castlereagh-street, Sydney. The circumstances reported to tho police are of an extraordinary nature, and the motive of the rash act is ascribed to jealousy, by the victim, of her husband. The latter is pro prietor of the coffee palace named, and states thab his wife had been so much influenced by jealously that she lived apart from him some time ago. She, however, returned, but yesterday stated her intention of leaving him again, and packed up her clothing and effects for that purpose. With the alleged intention of frightening her out of this notion, he went to the shop of Edward L. Brown, 40, Park-street, pur chased a British bull-dog revolver and box of cartridges, and took them home, placing them in a drawer in his bedroom, in the presence of his wife. He then told her that if she did not abandon the idea of leaving him, he would shoot himself, but positively states he had not the slightest intention of doing so, but only de sired to frighten her into submission. About a quarter to 6 this morning he left his bed room for the purpose of calling some of tho servants (to commence their daily work), and when he returned, found his wife sitting up in bed with the revolver in her hand. She said, " You need not shoot yourself," and pointing the revolver to her head, fired. Tho bullet entered her right temple, and lodged in the head.

INTRODUCING CHINESE.

A Captain Fined £1,000.

Captain H. Peace, of the steamship Chalydra, was proceeded against in the Summons Court, Water Polico Court, Syd ney, for bringing ten Chinamen in excess of the regulation number, and was ordered to pay a fine of £100 each, and £5 costs.

The Prisoner Holt.

E. B. Holt, of the Bank of New Zealand notoriety, who continues an inmate of Darlinghurst Gaol, is stated to be in a really exceedingly bad state of health. In appearance ho is so much changed as to be hardly recognisable by persons who saw him on the morning sentence was passed on him in the Central Criminal Court, and his nervous system appears to be com pletely shattered.- Ho is employed at clerical work in the gaol hospital, and is allowed liberal medical comforts, but notwithstanding he loses flesh, and is now but the shadow of his former self. Suice his arrival in Sydney he has been kept under tho most careful surveillance, and the opinion of the prison officials is that there is no malingering in his case. Holt is most reticent, and converses with no one, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. "At night time he is extremely restless, waking with the slightest noise made by any of the companions in misfortune who occupy the same ward with him.

NORFOLK ISLAND.

Mat 6.

The Melanesian Mission barque Soubhern Cross, Captain Bongard, arrived with her usual punctuality on the 29fch March from Auckland, and left again on tiie 2nd April on her first trip of the season to visit the stations of the mission situated on the New Hebrides, Banks, Solomon Is lands, and Santa Cruz groups. The Revs. Comins, Plant, Brittain, Cullwick, and Mr Turnbull, of the mission staff, and about 30 natives were passengers. The vessel is expected to be away about 10 or 11 weeks, and on her return will proceed direct to Auckland for the usual midwinter trip. It is stated that Bishop and Mrs Selwyn and the Rev. Dr.. Codrington will be passengers by her. The Bishop will return, Mrs Selwyn will go your way on a visit to her relatives, and Dr. Codrington proceeds to England,

Relies of Captain Cook.

Captain McKay, harbour master of Cook town, who recently went out in the Govern ment schooner in search of the guns thrown overboard by Captain Cook from the En deavour, returned to port to-day. He re ports having found the place, but says that much labour will be necessary to free the guns from the coral, which is very thick there.

Extraordinary Spiritualistic Practices.

The police have laid an information against the members of the Lahandorff family at Adelaide, under the Police Act, for attempting to impose upon Mounted constable Shegog and other persons, by pretending to hold conversation with the spirit of a deceased pfcjjjibn;. by means of mysterious knocking upon their leasehold premises, in the hundred of Moocka, South Australia, in order to depreciate the value of land which, being held under lease from the Crown, had become liable to forfeiture.

Frightened to Death by a Cat.

At the inquest held yesterday at Junc tion, New South Wales, on the body of Annie Taylor, who died suddenly on Mon day last, the evidence showed that the deceased was a strong and healthy girl of 23 years of age, and a domestic servant. While she was in the shop of Mrs Peacock, her employer, just after eating a hearty dinner, a diseased cat crawled into the shop, groaning horribly. The deceased was frightened and ran upstairs into her bed room, where she became unconscious. Medical aid was unavailing, and death ensued in less than three hours. A verdict was returned of death from paralysis of the brain, caused by sanguineous apoplexy, probably induced by fright.

