SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mem vv ATifitJ ™3 Evening, 9.1G HIGH \> Al£U] To . morrow Morning, 9,15 BUN SET.—This Evening, 6.53 BUN RISK.—To-Morrow Morning, 5.3 i MOON'S AGE.-First Quarter, IStb, 3.25 p.m,

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Kina.s.s., McKenzie, frani Waipu TOD At. lona, s.s., Farqulmr, from Ru«sell Glenelg. s.h., Stephenson, From Tauranga Energy, schooner, Savory, from Levukn.

DEPARTURES.

LAST EYEJfIXG. Argyle. b.s., Crawford, for Whangared

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Melbourne, via South,—Rotoraahann, Thursday London-Fernglen, loading Tuuranga—Glenelg, Monday For New Plymouth and Southern Ports —

Wellington, Wednesday For Hussell—lona, Monday • Hawea. Friday For Tauranga and Southern Ports — Hawea,

Monday Whangarei—Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays ; Anne Milbank, Mondays and Thursdays.

VESSELS EXPECTED. Bi3marck, H.1.G.M.5., from Samoa Earl Granville, ship, from London ; sailed No vember 29 Agate, barque, from New York; sailed Septem ber 23rd Elinor Vernon, barque, from New York; Bailed 10th November Stra:athro. ship, from London ; sailed Not. 27 Trevelyan. ship (V.N.H.S.), from London ;load-

inpr. City of Quebec, barque, from London. Elniirancia. barqno, from New York Camille, brig, from New York Mercia barque, from London ; sailed Dec. 30 Agnes Donald, schooner, from Levuka Melle Brandon, schooner from Line Islands Is'and Lily, brigantine, from Chatham Islands Active, brigantine, from Sydney Myrtle, brigantine, from Tonga Griffin, schooner, from New Caledonia Pirate, schooner, from Tnhiti Coronet, schooner, from Marshall Group Ethel, brigantine, from Wellington Energy, schooner, from Levuka Fiery Cros3, schooner, from Oamaru Syren, brig, from Sydney; loading Tubal Cain, schooner, from Levuka vvaiwera, schooner, from Austral Islands Stag, barque, from Adelaide Ovalau, schcor.er. from Samoa

IMPORTS.

Per Emrgr from Levuka :-GIO sacks maize, 25 tons furniture, 105 mats sugar, 2.000 pineapplea 4,000 cocoanuta.

Inwards Coastwise.—Tee from Sandspit with 11 head cattle: Morcing Light, from Cab- DflRO Bay, with 430 feet shits' timber; Janet from Whanararei. with SOO bushels lime ; Reward from Whangarei with 67 tons coal.

Outwahds Coastwisic.—Telegraph for Rus sell, with 71 half-chests tea and 17 cases wine. Paku for Tairua; Leo for Sandepit; Morning Light lor Tairua.

The bi igantine Aratapu was to leave LTttelton for Kaipara last evening.

The echooner Atalanta left Timaru for this port on tha 6th instant.

The s.s. Hawea will return from Russall to-morrow morning. She leaves again for Tau ranga, Hast Coast, and Southern ports, on Monday afternoon.

The s.s. lona arrived this morning from Rus sell and Northern ports with passengers and tho follov ing cargo:—22o sacks kauri gum, 4 baas hides, 4 tins and 1 keg honey. She returns to the same ports on Monday next.

The ship British Umpire will be berthed alongside the Queen-Btreet Wharf on Monday next.

The three-masted schooner Falcon entered out at the Custom? to-day for Punafati, one of the South Sea Inlands.

Ths topsail schooner Gael having discharged her cargo, was taken into the graving dock to day ia or Jer to have her bottom cleaned, &c.

The brigantine Oamaru cleared at tho Customs to-day for Newcastle in ballast. She will sail with the first favourable change of wind.

The schooner Transit entered out at the Customs to-day for Taihiti.

The brigantine Borealis takes, to Levuka, a fine looking seven ton yacht, built to the order of Mr Bruce, of that place, by Messrs Hewson and Melville, Mechanics Bay. Her dimensions are: Length, 27 feet; beam, 8 feet; depth. 3 feet 6 inches.

The a p. Glenels arrived to-day from Tauranga with 250 hides, 500 ahoepsking, 25 sacks maize, 5 cnaks tallow, 40 packagss furniture, 20 cases photographic apparatus. Passengers:—Mr and Alra Thomas Morrin, Mr and Mrs McCosh Clark, Mr and Mrs L. D. Nathan. Mrs David Nathan, Mr and Mrs Stevenson, Mr and Mrs Spencer, Mre and Miss Ellis, Mrs Warner, Mrs McLellan. Mrs Hiorns, Miss Dobio, Mr Goldio and son. Captain Allen ; Messrs Corbett, White, Vickery, Gilcbrist. Chatfleld, Fisher, Cameron, Whitaker, Hil', McLellan, and two in the Bteer age. The steamer returns on Monday next.

