The Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, JULY 20,1893. A DEMORALISED PARLIAMENT.

Evening Post, Volume XLVI, Issue 22, 26 July 1893, Page 2

The Evening Post. WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1893. A DEMORALISED PARLIAMENT.

♦ — — More ghoulish feasting, more raking up of the dead bones of tho long-buried past, more trading on tlio names of men long since passed awaj', more bitter personal recrimination, more charge and countercharge of personal dishonour, inoro washing of dirty linen, and more strenuous efforts on the part of the elected of the people to bring Parliamentary institutions into thorough contempt with all right-thinking men — such is the record of the first day of the bixth week during which Parlia" ment has been in session. No member seems able to resist tho temptation tp plnnge into a mud-bespattering fray on every oonceivablo opportunity. Sir Robert Stout has proved himself no better than the rest of the House. It was true that he was unjustifiably attacked in a most -vile manner by Mr. Fish, who, like so many others, apparently values his privilego of Parliament greatly because it onablcs him to utter slanders and libels with impunity. But it might hare been expected that Sir Kobebt Stout would havo contented himself with a dignified explanation and refutation of the accusations. Not so, however. Ho immediately resorted to the tv quoqne style of argument, and appeared to think ho was vindicating himself by raking up all the unsavoury scandals and saying all the nasty things ho could about his accuser. It is true Sir Robert wound up with a fine sentiment, quite in the Joseph Surface stylo, but his previous utterances wore quite irreconcilable with that sentiment. Personal reflections, ho said, wore only of moment when they came from a pure source. Yet he had devoted some half-an-hour to trying to prove that personal refleotiona whioh he evidently deemed of the firat moment — or why did ho notioe them ?— emenated from a source so imoore that it should not longer contaminate the Parliamentary atmosphere. Sir Kobbrt Stout was utterly inconsistent, and even after making every possible allowance for the very serious provocation offered, wo ore fain to hold him a worse offender against Parliamentary propriety in yesterday's fray than even his assailant. There was a faint shadow of public interest to justify the introduction by Mr.'FiSH of the subjectmatter of contention, but there was absolutely none in the revival of the oldDunedin Harbour Board and Walter libel scandals. They have been threshed out, and tho idea of now challenging Mr. Fish's right to sit in Parliament after that question has boon more than once answered by his constituents with a full knowledge of the facts, is preposterous. Hut wo warn all those members who violate what ought to be the decencies of Parliamentary debate by tho interchange of personal abuse, or shelter them, selves behind privilege to libel or slander others, that perhaps the day is not far distant when public opinion will be sufficiently educated to insist that no ono who thus acts is a fit man to sit in tho Parliament of tho country. * Later on, when tho Financial Debate was resumed, we bad farther examples of another miserable phase of political discussion as now nndorstood in the Houto of Representatives. The Premior, like previous speakers, at once rushed baok to tho Budget of 1879, instead of discussing tho Budget of 1893, which is the snbjeot ostensibly before the Hou»o, and which we venturo to say contains ample material to engage tho best attention and ability of the present Parliament. Of what practical value is it now to discuss whether certain liabilities existed or did not exist in 1879 ? Thoro is no pretence that they have not been sottlod long ago, and it would bo much better if onr lcgisUtoro would coutent themselves with attending to the finances of the present, and let those of tho distant past rest. If they do not, we fear that those who will have to deal with tho finances of tho future will have much more serious cause to impugn the conduct of those in power in 1893 than there now exists for complaint regarding that of any of the previono Ministries about whioh Mr. Skddon and Mr. Rolleston wasted most of last night in squabbling. Noithor of the spocohes threw any now light on the financial polioy or problems of the present In fact, scarcely any of the speeches in the present debate have done so. Tho financial polioy embodied in the Budget proposals seems t» be really the last and the least thing members trouble themselves about. Half-an-hour would have sufficed last night for all that was said pertinent to the subject by the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition during the six hours they occupied with their speeches. Truly thero was an inordinate quantity of saok to a small ha'porth of bread. All the talk about the Railway Commissioners was time wasted, as the ground will have to be traversed again when the Railway Management Bill comes down. The House is in a

