SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

oiim wawrJ™9 Evoning, 7.1S HIUH WATER, To-morrow Horning, 7.3G SUN BTCT.—This Mvoniug, G. 21 HHT» Rl3;c.—To-Morrow Morning, G. M< :i )N'3 AG-K.—New Moon, lltb, 0.2G p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Ai'Kjlc, s.s., Crawford, from Whanprarci,

TO-DAY

Lapwing, brigantino, Falconer, from Newcastle

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Helena, brigantine, MoLeod, for Russell Queen, schooner, Jones, for Hokianga Atlantic, schooner, for Kussell

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Caledonia, schooner, from Tonga. Mazeppa, schooner, from Rarotonga. Sovereign of tho Seas, cutter, from New Cale donia. Bismarck, H.1.G.M.5., from Samoa Flirt, brigantino, from Timaru. l'ubal Cain, schoonor, from Lovuka. Marion, schooner, from Norfolk Island. Klinor Vernon, barque, from New York; Eailed 10th November Treyolyan, ship (V.N.H.S.), from London;load ing. City of Quebec, barque, from London. Camille, brig, from Now York Look Out, brigantine, from Sydney. Coronet, schooner, from Marshall Group. Keroia, barque, from London ; sailed Deo. 30

IMPORTS.

Per Lapwing trom Newcastle: 339 tona coal, 82 tons bonodust, 2 tons shafts and fslloes.l

Outwarcs Coastwise.—Elsinoro, for Tairua; Norval, for Tniiua and Gisboroc; Coralie, for Tairua; Alidgo, for Whangaioua.

The aohoonor Midge cleared today for Wban gapoaa. She will take in a quantity of timber there, and on her return to tbia port she will Hill up with general cargo Tor Fiji.

No intimation ot tho departure of the Penguin frtm Tauranga for this purt had reached us HP to the time of our going to pices. Si.c will doubtless arrive to morrow morning.

The s.s. lona will arrive early to morrow morning from Kussell and Northern ports.

Tho 9.3. Southern Uro.;s is announced to leave for Gisborae, Napier, Wellington, and Lyttclton at noon to-morrow.

The brig Camillo was to leave New York for Wellington and Auckland on February llih.

Tho brigantino Lapwing arrived fiom New castle thiß morning with a cargo of coal, bone dust, otc. eho left on February 2Gth with mode rate N.N.K. winds and thick weather, which continued till reaching 250 Hii'es soulh-wc3tof tho Kast Cape on March 7th. Thence till ar rival south-oast and south-west winds and thick dirty weather.

The s.a. Argjle arrivod last night from Whan garei and Mangapai with pafsengers and tha following car^o:—4l sacks kauri gum, 20 sacks fuiikus, 10 kegs butter, 20 cases fruit, 11 lacks coal, i boxes eggs and half a ton of sundriea. The steamer returns to the sarno ports to night.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Anthons, brigantine, Munn, ftom Greymouth

IMPORTS.

Per Anthons, from Grcymouth: 189 tons coal.

The manner in which tho arrivals of vessels at Manukau Heads have been reported by tho signalman for some tlmo past has given con siderable dissatisfaction. We could mention a number of instances where schooners have not been reported at all, although their numbers were flying at tho main, while again and again the wioag name has been given. Another in stance of this wts afforded yesterday. The Ciroe was placed on tho telegeaph board us hav ing arrived on Tuesday evening, and tho arrival wa3 duly loportod in our loft evening's idßue. It now appears, however, that tho vessel was not the Circe, but tho Anthons, from Groymouth. It is difficult to understand how these mistakes are made so frequently. In tho present case, tho numbers ol tho vessel were hoisted by the master in tho expectation that she would be oarrectly reported.

A strong south-westerly gale has been Mowing here sinca yesterday morning. Tho Waitaki, which left yestorday for South, is atauohorunder tho Manukau Heads, and the Lalla Rookh, for Itaglau, had to run bsck. It is believed that ihe Rovvona ! as run in somowhere on the coast for shelter. The Mary Olilvie broke away from her moorings at the wharf yesterday owing to tho heavy sot of the tide.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Too S.B. lona left for Auckland at nooa to-day. Tauhanga, this day. Tho s.s. (Jlenelg arrived from Auckland at 2.15 p.m. yesterday. , Port Chalmers, this day. Arrived—Barque Frank, Guy Bateman'u Bay, N".S.W. * Tha tug Koputai left this morning for Bluff Harbour, and will tow back the Te Anau, Bailed—Wanaka. for l,yttelton.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Oflice, Friday. AUCKLAND STOCK MARKET.

MR ALFRED BUCKXAND'S WEEKLY REPORT,

On Friday Ua*-, fodder sold froely; good hay ranged from 3s 3d to 5s ad tho cwt; chaff, £3 7s 6d the ton ; oats. Is lOd to 2s tho bu hell; carnage! flour, £0 2s the ton. No heavy draught offered; light harness brought from £15 to £21103 There is an enquiry for goo;l farm and omnibus hordes. Hack;*, from £G to £10 10. At tho hide and skin pale, on Thursday, p.ices were fully sustained. Beat ekins brought 3s id to 4sol each ; inferior, from 9d and upwards; wool, in grease, 8d: lambswool, 7iS I; calf skins, 23d; h dcs, 3Jd to Jd the lb. At Remuera, consequent on the inclement weather, stock of all kinds -wore in loss than average supply. The rain occasioned store cattle to bs in better inquiry. Well-fatted cattle were better worth, and ranged f torn 2Gs to 295; but COWB at,d medium quality steers were not above 21s the ICOlbs. Good sneep were from 2s to 3a per head better worth, and lambs shared in the advance. Store merino 3 from 3s 6d to 63 each. Pigs in full numbers, with a steady de mand at prices tatisfactoty to the Beller.

WKSSKSnUNTER AND NOLAN'S WEEKLY REPORT,

Horses.—There has been a tolerab'o amount of activity, and prices have not variod much as compared with the previous week. At the Durham Yards, on Fiiday, Rood draught stock were poo 1? represented, but there was a large muster of u-eful colts. A medium lot of hackc weie entered and disDOsed of. We qnote Tglu harness horses from £13 5i t > £18 17s 6d; hacks, from £5 to £13 2s 6d; draaght gelding, £30; colts and fillies, £1610s to £23. Cattle.—The supply has been good, and the demand steady. At Newmarket, on Tuesday, an increased number of dairy cows were yarded, and met Bteady competition. Scarcely an average number of stores were brought for ward, but of this description there was a largo muster at Pukekohe on Wednesday, notwith standing a Bteady downpour of ruin prevailed. Prices scarcely reached tbe expectations of venders. The majority disposed of were young cattle. There was a decided upward tendency in the price of fat beasts as compared with the previous week, although expectations of vend ors in some instances could not be reached. We quoto beef from 22a to 27s (id per 100 bs ; dairy caws, from £7 15s to £10 10s; calves, 26s to £212s 6d: yearlings, from £2 10s to £3 ss: two year-old heifers, £3 10 to &i ss; steers, £17s 6d. Sheep.—Thsre was a very good muster at Newmarket, and competition was good through out the result being a slight advance in price, Is 9d per 81bs having been given. Lambs were plentiful, and sold at from 8313s 3d. Pigs scarce, and prices were in favour of vendor.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Friday.

Flour Market. Wholesale.

Hay ano Corn Market. Wholesale.

Sbkds.—Retail,

Building Materials,

Timber.—Boards and. Scantling, 100 ft., beat 12a to Us; second class, 7s 6d to 9i, best planed, tongued and grooved, 10a to 11?. Mills: Cargo, bß3t,9a 6d to 103 (id,second clasa, 53 to 6?. Bamk, sßNew° Zealand Pa'ings, oft, 103; 6ft, 13s Ti-tree Hails, 8.1 10i to £3 10s per 100; Puriri Posts, £6 to £7-, Shingles, 153 6d per 1,000; Hobart Town Paling, s^, 18s; 6ft, 20s; Hqbart Town Hftils, 90s. Buying aj^.d gelling quotationo. bricks (at Whau.) iO) .per. 1,000; Town •Sards £2 5a to &i 10s. Drain pipes, per 100 (6 inches bore,),3Bj; i inches. Us; IS inches Ss; $ inches, £2 5s per 1,000; socket glazed pipea, 1« incheß, 3s per foot; II inches. 2s 6d por foo.; 12 inches, 2b per foot; 9 inches, Is 3d per foot; o inches, 8d per foot • i 4nohos. 6d por foot. XiiMß, slacked, la per bushel; quick lime in .suck, is (id to 23.

