SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

wtraw watwrJ Thla Evening, Al3 HIGH WAIER^ To . morrowj] (i' orningil , 3S ; UN SET.—This Evening. 5.6 ; UN RISE.—To-Morrow Morning, G. 17 MOON'S AGE.-New Moon, Bth, 5.55 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-ISAY. Bphcmy. sehoonor. Champion, from Norfclte Island

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. R'ngarooma, s.s.. Chatiield, for Russell Wattaki, s.s., Edic, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. London-City of Quebec, loa3ing Sydnoy—Hero, to-morrow eisborue, Southern Ports and Melbourne— PJngarooma. Thursday Tiumnga-Gl Cenclg, Monday; Waitaki, Tuesday Whangaroi—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitaki, Thursday _,*.., Rusaell-lona, evory Monday; Waitaki, Friday Samoar-Nautilus, about May 20th; Cormorant,

to-morrow ~ Lovuka—Southorn Cros6 s.s., nnd Meg Merrilles, brigantino, about Wednesday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

John Bull, barque, from London; sailed Feb-

ruary 10 ~ .... Ift Loch Deo, barque, from London ; sailed Fob. 10. Chile, barque, from London ; March 8 Sam Mendel, ship, from London ; loading Fanienoth, ship, from London, loading Camille, brig, from Now York; sailed UeD. -i Look-Out, brigantino, from Sydnoy Cabarfoldh, barque, from Adelaide Loongaua, barque, from Hobart lown Rjna, schooner, from Dunedin

IMPORTS.

Per Ephemy, from Norfolk Island: ,63 bags sweat potatoes, i oases oranges, 20 cases bananas, 8 tons iron, 1 ton cocoanut llbro, 20 cases Boap, 3 cases biscuits, 3 casks fruit, - che3ts drawers, 13 cases sundries.

Tho P.M, 8.8. City of New York mado tho run from Auckland to Honolulu on her last trip, in 14 days 1 hour. Sho experienced strong easterly and north-easterly* winds and hoavy sea durlu g the passage. Tho s.a. Rlng*rooma will return from Russell to-morrow morning, and will leave again for Melbourne, via E»st Coa3t and Southorn sorts, at noon to-morrow,

alio brigantino Oaniaru arrived at Tauranga from Lyttclton, with breadstulfs, on Monday last. She oomes on to this port after discharging cargo thcro. The sohooner Ephemy arrived to-day from Norfolk Island, via Russell. Her report and passenger lißt wero telegraphed to ua from tho latter port on Monday last.

Tho s.s. Waitaki will arrive about midnight from Tauranpra. Sho loaves for Whangarei to-morrow morning.

The three-masted sehoonor Ocean Ranker, 233 tons, is on the berth at Now York for LyttoV ton and Auckland. She was to sail on April 30th,

Tho brfeanttno Sarah Pile left Lyttolton for Kaipara yesterday.

Tho ship Corialanus, for London, left LytteUon yesterday.

During tho gale last ni«ht the cutter Wanderer dragged her anchor near tho Fui way Wharf, and sho sustained considerable dam»so through bumping.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Taiaroa, s.s., Peterson, for tho South

Tho s.s. Taiaroo sailed South yesterday with the following passengers:—For New Plymouth : Jndjje Richmond and secretary Shora I'or Nelson ; K. Lookrill, Slater Angela, Sister Anstelia, J. I). Johnston, Mrs Richards and child. For Wellington: Mrs Stewart, Miss Hadlo Stowart, Msa Kelly, Messrs Walker, Mcintosh, Maerlandor, C. Robinson, Bandman, Mrs Shannon. For Lyttolton :Mr and Mrs F. T. Burrows. Mr W. Western.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Tauranga, this day. Tho 5... Waitaki arrived from Auckland at 7.30 a.m. to-day, and left again at 11.30 a.m. Russell, thin day. Arrivals: Sophia and l''n:?aroonia It blow hard list night with rain. The- iungarooma sails about 8 p.m.

ISLAND LABOUR TRADE.

Important Judgmgst,

Bub*s v. NOWBLL.—Tbia case, which came I beforo tlio Supremo Court of Appeal at West minster on March 111, turned upon tho contrac tion of the provisions of tlio Kidnapping Act, 1872, and a still larger and far more important quostion as to tho legal liability of oilloors of the navy for acts erroneously, but honestly, and not unreasonably, dono by them in endeavouring to carry out an Act of Parliament. It was an action by a shipowner a^alnßt Lieutenant Nowoll, of Her Majesty's 3hip Sandfly, for allogod impropor seizure and detention ot the plain til Fa vessel and cargo in tho following circumstances:—The glaintilT, a shipowner, carrying on businoss at ydnoy, in Now South Wales, was «ho owner of the brig Aurora. The Aurora, like othor vessels engaged in that trade, was employed among the different islands in collecting tortoiseshell, copra, and othor island produc. and in fishing for a kind of soa-slug called boehe-do-mor. Natives of the island wore genorally employed to assist iv the fishing, and ss soon as a full cargo had bcon secured nnd the natives landed at tho islands where their homes wero, tho vessel returned to Sydney. On November 29, 1871, somo months beforo the passing and pro clamation of the Kidnapping Act, 1572, tho Aurora loft Sydney on o--e of her usual voyages, and proceeded to the Solomon Islands. At tho Islands of Simbo and Gaadalcano, the master of tho Aurora engagtd eleven natives, upon the terms, among othors. that, at the conclusion of tho voyage they Bhould hi landoi at the islands whero they had their homes. Tho Aurora con tinued to be employed until August, 1873, when she made for tho Solomon Islands to disembark the na»lvos, and on August 30 she arrived within faor miles of the Island ot Simbo. whore some of the natives whero to bo landed. Up to this timo no ono on board the Aurora had become aware of the existence of tho Kidnapping Act, 187 J. When about four mileß from Simbo she v/aR hallod by tho Sandfly, ono of Her Majesty's vessels, at that timo under the command of the defendant, and then and there seized 'by the defendant upon a charge of having committed an offence against the Kidnapping Act, 1872. The natives 'fiere removed on board the Sandfly, and tho Aurora taken by tho dofondant to Cleveland Bay, in Queensland, where her cargo was transhipped to anothor vessel and carried to Sydney. The cllloers and crew of tho Aurora having been romovo-1 from on board of her, tho vessel was detail od in Cleveland Bay from October, 1873, till February, 1871. After the cargo had reached Sydney a suit was commenocd in tho v ice- Admiralty Court on the information of tho dofondant, praying that tho cat go might be condemned as forfeited to Her Majesty; but the Court held that it had no j uru-diction to entertain tho suit, Tho plaintiff ultimately obtolnod possaasioa of both his ship and his cargo, and brought his action egales'. the de fendant, claiming damages for their soizuro and detention. It was tried before Lord Coleridsc and a special jury al tho Guildhall in December, • 1378, when his lordship .'eft it to the jury to say whothor at tho timo of seizure and detention the defendant had reasonable ground for suspecting that the Aurora was employed In breaking the Kidnapping Act. 1872. The jury answered this question in the affirmative, and his lordship thorenpon gave judgment for the defendant. The Queen's Bench Division having upheld this j judgment and discharged a lule for a new trial, tho plaintiff app»alort. At the close of tho arguments, the Court took time to consider their Judgment, which was now delivered in favour of the defendant, the oflicer, on tho yroundthat he had noted—though, erroneously—under an honest and reasonable belief that the vessel was engaged in oontcavention of tho Act, though they hold in favour of tho owner and his captain that, in fact, it was not; and it will be seen that aU the throe Lords Justices dc olared that "they thought it a very hard case as regarded the shipowner." Lord Justice Bag gailay delivered the written judgment of tho Court, and In so doing sain that an otlloor should bo considered to have had reasonable grounds for suspicion if at the timo of the nelzuro ho reasonably believed in tho ox istenco of a state of foots which in his honest and formed opinion amounted to the commission of an offence, and that ho was not to bo made liable for the oonsequonoes flowing from an honest discharge of duty. From tho ovidenoo it was clear, and was not in dispute, that tho do fondant believed, and with goood reason, in the existence of a state of facts which, in his opinion, not only authorised him to seize the Aurora, but imposed upon him a duty to do so; and that being the case, tho Court thought ho was fully jusilllod in seizing and detaining the vessel. It was cloar that there would have been no Offence under the Act of 1872, but, then, taking the Act of 1875 as coupled with it, thoy thought that to cany nativo labourers, without lioenco, to bo employed as these were, would bo contrary to tho Act. But tho question would remain whothor they were being carried by tho vessol in contravention of tho Act, and tho Court thought that in tho circumstances they were not. Tho master of the ship in tho circumstan ces took tho only proper course, and tho Court, therefore, camo to tho conclusion that tho carrying the natives in these circumstances was not an offence against the Act, and tha>, conse quently, tho vessel at the time of the seizure was not onKaged in commission of an offenco. The judgment of the Court therefors, proceeded upon this—that the defendant was justified as acting "in pursuance of tho believing, and having reasonable grounds for suspecting, that an offonco against tho act had been committed, andthatlt washiedutytoactus ho did. In coucluslon tho Lord Justico, having delivered this judgment, added that herogarded th's as a vory hard case upon tho plaintiff, the ownor of tho ship, and he would have been glad to see his way to afford him redress. Lord Justice Bramwell and Lord Justice Thesiger both concurred in this decision.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closis ab Uni-ikii :— Tins Day. For Lovukn, per Southern Cross, at 1 p.m, For Altntaki, por Walwora, at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi, Talma, Tauranga, and Opotlkl, por Glcnolg, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 6.30 p.m. Thursday, Cth Instant. For Thames, por Rotomahana, at 9.30 a.m. For Wangaroi Hoods and Wangarcl, per Waitaki, at 7 a.m. For Waiwera, To Kapa, Craigiohurn, and Warkwortb, per Rose Cosoy, at 10 a.m. For Waltara. por Rowona, at 11 a.m. For Gisborno, Napier, Southorn proTlncos, and Australian Colonies, per Rinsarooniu, at 11 a.m. For Tryphonn, per South Carolina, at 1 p.m. Friday, 7th instant. For Walhoko and Coromandel, per Coromandol, at 2.30 p.m. For Wangaroi Heads, and Wangaroi, por Argyle, at 1 r.m. Tuesday. 11th Instant. For Taranaki and Eouthorn provinces, per Hawen, at 8 a m. N.8.-Tho Post-ofllco Savings Bank will be opon for the recolpt of doposita on Saturday, Bth Instant, and overy succeeding Saturday, from G. 30 to 7.15 p.m. S. B. Diss, Chief Postmastor.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

