RANDOM SHOTS.

[BY ZAMIEL.]

"omo write, a neighbour's name to lash. Borne writo-vain'thought-for necdfi'.. cash, Pome write to please the country clash, And raiso a din.

For mo an aim I never fash— I write for fun

The sicredness of human life is a thorne upon which some poople, who pride them selves upon being humane, feel vory Btrongly; bnt in this utilitarian age the number of thoso who recognise any particu lar "saerednoss " attaching to men's exist ence—or to anything whatever, for that matter-is constantly decreasing. Three recent deaths in this immediate neighbour hood aro particularly fitted to make the sceptic ask with a triumphant sneer whethor a speedy "removal" from this mundane sphere is* not a more sacred duty than a moro clinging to a miserable existence. Thore was first of all n polished gentlemanly loafer, vegetating on falso pretences and loading a lifo of He 3 ; next, a young loafer of criminal tendencies, harbouring with the worst characters, and giving promise of a career absolutely useless whero it was not actively mischievous ; and thirdly, there was a married woman, a Blave to drink, and apparently .eading a wretched life. In each case a dose of rat poison or some other deadly stuff cut short the earthly lifo of the individual-the only difference being that whereas the men took the potion intentionally, the woman was supposed to havo taken it by accident, I have no wish to appear harsh in my judgment of these unfortunate p=op!e, nor would I willingly wound the feelings of their friends, but it seems to mo that in the case of the throo persons referred to, Socioty was a distinct gainer by tho chemical action that "translated ' •them to another sphere of existence. My readers know that I am in principle sternly opposed to suicide, and there fore 1 do not mean to defend the action of any one, however miserable, who vio lently snaps the throad of life. The State has a claim on tho life of every in dividual, and in cases of necessity the in dividual has the right to demand the means of subsistence fioin the State But while no man haa power to take his own lifo or that of others, the Stato has the absolute richt to demand tho life of any ono whose existence is inimical to the general welfare, or to claim thousands oi lives which may have to be sacrificed in tho defence of com mon liber'ies. For certain crimes most communities declare the lifo of the crimi nal forfeited, and it might bo asked—Why not extend this right so as to include the in curably diseased or insane, the irreclaim ably immoral, or the hopelessly miserable and worthless ?

"Ia Lifo Worth Saving?" ia the very suggestive titlo of a tractate lately issued by a Dr. C. L Dana, in which the questions I have raised are treated from a medical point of view. Towards the close of his paper Dr. Dana says :-" I ife saving, as at present carried on, makes no discrimina tions. It is reducing mortality and acute sickness enormously; but along with it, and in part because of it, there appears to bB a disproportionate increase in certain defective, degenerative, criminal, and invalid classes, and in certain forms of disease of a local and especially of a nervous character. And theso defective classeß are propagating and multiplying. Tho ques tion comes back to us, then, as to whether we are now u-ing entirely wise methods in carryiDg Into practical effect our sinitary and humane impulses. Viewed from a purely material nod utilitarian point of viaw, U may bo questioned whethor it would not be better to we more discretion in providing for the organically criminal, the defective, the incurable, and for their unpromising off spring. The idea of eliminating the incur ably insane or hopelessly imDocile by a car bonic acid bath i» at, first shocking and_ re pugnant. But in time the shock might wear away if the ba-h waro administered on a practical utilitarian basis ; and there miuht come an application of business prin ciples to the case of all the permanently de pendent classes."

lam free to confess that the idea does not " shock "me in the least degree. It is simply on extension of the principles upon which society acts, and is based upon the great natural law of the " survival of the fittest." But the practical application of the idea is beset with hopeless difficulties, while tbe growing antipathy to capital punishment in any shape renders it ex tremely improbable that any attempt will bs mado to carry tho idea into practice. But there is no reason why a modified system of checking the increase of the physically ' and morally diseased should not be introduced, euch aa was eketched in a Star leading article some months ago. No person of criminal ten dencies or constitutionally diseased should be allowed to propagate their kind, and thus, while Bcience and skill and humanity do their best to prolong life, they will also perform good service in preventing deteriora tion. Tbe great danger of giving the State power to "remove" the physically and morally " unfit" will be seen if the right ia pushed to its ultimate limit. It would then be found that the State had perfect povier to remove members of tho body corporate who were deemed superfluous for any reason whatever, and in times of de pression the " unemployed" might be drowned off like co many surplus kittens !

To reßume consideration of tho question "Is Life Worth Saving 2" it has frequently struck me as very irrational for people to make tremendous exertions to save some suicidal lunatic from self-destruction, or to restore to vigour Borne brutal murderer who has made a bungling attempt to cut his own throat. Or, take that case at Napier the other day, in which a man in delirium tremens was allowed to beat out his brains against the walls of a cell-was that not a much more fitting sequel to his drinking bout than if he had been carefnlly nursed to recovery, only to go off on another spree, and, per haps murde several people in hia drunken frenzy' No doubt, such people are better out of the way on moral and economic grounds; but still it is easy to show the absurdity of the suggestion that they should be allowed to commit self-destruction. If such were our ethics, we should furnish our luna tic asylumns and gaols with a select assort ment of daggers, razors, cupe of cold poison, and well-greased ropes depending from stout beams, to facilitate the " sending off of the cranks-" anywhere, anywhere out of the world 1" On the whole, I incline to think that Dr. Dana has not suggested the proper solution of- this diffi cult problem, and we must, I fear, keep-on blundering and experimenting on the old lines, even though the plain out come be physical and moral degeneracy, in volving the decline of our civilisation, and a reversion to the Spartan ethics of pure barbarism.

People talk of dull times, and yet I hear that last week a single water-melon was sold in Auckland for 10s. Ten shillings I Why, it is ten times more than tho whole income that many families in Auckland have been drawing for months ! But a more pertinent example of the absence of bard times came under my notice at a sale in Messrs Cochrane's roous some ten days ago. The fancy goods of Madame Teutenberg were being sold hy auction, and there were crowds of well-dressed ladies preeent—many of them evidently the wives of working men, who were eagerly bidding prices sometimes in excess of the retail value of tbe goods. Not to speak of the waste *>i time involved in attending tbe sale, these good ladies were squandering a va»t>mount of money on fal-de-rals which they did not require, and which they could have bought on better terms in the shop. If times are hard_, such evidences of rude plenty are very misleading.

No doubt colonial society is crystallising more and moTe into classes, and " caste " will soon be as firmly established in oar midst as it is in India. There are the affluent classes, the well-to-do classes, and the poorer classes already in our midst, and I suppose it is only the last-named who really feel the "depression." A curious proof of the tendency to differentiate was observable at a recent picnic at the Tamaki. On the list of sports there was set down a "Married Women's Race" and a "Married Ladies' Race." I suppose the married " ladieß" were the wives of the foremen and heads of

departments, whilo the married " women " wero the wives of the common workers. If not co, what waa meant by the distinction ?

Rev. Mr Dowie, the Faith Healer, so called, is still running amuck among the New Zealaud newspapers, and at Welling ton he has even had the temerity to attack tho Govornment. The Wellington news papers, ho eaid (though ho might with pro priety havo included the Government), " wero run in the interests of Freethinkers and Roman Catholics.'; I suppose the plain fact of tho matter is that Mr Dowio has proved a dismal failure in New Zea land, and he appears determined to vent bis spleen upon tho press and other "estates" of the realm. No doubt, faith is a mighty factor in the healing of disease, but Mr Dowie's conduct and language are not at all calculated to inspire people with faith in his healing powers.

At Nelson, Mr Dowie fairly excelled him self in his tasteful and high-toned allusions to the press. He eaid that the editors thoro were " too lazy to write, and only served up a sort of hash from day to day," and he play fully threatened to set up an opposition rag and " knock them both out of timo I" Such is the elegant slang in which the speaker's remarks are reported in tho local papors ! Pleasantly alluding to tho presence of "literary liars'' in the room, Mr "Dowie said the " Evening Wail" (tho " Evening Mail ) had decided ■to ignore him. This wai a truly awful thing but he thanked God ho had survived it " A Mr Colin Campbell remarked that Mr Dowie was not being ignored that night—the reporters werepresent. "Tbankyou," said Mr Dowie. "I do not know them by sight, but I can generally tell their faces by tho look they have of pale brandy. I never know a reportor who did not stink ot brandy or tobacco or boer, or some such beastly stuff." Ho then referred to tho " Colonist." God Almighty, ho said, would punish it for its abominable lying, and if ho was not a real Christian ho would smash it by serving it with a writ for libel — £2,000 damages. After Mr Dowie had finished the " Mail " reporter left the room, and when departing ho heard tho lecturer thundering out, " Oh, yo generation of vipers!"