Kauri Gum and FT/ax Market. Guni is rather ,firmer. The following Bales have been, effeqtod since last Thursday : —Good ordinary Kaipara and W'mngarci at £10 to £43, Waikato £35 to £38; Bast Coast, £15 to £50; buyors indifferent, and receipts for Feb ruary, so far, 380 tons. Flax.—Finest quality .. £18—21 per ton Flax.—Medium .. .. IGJ-n „ Tow 12—ll „ Fungus .. 2d. perlb. ! Coal AND Firewood Market. Coali.—Newcastle (ship's side), cargo "Is per ton ; yard, JOs to 455. Bay of Waods, at yards, 255; screened, 233; ditto at the mine, 13s ; shipV vide, 235. Waikato, at mine, 5s ;in Auckland, 15s Cd to 20s; Taupiri, at mines, Os Gd to 12s ;at yard, 18s to 21s Wangaret, at mine, Ss 6d ; yard (steam), 17s; household, 225. Miranda, at yard (household), 12s; steam, 18s. Kamo (household), 28s, 30a delivered; steam, 235. Firewood.—Uncut, at wharf (cargo). 8s 6d to 9s 6d per ton ; delivered, 13s ; cut, lia to 17s. Manures. BONKDUST, £7 10s to £9 ; Peruvian, £18; Huon Guano, small lots, £6, bags included ; Mexican Guano, £5 to £10; Maiden I.'lnnd Guano, £7 to £8; Snper-Phusphate, £9 to £10.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Clobk as unueb :— Taw Day. For Whangarcl Heads, und Wangarol, por Awlo. at i p.m. For Tuirua, per Elslnore, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Ki.torpriso, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 13th instant. For Waiwora, Muhurunui, Matakana, Manga wai, Wnipu, and Mungapai, por Koso Casoy, at 10 a.m. Frr Uisborne, Napier, Wellington, und Lyttel ton, per Southern Cross, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Kotumahana, at 2 30 p m. For Quarantine Station, per Ferry Stoimor, at 8 p.m. Monday, 15th instant. For Tauranga, Gisbornc, Nupior, and Southern Provincos, por Penguin, at 3 p.m. For Huesell, Kawakawa, Wut.garoa, and Mon- Konui, per lona, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki.por Glcnolg.at i p.m. Tuesday. I6UI instant. For Russell. Kawakawa, and Australian Colonies, per Hinßa-.o'ima, at 3 p,m. Tuesday, 30th instant. Per s.s. City of Now York as follows :— For Sandwich inlands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South Amorica. and British and Foreign West Indies, Japan, and China, including Hongkong, at 1 p.m. {'or United Kingdom and Continent of Kurope, at 1 p.m. For money orders, and registered letters, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters boaring an extra fee of slxponce. In addition to the postage, will bo received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer np to the time of sailing. S. B. BI^S. Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

HEARLING—On March 10, at Auckland, Alox aude-, tho youngest eon of Francis and BaphetniaHearling; agod ono year and nine months.

The f unoral will leavo his parente' residence, Durham-street, on Sunday, at 3 p m.

TOWN EDITION. PUBLISHED AT 4.30. The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News, and The Echo.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1880.

for the c&ass that lacks assistance. For the wrongjlut needs resistance, for the future in tha distance,

And the good that we can do.

Official returns of receipts and ex penditure of local governing bodies, just to hand from the Government Printing Oflice, reveal some instructive facts. County Councils and Highway Boards in some of the struggling districts of the North, where it is a matter of extreme diiliculty to make both ends meet, will no doubt find consolation for the depressing feelings engendered by poverty, in a philoso phic and admiring contemplation of the happy condition of the local bodies in the South, who have been in the enjoyment of more wealth, than they knew what to do with. The returns from G5 municipalities shew a total income of J626,278 15s 2d, for the financial year ending 31st, Marcli 1879, and of this amount, omitting shillings and pence, £42,955, was expended in salaries and departmental expenses, £153,348 on " miscellaneous expendi ture." of which unfortunately no particulars aro given, and the balance in public worko,, Tfre total indebted ness to 31st March. 1879, was £2,389,571, and there was a balance to credit of £235,274. Turning to counties we find that the " Counties Act 187G ; " was in force iii 48 districts, whose income for the financial year end ing 31st March, 1879, amounted to £408,246,aud expenditure t0iJ'399,J38, of which ,£29,968 was spent in salaries and departmental expenses, £321 ? 219 on public works, and £47,949 for " mis cellaneous purposes," about which the return is again mysteriously silent, The indebtedness of these bodies amounted only to £70,G07. Amongst the counties we find that while Rodney with a population of 3,122 received only £14 10s from Land Fund, Southland, with about three times that

population, got £15,76G- from that source.

Coming to Road Boards we find that the total income of 325 Boards for the financial year ending 31st March, 1879, was £547,587. The details cf lload Board income and expenditure exhibit some interesting facts, which tlie rate payers in Northern districts would do well to ponder over. We have been at some pains to make an accurate com parison of the items of income of the Highway Districts in Auckland as com pared with those of Canterbury. The return gives particulars of receipts and expenditure of thirteen Koad Boards in Auckland, viz., Taotaora, Devenport, Pokeno, Opaheke, Wairoa, Matakohe, Matakana West, Lower Mahurangi, East Mahurangi, Eden Terrace, New ton, Cambridge North, and Ruatangata. We have made totals of the more important items in tlie accounts of tliese thirteen Boards, which are as follows :— Total receipts £7,145 Made up as below :— From General Government £ for£ ... £2,022 l('iom County funds 2,223 Oilier sources 2,900 Total £7,145 Balance in hand Ist April, 1879 ... £2,087 '

We have also the returns of five High way Boards in the provincial district of Canterbury, viz : —Ashburton, Springs Road, Ellesmere, South Malvcrn, and Temuka, and of the oflicial accounts of tliese, under the heads gis-en for the thirteen highway districts above, we have also made totals, which are us follow :— Total receipts £127,839 Tliese receipts were made up us below :— Government subsidy, £ for £ ... £4,7.'?7 Share of County funds ... ... £154,290 Other sources £88,812 £127,81(9 The balances in hand of theso live Canterbury Road Boards on the Ist April, 1879, were as follows :— £ Ashburton ... ... ... ... 7,267 Springs lioad ... ... ... 16,432 Etiesmero 20,585 South Malvern ... ... ... l),S2,'i Temuka 25,432 Total ... ... ... ... £79,539

Most of these balances were invested on interest. Tho Springs lloacl Board had ,£15,200 on lixed deposit, and Tuiuuku. received Jii,2u'J interest from its deposits, or dGI-1 more thim tho entire subsidies from tlio General Go vernment and County Funds received by thirteen Koad Boards in tlio L'rovincinL District of Auckland in tho sumo poiioi! This, of course, in one of tho results of tlio compact of 1850. Tho Land Fund lias been colonialised, but the Provincial governments of Canterbury and Otago took euro to anticipate that ovont, and to save tlio wealthy land-owners in the South from taxation for all time by setting aside extravagant endowments. A comparison of the amounts expended on local works is equally interesting. In the thirteen Auckland Boards tho amounts range from the modest sum of cG'JG in liua tangata to .£1,038 in Cambridge North. Turning to tho figures for Canterbury, WO find that Ashburton spent £l. r),S'J-l and Temuka *£M<,G35 on local woiks. In fact these five Koad Boards spent nearly twico us much on management and salaries as the total subsidies re ceived by the fivo districts in Auck land.

Whon wo como to comparo tho rela tive burdens imposed by these Koad Boards tho flagrant injustice of the thing is most cleaily apparent. The Boards of Wailemata, L'okeno, Opa hoke, Matakoho, Matakana West, Lower Mahurangi, Eden Terrace, ami liuatangata, each imposed a late of Is in the £. Tho only ono of the fivo Canterbury road boards which imposed als rato was Ashburton. Ellesineie, with a balance in hand ut tho beginning of the year of £20,7:51, imposed only a 6d rate ; South Malvern, with £10,915, Gd in tho ■£ ; and Temuka, with a credit balance of .£23,090 on the Ist, April, 1878, and interest from its de posits of £-1,259, also only put on ,a Gd rate.

Further comment on these figures is unnecessary. They speak more elo quently than words.

The Pacific Mail Steamship Company aro doing their utmost to deserve the support of New Zealand and tho neighbouring colonies. Iv January we noticed the rapid passage of the s.s. Australia, which accomplished the trip from San Francisco to Auckland in 18 days 21 hours 21 minutes actual time, the mail being delivered in Auckland three days under contract time, the smartest pas sage since the Service was started. On that occasion the Australia made the run from Honolulu to Auckland in 12 days 23 hours, the average time being 14 days 5 hours, and the contract time from Auck land to ban Francisco being 21 days 15 hours. There is every prospect, however, of this smart passage being beaten by the City of Sydney, which made the outward passage to Honolulu in 12 days 5 hours, or 18 hours less than tho Australia. Should this time be maintained throughout, the Australian mails, which aro due in London on the lGth inst., may be delivered 4 days under contract time, or in 33i days.