May 5, ISSO,

Eocial Gathering—Working Men's Club, 8 p.m. Skating—Albart Hall, 7.30 p.m. African Wild Boast Show—lo ami. to 10 p.m. Arthur Skctchley's Dr»wlng-rcom outertain ment—Theatre Royal, at 8 p.m.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Sunsoßißßii Onehunga —Any dog found In a publio highway without a registered collar, will subjoct the owner of suoh dog to a floo not exceeding 20s. If tho collar should bo lost, tho owner must give information of such loss, with tho number to tho police, and procure another collar, or bo equally Jiablo, to the penalty expressed in tho Dog Nuisanoo Act.

BIRTH.

DARGAVILLE.—On May 1, at Dargavillo, tho wife of R. A. Dargavillo, of a eon ; still-born.

DEATHS.

BRACKENBURY.-On March 13, at Dorking, Walter Russell Langton, lato H.M. 20th Regiment, only son of Waltor Charles Brackonbury, of Auckland.

HATSWJCLL.-On May 5. at Prlncoi-strcet, Mahol, iufnnt daughtor of J. L. aud E. Hats well; aged sovon months.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1880.

Fjr tho cause that lecia assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance, Aud the zocl that we can d(?»

Sir Julius Vogel's nature is not ono of those that fail through excossivo modesty. If he has not achieved the height of his ambition in England it is through no reluctance to parade his honours and qualifications. His elec tion address was fulsome with references to the position he had held as " loader of the Parliament of .New Zealand," and as a member of the continuous Ministry; and his promises for the future were no less highly, coloured than his pictures of the past. These claims, however, did not pass unquestioned, for in tho series of queries issued as a hand-bill during the election, and published in last night's Star, the hon. gentleman's right to make the Government of this Colony a stalking-horse in furtherance of his pretensions was sharply questioned, and tho electors of Falmouth were warned against trusting to delusive schemes. Whether these cautions wore efficacious in securing the rejec tion of Sir Julius, or tho electors were merely actuated by a disinclination to "put off tho old love," the Agont- General has- been punished for the abuse of his official position. An elec tion contest in England costs no mean sum, and handsome as ,£1,500 a year may be to a man of moderate ideas it will bo rather severely tasked by the venture that has ended so fruitlessly at Falmouth. Sir Julius Vogol has now only to pull down the immigra tion buildings, romove his residence I

back to London, and shako the dust from off his feet, to complete the fiasco. But our Agent-General is not a man easily subdued. Despite ad monitions and threats from his em ployers, we find him presiding at the meeting of the New Zealand Agricul tural Company in London, aud officia ting os its guide, counsellor, and friend. Protests against the danger of allow ing the name of the official represent ative of the colony to bo paraded for the purpose of promoting a j private land speculation are rpiite un- j availing. The promoting business pro-: bably pays better than official life. That, however, is for the holder of the office to consider in making choice which ho shall retain. Land-jobbing and the Agont-Goncralship aro incom patible. It was distinctly understood last session that the Government would require Sir Julius Vogol to resign one office or the other. Why, it may be asked, has not this arrangement been carried out? The Agent-General appears to have become tho master and not the servant of the colony. His posturing is irreconcilable with the decorous discharge of his official duties to this colony,and forjthe preservation of its own dignity and rights tho Govern ment must assert its authority. Thoro aro patriots who find in their country an object not for which to livo and die, but one to be manipu lated and traded upon for the achievement of personal aggrandise ment and gain. his is hardly the the spirit which,as a young and growing nation, we should desire to infuse into our public service, or stamp with marks of approval and reward. And if a model is to be set up for the encourage ment of healthy emulation, let us start with those upper branches of the public servico which may become the marks of a laudable ambition to rising colo nists. That obedience and strict ap plication to official duty which is rigidly enforced among the rank and file of the servants of the Crown, ought to find its best realisation in thoso posts which from their eminence and lucra tivencss are conspicuous, and in which such roasonablc conditions should bo most oasily fulfilled.

Some startling statoments are tele graphed respecting tho voyage of the immigrant ship Caroline, which arrived at Wellington a low days ago Iroin London. Some of the passongors allege that three fires broke out in the steorage,oue of which destroyed throe immigrants' berths and a partition before tho ilames woro extinguished. A. strong colour of probability is givon to tlio allegations of tho passen gers by the order prohibiting visitors from going on board, and clearly it is the duly of tho Govornment to hold a searching inquiry. Masters of vessels aro always anxious to hush up incidents of this character, being afraid of bring ing the ships into popular disfavour, or of injuring their own reputation and chances of preferment. This has been proved in numerous instances, particu larly wlicro disease has broken out on a voyago ; ami thus culpable persons escape tho just punishment for careless ness and incompetence, and a premium is offered for laxity of diciplino and evasion of law. A searching investiga tion followod by prompt punishmont, if justiliod by tho result, are necessary in tho interests of life aud property. The investigation should throw light on tho question, especially of whether the Caroline was properly provided with apparatus for the extinction of fin*, and if not tlio inspecting officer at the pot t of departure ought to Do held re sponsible for his neglect of duty. In formation should also bo elicited as to whether tho crew were regularly or ganised and drilled as a marine lire brigade.