thoroughly demoralised condition The Piemior is nttcrly umiblo to lead it, mid, in Ciot, uiakej no attempt to do an. The Lc.ului of tho Opposition cioruisea no rebt-ain'ntr influeupo on tho proceedings, mil tho public time is wasted and the public business neglected in the most shameful manner. One 6ida is as bad as the other, and a Prydo's Purge— a cloan Bweep — would seem to be the only remedy to upply to prevent Parliamentary Govornment becomii r a by-word nnd a loproach— a curse, instead of a b!e«<-injr, (o the country. Let the pooplti loo'w to it when the general election comes on

Probably no one will bo moro surprised than tho Hon. Mr. Swanson to learn, on the authority of tho leader of tho Opposition, what a much greater man ho is than tho proscnt Premier. Wo doubt whether Mr. Swanson has any yearnings for posthumous fame. Snch a thing has no present monetary value, and Mr. Swanson's views are eminently practical. Ho abjures sentiment, and recognises no standard of value that cannot bo expressed in £ a. d. A pi imroso Ly n river's brmi A jellow pinuroso is to him, And it is nothiug more. We doubt thereforo whether Mr. Swanson will cn.ro much about his name living after Mr. Scddon's is forgotten, and although Mr. Swanson is not of over fine-drawn tempeiampnt, we also donbt whothor ho would wish bis name to bo remembered particularly in connection with tho " Auckland Four " episode. It is. not the sort of transaction on which anyone, wo should think, would wish the historian to dwell as illustrating political ethieß in tho New Zealand Parliament of the period, although possibly the incident might furnish an illustration calculated to throw some light on tho meaning of the practice frequently referred to in contemporary annuls as lo^ -rolling. The Auckland Four, by tho application of a peculiar kind of politic il algebra, succeeded in reducing abstract political principles to exorcssion in practical form ami made Pnrly al'egianco a matter of prico in the way of local bonefits Tho Aucklind Four found themselves in a position to make a very good bargain indeed for their district, and they allowed no scruples of Party to interfere with their doing so. What thoy did was done openly, however, and they wero content to toluco themselves for the many hard things said of them at tho time, by the reflection that tocir action had undoubtedly done much to bent fit those wlO had committed their interests to their care, and we do not know that tho colony ically suffered. Sentimentalists might demur, but in tbo thin condition of politic il affairs wo are not prepared to say that tbo Auckland Four did not act wisely, or wore not justified in doing wh&t <hoy did, but for all thai wo should scarcely thiuk any of the ,iartic3 would wish to be remembored mainly in connection with, a transaction regarding w hioh opinions differed, and will continue to differ, so much.

Mr. Soddou has stated the qualifications on which ho bases his claim to be icgarded as nn expert in railway management. Ho says lie is a railway engineer by trade. Wo fancy ho would more correctly have described himself aa n railway fitter, or tamer and fitter. We have no doubt he w ould bo a very good workman in the railway workshops. Ho might bo qualified even aa a " leading hand" to direct tho doings of nn operath c " gang," but we really fail to see that proficiency in fitting', or lit the bench, constitutes an)' fitness for the management of a railway system. Wo fancy thnt the railwaj' workshops could tnrn out many as good , if not bettor workmen than Mr. Scddon, and e\ cry ono of them would probably bo oonsiderably more up to date in practical work than he is. It does not follow, however, thnt they would therefore bo bettor qualified fov tho position of a Railway Commissioner. Mr. Soddon's trado oxperienco, in fact, might be held as being a first stop towards qualification for tho post of Locomotive Superintendent— a vory small stop on a long road — but it affords him no reason whatever to claim to be an expert in railway management. Wo might believo a little more in his qualifications for managing tho railways if we saw