CATTLK-OWNKRS in the United States, are arousiug themselves to tho necessity of adopting somo effectual and comprehensive plan for stamping out pleuro-pnenmonis. At various times during the past thirty years, the States lime Buffered from this destructive epidemic, and very recently it has broken out with considerable virulence in the Eastern Stater. Investigations into the cause of this fresh outbreak show Mint it originated among cattle introduced from Holland. Professor James Law, a very high veterinary authority, has written an elaborate report to the American Agri cultural Association, in which ho exhibits the danger that menaces the herds through out the States, owing to the absence of a general system of inspection and control. At present the authorities of the State of New York are inspecting all fiords and des troying infected animals, but their efforts aro rendered almost futile through want o[ co-operation iv the neighbouring States. Professor Law traces tho origin of pleuro pneuuionia to Central Asia, the hot-bud of so many devasting plagues that have spread westwards, thence thrjugh Itussia to Hol land, to Englaud in 183.9, to Amoiica in 1843, to South Africa in 1554, and to Australia, from England, in 185 S. The disease has not yet reached Canada, Mexico, or South America, but it has never been absent from Long Island sinco its first appearance there, lie estimates the annual I lons to England from the destruction of in fected cattle at £2,000,000, and that of tlse United States, if the disease spread at the same ratio, .it between £13,000,000 and £20,000,000 a year. The remedy which he proposes is that the National (!o vcniment, should take hold of the matter, aiid deyiso a comprehensive plan for the complete irradicatiou of the

plague throughout the whole of the Htates, the aud consumers also being brought under control. In this view l'ro fessor Law i^ supported by the highest veterinary authoiities of America, and an agitation has been begun, which, it is believed, will induce tho Government at Washington to undertake tho responsibility. Cattle-owners in Now Zealand will watch with deep interest the mode in which America may deal with the dillieulty, aud

the measure of success achieved.

It would appear that oil" Julius Vogel has not abaudoued his pet scheme of obtaining a scat in the House of Conunonswithtlictitle of Resident Minister in London. " Truth." a well-informed English weekly, contains tliefollowine; amongst its gossip:—'Tho Go vcrnmeutof New Zealand have sentanorder to their Agent-Genoral, Sir .Julius Vogcl, to forbid his attempt to enter Parliament. I am informed, however, that he will dis regard the mandate, as he is considered

almost certain to win the second seat for Falmouth, now held by Mr Cole, Q.C., and as this will be a case of gaining a vote, he< will, doubtless, find himself backed up in hi* defence by the Secretary of State. As other ' Agents ' are members of the House, there can be no good reason why Sir Julius should be pro hibited from entering it. The Colonial Government, have refused his request to have his style changed to 'Minister Resi dent in London,' after the Canadian prece dent."

The excursion of the Auckland Fishing Association, announced for to-morrow, will not take place, owing to the Amateur Athletic Sports to be held to-morrow. The fishing trip is postponed until Saturday next.

We notice that Samuel'Edger, B. A., will deliver his anticipated lecture on the " Keligion of Charles Dickens," as illus trated in his works, on Sunday evening next in the Lome-street Hall. The lecture will commence at eight o'clock, and will be free to the public without a collection, the object being solely to exemplify the religion of DickeDf, and place that illimitable author in his true position as a week-day teacher before the public of Auckland.

The Hon. T. F \s. has telegraphed to Mr Stewart, M.H. ', that the unemployed at Duncdiu can obtain employment on the Hindon section of tlic Otago Central Rail way, wlieie they can earn 3s a day.

The following tenders have been received nt the Public Works Office for the Tauma riri contract (formation only), Kawakawa Railway : Accepted : W. Sims, Grahams town, £9,274. Declined : Alex. Suther land, Auckland, £9,367; Wm. Wilkinson, Auckland, £0,478; Wm. Oloughey, Auck land, £10,555; Alex. Watson, Grahams town, £10,576; D. Ross, Auckland, £10.597; Biitau and Glendiuning, Spit, £12,550.

The prices of provisions at the Ruapeka peka gumlield are given by a correspondent ax follow :—Flour, £1 per cwt.; tea (very bad), 3s ; brown sugar, Od ; candles, Is 4d ; aalt butter, la Gd ; cheese, Is 2d ; fish, 5d each; tobacco, Gd ; and other things very high. Gum is anly £1 15s per cwt.

'J ho iirst of the series of lectures on general and historical subjects, at Mrs Clayton's school St George's Lioad i'aruell, will be given this ovGuing by J. Adams, 8.A., on the growth of the colonies.

Lord Giflbrd, V.C., is, 1 understand, about to leave the 57th regiment, and will probably receive a Colonial appointment.— " World."

Another phase of the phonograph history was placed before the Resident Magistrate, at the small debtors couit yesterday, in which the plaintiff, YV. J. Cook, claimed the sum of £3 10s, from Mrs Elizabeth Curzon being tho amount of boatd and lodging fur Mrs Curzou'd assistants, Messrs Chapman and lireezo. It was stated in evidence, that, ulthough there was a kind of joint partnership between the two, Mrs Curzon, kept tho purso, and took personal euro of the cash, consequently she was expected to pay for their board and lodging, according to her promise, Thtro was no document in evidence, that Elizabeth Cur/on had agreed to pay tho expense* of Arthur Cbapmau and John Jerome Breeze. Mrs Curzon complained of the conduct of the witnesses, which led to tho loss of the phonograph, ami her wcll-eitablishod aredit, she told Mih Cook that she would not be responsible, after the departure of the instrument,upon which her living depended. L'laiutill was nuinuited.

To tho Editor : Sir, —In your coutompor ivry's issue of tlio 10th inst. "An Elector" appears to be very anxious about the rotiro nii-iUot'Mr llaiiilin, M.H.K., and unless I am very much mistaken, it is the t-ame Elector who has been making those anxious inquiries duiing the past two or three months. 1 may inform "An Elector" that Mr Jlumlin bus spoken on tliii subject nt uioro than one public place since he oume from Wellington, and the Electors told him they would not hear of his resigning. They had placed him at the head of the uoll, and they intended to keep him there, perhaps " An Hector" wants to put up for Franklin, if so there is veiy little doubt but lie would no to tho head of the poll, but it would bo tho way Mickey Jlig^ius went to Church. —1 am, &c, ANOTHER ELKCIOU.

Tho monthly inspection of the Aucklaud Naval LJrigude, will take place this evening in the Diill-tihud at the usual hour.

The half-ycaily meeting of the journey man baker's, will bo held to-morrow evening in tho British Hotel, fur the icception of tho half-yearly report, .balance-sheet, and for tho funeral business of tlio society. Mr Strong will occupy tho el>»i'\

The nniiunl meeting of the Onchungn Benevolent Society, will be held thin evening at 8 o'clock in the church school house.

To the Editor: Sir, —Seeing that pleuro pneumonia is supposed to be or is in exis tancc here, 1 take tin; liberty of furnishing an i'le.-i that was communicated to me by a relative, who was well versed in the manage ment (it cuttle at tiome and abroad, who nl-o understood the treatment of cattle affected with the above disease and inocul ation, and being in Australia many years had seen many cosos of plcuro-pncumonia. Of coui'dc, it is well known that pleuro pneumonia is a lung disease, and in the first or last stage in either the hard or decom posed state of the animal's lungs, it makcH them much heavier than usual, besides their buoyancy being so much decreased by the small amount of nir the lungs contain. In tho absence of bridges, in many parti of Australia, cattle have to swim tho rivers, and any person could detect a beast so affected by the way it swims. Firstly, by the extra-exertion necessary to keep itself afloat, secondly by the head being scarcely out of the water through the sinking of tho forequarterj and rump being high out of the water, caused by the cxtra-exertiou to keep up tho forcquortcrs. Having frequently wit nessed tho above circumstance, I venture to suggest that imported cattle be landed frern the .-hip's Mile into the water, and niado to swim a short distance ashore, and then even slight cases would be detected.—l am, Yours truly, OBSEKVKB.

One of the North Shore Ferry Company's steamers returned from tho Quarantine Station this morning It is satisfactory to learn that thoro arc no fresh cases of fever, and those who aro ill at present arc pro gressing favourably. The otlic^- passengers are all in good health and spirits, and they arc anxious to leave the island. The ship has been cleared ready for fumigation, which will bo commenced at once. There was do communication between tho ship and the Island yesterday owing to the heavy sea. The s.s. Taiuui leaves again for Motuihi with provisions at 4 p.m.

