The Standard from London, Greater London, England • 2

THE STANDARD, SATUEDAY DECEMBER 24, 1887. "Jf, HORSE BREEDING COMMISSION. The Commissioners appointed to consider the regulations under which the Queen's Bounty, and also any moneys granted by. Parliament, may best be ex-pended for the purpose of encouraging the breed and maintenance of a race of sound Horses have presented to the Queen their first Report upon the matters which they were directed to investigate. Before stating the conclusions at which they have arrived, they state the various colorations by which tney have been guided.

be little doubt that a comaderablo period the Royal Bounty as expended in Queen sVktes failed effectively to fulfil the purpose for which it wfs But it only within recent years that any further necessity for encouraging the breed of horses, apart from the influence of private enterprise, has arisen. Private enterprise was formerly sufficients produce and to maintain a breed of horses iu this country which was unrivalled in the world and that pre-eminence was successlidly maintained mm the Governments of foreign countries became alive to the importance of acquiring an equal advantage tor FUNERAL OF ME.MACKONOCHIE The remains of the late Bev. A. H. Mackonochie, who met his death in the snow in Scotland whil a on a visit to the Bishop of Argyll at Balla-chuhsh last week, were yesterday deposited in their last resting-place at Woking.

On Thursday night the body wasremovedfrom the mortuary chapel to the church of St. Alban's, Holboru, the coffin being completely covered with lillies and immortelles. The altar was vested in mourning, and the clergy and choir recited Psalms 116, 130, and 138, and the with appropriate autiphoas. The Rev. E.

F- Russell, in pathetic language, related the details of Mr. Maekonochie's death, and bore testimony to his simplicity of character, earnestness in work, and sympathetic co-operation with his fellow workers. During the night watch was kept by the body, clergy, sisters of mercy, members of religious orders, and personal friends taking turns, and reciting from time to time the night offices. There were celebrations of the Holy Communion yesterday morning at seven, both in the church and in the chapel of St. Sepulchre, and at a quarter to el even the bell began to toll for a solemn requiem.

The altar was vested in violet, and had six candles burning. Three tall candles were on either side of the body in the chancel, and the seven sanctuary lamps were burning as usual. Every inch of space in the church was occupied by clergy and lay Churchmen from all parts of England, it being said that no home diocese was unrepresented. Viscount Halifax repre CHRISTMAS BOOKS. (Concluding Notice.) The number of handsome gift books and drawing-room table books is this year somewhat smaller than usual, but there is no fulling off in quality.

In the front rank, in point of illustration, binding, paper, and type, is the volume of "The International Shakespeare," published by Messrs. Cassell and Company. It contains the first and second parts of "Homy IV." The illustrations are by Eduard Grutzner, and Edward Dowden, LL.D., contributes an introduction. "When completed the International Shakespeare will be the finest edition of the Poet's plays yet issued. It is in every sense an edition dc luxe.

It is printed on Whatman's hand-made paper, and the text is printed in red and black. HeiT Grutzners illustrations are admirable. He has exactly caught the spirit of the author, and his Falstaff is the ideal Knight of one's fancy. The plays will be illustrated by different artists, and there can be no doubt as to the demand which will arise for the work if only Messrs. Cassell and Company will move faster than they have done up to the present in the production of the volumes.

Romeo and Juliet," the first of the series, was published in 1804, the present volume is the second. Therefore, at the present rate of issue few persons living will see the end of it. This is a pity, for no one can look through "Henry IT." "without a very strong any of the author's previous creations. The volume contains a very large number of illustrations bv Alfred Parsons and F. Barnard.

"Ethne." By Mrs. E. Field. Wells Gardner, Darton, and Co. A Story of the Cromwollian Settlement of Ireland.

The tale purports to be compiled from the diaries and records of Ethne O'Connor and of Roger Stand-fast-on-the-Rock, and so well has the author done her work, so vivid is the picture presented of Ireland in those days, so natural the style, that the reader will be often inclined to believe that he is really reading records as written by the actors in the scenes pourtrayed. Ethne is the daughter of Sir Gerald O'Connor, Knight of Lara. After the conquest of Ireland, Lara Castle and estate are granted to one of Cromwell's Captains, Roger Standfast. He was a very favourable specimen of his class, although given to too much speak -insr on all occasions, and treats the O'Connors with as much courtesy as was compatible with his firm determination to take their castle and estate. For some time the O'Connors live in one of the outhouses then, just as Roger is about to give them the lease of one of their own farms, they are compelled by Cromwell's edict to move into Connaught.

By this time Roger and Ethne had become much attached to one another, and the Puritan Captain had almost succeeded in converting Ethne to Protestantism. After the death of Sir Gerald and his wife the couple are married, and return to England, but Ethue's troubles are by no means over when she gets there. We do not think that the writer sufficiently appreciates the hatred existing between spoiler and spoiled in those days, or the bitterness of religious controversy. Sir Gerald, his wife, and daughter would assuredly not have remained tor a day on the estate of which they had been robbed would never have exchanged speech with the spoiler. However, this detracts little from the interest of the story, which is admirably kept up from beginning to end.

My Friend and My Enemy." By Paul Blake. Griffith, Farran, Okendeu, and Welsh. This story, although it has the drawback of a considerable amount of improbabilitv, is full of The time for will be brought bef now expired, it is hundred and fifteen wffl increase 01 twenty-two schemes mau around The Railway Lill much opposition, alrhonim siderable importac i Bid which wul probatf, is one deposited the with powerato fcru politan Outer Cir- Ka scheme like that a promoted in I ad nect by junction of the will by iranug the Meteopolitxa Buck, Western Railw.y, atl, strueted as to politan Baifwaj -way at Heud.ix. rlj, at Edmonton, sad ten ham whei it if that eastern lines are uerl7 these lines the pr. connect together all rlL L.i.i before Parliaiaeu: succeeded last sauutioii tu is prop tiou with the bouth- i has deposited fo author-se tias a sanctioned btat y-asks for powers t-j authorised line at ha and Bladdieath to Chatham, and powers are 5igiit rr nj and FonTs $ta3 plan-, the cow tunnel under LL placed within the km ot the Latif-uer-; in course of CL-r.

icrj an extension of tirua as authorised in way another Bill wili 1 tiou of a com r. an mencing at Haanni -titii Latimer-rotid and the parish St. Metropolitan Powers jse ah of capital, and instructed, with th; Company's. The and the twict grant their cer hill Estate at led to the ry j. seek to be in 1 1 ia nc, construct a line, jt.

Esouth-Western (J Park and Wnubko-u. ill i shaltou, and to the site of the or p. a railway, it is tiou of the la'iururr: it is uu fatal to the eaiioLsuaiHu-: Loudon at a. T.u Lonuu, nd Su.t. proposes to connect uiii the Tilbury pan cT eru ajtin tk-u at ftet'ELuu, ij -mis-ion to enter Lit w.riiL wirb the Regent's einpowerea to f-.

Ooiinj Bills oi too Loauuu i-, i Loudon, Brighton, ana Railway Compauies enfcua Ilw uuimpomnt UiCal wnip.wmji. while the V.i lUn.i powers, seeks way at West Il tii astern war i5o my its LoL'i side: and a BuT iua Columbia Market niku. u. a. which to cousi s.ii-.- -sanctioned by ParLunent Market with the ora Apart the a tioa of Loudon aau i have grreu t.