him managing the House and running tho Government of the country a 1 ttlc bettor than ho is doing. It would bo a bad thing for the country if the lailwajs wore not better managed than tho affairs of Government are just now Unless ho is a better railway engineer than ho is proving himself a political engineer, w o fear ho has cau=o of complaint against those who should have taught him his trade. The Premier tried hard hst night to discount the significance of Sir Robert Stout's speech. If, as ho said, that speech embodied the cardinal points of the Ministerial policy, we can only say that those points have been so ca'efnllj' wrapped up in the policy that neither Sir Robert Stout nor anyone else has been able to find thorn. The '' one or two exceptions" which tho Prcmior so aiiily admitted really embraced the whole, and if, as he asserts, tho Premier liato-od with pleasure to fair Robert's ■, pooch, wo can only say ho is easily satisfied, and thank fal for very small mercies. Wo shall in due course he prepared to hear that be was delightfd with Mr. Earn<sbaw'd speech, and oharinod with Sir John] (all's It is certainly a teriililii thmjr that tho railway employes should piesume to moot and consider the details of a Bill affecting themselves. The Premier evidently thinks the Constitution in danger nhon such a thing can happen Yet wo remember the late Premier, Mr. Seddon's colleague and chief, consulting tho Public Service A s3ociatiou about tho details of tho Civil Service Bill, and receiving a deputation while Parliament waa sitting from that Association on the subject AYe think it was also tho practice of tho Ballance Government to remit many of its measures to the consideration and criticism of the Trades and Labour Council, over whoso deliberations a Government employe presidod. Havo the Railway Commissioners done anything worse? Our reminder on tho subject of Electoral Registration has brought us several communications from people who desiro to know whrro copies of tho Electoral Roll can bo seen, and from whom forms of application for registration aro obtainable. Tho oflico of Mr. Wyatt, Registrar of Klectors for tho City, is in tho Government Insuranco Buddings. For tho convenience of the public, howovor, wo bavo obtained copies of the rolls for the Citj', Otaki, and Wellington Suburbs (Hutt) districts, and tho=o can now bo seen in our publishing oflico, « here torius of application for registration can also bo obtained. The Fi'gnaturo to all applications have to be witnessed by an elector of tho district, or a Justico of the Peace. Tho reports of the speeches of the Premier and Loador of tho Opposition in the Financial Debate, a synopsis of the business done by tho Melroso Borough Council, and lottcrs to the Editor, appear on our fourth pago. Mr. Gale's letter will appear to morrow. There are now 51 inmates in tho Benevolent Horne — 38 male and 13 female. A break occurred in the Wainui main at Kaiwarru. at an early hour this, morning. It is expected that repairs will bo effected beforo dark. No. 5 of tho Journal of Commerce and Labour is to hand. There has been for some timo past a telephone connecting Pahautanni with Wellington. At tbo suggestion of Dr. Newman, M.H.8., the Postmaster-General has inado arrangements to convert it into a public telephone bureau. This should prove a great convenience to tho pnblic. A bitter contest for tho Pukemiku seat in tho Pahiatua County Council took place on Saturday last. It resulted in tho r.-turn of Mr. Paui J. Murphy, whose many friends in Wellington will be pleased at his popularity iv the Pahiatua district. Tho following- is the result of tho poll : -Murphy, 3J ; King, 23; Sedcolo, 19 ; Cade, 15. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr. Gully) has contracted tho measles, and in consequence tho casos of Low v. Hutchison , and the Stamp Act in re the lato Peter Hume, could not be argued in tho Banco Court this morning. The following additional subscriptions aro acknowledged by tho Ballnncc Memorial Committee : —J. Thomson, Greymouth (per tho Hon. the Premier), £3 3s : U. '1 homson, Harbourmaster at Okarito (self and officers , £2 8s ; Waimate State School obildren, £1 2a; Doyleston ditto, 2s 6d ; already acknowledged, .