The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • 6

6 THE AGE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1896. THE SEWERAGE SCHEME. WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. INTERCOLONIAL NEWS. COUNTRY NEWS.

SFOKTIXG XOTES. WAGES OF HARBOR TRUST EMPLOYES. ACTION BY THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE. frsr tmUmi-r. S.

r. Bros a Unit sfic. atn. t.it Lu. at, ui 3j.ij Ss7.

Ui tA A Fio: 2 atrun-4 Luis Alice ssal Utile U.rw 11,11 as Ma ui, sJ ujW. Iiisrsvra Humor 1 nor. -f sow. veiffat sol Wr II ft, parkv, nr Ti j. broisai.

i itsisssjs's 4 OsssfMis Actress, IT WninJ. A. Laves nashna surilT rictus-: 3 1. I 1UM LLv 2 1 SECOND DAY. THE NEWCASTLE COLLIERS.

ADVANCE IX THE HEWING BATE 1'ROPOSKn. HOME AND CENTRAL MISSION DEMONSTRATION. THE COMMISSIONERS OPPOSE AN INCREASE. AN INTERESTING DISCCSSIOX w. Wt k.

-i a at i tfLIIV i ttm wu im Sydnry, ud ehcap My ia Laid Bnmtj said be HJ forgottea ew poiai. waa aiach br th pycpaal of Mr. Maekiy that the Coa! Creek ec2 shoold giva a trud oa th Sunbeam. Ha waul i ba happy ta orJw tan or tfcrea truce to 61 ap the empty apaee ia his taintis, aett he vonM ba dflurUwKl if tba raport of nis eeg nar wu favorabla As rirrde4 tbe eouampuoa of the eoal for bocdotr or drawing room parpo, be thought that aa order ba wtfe'a t.H maaual would give a food lead to other boasehoidt. (Lug hter and cheers.) Tlo party tbea retcraed to Korambnrra, aad abort afterwards returned to Melbourne.

As if to apply tbe deficiencies of the trip srler in tba day, tbe joqrney to Moloourna cf 63 miles was compassed in tbe express tiro? of two hour-, a ratvj of speed, par-tieularlT roan tbe sharp carves, anything but tilrifant to toe oceanants of the train, who NEWCASTLE, Wsnxe-DAT. At a sneetinf of the Hettoa Miosis' Lodgs last night. James Gurley, general secretary of tha Misers' Association, made a strong; attack ea the mine owners ef the district. Ht denonneed the pol icy of tome of them as "bloodthirsty and ostrageoat," arid sxpressed the opinion that tha time had arrived for th. miners to soaks some protest, Ht urged all present to attend an aggregate eneetirig of miners next Saturday, when the question of demanding aa inersaae in ths hewing rate trill be Tare stared.

Bell ids. to 1 asrsinst St. Agnes. A CYCLING FEAT. MILE RECORD Low Kit BT PA8SOS1 ADK1AIDK.

Wkdsesoat A lsrgs crowd was attracted to the AiMsMsOval this aflecnoon. when Parsons, the Tsrtnru. pica cyclic lowered his own record far a nvde. (st waie jrked about pretty conidsrabiy during 1 iMcaraay ne oso tn uistsece in ram. 3 XJtti to-day uk 2 min.

2 sec. to do it, bat the uiiS which paced him wont rather alow. toe ran. One gentleman, Air. J.

K. Goldstein, suinntemlent of theLaocgatha labor colony, was thrown back violently against a window, his bead smashing the glaa to atoms. As an exhibition of tram mangtroent tl.e trip did not retiect particular credit oa the railway authorities. BENDIGO BICYCLE SPORTS. WEDSESnAT Ths Ramblers' Bicycle Club held a bicycle meeting ia the show ground! this afternoon in aid of the hospital and asylum.

1 here wu a poor attendance. Results were as follow Novira Rack, one stile W. 8teens, 2to vds. 1 B. Williams, 20 Armstrong, jOj Time.

2 nun. 59 4 it sec. 4 Charity crp, two miles. W. Sntton, 150 th 1 Smithwick, 200 2 W.

Stevens, 21 vut 3. Time, f- min. 9 see. TttV AllIC TlUV ll.vnir.n Forfeits for the T.R.C. St.

Later, to be res ai Fleaaingtati aa Sstutday, anst be dechusd aad paid bsforn to-day to svetd liability for ths whole stake. Tbe additional tetatcbings posted at tbe V.R.C. erSee are as fallow Vale Stakes Bayonet, Apborist, Norroy, Fiiatlock, Lady Gardenia and The Bright Eyes, St. Lsgsr Toreador, Gang On, Onward, Chit Chat, Acts. Treotside, The Priest aad Tbe Merry Boy.

Chs.rr.ptoa Stakes: Toreador, Newman and Aquarius. Sires' Prod aot Stakes ISayeaet. Hopsfnl Stakes: Flintlock. Australian Cup; The Admiral and The Enchanter. Trainers and jockeys must obtain their tickets for the V.K.U.

Autumn Meeting st ths office to-dsy or to-motrow, as Bona will be issued oa Saturday. Owners of horses eagactd ia the T.R.C. Sires' Produce Stakes are reminded that the half forfeit of 5 sovs. mutt be declared and paid at the V.B.C. office before 11 o'clock to-morrow morning or nominators will be liable for the whole of tht ttska.

The following are the withdrawals ap to ytsttrday from i ht Federal Stakes, to bs run at the V.A.T.C. March meeting Csstor Neek-laos filly, Csstor Frailty fitly. Medallion Fair Nell filly, Dsystar. Woods took, Treotai, Courage aad The New Woman. Second for lent for ths Australian Cup ars due and payable before 4 o'clock to-day.

Ail horses lsft in sfter that hour will be eontidored acceptors, and will be liable for ths balance ef iweepstakes, amounting to 18. Fot tome time put the regulations in connection with the managtmtnt of the Flat at Fle-mington on race dayt have bees infringed by persons selling fruit and other refreshments without authority or permission, to the detriment of caterers who have pnrciiased and paid for ths piivilege to do so. It ia offieislly announced that all boxes and baskets containing tuch articlst for tale at the approaching V.R.C meeting will bs confiscated. Entries close to-day for the Smeaton races, which take place on 12th March. Messrs, W.

C. Yuille and Co. notify that on the first day of their yearling tales at Newmarket (next Monday), they will offer for sale the bay filly Waitress, 3 years, by Lothair Pearl (dam of Laundress), by Smuggler Young Georgians. Intending buyers wishing to inspect the yearlings will have an opportunity of doing so at the auctioneers' Newmarket yards at 2 o'clock to-morrow afternoon. In view of the final fast gallops to bs done this morning by Newmsrkst Handicap candidates, the work on ths tracks at Flemington and Caulfield yestarday was of the mildest CHILD SLAYING BY FATHERS.

FIRES AT BALLARAT. BALLARAT, WroxisDAT. The issideaes of Mr. L. Evans, Dovstos-street sooth, was partially destroy 1 by fire this morning.

The building wat hwtrsd with ths Nstiuial Company ef New Zealand for 190, while ths furniture was severed by a policy for 100 in the tame office. The firs erigiBated with tha eauing of a kerosens lamp. Mr. F.vsnv who it salesman at Messrs. Hoilowsy snd Sons' tin wotktng establishment, sayt ba wiU he a heavy loser by ths cunuagra-tisa.

l-t night a fire broke ont at Ford's old bacon consg establishment, l'allarmt East, doing enctiderable damage. Only a coition of tha main building was saved by tbe brigadu, and the furniture was entirely eootumed. Tht premises, which have latterly been used by Mts. Fold as a grocery store, were insured in the office of the Commercial Company for 200. The fiie was caused through a window curtain coming ia contact with the flame of a gat jet.

THE FARMERS AND THE MIDDLEMEN. WARRAGUL, Wednesday. The farmers and graders ia this itt riot are endeavoring to protect themselves against the Melbourne middlemen in connection with the dairyiag industry. Some of them have lately been furnished with strong evidence of the necessity for such action. In connection with this movement, Mr.

U. V. Stephen, of South Warragul, has taken the initiatory ttepa. He and other farmers in thedistrictwhohavebeen sending their cream to Melbourne have felt greatly dissatisfied with the returns after their cream bat been converted into butter. For instance, two cant of cream, both being the tame weight, were ttnt by Mr.

Sttphen to two different agents in Melbourne. In the one oatt the result was 55 lb. butttr, in the other esse 30 lb. of butter a difference of 25 lb. Identically the tame cream waa ttnt in both instances.

Other similar instances might be cited. Mr. Stephen, after this experience, resolved to ask the aid and cooperation of other farmera in tht district, with a view to forming an association of dairy farmtrt who would appoint a person to tuperintend the churning of each member's cream, attend the sale of the butter, and report the whole particulars te the association. Mr. Stephen has been in communication with a firm, who have agreed to the plan suggested.

A meeting ef farmers with whom Mr. Stephen has communicated is about to ba held, when matttra will be further discussed. tec, F. Smithwick, 2 min. 46 S.

ri'aie. A BOY'S REVENGE. ALBCRY, Wednesday. A disastrous firs occurred yestsiday on the farm of William Sehilg at West Barrnmbnttoeir, At aa early hour two large sheds, containing straw and hay, were found in flames. Tba property destrsyed consisted of 1 stack of hay, 1 stack of straw, 2 sheds, 2 buggies, 400 bags of wheat, and a large collection of agricultural machinery, tbe whole being valued at 850.

