SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

aravf watitrJ ™a Evening, — HiGH WATER-j To . morrowMornln g > _ SUN SET.—Thla Evening. 5 27 HJN RISK.—To-Morrow Morning, G.S2 iIOON'S AGK.-Flrst Quartor, ISth, 6.53 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Columbia, schooner, Conway, from Napier TO DAY. Penguin, s.s,, Malcolm, from the Sou-h.

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Aivyle, s.s., Crawford, for Whangaui. Waitaki, s.s.. Edie, for Tauranga. PROJECTED DEPARTURES. London—Agato, loadicg Sydney—Hero, 27th Tauran«a. Uiaborii", Southern Ports asd Mel bourne—Penguin, frid-y Ru3soll—lona, every Monday : WaiUkl. FiWay Timranga—Glenelic, frlday ; Waitaki, Tuesday For New Plymouth and Southern Ports — Hawea, 20th. Whangaroi—Arjjylo. Tne3lays and Fridays Waitaki, Thursday llarotonga—Muz ppa, A'otehau Now York—Minor Vernon

VESSELS EXPECTED.

John Bull, barque, from London; sailed DeD ruarr 10 Wolverine, H.M.S., from Sydaey Camiile, bri:?, fiora Now Yorlc Loch Do \ barque, from London ; sulcd Feb. 10. Byrun, b.-lf*, from Sydney Uorealis, brigantine. from Levuka Island Lily, brige.aiino. from Chatham Island Falcon, sctooair. from tho Islands Edith, schooner from Tonga Sybil, schooner, from Tahiti 'rransit.schooner, from Tahiti Dayspring, mis-ion schooner, from tho Is:anda Co.-onat, eoioon-jr. from Marshall Group. Relle Bramlon, schooner from Lin a Islands Nautilus. H.I G.M.S.. from Tonga Sam Mendal, ship, from London; loading Chile, barquo, iro«n .London : loading Midga, schooner, from Lovuki Caledonia, schooner, from 1 orjga. Marion,ischooDcr, from Norfolk Island. Me? MerrHie.-'. brigantine, from Levuka Glimpse, ketch, from iimaru

IMPORTS.

Per Penguin from Dunedin—soo boxO3 candles, 33 boxes tea, 52 4 chests ditto, o qr.-casks sherry, 25 casO3 brandy. JO bag* rico, 15 nasks, 120 cases fruit, 3 boxc3 tobacco, 110 3acks flopr, 100 cases, packflges, and hhds. From Lytteltou—lo bales juponca, 250 bigs barley. 120 bags flour, 2b3 sacks male, 300 sacks wheat, 25 sacks oats, 12 sacks grass seed. 19 ciifcs cheese, lOcases meats. 1!) packages. From Wellington—lo3 packages, 29 cases. From Napier-13 casks beef, 7 pack ages. FTOtnUisborno-2eolts ahot, 7 pckRS.

EXPORTS.

Per Atot?hao/orUaroton;a—S.OJOicettlnibor. 5 tins paint, 1 case dt apery, 23 empty casks, 2CO empty sacks, 5 boxes soap, 2 coils iope, 20 tins biscuits, 20 bags flour.

The Penpruln Iraros for Wl'anKarci to-night. Her dapurtui o for Ttuir -nga Southern ports and Molbcurne has been posUouod until 5 p.m. on Fiiday next.

The schooner Joshsphlno arrived at tho Thames from Ly teiton on Suno^y last.

Tho clipper brlgantino Mc 3 Merrlli-fl is an nonnced to leave a;jain for Lovuka in tho Inrst week of May. Tho Meg. wh'ch has boon [trad ing regularly bstween t'/ji and Auckland for a. considerable time past under tha command cl Captain J. McKay h-sdona much towards im proving the trade between Lovaka and Auck land, She has excellent passenger accommoda tion, and carrying capacity. The English barque Mero'aia expected to pro ceed to Tiraarn on the discharge of her inward cargo in order to lon.l up with grain for London. The ship City ot Quebec ramo up from tho powder ground yest-rday afternoon, and was berthed alongsiiio the outer eastern tee o! tho Queen-street wharf. la our report of tho nrrival of tho barque Wellington yesterday, it was stated that sho was bound from Kai'iiara to Melbourne, liar destinacion waa Sydney »nd not Melbourne. It will ba romotabered that tho Wellington was brou.ht hero about a jcar ago, r.nd sod to Messrs McKenzio nnd Ross. Srho was repaired, and put Into commission again. Tho Union Compnny's s.s. WaitaUi doos not rmke her usuh! trip to Whan^arei th! s week. Her plnco wi 1 bo taken by tho s.s. Peoguin, which Jewes to-cight. Csblegrapbic 'advices state that tho s.s. Horn put back to Melbourne for sight repairs to her machinery. She left Melbourne a^ain yester day, and hsr departure from Sydney is fixed for tho 24th. She si-.oild arrive on tho 29th. Tliis will en»blo merchant) towiru.to rydney for further shipments of Koods The schooner Columbia arrivodlastrnight 'rom Napierinballnsi, Captain Con way reports leav ing (on Wednesday imK with southerly .wind, wlrch continued 'H •■lf Mercury Bay on Satur day. Thence till airival, light calm wcathor. Messrs J. W. Ca-r & °on, boat-baildeis, launched to-.lay a small tteam launch for Messrs Martin and Tamo. Jlor length is 50 feet. She is rliawnp.l bailt, with fore-and-afc Bkin. Theboiltr wai made b7 Mr S?ager, and Mr Martin i3 at p-c^ent engaged in tho manu faoture of Iho necessary machinery, which is expected to work up to 12 hors» power. Tho launch, which uppesi-3 to no well and substan tially built, will ba uatd for towing and other purposes in tne harbour. Tho machinery will t>3 placed in her next week, nnd sho will bo ready for u?o during tho woek following. The Union Company's 8 s. Penßuin arrived from Tauranga, Kixst Uoa't and Soithern Ports this morning. Sho brings an rnusu^Uy lars^ cargo this trip, and no less than toventy pas'en gera:—*vq are indebted to Mr >*. Hob;n:on purser, for the follow ing raport of the pa-sage:— The B.s. PcnElin transhipprd the 'larorua's car?o and pa^ecKO.-a :t t Port Chalmers, and left tho Kail way Pier Bt 9.15 p.m.. on Wednes day evening, 11th instant, and had smooth sea and light a.W. winds to Lytte'ton, arriviog there at 3 p.m. n xt day; stopped there that night, and continued on her w»y at 1.30 p.m. next day, and had finf> weather to Wellington, arriving at 9 a.m.; lefo again at 515 0.m., and had smooth weather to .Napier, arriving tbere at 1 p.m., discharged cargo and left at 7 p m.; arriving at Gisborno r.\, 7.30 a.m.; left at 1.30 p.m.. and reached Mount Monironuiat 7.30 0.m., on the 20th, and wrnt up to tho wharf at 12.30 p.m., discharged cergo and left again at 3 pan., and experienced fair winds and smooth sea to arrival at 7 a.m. Passengers :—Mrs Stcolo, Mrs Weston, Mra ftephenson, Mra TnroDull End two children, Mrs Gooday, Mrs Crosby, Mr and Mra Aiken, Mr and Mrs CrO3by, M.'b% Morey, Mi 33 Nlnnis, Miss Ac'.au-, Messrs J. J. Milbook, Kichardaon, Prince, A. L. Meldrum, Milne, French, E. F. Maxwell, It. Johnson, Sullivan, I). J. Keane, Anderson, Evacs. Money, Gold berg.lMaokay. ifteolo, We«ton, Crosby, Pringle, Ah Guong, Whitfleld, Major, Lane, Hay. Clark, Harri3, Head, Power, Deßeer, Livingstone, Kane. Hill, 3f vile, Go irgo, Smith, Wilson. Moso, Douglas, Banbury, Pitcairn, Williams, Gibson, Saunders, Fenton, Wilkinson, Hamon, Garratt, Wright, M. B. Smith, Partae. Casholl, and Cap tain Porter.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Wallabl, P. 8., Leys, from Whanganui DEEARTURKS. lalla Rookh, p.e., Campbell, for Waitura EXPORTS Per Lalla Rookh for Waitara—l4,ooo • feet sawn kauri tiinbsr, 2,000 feet junk timbor. Per Hawea for New Plymouth—lo baga oysters, 2 cases tobacco, 1 cisc tnuff, 1 cube boot*, 12-packages. For Nelson—l packaKO hardware, 14 sacks oysters, 22 cases and pack ages. For TVellinf?ton—l2 sacks oy"tera, 12 caSM fruit, 1 box fish, 2 bales, 1 trunk. For Hokitikl— i cheats tea. For Grcymouth-2 cases rubber goods. The p.s. Lalla Rcokh, with a cargo of timber, loft the M am ikau for Waitftra last evening. The s s Wallabi arrived this morning from Wanganui-wlth a cargo of live stock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