£232 11s 3d; total, Gs Od. Tho City Council has submitted to the Melroso Borough Council a form of consent to the Sanitation Bill At last night's mooting of tho latter body Councillor Mowatt ptoposod, "That this Council will not oppose any legislation which will havo for its object tho inclusion of Mitcholtown and Taitvillo in its watershed." This was soconded by Councillor Fear. Councillor Baylis moved, as an amondmont, " That tho Mayor and tho Town Clerk bo authorised to sign the form of consent, pi ovidod that Mr. Skerrett considers that no harm will bo done to tbo Borough." Tho amendment waa seconded by Councillor BruDskill, and carried. A young man namod George Reid was proceeded against in tho Magistrate's Court to-day for having infringed the Prison Regulations by introducing two cigarettes and matches into the gaol on Saturday last. Defendant pleaded Guilty, under the advice of Mr. Coates, who appeared on his behalt. Mr. Garvoy, Governor of the Gaol, said tho defendant's brother was in gaol awaiting trial, and on Saturday last defendant introduced some cigarettes and matches between two pieces of toast, which, according to tho rogulatioDS, ho was permitted to supply. Mr. Garvey interceded with their Worships (Mr. Martin, R.M., and Mr. Pickering, J.P.) on behalf of the defendant, who was, lio had ascertained, the solo support of his widowed mother. Tho Bench imposed a fine of .£5, to bo paid at the rate of 5s per wook. or, in default, six weeks' imprisonment. The Excelsior Lodgo, U.A.0.D., mot last night, Bro. A. Orr, Arch -Druid, in the ohair The officers were installed by the D.P , Bro. Gilmoro, as follows : — J.P.A. Bro A O.r; A.D., Bro, Gray; V.A., Bro. Johnstone; Sec, Bro. Boon ; Treas , Bro. Elliott ; A.D. Bards, Bros. Flaherty and W. Jenkins ; V.A. Bards, Bros. Ritson and Judd ; 1.G., Bro. Donnelly j 0.G.. Bro. Alexander s Minuto Soo., Bro. Walker. It w,a reported that the recent " social had rosnlted satisfactorily, and it was decided to hold a similar gathering next month. The thanks of the Lodgo were passed to tho retiring ArchDruid (Bro. Orr), J.P.A. (Bro. Walker),aud tho installing officer. Five candidates were iuitiated. Mr. Stoddart, chief officer of the Moa, will take command of that vessel daring Captain Abrams' absence on the Wainui. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" waa repeated at tho Opera Honso last night, and was -well reoeiyed. The drama went well, and aa the aotors are now used to their several parts and business, everything worked smoothly. Mr. M 'Lean's George Harris last evening; was a great improvement upon the manner n which he played it on Monday night. Miss Wvniard is to be complimented upon tho emotion Bho throw into the comparatively small part of the quadroon Casey, The drama will be repeated thia evening.

His Txcellency tho Governor has given ■mother proof of his interest in athletics by accepting the position of patron of the New Zealand Football Association, and promising to attend the annual tournament atNewtown on 2uth and 25th August, in company with Lady Glasgow. A soverq north-west gale was experienced yesterday in various places. A Christchurch telegram states that considerable damage v.ms done to property in tho country districts near that city. Judgment was given to-day by Mr. Martin, R.M,, in the case in which Benjamin Oxner, ox-liconsoo of the Victoria Hotel, Abel Smith-street. was charged with having sold liquor to Lilian Leonard early on the morning of Sunday, 2nd July. Tho polico laid the infoi mation owing to the fact that a person named Maslem sustained a broken leg at 2 o'clock on the morning in question, in a drunken squabble, not far from tho Victoria Hotel, nnd shortly after he and Leonard, it wai alleged, had loft tho house His Worship said the evidence had been very contradictory, but he inclined to the opinion that the witnesses' evidence in support of the information was to bo rolled upon, inasmuch as they had nothing to gain by telliug an untruth. He would therefore record a conviction and impose a fine of £5, together with 17s costs of Court. In March last Mrs. Clark, of the Upper Hntt, reported to the police that early in tho previous month a woman who gavo tho name of Mrs. Tolor, had left a two months old infant in her care, promising to p.iy 7s per week towards its support. As, however, the woman did not keep her promise, a warrnnt wa3 i*sned for her s arrest, on the chirgo of clald desertion. It was not till a day or two ago that it was ascertained the woman's roil name was Sophia Isaacs, and that she was a single woman, in service in tho Taranaki Hotel. Now Plymouth. Accusod t was brought before tho Magistrate's Court to-day, charged w ith child-desertion, and tomauded to Friday next. Bail was allowed in two sureties of .