THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9156, 24 March 1893, Page 3

THE GOLDFIELDS.

MONTHLY SUMMARY. 1 [from our own correspondents.] t Thames, Thursday. ' The question of testing the low levels of the j Thames Goldfieldo lias absorbed a good deal { of attention during the past month, and < public meetings have been held here and in 1 Auckland to consider the matter, with the j result that it has been unanimously decided that it is desirable to develop the deep levels ] of the goldfield, and it has al'-o been resolved 1 to ask" the several mining companies within 1 the drainage area to co-operate in furthering 1 such developments on such terms and in such * a manner as may be agreed upon by them- j selves. In order, therefore, to try and carry j this proposal to a successful issue, strong 1 committees have been appointed both here 1 and in Auckland, for the purpose of gathering < all the necessary information as to how the ' work can best be carried out, and tliu probable J cost of the same. _ _ * These committees held a combined meeting « in Auckland, on the Bth instant, when the ; subject was discussed very minutely, and as 1 a result, it was decided to ask the mining experts at the Thames to prepare a report, J showing (1) the cost of a shaft 1500 feet deep, large enough to allow drives being worked 1 from it, such cost to include pumping and < hauling machinery : (2) the cost of boring, ' by means of diamond drills, including the ( cost of the plant (3) if any of the shafts on ' the field, such as the Big Pump, Queen of < Beauty, Saxon, Trenton, or Imperial, are J suitable for tho purpose of further sinking or boring from. The local committee are ; now engaged in considering the questions ] thus submitted to them, and in collecting < the necessary information regarding their i fulfilment, and in due time will present their J report upon the same to the combined committees, but from what has taken place it is ' considered probable that the Queen of Beauty ; shaft will he selected as the one most suitable for deep sinking, and that the acquirement of a diamond drill will also be recommended for putting down several borea. The question of sending out experienced ' miners for the purpose of testing the back country, with a view of extending the mining area of this district, has at last assumed 1 a definite form, for the County Council hare 1 sent out six men during the month with that object in view, three to prospect within the limits of tho Totara Riding of_ the County, and three in the Hastings Riding. These men are to be subsidised to the extent of £1 per week to each man, which sum is to he mado up by the County contributing 7s 6d per man, a Government subsidy of 7s (3d, and 5s per public subscription, whilst the men are also to receive the full benefit of any discovery they may be fortunate enough to make. It is also probable that the Minors' Union will also be sending out a party of six men shortly on similar terms. The benefit that is likely to be derived by such a course of procedure is one that is likely to lead to important results, for lying at tho back of our township and also at either end of the same are large tracts of country that have not yet received that attention which is due to them, although it is a wellknown fact that pieces of quartz carrying the precious metal have been from time to time found in these localities. It is true that efforts have sometimes been made by the persona who have been fortunate enough to pick up these pieces of golden stouo to try and discover the parent body from which they originally came, but hardly ever with successful results. With a systematic plan of prospecting, however, and a diligent search on the part of the men sent out, it is to be hoped that the efforts now about to be made will be more successful. The reward that is likely to be attained by these parties can best be exemplified by tho results now attending the eflorts put forth by two or three parties of prospectors who have on their own account been exploring the hills and ranges in the Waitekauri district, especially the discovery made by the Lowrie Bros., where the result lias been that numerous claims have been pegged oil, and brisk mining operations will shortly be commenced. A few day.) _ ago the_ Mining Inspector, Mr. George Wilson, paid an official visit to .Lowrie Brothers' New Find, and whilst there he secured four different samples of quartz broken from the reef upon which operations are being conducted. These he brought on to the Thames, and delivered to Mr. Park, at the School of Mines, for the purpose of having their assay value ascertained, and Mr. Park reports as follows to Mr. Wilson, who has kindly placed the information at my disposal , Bullion! Gold. | Silver. Value p ton. Oz (lwt gv Oz ilwt griOz ihvt gr £. s. d. No. 1 S 13 22 1 10 0 7 3 16 7 2 C „ '2 3 5 13 I 5 6 i 0 8 5 0 10 „ 3 3 0 12 I f, f> 1 15 7 1 5 0 0 „ 4 9 10 15 G 10 £2 '1 6 17 2'? 10 (i Nos. i and 2 parcels were taken from a paddock which contained about 40 tons of quartz, taken from the outcrop of the reef, at the northern end of the claim. No. 3 parcel was taken from a paddock containing about 10 tons of quartz, broken from the raef in the crosscut lately driven a little distance below the northern outcrop, at which point the reef is 10 feet in thickness. Wo. 4 parcel was taken from a paddock of 5 tons of rubbly quartz, obtained from the outcrop of the reef at the southern end of the claim, about 7 chains distance from the place where Nos. 1, 2, and 3 parcels were taken. It will, therefore, be seen that each sample may be considered as a fair test of the reef at the various points from where they were taken. It may also be stated that other assays of the ore have been made by capitalists who are for the purchase of the property, and in all instances nave the results been equally as good as the above, and in some cases better. Since the above discovery another party of prospectors (Birnie and party) have been prospecting on the hills nearer the aitekauri township, with the result that they have discovered what is believed to be the southerly continuation of the Lowries' reef, and which is also believed to bo identical with the same quartz body that yielded the rich gold returns some years ago m the old Waitekauri and adjacent mines. The discovery has been mad© about niiles up the side of the range facing the Waitekauri township some 40 chains distant from the eastern side of Mr. T. H. Russell's tramway, that leads over to the Komata mine. At the outcrop where