Nona of the property waa inaursd. The absence of a boy named J. R. Staosy from the training ship Sobraon was noticed toon after the fire broke out. On the previous day Mr.

Sehilg had occasion to find fault with the lad, and it ia staled gave him a beating. The boy at the time said something about "having hit revenge," but little notice was paid to tha threat. Alter ths firs a note, writtsn by Stscey, was found in his room fixed in a conspicuous place, stating that ht iattnded, at an aot of revenge, to set fire to the hay atackt, aad that ht would afterwards take his own Ufa. A bottls of spirits of talta had disappeared, and it was conjectured had been stolen by Stscey to poison himself with. Police were tent in all directions to starch for tbe boy, and last night ha wat apprehended at Brocklttby, 10 miles from ths farm.

THE WINDSOR CASE. nine, mm. sec. Slow liokorf, Moniuer, CLOSE OF THE INQUEST. rentaseatative ef A Boltaa, Essdurs, p.tpntr ef toe Saeknttr Ttma, procesded sausst Mr.

J. H. Lenehell, repteeentattss ef Mssebersoa, Strrnbers; and Cow, aaetioaesra, for assault aad abusive iaag uage. 1 he ponce augistrats wss nassually icesew throughout tht ess, ht waieh plaint i9 denied he was tha instigator or writsr of eertsia psrsocitlitus which appeared ia ths journal named, aad about which the present sroeesdings arose. Plaintiff also deposed that defendant eaaosd him with a (reenhids whip an Monday, after ths summons had bssn served.

The assault and sbusivs languafe charges occurred at ths local railway station oa Thursday afternoon. To protect Mr. Maaneriag aa represea-tativs of the Timti in his duty towards his employer defendant was fined 20., with 26a. costs, fur using sbusivs laaguarge. The chargs of ssssultwas withdrtwn.

Ths P. M. remarked, in giving hit deeisioa. that it was hardly fair to sxpeet the plaintiff, who is littls mors than a lad, to take the thrashing incurred through tba editor's set, especially on ths salary hs was receiving at compositor on a country weekly newspaper. It is tht intention of the shirs council, at tha instants of several ratepayers, to apply for portion of ths loan set spart by ths Government for ths purpo-s of purchsaing wire netting.

Oa the motion of Cr. Rankin, seconded by Cr. Allan, applications are to be invited from ratepayers who require wire netting to combat ths rabbit pest, ROSEDALE, Wednesday. Oa account of tbe failure in the supply of grass, it hat been found necessary to elose the Rossdals creamery. Graziers in the Denison district are asnding their eattle down wholesale to graze in paddocks in South Gippsland, aa there it 'careely a blade of grass in the plains of North Gippsland.

STEIGLITZ, Wedxesoat. Tht police yesterday arretted a young man named Thomas Barrett, a farm laborer, for an alleged iudeoent assault on Jessie Leonard, a child 9 years of age, the daughter ef a farmer at Sheoaks. Ths accused, who it said to havs enticed ths child into tht bush, where the offence was committed, was brought before the court thit moraing and remanded to nsxt Tuesday. TRARALGON, Wednesday. A gun accident, fortunately unattended with serious at Callignts, about 15 miles from Traralgon, an Monday last.

Mr. Herman Wolffe was standing at a fence with a loaded gun, talking to a neighbor, when by some chance it exploded. The discharge of shot passed bttweso Wolffe's thumb and forefingers, the powder burning his face, in which several pellets of shot lodged. They were easily extracted, but the escape was a narrow one. WARRNAMBOOL, Wednesday.

A man named Lamb, a resident of Cudgee, had hoarded up 28 for some time, and had hidden the money in bit house, but he hat been robbed of it, Mr. Davidton and Mr. Catani, two officers of the Public Works department, have intpected the Merri River awampt, in order to ascertain if a practicable scheme of drainage oan be carried it. It is believed that a large area of Crown and private lands can be reclaimed. The Rev.

E. Doddrell, who has been pastor of the Congregational Church for many years, it teriously ill. It has been stated by the Secretary for Railways that the breakwater pier has not been handed over to his department, and now the Warrnambool town council has deoided to ask tht Commissioner of Customs to give the publio the right of access to the breakwater for business purposes. Trouble is expected to arise between ths department and the public, but the matter may be easily settled by a reduction of the freights. The town council has been asked to give an explanation regarding the expenditure of 479 Is.

8d. loan money, which, it is asserted, haa been spent on works not mentioned in the loan, and consequently the councillors have made themselves personally liable. Tha sx-president of the looal branch of the A.N.A., Mr. H. W.

Osborne, was presented with a certificate on Monday evening. It is intended to open a branch of the association at Woedford. CRICKET. Metropolitan Mattins; Association, for cud n-sentcd by Melbourne Sports Depot. -Sixth draw-Balmain Juniors v.

Cambridge, Bohemians Kin" to, Gas Works. KxclianSe V. Kortn Criton, Ems Hicbmond Association, Democratic Club OPo' St. George v. Hotbain Hill Tu.oii.

The nrotsit against the Balmain Juniors was dismissed Sunbury v. St Kilda 135- Eadie 50 J. Wal-h, 28 John Kyan, 17 not St Hilda Trades, 53. For Bert Eadi. seven wickets for 21 for St Kilda.

F. few for 41 061 Melbourne v. East Melbonnie. This match will be continued on the Melbourne ground to-rnmo (Friday), at 12 o'clock. The scores at present ars East Melbourne, first innincs, 161 Melbourne no wickets for 22-R.

Greene 14, W. Brut. After-noon tea may be obtained for ladiei, and a miliitrv band will perform a programme of popular selec-tions. The match between the non players of Melbourne and South Melbourne has been cancelled, to the South Melbourne ground licing uudt for play As a wicket cannot be prepared on account of ths rain the match Tht Ant v. Princes-bridge the Richmond ground to-day, has been abandoned.

BENDIGO, Thciisdat Long Gully against Eaalehawk (for L-mrus trophy) was finished to day. Last Wednesday Long Gully made 70, and Eaclehswk had lost, nine wickets for 66. To-day tuey onlv added 1 to their score. The Long Gully lost three wickets for 70 in their second iunings, when the match was closed. A demenvtratioa snder the auspices of the Home and Central Missions ef tbe Wesieyan Church took place last evening in the Melbourne Town Hall, which waa filled in every pert.

A united choir of 250 voices rendered vocal masie at intervals seder the eonduciorahip of Mr. F. S. Whitehead, Mr. W.

B. Bennetts, presiding at the organ. Amongst those oa tbe platform were the Mayor of Melbourne and a number of clergymen, laymea and ladies. The Rev. Mr.

Withingtoa apologised for the absence of several members of Parliament and ministers other churches. The former, be said, were at the House to prevent the coffee palaces from being turned into publiehoutes (cheert) and tht latter ware abssnt owing to other engagements. Mr. G. M.

Hitchcock, of 'Geetong, presided. He said that ont of the greatettliving statesmen had said that Christianity wat the great factor for uplifting tha masses aad bringing peace and happiness to the nations of the sarth. But Christianity wat not at itt best when reariag its splsndid ecclesiastical structures or displaying its gorgeous ritual, but when it was grappling with the tint of their towns and cities, and coping with the spiritual destitution of remote districts, aa the Home Missionary Society was doing. All the evangelical churches were moving in tht stmt direction sad had tha same object in view the diffusion of the knowledge and love of Christ. The hnndred and twenty placet in the colony were provided with spiritual ordinances by this society, whioh otherwise would be unsupplied.

This was a matter for all Christian ptopla to be thankful for. (Applause.) Tht Rev. E. W. Nye, treasurer of the Home Mission Society, made a fisancisl statement, from which it appeared that the receipt! tor the financial year, 1394-95, and up to the end of September, 1695, wert 4157 4a.

and the expenditure 5098 2s. The Rev. E. S. Biokford, president of the Wesleyan Conference, reviewed the work of the Home Missionary Society during the 21 years of its txistence.

The British Methodist Church spent 420,000 in founding Methodism in Australia and New Zealand. Before missionary work was commenced in the colony by the clergy the laymen did a good deal of emoient work on the gold fields, preaching in their jumpers, with their gold ooncealed beneath them. The society was organised after Stats aid to religion had been abolished largely through the influence of the Methodist churelu (Cheers.) The church then lost 2000 a year, which it wat devoting to txtension work, but the first year that the Rev. John Watsford, the first secretary of the society, Bought aid for this missionary work 2250 waa raised. (Applause.) Mr.

Watsford followed or preceded the selectors when the lands were opened up, and in the new regions explored by the society there wtrt now 43 ministers, 194 churches, 161 other preaching plaoes, 263 local preachers, 1007 Sunday school teachers, 8416 scholars, 22,000 adherents. A sum of 65,000 had been subscribed for tha work of thostnew districts alone. (Applause.) The Rev. A. R.

Edgar gave an account of tht work ef the central mission, whose head quarters are at Wesley Church, Lonsdale-strtet. It was three years since tht mission was started, and now 350 persons were meeting in its classes. It was thought that the pleasant Sanday afternoons wo'ild interfere injuriously with the Sunday school, but the faot was that tht Sunday scholars now numbered three times as many at they did three years ago. Last year 187 approaohed the communion rails. With regard to relief During the 18 months ending with December, 1895, 17,317 btds had been provided and meals had been given the latter included 28,721 lb.

of meat and 39,272 lb. of bread. Clothing had also been largely supplied, and situations had bttn obtained for many. The services of the sisters in connection with the mission were warmly acknowledged. Mr.