£ls eaoh. This morning, in tho Magistrate's Court, a most painfnl caso came under tho attention of Mr. Martin, K.M., and Mr. F. Piokoring, J.P. A weak and emaciated man named Cbarlos Bulmcr was charged with having stolen a portmanteau from Neil Austin. Priboner, who pleaded Guilty, said ho committed the theft simply because he was starving, and ho cold tho portmanteau solely to procure bread. Ho had triod very hard to get something to do, bnt had failed, ne had walked upwards of 500 miles. He protested he was no thief in the ordinary sonso, nnd if he was permitted to go at large he thought ho could get something to do at Woodville. Mr. Jcllicoe, who was in Court, offorod to assist the man. The Resident Magistrate said ho was inclined to give credence to the statement of the accused, and he would direct the polico to enquire into Bulmer'B statements. If they were found to bo correct, the Bench would probably deal with tho charge under the First Offeudors Probation Act. The monthly meeting of the committee of tho Sailors' Rest was held last evening, and was attended by Mr. George Bootbam (Chairmp.n). Captain Strang, Messrs. W. Ferguson, D. Hall, and W. H. Levin. The following donations were acknowledged :— Miss Turnbull, volume of the Graphio, 1892 ; Wellington Club, ouo dozen pneks playing cards ; VV. &O. Turnbull, £5 ; New Zealand Shipping Company, £o; Mrs Rhode, £2 2s; Captain Rose, XI la ; Mr. W. Ferguson, i,i ; Mrs. K. Tticl.rnond, £1 Is; Mr. G. Beetham, .£2 2s; trustees of the lato Mies Lewis, £7 13a Id. Mr. Martin, R.M., and Mr. Pickering, J. P., presided in the Magistrate's Court today, and punished several first offenders for drunkenness. Eugene Carey, an old offender, was sent to gaol for three months for having been drunk jestorday. Some of tho chief cases dealt \\ itli by the Trmttos of tho Itenovolont Institution after the Post was published yestcrdaj sittcrnooii « ere as under : — A woman who had refused to go into the Homo waitc d on thf Trustees nnd asked for a passage to Palmerslon Nollh, wleio, she said, she could live with her i-istcr. 'J he Trustees decided that she nm=t cither go into tho Home or shift for herself. A complaint was received from the Matron about tho conduot of one of the femalo inmates in tho Homo, who had been suspended. Tho Chairman explained tbat tho woman's conduct had been insufferable. Htr husband still remained in the Home. It was decided to endorso tho Matron's action, and not. to allow tho woman to reenter the Home \\ ithout a pet mit from the Trustees. Tho Thorndon Dorcas Society recommended an old man aged 70 for relict, and tho Society having offered to contribute 5-. a week towards his support, the Trustoea Fupplcmented the sum by another 2s Cd a wook The imprest supply for tho month, amounting to .£'l7s, was voted, and accounts of -CIS for wages and £6 lls for sundries weio passed. A professional squabble occurred in tho Magistrate's Court to-dny between Messrs Skerritt and Jellicoo, who were engaged in a case in which John Vercoo, baker. Lambton Quay, sued an apprentice named Ar'hur Lett for alleged misconduct. Mr. Jellicoo, who appeared for Vorcoo, informed the Bench that his client had decided to withdraw the information, a satisfactory settlement having bpen arrived at. Mr. Skerrett thereupon accused his "friend" of unprofes*ionnl conduct in having arranged matters betweon the parties without the cognizance of defendant's solicitor. Mr Skerrett said he had been informed that Lett, senior, accompanied by his son nnd Mr. Vurcoo, visited Mr. Jellicoe's office, and arranged, in his (Mr. Skerrett's) absence, that the ciipo should bo withdrawn without consulting him. Mr. Jellicoo admitted that the parties had visited his office, and decided to withdraw tho information on payment of hid (Mr. Jellicoe's) cobts, but he denied that anything unprofessional had buen done by him. He had asked Lett if he desired to consult his solicitor, and received a ucgativo answer. Mr. Martin, R.M , intimated that tho Magistrate's Court wns not tho place in which counsel should air their professional grievances. As thoro appeared to be no objection to the case being withdrawn, the case would be dismissed. Mr. Battorsby, of Petone, is engaged in sinking an artesian well in the town of Foxtou, under engagement to the Borough Council. Wo havo received from the Auckland Anti-Poverty Society a pamphlet entitled " Ground-Kent tbo Tmo Source of Public Koouue, and how to Secure it for this Purpose by Means of a Single Tax." Tho author is Mr. Kdward Withy, formerly member for Newton. There is an epilogue spoken by "Tho Crown," and an appendix containing a reprint of somo English publications relaiivo to tho Single Tux movement. Tho annual meeting of tho Wellington Rowing Club is