The determination of the Government to withdraw worn coin from circulation iv the colony does not come a moment too soon. It is no stretch of imagination to say that there is now passing current in New Zoalaud a large amount of silver coin which has been shifting from hand to hand since the days of our greatgrandfathers, In (he infancy of the colony, paper money was the circulating medium in all transactions, and coin of any kind was regarded as a curiosity. Tho demand for coin was gradually supplied, but iv the process a very largo quantity which would not pass muster at homo as a legal tender was palmed oil' upon the colony, and having been over 40 years in circulation in those rapid transactions which take place iv the colonies, it has become more aud more atten uated until it is but a vestige of its former self. Much of this worn coiu also found its way out to the colonies in the shape of the hoardings of poor immigrants, who could not, or would uot, avail themselves of hank drafts. In fact the same characteristic that distin guishes tho silver coiu now iv circulation is also found iv the rest of our money. Notwithstanding that the old copper tokens, many of which were grossly mixed with baser alloy, and were circulated as mere business advertisements, have long since been rejected by the public revenue de partments and have been called in by pro clamation, a very large proportion of the copper coinage which passes from hand to hand is not legal tender. Even the uotc3 are not free from objection. Not many years ago one of our foremost judges felt it his duty to comment from the bcueh on the filthy appearance of the paper money iv circulation, His Honor pointing out that they were lit mediums for tho dissemination of diseases. Indifference to the quality of our coin appears to have been more or less apparent throughout the colonies. It is uot so long since the majority of the people, not even excepting ordiuaiy labourers, would spurn the oiler of copper coin in change, and crcn now some shopkeepers of the old school feci it necessary to apologise for offering it. The fact is that in the midst of abundant aud highly paid employment for all classes, the easily acquired wealth of the gold diggings, and the pre valence of general prosperity, wo have never felt the pinch of the shoe as they do at home, and tho old adage which is so well appreciated at home "Take care ot the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves " has been lost sight of by the great mass of colonists, be cause from the higher prices ruliug for all commodities, cur transactions are rarely expressed in the smaller coin. A farthing in ithe colonies is a curiosity, half-pence weie scarce until within the last year or two, and a shopkeeper who is called upon to supply a halfpenuy worth of anything feels insulted. The worst feature, however, in tho circulation of depreciated money iv the colony is the facility which it affords for passing spurious coin. We have reason to believe that a gang of swindlers have been systematically engaged for some time past in buying up the refuse coin of England and the colonies nnd foisting it upon the easy-going Now Zealanders. A general withdrawal of worn coin will put a check upon these chevaHms d' Industrie.

The effects of tho stoppage of subsidies to municipalities will soon be apparent in the form of additional voluntary burdens, if not a poor rate. A telegram from Wellington informs us that the Benevolent Institution of that city have received a memorandum from the City Council intimating that, as the Government has notified its intention of stopping the municipal subsidy after June 30th, the Council will be unable to render any assistance to the Hospital and charitable aid within the city.

Mr J. J. Holland, builder, is the succcs ful tenderer for the new-warehouses of Mr Lamb and Mr Eaton, for the sum ot £1867. A social entertainment of a very agreeable character will be held this evening at the Working Men's Club, consisting of ballads, music, dancing, and refreshments. The Harbour Board decided yesterday afternoon on the motion of its chairman :— "That the Works and Endowment Com mittee be instructed to enquire into aud report upon the practicability of altering the dredge in order to enable dredging operations to bo carried on iv say eighteen feet of water, cost of such alterations not • to exceed £100.

Religion is a paying business in these days. The late Dean of York died early in 'Maroh last worth a round half million, and yet they' are to take neither purse nor scrip !

A cable message in another column, con veys intelligence that the Porte has resolved to dismiss all the English. inspectors of gendarmes. jA paragraph ih the " Home News" states that the Sultan's Government have; determined to resist all its English oflicers, whose services are not indispensible.

The members of the Auckland Ship owners' Association will hold a general meeting to-morrow (Thursday) evening, in the Thames Hotel, for the discussion of important business.

. Mr,.C-ißlomlield commenced his Tonic Sol-"Fa class last eveniug in the Newton Congregational school-room, with an intro ductory lecture ou the " Science aud Prac tice of Music."" Mr John-Ellyett occupied the chair, and spoke on the healthful aud pleasant influences of music and singing. The lecture of Mr Blomfield was listened to by Ja good audience, considering the un favourable weather. The choir satig sevcial hymns, aud the entertainment closed with the National Anthem.

The case of constable A brains, charged with indecent assault on a young girl, named Catherine Macdonald, "formally of the Industrial Home, occupied the whole of yesterday, iv the Police Court. His Worship (Mr Barstow) having heard very natieutly the evidence of the girl and Mr iStickley, master of the Home, expressed his belief that surrounding circumstances were not of a character to admit of sending the accused for trial. There were several witnesses for the defence, but they were not called, aud the case was dismissed.

A meeting was held last evening iv the Newmarket Primitive Methodist chape!, but owing probably to the raiu, the audience was smalt. Addresses were delivered by Key. Joseph Loug and the Rev. J. Dixon, and several of Moody anil Sankcy's hymns were sung by the children.

Auckland is not the only district, iv the British Dominions in which political separa tion is regarded as a means of securing financial justice. Mr Campbell, a member of the Canadian House ot Assembly, has given notice of a motion to the effect that Nova Scotia should withdraw from the Dominion, unless she receive a fair share of the Fishery Award.

Russia is making large additions to her Artillery. An Englishman well acquainted with llerr Krupp's establishment at Essen, states that since the Turco-Rnssian war, Russia has purchased there no fewer thau 700 cannon, nioitly of large calibre.

The following is the latest from the Eng lish papers on the subject of the proposed visit of the Prince of Wales to the Colonies :

— " Tho general election has upset the ar rangements both of tho Queen and the Prince of Wales. The departure of the Queen for the continent lias been delayed a few days, and it is said that the Prince of Wales is waiting tor a favourable opportunity to leave England for Australia. His Royal Highness will not go out in the Osborne, an was stated, but in sonic larger ship—one of Her Majesty's Navy—and lie will, if present arrangements hold good, not only visit Sydney, but Melbourne, and the other principal places of tho Australian continent. The voyage will last a very considerable timo—probably nine or ten months.

It is estimated that in tho course of the next two or I luce years there will bo over 300 voxels engaged in bringing meat from Australia to England, and that the supplies from that source will average S.UOO tons daily.

it is s-iid that the Princess Louise lost a jewel during her recent accident valued at ■■;;'2i),OUU. Some fifteen or twenty persons spent the greater part of the afternoon searching for it in the snow where the accident occurred.

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Wai tnkcrei Highway District was announced to take place at the Thistle Hotel this forenoon, 'to 'consider the quest ion of the formation of a dray road thioii;,'h the district. At tho time appuiutcil, however, the only persons in attendance were the reporters, and after waiting some time they ciuuo to tho conclusion that the matter had hoeu talked over and arraugod previously, and they therefore adjourned.

To tho Editor : .Sir,—Your report of the quantity of rabbit skins exported during the year 1870, viz . 5,354,506, appear 110 doubt to the uninitiated an enormous quantity, but 1 can assure you that one cutter iv] London consumed that quantity during tin: year. In the linn where 1 was there were 12 machine', aud each machine cut from 600 to SOU dozen per day, and I can say there is not a [.article of the rabbit skin but. what is used, and although 1 have only an order for 150,000 dozen, I could dispose of four times that quantity if I had the capital to start with, ami at a considerable profit, There is no trouble whatever in getting the skins. I have just returned from the South, nnd know what I can buy thorn for there. When I left England, in 1859, one pound of coney wool, 11.15. was equal iv value to six pounds of sheep's woo]. The few that are converted into imitation of seal, marten, and sable are, comparatively spenking, a mere nothinz, and aro mostly the silver grey kind. .Should this meet the eye of any gentleman with capital (say £500} that would like to join me, I should he glad to meet him ami communicate to him uioro fully my views.— I am, &c., F. A. LINCOLW.

At a mooting of tho Auckland Hiflc As sociation last evening (Captain Payne pre siding') the following prizes Avon at the recent competition were presented :—Even ing Star Cup, E. Cooper j Dr. Campbell's cup, Mr T. Fairs; Money prizes : —l'irst Match : Allen, £1 5s ;T. Fairs, £1 ; Leigh, IDs. Second Match :E. Cooper, £1 5s ; Woolley, £1 ;T. Fairs, 15s. Third Match :T. Fairs, £1 &■, ; Cooper, £1 ; Skin ner, 15. Aggregate: Cooper, £1 ss; Fairs, £1 ; Skinner, 15s. Mr Shaw, junr., made the highest score for Mr Leek's cup, but as he was only a new member of the Engineer Compuuy, it was undcrstool that the winner of the cup should be an efficient volun teer. The chairman said he would retain the cup Until he had an opportunity of seeing the oonditious subject to which it was presonted. It was agreed that tho next prize firing of the Association take place prior to the annual competition of tho New Zealand liiflo As-socialion.