A. Bowman delivered a short address. A collection was made in aid of the Missionary Society and the central mission, which realised 37. A proposal by Commissioner Trsganewaa that the rate of wages fixed by the Harbot Trust Commissioners oa the 11th April, 1SS4, be revised by a sub-committee of six, to be selected from the workt and fiaanee committers, eras the object of an interesting dieution at the fortnightly meeting of tht trust yesterday. Commissioner Treganowaa admitted that tha GnaaoFa of the trust were not in the position the comroissiooera would desire, but the earnings of the employes were so small that he wat confident tbe motion to revise tbe rate would be carried and increases be recommended by the committee.

The men earning 6 15s. per month spent 15a. travelling, aad with lots of time many of them did not get more than 75 per annum, which waa insatfi-citnt to keep themselves and their families. He mrged an increase for those who could net lire on what they now earned. Sinoa the trust fixed the rate of wages bread, potatoes, had increased from 10 to 15 per cent.

Ship owner! paid 5, but at they had to keep tht mea and pay mora for provisions than formerly it waa equal to an increase. Commitsiontr Tarver seconded the motion. The rate of pay which the employes received was lets than the corporations and private individuals paid. Commissioner Mountain supported the motion, but thought the mover had badly framed hit proposition. He should teek to confine the revision of the wagss sheet to those who were badly paid.

Commissioner Brunton objected to the sweeping nature of the motion. Individual cases of low payment should be brought before the trust, and they would be treated with justice. Commissioner M'Eaoharn said it waa incorrect to say that men on tht hopper bargts tptnt 30 of the 48 hours in the week on the watch. If the men were put on the watch they should claim overtime. At pretent the motion wat most ill advised, because abundance of labor was available at cheaper rates.

The men received good pay considering the times in fact, things were so bad in shipping ht would almost be glad to take it himself. (Laughter.) Commissioner Zox said emphatically that tha proposal if carried would do the working men harm, for the present was absolutely the worst time to attempt to increase wages. Those who urged the claims of the working men in thesa times very often acted as their opponents Thousands of men would apply for employment, on the trust if vacancies arose. The trust represented the public, and had to economise why had not the commissioners themselves diminished their own emoluments? Commissioaer Blyth said he would be a hypo-crite if he stated that he sympathised with the proposal. Trust employes had quite as much as the men who went to sea.

Bread had not risen in price so much as wat represented it was obtainable in several suburbs at 5d. per loaf. If the motion were carried, the men's wages might be reduced instead ef increased. Commissioner Tarver, in reply to Commissioner Zox, said times were worse now than in 1894, because food was dearer. Commissioaer Anderson favored revision of tht wages of all the employes, and not any section.

Commissioner M'Eacharn: Has any application been made for increased payment? The Chairman Yes we received a requisition about three months ago. Commissioner Siddeley opposed tht motion, at the men, compared with those on steameis, who received 5 por month, and those on sailing vessels, who received 4 per month, were adequately paid. Commissioner Trtganowan, in reply, said the trust paid 20 per cent. Icbs than the Government. Commissioner Blyth The Government it dominated by politioalism." Commissioner Treganowan And the trust is dominated by particular interests.

(Oh, oh.) I believe in hitting from the shoulder innuendoes don't go for much. The motion was lost by 7 votes to 6. A netting .1 delegate from the municipali-tie intsrssted ia the msuopolitnn eewsrsge Khtme vat held yesterday afternoon at the Town Hall. Sir. Wat Knox (Malvern) presided, anal the following councils were represented Fitrroy, South Melbourne, Northeots, Estsadon, Brunswick, Heidelberg, Boreoadara, Hawthorn, Kew, Prahran, Cauineld, Malvern, Footscrav, Richmond and St.

Kilda. The Chairman explained at length the effort which had been made tinea 1S93 to secure aa amandnieat of tht Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Workt Act to aa to earuil tht expenditure proposed in the metropolitan sswerae scheme. Several recommendations had been made and interviews bald with the board, with the result that last November the draft of an amendiag bill waa submitted to tha Premier. The board had accepted all tha recommendations of tht conference excepting one which referred to tha desirability of sbuining the concurrence of municipalitiee before tht sewerage system was extended into their boundaries. On that point the board insisted upon absolute control.

It waa impossible to determine the of tewerage areat by municipal boundaries, becaust tome of the areat must of necessity encroach upon othar municipalities Prahran, for instance, whioh to be properly sewered would have to em. bract portion of Malvern and Caulfield. The Premier told tha deputation that he did not think there was much chance of the bill being dealt with this session at it wat submitted to him at a late date. Mr. Turner thought it would be sufficient if the bill were dealt with in June or July, but he (the Chairman) waa of opinion that the bill should be considered thia session.

(Hear, hear.) The Metropolitan Board was to an extent responsible for tha delay. Although a portion of tha press had criticised the proposal! it did not seem to understand what bad been done. There waa a feeling amongst tht ratepayer! that the expenditure should be curtailed, and the eommittee ef the conference thought the board should show it! bona by anting henceforth ai if the amending bill were already law to far aa it legally could. Steps should be taken to determine the sewerage areas, and no expenditure should be undertaken beyond those areas in which the scheme had now been projected until tht whole question of expente had been reviewed. (Hear, hear.) Tht committee alto thought that the declaration of the sewerage rate should be delayed until Parliament had dealt with the bill, because if a rate were struck considerable embarrassment would arise.

At prtsent the board could send an intimation to councils to forward a certain sum of money, aad that would be a serious thing for some municipalities. (Hear, hear.) There was no power under the present act to admit of the differential rata which the board had appioved. Ha hoped the various oouncils would urge the local members of Parliament to facilitate the ctnsideration of the bill, but be doubted if tbe measure would be taken in hand before the end of the year. Cr. Gardner, mayor of Kew, asked if the rate was likely to be atruok before Parliament met next session.

The Chairman Wa have no distinct information. It ia thought the rata will be ttruck about October. Cr. Gardner Cannot tht councils during tht recess bring pressure to bear on the Government? The Chairman We intend to do that, but Parliament is hardly likely to deal with what is regarded as a private measure until the session is considerably advanced. Cr.

Gallant (Footscray) asked if tht chairman had any reason to believe that the board was not acting as if the bill were passed. The Chairman The committee thinks tht board should allay the feeling of uncertainty that exists amongst the ratepayers by making a distinct declaration to that effect. (Hear, hear.) Cr. Riddell (mayor of Hawthorn) thought the recommendation which tht board had left out of the bill was the most important, for the scheme was too large, and the expense would be more than could be borne. Municipalities should have the right to say what portion of their municipality should be sewered.

(Hear, hear.) The Government and the board were to FORMA PA VPEKIS FEES. SYDNEY, Wkdnesdat. Before the Divorce Court to-day Mr. Justice Simpson referred to the remark! which he made on the previoua day in respect to pertona suing t'n forma pauperti being mulcted in feel to the extent of 2. He said he had found on inquiry that the eommissionart of tht court had been expressly instructed to charge a certain fee for taking affidavits, except in the eass of pauper prisonsrs.

He therefore wished to withdraw any of hit remarks which reflected on the commissioners for affidavits. He knew, however, that the Chief Justice was conBidering this question, and would probably soon issue an order that no person suing in forma pauperii be oharged fees for affidavits. LOCAL OPTIONlN NEW SOUTH WALES. SYDNEY, WednXsdat. The Premier has deoided to set soma time aside during next session for tht discussion of a Local Option bilL Though the metsnrs will not be a Government one, it is probable that a Minister will introduce it.

BOWLING. CAKTLEMAINE, Wednesday. Nortn-Western District Association. The Eagle-hawk team, who last year were the champions of the district, and had up to to-dav won everything before them in this year competition, were to-day defeated by the Castlemaine club, the acures being Castlemaine, 81 Eaglehawk, 61. The inquest on the bodies of Robert Willitm Pales agtd5 year and Catherine Agnet Dales, aged 5 years, who were murdered by their father, William Alfred Dales, at 73 Cnion-ttreot, Windsor, on Saturday, 15th intt was resumed at the Morgue yesterday, before Mr.

Candler, Coroner for Bourke. Inspector James elicited the evidence for the police, and Mr. Flint appeared on behalf of the man, AVil-liam Alfred Dales, who was present in custody. Mary June Dsles, daughter of the accused, said that on 2nd February she was chastised by her father and then left home. She secured a situation at Klaternwick and remained there until 12th February, when went to stay with her uncle and aunt, air.

and Mrs Le Maietre, at Charnwood-road, St. Kilda. She had remained there ever since. She had been examined by a medical man at the Alfred Hospital. About 9.30 on the moraing of 15th February she went to her father's residence to mind her brother aad sister while her father was at work.

Her father returned home about 1L30 a.m., and she said to him I just came to mind the children until you came home." He asked hsr to go inside and she did so, taking the children with her. He calledthe two deceased to him and kissed them. Then turning to witness her father asked her why she had left home, and she answered You know." To Inspector James On the afternoon of Saturday, 15th February, father said to me, "Mary jane, do come home, and I will be everything I can to you." I said, "No." Father said, "If you are not home by 2 o'clock I will kill the children. Would you like to see me hung?" I shook my head, meaning no. Father then asked the two children, now deceased, if they would like to go to their mocher.