driving was first commenced upon it the reef was about three feet thick, but it has now opened out to over six feet, after having been driven a distance of about 24 feet upon its course. The prospects obtained so far have been of a first-class character, an I assays made of the ore have ranged in value from £11 per ton to over £130. I understand that arrangements have been made with Mr. T. H. Russell for having the ore now on hand treated at the latter s battery, with the view of having the exact value of the same ascertained. Operations at the Komata mine are wholly confined to breaking out a good class of ore from the low level with a limited number of men, and the output, which is not a very large one, is being treated as occasion requires. At Karangahake the Crown Company are pushing ahead the erection of their new reduction plant, but owing to unforeseen difficulties, and to several mishaps caused through the roughness of the weather experienced during the past two or three months, it is doubtful whether the plant will be ready for operation much before June. A number of miners are still employed in the Company's mine in developing the reef and breaking out quartz from the same, with the result that the prospects continue just as good as ever they were, gold being seen freely at every breaking down. At the Woodstock mine, operations in the early part of the month were confined to sampling and bagging a parcel of about 50 tons of re- j fractory ore, the assay value of which is £40 per ton, for shipment*to Frieburg. Since then operations have been resumed in _ the mine, and a good class of ore is being obtained both from No. .'» and the Maria lodes. At Owharoa, an Auckland syndicate has taken over the old Smile of Fortune and Radical holdings, and a staff of miners is employed in developing the same at a low level, the quartz coining to hand from which nearly defrays the whole of the expenses in connection therewith. The Waihi Gold and Silver Mining Company have had another very successful month's run. the value of the bullion won during the four weeks ending on the 11th insfc., amounting to no less a sum than £4157, for which return the quantity of ore treated was 14G6 tons, the bulk of which came from the Martha reef, at the new low level. The prospects in the mine, both in tho Martha and Union sections, still continue of a most excellent character, and the property is now becoming so well developed that not nearly so large a staff of miners is now required to keep up the output for the battery as was necessary a short time ago ; consequently the expenses are being largely curtailed, and a larger profit is accruing to the company, which no doubt the fortunate shareholders , will soon participate in. The Silvcrton Company have introduced the cyanide process , into their battery for the treatment of the i quartz, now coining to hand from their mine, ! but as vet no cleaning-lip has taken place, i Locally there is a considerable improve- ■ ment in the mining industry, and several very s fair gold returns have been banked during the i month. The most attention, however, has ; naturally been centred upon the development ; of the Dixon's reef in the Albumin mine. . The winze that was being sunk on this reef I from the Whau level to the* 70-feet level - connected with the latter working on the I 16th instant, and driving both eastward and . westward at the 70-feet has now been resumed upon the reef. In sinking the winze

the rich run of gold was found to continue to a depth of about 35 feet, and during the last 35 feet of sinking 3651b of picked stone were obtained, and 18 loads of general dirt which has, just been treated for the excellent return of 6030z of retorted gold, A very good show of gold has been left at both ends of the winze for the depth stated, and colours of the precious metal have been seen in the quartz for the remaining distance, so that there is every reason for supposing that a very valuable block remains to be stoned out. _ The reef ranges from two to three feet in thickness throughout. In the May Queen mine operations at the No. 2 level upon Wo. 4 reef were compelled to be suspended in tho early part of the month owing to a very heavy inflow of water that flooded the level. To try_ and remedy this inconvenience, the Drainage Board have commenced to pump the water in the Big Pump shaft below the 400 feet level in order to. givo a larger fall to the drainage of the water in the surrounding country with a view of relieving the May Queen. As yet tho pump has hardly pumped deep enough to make much appreciable difference, but nevertheless the water at the May Queen No. 3 level has already begun to diminish. In the meantime, the only work in progress in the mine is the sinking of a winze upon the No. 4 reef from the No. 2 to No 3 level for ventilation purposes. Operations in tho Moauataiari mine have resulted as usual in remunerative returns of gold, although the quantity of ore treated has been large, viz., 757 tons of quartz produced 3360z of gold, and 1121 tons of surface dirt, 81oz lldwt. The prospects in the mine continue most promising, and a large amount of good prospecting work is also being done. The Hazolbank Company have also had a very good month, a crushing of 70 loads having yielded 182oz 2<lwt of melted gold. The other principal returns for the mouth are as follow : — Waiotahi, 200 tons, 2540z 9dwt; Cambria, 9-1 loads, 138oz lOdwt; Victoria, 13 loads, 450z 15dwt; Consols tributers, 75 loads, 490z ; North Star, 8 loads, 20oz ldwt; Magnolia, 88 loads of surface dirt, 16oz lOdwt; and Lone Hand, 7 loads, 20oz 15dwt. In each of these mines ■ payable ore is still being broken out, and the prospects for the future are moat encouraging. Work in the St. „ Hippo (late Crawford's special) is confined to cleaning out and repairing the low level, of whioh nearly 600 feet has been accomplished, leaving about '200 feet more to overhaul to reach the face. The total quantity of gold purchased during the month of February by the local banks amounted to 2Q220z I3dwt. At Tararu mining operations are of a very limited character. The Sylvia mine still continues to be closed, whilst in the Norfolk mine the principal work in hand at present is the sinking of a winze upon the mam reef below the floor of the No. 3 level, with the object of ascertaining the value and extent of the same as it makes downwards. Encouraging reports continue to come to hand from Tapu, but as yet no returns are to hand, although a large amount of prospecting is going on. Coromandel, Thursday.