'1 he half yearly meeting of the Working Mens' Political Association was held last n'ght, but in consequence of the unfavour able state of the weather it was only moderately attended. The President (Mr T. Thwaites) was in the chair, while Mr J. Bramo acted as Secretary pro tern ; aud the minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the treasurer (Mr Bach) prt'Sont?d the balance-sheet, which shewed that the income for the six months had been £18 odd, and the expendi ture a little over £18, leaving a balance iv hand of 8s lOd.The balance-sheet was adop ted. A lengthy and discursive debate ensued on the advisability of changing the name of the Association aud starting afresh upon a new basis. It was eventually agreed to select another name, but afterwards it was discovered that the original designation was (ixed by one of tho rules', the intention to alter which has to bo notilied a month beforehand. As no such notice had been given in this case it was docided to do so at once, convening anothor meeting a month hence to re -organise the Association nnd elect olliccrs.

The Waikato Hotel, East Hamilton, which has recently been opened, is an elegant structure of three stories built on modern principle B, having a very handsome exterior, the internal arrangements being very excellent. Tho bar is spacious and well-fitted up with circular counter, mirrors, &c., connecting with this arc a private bar and bar-piirlour. The hall is very spacious and highly decorated ; to the right is the large diuing-roonv, portion of which has been sub-divided into a private parlor, the division effected by means ot folding doors, which allow of the entire space being utilised when required for balls or dinner parlies. Adjoining the dining-room is the kitchen, woll provided with the best cook ing and culinary appliances. Tlio billiard room is beneath the public hall, and is about 30 feet square, with a concrete lloor, It contains a large size Thurston table ; a better billiard room could not be desired. The public hall is callable of seating several hundred people, and has iv tho past been very well patronised. Ascending the capa cious staircase to the first landing, tho visitor reaches the drawing-room, which boasts of five windows commanding exten sive views of land and river. The commer cial-room opposito is being furnished in a most elaborate manner, aud when complete will be of a most superior character. There arc also two largo bedrooms on this lloor. On the secoud lauding are fourteen bed room';, very lofty and well ventilated, and not to be surpassed ; ou the other landing aro bath-rooms, water-closets, and at the cud of No 3 lauding arc more single bedrooms, The whole of the rooms have bells attached. The Waikato hotel is well situated and is certainly a very handsome structure; the proprietor, Mr S. W. Buck, has had con siderable experience, having been foar years at the "Criterion," Otahuhu, two years at the " Royal," Hamilton E.'iit, and three years at tlio " Duke of Cambridge," Wai kato. Mr Buck is determined to make the " Waikato hotel" the mo3t popular in the district, and already appears to be receiving a large share of patronage,, •

Lovers of the delightful art of skating will be pleased to learn that t-o Albert Hall will be open as a skating rink this evening.

A battalion parade was held iv the Drill shed last evening, but owing to the inclemency of the weather, the muster was not a good one. Major Morrow was in command, while Adjutant Clifton, Lieuten ants Robinson and Mahon, and Sub- Lieutenant Home wore also present. In order that the recruits should receive some necessary tuition to qualify them tor taking part in the expected display on the 24th instant, they were drilled with the rest of the men, and the consequence was a slight hesitancy in their performance of some of thi movements. Considering, however, the rawness of the, recruits the battalion and skirmishing exercises were exe cuted with praiseworthy alacrity and attention to detail. These drills are de cidedly beneficial, and if well observed by the men they should result in the attain ment of a high degree of efficiency by Her Majesty's bitthday,

This morning's "Herald" makes the rather strange statement, that a certain specified personage "cannot speak a word of any language except Hebrew." This is exactly equal to saying that an Englishman speaks Auglo-saxon, and an Italian, Latin; for Hebrew is just as much a dead languago as cither of these. An Englishman uses a tonguo which is descended from Saxon, the Italian one derived from tho old Latin, aud the modern Jew of Palestine one whose ancestor was the Hebrew, in which most of the Old Testament Scriptures were written. But it is certainly incorrect to apply to these modern, and in certain senses corrupted, forms of languago the ancient names. It is surprising how little is generally known respecting language in general and languages iv particular; and the prevailing ignorance is particularly dense in the cascof the tongues of the East.

The Pitt-strcct Wesleyan Debating Society will bo a lively place this evening at a quarter-past 8 o'clock. Mr Win, Cooper appears iv the r6le of apologist for that excellent Biblical character, Jezebel. It appears that the much-abused lady has fascinated the essayist, and won, by her per sonal charms, his advocacy and admiration. Ladies are specially invited to be present to hear the verdict.

The quarterly meeting of the Good Sam aritan Lodge was held last evening in the fide room of the Young Men's Christian Association, when the following members were installed to ollicc by Brother T. Mouldcn, D.G.W.C.T., assisted by Brother Mcldrum, D.G.1.5., and Brother Mclntyrc, D.G.I.M. :—W.C.T., Brother Syms, re elected; W.V.T., Brother Marks; AYS., Brother Dawson, re-elected ; W.F.S., Brother Biggs, re-elected; W.T., Sister Kcllor, re-elected ; W.C., Brother Tole ; W.A-S., Sister J. Lecthani ; W.M., Bro ther M. Gunnel; W.D.M., Sister Slater; W.R.Ii.S, Sister 11. Bushcll; W.L.H.S., Sister J. Bushcll; W.1.G., Brother McEwen ; W.0.G., Brother Nash.

Mr J. Morrison, asphaltcr, has removed his depot to his new premises, Cuatom- House-street west, bctwoen Hobson and Nelson-streets. Mr Morrison is the oldest asphaltcr in Auckland. It was he who first began the enterprise on the footpaths of Auckland, and has been most successful in carrying oat his contracts, and giving satis faction to those who employ him. liis new aud complete arrangements and plant enable him to execute the work speedily and cheaply. I[o takes great care that tho work is done so that it w ill wear, and of the proper thickness, which is of groat importance. Some of the paths put down by him years ago are to-day in splendid condition,

Some graceless follow in Philadelphia played an April fool joke with the Bible used for swearing on at the Central Police Court in (hat city. Ho removed the inside from the covers, and glued in the printed portion of a dictionary. The prank was not discovered until a large number of oaths had been sworn ou the volume. An investi gation is in process with a view to ascer taining how many oaths have been taken since the book was tampered with, It is stated in extenuation of the offence that the Bible was so old that it had almost t unibled to pieces.

To the Editor: Mr,—l have seen letters in the paper against the Prudential Insur anco Society, and I bslievo a great many people have been speaking against it and saying it is unsafe and so ou. Sir, I speak

as Ihnd; my husband was amember of that .society, and he had only paid for about eleven months when he died. I sent the policy to tho society, and after my bciug asked to sign a paper before a magistrate, which I did, the iusurauce money was paid to mo without a word, and I shall find the money very useful. Please put this in your next paper, and oblige, ycurs respectfully, Christina Coupeb.

With the object of providing amusement for tho people at a low rate of admission, Mr V. Doran has orgauissd a variety company which will give a short season of seven night-) iv the Albert Hall, commenc ing ou Saturday next. The company includes vocalists of ability, trapeze per formers, neuro song aud dance artists, while laughable sketches will be introduced into each programme. The price of admission to all parts of the house bus been fixed at Is, and children will be admitted at half-price.

Tho final meeting of creditors in the estate of a debtor named S'.cvcns was held this morning at the Supreme Court when a resolution recommending his discharge was passed.

The nintecnth annua), meeting in con nection with the Home for Lost and Starve ing Dogs was held on .Saturday last at 105 Jermyn-stroct, Col. Btirdott in tho chair. The report stated that during the past year the institution had found homes for upwards of 5/2 SO dogs, being 59S more than in the previous year. New compartments had boon recently made at the home for ad ditional accommodation, ot a cost al together of about £SOO, all of which had been paid for by the balance from last year except £'200.—" Loudon Times."

A number of Irishmen hold commands in the armies botti of Chili and Peru. The chief ollicer of tho Peruvian artillery is a Colonel O'llorgati, and, accordihg to the " Gazette " of Lima, there aro live majors, thirteen captains, and over two score of olliccrs of intoriorgrade,either Irish by birth or descent, lighting in the army of Peru, while the Irish clement iv the victorious forces of the hostile republic is even greater.