WKitiNOTON, yesterday, failed: Binoinoa for Opunato and Manukau : Edwin riaasett for Newcaatle. Arrived: W'atiakafro_a Lyttelton. I/sttelton. this day. Arrived: Rangatlra from Wellington. Sailed: Padishah for London. Port Chalmrrs, this day. Arrived: Rotorna from Lyttbltoc. TAUR4NOI, this Tho: s.b. Waitaki arrived, at 7.15 'a m. todsy rom Auckland.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wim. Cloqb as Unijkk :— This Day. For Wangaroa, per Kriemhilda, at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotlki, por Glonelg, at 4 p.m. For Itaroton^a, por M»izoppa, at 4 p.m. For Wangarpi Heads, an'l Waugard, par Poiißuin, at 1 p.m. For Munnawni, per Kina, ats p.m. For '1 hames, por iCuterprise, at 6.30 p.m. THURSDAY, 22nd instant. For Wangarei Hoada aud Wanßarci, per Wuitaki, at 7 a.m. For Thames, per Kotoinahana, at 030 a.m. For Waiwora, To Rapa, Oraigleburn, and Warkworth, per Itoso Casoy, nt 10 a.m. For Coromandel. por Anno Mihank, at 11 n,m. Friday, 23rd 'nstant. For Tauranpra, Gisborno, Napier, and Bouthom J'rovincoa, and Australian CJolonloa, por Poncnln, at 1 p.m. For Waihoko and Coromandol, por Coromandol, at 5 p.m. Tuesday. 27th Instant. Per s.s. Zeilandla as follovva:— For Sandwich Ihlandn, United SUtoa of America. Canada, British Columbia. Central and South Amorica. and British aud Foreign Woat Indlos, Japan, atd China, inoludinij Hongkong, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For monay ordora, and roistered letters, at 11.30 a.m. Late lettora bearing an oxtrn foe of sixpence, in addition to tho postage, will bo recoivod by tho Mall Afront on board tho stoamer up to the lime of sailing. For Uussoll, K«v\vakawa, and Australian Colonies, por To Anau, at 3 p.m. S. B. Biss, Chief Postmastor.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Elector.—We l)elieve there is no truth whatever in the report you refer to

BIRTH.

NYBEP.G.—On April 20, at her residence, Boa fleld View, tho wito ot H. Nyborg, o£ a daughter.

DEATHS.

COUPKR.-On tho 20th instant, at fto Pro vincial Hospital, Auckland, James Couper, wood-turner; dfeed CO.

Funeral from tho Hospital on tho 22nd, at 2 p.m.

WEBBER.—On April 20. at her son's rosldonco, Newmarket, Temperance Webbor; oged U6 years.

Tho funoral will leave Newmarket for Remnera to morrow, at i p.m. Friends ploaeo accopl; this invitation.—Sydnoy and Woston- Super-iiara papors please copy.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News, and The Echo.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 1880.

fjr th« cause that ib.'.!u assistance, I For the wrong that n.iads resistance For the future in the distance, ■ !,]-:; And tile sood that wo can do.

In a pamphlet, received by mail, Mr W. L. Kees sketches an outline of "The East Coast Settlement Bill, 1880," a private bill to he introduced into the House of Representatives next session. The hill is intended to carry ouii the great settlement scheme which lias been advocated by Mr Eees for two or three years past. The scene of the proposed operations is thus described by the projector :—

Between the Wairoa River and the East Cape, upou the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand, lies a district of great fertility, possessing natural advan tages, not exceeded in any part of the colony. The soil is rich and well watered, the climate genial, the means of access con venient. .Along the course of the sea frontage of this region are at least three excellent natural harbours, at Mania, Gis borne, and Tologa Bay. There, ako, four or five large rivers find their outlet to the sea. In that wide area forming parts of Cook and Wairoa Counties, and comprising nearly two millions of acres of land, there are at present only some four or five thou sand Europeans residing; nor until some change in the tenure of land takes place, is it probable that this number will be largely increased. This is not owing to natural circumstances, nor, as I have said, to a sterile soil. It i=s due to the complicated condition of landed tenure. The portion of the North Island contained within the limits above mentioned is rich enough to support the whole present population of tho colony. Perhaps one hundred and fifty thousand are owned by Europeans in fee simple. The title to portions of the land, however, is disputed by the Natives, or is so inter mixed with land still belonging to them, owing to want of subdivision, that it is comparatively valueless. Perhaps five hun dred thousand acres are owned by the Go vernment in different blocks, hut those lands are at present for tho most part use less, as roads and bridges are required to render them available for profitable human settlement. The remainder, upwards of thirteen hundred thousand acres, is Maori land, of whioh the greater part has passed the Native Lands Court under some act of the Assembly, and is now held by the Natives, not under their old tri bal and hereditary custom, but from the Crown. That which is yet really Native land, and held as such, can easily be made to undergo the same process and thus become accessible for settlement. This one million three hundred thousand acres of New Zea land soil in. every way fit to support and en rich a numerous population, is now almost entirely barren waste, and can, however, be settled without the expenditure of public money, the bestowal of any public favour, or the granting of any monopoly." Mr Pices continues at further length to expound the difficulty of dealing ' - - .. i• i_ i i i.i. _

bility of subdividing, and other lundred causes; It may be remarked, that in these respects the lands specified by Mr Rees differ in no way from all other native Innds, of which the ares in tlie colonvis about fonrfccearnillions of acres

If the proposal is good for Poverty Buy, therefore, it should be equally well suitcd to other parts of the North Island. It can, in short, only bo treated as a new solution for the native lands question. Now what " the East Coast Settlement Bill" would empower, if it became law, may perhaps best bo explained in the words of the pamphlet:—•

It will enable all native owners of laud in the district, including infants and m.irriel women, to sign for each block a deed ol trust, vesting in trustees, chosen by the native owners themselves, the whole pro perty in the laud conveyed. Tliess trtts tecs will be aided by a committee, aho chosen by the Maori owners of the lands to be affected; and these trustees and com mittees, like the directors and managers of a Joint Stock Company, will have full power, but snbject to strict supervision and control, to deal with the subject matter of their trust; to cut up, to lease, to sell, to part, and to divide the lands. It may be said—some of the natives will not agree lo do this. What of them ? The answer is not difficult. Let the shares of such natives be set apart in the Native Land Court, and their own land giveu to them, under the existing laws which provide for the partitiou of Native lands, and still subject to present restrictions. But this, though a possible, is not a probable contingency. Generally the Native tribes, from Wairoa to Waiapu, have already consented to the plan herein set forth, and it is at'their request that the proposed Bill is being introduced. By the Bill it is proposed that committees shall have power to determine what share each hapu, each family, and if necessary each individual possesses in tho common pro perty.

Mr. Rocs is not the man to err on tho sido of a want of thoroughness, ami tho foregoing outliuo .shows that ho has not done so in this instanco. In adapt ing means to an end ho takes no half measures. It is a rule of English law that an infant cannot alienate his landed possessions. Mr. Rees Gnds this incon venient to his Kottlemont scheme, and ho forthwith pi-oposos to abolish it. Anothor maxim provents ono man, or a combination of men, from disposing of another's estate, but that again is inconvonient, and Mr. Kecs's bill over comes it by empowering v certain num ber of individuals under tho title trus toes, not merely to sell tho land of others, but to allot each man's sharo. Tho judicial modes of determining titles after patient investigation and hearing evidence, are iv tho way, and therefore thoy also must bo superceded by tho all-powerful committee. Grant ing that theso very summary methods of sweeping away banners which lmvc been set up in order to prevent wrong doing, will simplify tlio process of transferring tho native lands to European ownership, and advanc ing settlement, where wo wo to get the committee that can be trusted with uncontrolled sway Over ono million three hundred thou sand acres of tho richest lands in tho colony. Mr lleos claims that his sys tem would effect the settlement of these lands without creating monopoly What about tho trustees and com mitted In what respect would thoy differ from the directors of a big land company or liug in which tho share holders are too little versed in legal intricacies and civilized usages to net in unison for tho protection of their own rights, and would not even have power to lid themselves of the directors if they were dissatisfied ? Tho bill amounts absolutely to this : That the owners of a vast and valuable territory shall be invited to place themselves wholly and unreservedly at the mercy of a few persons upon whoso transac tions the checks would, of necessity, be utterly inadequate. To facilitate the operations of these gentlemen various legal restrictions upon tho disposal of landed property aro to be ahrogated,and minors to he endowed with premature authority over their inheritance ; tho very judicial processes which guard tho avenues of justico are to bo done away with. That theso measures would bo most effective in transferring tho lands of tho natives to Europeans, no reason able man will doubt, but desirable as that consummation may be. and is, wo should feel some qualms of conscionco in legalising tho process, unless there wore- better guarantees than any dis closed in the pamphlet, of honest administration of such onorous trusts.

