•'n^ph„' v next the (Queen's Birthday) On T"eSS office will be open from oto fio^ffroin7toßp.m. The-Tele -10 a-^hange will be open as usual, phone*- £j ar j. ej 0 f the water police, last Wfirlv arrested a man named H. J. #**ISWanted" by the Wellington ffalker.; jjj^ge of stealing £56 from a policei onjj powsett. Walker and Dowsott H"1IlD?liinw-passengers from England to <- f£intho la. Doric, and Walker money from Dowse tts trunk at a P- house where the two mon had gone jodgfofj talker disappeared from Woll '° and Dowsett gave information to ingt°n' ■ (..description of the abscouder ablished in the " Police Gazette." description Sergeant Clarke J Walker- yesterday. He admitted "i/ft but stated that the c[ay ho stole $c ■ L he proceeded with it to a house fISSg in Fraser's Lane, Wellington, ____ m°sii °^ ib sfcolcn rom llilu ' ll W TZf which was borne out by the %_%_}_» had only £20 on him when __W Walker stated that he had arP*?' jt 0 Napier overland, and has &eu P bytl,es.sl Australia. He Allien a steerage ticket for Sydney per bat Mr T. Henderson, the of the Union Company, on ■ • ff "oAhe circumstances, handed the JEW to the police. jni ratepayers of Mount Eden .district in make it convenient to do so should ' dthe adjourned annual meeting to be <_W evening at eight o'clock, in the *hodist Free Church building, when the deration of the accounts of tho district ggon. into. Withstanding the rise in tho wholesale fi m fresh butter, Messrs.^ Earl and !■ (Very have p'ea' sr,re ,n unnounc -1 Sthey will still continue to sell at I Mls per lh to the great reticenco of those I Jointed rith the circumstances of tho fit outrage at Remuera by larrikins, Sjjicearenot yet in a position to take iedintfs against the offenders. Mr Lson,°however, expects to be in a posi -5| lay the information to-morrow. I (jjoorthas been circulated that tho de -1 (dives have a clue to the perpetrator of Hljobbery at the Clarendon Hotel, but ( ttisiiricorrect. It is true that several tasafo a report reached the ears of the Stfvesthata man who had been con ected:v/ith the circus in a subordinate opacity had been seen "Hashing" Im about; but it was found, on inquiry, tilt this money had come to him honestly, ffid'there was no ground for suspicion that i.y anything, to do with the robbery, liatherincorrect story in connection with the robbery has also been published. With. Deception of Ll7, all the money stolen ns the property of Jones, the acrobat. Yesterday morning a night porter at the ilbertHotelwas aroused by. the ringing of ftedoor-bell. When he opened the door a man named Wood and another presented tkmselyes, and the former demanded a iui As. Mr Montague had specially ordered the porter to refuse the man ad mission, Wood was told ho could not be ac commodated.. He, however, pushed past and declined to leave. The porter then called his master, who reiterated the Older. Wood still refused, and commenced to abase Mr Montague. The bonif ace then stepped into the telephoii9 closet for the Jpose of ringing up the police- station, sndwhile he was so engaged, _ Wood ' agreed to go. He, however,, again be iip.trouhlesome, and Mr Montague, imnpaiiied by the porter, proceeded loriuf up the police, when Wood deftly Wei them in the .telephone closet and jsok himself off. They were not released ,b. oor 'three' hours, and -when they got 3d were'nearly frozen. Mr' Montague is Lfrom a severe cold, the result of l^adveiitee. :-p ~ ■■, y. .

I teparations of an olaborate character If being made for a combination fancy fes "bal in connection with Waito's Social 'Class aid Davison's String Band. ilftfffi take-place in- the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape 'Road, on Monday _ evening next, and'a large attendance is anticipated, as'the tickets are selling rapidly. •

The local1 Committee which is making arrangements:fori?tho Albertland anni- Teikry have "succeeded in getting a boat puion-at Helerisville to connect with tie morning train from Auckland on Saturday week. By these means pas sengers leaving town on Saturday morn ing mil reach Port Albert about four o'clock on the afternoon of the same day, and the return fare by steamer will be only 10s. It ishoped that a'reduction will also be ob tained en the railway fare.

TARANAKI HARBOUR WORKS.

Proposal; to Transfer to de >..;.. Colony.

(H TELEGRAPH.—PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

Mew Plymouth, this day. & McGuire, of Hawera, addressed a krgelyattended- meeting last night, when lie advocated-handing over the government rfSew Plymouth Harbour. He contended fa the colony was in duty bound to take over, owing to Parliament having inflicted on the settlers as well as bond- Mkrs by changingthe tenure of land after wd been pledged for harbour purposes to K&h'creditors. Ho showed that the har ta-was the only place of refuge for **•» on the West Coast seaboard °|MOO miles, and would therefore |p the colony to complete it. He wed that the assets in a fourth of the "irevenuo, with the land at disposal, J™igiyea> profit to the colony on the faction. A committee was appointed "gitate the proposal.

IMPORTANT DECISION.

NtABLE AID CONTKI3UTIONS.

RTELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Wednesday. jk&rart of Agpeal (their Honors Chief 7»|Prendergast, Mr Justice Richmond justice Williams presiding) was j^Pfedp'this moi-ningvin hearing argu- case Auckland Hospital and Aid Board v. Waipa County j. "!-, This was a special case Jm the plaintiffs had sued-, in to preme Courfc at- Auckland the ijgfsKr £238 14s8d, being the amount & fU> 'be due by- them under the-Hos- CW Charitable" Aid Act, ISBS. After the evidence at the above Court, it fevered, by consent, that the ques f mvolved should be stated in a special It' 7 we.Court of Appeal, judgment to W__ p as tllat Court directed, n offleatwas given for the plaintiffs for claimed.

THE UNEMPLOYED AT CHRIST CHURCH

"-.^QEAPH.—OWX CORRESPONDENT.)

■•'•"•■'■' HRISTCiroRCH, this day. j^^red unemployed have been se- S| r '.the Midland Railway, 40 for WeJ". ers Railway, and 40 old men kk^ utt°work in the Domain. It ijjftat tliis will dispose of tho agita-

THE NEW TARIFF.

(Continued from Page 2.)

to free trado, for an industry that after five years' protection could not stand alone did not deserve protection. We should aim at creating trado with the outside world rather than restricting it. We were enormously taxed through the Post-office. The limit of taxation m this.department was four times what it was in England. Bills of exchange, lading, etc., were increased also in propor tion. l

At this stage Mr Buchanan withdrew his amendment.

The Chairman endorsed Mr Milne's views re the Post-office, and held that no country should make a profit out of the Post-office.

( Mr Doonin moved that tho words "tea"and "sugar" should be expunged from the motion. It strtick him that they were all prepared to shed the last drop of their brothers' blood. He unhesitatingly de clared that the tea and sugar imported at present were 25 per copt. worse in quality than the tea and sugar imported in 18S0, simply because the purchasing- power of the working classes had been brought down to its lowest ebb. Gentlemen who advocated such duties represented only themselves, and.not the peoplo at large.

Mr Shera seconded this amendment.

Mr Adam Porter considered that free trade speeches like Mr Milne's could lead to no practical result. What they wanted was to go through the tariff and select those duties which could be supported. In live minutes the Chamber could draw up a better tariff than the combined wisdom of tho Government had been able to produce. This arose from the fact that it was not com posed of business men, but of lawyers, and so forth. He would oppose the resolution be cause it was of a free trade tendency.

Mr A. 801 l sympathised with the desire of the Government to foster and promote local industries. The present depression had re sulted both from past Government extra vagance and the want of a sufficiency of local industries, and it was these draw backs that they should strive to put an end to. Itwas by pursuing a protectionist policy that Victoria had madb herself the work shop of the colonies, and it was by similar methods that New Zealand would be made to prosper.

Mr Donald rose to a point of order. The meeting was not called to consider the question of Protection v. Free Trade.

Mr Wacklel put in a plea for full, fair/and open discussion.

The amendment was then put and nega tived on the voices. A show of hands pro duced only 11 votes for the amendment.

Mr J. Reid thought the resolution would have been better if it had not entered into details. Mr Doonin had indicated objec tions to duties on tea and sugar, and there wore other articles mentioned in the resolu tion about which similar discussion could be raised. Thus bo did not believe cigars could be further taxed without increasing smuggling.

Mr Geo. Fraser opposed the resolution because it discouraged the taxes which were designed to assist local industry. He moved as an amendment, " That this meeting approves, generally speaking, of the tariff as proposed by the Colo nial Treasurer, inasmuch as its ten dency will be to help, promote, and foster our languishing industries, and that the subsidy be continued to the Janec Niceol." Mr Best seconded.

The amendment was netrntived

On Mr Council's suggestion the wovel . Chamber' in the resolution was altered to " meeting." A proposal by Mr A. Porter, seconded by Mr Geo. Fraser, to add " and for trade purposes" after the. words "fiscal neces sities," was not immediately caught by the Chairman, who, in view of the fact that " the shades of night wero falling fast," was doing his best to expedite business. Mr Porter continued to insist, but the Chairman ruled the gentleman out of order on the ground that he had already spoken. Mr Porter : You can't stop discussion, Mr Chairman. If you want to go you can vacate the chair, and we will soon get someone to take your place.

Mr Firth said these were most improper remarks to address to the Chairman.

Mr Porter retorted they were called at three o'clock to discuss, in two hours, a business that had taken months and years to consider. He moved, "That the words ' and manufacturing purposes '. be added to the original resolution, after the words ' fiscal necessities.' " '

jMr Connell said this was simply talking nonsense. Such a resolution -would be unintelligible. The amendment was, however, put and negatived. Mr J. M.' Shera proposed as a further amendment that the concession of six months' grace in respect of wines and spirits should, be extended to all other articles in respect of which increased duties were proposed. (Laughter.) The amendment was seconded by Mr F. Larkins pro forma and negatived by the meeting. • . An amendment by Mr G. W. Owen for the striking out from the resolution of all the words from "and that the present de ficiency " was also seconded pro forma by Mr Larkins and negatived.