Elders Pearce and Sorooscn, Latter Day Saints, have during their sermons here, fre quently enlarged on the temperance habits of the saints in Utah. In one of his ad dresses, Elder Pearco stated that there were several hundreds of towns in Ctah territory, and iv none of them, with the exception of Salt Lake City, wore there any publichotues. He further stated that tho hotels iv Salt Lake City were only for the accomodation of Geutiic travellers. Judging from theap uended extract, these statements arc on a level with many others, made by the Elders during their mission iv Auckland. A tele gram in the " San Fraucisco Call" of April Bth, from Salt Lake says :— The thrco d^ys' session of tho semi-annual Mormon Confer ence closed today, and was unusually well attended. This being the seveuty-lifth an niversary ot the Church, a great deal was said about the growth of tho sect. The Saints were severely lectured for drunken ness, which prevails to an alarming extent in Utah.

The great bag of the season has been made by Mr W. F. lluckland, who shot 27 brace on Saturday and Monday. Mr Uuckland is a first class all round man, good at all kinds of sport The unfortunate sportsmen who travelled all day on Saturday and did not succeed in getting a single bird, will no doubt envy the successful efforts of the abovo mentioned gentleman.

To the Editor : Sir, —I was very glad to sco in your issue of Fri day last that your correspondent J. A. had called attention to tho Fire Insuranco Alliance. Although high dividends aro very pleasant to shareholders, yet they should recollect the old adage to live and let live. The ratepayers aro pretty heavily taxed for the water supply which mainly benefits tho Fire Insuranco, and they therefore reasonably look for a reduc tion rather than an iucrcaso ou the prem iums.—Yours, etc., Parnell.

A horrible tragedy was nearly enacted tho other day at Gibraltar, just when the Hima laya was about to weigh anchor oil the now Mole. In the excitement of the moment a pot dog fell into the water, when a largo octopus rose to the surface and gave chnse, making greedy grabs at it with arms quite two feet long from end to end. When the enemy was about to close on its victim a sailor, fresh from foreign parts, appeared on the scene, and, dragging from his lnuch tattoocd breast a rival pet iv the shape of a marmoset", sent it to the rescue in a baskot. The little creature, half cat and half monkey, must have been acquainted alike with its duties and the English language, for it did not seize the octopus, but, laying bauds on the do;.', was safely hauled up, to the disgust of the enemy and joy of fricuds. Altogether it was ;i pretty piece of byplay, when tender hearts were sobbing adieux to brawn hands waving affectionately from every port hole to the military strains of " Auld Lang Syne."

■" World."

" The Vagabond " says that four sets of judges for colonial beer have been used up at Sydney International. Two men arc in the lunatic asylum, three are hopeless drunkards, and one's paralysed,

CABLE NEWS.

EUROPEAN

|REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.]

Destructive Fire at Hull

LONDON,

April 20.

A destructive fire occurred at Hull, in Canada, causing damage to the amouut of thtce million dollars.

The Right Hon. R. Lowe, who filled successively the offices of Chancellor of the Exchequer aud Home Secretary in the Liberal Cabinet, is to ho raised to the peerage. The Porte is dismissing his English Inspectors of Gendarmes, who were ap pointed during and after the late war. Princess Fredcrioa Sophia Mario of Han over, eldest daughter of H.R.H. Duke of Cambcrland, has been married at Windsor Castle to Hauningtou, her father's secretary. The Royal Family of Hanover and the Prince aud Princess of Wales were not present at the ceremony. It is stated that the revenue of the Indian Government was over-estimated by £3,000,000 for election purposes. The "Standard" believes that the ex clusion of the Radical clement from the new Ministry will render Mr Gladstone's course iv the House of Commons a difficult one. Mcr Majesty hesitated to send lor Mr Gladstone lo form a new administration, but yielded to the persuasions of Lord Ilartington and Earl Granville. LONDON. May 3. Loan & Mercantile Agency's Beporfc. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency report, under date London, 3rd May : —Wool : Competition is decreasing, and quotations arc on an average Id to l^d per lb. lower thau at the opening of sales. The principle decline has been iv cross-bred, medium, and superior ; greasy having de clined lid to 2d per lb. Tho home trade arc purchasing sparingly. There is, how ever, moderate demand on French account; but the German demand is dull. Up to date 114,000 bales have been sold. Mr Bradlaugh's Scruples. LONDON. ' May 4. Mr Bradlaugh, wdio was elected for Northampton during the late elections, having declined to take the oath, a com mittee of the House of Commons has boon appointed to consider whether the same shall be dispensed witb. Stock Market. LONDON. May 4, The 3 per cent, consols aro 09|; the 5 per cent. Now Zealand stock, 10-40 loan, 103 J ; the 5 per cent. New Zealand loan, ISS9, 1074 5 the 4i per cent. New Zealand loan, IS7O to 1904, 994. Adelaide wheat, per 4%'lbs., ex ware house, is 525. The market is quiet. The total stock of tallow in Loudon on the Ist instant was 17.200 casks. Wool Market. LONDON. May 4. At the wool sales to-day, 10.S00 bales were offered, making a total of 128,000 bales catalogued s-iucc the opening. The tone of to-day's auction was quieter aud weaker. -»

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.] MELBOURNE. Tuesday. The formal opening of the Victorian Parliament takes place on the 12th May. Sailed : The Union Co.'s steamship Rotorua for the Bluff.

The Perils of Immigrants.

o. (PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION). WELLINGTON, this day. Tub passengers per ship Caroline, which arrived from London a few days ago, state that the vessel was on lire three times during the voyage. The outbreak each time was iii the steerage, and at night. On one occasion three pasien^crs' berths and the partition were burnt before the con flagration stopped. Since the vessel's arrival in port visitors have been rigidly refused admittance on bo.ird.

Capsize of a Train.

NARROW ESCAPE OF DRIVEKS AND FIREMEN. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) DUNEDIN, this day. The goods train, which left Palmcrston for Dunedin at 9 o'clock Inst night, ran oil the Port line at Pelichet Pay siding, early this morning. The leading engine went over the siding into the water, falling on its side, and pushing some trucks along with it. At high tide they will be partially covered. Four engine drivers aud two firemen escaped with slight bruises only, having jumped off just prior to the engine leaving the rails. The mishap is attributed to the fact of tho points being turned. THE POINTS TAMI'EKED WITH. It appears the points at Pelichet Pay were tampered with. The largo American engine which was iv front of the tram is broken iv two. Several huudrcd pounds' worth of damage is done.

Drowning in the Harbour Inquest.

The Inquest on tho body of James Lee, was held in the Star Hotel, Newton, yesterday afternoon, beforo Dr. Philson coroner and a jury of twelve. Much of the evidence was the samo as given in our report of the accident. Captain Jackson, while in company with several others, saw deceased walking dowu the middle of the wharf. When a little past the Waterman's Slops ho turned to the right aud deliberately walked over the side. Captain Jackson raised the cry of "A man overboard." and a few minutes afterwards assistance was at hand and the man re covered. It was very dark at the time and the decease* might have thought ho was turning on to the adjoining tee. There was a bottle containing about half-a-piut of brandy found in ono of his ]>ockcts, but no smell ot liquor was discernuble about his person. Alexander Lee, eldest son of the deceased, deposed to the sanity of his father. He was not at all melancholy. He saw him on Sunday last in Newton, but did not stop to speak. Deceased was -17 years of age to-day. He had no family trouble?, nor was lie embarrassed in any way financially. Ho was often iv the habit of going on to the wharf, and a-s he was near-sighted might possibly have mistaken the.'turning.—Richard llattersly, Civil En gineer, who worked at the same (Public Works) Office, deposed to his apparent sanity on the previous part of the day. He saw him at 9 a.m., and he then seemed quito sobor, nnd not at all melancholy.— The jury retired, and after considering the fads as disclosed, brought in tbo following verdict, "We are of opinion that deccasoo, James Lee, came by his death by falling over the Queen-street wharf, and being ac cidentally drowned." A rider wos also added to tho cll'ect that a lamp should be erected on the spot where tho accident took place, as two persons had fallen over at the same place.

Arthur Sketchley at the Theatre.