ARRIVAL OF THE ENERGY.

The schooner Energy arrived from Levuka tbis'afternoon after an absence ot about seven months. She brought a cargo of sugar, maize, &c, and a number of passengers. 'We are in debted to Captain Savory for tho following report:—Left Auckland for Levuka August 18, 1879 • arrived after a floe passage of 8 days; was then chartered to proceed to New Hebrides for labour. After a three months' cruise secured 103 labourers ; then returned to Levuka and loaaded for Auckland.leavinc; on the Ith inst., making the passage in 10 days. Heavy easterly ■weather all the passage. Passenger* : Miss Gordon, Capt. Frost, Jenkings, and Hall.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. The as. Hawea arrived here from Auckland Bt^K"S.Xorth'fl-.na I*o. Arrrived: Hlsinore and Hawoa. The Hawea sails at 4pin., with the following passengers-Messrs Keala, Shera, Jorrissen and others.

Whangarbi, this day.

Tlie paadle-steamer Annie Milbank left for Auckland at 10.20 a.m. to-day. The Argyle arrived from Auckland at 9.30 a.m.

Napier, this day. Tlies.p. Ringarooma arrived at the Spit from Gisborne at 5 v.m. to day.

Port Chalmers, this day. WOOL SHIP FOR LONDON.

SaUod: Tho New Zealand Shipping Company s wknaanni. with 9 passengers and 5635 bales wool valued at £100,700, and other car«o ot the St*l value of £120,710. Sho will loave for London to-day.

COMMERCIAL.

Bvexinq Stab Office, Saturday. Mr R Arthur reports of hia weekly general nale as follow™-. Fowls, la 8d to 2s 3d; turkeys, iq3dto3s 6d • maize, 2s 6d to 3s 61; oats, aa , bran, 4s 3d to 5,; flour. £12 to £15; cheese 2d to 24d; butter, 3d to BJd; bacon, 4d to 811; bams, 3dto lid; apples, lid to 2}d; peara, l|to2d ; tiluins 4Jd to sd; peaches, Ud to per id., V6M^ G'e^'sfbbmreports.r-Potatoes. fto « American bacon, medium quality, 7d, by the cose.

A young man named Vincent, deaf and dumb, and a glaas-stainer by calling, arrived in Auckland flome time ago, in the expecta tion of finding his brother, a telegraph clerk, but having failed in finding him, is reduced to distress. He is desirous ol going to byd nev on Tuesday- next, where there is a Deaf and Dumb Institution, and where he coula find employment. The case Is genuine, and His Worship the Mayor, Messrs Nathan & Co and others have subscribed towards.the expense of his passage. Any contribution towards the aanie will be received at this office on Monday next.

To visitors or intending visitors to W/m ---franui, the following advice—unlike that of doctors and lawyers-given gratis, to keep their eyes, as the Yankee would say " skinned " wlien on a visit to Wanganm jnav he useful, says a local paper, as the folio-win" tale of facts will sufficiently iluus trate :—Two black legs, one from Auckland and the other from Wanganui, sat down to siiav " Yankee grab " in a hotel in a town tUia Bide ot Cooks Strait. Tbey played heavily, and about a couple of hours after they commenced one was completely cleaned rut having lost over £100. The winner as he "-ot up, said " I say B you used oluTfalM die !" " Indeed I didn't,; was the reply "On ! J'cs you dld/ exclaimed the winner, "I soon spotted your little so I "ot out three, and of course skinned. Yourreabig rogue, B , hut I'm a much bigger one. Here's a couple of pounds to get you back to town ! Ta-ta, B 1' and the sconudrcl was off. The facts of the case are in the main correct.

Henry V 111,.'. after the death of Jane Seymour, had some difficulty to get another wife His first offer was to the Duchess of Milan, bfifrher answer was, "She had but one head; it she had two, one should have been at his service."

" Your horse has a tremendous long bit," said a friend to Theodore Hook.—" Yes," said he, "It is a bit too long."