The resolution was then put and carried,

Mr Connell proposed,' 'That,in the opinion of this meeting, the proposed increase of tho property tax should on no account be carried into effect; but, if it were found necessary to increase the amount raised by this' tax, -such increase should "bo obtained by reducing, or altogether doing away with, the existing exemptions ; 'by providingthat thelandsand other property of theaboriginalinhabitantsofthecolonyshould be subject to property and other taxes in the same manner as the property of Europeans." He wished to bear his own personal testi mony to the very serious injury the property tax was doing to the colony of New Zea land. The taxation under this head, ton-ether with reckless public and private borrowing, was creating a feeling of in security- at home, which had led to the withdrawal of largo amounts of money now invested in the colony, and he knew that further withdrawals were contemplated. [Mr Waddel : And a good job too.] The opinion that such a thing was a good job proceeded from ignorance of its real significance. Mr Connell proceeded to in veigh against the .unfairness of exempting •native lands from taxation. It would be a righteous thing to tax them. A voice : A most unrighteous thing. Mr Connell also contended that the' LSOO exemption in the incidence of the property tax should be abolished, and he showed that by sweeping this exemption away an increased revenue of L 47,000 would be pro duced. ____~ Mr Waddel reiterated his statement that it would be a good job if the money sent out for investment by moneylenders were withdrawn. These gentry, along with those who had recourse to them, could then meander to fresh fields and pastures new, and the colony could well spare them. Mr Shera denounced the suggested taxa tion of native lands as virtual confiscation. He also moved as an amendment, " That this meeting is of opinion that all personal property and improvements should be ex empted from the property tax." , ■; The amendment was seconded profoi-ma and rejected. The latter portion of the, resolution, re ferring to native lands, having been with drawn, the motion was carried.

It was also resolved " That this meeting recommends that the subsidy to the Janet Nieoll be continued;" " That all South Sea Island fresh fruits be exempted from the prouoa-d import duty," and "That copies of

the above resolutions be forwarded to the Auckland members of Parliament and tho members of the Ministry." Tho meeting then dissolved.

The DUTY on Under-proof Spirits.

Mb A. .H. Nathan has received tho following telegram from the Under-Secre tary of Customs relativo to the in creased duty upon under-proof spirits :— " Sir J. Vogel directs me to state, in reply to your telograru on the 12th, that prol vision will be mado in the new Tariff Rill for postponing the collections of duty on under-proof spirits at the liquid gallon unti- Novembernext.—W. Seed."

The Tariff Condemned at Dunedin.

(BY TELEGRAM. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, Wednesday.

A largely-attended meeting of importers and those interested in the tariff question was held in the Chamber of Commerce this afternoon. Tho following resolutions were carried almost unanimously:—" That this meeting disapproves of tlio proposed altera tions in the Customs tariff, which clearly in dicate a policy of protection, and are not consistent with the Treasurer's avowal that they are made for revenue purposes. That this meeting expresses its opinion that tho duties required for revenue purposes should bo levied so as to fall equitably upon all classesof thecommunity, and so as to disturb as littlo as possible tho renewal of the course of trade, while tho proposed tariff is not based on these principles. That in the opinion of this meeting, no' duty should be levied which is calculated absolutely to prohibit importation, and even where it may be deemed policy to combine en couragemont of local industry with the raising of revenues, it is unwiso to impose a higher duty than 15 per cent, advalorcm, or its equivalent." "In the opinion of this meeting the scheme of levying dif ferential'rates upon goods of the same class opens tho door to fraudulent evasions of duty, and should be abolished ; and that a simpler and more uniform systom of classifi cation should be adopted, so as to reduce the labour to all concerned, and render more easy the collection of duty." That ail raw material used for the purposes of manufacturing in the colony should be admitted free.

Our own correspondent telegraphs : - The fruit-growers of Teviot, while agreeing with the tariff generally, are of.opinion that the proposed duty on fresh fruit is insufficient, and ask the Government to reconsider the question of placing fresh fruit on the same basis as pulp. Yesterday's meeting deve loped a strong anti-protection feeling. Mr Fish tried to obtain an adjournment to en able him to show that the public supported the tariff, but the speakers pointed out that as kSu- Julius Vogel took the earliest oppor tunity of informing the House of the resolu tion of a previous meeting which was con vened by telephone, the views of this meet ing, which was convened in the ordinary way and was manifestly representative,' should reach the Houso without delay.

Otago Press Opinions

(BY TELEGRAPH, —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. The ,(Star " cays :—" People may well ask how long this Ministry of dreamy fads is to continue to rule. Happily there is some hope that on' their financial proposals thoy will meet with final extinction. The divi sion on the question of tho number of mem bers was a crucial test which few stood. There is ono thing which this strangest episode of Parliamentary history has plainly demonstrated viz., Sir Robert Stout's utter inability to lead the House." The " Times " says :—" It will be a matter for regret if the Opposition, for tacti cal purposes, put the task of moving a vote of want of confidence into the hands of any one but their recognised leader. There has been too much of this irregular action during the present Parliament, and the result speaks for itself. No doubt there are many members of the quasi- Opposition who do not like voting with Major Atkin son, but some, to show thoir dislike to bis return to power, will be, when called upon, in favour of the Government. Thoy will then have brought promin ently before their constituents the fact that politics are a field where the choice constantly lies between two blunders. We are not now called upon to consider whether Sir John Hall would or would not be a more acceptable leader of the Opposi tion than Major Atkinson, but it is abun dantly proved that there is no other member of the Opposition in the present Houso with anything like the political ability of Major Atkinson or who would command anything like the same confidence in the country."