I wns originally impressed very strongly in favour of Mr Dowie's proteneions and method of healing, but his language has effected considerable change in my opinions. His re marks about brandy, boer and tobacco aro wilful Blunders, based on stupid ignorance, if applied to New Zealand pressmen ; and if they are true of the reporters whom he haa consorted with, I fear ho is addicted to keeping company as " low " ns hia language is. Here is what Rev. Dr. Talmage says of Dowepaper reporters :—" Talk about our reporters not being truthful and honest. They are, as a rulo, more truthful than those who say they are not, I personally know a great many reporters on tho papers in New York City, and they ate all gentle men. I have never been misrepresented during all the years I have been acquainted with newspaper men. I have never had a reporter break faith with me. Tbat there are mistakes in newspapers I am . illing to admit, but I am not willing to admit that thoy aro made purposely." After that the clumsy columoies may be allowed to pass.

That was a comical illustration of the bene ficial working of quarantine laws that was afforded at Fiji the other day. The steamer Arawata, from Auckland, was detained several days, and a loas of £500 caused to shippers of goods, &c, becauso there hap pened to have boon a few cases of scarlet fever in thia city when she left. This, too. in spite of the fact that sbe had a clean bill of health from Auckland, and that one of the Fiji Government medical officers was a pas senger on board, and could have testified to the perfect freedom of all on board from in fection. At tho same time several vessels landed cargoes of conspirators fresh from the kingdom of Tonga, without any question or obstacle being raised. The Govornment of Fiji will yet rue the inadquaey of the regulations, which do not provide for quar antine against religious conspiracy such as that which nearly deprived Tonga of her white king.

I have read somowhore a suggestion that the poop'e of Auckland should subscribe io raise a Btatue to Sir George Grey. The idea is an excel lent one, and I hope it will not be allowed to remain long in the ideal stage In front of the Free Public Library in Wellesley street there is a splendid site for a statue, which could easily be erected by the admirers of Sir George, and which wouldservetoremindthe "unborn millions" of the noble aspirations and generous deeds of New Zealand's first and greatest of mon. Let the affair bo properly organised and subscriptions invited from a shilling up wards, and I make bold to predict that very soon there would be sufficient funds raised to rear an enduring monument of one who deserves to be held in perpetual and affectionate remembrance by tbe people of Auckland.

A Tale of a Tunnel.

One day when travelling from Sydney to Melbourne, I enjoyed a pleasant joke, per petrated by a wag of a fellow who waa in the same compartment. This young man appeared to be a commercial traveller, from the confident, sell-you-anything-you-like manner he had. His faco was sallow, and as grave as a priest's, but the twinkling light in his fine brown eyes showed the la tent fun that was in him. Our companions were a young couple, apparently newly married, and a stolid-looking farmer. The young man looked calmly about him for a minute or two, and then asked the young husband: —

" Ever been on this line before ?" " No I" he answered, with a smile. "Two awfully long tunnels I" solemnly eaid the stranger. " Where t" asked the hußband, eagerly. " Oh, here is one," replied the stranger, as we entered the Zigzag tunnel. During our passage through the dark we heard a faint " Oh, John I" and a slight odourofspititapervadedthe'carriage. When we emerged into the light the young couple sat looking as innocent as two doves, and the old fellow opposite leaned back in hia seat as if pleased with all the world. The stranger looked significantly at me, aB much asio say, "Now we'll have fun!" and then turning to the bridegroom eaid : " That ia nothing to the one we will pass through in a little'" For a moment or two all was silence, and then, as we approached a short bridge, the stranger said : "Here we are again!' and Uid mm:-olf back ou the seat, with tho air of v man about to sleep. In a 86cond wo woro out in the light, and what a Ec^ne the carriage presented ? The old farmer had a flask half raised to his lips, while the bride, blushing like a peony, did her best to look composed. Slowly and sadly the old fellow took his drink, glaring at the stranger tho while, and the bride groom looked as though ho could have eaten somebody. The young man lay back seemingly un conscious of tho scene; but the dancing light in his eyes showed the mirth he was suppressing. 1 laughed consumedly, and ran great risk of being murdered; but I could not help it, and I never pass through a tunnel without remembering the tunnel joko.

The New Zealand Fernery at Sandringham.

Our London correspondent writes : — "I learn that the splendid collection of New Zealand ferns, etc., exhibited at the "Colinde?," will not, after all, go to Kew, but to Saudringham It scorns the Princess of Wa!es greatly admired the New Zealand conservatory during one of the Royal visits to tho big Bhow and this being remembered, Sir F. D. Bell thought it would bo a graceful act to present the remainder available to H.R.H. The offer was duly made, and it is understood has been graciously accepted.

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES.

April 11 and 12 —Auckland Racing Clubs Autumn Meeting. April 11 and 12 — Canterbury Jockey Clab's

Autumn Meeting. April 16.-Takapuni Jockoy Club Autumn Meeting. April 23-Helcnsvlllo Turf Club Mooting

Dates of Australian Races. April 2—Hawkesbnry Autumn Handicap, April 11.- Sydney Gold Cup.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

H.J A.—Pearl won the Napier Handicap, \_ mile, in 1885 and 1888. In the latter year sho carried 83t, the timo being 3min. (J l-sih sees.

Bargo.—Macaroni carried list 2;b when ho won tho Antumn Steoplcchase. and la-tjcir Guy Fawkes had _t 71b. J. ltae has riddon tho winnor twice, viz , in 1883 and 1881.

NIAGARA, THE CRACK TWO YEAR OLD.

[By Hippona.]

Perhaps the most important turf item cf the week has been the shipment of the two year-old colt Niagara to Melbourno. The fact of an Australian buyer coming to this market for an animal likely to clip the wings of tho three-year-old cracks who will be saddled up for the next Victorian "Derby ia tho biggest complimont, that could bo paid us, and it shows how fully Auckland's famo as a broeding centre is recognised by thoso who follow turf pursuits in Australia. When wo come to look back at the great doeds performed on tho Flemington and Kond wick racecourses by such representatives of the thoroughbred aa Martini-Henry, TrentoD, Nordonfeldt, Matchlock, and Maxim—each of whom " neighed their first whinny" in this province —it is not surprising after all to soe buyers invading our shores ia seaich of an animal likely to emulate thoir groat deeds. In selecting Niagara I think it will be admitted that Mr William Coopor has secured one of tho most likely and promising animals that havo left Auckland, and although everyone will deplore the fact that Niagara's owners did not retain him, nnd throw down the gauntlot to all comers noxt November in their pretty " black and amber stripod jacket," yetwehavethesati. action of kno iv ing that the son of Anteros and Frailty has got into hands who will do himevery justice. Sir Cooper is one of tho bright'ornamonts of the Australian turf, being a man of wealth and integrity, and thoso who support tho colt will have nothing to fear irom chic anery, while he will be prepared at the hands of Isaac Foulsham, tho Gaullield trainer, of whom it may bo said that no man knows his profession better. Tho exact prico paid for Niagara by his new owner was 1,750 guineas, and a fe»p particulars concerning his past history will at this juncture no j doubt provo interesting. Ho was pur- ] chased by Mr J. Dickey in July last whon a yearling for £SOO, and was at oneo placed in the hands of tho veteran Chaafe, whose skill in the art of educating and preparing j-iveniles wassoon made apparent. Tho Welcome Stakes at the Auckland Racing Club Spring Meeting in November last was chosen for Niagara's first appear ance in public with the silk up, but ho wont down beforo hia stable companion Bnnglo. Although occupying the position of runner-up, Niagara was marked as a colt of groat promise, and he came in for somo ye y flattering encomiums at tho hands of th« spectators Despite that he got away badly at the Btart,he was on terms with his opponents in tho straight, and cutting them down one by ono, was going faster than anything else at tho finish, ani I think had the winning ppist beon a littlo further away he would havo won. Nia gara's next appearance was in the Midsum mer Stakes on the first day of tho Auckland Kaeing Club Summer Meeting, when he had his revenge on Bangle by beating her by a neck. On the Becond day of the gathering, Niagara appropriated tho Great Northern Foal Stakes from four others, including Bangle, who fell at tho starting post and throw hor rider ; but on the third day in the Nursery Handicap he got a very indifferent start, and had to be content with running socond to Lady Florin,to whom he was conceding 19lb, and by his gameness was then only defeated by a neck. Bangle was among tho etartors, but she was suffering from the effects of her fall in the Foal Stakes. Later on in the same afternoon Niagara was saddled up for the Sylvia Park Stakes, whon he triumphed over Lady Florin (to whom he was conceding the sexual allowance) and Bangle, the only other starter. This was the last appear ance of Niagara, and he returned to his box as the colt of the season. Some few days afterwards tha Hon. W. Robinson, who had made overtures for his purchase after the first day's racing of the Summer Meeting, again mode an offer to secure him, but failing to give the required amount, we heard nothing of Niagara changing handß until three or four weeks ago, when negotiations were opened up from Australia for his purchase, with the result that he has passed into the hands of Mr Cooper(Trenton'sowner),and by this has almost reached his future borne. Thanks to the liberality of Mr Thomas Morrin, tho breeder of Niagara, his three year-old Aus tralian engagements are very numerous, in cluding the Sydney Derby and St. Leger, A.J C. Second Foal Stakes, Victorian Derby and St. Leger, and V.R.C. Foal Stakes, not to mention the rich Great Northern Derby of the Auckland Racing Club. The following list Bhows the not amount of Niagara's winnings to date :— Auckland R.C. Spring Meeting. £ s. a. I Second In Welcome Stakes .. 28 10 0