Tun attendance at the Theatre Royal last night was not so large as on the previous evening. The programme was the Fame, opening with several selections of music by the orchestra, and the comedy, in three acts, of "Love's Duel," a piece of some merit and a few sparkling witticisms. The comedy was fairly represented by the Misses Wilton and Duke, and Messrs Steele, liaygarlh, O'Brien, and another. Miss Wilton's and Mr Steele's acting gave zest and spirit to an otherwise dull comedy. Mr Arthur Skctchley took his chair at a quarter past nine, and related Mis Brown's visit to the Victoria Theatre, in a highly humouious manner, which excited the laughter of persons who had been acquainted with the localities of Mrs Brown's adventures. The reciter is a humorist of a school which is now nearly extinct, including such memor able names as Jerrold, a-Bcckct, Hood, aud others in connection with the childhood oi the immortal " Punch." The sketch was true to nature, and though perhaps slightly exaggerated, a very faithful delineation of a character still to be found in the lower strata of ljondou life. The description of the old theatre in the IMew Cut, where many a bright star first glimmered iv partial obscurity, was admirable.

Mr Skctchley will repent his entertain ment this evening, and Messrs Steele, O'Brien, and liaygarlh will appear iv a new comedy. Mr Skctchley has made a great improvement iv his reading by dis pensing with his reading lamps.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) RUSSELL, this day. Tho Bank of New Zealand are having more commodious buildings erected both at Russell and Kawakawa. , NAPIER, this day. . GAME LAWS. Samuel Laird being found guilty of shoot" iilg a hen pheasant the day before the season commenced, was fined £2 and costs. Shaw, charged with embezzling corporation money, has been remanded till Wednesday. The charge of attempting to burn down Govern ment Buildings is now proceeding. ♦ ' UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] MARTON, this day. RANGITIKEI ELECTION. At the nomination to-day the show of hands was as follows :—Sir W. Fox, 30 ; Mr D. Eraser, 2:5 ;Mr H. Lyon, 27. A poll was demanded by the latter. The election takes place on Saturday next. NEW PLYMOUTH, Tuesday. Tho Government schools at Bell Block have had to be closed, owing to the Maori itch having mado its appearance amongst the children. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. At the Magistrate's Court, George Wil liams, for stealing a hoise and cart, the pro perty of Mr Thomas Ilillias, was committed for trial. His Excellency leaves for Napier to-mor row. This day. DEPRECIATED SILVER COINS. At a Cabinet meeting yesterday the degradation of tho silver coiuage of the colony by wear was considered, aud it was decided to take advantage of the facilities afforded by the Imperial Government for withdrawing worn coin from circulation. At the Supremo Court the case of Fake v. the Corporation is being heard. The action is a claim of £200 (damages), for in juries sustained through the alleged negli gence of the defendants. HOKITIKA, Tuesday. The Bailway Commissioners arrived here on Sunday by special coach from Canter bury. They sat till 10 o'clock this morning. It has transpired from the evidence given by Ulr Mueller, Chief Surveyor, that a new route over tho Witcombe Pass has been discovered, which is about 25 miles shorter than any route yet known between the East and West Coasts. NELSON, Monday, There is a great deal of excitement pre vailing in town, consequent on a rumour to the effect that the Government have resol ved that no fresh contracts will be accepted for railways in the colony. There are a large number of unemployed who have boon looking forward to obtaining work on the trunk railway line on the Bast Coast, and no tenders being accepted, and their mean? ' being expended, a feeling of great uneasi ness prevails, CHRISTGHURCH, Tuesday. The following additional weights have been declared for the grand National Han dicap ; llard Times, list. ; Thilo, 10si. 7lbs. ; Swindler, lOst Gibs. ; Harkaway, 10st. 51bs. ; Mickey Free, lOst. ; Ada, lOst. ; Little John, lOst. There are, alto gether, 22 horses. CHURCH OF ENGLAND SYNOD. This day. ; The Church of England Synod concluded the sessions last night. Amongst recent additions, the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory Buildings are to be lit with gasoline, the insurance agents object ing to the use of the present kerosene lamps. Boyd and Kerr aro the successful tenderers for additions to the factory, which will cost £100. A fire at Waimate yesterday destroyed a four-roomed house, belonging to a person named Manchester. The children had a very narrow escape. Cause of fire un known. Building is insured for a small sum. At an inquest held on the burning of five sacks of grain at Loeston, the jury decided that there was not sufficient evi dence to provo how the fire originated. DUNEDIN, Tuesday. During April 244 persons arrived at Port Duncdin, while 372 left. James Rogers, in the employ of D. McKcllar, Tapanui, was found dead on the ranges on Sunday, with part of his skull blown away. lie was out rabbiting, and is supposed to have accidentally shot him self. On Friday the Foresters are going to erect a monument to the murdered Dewar family. Judi>c .Williams has left to attend tho Court of appeal. The City Council has declined to establish Fire Police.

Operations on Waimate.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

(I'ER UNITED TUESS ASSOCIATION).

HAWEBA, this day. Both Constabulary camps have been re uiovd within tho limits of To Whiti's terri tory, and men arc working, without opposi tion from the natives.

Meeting of Grain Merchants

TIIE following report of a meeting held on Monday afternoon was too late for public ation in that evening's issue of the Star, and was crowded out of Tuesday's issue by the mail news.

A meeting of Auckland grain merchants wos held at 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon at the Mart of Messrs Tonks and Carr, Queen-street, for the purpose of considering the present weight ot the bushel of maize as sold in Auckland. Present: Messra 13. Tonks, G. Sibbin, Jakins, Coupland, Stead man, Harper, Patteeon, Symon, and Carr. Mr Tonks was elected chairman, aud explained the business of the meeting. He said : Gentlemen, I suppose you are aware of the object of the meeting. Several gentlemeu have spoken to me with respect to the weight of the standard bushel of maize. I believe lam correct in stating that Auckland is the only town in the Aus tralasian Colouies where thecuslom ofsclling maize at GOlbs. to tho bushel is maintained. I know that iv Sydney and Melbourne aud other towns in New Zealand the standard bushel of maizo if 561bs. Some of our fiends knew it to their cost lately from their invoices. It was thought advisable that instead of keeping up isolated action, ono mcrehantiselliug at 56'lbs. and auother at GOlbs., that we should have a united meeting of the trade and decide upon somo course as a body. Mr. Hurst will fall in with any decision that may be come to to-day,also Mr Symons and Mr Belcher. It is now, gentlemen, for you to consider what action you wish to take iv the matter. I should like, however, to remark that if we met occasionally to discuss questions of this character, which.are constantly cropping up, and on which we take isolated action, I need hardly mention gentlemen that auy course you decide upon to-day we, as large wholesale dealers, will be happy to fall iv With. * > Mr. Stcadman : Auckland is the only city of any importance iv tho Australasiau Colonies where such ineotings arc not regularly held. Mr Jakins— I think that tho reason for calling this meeting should be recorded. It is only within the last month that the weight has been altered. So long as Sydney and Melbourne sold at GOlbs of maize to the bushel wo were content to sell at the same, but as the weight has now beeu reduced in Uc other colonies, to 561 hs, it is only right that we should follow suit. In fact we can.uot help ourselves. I havo great pleasure iv moving that tho weight per bushel of whole mn'zc bo 561bs. aud of crushed 50ibs. lam only sorry that while we arc about it we do not adopt the central system, which would be far moro convenient than the existing plan. I think I shall be supported iv advocating that tho weight per bushel ot crushed maize be 501bs Hitherto it has been 56lbs, and of whole maize GOlbs. The English mode iv all these things is to take the measure at strike. I believe they fix tho price at strike measure for even grass seeds as well as corn. Mr Stcadman : It would be very advan tageous to adopt the central system, and 1 bdievc if the matter were proporly repre sented it would be adopted throughout the colony. Mr Sibbin : I think it would be better to postpone that question for the present. The motion wi.s seconded, aud unani mously agreed to. Mr Tonks undertook, on behalf of his firm, to insert an advertisement announcing the alteration in the bushel weight, and ou the motion of Mr Coupland, seconded by Mr Sibbin, a vote of thanks was passed to the firm. Tho meeting then ended.

Resources of New Zealand.