Tho state of dulness lately pervading this district still continues. A very large number of" our population have left the district mostly for Kuaotunu, consequently there are very few who are now out prospecting. No doubt, however, if more prospecting were done we should not have the same complaint of no : gold. Probably some of the old mines are ! exhausted to a certain extent, but there is plenty of ground which only needs systematic working to pay handsomely. This refers more particularly to the old mines. _ As it is, even now, there are several parties in the Waikoromiko who have a remarkably good show, Mcisaac's probably being the best. They have a reef ranging from a foot to IS inches thick, carrying good blotches of gold. They have already put two levels on it for some distance, and have over a hundred weight ot picked stone. At present the road is blocked, which prevents their crushing. As soon as this is clear they will criuli a parcel. Adjoining Mcisaac's, is Lynch's claim, and he has some very pood prospects from a reef which has been driven on' some distance; in fact he is well pleased with the show. On the other side of Mclsaac, Messrs. Lindsay and Bremner have a claim, and they also have a capital show in a fourinch leader. They have already taken out tome 151b of good picked stone, which will yield well, as the gold is coarse. The country, is everything that can be desired. Several other claims are pegged out in the neighbourhood, hilt 1 have not yet heard how they are progressing. Lillis and Ryan have lately had a crushing of two small parcels packed in from their claim, and obtained the handsome returns of 2loz and 20oz respectively. For a long time these parties have contrived to get a decent patch every few months. It is a pity they have no road communication for sleighing, as whatever they crush now has to be packed, and all the ordinary crushing material has to be left behind. Time, I suppose, will remedy that evil. TIKI. Work is pushed on in the Vaughan claim. The reef is expected to be in hand any day now, so that we ought soon to hear of gold being got. Everything is very favourable for gold, and as it was carried down all the way in the winze, they have an excellent prospect. Mr. Eccleston is also getting very good stone, and he has a good block in hand. I think this mine is likely to turn out well. WIIANGAPOUA. The manager of the Owera is opening new ground in this mine. He has a fair prospect before him, and I hope the mine will turn out as good as it did at first. Lanigan : There are a couple of parties here, and their prospects are very good. Little has got out some 20 tons, which are expected to shape very well, and Gale's party are repairing the dam, which was swept away by the last storm. As soon as that is complete they will put through a large parcel, and endeavour to keep the battery going. MATERANGI. McNeil and party have pot out a scow load, about 30 tons, which is to be sent to Thames. They intend to load up another scow with the same amount before crushing. This will be done in a week or two. The mine looks very well, and this lot should be quite equal to the last. The other claims I adjoining appear to be languishing; at any rate very little is being done.

KUAOTU.NU. This district is not quite so lively as it was formerly, although the leading: mines look as well as ever. As I predicted, the cyanide process, though remarkably good in itself, has not turned out quite so good as expected in some cases, the fact being that it will not take gold out of worthless stone. But one grave fault still remains, little or nothing is being done to save the float gold. _ The Fluke has been fairly successful in their treatment of tailings with the cyanide, and the directors have done a wise tiling in acquiring the Carbine Company's ground. The one management will do for both, one main level, etc. The difference in a year would pay a small dividend, and the present manager will have more elbow-room, and can lay out his work to better advantage. If some of the other claims could see their way to amalgamate it would be a very wise thing also. The manager of the Mariposa is pursuing a very steady course. The crushing material coming to hand is shaping very well, and he lias food backs 011 his reef. I expect to hear soon of some arrangement being made to utilise the cyanide process. 'Great Mercury.—Only a few levels arc going on to open up deeper levels. The cyanide process has not been all the success in this mine that was expected ; however, there is now a change of management, Mr. H. Goldsworthy having taken charge a few weeks ago, and I hope to see a revival in the prospects of the mine. Red Mercury.—This company has let a contract for a low level. In the meantime, they have plenty of stuff to crush, and it is keeping up the average. I am rather surprised that they are taking 110 steps to erect cyanide plant, as their tailings ought to bo better than the other mines, judging from the returns and assays. Or a.ma Claim.—' is now worked by tributers, and has been paying remarkably well for some time, and I think is fairly sure of another good crushing or two at least. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Thursday. Suamarket. —Albumin, sales 5s (id, 5s 8il; Cambria, sellers Is (id; Calliope, sellers 4d ; Huzelbank, sellers '2s (id, buyers '2s '2d ; May Queen, buyers 3s 4d;• Moanataiari, 4s 4d, 4s sd, 4s 3d, sellers 4s (id, buyers 4s 2d ; North Star (Is (id paid up), sellers 9d ; Saxon, sales 7d, buyers (kI ; Silver ton, sellers Is 4d. Foul Air. —Operations in both the Hazelbank and Victoria mines are at a standstill through tho prevalence of gas. May Queen.—The water at this company's No. 4 level has fallen seven inches since Monday last, which makes over 13 inches drained away since the water first commenced to fall. Big Pump.--The water to-day was 17 feet below the 400-feet level. A short stoppage of the pump will take place to-morrow in order that a new valve may be put into the air pump. Orlando.-—The low level is in a distance of over 400 feet, but the reef, although it has improved in appearance lately, does not yet show any gold, and none 01 the quart/, is saved. It is now between five and six feet in thickness. ». Warden's Court. —The following applications were dealt with to-day :— H. A. Banner, water-race, Waiomo, adjourned t ill Ist June for plan ; John Banner, wire tramway. Shellback Creek, adjourned till 18th May torfurther particulars and mining inspector's report ; I Patrick Collins, protection for four months j for Puriri claim, refused; Phoenix G.M.Co., Moanataiari Creek, protection for three ! months, refused, the Warden remarking that J the mine was not sufficiently prospected to