Auckland B.C. Summer Meeting. Fir3t in Midsummer Stakes .. 190 0 0 Second in Nursery Handicap .. 31 7 0 First in Great Northern Foal Stakes 371 6 0 First in Sylvia Park Stakes .. 256 IO 0

TURF GOSSIP.

[By Hippona.]

The approaching Autumn Meeting of the Auckland Racing Club is now attracting some attention, and witli the arrival of the " foreign " horses on Monday ' next, some attention will then be paid to tbe daily work on the Ellorslie training track. Spade Guinea is looking well and appears in excellent health, and there is no doubt about her paying her way at the meeting. Of the local horses, Wapiti and Turquoise are going on well, and the party behind Friendship entertain the hope that she will make some amends for her past defeats. Cannon ia a much-improved horse, and the meeting will see the debut of the Anteroa—Steppe colt Too Soon, on whom the painstaking trainer, M. Carmody, has been busy of late. The acceptances .for the Easter Handicap and Steeplechase.and the general entries for the meeting, will bo found on tbe eighth page.

By cable from Melbourne this week we have news that the Victoria Racing Club have decided to add £500 more to the Melbourne Cup (making £2,500 in all) be sides a tiophy valued at 100 guineas. The Autumn meeting will in future include four days racing.

Tho Napior trainer, J. Munn, annexed tlio two principal events of the Taranaki meeting, on the li rat day, viz., tho T.J.C. Handicap and Steeplechase by tho respec tive aid of Rivulet and Volcano. Rivulet, who is a daughter of .Tav'lin and Cascade, by her victory incurs a penalty of ,11b for tho Auckland Eastor Handicap, bringing her weight up to 7st 01b. I hear very Mattering accounts of Volcano, and ho must be very t Janourous in our Steeplechase, for which ho is weighted at '.lit 121", or Tib less than ho carried in tho Taranaki ovont.

Tho Otahuhu Racing Club got off thoir Autumn Meeting on Saturday in excellent stylo, and thero was not a protest of any kind throughout the afternoon. Thanks to Mr W. SV. Robinson's handicapping, the finishes in tlio sevoral races were closo and exciting, and the gathering can rank aa tho best yot hold undor tho auspices of the Club. Everyone was glad to sco the young owner, Mr H. 11. llayr, havo a win ning turn with Ma Petite Fille, and he waa warmly congratulated on tho suecoss of his colours. Morrigan, tho rider of the filly, steered Wapiti to victory in tho Napior Cup tho other week, and ho givos promise of making v good horseman.

I notice by a lato Sydnoy paper that Nolson is looking moro muscular than whon ho first visited Australia, and that it is ovi tlonfc Mitrailleu-o has bonotilod by hor trip. Both aro located at Monaghan's stables. Consequent on tho support nccoi-.locl to Niagara, ho is now favourito for the V.1i.0. Corby iii both Sydney and Melbourne Ten's to ono havo boon takou about him for

tho race mciitionod, while for tho Derby and Cup I,ooo's to 15 havo beon bookod. Another Auckland bred one, the Hon. W. Robinson's Enfilado (full brother to Nordon fehlt) has been supported at 1.000 to 10 for tho Derbynnd Cup,andothers in good odour with the Aus'ralian speculative public for tho same tno events aro tho Hon. James White's colts Abercorn and Carlyon, tho formor at 1.000 to lo and tho bttor at 1,000 to 10. Lady Alieo (Mitraillouso's two-yoar-old sister) will not bo scon out at tho forth coming Autumn Meeting of tho Auckland Racing Club, Tho iilly has had hor hocks blistered, and has boon put out of work. With Bangle, Formo, Balista, and Quccnie contesting tho various juvonilo races, however, thero should bo eoiuo closo contests. From what I hear, thoso behind Formo entertain tho opinion that they will bo ahlo to lower Bangle's colours in the Champagne Stakes Although Tridont has not yot got to tho ond of his throo year-old engagements, ho holds a certificate of winnings almost equal to thoso totalled by Mnlua or Commotion during their turf careers, and far above thoso of Martlni-Honry and Uralla. Malua at his roliromont had won £7,-135 in stakoa; Commotion is credited with £7,700 ; aurl Martini Ucnry and Uralla with £4,701 and C4,!)2l -is respectively,whilo the Hon. Jamas White's crack has alroady annexed tho flut tering sum of .07,200 Ss. Towards this amount tha largest contributors woro tho V.11.C Derby, £1,342; St. I_gor, £1,015 ; and Champion Stakes, £1,005. Somo str.ingo fatality appear? to hang over tho animals ridden by .1. line in stccploehnsos on tho Otahuhu course Last season, it will bo romomberod, the favourito horseman was in tho saddle when the Australian 'chaser Granvillo foil and was killed, whilo ho was riding 80110 in tho Spring whensho eamo to grief and hur'; horself so barily as to cause her rotiromont. RaorodoGuy Fawkes in tho steoplochaso on Saturday last, when tho horso injurod the suspensory ligamont of one of his fore legs, and it will bo somo timo oro ho is san in public again. I might mention that Guy Fawkes ran dreadfully "sour," show ing a disposition to shirk ovory obstaclo, and Saturday was iho first timo that tho horeo has been known to baulk, Early backors for tho V. it C. Derby will b3 as much puzzled as ovor over tho Hon J. White's stable. In addition to tha wall performo.pl Aborcorn, I notice that the Syd ney sportsman has in work at Rand wick a cole name.! Carlyon, got by Chester out of MoJnet--.no, and ho i 3 vory highly spoken of. Cirlyon and Cranbrook aro boing associated together on tho training track, mnl both are pleasing tho touts " Martindale," referring to tho pair, says C-irlyon looks a real gentleman, « hile Cr.m brook is a very handsome colt; but it is just possiblo hia eizo will bo against him. The Hawke's Bay .Tockoy Club havo altered thn date of thoir Stcoplochnso Mooting. Tho 20th of Juno is tho limo fixed, or throo days earlier thin originally intended. Tho roason for tho alteration is that on tho 20th tho Q-ieon's .Tubileo will tako place, on which day tho Government havo granted a public holiday throughout tho colony. Tho Auckland Racing Club hold their Winter Mooting on the -Ith of June, so that tho.altering of tho fixture will give horsos racing here a littlo moro timo to reach tho Napior Meeting. I havo received a longthy printed circular from tho Napier Park Racing Club signed by the president,Mr John Closo.giving full particulars of tho constitution of the Club, and the object of forming it. The circular states : -" Owing to tho groat distance from Napier (13 lnilos) of tho Hawke's Bay Jockey Club's racecourse, nnd tho incon venience of tho train arrangements that had existed, tho necessity for providing a racocourso and suitable recreation ground noaror town becamo vory apparent. There fore, about two years ago, a company to bring abpiut that object wpii promoted by n number of prominent townsmen, the out come of which was the Napier Park Com pany, having a capital of £0000, in one hun dred shares of £00 each. A first class raco courae and training track have boen pro vided, and a grand stand erected, which is said to be the best in tho North Island, ex cepting the magnificent stand recently Greeted by the Auckland Racing Club." The circular concludes by stating that "tho Committee of tho Napier Park Club havo deemed it necessary to mako public tho various statements owing to the gross mis representation which tho Club had been subjected to, statements having been in dustriously circulated that the ' Club' was simply run for the gate and machine money, and not in tho interest of sport. To provide good, honest sport within easy dis tance of Napier is the solo object of the Napier Park Racing Club." The Hon. W, Peirson has a very unlucky two-year-old in Bedouin, a eon of the Melbourne Cup winner Dariwell. Bedouin's firat appeiranoo was in tbe Nursery Handi cap at Caulfield, in which ho ran third, a position he has occupied no fower than six times, as a list of his performances shows : third in Nursery Handicap, Caulfield ; third in Maribyrno^g Plate, Flemirgton ; third in Nursery Handicap, Flemington ; ran a dead heat with Huntingtower for third placo in the Flying Stakes, Flemington ; third ia Normnnby Stakes, Flemington ; second in Critoripin Stakes, Caulfield ; third in Ascot Vale Stakes, Flemington : and second ia tho Federal Stake?, Caul field.