Mr Balance's paper, the " Wanganui He aid," in a slashing reply to an attack in i'.ic Canterbury " Press," gives the follow ing explanation of the political separation of Mes-is Ballancc and Bryce :—" Mrßallancc U ilobdibe !as Mrlince'ssatellite—showing how defective the Chr'stohurch " Press " is in its political astronomy. The planet should not have left one system to join an uUicr, or it should have preserved its power of gravity and and carried the satellite nlmig with it. The fact is that as political friends tor eleven years, between Messrs Bryce and Ballancc tiiere existed mutual obligation, and it is not for us to hint that thry wore greater on one side than the other. But when Mrßryceioiued aparty,tlu leadcrofwhic'i he had just before successfully opposed at Wan gaimi for his scat in the House, the political alliance was at puce openly and avowedly severe:!. Mr Bryco enrolled himself in the party he 1 ft in 1577. N±r Ballance remained in the party with which he had earnestly co opoiatcd since 1877. To assert therefore that an;, thing Mr Ballancc did or said, since the severance, opposed to the Ministcry or his former political friends is troachery or ingratitude, is simply a flagrant abuse of terms."

To tho Editor : Sir, —Referring to the unemployedin Wellington or elsewhere in New Zealand, and the distress consequent thereon, I wish to make a suggestion to the authorities. Let tho Government locate the people on the land, divide them into little parties of live or ton families each, and send them to tho suburbs of the diUcront centres of population, and give them live acres or oven ten acres each in suitable places where they can get employ ment thu whole or part of their time ; let llui land bo good,level,and easily accessible (not nnothor Jackson's buy affair.) Charge them a fair valuation for the land, say £2 pur acre, and give them ten years to pay for it; give them tlie privilege of cutting trees oil any Government laud to build huts fcr themselves and a few pounds each, aud it will bo found that the distress will be heard of no mure. This would be better tor the country than keeping them hanging oil till more public works would be initiated. According to Treasurer Atkinson, they wish to keep them at Wellington for politica purposes, to bring pleasure to bear upon the Government. Or, there could be vj,OOG settled in the north of Auckland on the borders of the kauri gum field. (Jive them I atehes of good laud of from. 10 to 20 acres, or JO even, and sco how soon they will make homes for themselves. '> hey oan make 5a to 10s per diem gathering gum, nnd can grow food in a few months. Let the Government show their appreciation for their fellow-mpn that all cost so much to the country, and they will soon become prosperous colonists—Yours, &c, PHIU). '

The engagement which Adelina Patti hus just made to sing at the Vienna Opera House, is the best (for herself) which the Diva has ever signed. The terms are a little over £400 a night, being at the rate of about £3 10^ a minute' while the opera lasts 1

On dit, that a hotel, to cost £2000, will be erected at Whangarei Heads before next summer, to accommodate the increasing influx of visitors and tourists.

In a conversation with the editor of the " Northern Advocate," Mr J. Sheehan, the late .Native Minister, expressed his opinion that unless the vote of £05,000 was appro priated before next session, it would stand no chance of being re-voted. Since writing the above, we hear, says the "Advocate," that the Government have decided to make the road from the North Shore to Waiwera out of the £05,000 vote. The road is to be macadamised, and will cost from £10,000 to £15,000. Tenders will be called imme diately.

I'o the Editor : Sir,—Your correspondent, MrC. K. Johnson,should have beea here afew years back and he would have had no reaaou to lind fault with the rates ct premiums for insurance charged. Insurance, like other business, has to submit occasionally to the inevitable results of excessive competition, and inasmuch as at one time people had to pay excessive rates, they have enjoyed the change. I did not understand your pre vious coi respondent to say the rates in future would lie considerable, but that they would bo mined considerably —a distinction with a diifcrunce considering the the shortness of life of our young colonial oflices, 1 think they have shown up pretty considerably well in the way of dividends. I very much doubt if any English offices— even the very host at so young an age, pay half the dividends they have and do here. Altogether, 1 think Mr Johnson may feel assured they will not hurt themselves, and if the insurers do not know when they are well served, the companies do.—Yours, Sea,, Jupitkb.

Mi' K. Aslimead Bartlett, who has (jonc to Ireland on behalf of the liaroness liurdctt Coutts, has been intrusted by that charit able lady with the sum of £5,000, part of which is to be expended on direct charity, and the remainder in tlie form of mnnll loans without interest to farmers und householders.

To the Editor : Sir, —By this morning's " Herald" I see that the Key. Mr Edgcr is to give a lecture on " Tlie Heligiou of Charles Dickens as an Author," in the Lorno-Btrect Hall, on Sunday even ing. Admission free. If the rev. gen tlemen could make it convenieut to defer it till some day during the week, and charge a shilling admission, the proceeds to be devoted to the lrUh Famine Relief Fund, ho would be giving substantial help to a good cause, and would avoid the inducement to a good many to absent themselves from their regular place of worship,—l am &c , JAMES IiUHTT. [Thesuggestion is a very excellent and ougbt to commend itself not only to tlie babbituriuiia, but also the ultlitariaus.—Ed. JS.S.]

On account of tho unsettled state of the weather tlio return mutch between the Standard and Otahuha Cricket Gluts is postponed. The Standard and Auckland play nextSaturday,2oth innt., on the Domain Ground.

Wo would call tlio attention of our readers to Mr G. \V. Binney's sale of mag nificent household furniture (Dr. Smith's, Kosdyn, lieuiuera, who is leaving the pro vince), which takes place next Monday, at 11 o'clock nharp. Luncheon provided. (Jrowthor'a'buses will leave Shortland-street ut ten o'clock and twenty minutes past teu. The t;ood» will be on view tomorrow (.Saturday) from ten to four o'clock.

Among the many sermons—some (if them in execrable taste—pleached in Scotland on the subject of the Tay Bridge disaster, was one by Dr. lic^, who took for his text a portion of the tenth verse of the ninth chapter of Isaiah : ' The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones.' The Hcriuon bein» printed bas drawn forth an indignant letter from the contractor for the brieUs used in the construction of the bridge, who urges, first, that his bricks were of the veiy beat quality ; and secondly, that it was the stouewoik, not the brickwork, that gave way I —Atlas.

During the blow, yesterday, several ship wrights, who wore engaged caulking tiie toy-sides of the briguntiue Mary Ogilvie, at Ouehungii, had rather a nanow escape from droowuing. They weVe working vii v utai^c, which had been erected for the purpose, and had deposited their tools thereon. The strength of the cuirent, along with the force of the galu became so i>t:oirg that the moorings of the vessel gave the lives of those engaged over the side. Hy way, and alie swung round, thus imur.rriliug great exertions the men succeeded in jump ing on board, but not without parting witb their tools, which fell oil" the sta^'e and sank to tlio bottom immediately. No duiu.tgo waH (sustained by the vessel, which merely came rather roughly against the wharf with her other side.

In ttie Prussian Diet on January 10, Zero Hilter, Minister of Finance, referring to attacks on the Government because of its participation in the establishment of tho German Martimo Company of Samoa, as successors of the firm of Godefroy & Son, said Prussia could notsupposo the Imperial Chancellor in national aims. Its duty was rather to promote them. The Public feel ing on the subject, lie paid, was shown by the fact that subscriptions to tho shares of the company execedod tho most required. It was very essential, he declared, that the German interest is b'amoa should be sup ported by German energy and resources.

A correspondent of the "Luminary" re ports that a native at Ahipara has really Hocn tho sea serpent, and no mistake, this timo, on the beach leading to tho North Cape. The particulars aro :—"The native observed the terrible creature disporting in a shallow stream thai runs between the sandbank* to the tide. Tho ma"mo reptile bore some resemblance to a monster eel, with tho following additional peculiarities : Its sapphiriue eyes wcro large, dilated, glistening, iicry, observant, and ferociously expressive; and a large .resplendent car buncle was Bituated between them, its mouth was cipacioua, furnished with for midable teeth, and capablo of com prossing povveifully. Its nostrils were expanded and red as a fiery war steed's, and a (lowing mane led from its crested head. Its salamander tail was long, lapcring and clastic, and adapted to di.«tributo forcible blows accurately. Tho hne of the creature was a changeable blue, with horrid black and brown patchca uear its ngly tins. Several Europeans visited the haunt of the sea serpent, and were provided with suitable weapons, but it proved to be a fruitless expedition.

The latest organization iv the comic and seniimcutal line is McCabe's Ariuicty Troupe, and the members thereof will give their iirpt entertainment this evening, iv the Newmarket Hull, and the sccoud, being a repetition of the programme, to-morrow evening, in the Albert Hall, Darby-street. These concerts will bo devoted to tiio Irish Famine Uelicf Fund, and will be under the patronage of Mr Tola, Mr Co.'gravo, and the members of the relief committee. Among tlie vocalists we notice the names of C. Hill, the Killarney minstrel ; Mr OH.mi, who first sang "My Grandfather's Clock >; in this city, and Messrs McCabo, Dnnuing, and Home. McCabe's " Waikato Militia man" is ths character ot the fo.iroi, takeu from the original, us sketched by Mr Fi-aton in his " History of the Waikuto War." The "New Chum" is another of McCabe's portraits from the iinimal king dom. The " Gymnast and Clown " is said to be a livoly thing, and the marvellous phonograph, quite eurzonic.

