Captain Edwin advises :—" Expect bad weather between north and west and south west. G\&33 further fall, but rising after 12 hours from now (12 20 a.m.)."

The well-known horseman, J. Rae, has almost recovered from the accident that Jjefel him while ridings Bella in the steeple jhageatEllerslieon Saturday. He was in town to-day.

' The sharemarket is dull, and busines 8 tery limited. New Zealand Banks are asked for at Lls; Colonials at L 2 Is, and Nationals about LI 12s. Sales of Taupiri are reported at 30s. Auckland Gas, old issue, are very saleable. In mining, business done amounts to very little. Prince Im perial, Cambria, Trenton, and Saxons, are asked for at low rates, but sellers are not inclined to part at prices offered.

The "Three Little Maids," the "Mikado" and his " Daughter-in-Law Elect," the Lord High ■ Executioner and the Lord High Everything-Else, with Pish Tish and the other Japanese noblemen and Yum Yum's lovely schoolfellows, will make their last appearance at the Opera House this even ing, after which " The Mikado " will give place to the next novelty to be presented by the Royal Opera Company. " lolanthe, or the Peer and the Peri," is by the same -writer and composer; and by many people the music of this original fairy opera is preferred to that of Gilbert and Sul livan's clever Japanese burlesque. Queen of the Fairies will be , played by Miss Alice Barnett, for whom the part Avas written.; and a new baritone, Mr Frank Ridsdale, will make his first appearance in Auckland to-morrow evening. . The other leading parts will be sustained by Miss Elsa May (Phyllis, an Arcadian Sheperd ess), Miss Ida Osborne (a married and there fore ex-communicated fairy), Mr W. 11. Woodfield (the Earl Tolollar), Mr Albert Brennir (an Arcadian Shepherd), Mr Grundy (a Grenadier Guardsman), and last but certainly not least, Mr Howard Vernon, whose Lord Chancellor is considered one of his most amusing impersonations. The performance of " The Mikado " last even ing, despite the tempestuous weather, was largely attended, and its popularity is such thai) we feel certain it might run a week longer with ease. All the leading numbers were encored last evening, Mr Howard Vernon and " The Three Little Maids from School," as usual, coming in for the lion's share of the applause.

At a meeting of Acclimatisation Society yesterday, the Chairman, Mr J. Burfct, drew attention to the fact that one fourth of the Society's income was being expended on rewards for hawks' heads. As against this, ■ however, Mr Morrin pointed out that this expenditure largely increased the revenue from game licenses. It was announced that a consignment -of perch and trout had been received from Wellington Acclimatisation Society. The tronfc were not yet ready for distribution, while perch would be placed in the reservoir near the Sugar Works at North cote.

At the drill-shed yesterday Colonel Roberts resumed the preliminary enquiry into the matters connected with the man agement of the Ponsonby Rifles. About a dozen witnesses were examined.

Considerable surpi-ise has been felt and expressed at the omission from the list of footballers selected to practise for the Taranaki match of the name of "Mr J. Lecky (Captain of the Graf ton Club). We are assured, however, that the omission is quite a mistake, Mr Lecky is included, and will doubtless be in the chosen fifteen.

' Another case of pilfering on the wharves has been reported. Between 2 p.m. on Monday and 3 p.m. on Tuesday last, nine bottles of whisky disappeared from a Case stored in "A " shed.. The value of the whisky is £2 14s, and the owners, Messrs Handcock and Co. We understand that duty- is., claimed on -the missing pro perty, because ib was known to have .wen there on Monday, and that the Cus toms have no intention of allowing any reduction. .

IMr Lewin, of the Bank of New Zealand, 1 mites to us that he can corroborate the Tiger Story published in the Star Supple ment of last Saturday. He was intimately acquainted with Mr S. M. Barry, the hero of the adventure.

Smith and Caughey guarantee the wear of their Geelong clothing, noted for superior cut and finish. Immense stock of gents.' niercory, etc., direct from the best manu facturers.

MEMORANDA.

A meeting of the promoters and subscribers to the Devonport Free Reading-room will be held to-morrow evening in the Council Chambers, Devonport, to consider the tenders, etc., for the building of the Library.

' Regarding the statements made by mem bers in the House about the Village Settle ment Scheme, Mr John Lundon convenes a public meeting, to be held in the Temper ance Hall to-morrow evening, with a view of vindicating the scheme and placing the public in full possession of the facts.

A promenade concert will be held this evening in the Kindergarten Hall, old Public Library.

A sale of work and social evening is an nounced to take place to-morrow evening in the Mount Hobson Hall, in connection with St. Mark's Church, Remuera.

- SmiA and Caurfiey guarantee the wear of their Geelcng clothing, noted for superior cut and finish. Immense stock of gents', mercery, etc., direct from the besb manu facturers.

A drawing-room concert is advertised to take place in St. James's Hall on Friday next, by Mr Edmondes and pupils, assisted by Messrs Adams Bros., consisting of solos, duets, glees and instrumental morceaux. A pleasing and successful concert; is antici pated.

• The first meeting of the winter session of the Tabernacle Band of Hope will be held :tliis evening in the schoolroom at 7.30. ;

The class for shorthand in connection With the V.M.C.A. is now being organised, and will commence next week. The terms are moderate, all members and subscribers to the Association being free..

] The projected production of " Rob Roy " f-.ty members of Auckland Burns Club is :. being taken up with enthusiasm, and the .; intending, performers are to meet on : Tuesday next to arrange the parts, etc.