The gigantic monopolies which oxi-t ou the vaat continent of America greatly ex ceed anything of the kind attempted in

;iuy other countries. With vast areas of undeveloped territory, practically boundless resources, enormous accumulations of capital, and a spirit of keou enterprise, the Americans otten form colossal commercial combinations -which astonish the rnoro cautious arid slower people of Europe. The transcontinental railway, aud oceau mail services, palatial hotels, and " big things," geuerally,are examples of that characteristic American genius, which is nothiug if not transcendental. In fact the genius of the nation has been moulded by their, vast sur roundings, and expanded with the gigantic difficulties it has had to encounter—and to overcome. The restless spirit of enterprise which distinguishes the true "yaukec" wherever he casts in his lot, aud. specimens of the genus are found in every corner of the earth, is but the indi vidual type of the national character. Very often the great commercial monopolies come into collision, and then comes the tug of war. A few months ago there was an exciting rivalry between the Pacific Steam ship Company, and the Pacific Kailroad Company, wh'ch has resulted in an arrange ment which is to continue for live years. "The roads pay the steamship line ?110,000 per month in consideration of the right of the roads to fix rates for California pas sengers, and the freight roads are to pur chase two steamers on the China line, the City of Peking, and the City of Tokio, for $1,200,000, paying for them in instalments of §100,000 per mouth, tho purchase being subject to inspection of tho steamers within ninety days." Auother project has for its object tho con struction of a new railroad which will mako Guaymas its terminus, which will provide a route 300 miles shorter than the present one between New York aud San Francisco, and bring Australia aud New Zealand 1,000 miles nearer to Now York than they now are. The projectors of the new route are tho Boston owners of tho Achison, Topeka, and Santa Fo railroad. An American journal speaking of this project says : " Not contented with tho projected extension of their lino to San Francisco, they have suc ceeded in obtaining from the Mexican Go vernment franchises which it is claimed will practically give them a monopoly of the Aus traliau.Now Zoaland.aud South mid Central American businCßS, and steps have already been taken to turn these concessions to immediata uso. In May last there was duly incorporated in Boston, under the laws of Massachusetts, the Sonora Mail Company, limited. It will run from Guaymas : a sea port, on the Gulf of California, in a north wardly direction through the State of Sonoriv, via Hcrmcsillo and Urea, to the Arizona frontier, where connection will bo made at a poiut not yet determined upon with the New Mexican and Southern Pacific Branch of the Atchison, Topeka, and Sauta Fe Eailroad, which ia being con structed down tho Kio Grande from Albu querque, aud has reached Las Vegas The route han becu surveyed, and a force of men are to begin work within the next six weeks. It will bo between 250 and 260 miles in length. Bails sufficient for the first thirty miles were purchased in Eng land, where one of the Directors is now onr'a'ged in making arrangements for a monthly supply to bo delivered regnlarly until the road h completed. Hails will be allowed to enter Guayraas free of duty, which, it is estimated, will save liie com pany! §2000 per mile 111 the cost of con struction. It is claimed that there arc on t_L_a_,^,,f/» lm+f.er mid lnrffir Holds of authra

Pacific Coast States and Territories wita'an •abuudahee of line fwh and oysters which iniake jtheiriipme in the Gulf of California. It is claimed, that thess oysters are the only decent oysters on the whole Pacific coast,"

On our fourth page to-day appear letters on "Dead fish," the " Railway Station," ' Larrikinism and Street Preaching" and " The Shipwrights and Ironworkers." Some of these letters have appeared in the early edition of previous issacs of the STAR. The Auckland Batiks will close as usual on Friday, the 23rd inst., in honour of St. George. The African Wild Beast Show continues to attract hundreds of the people desirons of having a full sight of the representative of English pluck, and physical courage. Tha cheetah tiger i 3 also an object of attrac tion, a1? well as the bear who seems pleased with the patronage bestowed upon him by his admirers. The show will continue open as long as the public are disposed to visit it from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Edkon's Improved Phonograph, recently recdived from England, will be exhibited during the present week in the shop recently occupied by Mr Morrin, grocer, near the Theatre Royal, previous to tho departure of the proprietors for tho Melbourne Exhibi tion. We understand that this phonograph is Edisou's latest. A number of visitors last night were highly amused on hearing the musical return of their own voices. Constable Wlielan. of Tauranga brought in a Maori, named Hui, yesterday afternoon who has been committed for four months, for an aesault. The Auckland battalion of Volunteers were inspected by Major Withers last evening. District orders were read with regard to free railway passes and cloth for uniform, and battalion orders, appointing Limit. Clifton of tho Hobson Company to be garrison adjutaut, and Sergeant Birnic, of the Victoria Company, to be Sergeant Major. The battalion then marched to Quean-street, headed by tho Hobson Band, and wus dismissed opposite the Bauk of New Zealand.

In the couwo of a case recently heard at Wellington, one of the solicitors laid it down as law that a person employed upon dangerous work with a knowledge of his clanger, did so at his own risk, and could not recover damages for injury. Someone in Tauranga the other day spread a report that Mr Broin(ield;had becti gathered to his fathers, but towards even ing the report was contradicted by the re ceipt of telegrams from the unfortunate de ceased, who had come to life in Auckland. Tl'c reduction agreed to by tho City Council of Nelson makes the price of gas to those who pay before tho 14th of each mouth, 10s per 1000 feet for lighting pur pose*, and 7s per 1000 foot.for cooking and heating. Tho lion. Johu Brjrcc, or "honest John Bryco," as ho usei to be called befoic lie became a Minister, docs not go in for style. Instead ot ocoupying the Ministerial resi dence where hii oilicial predecessors liveil, ho puts up with lodgings, leaving his family at wangauui. The furniture of the Minn terial reaideneo has been sold, and the place let.

The annual meeting of the subscribers and friends of tho Orphan Home, will be held on Monday next, under the presidency of his Worship the Mayor of Auckland. Tho North Shoro Wesloyan Church hold its anniversary last evening. There was a very largo gathering ut the tea and public meeting. Tho chair was occupied by Mr Thomas llnddli*. Tho meeting was ad dressed by tho Ucvs. W. Morley, H. Dews bury, and J. McCullura. The report showed a most satisfactory state of things, far be yond previous yeara. Tho Church finance is in a good atatc, and the trustees arc look ing forward to tho ensuing year with in creased expectation?. The Minister of Works Ins authorised the expenditure of a.sum of £500 to open up the road from Pokeno railway-station to the Miranda. This will provide an outlet for considerable supplies of coal in which tl>e diiitrict abouuds, |iind 'give an [impetus to agriculture. To the Editor: Sir, — \s a resident at Eden Terrace for soina years past, I should like to nvy a word with regard to the closing of the Eden Terrace post odice, which lias now for many years been looked upon as a great boon to tho whole neighbourhood, and Burroundiug districts, and which we learn with regret is to he closed Why, sir, the postal authorities, to say uo thili" about Mount All)ert, will need to establish at least three post-ollico3 — one at Morniugside and one at Mount Eden, as well as tho already-established Eden Vale. If the I'den Terrace post-offics is the most ccutral position to all those district.", which lias been admitted by petitioners, then why chnngo? Hoping our worthy chief post master will duly consider tho matter before he tenders his advice to Welliunton, —I am, &C , DISSIDSRATCM. A correspondent writes:—"Sir,—Having suffered for SO many years from indigestion permit me through the columns of your widely circulated journal to testify to the very gn-at benefit I have received by using llnblcy's Digestive Meal iv the .shape of porridge, and also in bread; and to all who are at present suffering (especially females) 1 would say try it, for it never fails to give relief.—Yours, &c., E.H." Mr Richard A. Proctor (or Protestor Proctor, an the title-lovins.' Americans call him), tliu celebrated author, astronomer, and lecturer has been achieving great success in his tour iv the United States and Canada. On the 7th of February he was at Terre Haute in Indiana, where hegare his eighty first lecture. As his services had been re tained for every city of importance, he would not arrive on the Pacific Coast before the end of March ; and after a short season in San Francisco it was his intention to embark for New Zealand by the April mail. In visiting tho antipodes, wo uudcratand that Mr Proctor's chief object is to assist in the exploration of the southern heavens, and the cataloguing of tho stars, which works are now being prosecuted at the Mel bourne Observatory; but the chances are that the eminent scientist will be induced to lecture in some of the chief cities iv Aus tralia and Now Zealand. Califomiau hats are the fashion at Mana watu, but the local ' Times' says that when gentlemen, po to seek accommodation from the bank they buy a"bran ricwbelltopper for tho occasion at the-principalitore. Such is tho eternal fitness of tilings, and such slaves are we to fashion.. i But this is not the only curious thing about Manawatu. The other evening at Foxtou two settlers were deplor ing the hard times, over their toddy .when one of them produced from Ilia pocket-book a piece of paper! same 135 years old, and which turned'out'to,'be aNew Zealand Company order for a whole" two pence." This was the ordinary medium of exchange, and there was au endorsement to the effect that any one taking to the thirty of these orders would receive, not as might be expected, a "cavtwheelj" but a ''Govern ment debenture " ofthcvaluopf five shil lings ! That was paper ciirreiicy, with a vengeance. It would appear that the scar city of money has been a complaint iv New Zealand since its foundation;