Fred Plunimer, when brought before tho R.M. at Wellington, said lie had taken the alias when he left gaol in consequence of thp reptesjutatious ofj| several gentlemen who had interested themsslvi-s in him amongst whom ho monti mcd the Hon. Mr. Driver, Mr. fShcchan aud others. It was pointed out to him thut ho A'ould never bo able to get along if ho went by his proper name. After this lie went to Auckland, to his friends there, and got work, by which ho was nblo to save money. It was then arrangod that he should go to England, and he came down t) Welliington en route. Upon arriving here he went to the Opera House to fee Mr. Crcs wick play Othello, and thoro was a great crush cmtside the theatre. He took out his pocket book, which was full of bank notes, aud took one note out, with which ho purchased a ticket, lecoving ISs change. Ho thought he put the pocket-book bacK into the same pocket ngsun, but he missed it shortly afterwards, and then realised that ho had lost it. By this loss Jlio was left in Wellington with only ISa. lie did not like to write back to his friends and tell them of his loss, so he ditermined to put up witliit. He [lived the best way he could, and wandered about a good deal at night to save tho expense of boils and one night when lie was very hungry he did that for which ho re ceived the i-entenco of six months, and this lie thought was the hardest justice that ever he had. ' When h.e lcjft ga/ij about two months ago he had ouly a lialf-penny to face the world witb. He lived for two days vippn wator-cvess, which he gat in the creeks between he;e and the llutt, and he then got work at harvesting, and managed to save six or seven pound •, He theu came to town aud endeavored to get work, but he might as well ask for diamonds as fgr work. Ho had endeavored to do better, and wanted to retrieve his position, but everything was against him." i

CABLE NEWS.

EUROPEAN.

[RKUTKR'S TKLEGRAMS.]

LONDON.

March 8,

Commercial.

Consols are quoted at 97J. Wheat is dull, and prices are unchanged. At the wool sales to-day 0,700 bales were catalogued. The biddings were linn.

Irish Church Fund,

March 10,

A Royal Commission has approved the proposal that the funds of the Church sur plus should be applied to the purchase of waste lauds in Ireland.

LONDON.

March 3,

Anxiety was felt in St. Petersburg, yes terday, owing to threatening announcement of Nihilists that they would 3ignalise the 25th anniversary of the accession of the Czar by burning down tiie capital. Precautions were taken by police, and the day passed over without, any oveit acts.

PARIS.

Marcii y. Education by Jesuits. Iv tho French Senate to-day Jules Kerry's Education Hill was under discussion. The clause prohibiting education by Jesuits was rejected after a lengthy debate had taken place on the subject.

AUSTRALIAN.

[RBUTER'S SPECIAL CABLKGRAMS.]

Rejection of Stamp Bill.

SYDNEY,

Thursday. Arrived Union i'o.'s Wakatipu from Wellington. In consequence of the Council s rejection of the Stamp Bill, .Sir Hoary Parkes in tends to take action for the purpose of indicating the privileges of tlie Assembly. The Bill, which wan sent a second time to the Legislative Council, was rejected by that Chamber on Constitutional grounds. Tne Great Slander Case. The action for £10,000 damages for slander brought by Johu Shepherd, M.L.A., a-ainat G. R! Dibu3, merchant, for uttering an alleged slander, charging Shepherd wiib immoral conduct with Mrs J. Dibbs, for whom he was acting as solicitor in a suit in the Divorce Court, has resulted in a verdict for plaintiff with £2,000 damages. Meat Preserving. MELBOURNE. Thursday. A most enthusiastic meeting of those interested in pastoral ail'airs was held od Monday, for the purpose of promoting a company to engage in the meat-freezing process, After some discussion the meeting was adjourned.

The West Coast Commis sion.

(FHOII A COUKESFONDENT.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, Thursday. THERE in liltle to report o£ the proceedings »f the Royal Commission to-day, except that they were eloseiy employed all day taking evidence from Mr Parris in regard to awards of lands to the natives, and matters connected therewith. The only thing brought out of neiieral interest is the fact that a good deal of deli cate and intricate work is required in order to bo able to form a correct view as to past transactions in regard to native lauds, many of which are likely to lead to future di^cuision. One thing, how ev. r, is pietty ceitain, from the thoruugh way in which the Commission is over hauling the old records of the Native Ollice, it will not be their fault if every thiug they have to enquire into is not thoroughly laid bare. The real difliculties of the ta*k have only presented themselves upon coming her.-. The past ollicial experi ence of Sir D. Bell in native matters is p:oving ot invaluable service iv lessening the many difliculties of tlie work the Com mission has iv hand. It has been made abundantly clear by this time that some of the nativei, at any rate, hare substantial grievances against the Government which will require to be redressed, if the agtieved are to have that confidence in the even handed jtutice of the Government that is desirable. A good deal remains for the Commission to do here.

Auckland Amateur Athletic Club Sports.

To-MOKno\V( weather permitting) the Auck land Amateur Athletic Club hold their seventh meeting, and it promises to be as gicat a success as tho last iv regard to com petition ami sport, but a greater success in comfort to the oii-iookors, who do not care to crowd the course. This timo the club intcn I roping oil' the ground, and the crowd will have to keep behiud tho ropes. The committee, assisted by the stewards and the police, will keep people from crowding the ground interfeiiug alike with the runners, the public, and last but not least, the ladiop, who como to see tho sport, but do not care to get crushed in the attempt to catch a glimpse of tho competitors over the heals of the front rank. However, all this is to be done away with, and if the gronn'l can not bo kept clear this time, the Club will have to try some other plan. The Sports »t irt at 2 p.m. with tho 100 yds. heats, then the Half-Mile, for which I expect to see Waters Ist, Culpan 2nd, and Morpcth 3rd. The 100 yds. Final follows, and I think the finish will bo between Pierce, Cotter, Keid, and Spry (that is thould the latter appear fit and well, and bend on tho mark with the rest), in the order named.

The School Boys' Race is next, and should bring out a largn field. The entries close on the ground, so I cannot tip it. Next on the list is the Two Hundred and Fifty Yards Handicap which will be the prettiest race of the day. There will be about fifteen starters, and I expect to see a lot of racing at the finish. Spry, T. Sibbin, Cotter, \V. Sibbin, nnd White are all in it, but I fancy Spry for fust. Cotter second, and T. Sibbin third. This may ho upset by a good outsider, but I think the three I havo named will be close to the tape wheu the winner breasts it.

The next event is the Mile. For this Waters (who, I might mention, has never yet been beaten in a mile race) starts from scratch, having to give starts to tie extent of 120 yards, but I think with all his penal ties In can arrive first at tho post with Lees second, and N. Macky or Gibbes third. The Hurdle Kace next claims attention and I think the winner will turn up in YV. \V. Robinson, should he not run in the 100 yds race, Spry 2nd, Sibbin 3rd. The Siamese Kace should ca'is.; some amusement as tho competitors have to draw for partner-*, and they cannot tell whether their partners will be long or short, fat or lean. The next is the .{mile which should prove a very close race, and I think will finish Pierce Ist, Culpan, Philcox, and Sims close up. Tho 150 yds Consolation Handicap will bring, what should be, a splendid days sport to nn end. The Artillery Rand will be on tho ground and will add greatly to the afternoon'?, en joyment. NIPPER.

To the Editor : Sir, —I am au individual who has it in contemplation to bo an exhi. bitor at the forthcoming ilower-show which will take place goodncss-knows-when, aud the deuce knows where. lam in the dark and would be in the light. For days I have been diligent by searching the daily papers for information concerning the time and place of the exhibition, but kuowledge I have gained noue. One needs timely in telligence. The secretary of the society will perhaps cnliglitenmc —say byannouncement in the EVENING Stau or in same other luminous organ Opportunity offering, I mny here express a hope that the geutle nwn of tho Society who compose the Com mittee, will exercise due caution in nomina ting the persons who are to act as judge?. General dissati'factiou with the judge* of the defunct Society was doubtless the cause of that Society's dissolution.—l am, &c., An Old Kxiuhitor. March 9th -[See last night's Stau Kd K.S.]

The guiteel team]) mounted the steps and rang the front-door boll, and, according to the Philadelphia!". Transcript," spoke as follows :-" Would you be so "kjnd," said he, aa the mistress of the house appeared at the door, '■'■ to exchange this pieceioi pie, for a couple of hard-boiled g ;^s and % oup of coffee ? I am o! a dyspeptic turn, and this is the ninth quarter of ;i mince-pie that 1 have had to go^ through this morning. I cau't stand it; it's too much of a sameness. If you accept my proposition, you can a>Qhave the satisfaction of telling the fleighbou.rs that Mrs Robmaoii, &0'p 1 3s'th?.street,'usesall-pi63 instead of cloves, and tint the under enm iv very slack baked." The temptation was great, and the genteel tramp h a d his eees and colfVo, and a large triangle pf frosted cake a» bonus.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(From our Own correspondent.)

TE AWAMUTU, this day,

FATAL ACCIDENT AT TE RORE.