They both answered, Yes." Father then "The darling children will soon be with their mother." That same night about 10 o'clock father saw me at Mrs. Le Maistre's houe, and, on his knees, implored me to return home, but I refused, and said I was going to a situation on the following Mondav. He then turned away and said, "I will be back in half an hour with the children dead. I am desperate." I went inside and got my hat and followed my father. When near his house 1 met him running towards me.

He stopped and said, Is that you Mary Jane?" I answered Yea I am going home to you but he said, You ate too late I have done it I then went on home and found my brother and sister in their beds with theirthroats cut. Dr. Joske said be had made an examination of the deceased child, Robert William Dales. He found that one of the arms was broken, and was of opinion that the fracture had been caused at the time of death. It was impossible that it could hare been broken some hours before death.

John Francis Le Maistre, master mariner, re-aiding at Charnwood-road, St. Kilda, said that the accused, Dales, was his brother-in- THE CONTROL OF NORFOLK ISLAND. ANNEXATION TO NEW SOUTH WALES KESENTED. SYDNEY, Wednesday. A Norfolk Island corresnondent writes A DISMISSED CHARGE OF PERJURY.

YARRAWONGA, Wednesday. At tha local court to-day, before Mr. Dobbin, P.M., James William Coghill, County Court bailiff, was charged with perjury on tht information of Thomas Fair. The hearing lasted most of the day and resulted in tba acquittal of the accused. THE BENDIGO PERJURY CASE.

BENDIGO, Wednesday. With refertnee to the charge of ptrjury heard at the Iooal police oourt on Monday, the prosecutor was Mr. Thomas Bolitho, mining manager, Tand the accused, who was committed for trial, was Henry Hoiking, mining engine driver. By an unfortunate error in telegraphing the positions of the parties were reversed in the paragraph published in The Age of Tuesday. BURIED BY AN EARTH CRESWICK, Wednesday.

Robert Hitchcook, a miner, was yesterday working in shallow alluvial, near the railway station, with his mate, Thomas Kean, when a fall of ground took place, almost burying Hitchcock. Kean, who was near the shaft, heard his matt ory out, and, after considerable delay and trouble, released him. The injurits reoeived are tevere, but not likely to prove fatal. Kean acted very pluckily. THE TRENWITH FUND.

WALHALLA, Wednesday. The Walhalla branch of the AM. A. has unanimously voted 5 to tht Trenwith testimonial fund, and 3 10s. additional has been subscribed by persona unconnected with the A.

M. A. The amounted forwarded to Melbourne is 13 10s. 61. date of 14th February, as follows order generally.

Reports cf ths winding np process, and ef how ths horass havs stood it at etch of tht tws grtat centres of training operations, will, however, be awaited with conaider-ablt interest. All horses engaged in the Ascot Vale Staket for which forfeits bavs not been declared and paid at tht V.R.C. office before 4 o'olock to-day will become liable for the full amount of the stake. In order to make a legitimate market and afford backera a chance to operate on ths Newmarket with the ringmen in open competition, the card will be read at the Victorian Club at 8.30 this evening. It is proposed to have the card read to-morrow afternoon at 1.30 and again in the evening at 8.30.

Ths committee of the Victorian Club has appointed to-day for comparing wagers in connection with tho V.R.C. Autumn Meeting. Tht business, however, will not be heavy, wagering over the Newmarket Handicap having been lighter than in any previous year, and the Australian Cup has bo far been almost tntirtly negleoted. It will be tten by advertisement that tha arrangements respecting the polo tournament have been altered. Mr.

Penfold, the honorary secretary, writes that owing to the wet state of the ground in Albtrt Park, it has baen found necessary to hold the tournament on the Richmond raceoourss. At 2 o'olock to-day Caramut will meet the Melbourne seeond team, and at 4 o'clock the Melbourne first team play Camper-down. To-morrow at 11 o'clock the final for the Countess of Hopetoun't Cup will bt played. Caba and trams from Flinders-Btreet paBs the entrance gates of the Richmond racecourse. Playing for Koondrook against Kerang, a bowler named Morris took nine wickets in 24 balls for 1 run.

Ht must be a proud Ktraugite who made that single. LATEST BETTING. A fair amount ef business on tht Newmarket Handicap was transacted at the Victorian Club last night. Solanum was the medium of most speculation, about 5000 being laid against Mr. Oxenham's horse at from 100 to 5 to 100 to 7, at which price he closed very firm.

Courallie retained hit position at the head of tht list, and was fairly well backed at 100 to 8. Maluma was again freely supported at 100 to 7, at which she is firm. Whakawatea waa backed at 100 to 4, and a fow small bets were laid against Moorite 100 to 4, Foliage 100 to 5, Budgereo 100 to 6, Our Jack 100 to 4, Pilatus 100 to 4, Homespun 100 to 4, Meroia 100 to 4, Jubilant 100 to 4 and Bung Bung 100 to 4. The run on Mundiva moderated considerably, only a few bets being laid against the son of Welcome Jack at 100 to 5. Hova has shortend to 4 to 1 for the Australian Cup, but no bets have been recorded.

The following are the prices on offer, at supplied by Mr. J. Buckley, stcretary of the Vlo-torian Club NEWMARKET HANDICAP. A SHARE REDEMPTION CASE. Reference was made in the Supreme Court yesterday to an action that has been commenced by James Crotty against Sir W.

J. Clarke and W. D. Clarke as executors of the late Joseph Clarke, for the redemption of 2250 shares in the Mount Lyell Miuing and Railway Com-pany Limited. According to the state THE MENMUIR IN A CYCLONE.

SYDNEY, Wednesday. Tht China steamer Menmuir arrived to-day, bearing traces of having had a rough time on the run down the Queensland ooast. Between Townsville and Brisbane the Menmuir met a with terrific squalls, heavy rain and high seas. During the height of the storm, at 8 a.m. on Saturday, she shipped a heavy aea, which smashed the port lifeboat and engine room skylight.

NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE EXPORT. SYDNEY, Wednesday. Advices from Wellington by the Mararoa state that the shipping companies are likely to have I lively time in dealing with the produce traffic, which starts about the end of the present month. It is probable that all the large sttamers of tht Union Company will be brought into requisition to meet what is anticipated to be the heaviest season in grain and other produce in New Zealand for many yean. NEW SOUTH WALES.

SYDNEY, Wednesday. At the central police court to-day Chas. Roberts, or Croker, was charged with obtaining 1 from Jobn Jmlil by false pretences. It was alleged that accused represented that ht was a squatter, and engaged Judd's two tons as boundary riders on his station. He was committed for trial.

Mr. T. Patterson, of tht traffic auditor'a branch of the Railway departmant, has accepted the position of chief accountant and traffic auditor on the West Australian railways. A boy, Stanley Robinson, aged 10 years, was drowned to-day whilst attempting to cross a flooded gully near Grafton. William Jeffs, a boundary rider, wat killed on Sunday by a fall from his horse at Cook's Vale, near Bathurst.

The mining warden of theBathurst district has notified that be will recommend for cancellation all leases within hU jurisdiction in which the labor conditions are not being fulfilled. In the Full Court to-day, on the application WAGES AT BROKEN" HILL. ment of claim, and the facts placed before ths Chief Justice yesterday in an application by plaintiff for further and better particulars of the defence, Crotty, on 23rd October, 1889, deposited with Mr. Joseph Clarke a number of shares in the company Yesterday morning H.M.S. Royalist dropped anchor in Sydney Bay.

At 3 p.m. tha vessel's boat was tent ashore. Captain Raison, with somt of his officers and the speoial commissioner, Mr. C. N.

J. Oliver, Mr. W. D. Bingle, private secretary, and Mr, W.

V. Murphy, landed, and were mot by a few Bottlers. The acting magistrate, Mr, J. Forno Quintal, was instructed to call a publio meeting for 10 o'clock next day, when proceedings were opened, as usual, by prayer. Mr.

Oliver callwl upon the private secretary to read his Excellency the Governor's commission. This is very full and comprehensive, aud confers gioat powera upon the Commissioner, who will inquire into all matters relating to the island. A despatch from tlie Governor addressed to the Rev, W. Ivens, aB returning officer, was also read, informing the people that the elections held last Boxing day wert illegal, as the proclamation sent dowa by tho Lieutenant-Governor relating to the conducting of the said eleotions had been ignored by the authorities here. As soon as possible a fresh election should be held.

At a public meeting subsequently held, which proved to be a disorderly affair, speeches were made to the effect that, rather than bt annexed to New South Wales, some of the people would die others said that they woti'd not submit to it, nor to the appointment of a permanent magistrate that the Imperial Governinentdaie not upstt the constitution in Norfolk Island or hand it over to any other 'Government, and that if they submitted to annexation the scum of New South Wales would be sent to tbe island. During their stay the Commissioner and his party are the guests of Bishop Wilson at the Melantsian mission. named as security tor a loan ot xiUbU. He extended to Mr. Clarke the option of purchasing a certain number of these shares at 1 each at any THE KATAMATITE CEMETERY.

KATAMATITE, Wednesday. At a public meeting held here this afternoon, it was resolved to request the Governor in Council to remove the present trustees of the local cemetery. Messrs. John Gilmour, H. C.