procure the reefs that were mentioned in the prospectus issued on the formation of the company ; Junction G.M.Co., protection order for three months, adjourned till next Court day; G. H. Thompson, prospecting area, Mata Creek, granted; Manukau, G.M.Co., protection for 14 days, granted. Moanataiaki. —There is very little change to mention in the workings of this mine, the quartz won during the week having been of moderate grade and scarcely any picked stone secured. The western drive upon the Reuben Parr reef at the 100 feet level has been suspended owing to there being no improvement m either the country or the reef. Considerable delay has been experienced of late at the battery owing to an insufficient pressure of water to work the stampers ; consequently not so much quartz has been treated during the last week or two as would have been the case if the battery had been able to work full time, and tins in turn will diminish the present fortnight's return of

gold. Alburnia.—The amalgam accruing from tho 18 loads of general dirt, ami 505 pounds of picked stone, all of which was obtained from the winze upon Dixon's reef, was retorted this morning, and resulted in the very satisfactory yield of 5960z 15dwt of melted gold. Operations at the mine are now confined to extending the eastern and western drives upon the 70-feet level going westward. The reef is about 2k feet thick at the point where it was last broken. There are now about eight feet of it stripped, but it is not intended to have a breaking down until early next week. The " dig" is being carried in on the hangingwall side, where a very good class of sandstone is being met with. Driving eastward was commenced last night. In this direction the reef ranges from nine inches to a foot in thickness, and the country through which it is passing is somewhat disturbed owing to the proximity of tne break. Stoping will not be commenced for a few days, as it is necessary to push both drives ahead some distance further before starting that work. MR. T. M. JACKSON'S FAREWELL CON CURT. _______* A very largo audience gathered yesterday evening, ab the Choral Hull, at the valedictory concert tendered to Air. T. M. Jackson prior to his departure for England, amongst them being the Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos, Mis 3 Wolfe-Murray, the Ladies Augusta and Alice Boyle, Miss Hallowes, Miss ITolroyde, Lord Noithesk, Captain Hunter-Blair, and many members of tho visiting polo teams. The programme was a long one, there being no less than fourteen items ; yet had it not been for the special request that there should be no encores, scarce one item wonld have passed without recall. As it was the rule had more than once to bo broken. Mr. Jackson was in excellent voire. After To3ti's " Beauty's Eyes," with violin obligate by Miss J. Reeve, he had to give " Listening," while after " The Requital" (Blumenthal) be was again compelled to reappear, giving " If." Mrs. Stewart was also obliged to give an encore to the "Better Laud;" with a violin obligate by Professor Schmitb she sang " The Land of tho Leal." Mr. Percy Dufaur sang mast admirably " The Waltz," and took part with Mr. Jackson in "Ma il Ciel," from Gounod's " Faust." Miss Ross gave " Roberto, O fcu Cho Adore" (Meyerbeer"), and Mrs. Kilgour, " At My Window." The other vocal numbers were the " Wood Bird," and "An Old Romance," quartette, by Mesdamea Lawry and Coato;-:, and Messrs. A. H. Maclean and Arch. Tayler. Herr Zimmerraann's violin solo, " Ave Maria," was delightfully rendered ; Mendelssohn's first movement in D Minor, by Miss E. Reeve (piano), Herr Zimmermann (violin), and Mr. Paque ('cello) was given in a masterly manner, while it was regrettable that room could only be found on tho programme once for Miss Clarice Brabazon, pianist. Her rendering of Liszt's " Rhapsodic Hongroiso" No. 2 made one wish for more. Tho Auckland Choral Society's orchestra, led by Mr. B. Kent, played the overtures to both parts—-Suppe's "Pique Dame" and Schubert's " Rosamunde"— brilliantly that it was difficult to believe the executants were amateurs. On leaving the Duchess of Buckingham personally thanked Herr Schmitt, the musical director, and congratulated him on the success attained. Mr. A If, Bartley ably accompanied. AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL. The regular meeting of the City Council was held last evening, at the Municipal Buildings, Present; His Worship the Mayor, Mr. W. Crowthor (in the chair), Messrs. Dignan, Luks, Courtney, Trenwith, Atkin, Swales, Paterson, Farrell, Holland, Hewson, Glover, Grey, Ividd, Julian, and Garratt. Permits—Mr. R. Ellingham applied for permission to erect -•<. signboard over his premises in Fort-street, of which he furnished a sketch. The engineer reported that the signboard was contrary to the regulations, being seven feet in height, and the maximum allowed was three feet. The engineer was called in, and, after giving an adverse opinion, the permission asked for was granted, on the motion of Mr.Dignan. Seegar Brothers applied for a permit to erect an iron shed near the Graving Dock for boiler-making purposes, The engineer reported that the piece of laud applied for was outside the city boundary, but was subject to the eity laws and by-laws. It had been customary in the past to allow buildings like this to be erected on reclaimed land outside the city boundary. The permission was granted. Increase of Salary. — Arthur Tilly, watchman, made a request for a moderate increase of salary, and he referred to the continuous duties which he had to perform. The Mayor said the present salary was £100 per annum. The application was referred to the Finance Committee. City Baths. —Mr. Paterson presented a petition for the retention of Mr. and Mrs. Strong, in charge of the City Baths. The petition was received and referred to the Baths Committee.