In an account of a visit to Foubham's stables at Caulfield, "Augur" thus writes of Trenton :—." He had been blisto ed all round, all four logs showing the effeete of the preparation that bad been administered His off hind leg especially bore evidenco of the severity of the blister, for it waa aa big as a bolster. It was in this member that the horse showed signs ot weakness, the fetlock joint being the seat of lameness, which Foulsham discovered directly he began to canter him. It is to be hoped he will succeed in bringing him round to run at our spring meeting, for we can ill afford to spare from the turf such a horse as Tren ton."

On the afternoon previous to tho race for the Newmarkot Handicap (writes "Senex") it becamo well known in Dunedin, where all sporting men were thon congregated, that Mr Stead had rocoived a telegram stating that Lochiel's leg had filled; but as we next evening heard of his victory, it naturally passed out of the minds of most men, and it was considered only a temporary ailment. Such, howover, was not the case, and although tho horse pulled up sound after

the Newmarket Handicap, he had, Mr Stead informed me, a perceptible limp about him aftor running in the Australian Cup. On

Lochiel's return to Christohurch ho was seen to have a swelling half the eizo of a hen's egg at the back of the near fora leg. just where it runs into tho fetlock. There is little doubt that the injury was caused by a blow, and Mr Stead hus hopes that the swelling may be sufficiently reduced to start the horse at the Autumn Meeting. Maxim has returned in first-class fettle.

The sale of tho late Fred Archer's effects at Falmouth House, Newmarket (his lato residence), created a good deal of interest. There was a brisk competition for the pictures, whips, walking 6ticks, and me nace, which were eagerly purchased by friends as souvenirs of the deceased jockey. His old master Lo-d Falmouth bought the portrait of Ma'thew Dawson for a round sum : nnd old Matthew h'mself secured tbe big pirture which contained portraits of Archer on Dutch Oven, Lord Falmouth, Mat. Dawsorr and other well-known figure .

"Will" Ri'ey (Beach's friond) fecured a bargain iv the Bplendid Stewards' Cup won by Typhoeuß at Goodwood. It was valued at £300, but only realised £50.

Writes our London correspondent by tho last mail: —" Mr Arthur Coopor, who loft England oomo weeks ago for a tour of iho Australias, aud must by this timo bo woll on tho way to Adelaide, is one of tho cognate personages of tho English turf, 110 was for somo years tho almost insopar ablo friend of poor Fred Archer, and with the aid of that famous horseman brought off many a nieo littlo coup. Mr Coopor does not aspire to Derbies or evon big handicaps. Tin in tho skilful placing of horses in Selling Races ha excels. Ono remarkable animal he owned (on-and oli) for eometimo, and won a rare lot of small ovents with, was a golding called ' Towor and Sword.' It was a quoor-tempered beast, usually ran in blinkers, and wouldn't try a yard unless Archer rodo. As Archer would only con sent to rido Towor and Sword for Mr Coopor, that gentleman was ablo to buy it in aftor a victory much cheaper than would otherwise havo boon the case. Mr Coopor's luck (or luck nnd skill combined) was wonderful for some seasons. Tho mora ap pearance of Archer in his colours for a sell ing race sufficed to dry up tho odda to nothing. Moreover, tho ' good thing' usually eamo off. Occasionally, of course, thero wero slips. I remember ono catas trophe at Newmarket July Meeting in ISBS. Mr Cooper had a iilly called White Nun in a email Selling Plato ovor tho no. T V C, which was considered such a cor tainty that in the faco of a field of ton odda of 2to 1 woro hotted on it. Archer eamo along, and (as ho thought) won just nicoly by a head. From behind tho .fudge's box, whoro I happened to bo standing, it was, however, clear that ho had not come ,ioon enough. While Nun had won an instant after passing tho post, but Orotvland (lidilon by Wood) was the winner on the post, and up, to tho consternation of every one,went tho hitter's number. Mr Cooper's good fortuno soomed to desert him in ISSS and 188(1, and when ho pulled oil' a big stake list October by Sailor Prince's victory in the Cambridgeshire, I fancy the monoy was unusually welcome."

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Tho scratching of Tridont for tho Gold Cup was a groat blow to some Sydney backers.

Mr G.G. Stoad'a mare Marion,by Mnribyr nong —Peoress, will probably visit Martini- Henry next Spring. Mr K. Richardson has beon appointed handieappor to tho Now Zoaland Grand National Steoplochaso Club. A Sydnoy papor announces it has been definitely eottled that Ellis will rido Tom Brown in tho Sydney Gold Cup.

Mr Oscar Burnett, tho Victorian poncillor, and Mr S. Davis, owner of Camorine, havo beon on a visit to Auckland this weok. Mr P. Butler bus named tho yearling colt by Musket out of Trod Deuce that ho purchased at tho Sylvia Park snlo, Man/on. Tho Hon. VV. A Long's unreliablo lilly Madellina is to bo relegated to stud dutios. Sho wms tho boat performer of her year last season. l'otrono!, undoubtedly tho boat roproson t:itivo Muskot loft in England, is crodited with only throo foals in Woathorby's list for ISSU. According to all accounts, tho Hawke's Bay Jockey Club will in future rovort back their Autumn Mooting to two days instead of throe. Tho hospital raco run at tlio roeont Hawke's Bay Jockey Club Mooting resulted in the sum of _:1p) being handed ovor to tho Nntiior Hospital. Tho Napier hurdlo r-icer Snapshot has t-oon purchased by Mr P. Butlor, whilo ho has disposed of Talebearer to a sport in tho Hawke's Bay capital. Tho stallion Gemma di Vorgy, sire of

Democrat, tho Great Metropolitan Stakes

winner of IS7B. and othor good hirses, was recently sold for X? guineas. Ho ia now 27 years old. Mr It, Mason,tho trainer of Spado Guinea, whilo looking overMr Allan McConn's train ing establishment at Dunrt, Hawke's Bay, purchased a lilly foal by Lord of tho Isles, out of Virginia Water. Lord Randolph Churchill, tho English politician, who is said to bo tho first of his family to own a racehorse, has registered his racing colours as pink, brown elooves

and cap A Dunodin backer has given tho books a bit of a turn over tho Dunedin Cup. Ho did not show up on settling night, and en in quiries boing mado, it was found that ho had left for Molbourno.

Mr J. F. Clark, tho well-known racing judge, ma lotter to tho London "Sports man," says:—"Of all tho ills that horcc-

llosh is hoir (o, impure atmosphere ia tho C'l'iso of moro than half of thorn."

It ;s rumoured that tho Queensland Stud Company intended making a bid for the

English horso Tho Bard, and woro thinking the matter over when news was received relative to hia disposal. A Sydnoy papor states that it ia tho intention of Cheaham's trainer to put him to the illegitimate busine.s should this onco promising colt not show bottor form on tho flat than he has done of lato. A beginning has alieidy been mado in Dunedin wilh tho Now Zealand G'ip wager ing., 100 to 4 being offered on tho field, which price ia taken in small sums about Lochiel, Spade Guinea, Silvor Prince, and Ilormitaec. Tho Kentucky (America) Stakes of

£10.000, to bo run for during the spring of

ISS9, recoivod only 175 nominations, and the owners consented to a month's postpone ment in ordor to secure, if possible, tho requisite number, 300. Acolyte, tho winner of tho Great Metro politan Stikos of ISSS, is in work again at Flemington. It is stated that tho son of . ewminster has dourly demonstrated that hia retirement from tho racing world haa not deteriorated his paco.

Tho throe-yoar-old filly Navy Blue, sired by Hornby, tho Canterbury Derby winner of IS"!), from Malvina, was put up for talo at Kirk's Bazaar nt Molbourno recently, and was purchased by Mr J. B. Scott 'or 21 guineas.

Tho Melbourne Hunt Club will hold ita autumn moating on May 24, when tho prize money will amount to 700aovs., 150 of it going to tho Birthday Handicap, which will be run over the Newmarket Handicap course.