The Triumph of thk Aoe.—ln moderate orice and distinctive excellence the Wiltox and Wh=te Orzans eclipse all other styles. They are capable of brilliant effects as well as of sustained harmony, and the many varied and beautiful combinations adequate to the performance of Classical, LoKitimate Organ Muaic—Sole Agency i Auckland Musio Warehouse, 7i Queen-street. The newP.C.S system now being initiated by n feud C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public It has been a great success m Kydney and Elelbon'ne, «.nd when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale ruußt be a great gainer. G. and C, sell their drapery, millinery, and c.o,tjn»g at such prices foi-caßhna gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder m a co-operative jociefy. without the risk of being called upon to bear portion of the loss should the year's business prove urieatjs fflctorr O- and C. will aim to rotuia the con fidence which te publh have hitherto shown them, and are determined to K ivo tbo pure cash system a fair trial J wliether they gam or lose the flrat year. Country buyers on reroifctn-g cagh with order will be supplied with goods alt co- ODerative piice% just the same as, though they S£de s-lection. /""lishmg goods, Buch aSTarpets, floor cloths, bedßteade beddin?, and eeneral house furniture, the largeßt portion ot w^ich is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at tho lowest remunerative prices, «d a discount of five per .cent, will be allowed V those who pay at the lime of purchase. Hay.-, {ntrcalifled the entire valao of tho ?took dunnjr thB Ate cash sale, the present stock is new a«d Vek\ chkaplv BOUGHT. An-inspection ta> Invlte4.-GABLICK and Cranw 11, City Hall furniflhinir Aicade, Queen-street Auckland.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— This Day. tNil. Monday, 16th instant For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, at 3 p.m. For Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 11.30 a.m. For Thames, per Kotomahana, at 4 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, WaiiKaroa, and Mon eonui, per lona, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotlki.per Glenelg.at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads and Wangarei, per Anno Milbank, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 5.30 p.m. Toksday, 17th Instant. For Walwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Tahiti, per Transit, at 3 p,m. For Ruasell, Kawakawa. and Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, at 3 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarel, and Mangapai, per Argyle, at i p.m For Mangawai and Waipu, per Klrui, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, 18th instant For Taranaki and Southern Provlnoes, per Waitaki, at 11 a.m. Tuesday. 2nd March. Per s.s. Australia aB follows :— For Sandwioh Islands, United States of America. Canada, Britißh Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, Japan, and China, including Hongkong, at 1 p.m. For Unitod Kingdom and Continont of Kurope, at 1 p.m. For monoy orders, and registered letters, at 11.30 a.m. Late lettors bearing an extra fee of sixpence. In addition to tho postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board the steamer np to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief I'oßtmaetor.

BIRTHS.

HARVEY.—On the 14th instant, at Conquest Place, the wife of Mr Charles Harvey of a daughter. McKENZIK.—On February 11th, at her resi dence, Graham-street, the wife ot Mr George McKenzie of a son. WARNER.— On tho 6th February, 18S0. at Gibralter Crescent, Parnell, the wife of Mr H. M. Warner of a son.

DEATH.

COLSON.—On February 14, at Nelson-street, Jobey, third son of Robert Colson; aged 7 years. The funeral will leave hia father's residence at 3 o'clock to-morrow (Sunday). Friends please accept this intimation.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1880.

For the cansa that lacks assistance. For the wrong tha needs resistance. For the fatore in the distance,

And the eood that we can. do.

The Royal Commission to inquire into various matters connected with the Waimate Plains has now begun its

labours; but no provision has been made to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mohi Tawhai. The reason of his resignation is stated by himself in a letter to the New Zealand "Times." He learned from the Gazette that the object for which the Commis sion is to sit did not include the main question the natives desire to bring forward, and for provoking an enquiry into which many of them are suffering imprisonment. There is no reason to doubt that the surveyors were turned off the Plains, and the natives com menced ploughiug the land of the sef.tlersin obedience to the mandate ofTe Whiti, purely and simply to obtain an enquiry into the legality of the con fiscation of the lands of the Taranaki and Ngatirnanui tribes. The protec tion of Hiroki at Parihaka had for its end and aim the coercion of the Go vernment into sending some of its mem bers to that place to demand his sur render, so that an opportunity might offer of broaching the confiscation ques tion. This is evident from tho words of Te Whiti to Mr Sheehan, when he charged him directly with stealing the land, instead of speaking upon the matter that had taken the Native Minister to Parihaka, viz, the murder committed by Hiroki. "What the actual cause of this murder ideally was is very differently stated by the Euro peans' .'lDd the natives. The former attribute it to » quarrel between Hiroki and the murdered man about a dog and about pig-killing, whilst the latter to a man say that Hiroki took the life of the Euro pean in defence of, and as a protest against the confiscation of his land. The fact of the murdered man being the cook and not a surveyor is evidence on the European side of the question, und fjje natives also blame Hiroki in this; but he posi tively affirms that defence of his land was his object, and that he went to seek the head man of the surveyors, and not finding him shot the cook. Without going into particulars, there aro so many discrep ancies in Hiroki's statement to the natives, that it may be taken for granted that the European theory of the motive is the correct one, and that Hiroki lied to gain sympathy and pn> tection when he told the natives that he killed the European in defence of his land, unjustly confiscated, and about to be taken from him. His statement, however, found ready cred ence among the natives of Parihaka, and, being engaged themselves in con cocting some scheme for resisting tho confiscation, their sympathy was ex tended to him, and he was protected a"> a means to an end, if for nothing else.