Legal Committee.— report of the Legal Committee was as follows: Letter from D. Ross, re rating of property, Fort and Gore-streets: Your committee _ reports the Council has no power to remit these rates. The applicant failed to appeal at the Assessment Court against his valuation. Letter from E. W. Payton, El am School of Arts, Mr. Lulls' motion, re opening Art Gallery daily, during mornings Mr. Pay ton was in attendance, and addressed committee : Your committee recommends that Gallery be opened at ten o'clock each morning, and payment at the rate of £10 per annum be allowed to attendant. Report by medical officer re sale of diseased meat: Deferred for Dr. King's attendance. Oil the motion of Mr. Holland the items were considered seriatim. Mr. Holland spoke of tho injustice in the case of Mr. Ross, and Mr. Farrell spoke in regard to the dissatisfaction expressed in regard to the valuations, and he suggested that the whole matter be referred bacK. Mr. Courtney considered this was not a matter with which the Council could deal. There was an Appeal Court to which ratepayers could go if they wished. Finally, on the motion of Mr. Holland the clause was referred back to the committee for the attendance of the city valuer and Mr. Ross. The second clause was adopted without discussion, and some discussion on the third clause took place. Finally the report as amended in regard to the first clause was adopted. Karangahape Ward.The ward members submitted the following report:—Re Manning-street formation: The Karangahape Ward members have the honour to re- i port that a small portion of land is required j tor the formation of the above-named street, and that the owner is willing to sell the same to the Council for £10; the ward members therefore recommend that, subject to the approval of the City Engineer, such sum be paid. Its adoption was moved by Mr. Trenwith, and carried. , Aliucrt-stkeet. —Mr. Glover drew attention to the fact that before he became a councillor a resolution had been passed to form Albert-street to the market. The Mayor said that it was in the hands of tho engineer. I'i nance. —Accounts for payment as submitted by the Finance Committee, were passed, and returns from the various departments were submitted. Planting Trees in Upper Queen-street. —At the last meeting of the Council, a peti-_ tion was received against the planting of trees in Upper Queen-street. Mr. Kidd now moved that the petition be received, and that the trees be planted in Customs-street, it was seconded by Mr. Holland, and carried. Levy of Rates.The Mayor, in accordance with notice, moved, " That this Couneill will make, 011 Thursday, the (itli day of April, and levy a general rate of Is in the _£ on all assessable property in the said city, payable in one sum on the first dsy of June, 1593." The motion was ayeeed to without discussion. Footpaths in East Ward. —On the motion of Mr. Holland, seconded by Mr. lvidd, it was agreed that the following street paths be tarred and sanded: —Short-street,^Jer-myn-strcet, Parliament-street, and Emily Place. Tower Clerk.—The Mayor moved, 1 limb the balance to the credit of the Town Hall

Account be placed to the credit ot the Tower » Clock Account." His Worship explained that there was only £'213 of this fund standing, and it would bo useless to devote that to the building of a town hall, and they could use it to no better purpose than to finish the present hall and building. The motion was r< agreed to. lr """ t< POLO TOURNAMENT. '1, « J: The polo contests in the Savile Challenge Cup competitions, were continued yesterday g at Potter's Paddock. Again there was a very (J large attendance, who were delighted with some brilliant play. The following is a £ description of the play C FIRST ROUND. Auckland 11. v. Gisborne.—The contests opened in a game between these two teams, [ The first spell was somewhat sticky; there were, however, one or two good runs on both w aides, but 110 .score was made. Colegrove, 0 for Auckland, played sate back, and made 110 " mistakes, but Wynyard and Dixon would not w keep in their places, while Whewell missed a: where lie should not. The second spell was uninteresting, and uneventful, f* Auckland got a rush from the throw in f[ and backed up well, enabling Dixon to a] make first point at far goal. In the second t« rush after goals were changed Auckland car- S tied the ball down; Dixon drove well but hit c< rather wide. However, after a short scrum " he got a run and hit a splendid goal. Play £ was then loose and fast for a bit when Auck- p , land had to save. From the hit out Gis- p, borne carried the ball to the centre and a rushed it down ; the ball struck the u goal post and rebounded to a few feet m front of the goal, when it was j. ( potted through by Gisborne. Good runs followed, notably one by Whewell from the far goal. The ball went out of ' bounds by the 30-yards flag. Whewell, Dixon, and Wynyard worked it down ground and scored the third point for Auckland. , After chasing the ball up and down, Gisborne j carried it over, but did not score. In the ■ fourth spell Gisborne pressed Auckland, and , hit over, but wide. Tucker then got possession, and hit a neat goal, making the j, j score —Auckland, 3; Gisborne, 2. Fast s 1 and furious now became the play, Gis- ' borne threatening frequently, till Wynyard took the ball right down the boundary line. Colgrove hit over, but wide. Soon after that j. Gisborne pressed Auckland, when Wynyard took possession and carried the ball down to the 30 yards flag, when the whole field • galloped over it. From the rush back Gis- ■ borne got the ball, and carried it up, scoring j. a third goal, amid great excitement. Auckland now pressed hard, and Wynyard only , missed by a shave. Play then lay chiefly y near the Gisborne goal, Whewell just missing. But soon after another goal was hit for Auckland by Dixon. The game again be- { came for a time sticky, till Auckland hit ' over near the goal. Gisborne carried the ball out, and Auckland hit back to mid- J ground. Time was called, leaving Auckland victors of a hardly-contested match, which , puts them in the final. Williamson played ' well throughout. The full scores were :— Auckland 2nd 4 goals J Gisborne 3 goals ' The following were the teams : —Auckland 2nd: Wynyard (1), Whewell (2), Dixon (3), Colgrove (back). Gisborne: Wilson (1), > Tucker (2), Williamson (3), Evans (back). , Umpires : Gisborne, Beauchamp Lane; Auek- ( land, Alister Clarke. SECOND HOUND. Christchurch v. Rangitikei.