Mobwb Hannken Bros,, who provided such excellent adjuncts to many pleasant even fogs last season, are again open to engage ment as musicians, and will be happy to cater as heretofore on all occasions where {food music, is essential.

An organ recital and sacred concert for *nich an attractive programme has been '•'"Prepared, takes place to-morrow night in r Holy Trinity Church, Devonport. r, Stewart, Dawson, and Co., the well ■ T known Liverpool Watch manufacturers, m ; foliate in our advertising columns that they nave added to their branch in Queen-street a repairing department, and having just •■^pletedextensivealterationstotheirwork ; *°om they are now in a position to turn out ■ and fifty repairs per week in ad -11-Mm to their own watches. Their charges 1 w repairs have been fixed to suit the times, : vf-> 3s 6d for new main springs ; watch ; glasses and keys, 3d each, and all other re- M sjf*B equally cheap. These prices include -oth* makers' watches,, no matter where C^glit/ and S., D., and Co. having large r.^es on the premises by the best makers, 1 may rely on the safety of their .Ifitcheg left for repairs. •'Smith and Caughey import direct from J* njdnufacturers, and sell at and under ""'^priQeaforc^hQnly.

The^ laughable farce "Boots at The bwan and a vocal and instrumental concert takes place in St." Thomas's Schoolroom, bottom of Union-street, Free man s Bay to-morrow night. Several well known vocalists have promised their aid, whilst the farce, " Boots at the Swan " is sure to send all away in the best of tempers. The low price of admission ought to ensure a full house.

A choir of about 200 selected voices from the various Sunday-schools in Auckland is at present preparing, under the conductor ship of Mr R. Tudehope, a service of song entitled " Queen Victoria and her Reign/ which is to be delivered in the Choral Hall on Monday, July 4th. The weekly re hearsal took place in Newton Congrega tional Church last night, and was largely attended, while the singing showed that a musical treat may be expected by the time fixed for the public performance. A number of well-known instrumentalists have consented to assist in forming an orchestra for the occasion.

Next Sunday a musical treat will be afforded during divine service atSfc.Patrick's Cathedral. Many of the members of the Royal Opera Company will be present, and assist the choir. Mr Nelson will sing the " Cujus Animus," from Rossini's " Stabat Mater ;" Miss Clark will sing Gounod's " Aye Maria," and Mr Nelson, in company with Mr Graham, of St. Patrick's choir, will render Rossini's "Tantum Ergo." Under such auspicious circumstances, a most enjoyable service may be prognosti cated.

Attention is called to the sale of the household furniture of F. Larkins, Esq., which is to be held to-morrow by B. Tonks and Co., at the residence, Victoria Avenue, Remuera, The whole of the furniture and effects are to be sold, including a grand piano by Lipp and Sohn, glassware, platedware, pictures, garden tools, kitchen utensils and quiet milch cow, &c. Omni buses will leave Brunswick Mart frequently between 10 and 10.30 a.m.

Smith and Caughey hold the largest stock of Blankets and Flannels in the pro vince of Auckland. Blankets, from 6s lid per pair to 3 guineas ; Flannels, from 7Ad to 2s 6d.

Ask your Grocer or milkman for Freez ing Company's -'Shell" brand butter in half-pound pats.

ELECTION NOTES.

Changes aotl Additions to Aiiek

land Seats.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PARLIAMENTARY RE'

PORTER.)

Wellington, this clay. Surprise is expressed here at the large number of candidates announced for city seats, and members admit the certainty of severe contests. The fact appears to have been lost sight of that a new seat will be given to Auckland City and will probably be called City South. The division will probably bo made between Ponsonby and Newton. The boundaries of the Bay of Islands district have been outlined and show that Hiku rangi and Ngunguru have been taken in from Marsden. Some uncertainty appeara to exist respecting Mr Thompson's inten tions. He absolutely intends to contest City North, in the interests of economy and retrenchment.

Sir, — Under the above heading in last night's issue,. you .say .Mr E. Withy is a probable candidate for Par nell. I am glad of this, and am certain he, would do justice to any con stituency he came forward for. He is not a retired Liverpool merchant, bub a retired Wesb Hartlepool iron and steel shipbuilder. —Yours, &c, Stbantojt. ,

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT,)

Wanganui, this day.

The "Herald" of last night, had the fol lowing paragraph :—" It is said that in tho event 01 the Waitotara seat being cut off by the Representation Commissioners, the Hon. Mr Bryce will retire into private life. It is an open secret that for some time past Mr Bryce's health has not been of the best, and that but for his duty to his party he would have preferred to have given up politics some time ago."

(by telegraph—own correspondent. )

Dunedin, this day

Mr Jas. Allan will oppose Sir Robert Stout; Mr Jas. Green will go against Mr Mills, and Mr Hutchison against Mr Ross.

ST. JOHN'S WESLEYAN CHURCH.