The "Northern Advocate" evidently thinks "no small beer of itself." Tho following appoara ia its last issue:—"We understand that an oilicial of the Auckland Harbour Board has pent copies .of tho " Northern Advocate," containing the article on Whangarei as a naval coaling station for tho South I'acilic, to the British Admiralty, aud drawn the attention of the ' First Lord ' to tho matter. We hopo to hear more of the subject, and shall keep it before the public. We would remark, en passant, that tho Australian navy having plenty of water, all that it needs now i.s v few boatV Wo know the rest of the story. The editor ot tho "Northern Advocate " will be knighted (or be-nightcd) for his wonderful discovery, the copy of the paper will be framed aud glazed aDd sent to the British Museum, and as the Austra lian navy has " plenty of water " a lot of rum will be served out to all hands in com memoration of the happy event.

The Editor: Sir,—l was rather surprised when I rend the article which appeared in the STAR of Tuesday evening referring to a match between the Jessie Logan and Thetis. Not wishing to trespass on your space with such a small matter (which is of no public interest), I will mcroly flatly deny over having challenged tho Jessie Logan to sail a mutch. As it has now come to rushing iuto print I may remark that my boat, not being a sailing machine, and built for pleasure only, (a very small suit of sails) and more especially having a great draught o£ water (6ft 3in) is only adapted for heavy weather. If the Jessie Logan's backers think she is tho fastest yacht of the two let both vcssela aail on their merits, and by all meads measure draught in one as well as the other, at the same time starting with a good heavy brceza and sail a course, where yacht 3 should go, say round Tiritiri, or the Watchman off Cape Colvtlle—which any yachtsman would call a fair course. In conclusion, I might suggest that it would bs better for you to hear both sides of a story .bsfore writing in the strain you did, wherein you hint 1 backed out of a chal lenge that was never issued by me. If the backers of the Jessie Logan call on me (the owner of tho Thetis), I have no doubt an

Lovers of the manly art of " self-defence " will welcome the arrival of Abe Hicken, champion of Australia, who will give a specimen of his pugilistic science in the ". lbert Hall on Friday and Saturday even, ings, when he will be assisted by Messrs J. and A. West, the world-renowned gymnasts, swordsmen, boxers, and other talent. Mr Bickcnbad on view to-day at Mr Lewis son's, Queen-3treet, two very interesting souvenirs of former fistic triumphs._ The first is the Champion gold belt, weighing 330za., and the Champion silver cup, of 85 ozs. These trophies were acquired by retaining the championship against ail comers for three years. Mr Hicken will give private instruction.

The report of the Works Committee, which was read and adopted at the meetius of the Harbour Board yesterday, contained the following recommendations :—(1) That with reference to the Chief Harbourmaster's report on site for large graving dock, the price of land at Calliope Point bs ascer tained, and that the Engineer instruct as to site at North Head, aud also as to any other site suitable for a large dock in the har bour. (2) That Mr McCaslin's application for leave to remove shells from St. George's Bay be refused. (3) That permission oa granted to put tho three silt pimts in the dock for the purpose of effecting the neces sary repairs. (4) That the Engineer be instructed to report the depth of water at the end of the site of the proposed Pou sonby wbarf.

A number of people assembled at the Mechanics' Institute last evening, in the be lief that Mr Speight, M.H.R. would address his constituents, as announced in a para graph published in our morning contem porary. After waiting some time, the elec tors came to the conclusion that there had been some mistake in the announcement, aud they returned to their homes. We are informed that Mr Speight has delayed meet ing his constituents pending Sir George Grey's decision in rebpect to delivering an address in Auckland, but whether tho two addresses are to bo delivered at the same meeting, has not been ascertained. Another possible cause of Mr Speight's postponing the meeting, is the necessity of lus presence at tho Thames, to attend the deputation to Mr Oliver,

"British Born" was repeated at the theatre 'last night. The audience in point of numbers was a very fair one, and its appreciation of the performance was conviucingly manifested, the leading players being cnlled before the curtain at tho close of several of tho acts. To-night a doubb: bill is promised, viz: " Our Loves " and " British Born." The former piece is new to the local stage, and is said to be posseesod of great merit. " Flying Scud "is in active preparation, and will be produced to-morrow evening with full accessories. A horse has been hired tor the occasion, aud appropriate sceucry is being painted.

After the battallion was dismissed in Lower Queen-street last night the Scottish Company was marched back to the Drill shed, wheu an interesting corcniony was performed, viz., the presentation of tho Captain's Champion Belt to Sergeant Fort, wou by him on Kaster Monday. The pre sentation was made by Captain Mowbray, who in suitable tcr.ns c imp lnented the winner, an I enjoined on the company the ncccsiity of regular attendance at drill as well as steady prictice on the Kille Range. Some money prizo* were also awarded to 8 jveral membeis of the company, after which thr, c cheers were given for the champion and three for Captaia Mowbray.

To the Editor: Sir, —I wish to draw the attention of tho public to the rapidly lising district of Archhill, and wish to know, with several of the ratepayers, why tin; commercial road is not carried out. Koine say that tho Mount Albert Board and Archhill won't agree ; but there is Mr McElwaiu's ofl'er to t;ive 33ft all the way by his paddock if they make the road. Most of thfa members of the Board say it will cost £2,000 to make a budjje. Now I think that jC'2OO would make a large culvert, and make it to correspond like Wellington-street, and I am sure that it woulduotbes'jstt'epa one.The chairman was kind enough to give permission to the other Hoard to drain tlieir pondfor the convenience of brewers without the sanction of the rate payers, allowing all tho water to accumulate right through the district to tho detriment of health. No wonder so much fever is Koing about. It is time we got some quali fied men to come forward and look after the district. There aresoveralratepayers willing to subscribe towords tho road being made through. Reside* it is wanted by trades' poop' and 'bosses, and cabs, and woull bo iv 'jitadTJuita^o for cattle beius; drivca to tl c clt 5 abbatoirs. If the money can not be procured they can easily put a small toll for two or threo years till the road is paid for ; so I see no excuso why it should not be done before the heavy rains come to Hood people's property, for it will have to be done some time—so they may as well do it when the land is offered for nothing, for if thoy leave it too long they mny have to buy it. —1 am, &c —F. W. Uakuisox.

The animal meeting of the Grafton Foot ball Club will be held this evening in the Thames 1 rotcl,

The annual soiree of the Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist Church will bo held this evoulng at half-past six, tea and addresses.

Mr Josiah Martin, F.G.S., will deliver a lecturo to-morrow (Thursday) evening on 11 Chromatics, tho new science of colour," at tho Auckland Institute, Princes-street. Chair to be taken at a quarter to eight, when tho lecture will be commenced.

The members of the Pitt-street Wealeyan Association will meet this evening, and discuss tho question " Should the Museum and Public Library be opened on Sunday V" Affirmative, Mr Theo. Cooper; negative, Mr lieaumout.

The monthly meeting of tho Auckland United Labourers' Mutual Aid Society will be held this evening iv tho Temperance Hall, Albcrt-stroct.