It will bo interesting to learn, after what has boon said re Mr Wakeley's decision in tho Newmarket Handicap, tha Mr W A. Long, owner of Abner, who was in a good position to soo the finish of the race, does not think that his colt won, and upholds the judge's fiat.

Another of the Juliet family haa gained a winning bracket in New South Wales. This is Emerald, who won the Glen lunes Cup. He was bred by tho Hon John Eales, who still owns him, and he is by Crown Princo from Chrysolite, the dam of Robinson Crusoe.

Most prominent among the performers at the recent meeting of the Midland (Tas mania) Jockey Club was the well-bred Pocahontas, by St. Albans from Miss Jack eon, which won both tho Oatlands and Mid land J. C. Handicaps, carrying Sst. 101b. and 9st. 101b respectively.

Mr T, H. Smith, of tho Clarence River, N.S.W., who exchanged Captivator with tho New Zealand Stud Company for Ante roa, is at present in England. Ho has purchased a two yoar-old colt named Clay- I:on, by Rosicrucian out of Lucretia, by Voltigeur—Village Maid.

A discussion has beon going on in the London Live Stock Journal ovor the fre quently propounded question. " Who is tho breedor ?" Mr Thomas Dykes writes : — " Tho man who possesses the marc at the time of foaling is tho breedor, and is entitled to oil awarda and honours." And he is supported in this opinion by other corres pondents.

Somo interesting particulars aro given in the Snorting Lifo of the Champion English sire Hermit, whoso stud fee last year waa 250 guineas a mare. From them it is gathered that during the 13 years he has been at the st ud ho begat 280 foals, who had won no fewer than C 53 races, of the value oi £207,374 Hermit waa tho hero of the sen sational Derby of ISO 7.

Not a bad Btory comes from Sapior over the St. Leger, for which only British Lion and Rivulet started. The raco was looked upon as a gift to tho last-named,so much co that ono knowing gentleman took five total isator tickets on hor when sho would only havo paid out 21 shillinga, and whon told that it ehe won he would only gain 5 shill ings, ho said it would be sufficient to pay for his lunrh. Tho backer was met at his lunch aiterivarda, and asked if he was spending; his dividend on Rivulet. "No," he said ; " this lunch I calculate cost mo five pounds."

Somo curious coincidences have been pointed out as having occurred on the race courfo. Among the runners for the. St Crispin Nursery Plato at Northampton was a horse numed the Cobblor ; St Crispin, let it be remembered, being the patron saint of shoemakers. At Chantilly, again, a horse named Panama bolted a-d fell with its rider (whoso name was not loported to be tessep=) into a canal. At a hunter's raco at Derby, three horses ran whose names wero John Bright, Ballot Box, and Coer cion John Bright had the misfortune to break his back, and Coercion fell, while Ballot Box did not win.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

(By Act.pron.)

FIXTURES.

CRICKET. Kas'.cr Wook—Auckland v. Wellington. Kaator Weok—Hawke's Bay v. Wellington,

SENIOR CUP. April 2 and D-Holland's v. Auckland, Gordon v. Unltod.

JUNIOR CUP. April 2 and 9—Waitemata V. Holland's 2nd i National v. Auckland 2nd; Onehunga v. Gordon 2nd; United 2nd v. Onehunga United.

AQUATICS.

April 13-NOilson v. C. Matterson, £ICO aside, on the Paramatta. , May 30. IS_—Hanlan v. Gaadaur, United

States. July. 1887-Hanlan v. Toemer. United States. Nov. 20,-Be .eh v. Hanlan for tho Champion ship ol! the world on tho Paramatta.

ATHLETICS.

April 2-Mrera and Qeorgo l.sOOyda. April 23- Myers and George 1,250yd5. Ap.-iUSJ-liicj-cle rjtid rdua from Onohunga to Pdrnell.

CORRESPONDENCE

Stumped.—A wicket-keeper cannot Bturop a batsmati by knocking down the wlckit with one hand while holding tho ball in tho olhor. Under the l.b.w. rule, a batsman is out. if any part of his body whatever Btops a ball which would havo taken his wicket. This, ot course, doss not roftir to break bowling, but only to

CRICKET.

Very seldom is such a collapsoßoen in first class cricket as that witnessed last Satur day in tho Gordon-Auckland match. Tho two bluos had 129 to got to win, and wero quite confident of performing tho seemingly ea?y task ; but, alas, the wicket proved to bo playing right into Gould's hands, and groat was tho downfall of tho Auckland sticks —all out for 37, and Gould had oight wickets to hia credit for 14 runs, whilo ho did the hat trick. Reid mado 10 cut of tho 37. Having to follow on, Auck land did slightly hotter, and wero not got rid of before thoy had compiled 05. Gould again porlormed the hat trick, and his aualysis showed oight wickets for 2fi, malting a total in tho two innings of 10 wickets for 40 runs, an nltogethor un precedented record for Auckland cricket. Gordon thus won the match by an inninge and 37 rune. W. Ryburn and Moresby made two splendid catchea during the match in tho outfield, and altogether the fielding of tho blue and golds was very good. Tho wickot helped the bowling considerably, tho ball now shooting and thon rising ovor the batsman's head or taking him in the chest.

Holland are quite out of the Senior Cup now, as United put them through last weok. Holland had to make 110 Jo win, but thoy could only manage to obtain 81 of thoso, Stomson taking 7 wickets for 40 runs. Wallaco (12), G. Mills (21), and Thomas (11), wero tho only doublo figure aeorers, tho latter had very hard lines iv hoinir run out when ho soomed sot, while Wallaco was disposed of by a splendid catch by McPherson. United had six wickots down in thoir second innings, E. Mills taking fivo wickets for 22 runs. G. MacUorinack (10), and Lynch (11, not out) wero tho only scorers. United reckon thoy have got the measure of Gordon's bowling for their match to day, but thoy may be surprised.

Tho following tablo shows how the senior clubs stand in respect to each othor :

The National and tho Gordon II wore tho only Clubs playing last Saturday for tho Junior Cup, and tho latter won by 20 runs. Gordon compiled 70 to their opponents' 57 on tho firat day, and in tho second innings woro all out for 40 (Douyhty 14, Neil 21) and tho .National then run up 45 (A. Nichol son 19, Urummond 7). During the match Kolly hit tho wickot with four consecutivo balls, but only two of them wero success!ul in removing tho bails.

To-day will sco tho "ast matches for the Junior Cup, but thoy aro utterly devoid of interest in so far as regards tho Cup, for that, aa I eaid before, has been won by the Parnoll C.C. Tho accompany ing tablo shows tho respective positions of the clubs competing for the trophy : —

At Invorcargill last Saturday wook, tho Star pot the Makarou-a Cr-ckot Club out for two runs, J. Kingsl tod taking five wickets for ono iuii, and Cuff live lor nothing ; tho othor run being a bye. Thia is a cricket curiosity.

An Australian exchange has tho follow ing :—" A salvo for tho wounded vanity of indifferent batsmen has been manufactured in tho shape of tho term 'hit on wicket.' It is considered too coarso and blunt to say that a player was bowled out, bo the abbreviation h. o. w. is stuck in botiveou his namo and that of a bowler, to act as a buffdr. An American humourist has pointed out, how apt mankind is to deviate from tho truth when relating angling exporioncea. Had ho come to Australia, he would hove found that a batsman is nevor bowlod right out. A fow moro smooth terms might, however, be invented to save cricketers from tho perdition which awaits tho untruthful. For instance, wo might havo b. b. k. o.— both bails knocked off—or o. a.c.—one stump shifted, or o. p—off pad, in fact, anything rather than the plain admission thut tho stumps wore knocked fan-shape by a ball too good to be played."

Replying to a query as to whother a match would he arrangod botweon Shaw's Elovon and ono pickod by Lord Sheffield, tho noble lord gave answer that ho doubted if there would be any play on his ground this year, owing to a series of anonymous attacks ou him in connection with tho ground. Tho writers of the articles in question aro to bo discovered and punished beforo tho ground will be opened.

The following is tho position for tho various Clubs that have compotod of tbe Seconl Junior Cup : —

FOOTBALL.

Tho season is coming on fast, and though cricket will not be over for somo time yet, nor football roolly commence for quite another two months, still great preparations aro being made for the season. Grafton ox poct to be quite as strong, if not stronger. They havo lost Hewson, who will don the bluo and black colours, also Cooper, who is now in Wellington); but they will most probably bo rein forced by tho brothers Twiname, from Dunedin—two as sterling players as ever donned jorsoy — and both old Auckland boys. Tho ft'orth Shore aro far stronger than last year, while Ponsonby expect to place a good all round fifteen in the field. Their forwards will be on the average heavier than before, and, aided by a well-known three-quarter back and their old men, seven backs will give an oppos ing toam warm work to koep thorn from Ecoring. Gordon also expect to be stronger; young Harrington will play for thorn, also Murray, lato of tho Novvton F. C. lindsay has returned to their ranks, Concerning Waitemata and Neb on, I cannot say nhat thoy will bo like yet, but tho former Club will be assisted by the pick of the Newton. Tho position of tho Auckland F. C. ia very precarious. Tho Alberts expecr, to have a say in who is to win tho cup, as they have beaten the big clubs with weaker teams boforo now.