WAIKATO DISTRICT,

By Key. Joseph Beery,

The lie v. Joseph Berry is writing several articles on New Zealand in the English papers. The following bears the heading at the top of this article :— I remained in Auckland but a very few days after landing, and then proceeded by * rail to visit the famous Waikato District to ascertain by actual inspection the con' dition of the settlers there, and prospects" for more. This district begins about 100 miles south of Auckland, and was confis. 1 cated from the natives after the war 15 years ago. With the natives it was long a favourite spot. Here they lived in peace and prosperity. Mission stations witb churches and schools were established in various romantic parts of the district; the natives grew and sent down to Auckland many thousand bushels of wheat per year and the ruins of several good Hour milk attest that not a little was retained for their own consumption. But all this be longs to the past. The natives have gone" and the stations are iv ruins. Fifteen years ago the district began to be peopled by Europeans, and now from the Thames valley across to Raglan, and from New" castle to Matama'a, a block of land, speak ing roughly, about 100 mile 3 square is more or Ices occupied- by European eettlets A very pleasant ride by rail, occupying from Auckland about six hours,set us down in the heart of the district. During the first hour of our journey we passed through a wellsettled district, where farm touchedf arm for about twenty miles, much as in the old country, the chief diilcrence being that the farms generally were larger thau in Eng. laud, and belonged in nearly every case to the occupiers. Many of these bought their land twenty or thirty years ago at 20s to 40s per acre, and have lived to see it worth ai many pounds. Thcae settlers surround a city population of 30,000 people. Their roads are as good, and railway accommoda tion as convenient as in tho old country and a good aud certain market for their pro dace is close at hand. As I looked upon" their fruitful orchards and rich meadows and gathered from the Auckland market report that their returns per acre could not be much less than thoso of the farmers at home, I could not help contrasting their position with that of those they left behind. Luxuriating in a delicious climate, rent free, and almost untaxed, their life is com paratively free from care. The only serious drawback to thoir position that I could note arises from the dearness and scarcity of domestic servants and good farm labonrera. The general untidiness of gardens and hedges strikes every visitor from the old country, and is one of the most marked re. suits of this drawback. Not unfrequently too, the elegance aud refinement of the home is sacrificed to the same cause. The next eighty miles of the journey led through a country of very varied quality. Now we passed through land heavily tim". bered, with tiny homesteads in picturesque clearings. This sort of land is usually taken up in small blocks, the owners cuttinw np their trees for fencing and firewood which they sell, clearing their land at the same time. Many of these settlers have evidently prospered, but the life is only adapted to very strong men. Then we passed through many miles of very poor land, where the natural vegetation is short and stunted, and the soil is of such a quality that no crops could be hoped for without much manure and labour. This is wholly unoccupied, and looks a dreary waste of rushes and fern. The intending settler who hasheard so much of the fertile hills and rich plains of the Waikato, has his faith sorely tested as he passes through this desolate tract of conn try. When once we reached the Waikato District we found ourselves in the midst of a people who enjoyed an average prosperity very rarely seen. Every one with whom I. conversed seemed to think that ho had found his way to the very best part of the world. There arc five or six villages in the district, with a population in each varying from two to six hundred. These New Zealand villages are much alike, and consist mainly of two or three banks, a dozen good stores, three or four hotels, with blacksmiths and carpen ters' shops, aud labourers' cottages. In erery one there are two or three churches, and at least one school. Mo3t of the cottages arc on acre sections and belong to the occupier. Frobably not one farmer in twenty rents his farm—all are owner?. The result of this is a good deal of inde pendence and freedom from care, but it is not wholly beneficial. With many settlers laud buying becomes a mania : they never seem to have enough. Many a man with a freehold of 500 to 1,000 acres mortgages heavily to buy a large tract of land, and burdens himself with more property than ho has capital or labour to work. There are 'not a few bankruptcies among New Zealand farmers at present, and nearly all arise from this cause.

Tho soil in this district is very fertile. One settler, whom I could name, lately se cured twenty-one tons of potatoes to the acre ; another had turnips last year weigh ing from SOlbs. to 42lbs each, "withouta pinch of manure," and carrots weighing from 71b'. to lOlbs. are not at 'all uncommon. There ,is not much corn grown in this part of New Zealand because of the scarcity of labour, but very good crops can bo realised. I drove through a field from which the owner grew, without manure, 39 bushels of wheat to the acre, which ho sold at 6s per bushel What would the distressed English farmer say to the return of £12 per acre, with so little labour, frem land which was purchased at, fay, £5 per acre ? In this ca»3," too, grass and clover were sown with the wheat, aud the field, which has not been touched since the wheat was reaped,ia in rich'pasture now. I may add that ill the same field I saw a mob of two or three huudrcd Here ford cattle, which competent judges say could not be easily surpassed in Hereford shire itself.

The rapidity of growth in this country is very extraordinary. I have seen several orchards this week in full bearing, that were planted within five years. Within a stone's throw of the spot where I now write are scores of trees, from 15 to 30 feet high, which have been raised from seed in iiye years. Two days ago I saw three pines in a friend's garden, in height varying from 65 to 70 feet, and 11 feet in circum ference round tho trunk, which were planted 14 yea-s ago. From the mildness of the winter there is growth nearly all the year round, hence this result. The deputation from tbo Lincolnshire farmers have accompanied mc this week. In their desire to elicit information they have asked the question again and again, " Would you like to go back to the old country to live?" I hare only heard one answer, and it has been, "We should like to sec England again, but have no desire to live there." A settler here drove us round in his buggy and pair, who came into the district nine years ago with less than £200, and now farms moro than 2COO acres of his own. This is probably a case of more than average prosperity, but the average hero must bo high indeed. I havo scon this week, within 30 miles of the place where I write, dozens of freehold farms varying from 100 to 500 acres, with comfortable homesteads, whose owners within twelve years were farm labourers. One of ray present host's waggoners has been ont four years, and has more than £200 lent on interest at 10 per cent. As we drove along this week we gave two men a ride, who were on their way to look at a job of clear ing that had been offered tlietu. On questioning them I found that both wero Danes, and had landed in Auckland a week ago. One told me that ho had been oat in New Zealand for four years, nnd had saved during that time about £300 by labouring, principally hedging and ditching. "With that he had returned to Denmark to visit his mother, and to bring back his brother and sister. It was his brother who accom panied him now. " Could you have saved £300 in your own country in a lifetime?" I asked. " Perhaps," was his answer, " but certainly uot in less." "Did younofc try to persuade your countrymen to come back with you?" I aeked again. "No,' ho answered shrewdly, "I shall never per suade anybody, for they would all expect to do as well as 1 have done without being fit for it, or without working as hard." The Dane was probably right. To attempt to persuade people to emigrate is to incur too much responsibility; but our toiling and hard-pressed countrymen ought to know such fact* as these.

Moreover, in order to attain such pros perity as is indicated above, health, cnenyr, aud fitness for rough, hard work are indis pensable. With these success is as certain as anything earthly can be ; without these defeat and failure are almost equally cer taiu. I am very much afraid that many of the thousands who arc hurryiug to New Zealand at present arc candidates for de feat. Yet here, within a few miles of the place where I now write, are millions or acres of fruitful land lying waste tor waut of people to cultivate ft. A better climate than this cannot he, and the Auckland mar kers within six hours by rail. The money paid by the English farmer in rent and taxes, in two years, would purchase the best land here, and give him the luxury of cultivating his own soil, and there is hardly a religious or educational advantage which he now

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5. 1880.