The Sin of Kissing.

Thk kissing case recently heard at Waitnate shows how necessary it is that the wgis of the law should be thrown around unpro tected males to guard them from the wiles of offended females. In the good old days kissing was no offence, but now indulgence in the luxury exposes a man to severe pains and penalties, as witness the following : — Mr L. Price met Miss Elizabeth Johnson, a lady's companion, in the dark opposite an hotel in Waimate, whore she accosted him, !<nd he accompanied her as far as a certain Or. Hoardlcy's gate, which one of tho learned counsel, in reply to tho Court, admitted to be " a kissing gate." So far the witnesses agree, but from this point their evidence is in conflict. Miss Johnson alleges that; Price put his arm round her neck and attempted to kiss her, but Price, innocent soul, says that in opening the gate he merely passed his right hand across her. touching her shoulder, that he did not attempt to kiss her, and that had he wished to kiss her he could have done so. On this evidence tho Bench found that defendant

had admitted having committed an assault even by his own evidence, and inflicted a lino of £5. Counsel for the defence, how ever, gave nolico of appeal on tho point of law as to whetber an assault had beeu com mitted, and so there is every prospect of tho whole law of kissing being gone into beforo a full Bonch of Jndgoi.

The Urso Company.

To-NiOHT tho third of the scries of concerts by the Urso Company will be given in the Choral Hall. After the triumphs of Friday and Saturday last, surely no further recom mendation is necessary to induce tho numerous music-patrons of this city to as semble in full force. Should further per suasion be required, it is supplied by tho two compositions which Mn lame Urso will perform to-night. Thoy ni 1 Wioniawski's fnntnsio, "Faust," and Fa,1: mini's arrange ment of tho prayer from " ivloso in Kgitto," for tbo G string only. Among tho other attractions on the programmo are the flowoi song from "Faust," to bo sung by Signora I'almn, and "Mia Piccirella," from "Sal vator Rosa" (Gomez) which Miss Sargent will sing. Of tho selections for tho piano forte, two aro taken from tho works of Mozart and Weber.

THE URSO CONCERTS.

(To the Editor)

Sill,—Permit me to add my testimony to those of my friend Mr Fenton relative to the high standard of excellence attained by Madame Urso and company. As a whole I consider that this company excel in every department; the vocalists arc a3 near per fection as possible. Moiis. Sauret, tho pianoforte soloist, is magnificent; young people.who wish to excel on this instrument, may obtain much knowledge by attending these performances. Accompanists may also take lessons from Mons. Scherek's ad mirable style, never overpowering, always assisting when required, added to which his manipulation is splendid. With regpect to nfadamoUrso I maystate thatl have seldom heard her excelled. In ray younger days Jt had the pleasii.ro of hearing Sivori, the great pupil of Paganini, and my impression is that she is the only violinist I have since ■I——l—^aiuimJiln tn tlna rrmil t, in aS tG I.

CABLE NEWS.

EUROPEAN.

Lkeutkb's special cable grams.] The Islew Cabinet. LONDON. April 20. Nothing definite has yet transpired re-, garding the personnel of the new Cabinet which is believed to be in course of forma tion. Earl BeaccnsfLeld's [Resigna tion Unconfirmed LONDON. April 20. The official statement has not yet been made in confirmation of the report that Earl Beaconsfield and his colleagues had ten dered their resignation, and that the same had been accepted by Her Majesty. Conservative Honours. LONDON. April 20. Tho Eight Hon. Richard Cross. Jato Secretary of State for the Home Depart ment, lias been decorated with the Grand Cross of the Bath. The Berlin Treaty. LONDON. April 20. M. Frcycenct, President of tho Couucil of Ministers, ha? issued a circular, indicating the foreign policy of the Ministry, who arc not desirous of changing their policy, but will hasten the strict execution of the Berliu treaty, and the peaceful settlement of all difficulties. Commercial. LONDON. April 19. Three per cent, consols, 98J.

Freights : New Zealaud, 4Cs ; charges, freight, and insurance ex ship, 523. Sydney copra, £18 10s.

AUSTRALIAN.

[BKUTKR'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.

Sydney Exhibition Closed.

SYDNEY.

April 20.

The Exhibition was closed to-day by His Excellency the Governor in accordance with the programme. There was a large con course of people. The address delivered by the Executive Commissioners stated that there were 140,000 exhibits, the number ot awards being 7070, firsts 2753, seconds 2082. The number of admissions was 1,022,000 persons; receipts since opening under £ 50,000, but it is expected the Exhibition will pay expenses. The Sugar Market. MELBOURNE. April 20. Bugar3 continue strong, and n brisk enquiry is expected. Two thousand packets, which were advertised for sale, have been withdrawn. The Stock Tax. MELBOURNE. April 20. Tho directors of the Freezing Company waited on the Commissioner of Customs, urging upon him, the abolition of the stock tax, declaring that it would be quite impos sible otherwise to establish the industry. The Commissioner could not hope at present to act in compliance with their request.

The Knowsley Hall.

[UNITED PKKSS ASSOCIATION.

CUEISrCHUItCff, Tuesday.

The New Zsaland Shipping Company has received a cable advice from London, stat ing that H.M.S. Coinus has been unable to find any traces of the missing ship Kuowsley Hall at the Crozete. The Company have also received advices of the arrival of the Huruuui and Waipa at London.

Two Artful Dodgers.

THE two women, motlicr and daughter, who were committed for trial yesterday on a charge of robbing the landlady of the Crown Hotel, exhibited the utmost calm ness and apparent indifference during the hearing of the case. They had come up from Kawalcawa, and sought refuge in the hotel or Mr Clement'), who behavod with kindness towards them, on their reprcsent iug themselves as poor working people. Mra Clements believing their story, gave them food and drink, and promised them a lodging, but thoughtlessly sho put her purse containing about £15 into a fancy basket before the eyes of the women. This was too much for the daughter, and when Mrs Clements left the room ior a tew seconds, the womou stole the puree ; sub sequently they left, leaving a gingham be hind them. They never returned*, aud presently Mrs Clements missed her purse. The women did a considerable amount of shopping in their interval of liberty. They purchased dresses aud hats attheshopof Mr iShaldors, shoes at Mr Crocker's, several wonderful bargains at Mr Dampier'a, one bjiug an umbrella for 3s, ham and eggs at Denis ltubie's, etc. The mother was first taken with a now hat and feather, and a silk drew. The daughter paid a visit to Mr Hannaford who promised her a situation with a farmer at JL'apatoitoi, with a prospect of becoming the lawful mistress of the house, The jocular proprietor, however,was suddenly surprised by the appearance of the constable who desired the young woman's company to the police station. In her route she met her Aunt tiogan, and sipped £4 7s into her hand, part of the contents of the purse, but as Auut Mary kuew nothing of the robbery, she was discharged. At the close of the hearing the younger prisoner tried to exonerate her mother, by saying that the old lady had taken same English ale which had got into her head, and while the mother was dozing, she stole the mouey, and on treating her to new clothes refused to tell her how she became possessed of so much money.

Mr Oliver at the Thames.

(FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day

Tho Hon. K. Oliver reached Shortland yesterday afte.noon and has conducted over the reclamation works by His Worship the Mayor. About 4 o'clock a deputation from the Borough Council and Harbour Board accompanied by a number of citizens waited upon Mr Oliver, in order to represent the wauts of tkc district. The Mayor, in introducing tho deputation, urged the advantages that would accrue, both from a local and colouial point of view, from the rapid pushing forward ot the railway. Mr Speight M. H.K. aud Dr. Kilgour supported His Worship. Mr Oliver roforred to the pecuniary difficulties of tho Colony, and tho necessity for economy in the prosecution* of future public works. Ho had been favourably impressed with tho aspect of the country through which ho had travelled, considered it one of the finest ho had seen in New Zealand, and that it deserved a railway. He would adviso tho Thames people to press their claims upon the Commission on Railways, to whom the couiideration of the wants of districts had boon remitted. lie would also endeavour to aid the Harbour Board in securing attcution to their wants.

Sporting.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB AUTUMN

MEETING.