Mick Keefe is expected back in a vory short time.

Davo Gago'scoied for tho Ponekcs in their first match.

Frnie Bailey returns from Sydney this week, and will don the Nelson colours.

Joo Wooler has been elected socretary of the Ponsonby F. C, and Jack Arneil fills his old position a3 captain.

Harry Parker, of the Ponsonby F. C, has joined the Nelson, and A. Hewson, of tho Grafton, has thrown in his lot with Ponsonby; E. Mills also plays for the same club.

The Gordon F.C. are endeavouring to raise a Becond fifteen, nnd reckon on put ting a very warm crowd in the field. The name is enough for most players.

D. G. A, Cooper, one of the best forwards in the Atblotio Club, ond oaptain of last year's interprovincial team, has decided not to play this season. His brother, G. Cooper, who will be remembered as being an old Grafton player, will strengthen the athletic ranks this season,

Football has started in real earnest down South, nnd tho clubs thore have a full month's start of us. A club match was to have boon played at Wellington last Satur day'between the Ponelco and Union Clubs. Tho" latter Eend a team to Christchurch during Eaeter weok to play the Menvales and Sydenhams.

H. Roberts, who will be known to foot ballers as a member of the New Zealand team of ISS4 and of tho Wellington "rep fifteen of last year, has left his club, tho Ponekos, and joined his old club, the Union F.C. He has now boon a member of and played for all four senior clubs in Wel lington, viz: for Athlotics, Wellington, Poneko, and Union.

I was mistaken in saying theo'.her week that Harry Daniels would play with the l'onekes this year. Ho has beon elected umpire aod delegate for the Club ho captained in the old days-tho Union-who play this year as seniors for the first timo. I notice that Jack Cosaon (late of tho Grafton II) and Levy Hardwick (who played fullback tor Albert) have both joined the Union ; also another Auckland player namod Johnstone, who played in Nolson in 18SG.

AQUATICS.

Billy Holmes finds thero is no work in Sydnoy, and comes back with young Bailoy.

It has been calculated that the expense? of the proposed Australian eight-oar crow to bo sent to England would amount to £1,200 at the very lowest estimate. They would atay in England closo on 10 woeks.

Roeponding to tho toast, "Champion Sculler of tho World," Hanlan said at tho banquet of tho New York Athletic Club :— "Tho man Boach is afraid to row." The "Sporting World" says:—"The toaster haa set himself down as a noodle pate of the firat water ; a braver/nan than Beach never pulled an oar, and his ability aa an oarsman is only equalled by hiß modesty, and only exceeded by tho gall of Hanlan and hiß frionds. Ho should not try to lower the honour of Mr Beach at a 10,000 miles range." My sentiments aro yours, too, are they not?

Tho raco for the Sportsman's Cup and Championship of England waa »owed February 7, between Georgo Perkins and Georgoßuboar, ontheTyne course. Tho day was vary misty. Buboar led from the start, rowing 38 etrokos to Perkins' 42 per minute. Long odds wore offered on the leader. The mile was rowed in 6 minutes 48 seconds by Bubear, who led two lengthß, and the two miles took 14 minutes 49 seconds, the time for tho full courso of three miles and 713 yards being 23 minutes 34 seconds, while Perkina took 7 seconds longer. It is very probable that both men will visit Australia this year.

Now that tho Yacht Club has been roally started, I hopo to Bee every yachts man in Auckland do his very best towards (jiving it a holping hand. It ia all very well for yachtsmen to cay that they prefer going away for tho day and a-half that they" havo each week down Motutapuor somo other placo instead of wasting Saturday afternoon in idle sailing up and down tho harbour porforming paltry manu-uvros : but surely they can spare an odd afternoon now and then It will be no great hardship, and, without doubt, if the Club is properly managed, and poriodical races got up, it will do a tromondoua lot to rnuko yachting more and more popular with each succeeding Beason. Let each yachts man, therefore, consider it his boundon duty to do what ho can for tho honour and good of the newly-awnkonod Auckland Yacht Club.

CYCLING.

A road raeo in from Onehuußa to Parcel will oventuate on tho 30th of April.

ftowe, tha American champion bicyclist, holds no less than Go cycling records, of which 2:1 aro for amateur racr-s, 21 for pro amateurs, and 21 professionals. All tho=e havo beon gained for ra-^es from 20 miles downwards, and form a marvellous and aimoat unprecedented record.

A big row is browing in cycling circles o.'crin Australia. Tho Victorian Cyclists' Union haa deelarod Con Dwyor a profes sional for riding in tho mixed race moot ing. Tho N.S.W. Union hia recognised him aa ono of its members, and as Con ii not likely to lot the matter remain where it is, tho V.C. Union will very probably havo a rough ti_o or" it soon.

On Saturday, l!)th inst , Con Dwyer broke tho mile grass record. Tho previous best was his own, viz., 2min Olsec. His paco makorslncluJod C. W. Bennett, the N.S.W. Champion, and sevoral crack Victorian riders, who led Con a merry dance for the eaid mile, which was finished in 2min. 48 2 sth sees , or just 2 3 sth sees low or than the previous record, which must be accepted as a great feat.

At the noxt Athlotic Carnival tho Waite mata B.C. could not do bettor than give tho now famous American lap system a trial. Tho regulations aro simplo, but at tho same time most complete, and must bo productivo of good finishes, fast times, and will eventually exterminate that per nicious habit of " peddling," or, properly Bpeaking, •" loafing "on the track. Firstly, all events aro from scratch, the competi tors being divided into classes instead of boing allowed handicap, as in ordinary ovonts. Tho first-class men rido against tho first class riders, and tho other graces are similarly apportioned and pitted. The loading man at every lap scores six points, the second five, and so on, co that a man mupt keep going if ho wants to score a win ; and it is important for his iuterests that ho should pais first, if possible. The rider scoring tho most numbor of points in the raco is accordingly the winner, and not necessarily the first man past the post. Tho groat objection to handi caps is that tho duffers get long starts, and no one knows who is leading or when tho race is over. Overlapping is another evil in handicaps. It may bo argued against the American lap system that a rider'H abilities may be very much over rated by thoso who " sort them out," and in that case the unfortunate would suitor moro seriously than if he was in a handicap. A trial can do no harm, pos.-ibly much eood. Of course, handicaps are given, but they aro made in points, as A may givo B 40 points in a five-mile race, and so on.

ATHLETICS.

Moreahend won a walking handicap from scratch over in Sydney on St Patrick's Day.

An American, John Snyder, has beaten the Weston record. Weston walked 5,000 miles in 100 days, but this men has walked 25,000 miles in 500 days. Ho walks from disease, as he is only comfortable when walking. Is it bocausc ho once went on a shopping ex pedition with his wifo, nnd had euch a sur feit of sitting that ho never wants to do it again 1

IT. M. Johnstone, of Pittsburg, tho cham pion 100-yard sprinter of America, has per manently retired from tho track. The rea son given ia that he submits to the wiahes of hia wifo and parents. Johnstone's record is phenomenal,- both ns a runner and jum per. He has won 33 jumping contests, and 79 out of 86 races. Johnstone recently claimed evon time for 100 yards, but it was not allowed,

" R. Chatfield."—Owing to an accident your lettor did not reach me tiil late last week, and of course too late for my opinion to bo of much use. You will have seen in a previous issue that I obtainod the informa tion I desired about Skitch, and may 6tate that Mick Mornock is running under his own name. Re tho other matter of the Dragoon Sports, if no timo was advertieed I certainly think something should have been done—either run the races over again or else refund the entrance money. It was very hard linos on the competitors.

XV. Murphy, the well-known light weight boxes returned from Sydnoy by the mnil steamer last Sunday. He is in good condi tion, and after a couple of weeks'rest ex pects to get a match or two on. It is quite on the '.- ,ards that Murphy and W. Burns will meet for the light-weight championship, and thero is a boxer down tho Wost Coast who claims to bo the " undisputed light weight champion of New Zealand." May be he can oblige Murphy.