William Chester, a well-known settler at Te Rore, died- last night through injuries sustained from a fall from his horse. Mr Gresham, the coroner, will hold an inquest to-morrow (Saturday) at two o'clock. De ceased leaves a widow and six children.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day.

THE SHAREMARKET.

Closing prices, noon.— Alburnia, 77s 6d, 80s ; sellers, 85a j buyers, 80s. Whau, 67s 6d, 68s ;'sellers, 68s Gd ; buyers, 66s 6d. North Devon, 17s, 16s, 16s 6d ; sellers, 17s ; buyers, 16s. Queen of Beauty, 10s ; sellers, 10s 6d. Bendigo (Limited), 3s 4d ; sellers, same; buyers, 3s. Columbia, 3s 6d; sellers,

4s. The steamer Piako drifted from her moor ings last night during the gale, but is not greatly injured. The Naval Brigade's Pinnace also got ashore, and her bottom was smashed in. It is rumoiniid here that the freehold of Block 27, so long unattainable, can now be purchased. There is great indignation at the delay of the mail-bags iv Auckland. Much damage was done at Tararu by the storm.

PALMERSTON NORTH, this day,

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

A deputation of the Palmerstou Borough Council waited upon the Railway Commis sioners thia morning and laid a number of statistics before it regarding tbe West Coast and VVuudvillo lines. The members have gone l)j .special coach to Hull's to take evidence of himich linn at. Grratfords. CIIUISTCHURCH, this day. RAILWAY ACCIDENTS. At present there are 102 children in the Lyttclton Orphanage. On Tip:.'(lav uvemiig the Methven train ran iutu a lioiga valued at £60, breaking both his fore legs; and as the mid-day goods train yeatwJay from Ashburton to ChrUtchurch was leaving Kakaia Bridge, where a temporary loop line is formed, the permanent engine, with eight trucks, ran off the line, the latter b-'ing capsized. The engine ploughed along the ground burying itself axles deep. Only a slight shock was felt in the single carriage attached, while the train consisted of forty trucks of grain, sheep, and old sleepers. One truck of sheep capsized, but none were injured The relict train was quickly dispatched to the scene of the accident. Repairs were speeJilv eil'ectcd. The express train was delayed only two hours.

A Bi.'ssiou of the Native Lands Court, Kaiapoi, opened yesterday before Judge Symouds.

NATIVE LANDS COURT.

Mr Litteu of the Kaiapoi Native Lands Court which was held yesterday, and ad journed sine die, a« reserves over which a disputed right exists, had not been sur veyed, and because ,the evidence of Chief Justice Fenton was considered by the natives as iudispeusible. WALKING MATCH. A match a«ainst time for £2 a side was run yesterday in Agley Park, Simpkiu backing himself to run a in eOaecs. He did the dutxnee in 58 and l-sth sees. Mr Andrews M.H.It, acted as time keeper, Ttie New Zealand Shipping Company have received by cable advice of the arrival of the arrival of the Mataura at Loudon from Port Chalmers, after a passage of 79 days. All well. The remainder of tho immigrants will be liberated to-day from quarantine. DDNEDIN, Thursday. JUVENILE ROBBERIES. The police have arrested Ernest Sydney and James Henry Conway, two boys con i cerned in a robbery of jewellery last week. They were remanded till Monday. The Magistrate practically dismissed the information against a West Harbour Coun cillor. The expenditure of Dunedin Hospital dining 1879 was £5,740. At Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.'s meet ing it was stated that of 10,900 shares sent to London 5,855 were taken up. After lloating the remainder no more "will be issued. A letter was read from the Lyttel ton shareholders disapproving of the entire good will being written off the first year, and suggesting £2,500 only, aad a declara tion of 7 per cent, dividend. The proposition was negatived. The retiriug director was re-elected. •

On Sunday and yesterday the rain has done a great deal of good. The City Coun cil has cancelled the order stopping the supply of water to machinery. The Acclimatisation Society has raised the coursing fee to £2. Atlantic won botli Handicaps and Tory Roy the Novel Kaeo. The Governm nt have lent the Arrow Municipality £2,600, for water bupply pur pose?, at, 7 per cent. The City Hoards turned out to receive the representatives, and entertained them. Sum ley nn-J VValca paid high compliments to the champion.

At Tapanui, the body of a man unknown has ben found on the beach of the Molynux, 1) 'tween Clyde and Cromwell.

Forty men have been difcluvged from the Crom veil mine, owing t) alterations in the working.

Messrs Mills, managing directors of the Union Company, have des patched a special messenger to Port Chalmers with instruction* to send the tug Koputai to briii" the Te Anau up to the i>nr(. It is likely that the Übiin will ba brought from Nelson to convey Te Anau's passi'iiyers with al * liilc dc'ay as possible. The Te A nau will probably reach Poit Chalmers to-morrow.

Judge Johnston takes the Waimate bush fire caves, nnd Judge Williams takes the West Ccrst tiro lit.

Dreadful Colliery Explo sion.

KX'TTINOSE VKCII KOItTHE BODIES

An cxploinn of gas occurred on Jan. 21 at the Lady Fair pit of the I.cvc«tt Colliery, belonging to the Crewo Cialand Iron Com pany, near Newcastle und*y Lyme. An ex plosion occurred at the panic colliery on Sept. 12 last, eight man being killed. On the present occasion ihe loss of life and the destruction of property have been much greater. The furthest extent of the work ings from the shaft is 300 yards in one direc tion ami 200 yards \<\ another, the depth being 410 yards. On the day of the accident there were more than seventy men and boys in the pit. About half pa t eight o'clock a terrible explosion occurred, scatteting des truction in evc-y direction, and alarming thepeopleinthe neighbourhood for a disatica of three milea A new ventilating; fan had been brought ii t> operation siice the previous explosion, and the roof ;pf the tan shed «;\r 'iftcdoil"; but, fortunatly, the fau was nuinjuied, and llui ventilation of a por tioni r.f tho woi kings nut being stopped the sluitt was soon pullicienlly froe f>oin noxious Raises to admit of persona descending. It happened, howev.r, that the lowur pirt of the guide-rod!) wtis litokon and the bottom of the pit Hindi damned, and. some liuur.s hontselapspd before the pit ft«>H'd hoontored. Even then (In: progress* ot getting tn the hot toin was nl.iw, v* the c^i^e oould not be low ered tho whole depth, aud ladders had to bo phi ployed. Mr. l.awson, the man ager of a neighbouring colliery, and seven other men were the first to go down. A cage containing sufferers was lifted at noon, when four meu were brought tip They vnlked from the pit-mouth to tlie lamp-room, though they wero moro or less injured. Having received the attention of several medical gont'eraen, they were des patched to their lom-s. At intervals of about a quart r of an hour the c; s s btousht up two or throe eta time, mo.^t oi them being seriously injured. During the morn ing Mr Kichard Wy U oe Cadnian, Mr. Hun.er, Mr t Downing, and others exper. leneed y\ mining operations, assisted by numerous willing colliers, descended the pit and rendered assistance. In the afternoon several more dead bodies were found about fifty yards along the south slant from the nit bottom. 1 hey were brought to the sur face with nine other bodies at present im recogin :crt. 1 here were a dozen dead bodies taken to the pit bottom, but soon afterwards, the ettorta of the courageous men who were undergroundwere temporarily interrupted. Ihe shock ot the cxpkaion had liberated ™*f + -iV*? a« fill?? ber of sni!lU blowers, and until the f ( res. thus kiudled were extin gmshed the work of exploration was im possible at any considerable distance from the pit bottom. Many of those previously •mad in exploriug hud already ran great risk of suffocation, and baforo, they had done all thoy wi h d th, had ?<* Se to save their own lives. Th,- cause of the ex plosion is «t trestot a mystery, but the hory nature of the B ,p, with the fact that a naw ffln be^, wcent , y ia . at; lead* to the conjecture that a large blower W« suddenly struck, and the veloci y of tho air, owing to the action of the new fan was such that the gas was forced tluolfa

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before R.. C. Barstow, Esq., lt.M.) DRUNKARDS.

Three persons pleaded guilty to Vino drunk last night, and were subjected t fines of 5s each. °

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY,

William Elder was discovered last ni»i in High-street by Constable McDonnell a twilight state and disorderly. Fj nef i lft a and costs. IVi ON THE FOOTPATH. James Wallace was charged on sumnim,,, with riding across a footpath in VirW street on the 26th February, contra™ t' the provisions of the City By-laws, Mr Wallace said he would plead cuilt under the circumstances. He was goinc t see Mr Naden, who lived in Graham-stilt and rode across the path to ask a bill-stiplr for the house. ""* His Worship said he would impose th. lowest line, Is, but the costs were 17a

LUNACY. Charles Fley was brought in from th o country by Constable McKnight, charee,! with beiug of unsound mind. He will undergo a medical examination this afte noon.