Session, thii ''OVfctiuiig t- -i. are responsible fortLti LiL with as private meiisur l-, arises out of tar oil vw. j.u..- Under the Tli.i'-. L- w- that have u.i posited a iJ Jit theu -c u. somewhat si tii i ulA 'ki 'b i posed sit r.r.

tunnel the aati. rei pr kJb works n.L i the Same boar WLra iP-i two iSesaona. euntaiLs in the Metropolis. to establish a tn tain Lu.L lyinif betwe-L hill. Acmrdnig to tae i-i Railway passes thr jzl sl- will be conawited The Bill farther Park on.

tk-; n. rth-iEi -i4', roadstoDulwii.il Visa, rani and provides tor the minster Bridge, tuuk, was List sIon tr-iii-rrEi Majesty' The only Bill i-r -proposes to enable the or his deputy, tires and iuj i- the Jury to rind a "'ir Jk.z force and effect of oa -out of these power- with or wi'h 'i' I happens i. or are Bill affecting the it tithe-owners in tie the purpose of fevyLiy a. existing tithe-gate, i-'i for the dbw fate that parish. A mere Aflotmena in the of a bill -sea Vestry, ua -nient to vert in it w.

power tit dispose ni 'hi'i -best, either I line's, or by tfef ot investment ot the pr pat-iafr These hill-. acres, are at present agricultural pur Board iu'jw'ry, IreiJ L-T i'or Liar divert this proi err -somewhat simiUr forward by the Ln As regards th-2 vti two of the ehjht Lacn 1 posited Bills fir nest -seeks to extent the tieet, and to Spp conierred on 6 Acts. The poses by its Bill CO i i struction of a new oqiu -w at Doroey. in bv. this to lay down tius increasing the "sur- ly 1 area.

The question or pr -and Vauxhad will a BtEs promoted Uj Iu neighbourhood of dx-aealing with th Ltf- gjwers to acq 'lira riw rixton, comrimir vision beLu a io -house itself, whi' to the purposes, or ir second of the-e chase, as a p. South Lambetu known Lawn, which tegethi Among the 3iroPtlh3n character is one 6 til and St. Katharine Hocks Companies. United Telephone obtain Pariiamen tarv -overhead able opposite1-Loudon. Compared Company in Ibtia whih by the promoters Session are idea ax overhead wires is Innite' General Post Office, taste i Dronosed in 1385.

Che ocdj deposited last yw. portion relate La a total number at least themselves. TM lordlgu j.iaiaj, nmuu Wished for this purpose in various countries on the (v.v.tinon a most serious drain upon our re sources iu this country. There is no record unfortunately contaiuedinauyof the official statistics of the number of stallions which have been annually exported from the country, but it is a matter of common notoriety that year after year the L'nited Kingdom has been swept by the agents of foreign Governments for the stalhonfl and the mares best suited to their purpose, and they have been bought with public money, and taken from the country, frequently at prices with which it was imnoadble'for private enterprise successfully to The consequence of this has berm that, with the exception of the highest class of stallions aud of males, for the breeding of race horses, this country has been left, for the most part, with the inferior and oi'teu unsound annuals, which the foreign agent has rejected, aud the result has been a gradual but marked deterioration in the general breed, for which England, at oue time, was famous. Your Commissioners have therefore considered, in the first place, as the most effectual means of dealing with this evil, whether it was possible for them, by the formation of a Haras for stallions, to retain the most valuable animals which at present leave the country for the service and the use of the breeders of horses iu the United Kingdom.

We have not proposed, however, any scheme upon the subject, for the reasons which we state elsewhere; but we aesire to express our strong and unanimous conviction that until sjme means are found of retaining in the country, for the future, such animals as we describe, it is vain to expect any marked or permanent improvement in the breed of horses. The formation of a Hants ought to be accompauied, we think, by a scheme for prodding liberal premiums for competition by stallions and if this were done we believe that most gratifying results would be obtained. Ttie means at our disposal are, however, insufficient to enable us to provide concurrently lor each of these two schemes, and it is doubtful if they would have been sufficient for the formation of a Haras, even if we had thought it right to recommend that course alone. Ve have, therefore, directed our attention chiefly to the latter of these objects. We have received communications on this subject from a large number of Agricultural Societies iu England, in Scotland, and in Wales, as well as from Societies for promoting spe breeds of horses.

We may especially refer to a Deputation which waited on the Commissioners, composed of representatives of the Hackney, Cleveland, and Coach Horse Societies, and to the eviaence which they gave us in particular as to the large number of stallions and mares which were annually exported from tnis country, by which your Commissioners were very strongly impressed. We have carefully weighed and considered in each case the representations which were made to us but we are of opinion that to divide the grant so as to meet the claims of all the applications we received, would so materially reduce for competition as greatly to deprive them of their value. Your Commissioners have therefore come to the conclusion, having regard to the time of year at which your Majesty's Commission has been issued, and the amount of the funds at their disposal, that they will Best be expended in the forthcoming year in premiums for thorough -bred stallions suitable fur getting half-bred horses of general to be offered at a show in conjunction with that of the Royal Agricultural Society, to be held at Nottingham on the 9th and 10th of February, 1838. But your Commissioners without comnnttuig themselves to any specific action in the future, desire to record their intention of taking further evidence, and collecting all available information with reference to every recognised breed of horses in the United Kingdom, before arranging a scheme distribution for 1889. The premiums to be offered will be called Queen's It appears to your Commissioners that by a system of premiums carefully guarded by adequate rules aud regulations, some of the difficulties which have hitherto stood in the way of breeders of horses (especially small occupiers of laud), in securing the services of sound stallions, may be removed.

We desire to recommend that for the future, in the statistics of the export of horses, the uumber of stallions, mares, and geldings shall be distinguished and classified. The scheme, together with the rules and regulations under which the premiums will be offered for competition for this year, will be found in the appendix." Ar-PEsnix. DETAXLS OF DISTRIBITIOiJ VOV. 1888. 1.

The Show will be held at Nottingham in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Society's Show. 2. These premiums are intended to subsidise six-sevenths of England and Wales, in accordance with the district map of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. 3. Each district will constitute a separate class, to be styled District Class." The district undertaken by the Royal Agricultural Society i.e., for 1838; being excluded from the operation of the giant.

4. The distribution of premiums for 1888 in the respective districts for England and Wales will be as follows, viz. A. Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertford shire, Huntingdonshire, Middle-ex, Norfolk. Oxfordshire, Suffolk three stallions at 200.

each 6007. B. Cumberland, Durham, Northiunberlaud, Westmoreland three stallions at 200. each 600. D.

Berkshire, Cornwall, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Hampshire, Kent, Somersetshire, Surrey, Sussex, Wiltshire three stallions at 200. each 600. E. Yorkshire three stallions at 200. each 600 F.

Gloucester, Hereforikhire, Monmouthshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, South Wales three stallions at 200. each 600'. G. Cheshire, Lancashire, North Wales three stallions at 200. each 600.

5. The distribution for Scotland (1888) will be as follows H. Aberdeenshire and District one stallion at 200. Perthshire, Fifeshire, and District one stallion at 200. J.

Ayrshire, Dumfriesshire, and District cue staUion at 200. K. Roxburghshire, Berwickshire, and District one stallion at 200. This Scheme of distribution will thus absorb 4400., leaving 600. for expenses.