to bo held on Monday. Tho Committee's report, drawn up by Mr. A. M. Burns (Hon. Secretary), congratulates the members on tho stato of affairs during tho past year. Although tho club's regatta records wore below tlio3o for tho previous year, the club's repreaenta'ives fought many a game battlo, and clearly demonstrated that tho " pinks " have always to be reckoned with, oven although composed of raw material. Tho club also took the initiative in regard to holding a regatta ill Wellington, bnt the proposal was treated in a lialf- hearted iashion by the other local clubs, and nothing camo of it. The club's racing during the season was of a highly successful character, and the mombers wero to be congratulated on tho enthusiastic manner in which they entered into the various competitions. Nine club events wero got off, being an increase of two on tho previous yoar. The plant has been inoreasod by tho purchase of two new scullers, built on tho latest designs. Tho club's Swimming Carnival was marred by bad weatber. It is proposed that the inter-club race for crows under lOstwith tbo Oriental Boating Club shall bo rowed at the boginuing of tho season, as it would be a pity to allow tho (iituro to fall through. Hoforenoe is made to tho departure of Mr. K. J. Rose, ono of tho club's best all-round members, and of Mr. W. D. Barber. Mr. S. Dix (socrotary) resigned, and Mr. A. M. Bnrns was elected in his stead. Tho several social gatherings held were great successes, the membership of tho club now numbers 225, which entitles it to a third dolegato tn tho Executive of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association. Sixty-nine now members were elected during the year. Tho roport expresses regret at tho death of Messrs. F. W. Bennett and C. Hearn, and thanks the Motley Tobacco Company and Mr. H. B. Price for trophies. At the Star of Nowtown Lodge, 1.0. G.T., last night, the following officors were elected for tho ensuing quartor :— C.T., Bro. A. Thompson ; V T., Bro. E. F. Jones : Sec, Bro. J. A. Drummond; F. Sec, Bro. J. Bingham ; Treas., Bro. Weston, son. ; Uhap., Sis. Turkington; Mar., Bro. E. Martin; Guard, Bro. A. Rose; Sont., Bro. W. Corbott; P.C.T., Bro. Weston, jun. Bros. Mar. tin and Willacy acted as scrutineers. A lantern ontertainmont was given in Sc. Paul's Churohroom, Tinakori-road, last night, by tho Key. A. M. Urodbury, in aid of tho Sunday School funds. Thero was a fair attendance, and a number of interesting views were shown with limelight effects. At intervals songs. So., were rendered by the Misses Papons, Upham, Williams, and Hadfield, and Mr. Wooldridgo. Tho anniversary of tho Courtenay-place Congregational Sunday school was celebrated last evening by a soiree. After tea -the youngsters wore amused with various games, and eaoh scholar was presented with a box of chocolates. The after-meeting wan then hold, at whioh tho report was road, and special hymns were sung by the soholars, alter which the distribntion of prizes took place. Mr. Itoith addressed the teachers, encouraging them to persovoro in their good work, and not to bo discouraged by appearances. The Rev. Mr. Evans next spoke, on the importance of the work, and of the ap. parent laok of intorcst taken in it by ohuroh mombers. He hoped the time would not bo far distant when the church and the Sundaysohool would aot more as one institution. Tho usual votes of thanks terminated the meotiug. At last night's meeting of the John Knox Lodge, P.A.F.S., the Secretary (Bro. G. W. Moorhonse) was presented with a very handsome timepiece by the Chaplain, who, as the oldest member present, spoke very warmly of the cordial relations whioh had existed between the Seoretary and the momJors daring the last four years. Bro. Moorhouse heartily thanked the momborf. An application was received from the Star of ?otone Lodge to be allowed to merge into the John Knox Lodge, and after some disoussion it was decided to visit Petone on the 2nd August and go through the books. Tho Hedioal Coupon System was also disenssed, but pending further information the deoision upon it was postponed until next meeting. The committee of the Wellington Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association is not in any way relaxing its efforts to ensure the success of the annual show. It is expected that about 300 entries trill be reoeived from diitriots outside of Wellington, numerous ireedors in different parts of the colony having promised to exhibit. Entries close at the auction matt of Townsend k Paul, Willis-street, this evening. Tenders are retired for the election of ptns.