Alleged Serious Forgeries.

L 10,000 Said to lie Involved.

Henry Hart Lazarus is being charged before bhe Water Police Court, Sydney, with uttering forged promissory notes. It is said thab LIO,OOO is involved in bhese forgeries. In bhe first cases taken, Charles Mark Palmer, manager of the Bank of N. S. Wales, deposed : Had known the accused some time as a customer of the bank. He was accustomed to discount bills. Witness Eroduced three promissory notes for L 375, 375 Bs, and L 362 Bs, which he had dis counted for him. The bills were sighed by Harrison and Attwood, in favour of H. H. Lazarus. They were discounted by the bank for the accused, and the proceeds passed to hia credit and were operated on by him,

From some information witness received, sent for the accused on the 26th or 27th May ; drew his attention to the bills pur porting to have been given by Harrison and Attwood. He assured witness they were genuine, and said he would go to Harrison and Attwood's ofiico forthwith about them. On the following Saturday, from what witness heard, he wrote to the accused. Afterwards saw accused on Friday, went to his office in Hamilton street, and asked him. if he had been to Harrison and Attwood's. He replied no, but thab he would go during that forenoon. Saw Harrison and Attwood, and then saw prisoner in the afternoon. He said he had seen Mr Watson, who would call on witness on the following morning. Nexb morning wibness saw Mr Rae, anobher partner of Harrison and Abtwood's. Aboub noon on Tuesday witness sent for accused, and he came about 2 p.m. (Mr Holmes, the sub-accountant, having brought in all bhe bills of accused's under dis counb). We asked him bo leb us know which were genuine bills and which were fictitious bills. Amongst the bills he pointed out were two of those that lie (witness) produced in court. The third bill was not in the bank at the time. In consequence of the statement made by accused, and from other information, these charges were laid, as shown in the infor mations of May 31st, June lst, and June Cth respectively. Witness made independent inquiry aboub the bills, and a number of them witness believed were genuine. John Watson, a member of the firm of Harrison and Attwood, carrying on busi ness at 251, George-street, as general mer chants, deposed that Mr Rae and himself were the only two members of the firm. Witness denied that the signature of Harri son and Attwood was like the firm's signa ture ; neither did it bear any similarity. Witness knew accused, and had occasionally had dealings with him, but always bought for cash. Never had bill transactions with him. Accused came to witness's office on the evening of the 30th May, at 5 p.m., and said, "I suppose you know what 1 have come about?" Witness replied, "lean guess; I suppose you have come about those promissory notes to wliich you have forged our signature, and wliich are

at the Bank of New South Wales." Ac cused replied, " Yes; because I was a fool." He also said, " Because I was in a desperate state and desperate diseases re quire desperate remedies." He asked, as witness had known him for some time, that witness would take no steps for his arrest. Witness said, if the bank did not take action on the following morning, he would. Accused said he would be dead before they could catch him, and left bhe office.

BOAT ACCIDENT AT TOLOGA BAY.

Constable Stagpool and a

Maori Saved.