6. Stallions shall compete in the District Class only for which they are entered. 7. Every exhibitor by signing his certificate of entry makes a contract with the Commission to fulfil all the conditions upon which the premiums are offered, and in the event of his retiming compliance to such conditions, will become liable to the forfeiture of the awarded premium. This Report is signed by the Duke of Portland, the Earl of Coventry, Lord Ribblosdale, Mr.

Henrv Chaplin, and Messrs. F. G. Raveiihill, Jacob Wilson, John Gilmour, and J. Bowen-Jones.

District undertaken by the Eoval Agricultural Society of England, embraces Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham-shire, and Rutlandshire. COURT CIRCULAR. a OSBORNE, Dkc. 23. Ihe Queen drove out yesterday afternoon, attended by the Dowager Lady Churchill and the Hon.

Harriet Phipps. The Hon. Marie Adeane arrived at Osborne as the other Maid of Honour in Waiting. Her Majesty went out this morning, accompanied bv Princess Beatrice. THE PRINCE OF WALES.

MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, Dec. 23. The Prince of Wales, attended bv the Hon. H. Tyrwhitt-Wilson and Sir F.

Knollys, left Marlborough House to-day for Sandringham. UNIVERSITY INTELL IGENCE. (FEOIT OTJIt COKEE3PONDITNT.) CAMBRIDGE, Dec. 2C The Jeremie (University) Prizes, given auuuallv "for proficiency in Hellenistic Greek, are adjudged for the present year to Ds. Boggis (Peterhouse), Ds.

Burkitt (Trinity) equal. The Clothworkers' Exhibition of 52. 10s. a year for proficiency in Physical Science, tenable by a non-collegiate student of Oxford or Cambridge, was this vear awarded to W. French, who entered upon residence at Cambridge.

The Coworkers' Exhibition of 30. for a non-col. legiate student of the University of Cambridge w-as this iT ck tt uomution of the Censor to BOAED OFWOEKS FINANCE. At the usual meeting of the Metropolitan Board of Works.held yesterday at Spring-gardens, Lord Magheeamoene in the chair, the estimated expenditure and income of the Board for the year 1888 was submitted. Mr.

Ubquhabt, chairman of the Finance Committee, in bringing forward the estimates, which involve a rate of 8.39d. in the pound as against 7.55d. for 1886, said that he could not but express the regret which was felt, both by himself and his colleagues on the Committee, that they had felt it their duty to recommend the Board to impose a heavier burden upon the ratepayers of the metropolis than had ever been ironed by the Board before. However muh thev might deplore that necessity, there was satisfaction in the fact that the increase had not arisen from excessive expenditure, but mainly in consequence or the arrangements made in years past for treeing certain bridges over the Thames within the area of the coal and wine dues, and wincn would abstract from the revenue of the Board a substantial amount that would otherwise have hoon applicable to the general purposes of the JJoata. addition to this, increased expenditure had been thrown upon the Board by the action of Parliament in placing under its control several metropolitan parks, Bethual-greeu Museum Gardens, and the maintenance of Westminster Bridge.

These items alone were sutu-cient to account for the increased rate, with the execution of something like one-eighth of a penny in the pound. The loan capital of the Board was now 28 066,126. Of that amount, however, 8,186,000. had been lent to local authorities, and the Board had in hand surplus lands and rents to the of 2,299,000., thus reducing its net debt to 17,580,986. Of this amount 3,587,000.

had been lent tD the London School Board, and represented about half the total debt of that body. They had also lent the Metropolitan Asylums Board 1 070,000. It was sometimes said that the debt ot the Board was extremelv high, but he ventured to say that if they looked at the net amount ot debt and not the gross amouut, it would be found by no means excessive. The Board, as the great central authority, wai empowered to raise loans for the purpose of re-loaning them to the local authorities, and this, he thought, was the wisest course that could be pursued. It be a trouble to the Board, aud might cause a deal of debate, but he thought that it was the soundest principle for the central body of any great city to be alone empowered to raise the loans necessary for the works of that city, and to lend them to smaller bodies.

He was sorry to see a suggestion that ihe School Board should themselves raise a loan, but lie ventured to say that money was raised much cheaper when there was one liirge stock instead of a number of smaller stocks. The debt had increased duriugthe year by 575.466. and if they added the redemption of debt, which amouuted to 396,812., they would find that the total increase was 972.000. From that they must deduct 307,000., lent to the various local authorities, and the balance of 665,000. showed the amount which the Board had expended on metropolitan improvements.

He referred to the great estimation in which the stock of the Board was held by the various investing bodies, and contrasted the position of the Board iu 1869, when, after numerous advertisements aud an adjourned meeting, it only succeeded in raising 124,000. towards the 150,000. required, with its position in November last, when, ou the issue of 600,000. of stock at 3 per applications were made to the extent of over and the stock was issued at a better price than had ever been obtained before. With regard to the Consolidated Loan Fund they had lent upwards of three millions to various local bodies of the Metropolis, and it was a very great advantage to the Board to be able to lend from the Consolidated Loan Fund instead of raising other stock.

During the past year another great improvemeut had been made in permitting the Board to utilise its Consolidated Loan Stock for its own purposes. He trusted that the Legislature would agam permit the clause which was in their money Bill for the present year, because it would be a great advantage both to the Board and to the ratepayers of London. Tne loan capital had been spoken of as if they had gone beyond their tether. The position of the loan capital of the Metropolis at present was not of undue or excessive character. If they had works necessary to be done, it was the duty of the Board, even at an increased amount of loau capita), to do those works.

Every jienuy that the Board had expended in loan capital had teen a great advantage to the Metropolis, while owing to the works carried out by the Board a largo amount of money had gone into the pocketB of the labouring classes. In his st'itaniout last year, Mr. Fardell had based his comparison of the amount of loan capital in London, aud some of the principal towns of the kingdom, on the rate per head of the population, but he (Mr. Urquhart) preferred to take the value of property upon which the charge was made. Comparing London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham, he found that London stood in a most favourable position.

The amount of debt outstanding with regard to London was 1.06 on the rate-aide value of the Metropolis, in Liverpool 1.18, in Manchester 1.19, Leeds 1.53, and Birmingham 1.85. He had excluded those loans that had been raised by the several corporations for the purposes of gas and water undertakings, as he had only taken the class of loans similar to those of the Board of Works. Taking the estimated expenditure for 1888, the interest for money borrowed stood at being an iucrease of interest of over 9000. They had 4000. for drawbacks aud expenses of collection of rents.

Bank management of Metropolitan stock at 11,050. showed a slight increase. Bridge expenses (excluding charge for debt) was 14,897., and showed an increase owing to the Board having to undertake the control of Westminster Bridge. Maintenance, which included the items of sewerage and drainage works and pumping stations, deodorising sewers and at outlets, Thames Embankments, and parks, commons, and open spaces, Btood at 198,415. The Fire Brigade working expenses were The expenses under special Acts of Parliament, including gas testing, gas-iueter testing, inspection of subways, petroleum, slangbter-houses, and explosive substances, infant life protection, contagious diseases (animals), theatres and music halls, aud dangerous structures amounted to 21,792.

The establishment, law, aud Parliamentary charges were 42.390., and compensation and retiring allowances, 2047. These items made a total of 1,357,099. but they must add to them certain deficiencies, oue of 13,011, on the general working account in respect of the year 1886, another of 17,874. on the Fire Brigade working account in respect of former years, aud a third of 644. on the Bridges Maintenance account.