Tho case of Kelliok v. Adam?, nn appeal from the Beßident Magistrate at Wanganui, was argued before Mr. Justice Richmond in Bunco this morning. Mr. Tripp appeared for the appellant, and Mr. Trcndwcll for the respondent. It appeared that Adams had agreed to out bnsli for Kelliok, and sued the latter for tho work ho had done and damages for breach of contract. Koilick put in as a set-off a claim for goods supplied, and as a farther defence produced an assignment of the wages duo by him to Adams to Cane & Co. It appeared that Cano & Co. had supplied Adauia with goods, and he gave an order on Kelliek for payment. The Magistrate held that under tho Truck Act, 1891, Kelli k was bound to pay the wages in money, and the defences wero of no avail. After hearing argninen f his Honour resorrod judgment. Tho finanoial position of tho Wellington Amalour Athletic and Cycling Club is satisfactory. Tho balance in hand is .£51 13s 3d, and the assets exceed the liabilities by J3111) 13s 3d. In its animal report tho Committee recommends that a change be made in tho method of collecting tho annual subscriptions, and that the club should bo represented at the Australasian Championship Meeting in Melbourne in November. Owing to the abandonment of tho Antninn Meeting tho club lost heavily. The thanks of the olub are recorded to the President for his earnest interest in its welfare ; to Mr. J. W. Davis (Vico-President), Mr. B. C. Botkin (starter), and other gentlemen who assisted in carrying ont tho various meetings ; and to Messrs. 11. M'Cardell and O. Kreett for compiling a register of the performanoo of each competitor at tho club meetings. Graceful roferenoo is made to tho memory of the late Mr. J. B. Triughani, lion, secretary. A peculiar case wa< pirtly heard in tho Magistrate's Court to-day. A young man named Michael Hayes was called u| on to show cause why ho should not contribute towards tho support of the illegitimate child of Minnie Doeherty. In May last two of tho illegitimate children of Doeherty — tho younger rathor more than six years of ago — were sent to an industrial school. On that occasion tho defendant Hayes, though not on oath, told Sergeant-Major Ram°ny that he was tho father of tho six-year-old boy. An order wus made by tho .Bench for a weekly contribution by Hayes. This he now resisted, on tho ground that the child was not his. Hayes, who was defended by Mr. Coatos, denied that lie was the father of the child, and swore that he had only known Doeherty for fivo years. He added lie had told the polico ho was tho father because ho was enamoured of the mother, and he had spoken at her instigation, his idea being to marry her at some futuro period, get the boy out of tho tchool, and restoro him to his mother, who was passionately attached to him. Mirmio Docheity corroborated tho statement of tho defendant, and positively swore that Hayes wa3 not the father of the child. Tho Bench adjourned the case in order that the police might obtain from the Dunedin Registrar a copy of tho boy's birthregistration. The report of the Petone Borough Engineer in reference to the drainage of the borough was further considered by the Council on Monday night. A motion by Councillor llollard, seconded by Councillor J. Smith, that a lft drain-pipe should be laid in Eyan-strcet as far as Riddler'B creek on tho Hntt-road, was lost. Councillor Hollard retired, remarking that ho did not care lo remain at the table and take part In discussing a scheme he did not approve. On the motion of Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Burnley, tho report, with the amendments already made, uas adopted as far as tho second schedule. It was resolved that the Valuer should give an estimate of the cost of widening Jackson-streot in accordani'e with the plan ; and it was also resolved to request the Fngineer to give an estimate of the cost of the amended plan. Mr. Edward Barber lias subscribed .£2 23 to tho pri/.e-lißt of tho Agricultural nnd Pastoral Association, and Mr. J. Tisdall has presented a silver-mounted revolver, which nil! be givon a.s a second prize in the boys' leaping match. The Wellington fire and marine nnderwritera held their annual dinner last night at tho Occidental Hotel. The chair was ocenpiod by Mr William Gill, Chairman of Underwriters, and manager of the Alliance Assuranco Company, Mr. C. W. Benbow, of tho South Britith Oflico, occupying iho viee-ehnir. Tho animal mooting of the Wellington Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club will bo held on Wednesday. Mr. T. H. Hustwick lectured before St. John's Literary Association lost evening on "Tho Science of Breadmaking," and re. eeived a hearty vote of thanks. At a public meeting held at Peatherston last evening, tho following resolution was unanimously adopted : — "That this meeting supports tho Direct Veto Bill now before tho House of Representatives, and appeals to tho Government to give facilities for its passing into law." Tbo election of two Synodsmen in connection with St. Mark's parish is to take place to-morrow evening. Shooting men are invited by advertisement in another column to attend at the Drillshed on Saturday night, to consider Major