This was all the business,

DINNER TO MR C. M. BORTHWICK.

A DIN NEK and illuminated address w given to Mr Borthwick last night at th Working Men's Club by the o7licera ml members of the A. Battery Artillery m Borthwick has long filled the position of Secretary to the Artillery, and only resicr D «i in consequence of leaving Auckland" fa Wairoa South, where he intends to try hi hand as a farmer. The spread, by M Wheeler, did credit to the caterer/and woa enjoyed by all present. Major Burn, occupied the chair, supported by the imp <t of the evening, Mr Thomas Gee, and mem bers of the press. Bandmaster EutZl faced as vice-chairman, supported by Lieut Norrie and Sub-Lieut. Peace. The room was decorated for the occasion with a' beautifully framed shield of the members of the band aud the address, illuminated and written by Mr Hanukin. The chair, man proposed the tcaat of the QnpJ and Royal Family, His ExcellencyX- Hercules RoDinson, the Defence Minister Lieut. Col. Pierce, Major Withers, and several others. In proposing the health of their honoured guest, Mr Borthmdt Major Burns testified to the excellent character of Mr Borthwick, and that the present meeting was a mixture of pleasure^ and pain. It wa9 a pleasure to be present at this convivial meeting, it was painful to loae the service of such an effective secre tary as Mr Borthwick. His services to the Company as secretary had been of great financial importance,' and Mr Borthwick had been most energetic in carrying out the wishes not only of the band but of the battery as well, and it must have been pleasing and gratifying to him as wellaa them that he had assisted to make the band a better Volunteer band than any other in the North Island. They hadalwayg shown their willingness to come forward with their services in the cause of charity without remuneration, and on all occasions of receptions. In fact, they were tnoronsii Volunteers at heart, and he was proud of them. (Cheers.) There was no need for his making a long speech iv praise of Mr Borthwick. They all knew what he had done. He was so: ry they should lose him. but if the ploughshare and the sparrows cat him out he would again return to Auckland —(Laughter)—and they would be happy to welcome him. It afforded him great plea sure to present to Mr Borthwick the haod. some shield containing the portraits o{ the members of the band, and the address, which he was sure Mr Borth. wick would value all the more, beoause it had been prepared by one oflhg band, Mr Hannkiu. Major Bums then made the double presentation in the name of the officers and band. The address was as follows: ---" Presented to Mr Charles M. Borthwick,by the membersof the Auckland A. tillery Band, as a token of their esteem aud regard for tite long aud valuable service he rendered them las bandsman and secretary. Wishing him every success in his new occupation,— (Signed) A. R. Hunter, bandmaster; G. Robinson, band sergeant— «a behalf of the Auckland Artillery Brad." Mr Botthwick made an excellent reply with becoming modesty, and thanked them heartily for their tokens of esteem.—Lient Norrie, in an eulogistic and lengthy speech, proposed the health of Major Burn', who was about to leave them for another sphere of duty. Sub-Lieut. Peace gave the health of Captain Payne, aud the Chairman, that of Bandmaster Hunter. These toastj elicited due rosponses. Mr Borlhwick gab tbe health of the veteran musician, Ht Thomas Gee, a gentleman who had speitt 16 years in the band. Mr Gee in reply gave an historical sketch of the band fiom iis iufancy, notices its struggles ami changes up to the present period, in one of the best speeches of the evening. Tbe press and other toasls followed. A number of lively songs were sung by Major Burns, the Bros, Hankiu, Mr George Reed, and Mr Paton, Mr Reed accompanying on the piano. Tba whole concluded at 12 o'clock, with, selec tions from H.M S. Pinafore, by tha Band.

Correspondence.

RATES, AND THE MODE OF PAY MENT.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l noticed a local in your issue of the Bth inst. signed " Enquirer," asking for air answer through your columus (o thefollo*>s ing question : " Are ratepayers in a high. way district compelled to take their latea to ■ the collector ?" Your note to the sameiS^i 11 The collector is bound to make a persoulji demand in all cases." This is not an answer to the question, but evasive and in coircct, and is calculated to misleidrate-. payers. If you will allow me to trespass' on your valuable space, I will answer the) quostion fully, for the information of raie-: payers generally, as there appears to l>e'»; deal of- iguorance on this subject. Section 48 of the Rating Act, 1576", is as follows: " A demand for any rate due must be made' in writing under the hand of the collector orv. other person duly appoiuted by theloeal body to collect rates, and delivered to {he, person liable, either personally or by leaving! the same at his last knowu abode orplaM of business, or on the premises in rcspuci of which such rate is due" ; this section Ins beeu amended by the Rating Act Amend" ment Act, 1879, whereby a notice posted is a legal demaud. Section 49 of the Act of 1876 : "All rates, if not paid to a collector on demaud, shall be payable at the office of the local body, or at any plw* publicly notified for the payment thereof, v Section 50 : " If any person fails to pay any rate for which he is liable for fourteen days ? after demand thereof, tho local body may recover the same as a debt in any Court ot cprapetent jurisdiction, &c." These sec tions in a condensed form are at the foot m the rate notice or particulars of demand, ana if "Enquirer" is a ratepayer he had only to read lm notice to obtain the infornution sought. You will therefore see thatratiipayers arc " Qompolloil" to take their rates to tno oolleotnr after demand has beeu made, and very justly so, and I speak from exporioji«. You will find that ratepayers arc fjta>«»jjfl| away from home during the day. wwa the Collector calls they make *o provision to pay ff he calls again, aud it eutwi?. the ratepayer coming to. the Collector »P"- ■ vate house at nighty at any hour that may be convenient to. himself, and expects (no matter how the Collector may be engaged) to walk inte his house and be waitod upon there and then. I consider that it is»""« satisfactory to all patties, thai the tow body should hare an office and prorwr i»«ra to receive payment of rates. I enwpw'*"l.:.,, of notice- used in this district.—lam«&, S. E. Hughes, Junr., i Collector Ponsonby Highway, D'"l"^- Ponsonby 10th March I«» P.S.-I fully endorse Mr HannaW* marks. In this district there are 2Wi«£ payers, wboae ratea do not amount to» than 55,. from that to Is each.

LOST HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW.

The other day, over at Alamefrl»*fe timid and retiring lookiug nisuwaiW" ■ , iho superintendent was disengagw then said to him : 11* hit "I do hate to give any one (««!?>, have you a long stick or pole of m, you could leud met" : ~«,' " No, sir; I told yon so ten minutes* snapped the overdriven official. ~y\ "So you did," teplied tlie man; _ thought I'd just ask once more. *&^ now, I've, done my duty iv tfie™.-. \ Dou't you think so V ~ .„,«! *' What mutter ? What on earth W? talking about ?" . , a |(jl | " Why, you see, my niothewn-»* | off down there at the deep end aWW" '^B an hour ago, and as she hasn>t;, co?J,!ii)ilH I thought I'd liku to, tell ray wife m VM % sorter jabbed round on the bottom w <\$ awhile anyway, but if I can't, wW. r^ pose I can't; that all." And p^ w-riting her address on a tag to w the old lady when she came up,»«. .scientious man treated the P tOP"°S/ beer u R d walked thoughtfully <W 1 American pager,. .

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, MAKCH 12. 1880.



■Wholesale. Retail. s. a. a. d. s. d. s. d. nnH«r fs lb 6' 0—1 0 Milk, quart 0 4—0 5 Best Dairies 0 C-l 3 Butter, fa, lb 1 3-1 6 Buttor"ltlbO 7-0 9 Butter, salt 0 10-1 0 UhoeseilocaljO 5-0 0 Cheese (col.) 0 8-0 fl Decant?'o Gl-0 7 Eggs.doz... 0 0-19 Kffcp doz 0 0—1 G Lard, lb .. 0 0—0 10 LaTd.'lbWlO 7-0 8 Fowls, each 2 6-3 0 Bacon andHams, Ducks, each 2 6-3 C Provincial 0 0—0 0 Geese, each 5 0—7 0 Dr d terK?T if Ay. foil" cloth) .. 0 10J-1 0 HaniB,lb .. 11-13 3alt Butter, Canterbury and Wa^ganui, lb, 8d, 9d liread, Id to 4Jd per 21b loaf JaniB, per cate, 5 doz, 27a Gd to 32s 6d. JBUICHKB'a MEAT. Betsil



8. (i. S. d. Roasting Beef .. 0 f to 0 7 foiling Boot a an*! Mutton, hind-quarter 0 0- 0 dj „ fore-quarter XX « r iamb, fore-quarter 0 0-05 ., hind-quarter 0 0 — 06 PorkandVeal 0 6-0 0 Steaks -0 6-0 0 Chops and Sausages 0 5 — 00 Tallow (wholosale)—mutton, 303; mixed, 20a to 253. _