There must further be added 417,221., being the amouut applicable to the redemption of capital, aud the total estimated expenditure would then stand at 1,805,849. 18s. 4d. With regard to the estimated income, the first sum was 250,000. placed opposite the coal and wine dues.

This was a decrease of 75, 000., which arose from the fact that iu years past, beginning in 1869, the bridges towhichhehad alluded at the beginning of his remarks were freed from toll for the benefit of the inhabitants within the area of the coal dues. The method in which the money was raised for the freeing of these bridges was this. The money was raised, but the paying of interest and principal was deferred until 1889, and thus it was that from July 5, 1888, to July 5, 1889, the money would be paid. In a few words, the money was accumulating at compound interest till the date when it would be paid. It would abstract from their revenue for the coming year 75,000.

an estimated quarter of their income from this source. This seriously affected their estimates, and had been the main cause of the proposed increase in the rates. The next item was the Government contribution to the expenses of the Fire Brigade 10,000. The insurance office contributions to the same were 25,938., this being somewhat less, aud was due to the fact that the offices, having generally raised their rates, the public had revised their policies, and put them at lower sums. The interest receivable their cash balances and the bodies who held their loans amounted to 288,354., and the contributions towards the maintenance of the bridges were 3075.

The rents receivable stood at and fees and returns receivable under Acts of Parliament were estimated to yield 13,487. The amount to be raised from parishes by the Metropolitan Consolidated rate in 1888 was 1.075,551., bringing the total estimated income for the year up to 1,752,165. 4s. 4d. Then they had the balance of Consolidated Loaus Fund 30,324., and 23,360., the amount not raised for working expenses of the Fire Brigade, owing to the limitation in the Act of Parliament.

He could not conclude without drawing the attention of the Board to one or two Bills that the Board was going to introduce next Session. These were the Theatres Bill, the Coal and Wine Dues Bill, and the Bill for enlarging the limit of the Fire Brigade rate of "the Metropolis. With regard to the coal duties, he knew that the question was an alarming one. If the dues were discontinued there would be aii increase in the Board's rate of 2Jd. in the pound, while those who lived within the boundaries of the City of London would have to submit to an increase of about 4d.

in the pound. He believed also that the poorer classes of the population would not benefit by the abolition of the dues, while on the other hand they would be largely affected by the increase of the rates. The only classes which would derive auy advantage would be the manufacturers, who had so far undoubtedly derived great benefit from the expenditure of the Board in widening streets, freeing bridges, and other improvements, and he thought that those who derived especial benefits should submit to the dues which were clearly in the interest of the maioritv He trusted that the Fire Brigades Bill would pass into law, and they would be enabled to place the finances of the Fire Brigade of the Metropolis in a mare satisfactory position. Those who had blocked the Bill had a very heavy responsibility restiug upon them, and would seem from their action to be afraid of their own views. All he asked was that the Bill might come before Parliament and be treated on its merit b.

The estimate of the working expenditure of the Fire Brigade for the year to come was 121,652., but they had a deficit from previous years of 17,874., makinga total of 139,526., which ought to be raised in the vear now under consideration. To meet that, what had they The Government grant of 10,000., the 25 938. contributed by the insurance companies and they were permitted to raise a rate not exceeding id in the pound on the gross value of the property aPOQnting to 78,157., making a total of 116,165., leaving a deficit of 23,361.. which ought never to be allowed to exist. Keferring to the position ot the Board he said that if it were only known what it had done for London the popular view "of it would be a more favourable one.

The Board had spent no less than six millions on main drainage, two mdlions on embankments, nearly twelve millions on street improvements, 846,000. on minor improvements; over two millions on bridges and the Woolwich Ferry; 1,444 000. on the dwellings of the industrial classes: 577,000. on parks, common-, and open spaces 425,000. in Fire Brigade stations and 45,000.

on undertakings to prevent floods from the Thames. This was uo slight record; and, whatever might be the Board of the future whether it might be a great central body or a number of minor bodies he ventured to say that the works of the preseut Board would always reflect thegreatest credit upon it (cheers). He moved the adoption of the estimates submitted. Mr. FABDiXL seconded.

Mr. Liudsey, Mr. Hichardson, Mr. Tolhurst, Mr. Jones, aud Colonel Hughe3 having spoken, the Board approved the estimates unanimously.

plates and the sepia vignettesare alike admirable. Messrs. Marcus Ward and Co. have produced three charming picture-boOks, with well -drawn and delicately-colomed illustrations "Oranges aud Lemons" and Skipning Janie" are illustrated by J. Pym.

Bubbles," by S. A. M. Lockyer. G.

Routledge and Sons publish four nursery books called Sunbeam Stories," "Holiday Stories," "Pets' Pastime," and Sunshine and Storm." The illustrations have for the most part done service before. The annual volume of the Children's Treasury," pubbshed by T. Nelson and Sons, contains much amusing matter for children. Memoirs of an Arabian Princess." Ward and tale purports to be written and, indeed, apparently is written by a Princess of Zanzibar and presents a far better picture than wo have ever before met with of life in the household of an Arab Prince. The writer of the story marries a German, and becomes Christianised and Europcanised.

As a picture of female life in the East the book can be recommended for the reading of older girls and women, who may be, perhaps, surprised to find many things conflicting very strongly with the ideas they may have formed of the wretchedness of their Mahometan sisters, and of the enormous advantages of European methods of existence. Among the best books for children brought out this season are The Story of Little Hal," by Maude M. Butler, aud Froggy' Little Brother," both pubbshed by John F. Shaw and Co. The Old Corner Annual," edited by Arthur Holme The Little Wonder Box," by Jane Ingelow; "The Christmas-box," and In the Land of Nod," by Ada C.Marzetti, with illustrations by F.

Carruthers Gould. The last-named is in the style of Alice in Wonderland." is full of amusing fancies, and will be enjoyed by people of all ages able to appreciate humour. These four books are all published by Griffith and Farran. Dacie Darlingsea." By Mrs. Dam-brill-Davies.

Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. This is a pretty story, daintily printed in violet ink on toned paper, with a number of charming bttle vignettes and other illustrations scattered among its pages. For the nursery we can recommend Very Short Stories and Very Short Words," by the Hon. E. M.

Plunket (Wells Gardner, Darton, and Co.) "Young England's Nursery Rhymes (Fred. AVurne and Co.) and Children's Chums (Spencer Blackett). THE CITY WARDMOTES. In two of the wards where polbng in connection with the election of members of the Court of Common Council took place, the result was made known yesterday. These wards were Billingsgate and Farringdon Without.

In the latter the poll was very heavy, and consequently the work of counting the votes waspostponed until yesterday, when under the personal supervision of the Lord Mayor, who in his capacity of Alderman of the Ward, acted as returning officer, assisted by Mr. Secondary Roderick aud Mr. Marshall Pontiles, the ward clerk, the votes were enumerated, the work being carried on at the Old Bailey, to which place the ballot-boxes were removed after the close of the poll on Thursday night. The counting commenced at uiue iu the morning, and it was close on three in the afternoon when the Lord Mavor made the official announcement. The result was as follows Treloar, 1044 Marshall, 999 Lobb, 919 Bertram, 903 Turner, 898 Manners, 893 Bedford, 878 Sanester, 819 Wildnsb, 816 Weingott, 801 Walter, 799 Malthcuse, 792 Woodbridge, 791 Mathew, 752 Hicks, 714: Morton, 599 Lavington, 557 Davis, 482 Lill, 389 Wellsman, 312 Harris, 249.