"Referring to the Representation Bill, the "Times" says :—" While the country is indifferent on the question of percentage, there lias been ample evidence during the last ten' days to show that there is a very strong feeling about the number of mem bers. The Government have conciliated their supporters in the House by ar raiicnno- for an increase. Few of then- misdeeds will tell more heavily against them at tho general election. Woe unto those who having voted ten days ago for a reduction to 71, now vote for an increase to 91 again. It will be a great boon to hear the last of the representation question, but the boon will not be unmixed if peace is to be achieved at the expense of tho addition of twenty members as fixed last week—an addition, moreover, made in defiance of the full consent of public opinion amply expressed."

©piniosa of tlae Protective League

The Protective League approve generally of the'duties on goods manufactured in the colony, but suggest that several articles re quire classification and differential values. The League regard it as impolitic to impose duties on articles that cannot be produced in the colony.

CHEAP EXCURSIONS FOR JUBILEE WEEK.

On Monday last the Mayor telegraphed to the Minister of Public Works the resolution passed recently'at a public njieeting requesting the Government to rim free trains' into Auckland up till noon on Jubileo day. His Worship has received to-day the- following telegraphic reply :—" Wellington, 18th May, 1887. — '•' His Worship the Mayor, Auckland : Sir, — I beg to acknowledge the reoeipt of the resolution of public meeting, and in reply regret that the proposal to run free trains would be impracticable. The Government have, however, arranged for cheap excur sions at lowest rates to be run in-all parts of the colony on the days proclaimed as holi days in celebration .of Her Majesty's Jubilee, i—Edward Richardson."

THE DUNEDIN STABBING CASE

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWX CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. The charge against Phelan, of stabbing, was dismissed, no evidence being brought forward for tho prosecution, ■ _•".-

BOATING DISASTER.

Swpposed Brownins of _ Fisher man.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Oamaru, Wednesday. A man named Thomas Way put out in a fishing boat on Tuesday, and failing to make the harbour at night, has not beon since heard of. It is supposed that the boat has been capsized and the man drowned. One of the oars ha 3 boen picked up on the beach near tho town. The night was squally.

SPORTING NEWS.

Horse-owners and trainers should bear in mind that acceptances and general entries for the Takapuna Jockey Club Winter Meeting close to-morrow night with Mr R. W. Wynyard.

The Plumpton Park Coursing Meeting, which commences on Tuesday next (Queen's Birthday), promises to be unusually suc cessful. Two events are to bo run oil', viz., the All-aged Stakes and Puppies' Stakes, for which thoro is the splendid entry of 57 dogs. The draw takes placo on Monday night. A special train will leave tho Auck land station at 9.50 a.m., returning at 5 p.m.

THE THAMES FLOODS.

(by telegraph- own reporter.)

Wellington, this clay, Mr Cadman has again interviewed tho Minister for Mines relativo •to the damago dono by floods at the Thames. Air Larnach considers that tho main portion of tho list of roads upon which assistance is applied for is absurd, and only tends to injure any portion of tho dis trict which may be really considered as coming within the scope of the flood,and tho damage upon which tlio Government could be legitimately called upon to assist. If the local body consider any of these works really urgent, he will allow a trans fer of votes already granted to Thames County to be made so that theso urgent works may be attended to at once.

DEVONPORT INSTITUTE

An Excellent Jubilee Suggestion

In responso to a circular issued by His Worship the Mayor (Mr M. Niccol), an in fluential meeting was held last night in tho Council Chamber, Devonport Hall, to in augurate a movement for the establishment of a Reading-room and Young People's In stitute for Devonport. Tho Mayor read apologies for absenco from a number of gentlemen interested in tho forma tion of such an institute. Ho added that ho desired to sco tho mental keep pace with tho muscular develop ment, and with a view to further this aim ho would suggest that the now Council Chamber be' supplied with periodicals, general literature, chess and draughts, so as to make it attractive to tho young people. He had no hesitation in saying the Council would grant tho uso of tho building daily for that purpose, as also on certain evenings when not required for Council meetings. Tho object of this meeting was to receive and carry out practical suggestions for tho furtherance of tho object in view. Mr Oliver Mays warmly supported tho Mayor in his ctlbrts to promote the mental welfare of the young people. Tho Rev. Mr Bates, Messrs A. Bongo, E. W. Alison, W. H. Brown, S. Vosper and others promised as sistance towards the attainment of so desirable an object. The following resolu tion was carried : " That it is desirable to establish a Free Public Reading-room and Young People's Institute in Dovonport." A committee was formed to collect subscrip tionsand take other steps to give effect to tho foregoing resolution, also one to prepare rules for the conduct of a debating class, which it is proposed to establish in some convenient premises, Mr W. Mitchell undertaking to act as Hon. Secretary. It wasmovedby Mr Oliver Mays,and seconded by Rev. Mr Bates, " That an effort be mado to raise LIOO as a Jubilee offering from the people of Devonport for the erbction and furnishing of a Young People's Institute and Free Public Reading-room." On the motion being carried, the meeting ad journed to pay a visit to tho gymnasium.

THE EDEN TERRACE MYSTERY.