The anniversary of the above church was celebrated last evening by a tea and public meeting. The tea was given and presided over by various ladies of the church. There was a good gathering afe the tea, and the time was well spent in social chat and pleasurable enjoyment. At the public meeting in the church abcrat 2aO friends were present. In the absence of the expected Chairman (Mr Prime) Mr John Banbury, a very old friend and trustee of the church, was called upon to preside. He went to business at once, and in •i few appropriate remarks began the programme. The first on the list was the Rev! Thos. Spurgeon. This gentleman is always good at social gatherings. He knows well how to mix up the humorous and the solemn, and never fails to edify and please. The church secretary read a voluminous report of the year's doings. Although the report was long', it,was of a most interesting character; and was full of quaint and happy allusions referring to the past and present. It was justly referred to by several speakers in terms of praise. The financial report Was readand proved of a satisfactory nature. Rev C H". Garland took the place of the c-xpected Rev. Mr Dewsbury, and of course said many good and wise things. _ He was severe upon those who appeared ■ irreverent in public worship, and said he was grieved many a time at seeing persons sitting straight up in their : pew -with eyes open during . the time of pi-aver, and looking about. He told them that their object in coming to church was not to hear a sermon or sing merely, but to worship God, and congrega tions had somewhat degenerated in these days,in reverence at least. Mr Hall gave an interesting address, upon " Shoiiid tian take an interest in politics? It was 'a most opportune address now at general election : time, and was calculated to stir up people to do their duty, at the coming struggle for Parhament. The Rev H. Bull expressed his pleasure- at being With the Ponsonby friends. _It was the last year of his present terra m the Pitt street circuit, and he earnestly and _elo auently urged upon his friends, that they would work well for the Master and carry on the good work begun. Mr Bull's address was listened to with pleasure. He is often very humorous on the platform ; but never fails to drive home,, excellent lessons which hearers would do well to give heed to. The choir under Mr Horsley was in big muster and sang well. Professor Lambert gave an organ recital in a very masterly manner. Mr and Mrs Pnme sang in a fine manner a duet. They both nave capital voices and know well how to use them. At the close a vote of thanks was heartily ac corded to the ladies, speakers, choir and chairman, , , ..« '<\ '

THE QUEEN'S FUND.

Meeting of Ladles.

A public meeting of ladies convened by the Mayoress (Mrs Devore) for the purpose of considering the suggestion of Lady Jer vois to celobrato the Jubilee .by inaugur ating a fund to be called "The Queen's JJund, forthe help of women in diatr&as, JH? he*d£ fc 3- 30 yesterday afternoon in the oity Hall. The attendance waa small. Amongst thoee present were Mesdames Devore, Haines, Tobbs, Nelson, L. D. ?°* ho£' £M- C^k, Pdacock, Coates, Si? f Dudley Ward. and the Misses Vickers. The Mayor (Mr Devore) opened the pro ceedings by reading the circular letter re ceived from Lady Jervois and referred to by us several days ago. He also read the fol lowing printed circular : — "The women and girls of New Zealand, of all ages, ranks, classes, beliefs, and opinions, are asked to join in one common tribute to their Queen, in token of loyalty, affection, and reverence towards the only female Sovereign in history who, for fifty years, has borne the toils and troubles of public life, known the sorrows that fall to all women, and, as wife, mother, widow, and ruler, held up a bright and spotless example to her own and all other nations. Contributions to range from one penny to one pound. The contri butions are to form a fund called " The Queen's Fund," of which the interest is to be expended in affording relief to women in distress in New Zealand. Provisional Com mittee : Her Excellency Lady Jervois, Mrs Ballance, Mrs Fisher, MrsHabens, Mrs S. Brown, Mrs Grace, Mrs Waterhouße, and Mrs H. Rawson, hon. sec. Subscriptions will be received at any branch of the Bank of New Zealand." - The Mayor concluded by stating that if it were decided to start a subscription, he had a draft list prepared which could be printed and circulated. He suggested as the first resolution, " That the scheme pro posed by Lady Jervois be adopted." Mrs Ward pointed out that there was an inclination to qtart a Home for Trained Nurses.

Mrs Haines objected that this would only be of service to the few, while the object was to assist all women in distress.

Mrs Nelson proposed the resolution sug gested by the Chairman. The motion was seconded by Mrs Tebbs, and carried, nem. con.

The Chairman then suggested that the ladies present should be formed into a com mittee to cany out tho scheme. Mrs Smith objected to her name being included until it had been decided how tho money raised was to be distributed. Was the money to be spent at the dis cretion of the committee ?

The Chairman believed that that was tho idea.

Ib was pointed out that the erection of a Home was not contemplated, and Mrs Haines considered that the objects sug gested by Lady Jervois should not be do parted from, viz., .the helping of women in distress. Some women might require nourishment, and others the means of earning a livelihood—a mangle, for instance.

It was agreed that the Mayoress should be President of the Committee.

Mrs Dudley Ward did not think she should be on the Committee, seeing that she was already helping the naothors by her Kindergarten, for which she required all the pennies she could get. : The Chairman remarked that to, stand out implied opposition, aud Mrs Ward thereupon allowed her name to bo added. It was resolved that all.the ladies present should constitute the Committee, viz., Mes dames' Devore, Ward, James Smith, Lilly) Peacock, Tebbs, Nelson, J. M. Clark, Federli, Kenny, . Misses Coates, Clark, Vickers and L. Vickera. . - Mrs Lilly proposed, and Mrs Dudloy Ward seconded, '' That the funoU be given to women who have seen better days, and who have been in better circumstances, but who through depressed times are unable to earn even a livelihood, just, for these alone, and not for everybody." ■ ■ . ~ ' Mrs Kenny thought that there should be no distinctions of creed or class.

Mrs J. M. Clark took a similar view of the matter, and moved, as an amendment, " That the fund be applied bo tho help of all women in distress."

Mrs L. D. Nathan seconded.

The amendment was carried by 12 to 3, and therefore became the substantivo motion.

Mrs .Smith then proposed, aa a further amendment, and Miss Vickers seconded, " That the money be expended in founding a Nurses' Home, for the purpose pf train ing girls to nurse for the benefit of all classes." . .