THE autumn nicotine promises to be a very greet success. The acceptances for tho Tradesman's Handicap, Hurdle Race, and Novel Race were received last night. Eleven horses have accepted for the Trades man's Handicap, ten for tho Hurdle, and six for the Novel Race. Mr Percival has been active in making arrangements, and has spared no efforts to have all things com plete. Mr S. Vivian has undertaken the important duty of providing tho Grand Stand Luncheon, and from his previous efforts the public may rely on his giving the greatest satisfaction. The following arc the acceptances :—

Tradesman's Handicap.— Vampire, Bst 71bs ; Soukar, Bst 21bs ; Laertes, Bst ; Golden Crown, 7st 7ibs; Saunterer, 7st; Maid of Honour, 7st; Ratcatcher 6stl2lbs; Loch Lomond, 6st lOlbs; Confident, Bst 71bs; Piscatorius, 6st7lbs; Grand Duchess, 6st 21b?.

Hurdle Rack,— Grey Moinus, ]2st; Loch Lomond, list 71b3 ; Harry Mount, llsi s!bs; Tom Fin, I<Ml2H>h; Sportsman, lOst 7His; Stella, 9st; Harkaway, 10-t 51ba: Whitefoot, lOst; Harold, 9st 51bs; Lark, 9st.

Novel Race.—Gillie Callum, Bst 7Jbs;

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPOHDENT.)

COItOMANDEL, this daj\

The Royal Oak manager reports : For tin week there is nothing to report from the' mine. Completed pending quartz to the Tokatea hopper yesterday. We are now forwarding it to the Bisniarck to-day. No. 1 Tribute (Connors and party), are crushing ■ 2Glb.s. specimens and two tons of stuffat the Corby Battery; otherwise there is nothing to mention. FIRE AT CQROMANDEL. Leon's Wharf Hotel was burnt dowu last night. The insurance amounted to £250. Nothing was saved. Ths wharf and Coro mandel Steamship Company's Store 3 had a narrow escape. An inquest is to be held The lite is supposed to have been accidental. GKAEAMSTCnYN, this day. A coroner's enquiry into tlio fire at the cottage, insured in the National for £50, is being held. SNAGGING. Snagging operations in the Waihou have again been stopped by native*, It is be lieved ithe Ngatirakaus against Mr Firth and Mr Edmonl?, arrived from Auck land yesterday afternoon and proceeded to Ohinemuri to try to arrange matters with the obstructionists. If the natives in the Upper Thames district continue to interrupt works of such a character, the sooner an example is made of some of them the better. A telegram has been forwarded to Mr Joseph May, Chairman of the Infected Cattle Board, Auckland, pointing out the necessity of stopping cattle being driven from Waikato through Ohinemuri. VISIT OF TLJE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS. The Hon. Mr Oliver arrived here from Ohinemuri yesterday afternoon, and after receiving deputations from the local bodies very courteously, left for Auckland per Enterprise, iv order that he may return to Wellington per Penguiu this morning. After the deputation for the Borough Council re railway, another deputation, headed by Mr ltowc and Mr McCullough, waited on him on the same subject, but Mr Oliver very politely intimated that he had already discussed the matter with a repre sentatsve on<% and declined to hear them, AFFILIATION CASE. An affiliation case occupied the Court all yesterday, the defence being that the girl living as servant, had been treated by her employer, more as a wife than a servaut. The defendant is a chemist's assistant, named Short, and medical evidence is given of his incapacity. The case has been ad journed until Thursday. Mr Forsaith, draper, the girl's employer, is 78 years of age, and had been married 50 years without issue. He deposed that he had given the «iil a ring which his wife left for he. He spoke to her mother some months ago about the girl being unwell. She was of industrious habits. He retained the girl on his wife's dying wish, as she had the greatest confidence in her honesty and integrity. He remembered the rumoi r about his being married to Miss Robert* during that time. The shop was rushed, especially on the Saturday. He applied to Miss Roberts for a letter exculpating him from the rumours about his being the father of the child. Neither by word uor deed had ho ever acted impro perly towards her. At no time while iv his sen \ce had he noticed she was pregnant. He spoke to her mother about it in Decem ber. The mother gave an explanation which appeared satisfactory. In the last nine months there were occasions when she appeared ill, but not more than usual She was not stroDg. Whije he , had been without an assistant (12 mobths since) she had helped behind the counter. He had treated her as a servant — or, as a daughter. She always slept at the shop, mostly with her fcistera. They neither slept with her continuously. Her age when she camo with us was about twelve, and her conduct had invariably been good. MINING. NcwWhau : Gold has been found in Iho botiom of the winze now being sunk, and the reef has greatly improved, and there are indications of approaching another run of gold.| 4, (PER UNITED PKESS ASSOCIATION). NAPIER, this day. EDUCATION STATISTICS. At the Education Board, yesterday, a summary of the school attendance was read, shewing tbat during the quarter ending 31st March, the number attending was 1579 males, and 1413 fcinaloa : total, 2092. Average attendance, 2,244; corresponding quarter last year, average attendance, I,GSG. CENSURK ON A PILOT. At the Harbour Board meeting, yesterday, the following resolution was passed : " Th'it the arrangements made by the pilot for taking olf the S.ia Francisco niail to fho Rotoruaonthe 28th ult.J were faulty, and showed a want ot forethought and energy. In future, the postmaster, if a emergency arises for using the lifeboat, should commu nicate with the chairman or secretary of the Harbour Board. NEGLECTED CHILDREN. Three children, aged respectively 10, 7, and 5 ynars were brought before the K.M. this morning, charged with being neglected children. The father of the children is an old offender. The mother died while the father was in gaol, and the children have been kept by neighbours since. They were ordered to be scut to the Industrial School. WELLINGTON, this day. ALLEGED INCENDIARISM. An information has been laid against a butcher named Devereux for setting lire to his house on February 4tb. Tho case will be heard on Friday, CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Melbourne exhibition commis- SIONERS. The members of the local committee of tho Sydney Exhibition held a preliminary meeting yesterday in view of acting in a similar capacity at the Melbourne Exhibi tion, but, owing to tho absence of a reply from Wellington to telegram sent, they were unable to transact ony business. The Drainago Board have agreed to allow I the City Council £3 per chain in repairiug streets where badly broken up by sewers, i and £1 per chain in other places. 81,610 bags of grain have been carried by the Christchurcu section rail this week. A. man named Fiansott, working on board the Rotorua yesterday, was struck by two sacks of barley, which sllipped out of its sling, and sustained injuries to the back. Ford, Bell and Co. sold yesterday four quarter-acre suctions at Sumner, two at £C 0 and two at £72 10s each. The Canterbury Liberal Reform Associa tion yesterday, resolved to pelitiou the Govcrumeut to bring iv a Distribution of Seats Bill on the basis of population next session, to take effect as early as possible after the rising of Parliament. DUNEUIJT, this day. BUTLER'S CASE. The miuor charges against Butler arc to bo taken to-morrow. With regard to Milton's case, after tho Acts for the corporation oi the Athcucoum, udge Johnston said, as there was no bene ficial interest to any person, he did not know why he was brought down to try tho case. Mr Haggitt replied that he had urged that view before, but Judge Williams thought otherwise. CIVIL CASES. In Mackenzie v. Smith, rule for a new trial, the rule was made absolute with costs. Notice of appeal was given. In Laniachs and others and Mackenzie the rule was absolute with costs. DOYLESTON, Tuesday. 400 sacks of grain belonging to Turner Bell, a fanner, were totally consumed by lire. The cause is unknown. It is a heavy loss to the owner who is uninsured, and is supposed to be ttie work of an incendiary. I INVERCAKGILL, thi3 day. A FRAUDULENT DEBTOR. Thos, Flynn, bootmaker, Gore, failed for £60. Afterwards he was discovered to have withdrawn £90 from the bauk. Being taxed with this, he gave up £S6. The bankrupt was brought up at the District Court aud remanded for eight days. The judge intimated that the creditors would receive the amounts duo iv full, and the balance would go forward to the expenses of the prosecution.

The Waimate Question.

(PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) UEO, this day. Notwithstanding the assertion of the

Royal Commission that tbo natives had agreed to the reserves allocated to to them, a number arc employed building n large wharc on the seaward side of the road, They show great activity, and have bnllock

Gum Diggers' Protection Society.