Taking it for granted that the il legality of the confiscation is the point which Te "Whiti and his followers wish to establish, it may not be uninteresting to inquire into the grounds upon which the prophet builds his hope of gain ing his point. That he has had advice on the subject, no one who has watched the course of events, which are the fruits of his policy, will for a moment doubt. The legal source from which this advice emanated is not very surely known, but there reason to believe that such advice passed through several hands, Euro pean and Maori, before it reached Te Whiti; and it is generally supposed that it has for its starting point the assertion of the independence of the tribes of Ngatiranui and Taranaki, because these tribes did not subscribe to the Treaty of Waitangi. It is argued by the natives that they are not therefore bound by the treaty, and are not in fact British subjects, conse quently are not liable to have their laud confiscated as rebels. Bearing on this point, reference may be made to " Tp Ika a Maui," the author of which book ought to be an authority on the subject, as he was present when the Treaty was signed, and as a matter of fact the Treaty, as signed, is in his handwriting. He says (vide Te Ika a Maui, page 278) :

" Another thing is also to be borne in mind, viz., that all the central tribes are independent; it was only a few who signed the treaty, not more than a dozen tribes ; the rest are as indepen dent now as they were before the landing of Captain Hobson, for by our declaration they were proclaimed inde pendent. And now it becomes us to show, that if they lay aside that inde pendence, they really gain something. Hitherto our gain has been evident; theirs more doubtful. It is the perfect union of the two that will lay the foundation of future greatness, * let it be done by basing the fabric on justice.'

It would be difficult to find in any printed paragraph, sentiments more nearly allied to those of Te Whiti, as uttered in his speeches, than those expressed in the above quotation. He considers himself and his people thoroughly independent, and as such not amenable to our laws ; but in a position to treat with us as one nation treats with another when the independence of both is acknowledged. Such being the feeling of Te Whiti on the subject, he appears to have bi'en unable to see how a Maori could hon estly enrol himself on tho side of the Europeans in a question which he con sidered a national ono, and to bo set tled by argument betweon the two people, he being the spokesman for the Maoris, whilst the Commission would represent the Europeans, and carry whatever they heard to their chief, the Governor. It is asserted by well informed Europeans who have communicated with To Whiti, that when he made uso of tho words " A dog " or " dogs'-enrs " toward Mohi Tawhai he had no idea that the Com mission was instructed to confine them selves to promises made subsequent to the Confiscation, and to take the legality of that Act for granted ; he looked upon the Commission as a rep resentative one, and Tawhai as un alien to his companions ; consequently a renegade to his tribe, who would listen to the voice of his associates as a dog listens to his master ; a " pononga utu," who was bonnd to make a return for the payment he received. Consistent with this view, when the proclamation announcing the appointment of the Commission and defining its duties was placed in the hands of Te Whiti he advised its return to the printer, because ho considered it unworthy of attention, in that it declared that the Commission was to bo confinod to en quiries regarding promises made since the act of confiscation, and avoided touching upon the point which he wished brought to issue, viz., the legality of tho act itself. lie declared it tho con trivance of a Bick man to escape death, and said that, as to tho Government, it was already dead, and if not dead, drunk with vexation of spirit, because it had a problem to solve which it could neither avoid nor decide in a way satis factory to the Europeans.

The fact of the resignation of Mohi Tawhai immediately upon his finding that the legality of the confiscation was not to be debated, proves that Te Whiti's object is not only known to the leading natives, but approved of by them, and if they should unfortunately conceive the idea that we have taken up arms to enforce what we dare not submit to enquiry and arbitration, it will not impress them with a sense of our just dealing as a nation, however much it may excite respect for our strength. The gravity of the issues at stake renders it absolutely necessary that we should settle this question at once and for ever, and if, instead of meeting the difficulty at onco we simply seek to avoid it by a display of strength, we must not be surprised if tho matter is again agitated when we are less pre pared to deal effectually with it than at present.

In the preceding remarks we ha\e entered somewhat fully into the Maori view of tho question, and right or wrong it is but fair it should be stated. When the Armed Constabulary crossed the Wain gongoro that step would be viewod by the natives as an expedition to re conquer a country which had been pre viously taken from the owners, but forfeited according to native custom by permitting those owners to ro-occupy. Whether a blow is struck or not, the fact of possession being taken by an armed force will make it ours by right of conquest, and it will be far more honest to call it conquered territory, than to call it confiscated under the pretext of a Treaty whose conditions neither side have fulfilled. Our rela tions with the natives under this treaty have been as unsatisfactory as they are unique, and when we are making a radical change in our native policy, it may be as well to acknowledge to our selves that our past efforts to civilize by leniency have been a failure, and that sterner councils must guide us for the future.