Som. merville's circular with reference to tho matches in Now South Wales. It is iinpo.t. ant that the Wellingt >n district, whioh holds the New Zealand Championship, should bo well represented in Australia, and it is to bo hoped there will bo a good attendance next Saturday. Major Sommerville is using every effort to get a strong team to represent Now Zealand. A large number of persons of both soxea were present at the Skating Rink last evening, notwithstanding the very inclement weather. The management intend placing several novelties on the programme for neit Friday evening. A social gathering in connection with the Liberal Association is to bo held in the Skating liink on Monday next. One of tho Ministers and Sir It. fctont havo consented to be present and deliver short addresses. The programme will appear in our issue of Saturday. Miuifie's Band has been engaged to supply the music at the nunual social gathering of tho Guards in Thomas' Hall next Friday evening. A largo number of tickets have been sold, and the affair is likely to bo even more successful than any previous gathering carried out by the corps. The Premier has accepted an invitation to be present. Tho Mayor will present tho prizes. Mr. E. J. Hill has vory kindly undertaken to arrange a concert at Poriruain aid of the local school funds, and has been Bncccs&fnl iv obtaining the assistance of several of Wellington's leading amateurs. Particulars of the concert appear in our advertibing columns. Our readers are reminded that the Irish night and comic-song contest in connection with the Sixponny Popular Concert takes place to-night at the Skating Kink. The orchestra is to play a gavotte composed by Mastor S. Cimino. Wo are requested to Btate that the first of a series of chamber ooncerts announced by Meserß. T. Tallis Trimnell and Robert Parker for to-morrow evening is postponed until next week, owing to the illness of one of the performers in the string quartet. P U. Wood, of Groytown, lias been instructed to offer at auction on tho 2nd and 3rd,.f AiißU«t Hie wbolo of Mr. J. Burrow*' stock of horses, cattle, Bheoj), ami farming mipleineuls. Tlie sulo is to take place on Mr. Burrows' farm, Wliite't Line, Carterton, and the lots will bo offered without reserve. The clipper yncht Mascotte, winner of tho Wellineton and Lytlolton cta»m)>ioushnis for 189 i and ISO 3, is to be nold at auction by Miles & Co., of Christcburcli, next Monday, illst July. Particular* appear iv our adrcrtisiu? culauim. Wo are requested to call attontiou to tho faot that the lm!(-iioli'lny required by tho Shop Hours Act ib strictly observed at To Aro House, and tfcat tbe premises »ro closod from 1 p.m. even Wednesday. At Frame's Boot Araado, Cubttrstreat, will bo ebnwu ihis even inn a cboioo lot of gentlemen's wnlliini; b>ots nnd bbnes. speuiulljr-seleoted by his Home buyer for the Wellington trade. On Friday and Satnrd«y P. H. Wood will soli nt the Ijiou Store, Groytown, general merebnudieo m tbo assigned estate of W. Muxton. Francis Sidej & Co. will sell to-morrow, fiirnitme, Ac. W. T. Shortt will sell to-morrow, orockeryw.iro, 4c.

Oub great calvaeo salo at Te Aro House has earned for itself a name for tho genuine quality and extraordinary cheapness of the lots offered. It has been "the talk of the city," and people ha\e found that they have bought "the but goods in Ihe best market, and at the lowest prices." Nothing has ever yet surpassed or ever equalled it in Wellington. We have received three separate shipments for tho salvage sale, and each has been prolific of wonderful and welcome bargains. Wb have still largo supplies on hand, and are for this week bringing forward fresh lots. Thoso will be fully equal in quality and cheapness to anything as yet offered. There will during this week be wonderful opportunities for all classes of customers, but more especially would we urge an early visit from thrifty housekeepers and those with limited means. To them onr advice is — Buy alt you, want now. It is not often that such a salvage sale occurs. Do not miss its advantages. A little cash will go a long way. Ten shillings or a pound note will purchase a parool worth three times tho money. Lose no time, therefore, in visiting the salvage sole this week at Te Aro House. — Adtt. Mbsshs Wilkins & Field havo just received another large Biiiprnont of the sixpence Pooket Magio Banks for whioh there was such a run a few months since. These banks hold one pound in sixpences, and cannot bo opened until the fortieth sixpence is put in when it comes apart by means of a spring on the bottom. When the bank is empty the bottom is pnt on by moans of tho fame Bpring, and the banks are then ready for refilling. By this it will be Been thero ib no chanoe of spending tho money until one pound has boon saved up. The prioe is ninepenoo eaoh. — Advt. Don't Lose Hjsabt. — We may still enjoy our breakfast by providing ourselves with the finest mild carod Canterbury bseon -and hams from Wardell Bros. & Co. — a luxury nover to be forgotten Tho following also are seasonable: — Selected dateß, 6d perlb; cooking figs, (id per 1b ; prunes, lOd per lb ; finest mild Akaroa cheese, 5d per lb. — Adtt.