—' latter ■ team began with a rush., but Christchurch ret imed, and hit over ; they, however, failed to score. Wilson broke his stick, and Christ- < church now hit over, but wide. From the ■ hit out Christchurch get the first goal. They followed this by_ gaining the further advantage of throw in, and drove over the back j line. From the hit out Christchurch carried the ball down, and A. Rhodes hit a goal. Christchurch again pressed Rangitikci, and ; hit over to right of goal. This they repeated and their opponents carried the ball down. It was returned by Buckley, whose shot was met in mid. air by Riddiford ; the latter drove hard down to the Christchurch goal. but did not score. In the second spell the old holders of the cup got first hit, Buckley sending the ball to the side lines. It then travelled backwards and forwards for a time, but Wilson received a blow oil the head, and the game was stopped. This was in the Christchurch 30. Play was resumed with a free hit for Christchurch, who made most of it, backing up well. They, however, had to give way to Rangitikei, who now played with great dash. Christchurch pressed hard, and carried the ball over the line; Rangitikei working equally hard, took it back. As their opponents were on the eve of scoring, Rangitikei hit over in self defence. A foul was called, and Rangitikei had a free hit, which was badly fumbled, and Christchurch backing up well, scored a third goal. Rangitikei then got the ball in front of the goal, and a close scrum resulting, in which Christchurch managed to save. Soon after they were going down hard to their opponents' goal when time was called. In the third spell Christchurch defended the far goal. The ball having gone to the bounds across the ground Rangitikei worked down and hit over, but failed to score. They still pressed, and only missed scoring through Palmer's safe play. Never relaxing their efforts, however, they eventutually scored for the first time from a fine drive by Riddiford. From the throw-in the ball went across the ground ; Christchurch pressed, and Rangitikei played a good defensive game. Their ponies, however, were very wild, while Christchurch had the advantage of their ponies being well trained * and hard fed. From a foul by Rangitikei, j Christchurch got a free hit quite within their 30 yards. The former then rushed the goal, and scored their second point. From the throw-in Rangitikei led off and pressed hard. Christohureh carried the ball down and while near the Rangitikei lines fouled by crossing. The umpire allowed Rangitikei a free hit. The play following this was equally divided between the two sides, and when time was called the ball was •in mid-ground. Rangitikei led off in the fourth spell, aud after a time Riddiford got a good run, but the ball went out of bounds. The spell was evenly contested, Wilson playing up particularly with dash, and hitting ! well. The final scores were: — Christchurch 3 goals Rangitikei 2 goals 1 The following composed the teams: — Christchurch A- E. G. Rhodes, M.H.R. (1), ; R. 11. Rhodes ('2), W. F. M. Buckley (3), G. 1 Palmer (back); Rangitikei, J. Banker (l), D. '■ G. Riddiford (2), J. G. Wilson (3), A. Keiller ; (back). Umpires : Christchurch, Beachainp . Lane; Rangitikei, E. Dennis O Rorke. 5 TO-DAYS PROGRAMME. ' Play will commence to-day at 3, when the . final between Christchurch and Auckland ) 11. will come off. Some splendid play is ( certain. : SATURDAY'S SPORTS AN RACES. I Mr. E. D. O'Rorke, hon. secretary of the Auckland Polo Club, has received the foli lowing entries for Saturday's polo sports I and races, to be held at Potter's Paddock :— Hurdles. — Kiwi, Doris, Blanche, The ; Chief, Scroggins, Molly, The Lamb, The 3 Lion, Dolly, Snuff, Maori Girl. : Bending Competition. — Fanny, Garra, - Molly 11., Faust, Colleen, The Chief, Tani, i Hiss, Woodford, Mona, Benjamin, Pnkenal moamoa, The Lark, Jack o' Lantern, Vitex, r Scroggins, Punch, Cheroot, Queen, Gimbo. Polo Cur.—Coquette, Featherstone, Faust, 3 Fairy, Pepper, Damsel, Jewel, Gadzooks, r Silver Queen, Koko, Firefly, Sultan, Bam--3 boo, Vindex, Don. Cigar and Umbrella Race.—Fauny, Nauseen, Woodford, Black Draught, X itex, 3 Dot, Punch. Don, Gimbo, Tam. Ladies' Bracelet.—Trenton, Kiwi, The - Chief, Dead heat, Molly 11., Trust, Firefly, 3 Don, Bamboo, Gadzooks, Benjamin, Koko, - Buster, The Lark, Blazes, Mona, Sultan, Chimney, St. Vitus, Gimbo, Cheroot, Saxon, I Punch, Pukenamoamoa. ; Polo Ball Rack.Tam, Miss, Pepper, e Woodford, Obadiah, Snowilake, Marjory, 3 Mona, Blazes, Vitex, Dot, Punch, Chummy, e Cheroot, Saxon, Gimbo. . . u Steeplechase.—Coquette,Kiwi, Iho Chief, Scroggins, Buster, The Lion, Dolly, Snuff, Maori Girl. • -1 Tandem Race.—Tam and Ted, Eitz and ii Miss, Nydia aud Woodford, Jack o' Lantern o and Vitex. Gimbo and Cheroot. e 0 A correspondent of tho Launcoston Telegraph writes :—" Rather a good story con- I ,! corning Bishop Montgomery's recent trip j -. through the Scottsdale district is going the round. While visiting the home of a well- \ to-do settler, His Lordship, ever fond of a .- joke, introduced the matter of his visit to >f the islands, and produced the portraits of v a number of the islanders, while among them he quietly placed one of his own. The : good lady and her daughters were busily 1 engaged lookiug over tho pictures, when 0 the Bishop quietly drew their attention to 11 that of himself, and suggested that he did d not care for the features, and expressed II doubts as to the coodness of the original. !- His victims immediately fell into tho trap, -, and expressed their opinions in various 't ways, one suggesting that he was the owner of a very wicked pair of eyes, etc. J" The master of the house at this moment \ entered, and his opinion was of course s asked in the matter. Imagine the con- .. sternation of the ladies when he, with a loud laugh, rejoined, 1 Why it's His Lordib j ship's own portrait you are pulling to 11 j pieces.'''