This amendment was negatived, and Mrs Clark's motion was then carried unani mously. The draft subscription list tabled by the Mayor was then adopted, and His Wor ship promised to have it printed, and copies sent throughout the province, to Mayors of boroughs, chairmen of road districts, and so on, the list to be accompanied by the circular which was read by the Chairman at the opening of the meeting. The Mayor stated that the oirculars would be sent out on Thursday naxt, and the meeting then dissolved.

SPORTING NEWS.

Acceptances for Hawke's Bay Steeplechase.

The following acceptances were received last night for the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase, to be run on Jubilee Day :—

■•"Including 71b penalty.

The Melbourne Cup.

[keoter's telegram.]

Melbourne, Tuesday.

The number of entries received for the Melbourne Cup is 125, not 126,' as previously telegraphed. , .

(PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Christchurch, Tuesday,

Nelson, Bangle, and Sextant are entered for the Melbourne Cup,: «nd have been omitted in telegraphing;. •

The following. are the winning payments over the Auckland Racing Club Winter Meeting :—Mr D. Maloney, L3Ol 3s ;Mr J. Kavanagh, LH9 12s 6d ; Mr J. Kean, L 142 10s ; Mr G.Wright,L66 10s • Mr J. J, Fitz gerald,Ls4 12s 6d ;Mr J. Morton,L47 10s ; MrW. K. Carter, L 26 12a; Mr P. J. Bux ton, L 23 15s ; Bracelets, L4O : total, L 852

ss. Huntsman is to be offered by auotion at Mr A. Buckland's usual sale on Friday next. .'•". ■■

VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

(BY TELEGBAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wkllinoton, Tuesday.

The debate oa this subjeot was resumed in . the House to-day by Mr Duncan, who de fended tha expenditure on Tillage settle ments, but was satisfied that such a scheme could not be established with out Government assistance. He only wished that such settlements had been established in his district. This waa the first practical endeavour to take the unemployed by the hand and open for them the door of hope for bhe futura of them selvee and families.

Major Atkinson said the general feeling appeared to be that this discussion should be brought to a close as soon as possible. It was evident that they could not get definite information from the Government of what they were doing and what they pro posed to do. Th.c question was not the desirability of such a scheme of settle ment, but the action of the Minister of Lands in incurring such a large liability as L 70.000. when only L5.0Q0 was voted. No Parliament doing its duty to the people could consent to any Minister going, so far on his own responsibility, He would like to know how much of the L 5.000 now asked for was to bo spent upon settlers now located and how much on the estab lishment of new settlers. Further informa tion was also required relative to the exact position and authority of Mr Lundoii. Mr Ballance said the member, for Bgmanb had put the matter very fairly, and he would give the information asked for. The Public Works Statement, which would have been brought for ward if certain events had not interfered, contained a vote of L 50,000. Hinr inten tions respecting it would have been ex plained. The actual expenditure for the year was L 8,200, including 1.6,000 advances. This would bo taken out of the L0'2,000 liabilities, which extended over two years. Nearly the whole of the L 5.000 asked for would be required for liabilities. Ha would now state what they had done in this village settlement work. From the Ist April last till May 28fch in Auckland 74 families had been settled on 3,204 acres ; in Taranaki, 60 acres had been settled ; in Wellington 10 familied had been settled on 134 acres; in Canterbury 50 families on 1955 acres ; in Otago 46 families on 751 acres ; in Southland 12 families on 111) acres. Thus 194 familie3 had been located on 6,258 acres in the period of eight weeks. They.believed that 150 additional families could be placed ou tho land up till next September. It was part of the Government policy to go on with the work in the interregnum, and when a new House met they would then ask for funds to meet the, liabilities incurred. So far as Mr Lundon was concerned, there was no doubt he had performed his duties with great energy and zeal. Ho was not prepared to say thafc he had performed his duties with tho regularity of an ordinary publio official, because anyone who know Mr Lundon knew that such a tiling Was im possible. For some timo his opinion had been that this work should bo done by'the ordinary officials of the Department, and it was his intention that from tho end of June the work of Mr Lundon should bo brought to a conclusion.

In reply to Major Atkinson, Mr Ballance said Mr Lundon had no authority over Mr Percy Smith and the public officials, and they, not Mr Lundon, were held responsiblo for the success of establishing the scheme. ■ Mr Fisher approved 'Warmly of the sottle inont of the people on the land, but ob jected to, the burden of charitable aid in Auckland being pkcecL on the consolidated revenne. -He objected to. such a responsible offiocr as the. Assintant Surveypr-Gonoral being under the orders of irrepressible mem like Mr Lundon, and disapproved of. the methods of carrying out the settlement scheme.' It was a matter for satisfaction that tine employment of Mr Lundou was to cease.

In reply to Mr Ormond Mr Ballanco 6aid he did not purpose to go on with tho loca tion of settlers unless ha had the authority of the House.

The Premier defended the work done for the districts north of Auckland, and said special settlors would resent Mr Fisher's allusion to charitable aid relief. He pre dicted further unemployed troubles within the next twelve months, and Was satisfied that whatever Government was in power they would find the best remedy for these agitators in the Village Settlement scheme. Mr Montgomery complained of the unfair prominence given to the perpetual lease system over other land settlement systems in force.

Mr B. F. Richardson declared that large sums of money had been spent in opening up useless lands, and said the Minister of Lands deserved a direct vote of censure in so far exceeding the vote of the House. Mr J. C. Buckland.who claimed to have more experience of bush settlement in his little finger than the whole Bench of Min isters possessed, said if the Minister of Lands had endeavoured to make land settlement popular he would have done Borne good. Until they got a Government which be lieved* in introducing from England sample farmers who possessed capital, their policy would be of no* avail to the country. ■ He instanced the want of success of the mili tary settlements in the Waikatb1 as a proof of the difficulties in the way of the Village Settlement Scheme.