Moore, P. Gleeten, T. 1L Devenish and E. Gouldson were recommended for blame tor the delay in introducing tne out. Cr.

Baragwanath (South Melbourne): Tha board wat considering the matter long before tht conference interviewed them. Cr. Riddell That made it all the worse. Was the board going to consider tht matter for 10 years more? The bill was more urgent than many of the measures before Parliament now. As there was a strong opinion as to whether the scheme would be a success, ENGAGEMENT OF BALLARAT MINERS.

A MISUNDERSTANDING. BROKEN HILL, Wednesday. Between 20 and 30 miners arrived this moraing from Ballarat under agreement to work at the Central mint for 2 10s. per week. On ascertaining that tha current local rate was 9s per shift they waited npon the general manager, Mr.

Randolph, complaining that tbty had been deceived. The manager expressed tbe opinion that some misunderstanding had arisen. He announcad his intention of putting the men on at the current rates, namely, 2 14s. per week. This decision hat given general satisfaction.

Any probable friction between the mine management and the miners was viewed with deep concern. The Ballarat minerB state that they were ignorant that the labor market at Broken Hill was glutted. NEGLECTED CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY. The annual meeting in connection with the Wesleyan Neglected Children's Aid Society and the Livingstone Home at Cheltenham was held yesterday afternoon in Wesley Church, Lons-dale-street, when a large number of persons, chiefly ladies, were present. Mrs.

Tuckfield, the president, occupied the chair. The report of the committee for the past year stated that the summer ward and new play room were opened and furnished in February last, and were quite free of debt, mainly owing to tht efforts of the Sunday school scholars in Victoria. The committee took this opportunity of expressing their thanks to the executors of the Sumner bequest, who sent a donation of 200 towards the new rooms. Tht extra room had been taxed to the utmost, 30 ohildren being in residence most of tbe year. Flieven children had been received, 17 had gone direct to homes in tht country, 5 had been transferred from one situation to another, and 1 sent to another institution.

Early in March the new beds were filled by three waifs a boy 9, and his two little sisters, i and 2 who were deterted by a drunken father at night, and found on Princes-bridge by the police. A note was tied round the neck of the boy by the father, stating he could not keep them. They were taken for that night to the watch house, and next day were received into the shelter of the home. The youngest of these had been adopted. The other two were still in the home.

When the children left they were still watched over and cared for. Most of those who had gone to homes in the country had been visited by the Rev. E. S. Bickford and members of the committee.

In almost every case the reports were cheering the children were happy and BALLAN, Wednesday. The property known as Batt's Farm, consisting of 151 acres 2 roods 38 perches, situated at East Balian, fronting the main Ballarat-road, and extending down to tbe Werribee River, has been sold to Mr. Edward Lemke, of Ballan, at 5 6s. per acre. Notwithstanding the depressed the board should complete the connecting link at tbe Yarra, and get the portion which embraced Prahran and South Melbourne in working order, so that tha public could see how it worked.

Cr. Atkins (Brunswick) said that the rata would be levied over all the districts whether they were to be tewtred or not. His district would not be tewtred for years, and yet they would have to pay the same rate as Melbourne until the amending aot came into force, and that would be a great hardship on municipalities which were not sewered. The board To be run Saturday, 29th February. 100 to 100o times land in this district continues to more i than maintain its value.

4 agst. Saddle Up 8 agst. Courallie 7 Maluma 4 Sunbury THE ALLEGED QUEENSLAND WRECK law. Mary Jane Dales made a complaint about her father's conduct towards her, and she was subjected to a medical examination, which did not bear out the accusation. There was a quarrel between witness and the accused in consequence of the charges his daughter made against him.

John Woods, an ironmonger, carrying on business at High-street, St Kilda, said the accused, Dales, had worked for him for 20 yi are. On Saturday, 15th February, they were working together at a house in Welling, ton-street, St. Kilda, but Dales did not do his work in the same way as usual. Two or three times that Hay Dales stood upon the platform, upon which he was working, and held his head with both hands, as if in pain. Onoe Dales said, "I really believe I shall go off my head altogether." Witness a-ked him if he were ill, but he said, It's simply worry and trouble." Evidence was given as to Dales' apprehension and the statement made to the police, which has already been Dublished.

The Coroner, in summing up, said that there did not appear to be any evidence of Dales being of unsound mind. The jury, after a retirement of 45 minutes duration, found the following vetdict "That on the 15th February, 1896, at Windsor, Robert William Dales and Catherine Agnes Dales died from wounds in their throRts, indicted by their father, William Alfred Dales, whilst ho was in a state of temporary insanity." The Coroner said that as far as that court was concerned, the proceedings had terminated. The police then removed Dales to the Melbourne gaol, where he will be detained until to-day, when he will be presented atthePrahran court on a charge of murdering his two time during tne currency ot the loan, and of this privilege the mortgagee took advantage. Subsequently plaintiff waa advised that the option was void as fettering his equity of redemption, and he tendered to defendant executors the money due and applied for tht return of the scrip. Some of the shares were returned, but it was alleged the defendants refused to give hack 2225, the subject matter of the action, contending that there had been a new contract made after the date of the mortgage.

Defendants in their amended defence set out that on 17th November, 1893, the shares, tbe subject matter of the action, were deposited by the deceased with the Colonial Bank, together with a transfer in blank as tecurity for an overdraft. In June, 1894, he gave a letter to the bank agreeing that the scrip should be held as Becurity for all money then or thereafter owing by him to that institution. The shares wert still in the possession of the bank, which defendants contended must be mads a party to the action. In regard to this amended defence plaintiff now sought an order for further and better particulars, and after hearing arguments the Chief Justioe ordered defendants to give particulars as to the nature of the valuable consideration for which the shares were deposited particulars of the overdraft and of money owing in respect of which it is claimed the bank is entitled to hold the scrip. He declined to compel them to acquaint the plaintiff with the nature of tho other tecurity bo held.

Mr. Topp, instructed by Mr. J. Hopkins, appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Higgins, instructed by Messrs.

Klingender, Dickson and Kiddle, for defendanta. desired to limit the sewerage areas to that portion of tht metropolis that 7 Solanum 4 Bung Bung 6 Burljieree 4 Mercia 5 Mundiva 4 Jubilant 5 Foliage 3 Gehenna 4 Whakawatea 3 Thunderer 4 Moorite 3 Idolator 4 Lord Chas. Scott 3 Disparity 4 Our Jack 3 Coronation 4 Pilatus 2i Martini. 4 Homespun 100 to 2 to 100 to 1J against others offered. of the Crown, the appeal cast Regina v.

Mtagher was further postponed until 5th March. The appeals of Geo. Dean in the perjury cases will probably be heard on Friday. A young man named Edward Last, aged 31 years, died in Gundagai Hospital this morning from blood poisoning. It it believed deceased contracted the ailment by rubbing his cheek with his hand after touching some poisonous substance.

The introduction of steam in tht New Hebrides trade haa proved to successful could pay, and Mr. Th wanes was now preparing a list of those districts. Cr. Wood, president of the Caulfield shire, said be regretted Cr. RiddtU't remarks regard THE WEATHER.

ing forcing the board's hands. He thought the board wanted to curtail the expenditure. He moved "That this conference is impressed ASCOT RACES. The Ascot Racing Club held a very successful ESCAPEES FROM NEW CALEDONIA. MARYBOROUGH, Wednesday.

Later news from Double Island Point has arouBed a suspicion that the supposed shipwrecked sailors are French escapees from New Caledonia. The whole length of the beach from Double Island to Noosa has been searched but no wreckage or bodies have been found. A 22 feet sailing boat, however, was found lying on the beach 20 miles south of Double Island Point, with tracks leading from her into the bush. Constables are now searohing, aDd it is reported that they have found two Frenchmen at Ahern's timber camp, some distance inland. The colored man who told the story of the wreck to the light keeper still persists in hia original story, but he is discredited.

with the great urgency of having the amending bill brought before Parliament at an early date, and that with this aim in view each council and meeting yesterday, the attendance being large its representatives be requested to use their in and the racing of an interesting character. Results Ascot Handicap, of 10 for all horses 14.0 bands a.u., four furlongs. Tot, 6.7 (cd. 6.9) (Smith), Sandfly, 6.9 (cd. 6.11) (Barbour), fluence with thtir Parliamentary representatives to have the amending bill brought before the House at as early a date as possible as a matter of great urgency.

Further, that this conference is of opinion that until tht amending act becomes law tbe board should place upon ttieir LARCENY OF GUNS. ins (flood) and unvmount, o.iu (lirooKs), dead heat for third. Myra, 10.9 Olive, 7.7 Moonlight, 6.7, also started. Won by half a length, a length between seeond and third. Time, 55i sec.

Les Tines and Martini Handicap, of 10 for all horses 12.3 hands a.u., three fuiloncs and a half. Cutty Sark, 6.7 (W. Kerr), 1 Marchioness, 6.7 (cd. 6.9) (Brummy). 2 Botheram 7.7 (Sleich), 3.

minutes a resolution affirming the principle that until the densely populated and paying areas be sewered no rates be levied, and that THE MUNICIPALITIES AND THE SEWERAGE SCHEME. Little Tot, 8.13; Little Ben, 8.3 Vivandiere, 7.11 Our Fred, 7.7 6.11 Postman, 6.10 (cd. 7.0) Prince Charlie, 6.8, also started. Won by two thereafter the board act strictly in accordance with such resolution and in accordance with the spirit of the amending bill." Cr. Skinner (Piahran) seoonded the motion, which he thought was a practical course of procedure.