It is a common but egregious error thatthr, men engaged ihgum-digging are a dissolute r.eer-do-well class of men-persona who have, fwSm their own iutempcranc"• ™S vicious habits, /alien out of the race! respectable courses, and drifted away ." the gurafieW as a dernier resort T' notfon-wai"i:i a great measure true in th old days when labour was fcarceandhiolilv paid, and emnloymcut plentiful, 'i he writer remembers that, F.ome years ago, dnnn» ho)iday«ramble through the North hM» m a suddenly upon .a collection of rude' wbaw. ! which turned out to be a Rumdiggcrtf &7 • The diggers were at their mid-daymeal S their hospitality wa3 offered to the travel!** in such terms as shewed that at least som of the men were, or had beeu, what th° world calls gentlemen. After diner ill inevitable bottle of "square" '»« produced, the visit of a real liyf reporter was celebrated in hampers or rather pannikins, and over their, pipes' tha mea abandoned themselves to that rollick ing spirit of fun, which characterises tU i/ip^y life of these Bohemians. The travel ler was in turn gravely introduced to the mayor and corporation, the civic functional being a person in tittered garb and a shock ing,bad hat, and with a countenance chiefly remarkable on account of a jolly red nose Then came the town clerk, the choir (with a German concertina) who in ; dated upon giving a specimen of his " musical abilities, the parson,—a nn ; versify man who had taken orders bat had latterly acquired an unfortunate habit of interlarding hi? conversation with blasphemy, and after them Borne other officials " too numerous to particularise' I here waa a hoary headed personage who went by the soubriquet of "the judce" and a policeman in rusty black whose physical proportions were a guarantee of tho peace being kept in any emergency The procession was. wound up by the cook —of whose wondrous skill as an artiste de cuisine some surprising anecdotes were - told. The population of Jerusalem, as the place was called, was- Email, and in order to represent all the adjuncts of civilisation religious.judicial, military, and municipal* it was necessary that eachmanshould sustain many character?. Having been ceremoni ously introduced to this motley crew and made such observations as the occasion i suggested, some of which provoked, a good deal of merriment, the traveller was ' unanimously voted a "jolly good sort* invested with the freedom of the city treated-to another pannikin from thfc! v' " square," assisted on his horse, and accom- " ' panied for some distance by the mayor on foot. Sufficient was learned during this amusing and not unpleasing adventure to show that many of the gum diggers had "seenbetterdays," and thatthey reconctled' :J! themselves to their altered circumstances 0'1* with a good-humoured equauimity. and kindly good fellowship that are' not found" | among men in many more pretentious wa'ks of life than that of ajiumblegtun. ', digger. But the old state of things no longer ex. - ist«. Immigration has swelled the ranks of the competitors in every branch ot em. r ployment; goldminiDg has become the basi- i nets of capitalists and the goldfields them, selves are few ; the large auriferous areas where wealth was .easily got ate, almost " worked out'; machinery has dimini|hed-tUB:o! number of hands required, in some India* . tries ; the limit of the' borrowing power of the colony, has been reached ;, a r period of rigid economy has became-neftessary ibr"1-' some years to .come, the~pubiic works have diminished, and| a large' sectibn oflhe" in-' dustrial population' has been obliged to seek"'other • channels: of,--.obtaining;?/ a livelihood,-amongst which' gum-idigging'- ia is; one of tbe' easiest- to engage in, ■' requiring as it does little or bo'capital, Gdm-digging haa' therefore afforded «m.

ployment to a number of iuteliigent labourers, as well as some educated professional mcD, who were induced to emi grate from home in the hope of ob!aiirinj^ ' situations, aud who have been disap pointed. One ot the results of this infusion of intelligence among the gum-diggers is that they keep a sharper watch after., their interests, upon the changes of" the market, and the prices of the provisions and. requisites Supplied by the storekeepers than they formerly did. Some of the dicrgcrs have now got up a movement for tbe organisation of a Protection Society, , ia order to secure against extortion, having,., as they allege, discovered that enormous profits liud their way into the pockets of the buyers and wholesale merchants, ia which the gum-diggers do not adequately share. A correspondence is now going ott between sum-diggers in varioui parts ci the North with a view to mutual protection. One man writes ia a piivate letter which has been handed to us : " We are obliged to take what we can get, frequently below Anckland prices, and from 400 to 600 percent below Lomloa quotations. In fact, I see, ,■ by the January sales of gum that the ' Auckland merchants received as high as' £So£ per ton for jjuui chips, cr about 170 J per ccut more than what they pay the most of; us up here for the best gum. -Now, if ~ that isthe case, and I know it for a fact, what profit must they get upon the beat,, giim when they receive, the above, pn the / chips. Besides, look at the profit npontte • coutra accounts, which'generally,amount to about from one-half to one-third in goofc. Hut that.could be remedied,, as,well os many other evils, a uniform price obtained for the cum, aid stores ob'aioed at a reason able price, if there waa a P otective Socielyi or some other means obtah>e<i." We have no mcaus of -kiu'Wing whether or not the above etatenieius are ■ accntate, but if the figures are correct the grim diggers have a grievance which they are perfectly justified in combining in any law ful wsy to remedy.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. E. Macdonald, Esq., K.M.J

DNUNKENNESS^ t&Sm \ Four men were fined for this offence;' j DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.

Ellen McLean, and LetitiaHugheswero charged with being dxunk_and disorderly. Fiued 103,5s COSIB4 1 CHARGE OF STEALING LEAD. ' John Rocklcy and William Ansten, two boys, were charged1 with stealing 201ba. lead 011 the 2nd hist., the property of MrW. S. Graham of Fort-Street.:: "' » Prisoners pleaded gtnltyi - l ''■■' ■(\'li Siib-liifpqctor Paicfy snid'the boya goton the building and cut off the lead and sold its J but how.they got npsohigu ho could not understand. ' ,' I His Worship treated the cisc as one 01 simple larceuyaud r ßeuteuccd prisoners » prison for 14 day^j 'to'bekept'«cparatefrom other prisoners.: "■," "-" , , t "* **&$ stealing' a SH awx» Margaret McEwenJwho had ]ust fl l«S' Mount Eden,-was, charged with- steatog » shawl, on the lDth ipst., the property 01 ? Ellen BotterelL '~/•' '!.. "■'' ' ■ •':'. ■.■■■'■ k , ■.&« 1 Prisoner, pleaded guilty and was sentence^ to a mbnth'siaiprfeonrnent.■', , , . : U ■''" '-■■ > SMALL OFFENCES. ~. Audrcw Pollock was charged with riding at a rapid pace rouud the corner of yueen- ■: street on the 15th inst. . Defendant pleaded not guilty, he was at •■ a walking pace. • t k ni The case was proved and a fine or 03 anu costs imposed. ■ ■ . _ • A bel Fletcher was charged with canang a hole to be made in Wakefield-street,"". the 11th inst., aud not kcepiug,,tli6 «""? sufllcicutly lighted. , _ . Defendant said ho had no command ore the winds and the wavic, he placed » j*"[ j IJiere, but the wind blew, and the W Fiued oue shilling and costs. . . -: William Kinsey was fined Is and coa» for allowing his cow to wander m "»- Devonport district. /m n «iwja Thomas IN cholson for a similar °»cnCBS : subjected to 2a Gd aud coats. Asdeleaaaa did not appear Constable Moar proved ClWuTiam Jcnaiuos for allowing two co^" to wander on the Beach road, Demv»i was lived 2s .md costs. . {t Robert Duder. was lined 2a and eoSK*, 1 allowing his 2 steers to wander ou i« Beach road. • oimwer- Thomas Keigbtlev appeared m ans ~ to a charge of leaving his cart unattcadea in Queen-street. tmt&i. Mr Keightley explained the oiroamstan^

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. WEDNESDAY, APRJL 81, 1880.



TQISTABLISHED 185 5. CHEAPEST | fe BEST UOUSE £ QUALIFY IN I XHK IS MACHINES f *■ TBAD E. I g ONL Y. [i 12 [I W y p3 W H QHAKESPEAK & riO., 24C, QUEEN-STEEET, AUCKLAND. KSTABLISHKD 185 . CF. COO P B It, • SADDLER, COLLAR & HARNESS MAKER, TJPPHK QUBEN-BTKKKT, AUCKLAND, Throo Doora abovo tho Army and Navy Hotel. N.B.—Courier Bogs, I.egglng*, &c, &o , made to order on tho chorus; notice. Charges moderate. pAULT AND LODGE, BOOT & SHOEMAKERS, KABANG.AIIAPE IIOAD, NEWTON. A large Stock of Coloniil-madc Boots of ovory description on liaud. or inado to order, at Prices that will defy competition. ,L .A, I B AND C 0., Manufacturers of