Dr. Newman regretted the House had no opportunity of placing on record its sense respecting the excessive liability incurred by Mr Ballance. If the House refused to ratify the engagements entered into, the settlers could sue the Minister of Lands, and he would be. placed, in an awkward position. They had. been . told that Mr Lundon received nothing for his services, and now. he got 12s 6d per day, and he would like to know if this was all he was to receive.. Mr Ballance said it would be found, on looking at the land account, that they had not confined themselves to one system of settlement alone. He considered the Homestead system ruinous and waste ful. Although these settlers might struggle on for years, the chances were against them. The tendency .of new arrivals waa to buy improved land, and of fifty who came out from England under the small farmers settlement system last year, nearly every one had bought improved land. The money paid to Mr Lundon was for travelling ex penses. In reply to Ormond, Mr Ballance said nearly tho whole of the L53,0Q0 for harbour defences was for war material on the way, and which would shortly be landed in the colony, - : , Mr Scobie Mackenzie asked on what Mr Ballance based his condemnation of - the homestead system. Had they ever tried it ? Mr Ballance: Yes ;in Auckland. His opposition to the system was that it was. a form of land purchase, and was opposed to the system of perpetual lease, of which he (Mr Ballanco) was such a strong admirer. Mr Mackenzie argued at some length in support of the freehold system.

Sir Robert Stout, in reply, said if the country had had the perpetual lease system in force since the early days of the colony taxation would not have been so heavy. The State would have better control of the land, and such great monopoly in land holding would not exist. He predicted that the State would yet-have to revise the system of land tenure in New Zealand. — Mr Dargaville defended the Minister of Laws for his action in exceeding the vote, and declared that the members for Auck land East and Egmont had furnished pre cedents when, in power with much less reason. ; - '

Mr G. F. Richardson ridiculed the idea of paying people to settle on good lands. Sir G. Grey said that fche terms on which the people were allowed to occupy those village settlements were such as to injure their character and destroy their prospects i for life. He denied that those lands were §iven to the unemployed". One hon. mem or had told them that two maiden ladies were amongst ths,families put on land. He was strongly in favour of freehold tenure of' land. ■■'■,':

Sir R. Stout twitted Sir George Grey with speaking one way one day, and another way next day, and It was tnat which had lost him hia influence, and which made the hon. member stand alone in the House. He asserted that since the present Government had taken office Sir George Grey had cared nothing for Liberal princi ples or Liberal ideas. Mr Fergus said It was unworthy of the Premier's position to levy such reproaches as he had dono at the member for Auck land City East, who was immeasurably the Premier's superior. He referred to tho action of tho Premier in joining Sir J. Vogel, and said by so doing he had united the most Conservative section of the House with the most Radical section. He had lost the confidence of the country by hia action in this respect; he had also lost the support of his friends in bis own district. Mr Downie Stewart said they were ex perimenting with the lands of the colony in a manner that would prove disastrous to it. The only thing that would save the colony waa population, bub the present land laws would never attract people to the country. He knew that capital was being taken from the aolony In consequence of the uncertainty of our land tenure, and tho country would n9v«r progress under such a system. Sir J, Vogol combated Mr Stewart's statement that capital was being driven from the country because of the land tenure. It was well known that he (Sir J. Vogel) was not in favour of perpetual loases, but he held that if the Govern ment were able to keep their land out of tho market at tho present time they were wise in more than one reepect. If tha Government were to content themselves with sellingas much land as was aotually required for the purposes of settlement, it seemed to him the besb policy to meet the necessities of the case.

Mr Pyke was annoyed to hear Sir J. Vogol express tho sentiment that tha Government should hold the land whon the people were anxious to obtain it. That was a request beneath the dignity 01 tho Houae, and beneath the position which tho Treasurer held in the House. He ventured to say that before many years were over every perpetual leaseholder, and every deferred payment bolder, would be a freoholder.

Mr Peacock desired somo information as to the expenditure of the LIOO.OOO of the North Island loan. It was stated thab part of this money had boon applied to the Tongariro National Park, and ib was neces sary that BBino information should be af forded on it.

Mr Ballance said they had acquired for the North laland Railway 423,542 acres of land. The cost of the Waimarino block was L 4, r>,ooo, and L 70,000 had been spout on the line this year. Mr Moss said the establishment of special settlements waa hailed with great delight in Auckland, and that the scheme had been the means of relieving a large number of the unemployed in. that oity. There were large numbers amongst the unemployed who. were only too eagor and anxious to get work if they could obtain it.. .. :Mr Bryce opposed the village settlement policy, and said be was prepared to argue it at any time with miybou v. Ho said a gentleman with.L6o.ooo had coirio to the colon jp'arid"left agah'f because he could not got any land., . • ■ ■ > • AXtoHuvthef di6QUßsion s new clause was mov4d\ by the Treasurer to the effect thafc section 70 of the Public Revenues Act'of 1878 should not apply to unauthorised ex penditure until the end of. tho first session of next Parliament., This was agreed to; The bill was then reported and fixed for to-morrow. , . . .. ■ ' * ■

' The House rose at ten minutes past one a.m.

FIRE IN UPPER QUEEN-STREET.