DISCUSSION IN THE HAWTHORN COUNCIL. lengtns a lengtn a halt between second and tmrd. Cr. Stead (South Melbourne) said Parliament fixed the original area 80,000 acres to be sewered, of which 21,000 acres was to be sewered as Boon as possible. Thirty-two thousand acres, including the 21,000 acres men During the present year two guns were missed from Sir W.

J. Clarke's residence, Ruperta-wood, Sunbury, but the loss was not reported to the police until the 12th inat. It was then asctrtained by Deteotive Sergeant Whitney and Detective D. G. O'Donnell that a pin fire gun answering the description of one of those missed by Sir William Clarke had been sold to Mr.

F. B. Morris, of Post Office-place, by a dealer in Fitzroy. Mr. Morris also told the detectives that he had a valuable double-barrelled hammerless breechlokding 10-bore gun in his possession, which had been handed to him for sale, but which ha refused to buy, because the man selling it bad so little idea of the worth of the weapon that he was prepared to sell it for 5, though its proper value was 70 or 80.

He had refused to return the gun until tha man who offered it for sale could show that it belonged to him, but ht had not done that np to the present. The description of tht man tallied with that of one John Madden, who had previously been imprisontd for robberies from Sir W. J. Clarke. This man was found at his residtnoe, Fitzroy, and having been identified by Mr.

Morris, was looked up on a charge of atealing the two guns. He will appear at the City Court to-day. THE ALBERT PARK CASE. SOME PARTICULARS OF riUESTLEY'S HISTORY. Very little has to be added regarding the case of John H.

Priestley, who shot his daughter dead and theu fatally shot himself in Albert Park on Tuesday afternoon. Priestley, as already stated, was formerly an hotel-keeper in Adelaide. When some years ago he quitted that city, leaving behind him his wife, with whom he had some disagreement, he was accompanied by a woman, with whom he lived for some little time after his arrival here. During that period be became licensee of the Lemon Tree Hotel, in Carlton. Later on the pair separated, Priestley taking with him the little girl May, who, it appears, was the issue of his relations with the woman in question.

After that he obtained an engagement at the gat works, and then became acquainted with the Sturkeys. The bodies of Priestley and the ehild May were removed from the Alfred Hospital to the Morgue yesterday, and the inqusst will probably be opened to-day. Tune, ou sec. Tudor and Friedman Handicap, of 10 for all horses, 14.2 and 14.3 hands, four and a half furlongs. Eucalyptus, 7.10 (Player), 1 Queen Mab, 6.

10 (cd. 6. 12) (Brooks), 2. The Bee, 7.0 (lioberts), 3. Elaine, 9.8 Little Clare, 8 10 Naughty, 7.13; Miss Eva, 7.9 Hazard, 7.4 The Nob, 6.12 Jennie, 6.7, also started.

Won easily by two lengths and a half half a length between second and third. Time, 62 sec. Lenton Brothers' Handicap, of 10 for all horses 13.1 hands a.u., three furlongs and a half. Fashion, 8.2 (Barbour), Jane, 6,12 (cd. 7.0), (O'ltouike), 2 Time, 7.5 (Smith), 3.

Nut, 8.12 Bed, 7.0 My Fancy, 6.8 Eunice, 6.7 Hamlet, 6.7, also started. Won by a neck, two lengths between second and third. Time, 50 sec. Newmarket Handicap, of 10 for all horses 14.1 hands a.u., four furlongs. Little Queen, 8.10 Little Elsie, 7.12 (Roberts), Marksman, 8.0 (Smith), 3.

Bangoline, 8.b; Good Faith, 7.6 Frailtv, 7.1 (cd. 7.2) Daisy, 6.13 Leura, 6.12 Folly, 6.12; Ulalie, 6.7; Seaweed, 6.7 (cd. 7.2), also started. Won by a bead, a neck separating second and third. Time, 56 sec.

tioned, would pay. There was a third list which embraced the outer districts which might not be suitable for sewerage for a few years. The principal sewers had been let. There was a portion of Footscray that would not pay, but the sewer was put down to reach another portion whioh would pay. Cr.

Dally (Hawthorn) said the resolution if carried could not be put into force, as tha board oould not introduce the differential rate BALLARAT, Wednesday. The annual picnic of the Ballarat Butchers' Association was held to-day at Burrumbeet Park, over 200 personB taking part in the excursion. Headed by Bulch's Model Band, the knights of the cleaver formed a vehicular procession at the Galloway monument at 10 o'clock, and Burrumbeet wss reachod shortly after midday. There were nearly 40 vehioles in the line. A lengthy programme of sports was carried out, and the weather being beautifully fine the picnic proved a great success.

BENDIGO, Wednesday. Mr. G. M'Coll, who is leaving Bendigo to take charge of the Equitable Assurance Company's business in Melbourne, is to be banqueted and presented witb a testimonial. The Sandhurst Rowing Club's aquatic festival on Lake Weerona to-night wss a great success.

About 3000 persons were present, and the lake was beautifully illuminated. The Bendigo Gas Company to-day declared a dividend at the rate of 13 per cent, per annum for the half year taded 31st December, 1895. BIRCHIP, Wednesday. The local mill stopped woik last Friday for want of water. The quantity of wheat trucked from here to date is 6520 hags, as against 41,013 bags for the corresponding period of last year.

There art about 12,000 bags on the station, exclusive of 4000 bags of last year's wheat. BOORT, Wednesday. A centenarian named Joseph Wright, an old resilient of the Boort district, died on Monday night. The farmers of Meering West have held a meeting to consider the Seed Wheat Bill. The proposed maximum quantity was oondemned as altogether insufficient in the mallee districts, and the quantity will have to be ltrgely inoreased if the bill is to be of any value to them.

Many of the farmers declare that they will not remain on their holdings to cultivate such a meagre quantity, and argue that if the Government advance 200 bushels or over it will derive a benefit from the inoreased production in tha railway freights on the grain and other commodities. COBDEN, Wednesday. The hop picking season will begin in a few days at tbe Tim boon Hop Gardens. The crop is a large one this season, and the quality fully up to the standard of previous years. The recent heavy rains have caused a material increase in the supplies of milk to the local faotory.

The prioes obtained for the last shipment of butter in London realised 107s. and which is considered very satisfactory. COLAC, Wednesday. Tbe committee of tht Polwarth and South Grenvilla Pastoral and Agricultural Society hat been notified by Mr. Martin, Secretary for Agriculture, that it is the intention of bis Excellency Lord Brassey to award a silver medal for the bent milch cow exhibited at the annual show thia year.

The express train from Port Fairy to Melbourne was two hours late in leaving Colac this morning, this being dut to an accident to tha boiler of the engine occurring near Pom-borneit. MARYBOROUGH, Wednesday. A man named Robert Parke, 64 yeara, met with a serious accident at tha Sharpe and Barry Amalgamated Company's mine. Leviathan Reef, yesterday. He waa engaged in filling a dray from a mullock heap on tbe surfaoe when a quantity of earth overhead came away, Parke receiving the full force of the falling masm.

He wat removed to the Maryborough Hospital. It was found ht had sustained a fracture of the pelvis, oat of hit shoulders being Btverely injured, and hia body much bruised, ROCHESTER, Wednesday. At tht monthly meeting of the thire oouncil held yesterday afternoon, leave of abienoe for a period of six months was granted to Crs. Thomas Spencer and Philip Nolan, who contemplate a visit to the old country. A letter was received from the ohisf iasptotor under tht Vermin Destruction Aot, drawing the attiution of the oouncil to tht inortaae of rabbits on tbe Murray frontage, Tht financial positions of tha tliffartnt rulines an as follow North- unless the act of Parliament gava it power, Hawthorn did not want to pay sanitary rates and sewerage rates as well.

The rata would be enforced within six months. Cr. Baragwanath said it would be a bad day TO-DAY'S FORECASTS. The following are to-day's foreoaste Victoria (by Mr. 6 Generally fine and clear, cloudy on coast line, light southerly winds, sea moderate, to rough in southeast.

Brisbane, Wednesday. Mr. Wragge's forecast for Victoria and Tasmania is Generally fair, with isolated rain. Strongwinds along coost, with some rough seas. New south Wales (by Mr.

H. C. Eussell Sydney, Wednesday, noon): Southerly to S.E. winds generally rain is clearing from southern coast districts and extending to northern coast and highlands. South Australia (by Sir C.

Todd Adelaide, Wednesday, 3 p.m.) Fine, pleasant, some cloud along south coast line, south-easterly, te E. winds. YESTERDAY'S WEATHER. We have received the following report from the Melbourne Observatory Rain has fallen in previous 24 hours to 3 a.m., 26th February. Victoria Very light, isolated, in south and west.

Tasmania Very light, isolated, in south west. New South Wales Light to heavy generally, except in far west and north-east. North Australia Light to heavy from Port Darwin to Powell's Creek. Port Darwin 2.16 inches. West Australia: Very light at Albany.

Queensland: Light to heavy in central, western and southwestern districts also along coast. Wind and weather, Hobson's Boy February 26. 9 a.m.: S.S.W., fresh, cloudy, fine 30.10; 70. 1 p.m.: S.S.W., moderate, cloudy, fine 30.10; 73. 4 p.m.: S.S.W., moderate, cloudy, fine 30.10 73.