\ TEW MILLINERY, NEW BONNETS AND HATS. LATEST FASHIONS FROM PARIS. Alsp, in COSTUMES. JACKETS and MANTLES. W. RATTRAY will hold a GRAND SHOWj Of very Choice an&Faehionablo Autumn and Winter Goods ON MONDAY, THE -sth APRIL, Tho attention of the Ladies is specially invited to this intended Display of New and FaSbioaablo GOODS. W. R A T T R A V, 6(5, QUBEN-BTHBBT Opposite liaak of New Zealand)



Special Advertisements. /^ARLICK & If ANWELL ; Dbsibb to Draw Public Attention TO THEIR 1 SPECIAL TOB T INES! PECIAL 008 JUINES 1 We have the pleasure to Inform our Customers we have been able to Purchase a Consign ment of 72 Pieces of Best Double Ware American Sheeting at a Great Reduction. They were shipped to a Southorn port, but the depression in trade there induced the consignees to place them on this market. We shall now Sell ONE-HALF of them at a Very Small Advance, to clear quickly, ana at Prices LOWER than wo could import them at, they being worth 25 per cent more , now than when this lot loft America. The Quick Sale this " mako" has mot with .! hitherto is a proof of Its durability. > JOB DOUBLE WARP AMERICAN SHEETING. 12 pieces 72 inch JA> 12 „ 81 „ 1/8 19 00 I/10 : 6 ',; 90 ;, Twill 1/10 ;i JOB-50 Toilet Quilts for single beds, at, 5/- JOB—2O double beds, at 0, b JOB-9/1 Blankets, O'G per pair JOB-11/i ~ ia'6 por pair JOB-Printed Wool Tablo Cloth, 2yds. wide, o/G JOB—All-wool Damaßk, 3,6 per yard JOB—White Curtains, 3/G por pair. Co-operative Reduced Cash Prices j , — , — —■ DRESSES— JOB-20 pieces Fancy Twilled Dress Material,-/71 j JOB-10 pieces Seasonable Pompadour ditto, \ -I9h, -/Hi. and 1/3 Thoso aro Half-price. JOB—Dressed Oxford Shirts, 3/G; worth 6/6 JOB-30 pairs Strong Twood Trousers, 12,6 JOB—Men's Tweed Suits, at 25/- and 30/- JOB— „ ~ Ulsters, at 22/G JOB- Waterproof Coats, at 10/- GARLICK & CBANWELL. CARPETS— JOB-Bost 7/- Brussels for 4/11 JOB—Few Rollc, at i/9 and 5/11 JOB—Few Rolls Tapo3try, at 2/11 JOB—Some Remnants at Half-prico. i We shall Sell TWENTY ROLLS at above Prioes—subject to 5 per cent, discount, as on oil Furnishing Goods. GARLICK & CR AN WELL. & riKANWELL, CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE, QUEBK-STEBET & LOKNH-BTREET, AUCKLAND. HpHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S GARMENTS FOR MEN'S1- AND BOYS' WEAR Fit Better :: Are better Cut Look Better :: Are Brttkh Made Weak Better :: AreßetterShrunk ■ And therefore give moro satisfaction than any I other goods olforod to tho public . Testified to by thoir Thousands of Customers 1 who purohaao constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Wellington IXTEROAMIH NKX.SON OAMARU WAITOiNUI Timaru New Plymouxu ASIIDURTON NAriER ; Lyttelton Thames Christohurch Auckland • A Single garment at Wholesale Price. N B. Our Now Wintor Manufactures aro now Ready. *a. "TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT. Shirts, Hats and Hobiery of overy descrip tion at Wholesale Prices. AUC XL A N~D B RANCH. Queen-streot (opposito Thoatro Royal). 3. FMZSIMONS, Manager.



A UCKLAND CLOTHING FACTORY. LOCAL IJNDUSTRY. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. J. B. RoniNSOS has tho honour to an nounce that ho ha 3 secured the sorvices of an ominent fashionable Cutter from Sydney, and a competent staff of Tailors, and has mado extensive pre parations for tho manufacture of colonial clotiis; and Is now in a. position to supply Men's, Youths's and Boy's Suits made to measure, at Eng lish slop prtco3 on tho shortost notice. Suits mado to order on twelvo hours' notico. Colonial Tweed Trousers, mado to measure at 13s Gd, on six hours' notico. All Twocds guaranteed wo'l shrunk. As it Is intended to dovoto tho whole of tho resources of tho Establishment solely to tho manufacture of Men's Youths' and Boy's Clothing, the proeent Stock of Koady-inade Goods will bo sold at prime coiT, to mnko room for thoso of our own manufacture. J. B. ROBIN SO N, AUCKLAND (CLOTHING TfiACTORY, QUEEN-STREET (Two doors below B. Tonk's Auction Mart). tTIHISLIXUM. 100 DOZEN 2-BUTTON KID GLOVES (Quito sonndl, Only Is lid per pair. A LargejStock of FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY, COSTUMES, PINAFORES, DRESS GOODS, &c, &c. To bo Sold at Nott Cash, for a Short Timo only. DRESSMAKING ON THE PREMISES. Costumeslmade In 21 hours' notice. A. LINA BU R V & CO., 201 Aim 206. QUEEN-STREET ATOTIOEI TO'OTICEI NEW DRAPERY. NEW CLOTHING. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Bog to announce that their NEW STOCK for tho incoming Soason's Trade is Now to Hand, comprising— New Materials in Fanoy Dress Goods, very cheap Satin Cloths, Serges. Rons Cashmeres, Fronch Morlnos, &c., now ohados Waterproof Tweeds and Ulster Cloths Ladies and Matds' Jaokets, a choice assort ment New Fancy Woollen Goods in great variety Ladies' aud Maids' Ulsters, all quito now i i Hosiery in variety, &c. Also, A Largo Stock of Flannols, various makers, and unusual good valuo Blankots, all sizes, white and coloured Winceys, Wool Plaids, Shirtings, &c. A Vory Choice Assortment of NEW CLOTHING FOR BOYS AND MEN. Overcoats and Ulsters Boys' and Youths' ditto ditto Crimean Shirts, Oxford Shins, White Shirts Undor-Flannols, L.W. Shirts and Pants Printed and Whito Moleskin Trousers for Boys and Men Ilatß, Caps, &c. A Henvy Stock of Good Tweeds Cheap Tweed for Boys' wear, Blue Serge, Moleskins, &c. t& Five per oent. dlscount'ds In tho &) al- - lowed upon a'l Cash Purchasers of 20a anil upwards.! RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN. i Drapers and Clothieiw, ] Opposito tho Army and Navy Hotel, Upper. i Queen-street. Auckland. l



Special Advertismenta IV|" I YLNE & pHOYCE Are NOW SHOWING their AITTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, I wilier 1 will be found to be Stylish, of Good Quality, and Very Moderate in Price. MILLINERY—tho Latest Parisian Styles HATS in Beaver, Felt, Straw, &o. Seal Tumians, Keal and Imitation, in Ladies and Children's FLOWERS, FKATHERS, HEAD-DRESSES JACKETS and MANTLES, in Black and Coloured Cloth, Silk, &c. Fur-Lined Cloaks, Ulsters Hosiery (both Ladles' and Children's) In Silk, Lisle, Merino, Cashmere, and Cotton GLOVES, in Kid. Cloth, Taffeta, &c. UndresßOd Kid ditto, 2 and 1 button. r .An Immense Stock of DRESS MATERIALS, !; in every style and texture, with Trimmings ', to match All tho Prioes in Black Silks (just to hand in our usual favourite makes) marked very low Indies' and Children's Costumes in great variety I Special attention is drawn to the BABY LINEN and Children's and Ladies' UN D KR ' CLOTHING Department, every possible re quirement in which will bo fully supplied Boys' Knickerbockers, Ulsters, Hosiery, Hats, A Complete Assortment of Calicos, Flannels, Blankets, Linens, So. Dress and Mantle-making concluded on the premises Fiye yer Cent Discount allowed for Cash. SmILNE & CHOYCE, AUCKLAND. if\ N SALE, Koarsloy*s Combined Roapors and Mowor Mangold and Turnip Drills Turnip Slloora Oilcabo Breakors Wlanowlnp; Machinoa Lawn Mowors. Also, TO ARRIVE, PER ' INGLEWOOD,' Coulter's Corn, Mangold, Turnip, and Manure Drills, combined And Ploughs, doublo and single Harrows Rollers &C. &c. «c ho abovo'goods aro Importod'fdlrcct from tho manufacturers, and will bo sold choap to mako room for further shipuionts. W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Uueon-Htroot. — ' J. COSGRAVE £ CO., HaviiK/ IVoiiml-iip their SEV ERAC BRANCHES in yew Zealand, and llcmovcil the Goods to Auckland, have resolved to CLE Alt THEM OUT REGARDLESS OF COST. Cold oxtremltios'urguo dofeclivo circulation of tho blood. If this life-giving current courses, a i it should, through the "natural alleys of tho body," it shonld impart an even temperature to all its constituent parts. To start tho blood into notion, to sond it bounding through Its arterial avenues, sonio diflusivo stimulant should bo used—something that would give it a gontlo im petus and act m a molivo-powor. In the cata logue of such agents Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps stands highest.