Mr Robert Badger is slowly recovering from the effects oi the attack upon him last Thursday night. In answer to a question from his wifo, ho stated that ho crossed by way of Exrnouth-sfcreot from Newton to the New North Road. He has not yet, however, explained what happened to him. Ono of the cheques previously referred to as being in his possession at the time of tho seizure has turned up all .right. It'was traced by die detectives to the bank, where it had been duly paid in. From this it would appear that Mr Badger must have paid this parti cular cheque away to some third person, by whom it was forwarded to the bank. During the day Mr Badger was able to state that he get the cheque referred to cashed by a business traveller. He was asked other questions, but his memory has not yet sufficiently recovered to enable him to remember by what means lie lost his pocket-book, or how ho camo to bo in the position in which he was discovered. He has no idea how his hat and umbrella camo to be near the stable. It has not been previously mentioned that the gate leading into the yard where the stable was situated was fastened with a chain, yet Mr Badger's ha-tand umbrella were found within this gate in a place where it was impossible for them to have been thrown from the outside.

Alleged Forgery.

Inveroargill, this day.

At the Police Court to-day James Healy Wilson, alias A. Wyndham, alias C. Thornton, was charged with forgery. He is wanted on- several similar charges at Dunedin and Christ church.' He was arrested by Detective Ede on the evening train for Clinton. He admitted he was the man wanted in these places, and was remanded.

Tho share market is very dull. _ Little or no business is reported in the leading stocks. Speaking generally, prices have a downward tendency. No news of importance is to hand from the mines. Saxons, Cambrias and Trenton are steady at yesterday's quotations. The batteries at tho Thamos start crushing again to-day.

Food fou Consumf-titm. Scorr's Emulsion w Puke Cod Livik Oil with HrrornosrHiTßS of Lime and Soda, is a most wonderful food for tho Consumptive. It not Only gives strength and increa.es the flesh, but heals the irritation of the throat and lungs. It is very palatable : children take it like milk, and in all wasting diseases both for_ adults and children it is a marvellous food and ir* dicine. Largo aad small bottles ot all Chemists, 45 6d and js od.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(BY EELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTB&)

Wellington, this afternoon. The Totaiisator.

Yesterday's sitting of tho Legislative Council was spent in committee upon tho bill introduced by the Hon. Mr McLean, removing tho disability attached to the totaiisator under a recent decision at Dunedin. In the course of the discussion Mr Shrimski endeavoured to get a clause inserted making one-half of tho profits of the totaiisator payable to the Chari table Aid Board for the district, but was defeated. Mr Swanson's motion legalising it for boating or yachting clubs was also lost. Finally, the exempting clause was passed as follows:—" Sec tion 33 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act shall not apply to the U3e of any licensed totaiisator, or to any contract or- agreement in connection therewith, or to any money deposited by way of wager upon any number or horse re presented thereby, or to any money payable or receivable in connection with the use of any such licensed totaiisator." The feeling of the Council with regard to the totaiisator was tested on a motion by the Hon. Mr Menzies declaring the instrument illegal. Only three members voted with him, and 11 in support of the gambling machine. Tiie Financial Wefoate. ItisdoubtfulwhetherthoFinancial Dobato will come on to-morrow, as many members aro going to Dunedin. It is now understood that Major Atkinson will follow theTroasurer on tho Customs Duties Bill and will tack on to his speech some motion condemnatory of the financial proposals. It is now considored pretty certain that tho divi sion will bo a tie, or that tho Go vernment will . pull through on tho second reading by ono to two votes. At the samo time, it is asserted that the'ro is scarcely an item in the tariff that will not be altered in Committee. Careful enquiry into tho feeling of tho Houso on tho Tariff proposals, confirms tho view that tho division will be very closo. The position of tho Govornment has strengthened sinco the tariff came down, and it is said that ono or two doubtful votes have beon socurod by promised amendments of a not very serious character. The Government claim a cer tain majority of three, and the cards of the rival party givo tho Opposition five of a majority, including tho votes of three Go vernment supporters. Duties on Tea. Tho Govornment havo had under con sideration the advisability of levying ad valorem duties on tea according to quality instead of by the present system, but the' rpiostion is a difficult one to deal with. The Colonial Treasurer says that tea comes from countries where exporters would not hesitate to invoice teas at any prices that would suit themselves. He, however, in tends to givo tlio matter fuller considera tion. .Jubilee Kclease of Prisoners. Ministers havo not soon thoir way to accopt tho Honorable Tolo's _advice by recom mending tho Governor to mark tho Jubilee year by a remission of the sentences to somo of the most deserving occupants of tho gaols. Tho matter having been fully considered by tho Cabinet it was decided not to adopt the course suggested. Telegraphic Communication North. Tho Govornmont do not think it feasible to supplement tolegraph communication be tween Wellington and Auckland by con necting a wire between Kawhia and White Cliffs, or by running a light temporary line along the route of the North Island 'JtVunk 'Railway. Thoy propose to stretch an other wire along the poles between Wel lington and Napier, by Manawata Gorge, and an additional lino from Foxton to Woodville. They also propose to tako an other line from Foxton to Woodville, but thia latter will not be done immediately. Mr Barjjaviile in Explanation- Mr Dargavillo thinks ho is entitled to the following explanation of the vote ho gave on tho Representation Bill on Friday night: "If Friday night's division had gone against tho Government and- taken the bill from their control, the bill must inevitably havo been lost for the session, as tho Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, and Canterbury supporters of the Govern ment together with tlio Otago contingent would have blocked it, and these, to gether with tho opponents of tho measure on the Opposition sido, constitute a majority. Instead of being censured by my Auckland friends, those with whom I. have worked hero assert that they have to thank my vote for having tho bill in the forward state in which it now is. I had a difficulty with some members of the Government party, and almost gave up hopo, but the Premier's assurances gave me confidence that he meant to act honour ably, and I voted with him. The result justified my opinion of Sir Robert Stout, who is an honourable man and true to his friends." Expenditure on JMencc and Native Lands. An interesting return has been laid on the table of tho House at the instance of Mr Moss. It shows that during the last twelve months tho expenditure on har bour defences was LI 39,428, and liabilities L 77,524 : total, L21G.952. purchaso of native lands expendi ture, L 88,835; liabilities, L149,7G5 : total, L235,G00. Thermal Springs ex penditure, L 7,813; liabilities, L 3,600: total 11,403. Of the native land in course of purchaso, L 82,993 worth is in Auckland, and LI 44,473 in Wellington province. Criminal Law Amendment Mr Tole's Criminal Law and Procedure Amendment fixes punishment for indecent assault at two years, raises the age of con sent to 16, provides that no sworn evidence of children may be taken that in certain cases whippings may be ordored for offences against women and children. It also contains stringent provisions for suppression of brothels, renders lessor or landlord of such premises liable to a penalty of L2O or three months ; L4O or 6 months for a second offence. In ordinary criminal cases the sworn evidence of a child may be taken for, what the Judge considers it worth, and an accused or his wife may have evidence lor the defence. Eight Wears Bill.' Sir G. Grey expects to carry in his Eight Hours Bill which passed its second reading that barmaids cannot contract for a longer day than tho eight hours. Kunciinan Station. Mr Hamlin interviewed the Minister of Works with the object of having some im provement made at Runciman Station for the accommodation of ladies. However, he ' p-ot no satisfaction from the Minister, and fs now asking that a landing stage be erected at Runciman. .Reduction of Members. | Mr Barron,who is a strong advocate for a reduction of tho House to seventy-one members, or even something less, has ; been actively whipping up with a view to getting the Representation Bill re-committed in order to afford another opportunity for an