PRESENTATION TO MR J J). CONNOLLY. Yksterday an address and parse of sovereigns was presented at the Chamber of Commerce, oil behalf of the citizens of Auckland, to Mr. J. 1). Connolly, who has resigned the position of United States Consul, arid is to leave for San Francisco on Saturday. The Mayor of Auckland presided, and there were also present Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Messrs A. E. Devore, Langguth, W. J. Speight, 11. R. George, W. Jennings (M.L.C.). Mitchell, G. Johnston, R. Cameron, A. Kidd, G. L. Peacocke, McEwin, J. Marshall, C. J. Hutchinson, Garrett, W. Mahoney, Walker, P. Lanigan, M. Sheahan, Cruickshank, Dr. Coom, and several others. The Mayor said that it was his pleasing duty that day to present to Mr. Connolly an address and purse of sovereigns on behal:: of the citizens of Auckland. This testimonial was a token from them of their appreciation of Mr. Connolly's great worth and his gentlemanly conduct during his stay 111 Auckland. (Applause.) Mr. Crovvther read the address, as follows :— To J. D. Connolly, Esq., United States Consul for New Zealand. Dear Sir,— We, the undersigned citizens of Auckland, on the eve of your departure from amongst us, desire to express our sense of the ability and invariable courtesy which have characterised the performance of your duties as United. States Consul during the four years you have occupied that important position in this colony. Whilst earning universal approbation in your official capacity, you have also secured the respect and affectionate esteem of all v, .10 have enjoyed your pergonal acquaintance. You have ever evinces a generous interest in tile welfare of this country, and by your genial kindliness and gentlemanly demeanour in private life have endeared yourself to a large cirole of friends, who now, parting with yo'i with sincere regret, heartily wish you long life, health, and a prosperous future.

His Worship presented the address, and also the purse, which, he announced, contained £100.

Mr. Connolly, who was warmly greeted, said that 110 mere words of his could express the depth of his gratitude. Every public man, it was true, naturally desired the approbation of his fellow-man. Thoughlie had endeavoured to please the people and the country he had the honour to represent, yet he was not conscious of having made any special effort beyond that which was spontaneous and from the heart, to gain the goodwill of the people of this community. (Applause.) It was not therefore possible under the circumstances that lie could feel r therwise than deeply grateful for the high value of such a mark of esteem as was offered that day ; and it was the consciousness of having done comparatively nothing to merit all this kindness at their hands that made his load of obligation heavier and harder to bear. He had lived here for four years, and would always remember the people of this community gratefully and kindly. During that period he had been a close student of New Zealand affairs. He had closely watched their social and political institutions and the progress of the colony, and as the result of his observations he desired to have his name enrolled as one of the most enthusiastic admirers New Zealand could have. (Applause.) He knew no country to-day more promising—no country where there was less shadow or more sunshine than here—no country where men toiled less and received more for services rendered— land where the foundations of human equality were so broadly laid as in this colony. (Applause.) The superstructure they were rearing must command the admiration of civilised man; the work could not be restrained or impeded when it was accomplished if they were only true to themselves. The principles of toleration and mutual regard for each other's rights, to which the whole world is slowly but surely awakening, were at once the most just and the most wise of all principles. Here they had found an abiding place. In the address they commended him for his generous words 011 behalf of the colony. He had not said or dene anything except that: which he had felt was honestly due to them as a people; and if he had in anywise promoted that friendly fellowship which should permeate the hearts of men, through whose veins coursed the blood of a common ancestry, then indeed was his mission fulfilled' and his labours amply rewarded. (Applause.) He was firm believer in the ultimate union of the Anglo-Saxon race. But the kernel of that union lay in Australasia. They must federate Australia; the federation of the Empire would follow. This accomplished, then the federation of the English-speaking race was possible, but not till then, He hoped that when he returned to America, he would be the means in some degree of promoting the welfare of the colony. He would like to see the San Francisco mail service continued, and subsidised by the American Government, and he would like to see cable communication between America and New Zealand. He would advocate these things to the best of his ability when he went back to the United States. (Applause.) But of one thing he would assure them, that wherever his lot was cast he would always remember them with gratitude, and when for the last time he beheld the receding shores of New Zealand, it would be with sentiments of enduring esteem, and a fervent prayer upon his lips that the sun in his course may visit no land more free, more happy, or more prosperous and contented than this. (Loud applause.) A vote of thanks was given to the chairman.