Wt havt received the following reports from country correspondents dated yesterday Bonrt 44 points of rain fell early on Tuesday morning near Boort, and a heavier fall was experienced in the mallee further north. Ploughing operations are being pushed forward as rapidly as possible. The rain will do good to the grass, wnich is very scarce. Numbers of stock are dying from sheer poverty. Lake Boga Heavy rain 85 points fell early on Tuesday morning.

Farmers delighted, as there is no longer need to cart water. ilyrtleford Heavy rains on Monday night throughout the district. Creeks have overflowed their banks, and most of the low lying lands are flooded. The winter pasturage has been assured. Thorpdale On Monday 139 points of rain, making 166 points within three days.

Farmers are rejoicing at the change. the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company Borambil, Condobolin, New South Wales. 1 inch good grass rain 25th inst. Conoble, Mossgiol, New South Wales. 115 points good grass rain 24th inst.

still threatening. Wargam, Deniliquin, New South Wales. 140 points rain 24th making 239 points since the 9th inst. Received by the Australasian Mortgage and Agency Company Limited: Cowl Cowl Station, Eooligal, New South Wales' 70 points steady soaking rain to-day; still raining. North Oogeldrie Station, Whitton, New South Wales.

166 points rain. Received by Messrs. Goldsbrough, Mort and Company Limited Moinalong Station, Berrigan, New South Wales, 26th inst: 150 points of rain yesterday. Wiilgewa Station, Narrandem, New South Wales, 2bth 42 points of rain. Keiarbury Station, Darlington Point, New South Wales, 26th 40 points of rain yesterday.

Eremeran Station, Nymagee, New South Wales, 26th 1 inch of steady rain every appearance of more. Pirillie Station, Ford's-bridge. New South Wales, 26th inst 231 points steady rain Monday and Tues-tlav. Elsinora Station, Wanaaring, New South Wales, 26th 21 inches steady rain 24th and 25th. Received by John Sanderson and From Manfred Downs Station, Richmond Downs, Queensland Over inches rain since 1st, all patchy showers river half Hood.

From erribreo Station, Bourke, New South Wales 305 points gotd soaking rain. for tht ratepayers when payment ot mtmDers was introduced in the Metropolitan Board, (Question.) Ratepayers' interests should not be placed in tne nanas oi men wno naa no siase THE INC03IE TAX. that Burns, Fhilp aad Co. have secured the steamer Amur to conduct the service. She will leave here early next month on her maiden trip to the islands.

Sht is a steel screw boat of 907 tons, with good passenger accommodation. QUEENSLAND. BRISBANE, Wednesday. John S. Ogilvie, accountant, was to-day committed for trial on the charge of the larceny of funds belonging to the ambulance brigade.

It is reported that efforts are being made to induce Mr. Morthead to withdraw from the contest for North Brisbane. SOUTF AUSTRALIA. ADELAIDE, WEDNESDAY. William O'Connor and Brigam Young ware charged to-day with embezzling the moneys of Thomas M'Grath, of Bcndigo, to the extent of 80.

They were remanded to Victoria in charge of Constable Hague. The expedition to prospect country between Oldea and the Musgrave Ranges, under leadership of H. Nathen, with a Government subsidy of 100 and the loan of six camels, has fallen through. The trial of William Rogers, charged with conspiracy in connection with the alleged salting of the Angipena Treasure mine, was again adjourned to-day. WEST AUSTRALIA.

PERTH, Monday. Reuben Rickard, passenger by the steamer Bothwell Castle from Gtraldton to Fremantle, died on board last night of aoute diarrhcea. ESPERANCE, 24th February. The Flinders arrived on Saturday, and tht Kirkltndt arrived yesterday from Melbourne with bullocks and general cargo. Fine specimens are shown from the Mary Carter mine, the latest find at Norseman.

The Esperance Land Company has made a start with the extension of the jetty, and a quantity of timber is on the ground. Several houses have been erected on the company's town site, and three more go up next week built by private individuals. Six hundred blocks will be sold next week in Adelaide. A party prospecting on an island down tbe coast has got gold, and will send tbe atone to Adelaide for assay. The municipal by-laws art found to be invalid, not having been Bent to the Executive for gazetting.

TASMANIA. LAUNCESTON, Wednesday. The Blackford Hill Estate, 684 aorea, fronting the North Esk river, was Bold to-day at auction to Mr. W. Sidebottom for 2900.

At the half yearly meeting of the United Steamship Company to-day a statement was made that negotiations were likely to prnvt successful soon for tht sale of the company's Bteamers. The company's assets are estimated at 13,855. If sale be effected it is understood that the vesselt will be still retained in the West Coast trade. NEW ZEALAND. AUCKLAND, Wednesday.

In the bowling champion rinkt matches to-day, Sydney beat Ponsonby by 5 points, and beat Wellington by 11 points. The new find at Tairua, adjoining the Kanri Timber Mining Corporation, has been floated in London with a capital of 500,000. The atont givea wonderful prospects. Twoparools, aach of 1 ton weight, treated by the pan process at the School of Mines, gava a return value of 84 per ton. There is a mountain of the ore at Tairua, and tbe syndicate owns 300 acret of it.

Tbe Palmer Company'! Timber Millt, at Mania, ntar Wellington, have been burned down. Tht damagt It eitlmattd at 800, Tb property wai sot insured, doing well, and had gained the affection of their foster parents and employers. In some instances they had become members of the family and bore the family name. Occasionally the committee met with disappointment the boy or girl did not turnout as was hoped, or the home was not all that it should be, and they were obliged to remove the child. They were thankful to say, however, this was the exception, and when things went wrong thus it was not always the child's fault.

Feeling that the children in the remoter parts of the bush were at a disadvantage through lack of reading matter, the committee bad tried to make arrangements by which this want might be supplied, thus helping and encouraging the recipients. Some members of the committee and the Armadale Christian Endeavor had a list of names to whom they send periodicals. The health of all in tht home had been exceptionally good. No serious case of illness had occurred. In July Dr.

Watkin resigned his position as manager of the home and the Rev. J. W. Crisp had been gazetted in his place. With regard to finances, the year had been a prosperous one, and they closed the year without a peuny of debt for building or maintenance.

The balanct sheet for 1895 showed that tha receipts from all sources were 550 that the expenditure for salaries and wages was 165 10s. provisions, 110 0s. drapery, olothing and boots, 50 14s. 9d. Deposits and balance in the bank amounted now to 246.

The President said that, acoording to police reports, 95 per cent, of the children found in the streets made their way to gaol. This showed the magnitude of the work in which the society was engaged. No enterprise gave a greater guarantee of success than the rescue of children. (Applause.) Dr. Barnardo said that "heredity was strong, but environment was stronger," and that was why the committee was so particular about tht homes to which the children were sent from Cheltenham.

The committee had most difficulty with the infants. People who adopted ohildrei usually wanted children who would be useful. The other day she travelled to Port Melbourne with a lady who was caressing a dog and had a oat in a basket (Laughter) and who told a friend that "she must love something." How much better if that lady got a boy and a girl from their home at Cheltenham to love and cherish. (Laughter.) The home at Chtltenbtm cost 25s. a day to maintain, was not endowed, and received no aid from the Government.

Mrs, Varooe advised new writers to leave off writing of the "new woman," and wi itt on the mort pleasant subject of children, as Charles Dickens and George Eliot had done. Boys and girls were individual chaiaoters, while men and women became mere copyists. The Rev. E. S.

Biokford, president of the Wesleyan conftrenoe, stated that ladits who devoted themselves to the rescue of fallen women now said that their work was "declining," because the sources of supply to street vice were being dried up by children's rescue societies. SoDgs were sung by Mrs. Whitehead, and a recitation was given by MisB Chesterfield. A collection was made in aid of the sooiety's funds, which realised 12. THE QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE.

BRISBANE, Wednesday. Tht fourth annual Queensland conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church was commenced at Brisbane to-day. The Rev. W. Jeffries, of Toowt-omba, was elected president.

A telegram was received from the Primitive Methodist Conference now titling at Bundabirg, stating that the voting on the question cf the union of all Methodist churches was For, against, neutral) 2. Tht auuounotmiut wat iietlvtd with applause, THE MEECADOOL LANG CASES. in the colony. Cr. White (Richmond) laid he did not think the board would do what was proposed.

Cr. Wood I am informed by Cr. Baragwanath that tht board intends to do so at tha next meeting. Cr. ilarnst said there was so necessity for the Bafbnd part of the motion as far as Footscray was concerned, as the reticulation was now going on.

Cr. Methven (Brunswick) thought the btard would aot without tht resolution. It was practically saying that the members of the board did not know their own business. The motion was divided, the first portion being carried unanimously and the second part, which referred to the Metropolitan Board of Works, was rejsoted by 12 votes to 11. A vote of thanks waa passed to the chairman, and the conference rose.

General dissatisfaction was expressed in tht Hawthorn council last night at the failure of the Government to submit to Parliament the bill incorporating the proposed amendments of the Sewerage Aot which emanated last year from a conference of the municipalities. Cr. Dally said the position of the municipalities was a rather serious one, inasmuch as unleBS the bill wss carriad without further delay the Board of Works would be compelled to levy the same rate over the whole of the municipalities. The bill, it was represented, had gone astray, and the Prtmier could find no time to devott to it, beoaust his whole attention was engrossed with the very interesting queationsas to whether a man should have one drink a day or none and whether a man earning 3 per week should be 4 relieved from payment of his juet debts. (Ironical laughter.