expression of opinion on thia question, but he has not met with very great encouragement. The feeling seems to bo that after tho stormy pas sage of the bill through Committee the decision finallyarrivsd at on Tuesday night should be accepted.

THE EARL OF ABERDEEN.

The Earl of Aberdeen arrived this morning at Onehunga from Wellington by tho s,s. Wanaka, and catching tho 10.10 train, his Lordship arrived in Auckland at a quarter to eleven. The Earf looks very woll, and told our representative that he had much enjoyed the trip through the island to Wel lington where an address was presented to him by the Home Rule party in that town. "Upon the platform," says His Lordship, "I was glad to see men of all shades of opinions. Of course the idea of presenting me with the address emanated from the Irish portion of the community, bub I saw enough to con vince me that the majority of the people are in favour of Home Rule for Ireland." On our representation asking the Earl how lie liked Wellington, he replied : " 1 told the gentle men of the Australian papers that I must deny to them my views about the places I visit. I aho promised that 1 would give no colonial paper the preferonce in this matter, so I can only tell you in a general way; I have enjoyed the trip immensely. The weather during the first part of. the voyage up from Wellington was very favourable, but a wind which sprang up suddenly during tho early hours of this morning made the arrival of tho steamer later than had been expected." Speaking of the Hot Lako district, the Earl said he was much grieved at tho weather being so bad, when at Ohinemutu, that tho guides considered it unsafe to visit tho scene of the eruption. The Countess, who has beon staying at Waiwera during tho last few days, will roturn and join Lord Aberdeen at once in Auckland, where they will remain till Mon-; day next.

A Next of Kin Romance.

Dlspnto Over a Mlllicnare's Estate.