The rumoured cutting of the tolegraph lines and potato - digging at Waimate turns out, as we expected, to be a groundless scare. The wire, it appears, was broken by a cart accident—in which the natives ■jyere in no way concerned. The potato digging is explained upon the very plan, siblo ground that Europeans were fpre? stalling the owners in the operation. From what we know of pamp lifo we believe this to be in the highest degree probable. Be tween the danger of harvesting potatoes that were too green and not harvesting them at all t]\e M'wis could not long hesitate. By our telegrams to-day we learn that the Commission will attract a considerable amount of attention from the pyiucipal tribes,

The Thames team won the vine match against Waitoa.

A cable message received by Messrs Cruickshank and Co., statos that the s,s, Hero loaves Melbourne on the 20th inst.

Mr R. C. Greenwood will sell at his auction rooms|on Monday next, two cottage?, situated respectively in Mount Eden Road and East-street, together with several town allotments? in the township of Nelson; also, shares in the New Zealand Fibre and Coromandel Steam Boat Co.'s,

Things have come to a low ebb in Wel lington. One of the local papers says that within the last few weeks two pawnbrokers have called meetings of their creditors, and we are assured on good authority that another declined, a few days ago, to lend £3 on a gold watch and chain " because he hadn't got the money !"

Referring to the transfer of the pro perty of the Auckland Mechanics' In stitute to the City Council, the late secre tary, Mr Talbott, is authorised to receive the subscriptions in arrear, and also all books in the hands of members, and not Mr Harrop as stated in our issue of last even ing.

A splendid drawing-room suite, all com plete, the woolwork by two Auckland ladies, will be exhibited this evening in the workshop of Mr Wm, Norrie, at the top of Shortland-street, near St. Paul's, and will no doubt attract very considerable attention.

The Executive Committee of the Irish Famine Kelief Fund is convened to meet in the Mechanics' Institute on Tuesday next at 3 p.m. It is desired that as many lists as possible shall be sent in, so that the Mayor may remit an installment to Dublin. Mr J. A. Tole waited upon Mr J. J. Wallace, now playing at the Theatre Royal, for the purpose of obtaining a benefit on behalf of the fund. Mr Wallace replied that everyfibre in his nature would respond to the call, and in all probability an eveningwill be set apart.

The letter-carriers of the city were weightily reminded to-day of the oppressive influence of the spirit of the good Saint Valentine, by bags of illustrated epistles. This custom is very old and probably dates from the time when the good Saint Valen tine flourished among the virgins of Rome ; and whose saintly name might have been forgotten had it not been perpetuated from year to year by these scented verses, sur mounted by cupids, aud temples of Venus. As we witnessed the up-hill struggles of the post-men to-day, laden with love-breathings, we felt a profound sympathy with them under the imposition of the St. Valentine's votaries.

Mr M. A. jLambert wishes to vindicate the husband of Sarah Ann Salmon from the charge of being a " racing sharper," Salmon, according to Mr Lambert, being a humane man with a warm consideration for his wife and family, Mr Lambert saya that Salmon did leave provision for his family.

The owner of the Jessie Logan informs us, with reference to the proposed match against the Lalla, that he has always stated his readiness to sail whenever his boat was ready. She is now in the requisite trim, and a match is expected to come off next Satur day,

Mr K. C. Greenwood will sell on Monday * valuable house at Mount Eden, two allotments at GibbsTownandothervaluable properties. Un Tuesday at 12 o'clock lie will oiler Mr Dowdens extensive pottery works.

A Hug was hoisted (his morning on the tower of Dr. Cumpbell'a new mansion, which is in course of erection on the point between St. George's and Judge* Bay. The fiiig is to apprise the proprietor of tho importent fact that the " Tower is topped." The contractors (Messrs Matthews and Holland), are making rapid progress with this fine structure; the brickwork is nearly fini«hed. The roof ia on, aud tho floors laid. Mr Mahoney i* architect. The structure, when completed, will be a great adornment to the district nnd v conspicuous object from the harbour.

The New Zealand "Punch" has lately beeu giving a series of lilcenessei of " Men of the Time," and those of Mr Keader Wood and Mr Hurst have already appeared. Tho la«t in that of Mr W. Swanson. The bio graphies which accompany these are by no means llattoring, but the " l'uuch " from its first publication has taken a decided Groyito tone, nud has been very severe on all his political opponents. The cartoon represents Pastor (Jhiniquy in clerical rob«s as " The peacemaker." He has cloven fret peeping from nndcr the surplice, apparently of the Episcopalian pattern, which, by the way, 18 never worn by Presbyterian clergy men. The "Punch" aitist is therefore ((lightly out of hii reckoning. The cartoon shews a mob of people fighting with s'iillo laghs in the distance.