Tiik fire-fiend appears still to b» aotively engaged In the work of spoliation. Another outbreaktook place early tliiamorning—this time in Upper Queen-street—and resulted in the destruction of a five-roomed cottage owned by Mr Henry Donnelly, and situated next door to fche hay and corn store of Messrs Robertson and Maxwell. Mr Donnelly is absent at Onehunga, where he is employed at the Woollen Co. b factocy in the capacity of engineer, and tho cottage was occupied by hia wife and eight children. His eldest . son, James, a young man of 21 years, states that he was aroused shortly after 1 o'clock this morn ing by Mb little brother Pat tolling him that the bedroom was full of smoke. Tha alarm came nob a whit too soon, for the fire had secured a firm hold of the building, and the family bad just titno to escape with a little clothing. Mr J. Donnelly waa only ablo to save liis own box. Tho flames wera already breaking through the roof, and a few minutes ? later tho alarm waa rung out upon . the nearest fireball. Superintendent Hughes and the, Fire Brigade promptly responded, but their efforts had to be confined to preventing the further extension of the fire, in which they proved quite successful. Otherwise the adjoining dwelling, owned by Mrs Roth and occupied by Mr Hockings.must have gone. The Donnelly's cottage and the furniture which It contained, including a piano re cently purchased, were entirely consumed. Captain Field and the Salvage Corps were present, aiso a posse of police under Ser geants Pratt and Kieiy. The house was insured for L 175 in the South British, and the furniture was covered by a policy issued by some other office. Mr..J. Donnelly be lieves that the fire originated in the kitchen, aa it was In flameJHvhon ho awoke.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— QWS GOKBESPONDENT,)

, , . Thames, this day.. After sifting about an hour yesterday, His. Honor, Mr Seth Smith, found it necessary to adjourn the Court, owing to indisposition.

' Mrs Symington denies the truth of the rumour being circulated hereto the effect that she has sold the Royal Hotel to Mr L. Ehrenfried.

At a meeting of the Board of Governors of the High School it was decided to reduce the fee payable for business sites on the Board's Waiorongomai townships from L 6 to LI, as was done last year.

Master Murray, s6n of the manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Ib recovering, but his condition ie still considered critical.

It will be Been by an advertisement whioh appears in another column, that Mr Edward McKeown has purchased the bakery business, well known as the " Newmarket Bakery," at Newmarket, and lately: carried onby John McNeiL Mr McKeown is well kuown in connection with the Ilripe'rial Bakery, and hie name is a sufficient guar antee that all orders; entrusted to him In connection with catering for balls, parties, etc.,will be carried out with the promptness and satisfaction that he has hitherto given. He intends to supply only the best of ar ticlee, rb has hitherto been hia custom.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

{py 2ELEGRAPJI—SPECIAL REPOBTB3,)

Wellington, this day. Village Settlements.

It appears that Mr G. F. Richardson in tended to move a vote of censure on the Minister of. Lands for his action in inourring a liability of L 57.000 in excess of last year's vote on 'amount of village settlements. He aought support in the ' lobbies for s bugL a motion, but nothing more was heard of it beyond Mr Richard son's expansion of regret in the Hous& that a vote of censure was not proposed. It is therefore assumed that the support pro mised was not sufficient to justify any hope of success, so that the motion was con sidered inadvisable. Mr Richardson also referred to the special settlement blook soheme, and borrowed the remarks that I made yesterday forenoon as to the manner in which these blocks are being leased to associations.

The Minister of Lands says the Govern ment have completed the purchase of 15,000 acres of land from the natives near Ngaruawahia, for the purposes of Village Settlements. In view of the establishment of a temperance settlement at Raglan they propose to establish several village settle ments there. Mr Lake represents that the settltrs already at Raglan have not acoess to an outlet from their lands except through private property.

A. Breeze In the Council

The Legislative Councillors are certainly not a happy family. In speaking to one of the Government polioy measures yesterday afternoon, the Hon. Mr Miller charged tho Colonial Secretary with indulging in a quan tity of abusive nonsenße. Mr Buckley at once rosetohisfeet,andcsked that tho words " abusive nonsense " should be taken do\yn. The words wore noted, but eventually the Colonial Secretary said he thought that the bent.courtesy he could show to tho hon. gentleman was to taka no furthor action. Mr Miller did not feel particularly grateful for the consideration extended to him.

The Council this afternoon, by a narrow majority, allowed the Government Loans to Local Bodies Acfe Amendment Bill, which is intended to remedy 6ome defects in the Act of last. session, to be committed. In the course of the debate the intervention of the acting-Speaker was required on more than ona occasion, in consequence of strong language used by the lion, legislators. Dr. Pollen, in moving that the bUlba committed a second time that day six months, urged that lqcal, bodies should learn to depend upon themselves, and not go on accumulat ing a burden of debt which was quite out of proportion to their means. He referred in Btrorig terms to fclire policy of borrowing in the colony, and expressed a hope that at the coining elections people, would return members pledged to rigid economy. ~ . Messrs K. OUirer, George McLean, and M. Holmes also urged that as'this was a policy measure tho country should have an opportunity of expressing aa opinion on it. The bill' was committed by 17 votes.to 15, but''in committee it was considorably emasculated by the borrowing clauses being exefsed.. Tha. machinery clauses were, hovyeve/, retained. ; •'

Qtmi-dißgiag.