The Lord Mayor declared Messrs. Treloar, Marshall, Lobb, Bertram, Turner, Mauncrs, Bedford, Songster, Wildash, Weingott, Walter, Maithouso, "Wooibridge, Mathew, Hicks, and Morton elected. The Lord Mayor appointed Messrs. Walter aud Bedford his deputies for the ensuing year. The late Lord Mayor, Sir Iieginr.ld Hanson, as Alderman of the Ward, was the returning officer for the Ward of Billingsgate, aud although the votes were counted on Thursday night, the result was not announced until noon yesterday, when the Alderman attended at the Ward Schools, and announced the result as follows: Sayer, 276; Jex, 274 Miller, 268 Bell, 284; Gallaher, 257 Shepherd-Scott.

254 White, 253 Wood, 232 O'Dell. 121. The first eight were declared elected. A resolution expressing satisfaction at the maimer in which the Alderman had carried out the duties of Lord Mayor duriug the year and congratulating him upon attaining the dignity of a baronet was passed. In the Ward of Cheap on Thursday Mr.

E. J. Stoneham was returned at the head of the poll. TIIE NORTH SEA S3IACKSMEN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE STANDARD.

Sm, A Colony of twelve thousand men without a single doctor in their nudst is a conception a little difficult to realise. Yet it is a fact that the North Sea sniacksmeu are for eight weeks at a stretch cut oil entirely rnm all home ties aud comforts, and the various piivdeges of the laud, and are, by reason of the hazard ous nature of their occupation, exposed to constant and grave peril to life and limb. They labour night aud day amid furious -torm and bitter cold, and the cases of illness and accident fractures, contusions, are so numerous as to appal an average landsman. For many years there was uo succour for the poor fellows, and we have before us details of cases in which suiYering from severe compound fractures were perforce detained at sea for a week, aud in one instance thirteen days, before obtaining the benelit of surgical treatment, aud, under the most favourable conditions, a putieat was two days' sail from the nearest doctor. This state of things naturally involved a very serious and, in our opiuion, a most unnecessary satritice of valuable Uvea, lormauy men were so badly in jured as to b.e iiuito unable to survive the shook to the system caused by prolonged neglect and exposure.

Immediate aid would iu many of these have meant just all the difference between life and death but the original ilady has been greatly aggravated by reasons of the absence of skilled assistance. The eight vessels equipped by this Mission to cruise with the trawling rlerts are all fitted with a well-supplied medicine closet and surgical chest, aud the dispensary practioe carried ou su zealously bv our skippers, each of whom is fully instructed and certificated, has proved an unspeakable boon to the toilers, and many a rough ftsherir.au has been influenced for his eternal good as a result of the skilful and kindly treatment of his bodily ailments. It would be impossible within the limits of this letter to give details of the various cases; hue the mere mention of last year's aggregate- three thousand six hundred aud thirty-three patients, or more than twenty-live per cent, of the total number of North Sea smacksmcn will convince your readers that an enormous amouut of suffering has been alleviated, and they will not wonder that the lishermen cry, 'Miod bless the Mission What has been already accomplished, however, only compels the conclusion that the means hitherto adopted are utterly inadequate, and that a new departure is urgently necessary. We have at various times been favoured by the visits of medical iuea on board the Mission Ships, and much of our success in this important department of the work is owing to the wise counsel anil active help of these gentlemen. It must, therefore, be conceded that the constant presence of a Surgeon in the Fleets, combined with further facilities for the treatment of serious cascsof illness and accident ou bo.sru the Mission Ship, find the retention there of the patients in cots provided for their reception, would prove of the utmost advantage to the thousands of poor fellows who are gashed, bruised, battered, aud frequently suffering from severe illness while occupied in reaping the harvest of the sea for our table.

The )spifal Committee of the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen are most aux'ous to carry out what they consider to be the ou'y suitable method of adequately meeting the distressing need of tho-e thousands of our fellow-countrymen: and thr utility aud practicability of the proposed exteusion caunot bV doubted. The sola hindrance is the financial difficulty, and this we are assured can, and will, be promptly surmounted wheu the facts arc fully understood and appreciated by the public. It is proposed to build aud equip a new Mission Vespl, which shall in every particular meet the requirements of the ease, aud serve the purpose of a 1- loafing Hospital. The Queen has graciously signified her deep interest iu the scheme, and expressed a wish that the proposed vessel should bear the name of Queen Victoria, aud she has further consented to become the Patron of the Mission, aud has contributed fifty pounds to the funds. Wo now ask your powerful aid in placing before the public the facts of the case, as vouched by those whose experience in the fleets has made theru eye-witnesses of the terrible suffering to which these brave fellows are exposed.

The Council of this Mission are profoundly impressed with the urgent need of suitably crowning the work so well begun, but at present their hands are absolutely tied by lack of funds necessary for carrying out the recommendations of the Hospital Committee. Will not the British public, who profit by the smacks-meu's tod. contribute at this Christmas tune to the help and healing of those whose life, at best, is hard and comfortless? AXDW. CLARK, Chairman of Annual Meeting. THOMAS B.

MILLER, Chairman of Council. THOMAS GRAY. Chairman, Finance Committee. FREDERICK TREVES. Chairman, Hospital Committee.

E. J. MATHER, Founder and Director. December 23. An important link in the chain of railway communication between the Northern and Western suburbs of the Metropolis will fee supplied by the opening for passenger traffic of the new junction line between the Great Western and iNorth and Southwestern Junction Railways at Acton, which it is proposed to bring into use ou the 2d of January.

Commencing on that date a service of trains will be run by the Great Western Company between Southall and Willesden Junction, at which station passengers will change to and from the ZSorth Loudon Company's trains thereby affording to the residents of Ealing, Hanwell, West Drayton, Uxbridge, Slough, and Wiu isor, on the one hand, direct communication with Fin chley-road, Hompstead, Camden Town, Highbury, Islington, and Dalston ou the other, together with an alternative route to the City, rid Broad-street Statiou. A direct connection will also be afforded between the Northern aud Eastern sections of the Metropolis and Windsor, Taplow, Maidenhead, and other riverside resorts which may be expected to be hugely used during the beating season. sented the English Church Union, Mr. Charles Powell the Church of England Working Men's Society, and in the body of the church, in addition to fifty clergy in surplices in the chancel, were present most of those clergy aud laity who have taken a prominent part in the Ritualistic movement. The congregation was essentially a middle-class one, for though many poor had tickets, the great crowd outside testified to the numbers necessarily excluded.

One old man from the neighbouring workhouse, who, with tears in his eyes, asked for admittance, was allowed to pass the gate. The Rev. Bryan King was present. Wreaths and crosses of flowers were sent from all parts of the country, and one of the handsomest was from the Council of the Church of England Working Men's Society. The celebrant was the Rev.

R. A. Suckling, the deacon the Rev. A. H.

Stanton, and the sub-deacon, the Rev. E. F. Russell. The introit was, Rest eternal grant to him, Lord and may perpetual fight shine on him." The Collect was from the Buiial Office.

The Epistle was 1 Thessalouians iv. 13. and the Gospel St. John xi. 21.

The Tract was a portion of one of the Penitential Psalms, and the Sequence was the Dies Ira, sung with very solemn effect, all kneeling. At the reading of the Gospel the clergy iu the chancel held lighted tapers in their hands. Duriug the offertory the hymn A few more years shall roll was sung. The office was finished, the Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei, and Antiphon being sung. The service was most impressive throughout, and at the conclusion of Mass the first part of the Burial Service was read, and while the Lord's Prayer was being said, in solemn silence, the priest went round the bier, and incensed it.