The Wangaroa Good Templars, No Sur render LoJce, No. 45, held their first session for the quarter on Thursday in their ball. The quarterly retains of tho various ollicers were read. Tho W.T.S. report showed the funds to bo in a sound state, and the balance of dobt on the new hall very much reduced, and hopes are entertained of it being cleared during tho quarter. The ceremony of installation of officers for the current quarter was performed by Bro. U. Gow, D.U.W.C.T., a^isted by Bro. Brewn, when the following olliccrs was installed : — ISro. John Fergussou, W.G.T. ; Bro. M. Hare, W.V.T. ; Bro. P. L Coraton, W S. ; Bro. S. Brown, W.T.S. ; Bro. J, Gow, W.T. ; Sister Johnston, W.C. ; Bro. Molloy, W.M. ; Bro. Brown, I.G. ; Bro. Ford, (). U. A plensant meeting closed with the usual ceremonial.

The inhabitants of Parncll and surround' inji districts will bo glad to learn thnt active stops arc being taken to establish free public baths at l'akiri Point, St. George's li.iy. An application is being prepared to the Uaibour Board, for a site, and energetic «tP])H arc being taken toiai.se the necessary funds. As an evidence of how unsuitable a plrtce the Breakwater, Mechanics' Bay i 8 to bathe at, wo may stato that yesterdny evening, as young men aud youths were bathing, three young females of from 17 to 19 years of age walked on tho breakwater, on the Parncll side, and deliberately sat down near the clothes of the young lords of creation, who were swimming in the water. The bathers, on making for the shore, asked the young ladies if they would kindly move away. The reply was No ! and the youths had to make a rush for their clothes "in puris nxturalibus." The young men felt very shocked, but have Rince decided that if the " ladies " alluded to again venture to repeat their experiment uiey will publish their names. The young men say that though they can faco sharks, stiiurarecs, and other monsters of the briny deep, they cannot venture ashore in the face of such a battery of femalo glancor*.

The cases of poisoning by boer drinking at Prahau, Melbourne, and the subsequent discovery of Strychnine in the bottle which contained the beer caused great excitement. It was thought at first that the brewer from whom the beer was obtained was in the habit of mixing drugs in browing, and that by some accident an unusual quantity had become mixed with the beer which found its way into the bottle. A Goverumout analyist, however, tested bottles of beer of the same brew, but failed to discover any trace of poison. He therefore caino to the conclusion that the strychnine must have been in the bottle, having adhered to some glutinous substance which had not been completely removed before the beer was bottled off. It has been found that a weak solution of muriatic acid and water will re move all sediments and encrustations in bottles, and this is now used by most of the bottling departments in Melbourne.

Mr John Bernard Williams has been ap pointed public vaccinator for tho Bay ot Islands, a district which has beeu without such an olliccr tor two years.

Many of the cases which come before the Police Court are long, uniutcristining and wearisome; so niouoton./us aro somo of them, that interested lawyers have yawned at intervals, and spectators dosed. Mr Barstow does his best occasionally to lighten the gloom by a ready saying or new rond cring of a proverb, or aphorism suitable to the occasfon. The worthy magistrate made a happy hit in the poetic lino yesterday, by adopting tho liue3 of Moore to tho case ; viz. fiom Moore's "I'arewell ;"

" You may break, yon may shatter tho vase if you will, But the soent of tho roaou will hang round it still.

The circumstance that caused the suc cessful rendering was a gloss of brandy and water taken on Sunday last in a hotel. The gentleman who took the nobbier, said it was only water, the sergeant, smell tho glass, and sniffed " brandy." Another witness said " brandy" had been used pre viously, but tho glass had been cleansed, when his Worship interposed :

You miy wash tho glass out how you will. The small of the brandy lingers there atlll.

Mr J. M. Meek, whoso historical pen and-ink drawing, illustrating the chief events since the foundation of the Cojony, Masonic charters, and other, works p.f the same Character, which Have 'acquired some fame in tho Cqlouy, has just completed a very elaborate Scriptural allegory, entitled, "Tho Ohristian's I^eopsake." Underneath is a text inculcating benevoleuce. The centre of the picture is an oval formed of laurel leaves, with a drawing of oiir £laviou.r in the cuntre. Each Jeaf is inscribed with one of the attributes of Christ. At the top is an open Bible, and the whole is sur mounted, with the alj-sgeing eye. Qu each el4e pf the picture is an unibrageous tree, pn the branches of which are inspribed va rions texts of Scripture, asqeuding from tho minor virtues, at theroots, to the mostsublime truths of religion. The fruit on the trees are faith, hope, charity <&c, Below and be tween the treos are several lopped off branohes, around whioh the old serpent has entwined himself, with uplifting and threatening head ; and in the distance are the house built upon a rock, and another dwelling which was built on the sands, drifting away to sea. The work has b,een exocuted with wonderful care and patience,

It is expected that the sinele passengers by the British Empire will be brought up from Motuihi about six or seven o'clock to night or on Monday next.' The families remain there some days yet.