Mr Hobba asked Mr Ballance toiday if he would give homestead settlors tha same privilege of digging gum on foreat lands as was given to village settlers. Mr Bal lanco said he had never {riven the matter his consideration, but would, look into it at once; - , • ~

Trials of the Unemployed

Mr Moss gave the Houie a pitiful account of the miseries which Auckland unemployed had to endure on Woodhill .relief works last winter. Planters of the *South Sea Islands would not give"natives work of anything likes-' the nature. He approved of tho action of the Government in giving' these people the alternative. of going on village settlomonfe sections instead of working above their kneea in running cold water on bitterly'cold days. He was satisfied that the settlements would be suooassful, and denied that anything had been shown yet to prove they were not.

Lieutenant Jackson JPalmer's

Petition.

The Public Petitions Committee have re ported with reference to the petition of Mr Jackson Palmar, a lieutenant in the Pern- Bonby Rifle Volunteers, who alleges that he was placed under arrest in March last on baseless charges, and prays that a certain document, nocessary in a prosecution for libel, may be produced by the Defence Department, <&nd that a repetition of the wrong he has suffered may be prevented. As the matter is at present under the con sideration of the Government the Committee have no recommendafciou to make.

Mr Voibracbt's Petition. The same Committee hare reported ad versely respecting Augnet ■ Voirbracht, of Auckland, wko aakod that he might be awarded a bonus on account of having in troduced the cultivation of tobacco into the colony. ■ •

Cost of Collecting; the Revenue.

. From a return presented by the Treasurer I learn that the oost per cent, of collects ing 'the..Customs and other revenue at the principal ports of the Colony during the last financial year was : Auckland/L2 7s 5d ; Now Plymouth, Ll2 Ids; Welling ton, L 2Oa lOd ; Napier, L 3 6s lid; Picton, Ll4 lie 4d; Nelson, L 2 19s 6d ; Inyercargill and Bluff, L 3 14s 6d ; Dtinedin, 12 8s ; Qamaru,:LS 19s ; Timafu, L 4 2s2d. Christchurch and Lyttelton. L 2 11s 2d; At Hokianga itcofit L 77 Is lOdper cent.', at Monganui L6O 19b lOd, and at RusHell L4O 17s 9d. • The average, for colony was L2l4s3d. The cost of collection calculated on the Custom revenue only (less draw backs and refunds) amounteu to ,L 8 19s 6d percent: luthe United Kingdom on the same basis It was L 4 6s 4d for the year ended 31st March, 1886. : ;

Bills.

Two bllla remedying defects In previous measures .were advanced a stage in the House Yesterday. The Counties Act Amendment Bill was read a third time, and goes to the Legislative Council, whilst the second-reading of the Mining Act Amend ment Bill .was agreed to without discussion.

The Trunk Hallway,

Information of an important nature was elicited from the Minister of Lands last night by Mr Peacock who, asked how much had been expended out of LIOO,OOO taken for the North Island trunk railway for land, purchases on the route of the jail way. He also wanted to know how much had been tatoein for the Native Park Lands. Mrßallance replied that the area bo far was 423,640. The acquired Waimarina block which yraa acquired can for thirty miles on each side of the line. In reply to Mr Newman, Mr Ballance said L 7*,000 was the amount already paid,notX4s,OoQ,whicli would be the total cost of the land. ■ ■ i , Monnt Eden JEtange. Two petitions ware- presented to the House asking ,that Mount Eden Range might remain open for the use, of Vplunr teera aa at present. .The Petitions Com mittee having considered the matter re port that the petition should be referred; to the Government for consideration. Special Settlements. The Village Settlementscandal is likely to cause attention to bp directed to the Special Settlement blocks scheme. Already 45,000 acr^fs have been allotted under thle eoheme^

■■ , . - ■■■ ,• •■: ■■ ■■• ■'.•:. ■r, , r; ■■■ v -■-;-» s and 42,000 acres more are in process- or. allotment for the present year. It is alleged | that ■ associations and companies have t made application direcb to the Minister, 5 who has granted them without reference I to the focal officers, and tho Surveyor I General has altogether been ignored. I The Act also provides that all bjoclis f are to be valued by competent valuators, | but Ministers have contented themselves with acting as valuators themselves, and j several thousand pounds of loan money I have been spent in giving access to these blocks. It is stated , that § legitimate settlement will be effectually \ barred by the allocation of these blocks, as j the eyes of tho country are being picked out, and a number of the blocks are said t<j I ba ; adjacent to the main lines, of. railway ; in process of construction. Ah Ota<p member has jußfc informed me that me ] intends directing attention to the. matter with a view to ascertaining the feeling "of j the House "with respect to this Special f Settlement Schema. .■'■;><''. Dr. Pollen's Pension. j ThePublicAccountsCommitteohave.de- J termined not to consider Dr. Pollen's claim j this session. Doomed Electoral Districts; Under tho new Representation- Act the electorates of Heathcote, Picton, and Waikouaiti will be wiped o\it of the South Island.

THE HARDINGE-STREET MYSTERY.

Is the Mother Dead?

"The Hardinge street Mystery,'' as the 4; strange discovery of a newly-born child by Mr Corlett on Sunday evening last may well be called, still continues unravelled, j Detectives Tuohy and Bernard, who have the matter in hand, have scoured the city and mado enquiries in every conceiv» j able quarter, and have hot obtained the slightest clue ' that would lead "to the discovery of the mother of the deserted babe. We learn that the place at which it ib thought the accouchement took place, is a passage between two houses in Nelson street. In this "right-of-way there wtjre found a quantity of old rags, and (Jieused clothing, from which it was evident j the coverings of the infant had been taken. The distancebetween this right-of-way and the placo where the child was found is several hundred yards, and it is difficult'to believe that the wretched mother in her •weak oondition could have, unassisted, tra versed that distance. A theory, has been advanced which it is just possible may prove to be true,that the mother,' after giving birth to the child, horrified at her j condition, threw herself into the harbour. To attach any credence to this theory,.we, however, must believe that the unfortunate woman walked a . considerable distance unassisted after the birth. B A this i as it |may—the elucidation of the inPtery has baflled two of our mbst astute police officers, arid the public will'beon the tenter ! hooks of curiosity until a solution has been found to the difficult problem. ~( '.-,,, ,1

POLICE COURT.