The following clipping is taken from the " Evening Bulletin " (San Francisco) of the 1 Ith ult. Many of our readers are doubtless aware that the contest for tho estate of Thomas H. Blythe, the California million aire, who died on April 4, 1883, at San Francisco, has been the subject of litigation ever sinco. In Liverpool and neighbourhood tho caso has been followed with the greatest interest, owing to the fact that the two chief contending parties —Florence Blythe, allegod child of the deceased, and "the Williams Heirs "—have resided the former in Manchester, the latter in Liver pool, Birkenhead, Chester, Crewe, and vicinity. The "Evening Bulletin's" re port is not without inaccuracy. William Williams, solicitor, does not and has never claimed kinship with the deceased. His in terest in the estate is purely professional. Again, Messrs Bradley and Son havo com puted the sum to provide for costs of litiga tion not at )5,000d015, but at £15,000. Lastly, as " to tho extraordinary state ment" referred to at tho end of tho ex tract, Messrs Bradley and Son have photos of the embalmed millionaire taken eighteen months aftor death which show the birth marks on tho face quite plainly. The fol lowing is the report referred to :— Tho " William Heirs," claimants of the Blythe estate, have formulated a statement of their case. It covers thirty-three closely written pages of foolscap, and lithographed copies are in circulation in England. Tho solicitor of these claimants is one of their blood, William Williams, of Liverpool. Ho is a very old practitioner. He ha 3 engaged Bradley and Son, of Liverpool, as financial agents and they are now] en deavouring to raise $15,000 for the purpose of prosecuting their claim. They offer 10 per cent., interest nnd-a bonus of cent, per cent, with return of amount invested in the event of success. William Williams writes that ho has concluded to come to San Francisco to personally press this claim. Tho caso or the " Williams Heirs " is, in brief, that Blythe, whose true name was Thomas Williams, living in pecuniary tiouble, and fearing his creditors would prosecute him for debt, gave a bill of sale of his household furniture for £45 English money, borrowed £40 more of a Miss Rice, of Rose Cottage, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, bought a miner's outiit,paoking the articles in or near William Williams's ollice, and then took passage in the name of Blyth (no final "o") in tho ship Antelope, from Livorpool ; for San Francisco j that a Thomas H. Blythe (with an "c" ) is registered as arriving at San Francisco on August 4th, 1849 (that is the date at the Pionoers-Reporter); place of birth. Livorpool, that William Williams received one letter from deceased, wherein he asked that letters sent to him should be addressed Blythe and not Williams; but that William Williams did not comply becausehe could not appreciate tho retention of an assumed name out of harm's reach ; that the letter above-mentioned, with copies of others addresed to the deceased as Williams, and some original that came back through the Dead Letter Office, and other private letters and papers of William Williams, were all by the latter destoyed in 18G6, the attorney believing himself thon "on the verge of the grave;" that in August, 1883, the deceased was in England, and then made a deed of certain property for the benefit of l»g sister (August 22nd); that on August 24th, 1563, he wroto a letter giving " John Monroe and Co., 5, Rue de la Paix, Paris," as his address for the next four weeks. This was marked "to be kept private," and signed Thomas Williams ; anothsr letter is produced, dated five days earlier, from " Exeter Hall Hotel," signed Thomas H. Williams ; then in a letter bear ing the Livorpool postmark August 20th, 18/0, deceased informed his brother, John Savage Williams, that he would return to England again in two years ; that ho again wrote his said brother a letter dated "Chicago, Illinois, lst Sept., 1870," in which he says " Just reached Chicago, after ten days' sail and thirty-seven hours' rail;" that he again visited England in 1872, and on August 22nd called on William Williams in his office in Liverpool, and again on September 3rd and 4th ; that he then filled up with his own hand tho blanks in a draft memorandum, as "Thomas Williams, formerly of Birken head, and late of the city of New York ; " that on the last given date he bought an annuity bond of the Royal Insurance Company of £18 for his sister, in considera tion of her surrendering all ncr interest under the above-mentioned deed of August 22nd, 18G3, and that he called for the last timo on William Williams on September sth, 1872. • •

The statement contains the extraordinary declaration that the body of deceased, at the persistent instance of William Williams, was exhumed, and found to show certain birth-marks which were visible then at a distance of twelve or fourteen feet from the body. It is said that h. 1549 these marks were so strongly marked that deceased sought to havo ono Bickerton, a medical student, make an effort to remove them, so that he might better avoid his creditors ; that Bickerton's y_fusal threw the marked man into great mental distress, Philip Roach, administrator of the estate of Blythe, states that this is the first he has hear*} of any disinterment of the body for the purpose of look.iag- for marks,

How K> Get Well—Which is answered Bitters? 6 words ~TaH American Co.'a Hop

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night.

Abhotffs Opera House—Lynch Family of Bell ringers, 8. . . Agricultural Hall-London Circus Company, 8. V.M.C.A. Booms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist Sunday school—Entertainment, 7.30. '. Evening Prayer will be hold at various Churches on account of Ascension Day, 7.30. Drill-shed—Newtomßifles, 7.50. Auckland Tabernacle — Pastor Spurgeon will prci.cn ut 7*oU. <

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

MftcMilui _? eSSrS W' . McCull°ugli and C. C.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Arthur and Buddie-Weekly Poultry and Pro duce Sale, 11. * Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards - Horses, etc., 12. ■-; * W. J, Dowden-Weekly Produce Sale, 10.45. E. Leydon-Produce, Furniture, etc., 11. S. Cochrane and Son—Furniture, etc., 11. Hojpketh, Aitken, and Co.—Poultry, Produce . Fruit, ett- 11. "«w f B ma\ onks al- Q, 0-—Eruit and Merchandise, 11: Takapuna t _o.j Club's Privileges, 12. Paget and Ralt^ Furniture, etc., 11 A. Buckland, HayL-sxket-Colt and Fillies, 12, Vailo and Douglas—t-copcrty, 2.

THUi AUOKLA^JJ EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, MAS 19, 188?.

5



isjj—feezing Company's "Shell" W^; grantee of care, cleanliness. U- '.''," '■''": _■ ■■