The dispute about the Mile Walking Face open to all comers, in connection with the United Friendly Societies'sports.has been settled by the committee awarding the prizes to Fernandez and Bryan, who came in first and second respectively.

Three sailors belonging to the British Empire were arrested this afternoon on a charge of stealing a quantity of clothing belonging to Mr Chambers, a passenger by the vessel. It is alleged that while the ship was at Motuihi they broke open a, trunk belonging to that gentleman, and having appropriateda quantity of wearing apparel threw the remainder with a gun into the sea. Their names are Peter Swain son, Charles Ackland, and a Swede known amongst his shipmates as " King Cole," aud " Charlie."

To the Editor : Sir,—As an ardent lover of good mufic, I wish through your column to call the attention of our wealthy amateurs to the necessity of raising a Guarantee Fund in order to induce Lyster's opera company, now at Wellington," to mike Auckland a visit, before leaving New Zealand. If such gentlemen as Judge Fento.i aud Henry Brett E3q. will commence and canvass for such a fund, without which I understand we shall be entirely deprived of a great anticipated treat, the muic-loviug portion of this community will feel grateful to them, aud will back them up as liberally, I am sure, as these times permit. Let it not be said that Auckland, alone, of all the chief cities o£ New Zealand, has been too poor, _to afFord even a fortnight's season of English Opera by one of the best companies that have ever made an appearance in our island. lam etc., Medicus.

A woman in a Kansas Pacific Railroad car sat facing a man who, with one eye at least, seemed to be staring fixedly at her. She became indignnnt and said, "Why do you look at me so, sir ?" He said that he was not aware of having done so, but she insisted. " I beg your pardon, madam, but it's this eye, is it not ?" lifting his finger to his left optic. "Yes, sir it's that eye." " Well, madam, that eye wont do you any harm. It's a glass eye, madam—only a glass eye. I hope you'll excuse it. But, upon my soul, I'm not surprised that even a glass eye should feel interested in bo pretty a woman." The explanation and compli ment combined put the woman in a good humor.

To the Editor : Sir,—Your correspondent " Sulky Stroke " in his explanation of the failure of the Amateur Rowing Races omitted to state that the captain of the North Shoro Bowing Club sent on Tuesday a note to the Umpire, asking him to sus pend his decision on the protest forwarded the precoediug day, as it was pro bable some arrangement might be made, and on Wednesday the protest was withdrawn, Mr Burgess haviug apparently become ashamed of his action. However, the withdrawal came too late a the Umpire wan decided. I would ask Mr Burgess whether it was not proposed by several members of his club, to withdraw the protest on condition that £5 of the prize money waa handed over to them. Another query was this, the "arrangement" referred to in his note to the Umpire.—Yours &c, Coxswain.

The following are the trades and occupa tions of immigrants for Auckland, expected to arrive by the ship ' Earl Granville': — Married men without families : Kurm labourers, 2 ; labourers, 3 ; hatters, 2 ; urocer, 1 ; grinder, 1. Married men with families : Bricklayer, 1 ; carpenters, 2 ; colliery wiight, 1 ; farmers, 2 ; farm labourers, 7 ; Ka<i Htoker, 1 ; miner, 1 ; painter, 1; plumber, 1; sawmill engineer, 1 ; slinger, 1 ; shoemaker, 1 ; striker, 1 ; warehouseman, 1. Single men : Baker, 1 ; barman, 1 ; blacksmith, 1 ; carpenters, 2 ; felmongcr, 1 ; farmers, 3; farm labourers, 44 ; labourers, 4 ; mason, 1 ; miner, 1 ; saddler, 1 ; tailor, 1. Single women : Cooks, 2 ; dairymaids, 5 ; domestic servant, 1 ; farm servant*, 2 ; {.'onerol servants, G9 ; housemaids, 7 ; laundrymaid, 1 ; nurses", 3; servant, 1 ; dressmaker, I, Application to engage the above to be made to the depot muster and matron, at the Immigration Depot, Auckland.

The liev. Mr Spence, from tho Irish Con ference, will preach in the Ponsonby Wes leyan Church to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock. No doubt many will avail them selves of the opportunity of hearing this young Wesleyan preacher.

Volunteers of the Victoria, No. 3. Hobson aud Scottish Companies will observe a. battalion order in our advertising columns, that a monthly inspection is to be held at the Drill-shed on Tuesday eveniug next.

The annual geuerul meetiucr of the mem bers of the Auckland Institute, Princes street, will be held on Monday eveniug next, at 7.30.

The well-meant efforts of Bishop Cowie in tho religious intere.it of Hcamen in pnrr, have not been successful, consequently there will be no religions service to-morrow in the Inuurauco Buildings.