An address from the Irish residents of Auckland is to be presented to Mr. Connolly to-night, at St. .James' Hall at eight o'clock. A musical programme will be given. AUCTIONEERS' REP.ORTS. o Messrs. Hunter and Nolan's Report.— Grain, seeds, horsefeed : Supplies have increased, and the demand lias been continuous. We quote: Oats, Is 9 i to '2s 6d per bushel; barley. 2s Gd ; fowl wheat, 2s (3d ; maize, 3s 3d to .'is Gd; rye. grass, 4s 6d to 6s per bushel; cocksfoot, (is; oaten chaff, £2 10s to £3 10s per ton ; bran, £3 15s. Horses : Very little has been done, and the number brought forward has not been large. The sale effected showed little or no alterations m value. There was a small muster at the Durham Yards sale on Saturday, and bidding was slow. We quote: Light to medium draught from £6 to £14 iOs ; hacks, £4 to £9 15s. Wool, hides, skins, bones, tallows.' Small quantities pitched at the Durham Yards met steady demand. We quote: Hides, extra stout; ox, 4Ad to 5d per lb ; light to medium. 2Jd to 34' d; cows, ljd to 2£d; calfskins, 3d to 4UI lb; bones, £4 per ton; tallow, ISs to 2ls per cwt; sheepskins, 2s 3d to 3s lid each ; lambskins, Is 6d to 2s sd. pelts, S<l to Is Gd ; lambswool, lid to 6kl per lb. Cattle : Dairy stock have continued in brisk demand, and prices in favour of tilt; vendor. Stores have been brought forward in increased numbers, and there was a tendency to depression in prices. Fat stock, in moderate numbers, unaltered in value. At the Newmarket yards on Tuesday more : cattle of all sorts would have found puri chasers. Bidding was steady throughout the sale. Beef sold at from 18s to 21s per 1001b. j Some averages of fat steers were £8 ss, ±7 ! 17s, £7 7s tid, £0 17s Gd, £6 16s, £5 lis 3d, ! cows, £6 10s, £5 15s Gd, £5 15s, £5 ss, £4 9s, j£4 19s. Shetu: At Newmarket on Tuesj day scarcely the usual numbers were penned ; lambs were very scarce; wethers sold at from Ss 3d to 14s 3d ; ewes, 9s to lis 6d each ; i lambs, 5s 9d to 13s 3d. Pigs, scarce, sold at 3d per lb live weight. Messrs. Alfred Buck land and Son's Weekly Report.At the Haymarket during the past week meadow hay has brought I from Is Gd to 2s 3d per cv, t; straw, 10s to 32s I per load ; oats, 2s Gd ; wheat, 2s 2d and 2s 3d : maize, 3s 9d ; barley, 2s 3d ; tall fescue, 3s Gd ; cocksfoot, Gs 3d ; ryegrass, 4s and Gs 3d per bushel; rat tail, Is 3d; eovvgrass, 10.£ d ; red clover, 9Jd; white clover, Is o'id per lb ; potatoes, 70s ; chaff, 05s to 70s ; bonedust. £6 15s to £7 5s per ton. At the Haymarket, on Saturday, the threshing machine and engine brought £52 10s ; horse stock, in limited number, kept their values—useful animals ranged from £9 to £16; inferior, from 30s and upwards ; a spring cart brought £6 ; harness, 455. On Tuesday, hides and skins, in moderate supply, were at late values Hides, medium weights, were from 3fd to 4id ; light weights, 2£d to 3|d ; cows, l|d to 2jjd ; calfskins, 3.} d to 4sd per lb; fat, Hd; tallow, 16s to 19s; bones, 3s per cwt; lambskins, Is 3d to 2s 4d ; pelts, Is to 2s Gd each; lambswool, sfd to (j|d; broken flecces, sjd; locks and pieces, 2id to 4d per lb. At Remuera, on Thursday, store cattle scarcely kept last week's values. Fat calves in usual number, 42 sold were better worth; fat cattle in full numbers, 252 sold, fully kept last week's prices ; all steers sold freely, between 19s and 21s per lOOlbs, the greater jmrt fully 20s. Sheep, in full numbers, 146/ sold, were again of lower values; store merino ewes, Is 6d; aged longwoolled ewes, 2s Gd; store wethers, Ss 3d; fab wethers, 10s to 14s 6d; fat ewes, 8s to lis, were the prices obtained. Lambs, in usual number, 357 sold ; good fat lambs brought from 8s 6d to 12s 6d; store lambs, 4s to 7s each. Pigs, short of requirements, sold well ; weanerSj 9s to 16s 6d; porkers, 23s to 355; heavy pigs, up to £3 4s each. Messrs. (x. W. Binney and Sons' Report.—On Tuesday hides, sheep skins, tallow, wool, etc., met ready sale. Prime ox are very scarce, and sell from 5d to sid; heavy stout, 4d to 4M : stout, 3£d to 3|d; steer and sheety ox, 24d to 23d ; cow, 2d" to 2£d for good lines (picked, Jd per lb more); inferior, l|d to lfd per lb ; calf, from 2d for cut to for good lines ; stags, lid to 2d ; damaged, Jd to Id per lb. Sheep skins, local pelts and lambs. Is 6d to 2s 6d; country salted, 9d to 2s ; weevil damaged, Id to 6d each. Wool: Lambs', 6d to 6|d; inferior, 5d to 5Jd; locks and pieces, 2d to 4d per lb. I Tallow": 16s to 22s per cwt, Bones, £3 to £4 »per ton.