As the body was raised the following prayer was said Into Paradise may the Angels lead thee; at thy coming may the Martyrs receive thee, and bring thee into the holy city of Jerusalem. May the choir of Angels receive thee; and with Lazarus himself, once poor, mayest thou have everlasting rest." After this the mournful procession was formed, and passed out of the church by way of Brook-street and Bell-court the latter thoroughfare being used only by those for whom carriages had been provided, including a number of the "sisters." Headed by a crucifix, the choir and about fifty clergymen preceded the corpse, which was carried only a few inche9 above the ground fay six bearers. Ou either side were carried lighted candles, and while the coffin was being deposited on the hearse, which had been drawn up in Brook-street, the choir, generally joiued in the hymn "Hark! hark! my soul angehc sougs are swelling." The floral tributes which had been deposited upon theooffinduringtho previous two days were then replaced, andafter that had been done the hearse, both inside aud out, was one mass of flowers. The shops in the parish were all more or less closed, and from the courts and alleys in the neighbourhood vast crowds of working folk with bare heads testified the reality of their sorrow. On each side of the open bier the violet pall was carried by the following clergy, all, except the Vicar of St.

Peters, London Docks, formerly or now connected with St Alban's The Revs. R. A. Suckling, A. H.

Stanton, E. F. Russell, G. R. Hogg, H.

J. Howes, H. G. Maxwell, E. A.

Harris, J. W. Doran, E. Ibbot-sou, and L. S- Wainwright.

The clergy continued in advance, and they were followed immediately by the funeral car, which was drawn by two horses only, without decorations, and then came the main body of mourners, numbering about five hundred, amongst whom there were many women, most of whom carried on their breasts bright metal crosses. From Brook-street the funeral cortege passed directly across Hoi-born, and turned westward, when it was joined by the carriages, and then proceeded by way of Chancery-lane, the Strand, aud Waterloo Bridge to the Waterloo Station. A special train was there in waiting to convey those who were provided with tickets to the St. Alban's Cemetery, at Wokiug. The funeral arrangements were, apart from the ecclesiastical display, of the plaint st possible description, the coaches in which were the chief mourners being simply dark coloured broughams, without any trappings to indicate the occasion.

The coffin w.ts obtaiued in Scotland, and was of polished pine, with a cross from head to foot, and pauneiied sides. A large number of the mourners proceeded by train to Woking, where the service was concluded, and the body was committed to the earth, Cardinal Newmans hymn, "Lead, kindly light," being sung by the choir. THE WILL OF MR. BE RES FORD-HOPE. By his will (dated 4th April, 1880), with a codicil made the 4th April, 1884, the late Right Hon.

Alexander James Beresford Beresford-liope, M.P., who died on the 20th October last, aged 67 years, appoints as executors his brother-in-law, the Marquess of Salisbury his son-in-law, Mr. Alban George Henry Gibhs aud his son, Mr. Philip B. Beresford-Hope bequeaths to the two first-named, as executors, 1000. each provides for the school at Sheen, in Staffordshire, an endowment of 1200.

a year, and in augmentation of the stipend of the Vicar of Sheen 250. a year. He bequeaths the portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence of Marshal Viscount Beresford, the diamond stars and diamond loop for hat or coat given to Lord Beresford for his distinguished services by the Portuguese army, and many other memorials of the Beresford family inherited by the testator from his mother Louise Viscountess Beresford, to devolve as heirlooms with the Bedgebury Estate. By his will the testator devised all his real estate in the counties of Stafford, Derby, Kent, aud Sussex, to his wife, Lady Mildred Arabella, Beresford -Hojie, with the advowson and patronage of the vicarage of Sheen, and bequeathed to her his books, pictures (except as otherwise disposed of), the Hope plate, the furniture and other effects iu his town house, the articles of vertu ou loan to the South Kensington Museum, the sole proprietorship and capital of the tSaiurdtfin lieiiw, a legacy of 10,000., and an annuity for her life of 4000., and he stated that these dispositions iu her favour were in addition to, and not iu substitution for, the provision made for her by their marriage settlements, and that he desired her accepta nee of them as small marks of his intense affection for her. By the codicil made in 1884, after the sale of the testator's houses in Counaught-place, aud some other arrangements as to his property, he devised the estates in Stafford, Derby, Kent, aud Sussex, and bequeathed the residue of his estate, the persoualty being of the value of 63,153.

ISs. to the first son, daughter, or grandson of his, who, under the limitations of the will of his mother, Lady Beresford, should be entitled as tenant in possession, or in tail, to the Bedgebury estate. The testator confirmed the settlement of 44,000. made ou the marriage of oldest son, bequeathed further 6u00. to the same trusts, and such sums as, with previous settlements, would give portions of 15,000.

each to his laughters, Mrs. Marwood Tucker, Mrs. Alban Gibbs, and the Misses Mildred, Margaret, Agnes, and Mary Beresford-Hope, and to his sou, Mr. Charles Thomas Beresford-Hope. The first paragraph of the late Mr.

Beresford-Hope's wdl is as follows: "I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, humbly trusting for pardon through the merits of our Blessed Lord, dying a member of his Holy Catholic Church in the Communion of the English branch thereof and humbly trusting that ere long the woeful dissensions of the Universal Church may be healed." The Chaxxel Traffic. For the purpose of meeting the desire of the London and Chatham Company to place even larger and faster vessels in the service between Dover and Calais, the Dover Harbour Board have entered upon an undertaking, which will cost 20,000., to widen the entrance to one of the principal docks where the Company's vessels are berthed. The Company intend, as soon as this is completed, in order to ensure greater steadiness and speed in all weather, to build much larger vessels than the Empress and Victoria, which have been constructed up to the last inch of beam in order to enable them to enter the docks. As soon as this is completed the Board will issue fresh contracts for further improvements in the harbour. A copy of a speech recently delivered by Mr.

Justin McCarthy, M.P., at Hull.haviug been forwarded to Lord Salisbury, the Premier has acknowledged its receipt iu the following letter through his secretary With respect to the speech, Lord Salisbury wishes me to inform you that Mr. Justin M'Carthy, in saying that Lord Carnarvon said to him that he was prepared to go as far with Home Rule for Ireland as Mr. Piimell himself was prepared to is speaking of a gentleman ho Lain a distant couutry.and unable to viudicatehimself The Prime Minister is convinced that the statement is without foundation. As Mr. M'Carthy has used Lord Salisbury's name, his Lordship has to say that he has never given authority to any one to make proposals as to the government of Ireland, either to Mr.

M'Carthy or to any other member of the Lrish Party." The annual returns respecting the manufacture of Scotch pig iron were issued yesterday. Since last Christmas 932,240 tons have been manufactured. The average number of furnaces in blast during the vear has been 80, the present number beiug 85. The despatch of pig iron to foreign countries and coastwise as 407,000 tons per rail to England, 8000 tons and to foundries and steel works, tons. The tot il amount of pig iron now iu stock, iuclutliug hematite and basic is 285,332 tons.