By the arrival of the steamer Australia we have been placed in possession of additional particulars concerning the sad boat acci dent which was reported by telegraph and appeared in our issue of yesterday. The Australia, on arrival off Tologa Bay, dropped anchor as usual, and a few minutes later a boat put off from the shore and took away Mrs Kirk and three children, one of them being an infant about a week old. Mrs Kirk was the wife of a bootmaker at Tologa Bay. The boat was in charge of Harry Glover, who was assisted by three Maoris, and as she was rowed towards the shore her progress was carefully watched by Captain Crawshaw and others on the steamer. The weather was not very rough, but there was a heavy sea breaking on the bar, and as the boat was at the en trance of the river she suddenly capsized, and threw her occupants into the water. Captain Crawshaw had a boat lowered promptly, and she was manned by the chief officer and four of the steamer's crew. They pulled in the direction of the spot where the accident occurred, but as darkness had set in they had no clue as to the whereabouts of the capsized party other than their cries for assistance. With some difficulty the steamer's boat got along side of them and succeeded in rescuing two men, who proved to be Constable Stagpool and a native named Harry. Both were very much exhausted, and on arrival on board the steamer they were given the usual restoratives, wliich had the desired effect. Constable Stagpool and the native were landed at Hick's Bay, but before he left the following particulars of the mishap were learned : —When the boat. containing Mrs^Kirk and children was capsized, a boat containing Constable Stagpool and two natives put oft' from tho shore to their as sistance. They reached the capsized boat without delay, and found several persons clinging to her, but owing to the smallness of their own craft they were only able to pick up one of the party, Harry, the native, who appeared to be very, ex hausted. Constable Stagpool did not see Mrs Kirk, but saw one of the natives endeavouring to save her eldest child, a girl about niue years of age. Constable Stagpool decided to land Harry and then return for the othere,'and com menced to row for the shore. ' Another native pleaded to be' taken off the submerged boat at once, as his strength was fast failing, and Constable Stag pool proceeded to put back, when his boat also capsized, and her occupants were placed in great danger. Stagpool and Harry gob hold of the boat and clung to her until they were picked up by the Australia's boat. The latter made diligent search for others who had been in the capsized boats, but without success, and then returned to the steamer, which resumed her voyage.

SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

Woodville, this day. Tiie train to Woodville last night ran into a bullock, lying on the line near Mataman, and the engine was derailed. The passen gers were compelled to stay in the train all night, as the place where this accident took place is a long way from any settle ment.

THAMES NEWS.

(by telegraph—own 'correspondent.)

Thames, this day. The sitting of the Revision Court yesterday was of considerable importance to bona Jid c ratepayers in Kauaeranga riding, as ob jections were made on their behalf by Mr Albert Bruce against the names of about thirty persons being allowed on the elec toral roll by virtue of early tenancy of allotments on Block' 27 at three shillings each. The R.M. decided that the names must be retained on the roll.

Mr Thos. Kendall left for Charters Towers yesterday, via Sydney.

We hear that the Remuera School Com mittee and the Road Board of the district are making an effort to raise a fund for fire works, etc., to amuse the Mount Hobson Schoolchildren on the evening of Jubilee Day. Subscriptions will be gladly received by Mr F. Larkins (McArthur and Co.), Queen-street.

From the number,of ladies to be seen going all day long into Milne and Choyce's, a stranger would hardly believe that we had bad times in Auckland. It speaks volumes for the cheapness of their cash sale.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

The following beams have been selected bo take part in a practice football match next Saturday, in view of the approaching match with Taranaki.—Probables: J. Braund, Snow, Brown, Madigan, A. Braund* W. Wynyard, Murray, Arneil (captain)' Murphy, Marshall, Lecky, Spencer, Lind say, H. Poland, Otway. Possibles : Lusk, White, Masefield, Stephenson, Pritchard, McKeown, Wooller,W. Meldrum, Twiname, Jordan, Crowe (captain), Stone, S. Stewart, Keefe, P. Gould; emergencies, Mays, Dixon, Muir, Johnstone. The Probables playin Auckland Representatives' colours. Ib may be added that the team is still subject to revision, and one change which may be expected is the inclusion of Wooller's name amongst the representa tives.

The Albert Football Club are determined not to succumb to their reverses, and they will continue their matches till bhe close of bhe season.

The Auckland Football Association de cided last night to admit junior clubs to membership, and to offer a trophy for competition by the junior clubs. Authority was given to the officers of the Association to arrange for a senior match during the Jubilee holidays, to be played on a date that would not interfere with the Taranaki match, and the selection committee will meet on Wednesday evening to choose a team.

Handicaps for the five-mile road race for amateurs, from Onehunga to Parnell, on Jubilee Day, have been declared as follows : —J. A. Stewart, scratch; M. Keefe, ; J. Lecky, limin; A, F. Burton, l|min; J. Otway, 2£min ; A. Stewart, 3min; J. Shiels, 3imin; J. Baxter, 3£min; E. W. Burton, 4min ; W. George, 4Jmin ; A. Buchanan, 4Jmin ; Mc- Guire, 4|-min ; H. Owen, 4Jmin ; H. Poul sen,4Jmin ; Crawley, s£min ; J. IT. Walker, simm; Rainger, Oimin; Moyle, 7^min. Messrs Cotter and Robinson were the handi cappers. In view of the approaching interprovincial football matches it would be well for the local Association to adopt and adhere to an admirable resolution which has been brought into force in Wellington, and which has exercised a good effect in a direction in which a change was desirable. Any player who accepts pay ment for his services as a player is dis qualified from competing in future Associa tion or interprovincial matches. The effect of the rule is to put a stop to anything ap proaching professional football-playing, and the resolution does not require to be retro spective in its effect.