* Ua Superfine Flour, silk dressed, porton.. 14 0 0 Fino Flour, ditto, household .. _ 13 0 0 Sharps, per ton 6 0 0 Adelaide, per ton 14 10 0 Oamaru, per ton .. .. —. .. 13 10 0 Dunedin, per ton £12—13 10 0 Canterbury, per ton £12—13 0 0 Bran per ton (sacks included 1 ..£1108—5 0 0 Cabin Bread .. 20 0 0 Oatmeal £14-15 0 0 Pearl Barley .. £25-26 0 0



s. d. s. a. £ a. & a. Maize (Syd.) 0 0-0 0 Fay, me'dow (CaL) 2 7--3 0 ton prised 5 0-5 10 " (Fijn.l 2 6-2 9 Lucerne, do 6 0-6 10 " (Coast)2 6-3 0 Straw (load) 0 18—110 Data .. ..1 9-2 5 Chaff .. ..4 10-5 0 Wheat (fowl) 3 6—1 0 Hay (oaten) 5 0—5 10 IVheatOocalM 3-4 9 Potatoes: Local, s83 to £3 os per ton. Retail.



s. d. 0. d. e. d. 8. d. Vlaize, bushel 3 6-3 5 Lucerne, cwt.7 6-8 0 Juts ditto ..2 3-3 3 Oaten, ditto 6 0-7 0 Hvan lOOibs C 0-7 0 Straw, ditto 3 0—i 0 Wheat (fowl) i 6-5 0 Chaff, ditto .5 6-G 0 [lay cwt. .G 0-6 6 Potat'e8,ditto3 G-& 0



a. d. b. d. b. d. s. d. Rveerass ..5 0—0 0 I Cocksfoot, bl.7 0-8 0 Ed,, 8 0-0 0 Trefoil, lb. 0 0-0 9 tadClover.lbO 9-0 0 Ewtetail, lb. 1 6-0 0 tvhiteCloverl 1-0 0 Timotny.lb. 0 6-0 0 visvke 1U 0 0 12 Lucerne, lb. 1 0-0 0 jowKraas ibl 0-0 0 Rape, lb ..0 5 0 0 Woolpacbs in quaBtity, 3s 3d to 3s 6d each; -orn sacks. 8s to 93 lid per dozen. Fencing wire, Nos. 6, 7, and 8, aesortoi, £16 10a to £17 per ton.



Special Advertisements. ■TUfA CINTOSiTITT^A i EHPRtOF /^OATS. We aro NOW SHOWING a Largo Assort ment of NEW GOODS in . VULCANITE & DOUBLE TEXTUEES, from 16in. to sGln. in length, with ext a long fly at back, to opjn for riding. The-e goods are of superior quality, and GUARANTEED WATERPROOF. SILK UMBRKLLAS ALPACA UMBRELLAS ZANKLLA UMBRELLAS GINGHAM UMBRELLAS In Great Variety. Agents for WERTHEIM'S SEWING MACHINES, NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, QUEEN-STKEET, OPPOSITE 1 HE ATKE ROYAL, J. JTITZ SIMONS, Managbr. nAKLICK & rilUn .ELL HAVE JUST COMPLETED STOCK-TAKING. WB nAYS A LARGE LOT OF REMNANTS. We Shall Hold a WEEKLY SALE OF REMNANTS. FIRST SALE ON FRIDAY NEXT. FRIDAY in Each Week will bo Especial? Set Apart for Salo of REMNANTS o£ all kinds. CO-OPERATIVE PRICES FOR CASH ONLY. REMNANTS ot Dress Material RKMNANTS „ Pompadour Matorial REMNANT 3 „ Prints REMNANTS „ Flannel RKMNANTS ~ Calico REMNANTS „ Sheeting 11EMNANT3 „ Ribbon RKMNANTS „ Carpota REMNANTS „ Ficorcloth RKMNANTS „ Silk REMNANTS „ Lußtres REMNANTS „ Shirting Ri£MNANTB „ Tweed REMNANT 3 „ Holland REMNANTS „ lJamask REMNANTS „ Crotonno RICMNANIS „ Window Hollands REMNANTS „ Serges ALL AT GREATLY REDUCED PfIICKS FOR CASH AT TIME OF PURCHASE. Call Early on FRIDAY. GARL IC X & CRANW EL L, City Hall Aucadk. [established a.d. 1853.] XV7- ILLI A M BATTEAY, DRAPER, CI OTBIKR, SILK MERCER, AND MERCHANT TAILOR, 66, Queen-street, Auckland, ?Has Jest Received a L A RIG E fA'JS.S O:RiT M E N T OF CALICOS, LINENS, TABLE DAMASKS, DAMASK TABLE CLOTHS AND NAPKINS, HUCKABACK & TURKISH TOWELS, COUNTERPANES, AND OTHER ■jHURNISHING T>EQUISITE9, Which were bought during tho recent depression in English Trado, and will bo offered at proportionately LOW PRICES. Note tho Address— 66, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND (Opposite tho Bank of New Zealand). •T1 H 1 S L I X U M. 100 DOZEN 2-BUTTON KID GLOVES (Quito sound), Only Is lid per pair. A Large' Stock of . FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY, COSTUMES, PINAFORES, ; DRESS GOODS, &C./&C. To be Sold atNettCCash, for a Short Time only. DRESSMAKING ON THE PREMISES. Coatumca made in 21 hours' notice A. LIN A BURY & C 0., 201 Aim 206. QUEEN-STREET. aREAT mIiARGA INS R E A T JL> A R G A I N 8 GREAT {BARGAINS ! GREAT BARGAINS! -.n.- GREAT BARGAINS! JUST OPENED, A SPLENPJD LINE OF ]y[EN'S rpWIEED qUITS, AT 27 s 6 D- Worth 455, ONE CASE jy[EN'.S pLAX gHIRTS, With Collars, AT 4s 6 D- Worth 6s 6d. ONifi BX.LE gUPER. J^LANEETS, 13 S 6 D' Worth 20a. Inspection specially invited tc OUR OWN MAKE OF BOYS' PLAITED TUNIC SUITS, From |^ gS. tat Note the Address— J. B, It OBIN SO N, : AU,CKLA£JD pLOTHING "pAOTORY, NEXT MEskRS TOJ*fK3 & CO.'S AUCTION MART. t



Special Advei wsments. "CISIABLISHED 185 5. CHEAPEST W BEST HOUSE 5 pALITY | O IN N* MACHINES the Hh TRADE. £ ONLY. I w W TT Q HAKESPEAR & f)°-> 246, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. established 185 5. \/r YTn"e & nHO ye c Have now on view a Complete .Assortment of the moat beautiful s-I'liING GOODS ot evory description, from tho bo.it Homo markets. MILLINERY, In Paris and English BTKAW GOODS, H'LOWKRS, FiCATIIURS VISITRS mid MASTLK^, in dilk and Cash mere JACKETS, in Coloured Summer Cloth OLIVI \S. in Cashmere, Si'k, &n. OHILUUKN'd HOtK, in Cotton, Liglo, and Silk PAKASOLS, UMBRELLAS, EIBBONS KID GLOVKS—BIack, Whlto, and Co oured; 1, 2. it. and 6 biuton UNDRESSED KID GLOVES, 2 and i button. An Immense Stock of DRTCSS GOODS, In all tho newest and most fashionable styles and textures; all marked exceedingly moderate. BABY LINKN. CIIII-DHKN'S and LAUIKS' UNDKIIULOT HING, In gi-eat variety. BOYS' KNICKKItBOCKEKS, HOSiUIIY, HATS, COLLAItS, ETC. A Completo Assortment of Calicos, Flannels, Linens, &c. DKES3 AND MANTLK-MAKING ON THE PREMISES. Five per Cent. Discount allowed for Cash. MILNE & CIIOYCE, CIIEAPSIDt HOUSE. r\ N SALE, Kcarsley'a Combined Heapors and Mowor Mangold and Turnip Drilla Turnip Sllcers Ollcako Ureakora Winnowing Machines Lawn Mowers. Also, TO ARRIVE, PER 'INGLEWOOD, 1 Coultor'a Corn, Mangold, Turnip, and Manuro Drills, combine* And Ploughs, double andtsinglo Harrows Hollers &C. &C. «C The-Taboro goods aro imported dlroctod rom the manafacturers, and will bo sold cheap to mukt> room for further shipments. *?. J. HURST & CO., 181. Uaeen-atreet.



U dolpho Wolf o's Scliiedam Aromatic Schnappß actd d rectly upon the urinary O'gans, romovinif al' icaal obstruction*, and expelling a'l other "impedimenta," It pormeates the bladder, and eradicates inflammation. It courses, with a gently at'inulutiva Kiev, t'io alimentary cana', and by rapidly assimilating tho fo-d wo tako into the ■ ystem, acts as a B*'cguard against ln d'go^tion and dyspepß'a. It d stribntcs tho gas tric jui-es where they should be most operative, and by toning tho tissues tits tho body for tho rroper performance of its functions.