The Mercers' Company has made a grant of twenty -five guineas to the Throat Hospital, desire for the possession of some more ot Shake-ipeare's plays got up and illustrated in the lame superb fashion. In a different style is She Stoops to Conquer," with drawings by Edward A. Abbey, decoration by Alfred Par-ions, and introduction by Austin Dobson, published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and tiivington. This is a splendid edition of the most popular play in the English language. The volume is a large and handsome one, beautifully got up on hot-pressed paper.

The illustrations are numerous and full of humour, admirably drawn and etched, and, indeed, as a gift-book for the drawing-room table, She Stoops to Conquer stands first among the books of the year. Goldsmith would indeed be surprised at this superb edition of his chef "The Saone a Summer Voyage," by Philip Gilbert Hanierton. With a hundred and forty illustrations by Joseph Pennell and the author, and four maps. Seeley and Co. The names of the author and artists of this volume are a sufficient guarantee for the value of the work done by them.

The ground they choose is almost new, and, indeed, except in the stretch between Chalons to Lyons, whichistraversed by a steamer, it is almost unknown ground to the British tourist. The author, indeed, states that he believes no English or American ever before made the voyage of the whole of the navigable river. Mr. Hamerton gives a very chatty and pleasant account of the journey, and the numerous illustrations place the bits of scenery so vividly before the eyes, that even stay-at-home people may in imagination make the trip on this little known French river. Besides being a handsome and well pot up volume it has the merit of cheapness, as a guinea is little enough for the bullcy volume with its mass of illustrations, those who can afford it, however, will doubtless prefer to pay double that sum for the large paper edition.

The multitude who have laughed over the "Jackdaw of Rheiins," "The Lays of St. Aloys." and "The Knight and the Lady," as done by Ernest M. Jessop, will hail the appearance of this year's volume, Misadventures at Margate a Legend of Jarvis's Jetty." Here the author has to deal with a comparatively modem subject, and he has, therefore, changed the style of the letterpress and illustrations, bringing in colour to heighten the effect of the whimsical oddities. It is published by Messrs. Eyre and Spottiswoode.

The success of Mr. Jessop" book has produced an imitator, and this year we have The Lay of St. Jueundus A Legend of York written by Edith W. Robinson and illustrated by George Hodgson, and published by Swan Ronnenschein, Lowry, and Co. Miss Robinson's legend is scarcely equal to those of Thomas Injroldsby but the story of the misdeeds of the Monk ucundus, and how he came finally to obtain the Priorship and to die fin the full odour of sanctity, is very amusingly told.

The illustrations, too, are excellent, and the book may compare not unfavourably with those of Mr. Jessop. "Through the Wordsworth Country." By Harry Goodwin and Professor I Knight Swan Sonnenschein Lowry, and Co. Admirers of Wordsworth will in uture make the tour of the Lake Country with this handsome volume as their compauion and guide. The various scenes touched upon in the poems are here described and pictured.

The illustrations are scarcely as good as they might be, still the volume should take its place on bookshelves next to the works of Wordsworth, for it will enable those who have never travelled in the Lake district to appreciate even more keenly than before the descriptions of the poet. Glimpses of the Land of Scott." By David Hannay. Illustrated by Jolvn Macwhirter. A. and J.

S. Virtue and Co. Although different in size and style this volume is to Soott what the work last mentioned is to Wordsworth. The illustrations, although of somewhat uneven merit, are charming, some of them being perfect gems. The book would make an admirable present for girls just reading Scott's poems for the first time.

Treasures of Art and Arranged by Robert Ellis Mack. Griffith. Farrand. Okeden, and Welsh. A charming gift-book for girls the selection of xoenis Is a happy one; the illustrations, which are clearly American work, dainty and delicate in the extreme nothing equal to them has been produced this year.

Evangeline." A Tale of Arcadie. By Longfellow. Decorated with leaves from the Arcadian Forests. Marcus Ward and Co. Hie idea here carried out of illustrating Evangeline," with the many-coloured leaves of the Arcadian Forests scattered round the margins, is a happy one, and the result is a quaint and dainty bttle volume.

From Pharaoh to Fellah." By C. F. Moberly Bell. With Illustrations by Georges Moutbard, engraved by Charles Barbant. Wells Gardener, Dai'ton, and Co.

Mr. Bell and Mr. Montbard between them have managed to perform the very difficult task of turning out a book at once original, fresh, and amusing about Egypt. The story of their joumeyings is written with an immense deal of go and life, and a style differing as widely as the poles from that of the ordinary tourist, who on his return from Egypt commits his crude ideas and impressions to paper for the benefit of his friends and such of the pubHc as may choose to read them. The illustrations are in keeping with the book they are drawn in a great variety of style and finish, some the merest outlines, others thoroughly finished drawings, but all spirited and lifelike, and affording an admirable idea of Egypt and its people.

Abbeys and Churches of England, and Wales Descriptive, Historical, Pictorial." Edited by T. G. G. Bonnev, D.SC, F.L.D., F.R.S. (Cassell and This volume contains a large amount of solid, but somewhat heavy reading, and a large number of illustrations, most of which have before seen the light and are of very varied merits.

The same firm of bring out the first volume of a fresh edition of their History of England. It is called the Jubilee Edition. The text has been revised throughout, and a large number of new and original drawings have been added to its contents. J. L.

E. Meissonicr his Life and Work." By Lionel Robinson. Art Journal office. This volume is far froru being equal to the usual annual productions that issue from the Art Journal -office. The works that have been chosen as illustrative of Meissonier's genius are, with scarce an exception, those with which almost every one is familiar by the numerous engravings which have been pubbshed of them.

"Randolph Caldecott's Last 'Graphic' Pictures." Caldecott's drawings, like those of Leech, however familiar they may be to us, always seem fresh and this last G.Routledge and as mirth provoking as those which have gonebefore. But among all the books suitable as presents for ladies and girls approaching womanhood there is, perhaps, none which will afford such pleasure as Springhaven A Tale of the Great War," bv R. D. Blackmore, author of LornaDoone," published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Rivington. Without wishing to spoil the pleasure which those to whom it may be given will feel in its perusal by giving a sketch of the story, it is sufficient to say that it is among the best of its author's productions, and that is saying much, for Black-more stands by a head and shoulders above any other living novelist.

"Spring-haven will not displace Loma Doone from the first place in the affections of Blackmore's admirers, but we think it will take its place next to that inimitable story. The scene is laid on the Sussex coast during the great war with France. The story is full of Hie and interest, the descriptions are charmingly wrought out, and the characters as full of individuality as interest and excitement, and boys will find it hard to lay the volume down before they arrive at the conclusion, and learn that Dick Cliffordand his friend, Jack Brown finally escape the vengeance of their determined and persevering enemy, a villanous Malay. Richard Chfford, who has lost his mother, and is living with a semi-idiotic father and a domineering housekeeper, first incurs the hatred of the Malay owing to his dog having bitten the latter's leg as he is on his way to gaol. No sooner is the Malay released than he makes his way back toPeddlebri dge to take vengeance on Dick.

The latter has fortunately been reniforced by Jack Brown, whose bfe he has saved on the The two defeat and stun the Malay as he is breaking into the house, and he gets another year's imprisonment, Before the time is up Dick's father dies, a rascally uncle steps into his place, and Dick runs away to accompany Jack Brown, who isstartingforTexas. The Malay turns up again just as they have left, but, finding that they are gone, goes on board a ship. The boys in a boat and the Malay's ship are wrecked in the same storm on a rocky island off the French coast, and the feud continues until the Malay is killed in a fight between poachers and gamekeepers in England. Why Jack Brown and Dick do not provide themselves with pistols in order to protect themselves from the attacks of their foe is inexplicable. They had plenty of money, and these weapons would at once have placed them on a level with their enemy.