A wrestling match between Cannon of the United States and Connor of Sydney for the Grreoo-Roman wrestling championship of tho world, and a stake of £400, took place at the Alexandra Theatro on Saturday night, the 12th inst. The result was to be decided by the best two out of three fa'ls. There waa a desperate etruuslo for 20 mnu.es, when tbe men retired for a rest. On resuming, after moat exciting work, ( onnor obtained a fall. Tho muscles of C innon's neck bavins been sirainerl, ho was unible to continue the match, and Connor consequently won the championship and the prize.

When you want to be complimentary you say a man baa a large brain ; when you w i^h to be the other thing you call it a big head. Modern phraseology is mighty queer anyhow. " '' -

THE GARDEN.

[Bt Ho;, ns.]

Calendar of Operations, April 2nd.

[Horm iis willing to answer any queries. C jr resiioncients must give their Iml u.umes and addresses, though not for publioiuon.J

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

M."—lt would bo impossible forme to mako any recommendation without personal know ledge.

Bug Cape Gooseherry, etc (J. S.. Macukau Koad) -(I) Tno bug you mention I have nol seen aa yer. Would you kindly forward me a soecimeanext Tuesday, and I will try and Had out what It is and. If p issible. the bast mains of keaplng It undor. _ Place it in a small tin bjx and leave at thia oilice. (2) Ihe Cape go- stb-rry (Physalia edulis), the tomato, or 'ove-api.le (Lycop raicnm eaculcatnml.and t^e potato (solanum tuberosum) all telong (o iho nightshade family (Solanace. I.

Judging at Late Flower Snow (Exhib tor).— I do not think it would do f ;r mo to give an opinion obout the question. In the first place tho liietar.ee you refer to did not come under my observation. Secondly, n-> spectator haa the same oppp^rtnnitiea cf nriivingat such a sound conclusion aa tho judges. They can cut, tißte, and otherwisehandlo exhibits BO as to arrive at a trua conclusion, so that it would bo ridiculous for any mere specla'or to v-tr. ---turo an opinion against theirs. Thirdly, I think it a good rulo that in exhibitions the awards of the i udges are final. If such were not the ea39, it would bo impossible for any scciety 'oob t-ln pond men to act. Fourthly, I have always found that most exhibitors are liko molhera 0 /or their babies — what they produce ia always the best, and long may It be bo. Try again next year ; you aro bound to win some time.

Lll.lt'M CANCIKOI.IU3I m I'ot (Amateur).— Lllluim do not r.eed much water after ihey are done flowering but it doos not do to let them ffiivy altogether. As soon as the foli age is fairly ripened oir, re-pot into izood rich Bail only a Hula more than half filling the pots with soil. Slightly bury your bulbs in thin : keep the soil just in a moist ala'o till the bti.ba begin to push out sluio'B in tho spring, when more non Boil or pure, well-rotted manure can b3 put into the pots, and aa Ihty grow moro water will be required. Most of ihe lilluma make capital pot plants for gr.iwlng on a verandah, givo little trouble, with tlie exception ot water, and are perfectly hardy.

Planiing. Trees Early in the Season ("P-anter."l-THo earlier trees are planted, the bo t. thoy will succeed the following eeaeon. During May is the beat, . but lo do co great care ia required, cspeoia'ly it' tno season Io hot end dry. Card muat then be taken tbat the roots are £xtos:d to tho tction of the sun's rays; for if lodk exposed the sun will do greater injury to thetroi) if late planted. The trees must also bo watered it the Boil ia diy, 80 ai to settle the Boil about the roots. If your trees aro what is called renohed—that is, a portion of the roots cut with a spado in tho nursery rows some time during the end of this or beginning of next month—then leaving them till the first rpportunity for planting cccurs would be better than planting earlier 11 the eeieon con tinues. The boat period for planting with safety, and wlt-.out ro ing to great trouble, is immediately after the weather breaks, .gene rally about the end of May.

Horticultural Society.

The annual Autumn Exhibition of ihe Gardeners' Horticultural Society was held last Friday and Saturday in the Agricul tural Hall. As usual, somo splendid pot plants woro . agcil, principally by . . Hay and Son, also by Mr Owen in the allcomers' class. Mr Stych, too, had a fine collection in tho amateur class. The apples woro fully equal to, if not better than, last year's.

Tho grapes etaged wore a marked improve' ment on last year's exhibits. As tne daily papers have fully dealt with the exhibition, I will only add that the patronage by the public was nothing like what an exhibition of the claas s-hould receive. It is a wonder that horticultural matters do not flourish better in Auckland. Root Pruning Fruit Trees. As tho best season for root pruning somo of tho fruit trees is jup?t coming on, an ex tinct from "Garden Illustrated " might bo of uso to somo cultivator.

For promoting the fertility of fruit trees root-pruning is an operation now generally ropported to. If properly carried out, it is perhaps the most certain way to roduco a luxuriant tree to a fruitful state. We wish to emphasize tbo word " properly," because it is quito as possible by root-pruning to red v cc a tree to a state of permanent sterdity os to mako it fruitful, Fruitfulness in trees of luxuriant habit, such as apples, pears, and plums, and. in fact, in all other treep, depends upon that balance of force between the roots and branches which, whilo it ensures sufficient force in the branch, at tho same time promotes the complete maturation of the wood, and thus the formation of flower buds To hit the happy medium, to so balance the forces of tho troo that ferti'ity shall bo obtained without merging either into luxuriance or weakness, CDastitutos the success of the careful cultivator. If, however, trees are plpinted, and, as is frequently ihe easo with amateur cultivators, are allowed to grow on year after year with the expectation that they will grow into fruit, the cultivator must not be surprised, if root pruning is resorted to and not very carefully carried out, to find hie trees thrown into a state of unfruitfulnees—eterile, in fact, until such time as sufficient force is again accumulated to form healthy growth. Fortunately, however, our leading nurserjmen are so particulary in the stocks they makeuse of and resort so systematically to root pruning and transplanting, that it is only by bad management after the plant leaves the nursery that the balance of force will be disturbed. Such disappointments, however, do occur, and generally resultfrom mistaken kindness in using rich soil and manures. When the luxuriant habit is induced, the wood formed ia too etronir and sappy to form flower buds, and hence barrenness ia tho result. This may arise from over rich soil or from ono or more roots rushing away deep into the subsoil, where they suck up such crude matter that growth is promoted late irto the autumn instead of being brought into a maturing state'not later than the middlo of August (corresponding to our February). With the luxuriant tree, and whon the luxurianco is the result of over-feeding for a series of years, the best plan will be found to lift it out carefully from tho placo in which it has boen growing to °horten on the strongest roots, and to plant again almost upon the surface of the ground, usiDg a little fresh soil around the roots, and mulching the surface of the ground with some spent manure or leaf mould Carefully staked to prevent wind wnvir.g, and the branches judiciously thinned out in early spring, and those re tained shortened back, snch a tree will bo moderated in its growth the following sea son and will almoat invariably produco abun dance of fruit buds. But if the check is too great, sterility may be tho result for a year ortwo.which sterility wilibethomorequickly overcome by liberal treatment. So far, the treatment of unfruitful trees may be said to bo confined to those only recently planted. When trees of more mature yoars are barren, tben moro cautious treatment must be ro sorted to. For example, nothing ia mere common than for pear or plum trees of largo size to be entirely fruitless. To take up such trees and replant them would not be the ripht thing to do, because.being of mature growth, the check of complete removal might bo too great. In such caies the best thing is to commence at the extreme point of tho roots and to lift them according to tho size of tho tree to within two, four, or six feet of the main stem, and then to relay the roots near to the surface of the ground, or in tho easo of wall trees, half the roots may be taken up ono season, following them to the vory base of the stem, and the remaining portion if necessary the following season" Such treatment cautiously carried out Mill generally restore the balance of force, and with it fiuitfulness must ensue.

Now como wo to tho ordinary;trees—such as are prepared by root pruning before they are sent out from the nursery, and may be said to have been reduced to a moderate and healthy state of growth. These some times, if transferred to a rich soil may start after a time into on over luxuriant habit. In such a case, it is customary to check them by root pruning, digging round one side of the tree this year and cutting off some of the stronger and more perpendicular roots, and treating the othor portion in the same manner the following year. Early in autumn, while there is yet somo heat in the ground, is the boat time for root prun ing, as the warmth enables tho wounds to heal quickly, and also to throw out fresh feeders so as to become re-established beforo tho active growth of spring commences. irees thus managed with bi-annual atten tion to root pruning may be easily kept in a constant fruitful state, and for small gar dens nothing looks so neat as busby or pyramidal trees so managed.

THE PANAMA CANAL.

Wliat Haa Been Done-Immense Capa city of the Machinery.