Mr. Turner as a councillor warmly supported some of the proposed amend--ments, but Mr. Turner as Premier took quiet a disinterested view of the matter. The Mayor They are two distinct individuals. The Mayor Cr.

Riddell said lit blamed the Board of Works as much as the Government for ita delay in framing the bill. After having hung fire for 15 months it had now gone astray. Further delay would operate seriously in many of the outer municipalities, and therefore an effort should be made to bestow the board with power to strike a differential sewerage rate. Commissioner Cowper defended the board, stating that tht bill was sent on to ths Government over three months ago, while the board, urged on Mr. Turner the great necessity for having it carried at once.

Tht Premier, however, seemed to view the matter in quite a different light to tht boaid and tilt municipalities. Cr. Barbour taid that unlest tht billbeoamt law before June or July tht municipality would not only havt to pay ont oommon sewerage rate, but at a time when money was scarcest they would have to hand over to tht board large sums of money as sewerage rates before, perhaps, the money would be forth' coming from the householders. After some further disoussion the matter was allowed to drop, on the understanding that no effort should be tpared to have the bill doalfc with immediately when Parliament rtaBsemblea after the approaching recass. It was also tha general opinion that meantime the Board of Wqiks should defer striking a sewerage rate.

Secondhand Book Department, Colo's Book-arcade, contains great variety scarce, useful, interesting Books to choose from. First Floor, elf Bourke-stroet (Advt.I Hot Weather. Tnsecti In the House, Insects In the Conservatory, Insocts in the Garden destroyed by ruse's Insecticide. AskforKrnse's, IAdvt.1 Certainly the most effective medicine existing is Sanders and Sons' Eucalypti Extract. Eminently powerful in coughs, colds, influenza, diarrhiea, dysontery, wounds, bruises, spraina, Ac IAuvt.I A million new and secondhand books to choose from at Cole's Book-arcade.

Can get almost any book you want thero. IAdvi.J TO THE EDITOR OF THE AGE. Sir, I beg to hand you copy of a letter just received from an English shareholder in a Melbourne company. Thia" ia a sample of many, and the company has offered to pay to the commissioner the full tax here on all its dividenda, in order to declare them free of income tax, and to relieve foreign thartholders from these irritating charges, but as the act stands the commissioner cannot accept, Yours, SECRETARY. Melbourne, 26th Ftbruary.

copy. London, 14th January, 1896. Dear Sir, Circular to hand. Do you mind suggesting to your directors the Idea of looking further into the question of taxes, and 'tis just possible thoy may find a few more that can be paid, and if -they ai-o very diligent in the task, possibly the whole dividend can be kept in Melbourne. Yours, in ST.

ARNAUD RACES. ST. ARNAUD, Wednesday. Tbe annual meeting of the St, Arnaud Turf Club was htld to-day in splendid weather. Results wert Maiden Plate.

Passeanna, 1 Caliban, 2 Lenore, 3. Hurdle Race. Storm, 1 Emu, 2 Fisherman, 3. Flying Handicap. Vengeance, 1 Chattel, 2 Raptrap, 3.

Trot. Jubilee, 1 Orion, 2 Daisy Bell, 3. A protest was entered for incorrect performances, and tbe race awarded to Orion. St. Arnaud Turf Club Handicap.

Chattel, 1 Irrtum, 2 Darkie, 3. Selling Race. Reindeer, 1 Thirza, 2 Brown Joe, 3. Innovation Handicap. Play Boy, 1 Vengeance, KNOWSLEY RACES.

KNOWSLEY, Wednesday. The Knowsley raoes to-day resulted as under Trial Stakes. Eclipse, 1 Oliver Twist, 2 Spark, 3. Pony Race. Trifie, 1 What's Wanted, 2 Last, 3.

Handicap. Qlenken, 1 My Trick, 2 She-oak, 3. Klyino Handicap. Olenken, 1 My Trick, 2 Oliver Twist, 3. STEIGLITZ RACES.

A raoe meeting under the auspices of tht Steiglitz Racing Club was held here to-day. The following are the results of the racing Trial Stares, of 6 weight for age, six furlongs. M'Donald Beau 1I 8.9, 1 A. 'Adam's Dora, 8.11. 2.

Betting Even money the field. Two started. Maiden Trot, of 5 two miles, weight not under 11.0. P. Bonrke's Jess, 1 A.

M'Adam's Kilrush, H. Balmain's Royal Robin, 3, Darkie also started. Betting Even money Jess. Stkiiilitz Handicap, of 10 one mile. J.

Oibney'B Vita, 7.9, 1 M'Donald Beau 8.6, 2 A. M'Adam's St. Agnes, 6.7, 3. Bet-ting Even money Vita and Beau 2 to 1 against St. Agnts, Three started, Handicap Pony Race, of 4 14 hands a.u., METROPOLITAN BOARD SYDNEY, Wednesday.

The examination in chief of Mr. E. M. Young by Mr. O'Connor in the Mercadool land case was finished to-day by noon, and Mr.

Heydon at onoe began his oross-examination on behalf of the Crown. The first thing done, however, when tbe members of the land board took their stats was to rc-open tha Crown case in order to call for a further batch of letters. Mr. Heydon's crost-txamination of Mr. Young first turned to tht matter mentioned by that gentleman early in his evidence, that he when writing to Mr.

C. J. M'Master in 1891, thought he was a district surveyor instead of chairman of the local land board. Mr. Heydon desired to be informed on the point whether Mr.

Young could give the names of any of the district surveyors who had accepted fees from private persons for furthering their business, Sir. Young's domicile in Australia terminated 16 years ago, and he could not at suoh a distance of time give tbe information ought. The next point touched upon was the letter to Mr. M'Master itself and ita acoom-pmying enclosure. The aross-examination on this question was close and searching.

After this Mr. Hsydon turned to the arrangement ii i ids with Mr. I'telt by witness, and questioned him at some length upon it. Boststo's "Parrot Brand" Eucalyptus. On.

For Rheumatism, Coughs, Colds, sick xooni. Ask for Bosisto's Parrot Brand. "-1 vvt.j All tub Larue Variety ok Bonus (n the Collins-street frontage of Colo's Arcade, half price, except 10, which 10 (Coin's own publishing) are the of their kind in the world. Advt. Grateful and comforting for breakfast Is Epps's Cocoa always.

Hold only in packets, labelled James Kpps and Homoeopathic UiemiiU, Seasonaiii.e The blood cooled and purified by KuiiSE's Fluid Mahnksia. Best aperient for infants, Indies, invalids. Doctors presenile it. A pvt. Account Books, Memo.

Books, Note Books, Exercise Books, Pock. -t Hooks, great variety, good and cheap Stationery. Cole's Book-arcade. (AllVT.J Thirty Thousand Beautiful ITouse Ornaments to choose from at Cole's Book-arcade, Melbourne, top Hat. l'assengar lift goes up every two minutes.

LA pvt. Artist Materials, Copies, Frames, Pietnret, Rncravinga, alargo variety, all floors (lute Troe-del s), tiuw Collins-aticet frontage Cole's Book-arsade. tAnvT.I Wholesale Book Department of Cole's Arcade, Melbourne, first, second and third floors, botween Little anil tlroat Collins streets. Discount cash sales only. Advt.I To DAnKKN Orkv Hair Lockyer's Sulphnrllair Restorer Is the quickest, best, safest and chsapont.

Lockytr't hasps nil ravages of time. Causes hair to grow, Largt bottles, It. The following tendtn for supplies for the Metropolitan Board of Works were ytsttrday reoommended for acctptance by tha sewerage committee: Supply of cast iron covers, Holden and Lewis, 992 14s. 5d. Dirt boxus, wrought iron dowels, 4c: C.Ebeling, 1193 17s.

Id. Screenings and toppings: Eumpf Bros, and Ebeling, 136 13s, 4d. Bricks, 130,000 radiated, and 20,000 ordinary, Preston Brick Company, 183 10s. Iron anil rubber discs, India Rubber and Outta Percha Company, 66 19s. 7d.

Cast iron branches, 4c. Holden and Lewis, 139 12s. 7d. Coping stones, Ferris 304 7s. 6d.

Penstocks, Mephan Ferguson and 73. Lead pipes, J. M'llwraith, o0b9 lis. 8d. Construction of North Yarra main tewtr, section 4, Swanson Bros.

72,395 is. 7d. West riding, 526 19s. 7d. Central riding, 10 17s.

Rochester dehit balance, 70 18s. South-West riding, 665 1UI. Well Done, Melbourne. On Cup day 12 years ago Cole's new Book-arcade was opened, since which time 18,000,000 visits have been paid to it, an attendance unprecedented in the history of the world to any literarv instil niton. Advt.j One Thousand Different Music Books on sale, Music Department, Colt's Book-arcade, next Ltttle ColHns-itreet.

LaigtsC variety In Amtmlla, ADVI.J An amusing case in wbioli great looal interest was taken wss heard at the local oourt to-day btfor Mtnara, Dwyer, P.M., tnd P. Doherty and Rtad, Mr, Si Manmrlng, Uoal.