More True than Truthful." By Mr. Charles M. Clarke. Hodder and Stoughton. The plot of "More True than Truthful is much more compbeated and involved than that of most stories of the class, and it may be considered a novel for older girls.

The story opens with the answering of an advertisement for a companion by Catherine Caird, commonly called Pussy, who is general assistant and maid of all work in the school kept by her aunt, Mrs. Gelston. The latter lady prefers to call herself Madame Gelstein, and is always struggling to keep up appearances, and has tried to separate Pussy from her brother Roland, who is working for Madame Gelstein's brother, a general shopkeeper. It is for Margaret Knight that the companion is required, and Lady Crewe, her half sister, when engaging Pussy, asks Madame Gelstein if the girl has any relations. She answers no, and Pussy, although generally an extremely honest and straightforward girl, has not strength of niind enough to deny the statement.

The compbeations which arise from this weakness can be easily imagined. For a time she loses the love of Major Knight, to whom she has become engaged. The manner in which the matter is finally cleared up, Major Knight restored to Pussy, and the real parentage of the latter brought to light, is far too long to be sketched even in detail. The story is brightly written, and the plot, although somewhat too intricate, well worked out. "Service Afloat; or the Naval Career of Sir William Hoste." W.

H. Allen and Co. This is another example of the fact that truth is to the full as interesting as fiction. Sir William Hoste was one of the bravest and most enterprising of Nelson's captains so much so, indeed, that he was known as the young kelson, and this record of his life and service is as full of dashing exploits and desperate fights as any book of adventure at sea written for boys. The letters of the gallant officer to his family at home show the straightforward simplicity and modesty of an officer of the old time, aud the book can be heartily recommended as a present for boys, or as a prize at schools.

"TheBubbhng Teapot: A Wonder Story." By Mrs. Lizzie W. Champney. Illustrated by Walter Tatherlee. Blackie and Sons.

A charming story for children. It relates the story of Flossy Tangleskein, who often wished that she had been born in some foreign land instead of in commonplace England. She has her wish through the medium, of a wondeil'td teapot. The spell works in an ingenious manner. Whenever Flossy cries she becomes a teapot whenever the teapot boils she becomes a girl again, and as the wauderings of the teapot aud the girl take them to all parts of the world Flossy' experiences are wide indeed; although she never remains long as a girl, for she soon discovers that in every country under the suu a child's life is checkered with sorrows, and that tears do not flow in England only.

One of the marvels in the story is that the teapot in all its joumeyings was never broken. Had it been so there is no saying how Flossy could ever have regained her human form. The illutnitions arc prettily drawn, and the book altogether one of the most attractive for children of those published this season. "Cross Corners." By AnnaB. Warner.

Jas. Nisbet and Co. A collection of religious conversations bound together by a slight thread of story. Mr. Keith and her daughter Eunice live in a small cottage, where Mrs.

Keith supports them by binding shoes. Eunice makes friends with a wealthy family, who five at Cross Comers. They are very good to the widow, and hely her in a variety of ways, and enable her to obtain fine work. Towards the end of the book the family leave Cross Comers, talcing with them the only other friend of the widow, a boy named David, and we are left to imagine what becomes of the widow, who we presume goes back to binding shoes and semi-starvation. The moral of the story is not very obvious, though such a very religious story must of course have a moral if one could but discover it.

Our Darlings." By Mars. George Rout-ledge and Sons. This book contains a fund of amusement for children, being filled with web-drawn coloured illustrations of the doings of children at home, at the seaside, and in the country. 4 Hand in Hand in Children's Land." With Rhymes by S. and E.

Lecky and twenty-four Illustrations by Emily J. Harding. The illustrations, some in sepia, others in colours, are extremely pretty and well executed the rhymes descriptive and appropriate published by Birn Bros. Messrs. F.

Warne and Co. bring out a children's edition of Gulliver's Travels" and "Robinson Crusoe." Both contain several well-executed full-page coloured illustrations, besides numerous engravings. Elderly people will, perhaps, take as much amusement us children in the series of little books pubbshed in 1823 by Dean and Munday and A. K. Newman and and now repubbshed by Field and Tuer.

They are called the Leadenhall Press Series of Forgotten Picture Books for Children. The present issue contains Dame Wiggins of Lee," The Gaping Wide-mouthed Waddling Frog," and Debora Dent and her Donkey." The contrast between the style of illustrations of sixty-five years ago and that of the present day is great indeed, and we have no doubt that numbers of elderly people will recall the days of their own childhood when they look through these facsimiles of the books which were then their favourites. "Footsteps of Jesus" is one of the Peniel Series brought out by Castell and can be veiy strongly recommended as a Sunday reading and picture book for the drawing-room. The workmanship is American, and is distinguished by the beauty and debcacy that mark the work of artists on the other side of the Atlantic. The coloured A Greenwich correspondent having written to Mr.

Gladstone asking his opinion ui reference to the uewschoo of Protectionists, Mr. Gladstone hS replied that he is utterly opposed to the principles ad? vocated by Mr. Howard inceut and his supporters His views in favour of the maintenance of trade syrtem are unchanged, and any delation from them would be disastrous to the be? interests of the country. A few weeks he gave expression to hk views uu our ioufeSifS thatwe couia neer tnink of returning to Protection anrl if any idea is prevalent that he is in favour "of returning to any such system, he can only state fhl FreeladePhhat0 oSttr of ree iraae. hat more could he do There was no pSSfesW a resolution anteS ticto a of it 7 he (Mr Utone) is the subject ft in his latest report respecting v3.

ape Clear, states that the dLelf 5 "i island. Within the last fortv. of then? neen enty fresh cases, but none toms, and the disease Elin i638 7lrulen- There were onlv three SS edne3dy, mA no deaths yesterday, the bev lS TEE wSSnvA1 th world. It thorouKhlv clein, fragrWo to tL I bltc' topurtuifr a delightful rtSIra JJrf Tc Fragrant ilorilme removes in- aU chem harmless, and delicious as sherrt Of Jriam's 2s. 6d.

per carry out street improv- ui -private persons. it-sought by certain persons three new streets, ana 0 vicinitv of Kensington -arc moted'tn 18S6, makmg nr-to the Embankme avenue, has The Bilk that h.n Office seeking the eofcffiii the nietropohrau treau both H'luses. receive tLe o--thorititss before the? SS proposed extennud i- eight Bills having tnwa who are seeking 9Sp aSttEB the North Lontiou. tee tui wich. the London Street, tJw 1 diugton, and the London addition to these.

r- ae Bills, one of whh b. omlfir he i Metropolitan Tramways. a hue trom am t( nm under the name of the ith Junction Trim way the existing hue of the L. SOW thamstow nun datiou, and to constant jnncTn the ystem of the-North South Loudon Tramway nv-1- of a Bdl for powers to coustrna i J- toria Embankment, and over ascmi not denouited any iiiil New Speciaxittes ix Jewelleey." Your attention is called to Benson's New Xmas 1'nniphlet, which con-tarns the newest designs of the celebrated Bond-street Novelties, at wholesale prices, to be obtained onlv of J. Benson Queen's Jeweller, 25, Old Bond-street.

Estabd" 1749. LAdvxbtibbhent.I 1.