By an Eyewitness.

M, G. de Molinabi has published, under tho titlo of "A Panama" (Librairie Guillaumin el Cie.), the letters which he sont from the canal whon he visited it with the Fiench, German, English and Americas delegates. In a dedication to __. Ferdinand de Losssps, he saye :

" I had heard it state 1 by men who con sidered themselves competent to give an opinion that tho catting of tho irthmns would'meet with insurmountable difficulties; that it would be impossible to penetrate through tho masses of rock, or to inclose within dykes tho Chagres, the terrible Chagres ! Yet, that if they did succeed, it would be after having sacrificed generations of labourers and shareholders ; that in four years since tho commencement of the work they had scarcely removed the tenth part of the cubic matter to be taken away; that at this rate the penetration of the isthmus would require more time than was necessary for tho construction of the pyramids of Egypt; and las'.ly, that the cost of superin tendence during tho work would not fail to eat up the capitals of the new loans, ro that nothing would remain for the work. Al though these objections and anticipations appeared to be a little late, and of a kind specially adapted to gratify certain Yankee speculators, who would not be disinclined to take up the work again on contract, they left n certain impression upon my mind. * *

" These apprehensions and regreta, I need scarcely tell you, wore dissipated in pro portion as 1 could appreciate the importance of the work already accomplished and the colossal power of the means of execution, accumulated to finish the rest. As soon as we disembarked I saw—at the place occu pied four years ago by a pestilent marsh rising on the ground which protects the opening of the canal, a new, clean, healthy aud lively town, the town of Christopher Columbus, ono of the future emporiums of the world. I sailed for a distance of ten kilometres along the canal, which only exists on paper, according to the Bourse cavillers of the Boulevard, I crossed the two new beds which the dredging machines and excavators are cutting for the Gbagres, I was present at the fall of a mountain blown up and reduced to fragments by dynamite, I saw the work commenced at the Culebra, and I saw all over the seventy five kilometres of the line of the canal an army of workmen and countless machines, That reassured me. * * * * ;■

"The army of from 12,000 to 15,000 workmen which I saw busied in this Istl. mus of Panama is aided by a contingent of machines, dredging apparatus, excavators and locomotives, representing on aux liary force of ahout 600,000 men. * * * Get. tainly a hearty pull is still necessary to bring thia colossal enterprise to completion. But the industrial host which is now at work Bho we itself full of zeal and confidence. It has at command the most powerful tools that science and capital have ever applied to the struggle against the force of nature; it is supported by a reserve of capitalists, great and small, who understand that the completion of thia enterprise, one of tha boldest and most promising of the century," is important, not ouly for their own interest, but for the glory of FrAnce. Lastly, it is directed by a General who has already led to victory, and who will do so a second time."—"Special to the London Times." '

A Big Passenger Engine.

What is said to be the largest and fastest* ' passenger engine ever built has just been completed at the Khode Island Locomotive Works, for the New York, Providence and Boston Kailrord Company. The maindri. ing-wheelß aro six feet in diameter, and set but 7 feet C inchos apart. This arrange-' ment will give her a short side road aocT make her run easily on the curves. Th. firebox, instead of being very deep and not very long, as oa the Ward and Connecticut,, is quite (-hallow ard very long Ris Of steel, 125 inches long and 43 inches wide;v and ia co inclined, and the fran eof the eneine so Flopes forward, that there will be a depth of fire under all; 1 the tuboa of about twenty-two inches,- The cylinders are IS inches in? diameter, with 24 inch stroke. The boliffl.: is 54 inches in diameter at the smoke-eta.:^ with a waggon top It oxt nds to the very* end of tho can, and necessitates the elevaf; tion of the engineer's teat to a height far above the fire-door. In tho firing-up a bif? firs will ba made which will burn sevetar hours. Jo3t before starting on her run a few shovelfuls of coal will be thrown on the fire near the door, and the coal, in ex ploding, will scatter itself and feed the fir. until the trip is ended, either at Groton or, in Providence, whichever way sho may be: running. The fire will call for three tons of coal before the engine is palled;' out of the round-house to make her' trips, and four tons will be carried on the tender. The tank of tho latter will hold 4,000 gallons of water, and the total1 weight of the engine proper is 93,000 toj 95,000 pounds. The weight on thY driving wheel will be t 66,000 pounds, or* 4,800 pounds more than the Connecticut. She looks to be enormously high as shei' eota up well in the air, and her short smoke stack adds to her apparent height. Everything about hor is steel, and of the very best material possible to obtain. Weight is added to every part of her. The side rods are solid, and are fastened" on with nuts, instead of being keyed on. She has an Allen-Richardson.; balance valve in her steam chest. There to;, not a particle of brass or brick work about:'; her The boiler is lagged with asbestos and : jacketed with Russian iron. She is erpebv ted to make the run from Providence to; Groton, Conn., a distance of 92.5 miles, hi-;; eluding a dead stop at the Mjstio drawr", bridge, as required by the statutes ofj Connecticut, in juet 62.5 minutes, pulling ' at tho same time eight care, four of which will be Pullman.

Where They Put the Poultice.

Thebe is a time to keep silence, but it evfc.' dently was not the right time in the case of 2 a boy mentioned, who lives in an Ontario town. He got a sliver in his foot, and, in spite of his protestations, bis mother and' grandmother decided to place a poultice over tho wound. The boy vigorously re- sisted. p'

" I won't have no poultice." he declared, stoutly. . "Yes, you will, Eddie," declared both"; mother and grandmother firmly, and thai' majority being two to one at bedtime the poultice was ready. If the poultice was ready the boy was not,' and be proved so refractory that a switch was brought into requisition. It was ar- . ranged tbat the grandmother should apply the poultice, while the mother was to stand with the uplifted switch at the bedside.. Tho boy was told that if he "opened hia mouth " ho would receive that which would , keep him quiet. Aa the hot poultice touched the boy's foot he opened his month. ". " You—" he began. "Keep still," said his mother, shaking . bar stick, while the grandmother busily ap plied the poultice. , Once more the little iellw opened W mouth. r ." « !_,, But the uplifted switch awed him into silenco. _. In a minute more the poultice wbb firmly. J iln Pj£ce' an-* the boy was tucked in bed, 'There now," said his mother, *'the. p old ehvor will be drawn out and Eddie's foot will be all well." _&s the mother and grandmother moved ti iuinphanlly away a shrill Email voice cam. ■ from undor the bedclothes s , " You've got it on the wrong foot I".

What Will Her Majesty Do?

i Irifh lady has petitioned the Queen under somewhat peculiar circumstances. The petitioner had an uncle named Alex ander Ferdinand Petrie, who entered the army iv 1780, serving in the Seventy-ninth Regiment. He enld out in 1811 and died in 1544, at the age of eighty-eight years. He "willed" all his property, amounting in cash to about £20,000, to the Qoeen. His nieco, who was left a widow in 1855, with eight daughters and one son, has ever since his death been eking out an existence by the precarious profession of keeping a private school ; but this occupation, by reason of her great age and of her growing- blindness, she has had to relinquish. Con sequently, the prayer of the petition seeks that her case and that of her daughters may be equitably entertained by Her Majesty, who, more than thirty years aeo, received the whole of the ancestor's estate as a be quest. Here is, indeed, a chance for the- Queen to celebrate her jubilee.—"l<ondoa: Truth."

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1887

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Poverty and Sufferino.—"l wsb drugied down wiib debt, p -vorty and buffering for ears, caused by a tick family and large bills foi doctoring, which did them no good. 1 waa com pletely dlsoouras. d, until or,e year ago, by the advice of my naitor, I procured Hop Bitters, and commenced their use. and in one month we were all well, and none of ub have seen a elck day slnco; and I want to say to all poor mon, you can keep yonr families well a year with American Co.'s Hop Bluer* for loss thwn one doctor's vinlt will cost. X know It."—A Work nra Mas. Bead.



k__TuP™ D FOB CtKROYMBN.-" I believe It to niw r-?.?- 8 and eTen wiokcn for clergnnen or other public men to be led into giving testi menials to qnaok doctors for vile Kuffiii called _______* V hen a "ally meritorious article k«^_??« u?i o£ J .? unon valuable remedies truaHn^u 1' and that all physicians use and t_U_ °_ y' ye, should freely oommendit. 1 Bitter _t_ ft£ r __. ? nd £ eartlV "Ommend Hos fri<.J_s I th? Kood '«ey have done me and my fn_ f»_nfl rmly boUe»lng they have no e.u_ Rev^LUy^_ * T Ol _*_*• without _.__?•_ *>cv. . Washington, D. a Read.