(Before Messrs H. Brett and W. Fraser,

Justices.) , . Deukkensess.—Parata and William Wit liamß were'fined 5s each.

Assault.—Two charges of assault pre» ferrod'by Mary Baird against Bryaa Culloty and Edward Lysaght were ad journed for a week on the application of Mr Mahony.: -'■••-;-: •■ ?&'*" , ; '.: ••-•r

Valueless Cheque.—James O'Connor, charged with imposition by means' of l a valueless cheque, was remanded till to- • morrow, on the application of Sergt. Pratt, to, enab'e the police to make further inquiries.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWK CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day.

Phince Imperial.—There are 40 loads of quartz on hand, and crushing has been commenced.

Trenton.—The country in the south crosscut continues a favourable sandstone, with occasional quartz veins striking through it. The manager is hopeful of meeting with a reef shortly.

Saxon.—The body of quartz cut in the drive at No. 3 level is 2ft thick, and carries kindly minerals. Crushing is still proceed ing. , ; • j.'ov; Cambeia.—l67 loads and 30 pounds of picked stone crushed for 147 ounces retorted gold. , _ :

THE EASTERHILL'S CARGO.

The following are the values of cargo shipped per barque Easterhill, for London : —1,377 bales wool, L 13,743; 1,012 casks tallow, L 7,553; . 633 cases gum, J£,lls; 93 packages cotton, LSOO ; 22 bales skins, L 463 ; 133 tons copra, L 1,553 : l } ooo cjtges preserved meats, L 925 ; 273 bales flax, L 54 2; 14 bales basils, L 302 ; 66 tons manganese, L 246 ; 415 pieces rimu ; 90 bales tow, L 45 ; 14 bales.rags L 2 4; 35 cases shell, L 20 0; 49 casks olive, LI2O ; 160 bags hoofs and horns, L 34; 20 bags bones, L2O ; sundries, L 13 8; total value of cargo L 28.520,.

Wade.

The' cinriual ' meeting 'of -the Wade Licensing Committee, was held in the dis trict schoolroom on Monday. "All'the mem bers were present, with,. the clerk5,.(Mr Searhan)i, and the inspector (Sergeant Gillies), the chairman: (Mr'Elias)presiding. The minutes ..of previous meeting haying been confirmed, and a satisfactory police report" pf; the tJiree hotels in the: district received, 'rieriewals;"were granted of publi can's _ license to Michael Lennan for the Wfide Hotel and to Charles William Fenton for the' Waiwera Hob Springs Hotel;' and of aetfommodatibn license (fee £10) to Thos. Evans for the Lucas Creek Hotel.

Smith and Caughey .are. now showing three extraordinary special, lots of good, useful Kid Gloves, at Is, Is 3Jd, and Is ll^d per pair; also, a special large purchase from an overstocked Melbourne firm of 4,-Buttoned Kid Gloves in good evening shades, at Is 6id, usual price 2b lid. .

You Cau; Be Happy if you will stop all j your doctoring yotirself and yonr families with j expensive doctora or cure-alls that do only harm, and use nature's simple remedies for all your ; ailments ; you will be well and happy and save great expense. ■ The greatest remedy for this, the great, wise, and good will tell you, is Am. Oa'aHop Bitters.

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c. To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Royal Opera Company in "TheMikado,"B. .' • > >h* . :■, Opposite City Market; Queen-street-'^haania,' Tabernacie Bchoolrbom— Entertainment 'f 30 s fiarieHotel-Walten^KbTaubNyis:'

,_:■ ; Auction Bales TcKnorrqw,.- - ■-■'<'■'A gP^Eyanß-I^rnituro, Oroakery, &o<> U. -1 . J{«7don-Dmpory, Clothing, etc' M. X , Requislteß, v: JDrapovy, Olotttfng, etc« 12. "= G. Goidle, Ofo Market^poga. 12, ' • ?tS D»Efe&j^W^oU^^

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR: WEDNESDAY; JPNE 8. 1887.

5



st lb

Bfc lb

Denbigh ... Silvio* ... Orient Owhaoko ... Victor Erebus ...

11 9 11 9 11 7 10 10 10 9 10 7

Kangaroo ... 10 3 Romeo ... 10 0 Mangaohane 9 12 Waitangi .... 9 10 Huntsman ... 9 8



Winter hosiery, best makes, from London and Leicester manufacturers, at Smith and Gaughey's well-known low cash prices. .



Use colonial productions. Try our Portland Cement and Hydraulic Lime. Infor mation free on concrete.—J Wilson &Co.* Cus toms-street West. ; '



Food for CoNsosirnvEe, Scon's Emblsioh or Pure Cod Livbr On. with HvPOPHOSPHiTes of Limb and Soda, is a most wonderful food fdr th« Consumptive, ft not only gives strength and increase* the flesh, but heals the irritation of the throat and lungs. It is very, palatable: children take it like ratlle, and in all'wasting diseases both for_ adults end children it is a marvellous food and. medicine. Larg« *nd awaU bottk* o( all ChemUts, 48 6i Mil h«.