SEVENTY-THIRD REPOR3? Of the Directors of the BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES TO THK HALF-YEARLY GENERAL MEETING OF THE PROPRIETORS, Held at the Chief Banking House, j On Friday, the 29th day of April, 1887. The Directors have the pleasure to submit to the Proprietors a Statement of the Assets and Liabilities of tho Bank on the 31st March last, with tho Auditors' Report and Declaration. The net profits for the half-year, after deducting- Rebate on Cur rent Bills, Interost on Deposits, providing for Bad and Doubtful Debts, and Reducing "Value of Bank Premises, amount to ~£113,003 15 it To which ii to be added— Undivided Balance from last year 8,150 12 8 Giving for distribution .. _ £122,051 8 0 Which the Directors' recom mend to be appropriated as follows:— To payment of Divi dend at the rate Of 15 per cent, per annum .. .. £89,571 0 0 , „ Bonus at the rate of 2£ per cent, per annum .. .. 14,92810 0 . „ Dividend & Bonus from 10th Decem ber & 10th March - respectively, at tho above rates, on New Stock, paid up .. .. J,dso 15 fc „ Augmentation of the Reserve Fund 10,000 0 0 „ Balance carried to " Profit and Loss," new account .. 6 074 2 6 £122,051 8 0 With the above appropriation and the pre miums on New Stocfc paid-up, the Reserve Fund will amount to £872,835. AS?S£ G;^BALANCE SHEET OF THE _A__ OJF NEVV SOUTH WALES, MARCH (Including London Branch to December 31.1886, and .Now Zealand Branches to March 7, 1887,) Dr- £' B d To Bank Stock- Old Stock ..£1.000,000 0 0 „Bank Stock-- New Stock | paid up.. ~ 240,960 0 0 ■n™^ tx ~~— 3,240,9(50 0 0 „ Reserve Fund 562,835 0 0 "r_y U n clJ"?«lation .. ~ C3t,109 0 0 „ liiUs Payable . j 331. 289 13 n "po^llß ?? d other Liabilities '..14,325. 77 19 9 „iiontandLo3s .. ~ „. 143.500 17 3 ~ £18,537,132 10 11 • & s d. B? Coin and Cash Balances .. 2,990.(138 18 8 ~ .million 68 891 3 9 " Government Securities .! 27*550 0 0 *' -o0t? s-5 f othev Banks .. .. 6.219 0 0 " p'mJ£?rcm-iseL-- -r, •• ■• 467,161 2 4 „ .Bills Receivable, Bills Dis counted, and other Debts due to the Bank .. ..1-1,975,310 8 6 „ insurance Account .. -.. 1,328 17' 8 £18,537,132 10 11 PROFIT AND LOSS, MARCH. 31, 18S7. ISS7. " & e_. Mar. 31. To Rebate (at current ' rates) on Bills Dis counted not due at this date .. .. ■ 21,716 9 3 „ Dividend at the rate of 15 per cent per annum .... .. 90,842 6 6 „ Bonus at the rate of _ per cent, per annum .. 15137 19 0 „ Augmentation of the Reserve Fund .. 10.000 0 0 „ Balance carried to • "Profit and Loss," new account } _. ;.. 6,074 2 6 £143,800 17 3 Ck. """ 3886. Sept. 30. By Amount from last * *' * '■_, . Account .. .. 815012 8 Mar. 31,1887. By Balance of Half- * year's Profits, after providing for Bad and Doubtful Debts, and including ' re coveries from Debts previously written off as bad ... ~ 135,050 4 7 £113,800 17 3 RESERVE FUND, MARCH 31, 1887. Dr. 3887, £ s d Mar. 31, To Balance >' .'«. 872,835 o" 0 £872,835 0 0 Cr. ~~~ ' 1886. £ s d Sept. 30. By Balance .. .. 740,800 0 6 Mar. 31, 1887. By Premiums on New Stock paid up 122,035 0 0 »» » By Amount from Pro- ■ fit and Loss „ 10,000 0 0 £572,835 0 0 Audited 2Sth April, 1887. " GEORGE M. MERIVALE,) » _.-, J. 8. HARRISON, ' [Auditors. AUDITORS'REPORT. We havo examined the annexed Balance Sheet, made up to the 31st March, 1887, and re port that we find tho several items therein stated to conform to the Balances in the Gene ral Ledger, and the Balance Bheets of the re spective Branches and Agencies of the Bank collectively. Wo have counted the Cash Balance, and ex amined the Bills and other Securities held by £, 1 BA nk _* ,tlle Head offico in Sydney, on the 31st March last, and hereby certify that we have found them correct. The Cash, Bills, and other Securities held at tho Branches and Agencies in New South Wales. Victoria, and South Australia, on tho 31st March, in Ncty Zealand and Western Australia on the 7th March, and in Queensland on the customary dates, have been certified to as being correct by tho usual documents. GEORGE M. MERIVALE,) A ■_~ J. S. HARRISON, j Auditors. Bank of. New South Wales, 28th April, 18S7. DECLARATION. cifWf'Ti Geo- rge Merivale and James Start Harrison, of bydney, in tho Colony of New South Wales. Esqrs.. being duly elected Audi tors of the Accounts of the Corporation oftlie Hank of Now South Wales, do hereby solemnly and sincerely declare that the foregoing Report and Statement of Accounts are, to the best of our several and respective knowledge and belief a just, true, and faithful Report and Statement Of the-Accpunts and Affairs of the said Corpora tion, and that this declaration is made by us after diligent and careful examination into the state of such Accounts and Aflairs, a3 far as the same have como within our cognisance: and we do severally and respectively make this declara tion, conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of an Act of the Governor and Legislative Council ofthe Colony of New South Wales passed in the fourteenth year of Her present Majesty, Queen Victoria, intituled An Act to Incorporate the Proprietors of a certain Banking Company, called tho Bank of New South YValoa, and for other .purposes therein mentioned. '• iv":"•", GEORGE M. MERIVALE. . J.S.HARRISON. Declared before mo, this 2Sth day of April 3 887 ~.■_-,. John S. Jamiesoi. j! P. "