FIJI NEWS.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Suva, June 8. The annual Council of High Chiefs was closed by the Governor on May 20th. The business of the session was interesting, but not specially important. Disastrous Floods. A phenomenal fall of rain did considerable damage in Levuka on the night of May 24th. The bridges were swept away, and much loss occasioned to public and private pro perty. Hospital Closed. The public hospital in Levuka has been closed by the order of the Government. The people are very wroth about it, and have appointed a deputation to interview the Governor. A Decaying Colony. The Rev. W. Floyd,the Anglican clergy man in Levuka, has signified his intention of resigning his charge and quitting the colony. He has been at Levuka 14 years, and leaves in consequence of the decadence of the town and colony. A Jubilee memorial. The Fijian Chiefs have resolved to build a native market-place in Suva to be called the Victoria Market, and bo place therein a monument to the memory of Cakobau and tlio other chiefs now passed away, who ceded the islands to Great Britain, as a memorial of the Queen's Jubilee. The warden and the chief clerk to the Colonial Secretary canvassed Suva for sub scriptions to the Imperial Institute funds, and did not raise L2O. The Sugar Crop. The cane on the New Zealand Sugar Company's Rarawai estate on the Ba River is looking splendidly, and crushing com mences this month. There has been fine weather, and a grand yield is anticipated. The Conference on Samoan Affairs. Sir John Bates Thurston, who has been knighted for his achievements in Fiji, goes up in the Arawata to Auckland. He is en route to Washingion to take part in the Samoan Conference. Thence he goes to London. A Big Land Claim. Two purchasers, Messrs Copeland and Henry, claim the land on which stand the Government labour dep6t, the hospital, tha gaol, and the lunatic asylum. The s.s. Arawata was quarantined from Sunday till Monday. Walhallis's circus is doing immense busi ness, and is playing to craramed houses. The Crisis in Tonga. The s.s. Southern Cross is in from Tonga to-day. Things are in a very unsatisfac tory state. No announcement of religious freedom has been made. Thirty Wesleyant chu'rehes were re-opened on the Sunday after the Diamond left, but a law was sub sequently passed which had the efi'ect of closing halt. The police espionage system has recommenced. Messrs Ruge & Co., tho German traders, have closed their establish ment. ; ;,; ft -■ .

Mr Firth's new roller mill is expected to be ready for work iv September.

Captain Edwin advises as follows :—Bad ■weather approaching between north and west and south west. Glass further fall but rising after 12 hours from now. Indications more rain. , '

, Attention is called to the* sale of hand some overmantels and girondoles which ia to be held by B. Tonks and Co. to-morrow at 11 o'clock. Many of these overmantels are entirely new designs, and are very at tractive in their painted'- panels and fret work.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, ■&©., To-nigit,

Abbott's Opera House-Royal Opera Comnanv in "lolanthe,"B. Opposite City Market, Queen-street-' Thauma. 2 to o and 7 to 10 p.m. Agricultural Hall-Royal Jubilee Burlesque and Pantomime Company, 8 V.M.C.A. Room&-Rev. J. S. Hill on " Tha Advantages of Free Trade," 7.30. Choral Hall—Handel's Oratorio " Samson," S i reemason s Hall-Union Lodge of Mark Master Masons, E.C., 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

June 15-Messrs H. M. Jervis and T. B. Ken. derdine. *~ v

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie-Produce, etc. 12 ' 7 D. F. Evans—Property, etc., 12' ■ ' * G. Lowis-English and Colonial-niaae Fura, E. Leydon-Housohold Furniture and Kffecta, 11 Paget and Ralston—Furniture, Proau'oe eto ii

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1887.

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