Speoial' Advertisements. \ ) "'■' ..... ' ''"'' '. JW- E W MIL LINE KY, NKW BONNKTS and HATS. LATEST FASfiIOXS FROM.^ PARIS. Also, in COSTUMES, JACKETS: and M4.NTLK3. W. IUTIRAY will hold a GRAND SHOW Of very Choice and Fashionable Autumn] and Winter Goods ON MONDAY, THE sth APRIL. Tho attention of tho Ladies is specially invited to this intended Display of New and Fashionable GOODS. W. RATTRAiT, G6, QUKEN-STREET Opposite Bank of Kow Zealand). 'TIHISLiyUM. 100 DOZEN 2-BUTTON KID GLOVES (Quito sound), Only la lid per pair. f A LargeEStoek ol FANCYCGOODS, MILLINERY, COSTUMES, PINAFORES, DRESS GOODS, &c, &c. To be Sold at NettSCaah, for a Short.Tlmo only. DRESSMAKING OK THE PREMISES. Costumes made in 21 hours' notice. A. LINA BU R V & CO., 201 Aim 206. QUEKN-STREiCT ■jVT OTICE! Iff OTICBI NKW DRAPKRY. NEW CLOTHING. ItUSHBKOOK & BIIIDGMAN Beg to annonnco that th»!r NEW STOCK for tho incoming Season's Trade is Now to Hand, comprising— Now Materials in Fancy Dress Goods, very cheap Sain Clo'hs, Sergeo, Reps Cashmere 3, French Merinos, &c, now shades Waterproof Tweods aid Ulster Cloths Ladies ond Ma:ds' Jackets, a choice assort mont Now Fancy Woollen Goods in great variaty Ladies' and Maidu' Ulsters, alt Quito cow Hosiery in variety, &o. Also, A Largo Stock of Flannels, various makers, and iinnßaol Rood value niankota, all sizes, white and coloured Winceys, Wool Plaids, Shirtings, &c. A Very Choico Assortment of NEW CLOTHING FOll BOYS AND MEN. Overcoats and Ulntors Boyß* and Youths' ditto ditto Crimean Shirta, Oxford Shirts, Whito Shirts Undor-Flannolß, L.W. Shirts and Panti Printed and White Moleski a Trouser3 for Boys and Mon Hats, Caps, &c. a Hea,vy Stock of Good Tweeds Cheap Tweed for Boys' wear, Blue Sorge, Moleskins, &c. C3T Fivo per cc-nt. discount (Is Jn tho £) al lowed upon a'l Cash Purchasers of 20s and upwards.' RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, DRAPERS AND CLOTniKKS, Oppo3lto the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Ounen-Btreet. Auckland.



GREAT OARGAIHS RE A T X> ARG A I S GREAT BARGAINS! GREAT BARGAINS 1 GREAT BARGAINS.! JUST OPENED, A SPLENDID LINE OF ]^[EN'S fpWEED qUITS, AT 27 s 6D WOBTH 153. ONE CASK jy[EK'S pLAX jgHIKXjS, iWith Collars. AT 4s 6 U WOBTH C3 M. ONE BALE ■^"HITE gtTPER. gLANKETS, .: : : WOKTIt 203. . '•..i Inspection specially invited ijf OUR OWN MAKE . ,v ■•■■■ ; of r .-: . ~•.[ BOYS' PLAITED TUNIC SUITS, From 1 QSi 43* Note the Address— J. B. ROBINSON, A UCKLAND /CLOTHING TjiAOTORY NEXT MESSRS TONKS & CO.'d AUCTION MART •'■■■■' ■ ' TO Tim PUBLIC,— We have the pleasure to inform you our AUTUMN and WINTER GOODS are now opened for your inspection. It is o\ir intention to keep a much Cheaper, Lavner, and more Fashionable Stock of DRAPERY and FANCY GOODS than we did prior to the late Dissolution of Partnership, and a glance at our present Stock will convince you that good taste and judgment ha 3 been exercised in its selection. We thank you for so far endorsing our views regarding Cash Payments as to encourago us to continue the CO-OPERATIVE CASH SYSTEM. Our Stock is 'marked down to the VERY LOWEST SHADE OF PROVIT; but we trust to a VERY LARGE CASH RETURN to compensate for the small profit put on the Goods. In doing a large trade we necessarily have a great number of Remnants every week. These will be measured up, marked at verj/ low prices, and cleared off every FRIDAY and SATURDAY QARLICK & CRANiVELL, City Hall Arcane. Pompadour Cashmeres and Serges Pompadour Silks and Velvets Pompadour Fringes and Buttons Satin Dress Vests and Tyrian Velvets The "Louis" Velveteen (highly commended)] Silk Finish Patent Velvet And all the New and Fashionable Trimmings. GARLICK & CUANWELL. Estamines :: "Wool Poplin ' \ Satin Cloths :: Persian Cords Crape Cloths :: Russell „ Costume Tweeds :: Fancy Serges French Cashmeres :: Plain ~ Winceys, various :: Black Silks Alpacas, „ .": Silk Rep 3 ] Cherry Black Lustre :: Wool „ At Co-operative Reduced Cash Prices. GARLICK & CRANWELL. A Splendid Assortment of Flowers, Feathers, Fancy Birds' Wings, Frilling, Rouching, Fancy Velvets, Sealskin Caps, Trimmed and Untnmmcd Xiats and Bonnets, in our Milli nery Department. Milliners on the premises to;execute' orders with dispatch. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. Ulsters, Mantles, Paletots, Jackets, Operettes'l Wool Squares, Shawls, Capes, etc., Ribbons, Scarves, all at Co-operative Prices. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Manchester Goods :: Blankets, very chean Men's &Boys' Clothing :: Curtains, „ GARLICK & CRANWELL. Our Goods arc all Marked to the VERY LOWEST SHADE OF PROFIT. Co-operative Prices for Cash. " .„„ Hva TV;™* a Public Benefit.



Special Advei iisments. mHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAdORY'S GARMENTS FOR MEN'S AND BOYS' WEAR Fit Better :: Artie Better Cut Look Bettkr :: Ahk Better Made Wear Better :: And therefore give moro satisfaction than aiiy other goads offered to the public. Testified 10 by their Thousands of Customers who purchase constantly at tha NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Wellington Jnvercarqill Nelson Oamaru Wanoanui Timahu New Plymouth asiiborton napieb Lyttelton Thames cukistcuurca auckland A Single Gabment at Wholesale Price. N. 8.: Our New Winter Manufactures are now Ready. ?a. "TRY THS N.Z. OVERCOAT. Shirts, Hats and Hosiery of every descrip tion at Wholesale Prices. AUCK LA N 6 B RANCH, Queen-street (opposite Theatre Royal). J. FITZSIMONS, Manager, Q N SALE, Koaxsley's Conibisod Roapora and Mower Mangold and Turnip Drills Turnip Slioora Oilcake Breakers Winnowing Machines Lawn Mowers. Also,] iTO ARRIVE, PER 'INGLEWOOD,' Coulter's Corn, Mangold, Turnip, and Manure Drills, combined And Ploughs, double and single Harrows Hollers &c. &c. ike The above goods are iraportod" direct from tho manufacturers, and will bo sold cheap to make room for furthor Bhipmonts. tV. J. HURST & CO., 181. Uueon-strout. JJANK _H OLID A~Y\ The Banks will bo Closed on FfiIDAY, 23rd April (St. Gcorgo's Uay).



The now P. O. S. system new boirg in'l a: and O. wiUcartaiolyprovoaMnw^ueir pubic. It has boon a great suonesa and Molbonrne, and when strictly "v fcmW) t tlio cuetomer who bnys at an Dr£ su »»' where the good* are marked low to o wd ft-. rapid sale must be a great B&in?^,,jniiitßa«!; sell their drapary, mifflnery and dctMJW^» } pricea for cash as (fives the buyer ttaea^jj, of a shareholder in a co-operatives^ie^,. oat the loss should the years business v{o $, . sansfoetory. G. and C. wil atm to »» JiO*J cmfldenco which the public have hUherwi : them, and are determined to gi*e tf o'losetW system a fair fial; whether they Bf' n it °J a g »&' ! lirMt year. Country buyers on remU^g B with order wi.l b> supplied with g°££,i,tWj operativi prices, juet the same as *s^JigiiMl' had made a personal peleotion. *Lastm* 4 S poods, sucli as carpets, floor do 8, »c beddinor, and general house furn """• ur oiT» oitportioa of which is Uvnoi out f ro iB'" !(!lJi: J factory, will l>o mark .-d at Hie ?"^oent-wf L tivo priccc, and a discount oth\opei» p fJ||M be allowed to thow who pay at "_ a.».Xa«fi|gtegWfr' ohaso. flavins real zed.tho cntiro J«oatst^ifcr-j Etock duriap: the lato cash sale, tnej'n JjJflgo |