The several announcements of Sunday services, will be found in the usual column. The evening scrvico at the Theatre Koyal at 8 o'clock, addresses and hymns'.

Fire off Albert-street.

SHORTLY after eight o'clock this morning fire was observed breaking through the north-eastcru corner of a large detached wooden building situated at the rear of tho Foresters' Anna Hotel in Lower Albert street. The alarm was given by a water man named Williams, who resides ia the locality, and as a Rreat many people were at the time on their way to work,the clang ing of the lire bell attracted a very large crowd. The Fire Brigade with hose reels and other apparatus speedily arrived upon the scene under the command of Superin tendent Hughes, •while the Salvage Corps under Captain Butler, alao put in a prompt appearance. At this time flame* were bursting through the roof of the endangered structure, while the falling sparks had not only ignited the accumulations of dry rubbish that litter the yards of the antiquated little shops on the northorn side of \Vest Queen-street, but had set various portions of their shingled roofs 011 fire also. The conflagration appeared likely to extend over a considerable areo, and tho squalid aud half-dressed denizens of the neighbourhood were consequently in a high state of excitement. Under" the direction of their Superintendent the fire men speedily effected a connection with the hydrant in West Queen-street opposite •Lowis Bros.' bonded store, and from it two leads wore run out, one being taken round Albort-street and down by the side of the hotel, while the other was carried through a passage in West Queen-street to the southern side of the burning building. Tho fire on the roofs of Mrs Schaeffer's and Mrs Mooney's shops appeared to be niakiug great headway at this period, but the firemen soon quenched it by affixing tho "spreader" to a length of hose, the water thus being distributed over tho whole shin gled surface. Meanwhile, operations had been steadily progressing at the flank and front of the burning edifice, and tho flames begin to exhibit signs of abatement. The heat evolved per ceptibly diminished in intensity, aud the smoke increased largely in density and v lume. At nine o'clock the fire had been extinguished, and the raree-show of the hour having closed, the spectators rapidly dispersed. Superintendent Hughes and his men deserve praise for their energetic exertions, aud ho nlao do Captain Butler and his subordinates, while the police are entitled to passing notice for their services in maintaining on(or amongst the excited crowd of onlooker.*, Tho building in which the five took plaoo is used by the landlord of the hotel for culinary purposes. The kitchen and a dining-room is on the' ground floor, whilo the second storey was partitioned into a number of bed-rooms. Lately two of tho servant girls have occupied one of these, and a boarder named Macfarlano another. The occurrence of the fire is easily explained. It seems that at five o'clock this morning one of the servant girls after lighting the stove discovered that one of the compart ments of the large double chimney was on fire. She informed her companion aud Mrs Phillips, and, tho damper having been put in, it was concluded that Hie danger had been removed. Tho women, therefore, did not deem, it necessary to inform the land lord of the fact, Tho subsequent outbreak is thought to have been caused by the burning soot falling down the chimnoy nnd into the fire plaoo of one of tho bpdrooins, whews somn loose papev was lyiug about. The boarders wore discussing their breakfast in the dining room when the alarm was given,, an,d their morning n}e;}l w^s. consequently left un finished. The whole tipper pait of the building has beeu burnt out, while the lower portion has been gutted through the combined influence of fire and water. The shops in West Queen-street, however, have sustained no rn.aterjal damage, and for this the tenants are indebted to the vigilance of the firemen.

Mr Phillips is wholly uninsured, r.nd he estimated his loss at nearly £50. The. 0 waer, however, holds several policies. ]tse has the hotel insured for £300 \vith the National and £3,0.0 w}th the R.oya.l, while tu> de tached and ha^f-consuined building at the rear is insured with the National {or £200,

CABLES NEWS.

EUBOPEAN.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

The War in Afghanistan. LONDON.

February 13.

Latest telegraphic advices from Cabul state that Maliomed Jan's in fluence is declining, and many of the Afghans who had followed his fortunes are now deserting.

The Turcomans Invade Afghanistan. A column composed of 3,000 Turco mans has entered Afghanistan, and Abdulrornen has a strong force at Yadakshou.

The Persian Alliance LONDON.

February 12.

The Earl of Beasonsfield, in a speech in the House of Lords, contradicted the statement that Persia had been absolved from that condition of the Treaty which forbade her occupation of Herat.

German Colonization. LONDON.

February 12

The Emperor, in his speech to the Reichstag, announced that a commercial treaty had been concluded with the Sarnoan Government.

German Military Prepara-

tions.

LONDON.

February 12,

The German Parliament has been opened. The speech of Emperor William to the Keishstag referred to the large armaments of the neighbours on their frontier,which had necessitated an increase in the German army in order to be prepared for the defence of the Fatherland. The step, however, was described as a merely preacutionary measure, and the policy of peace which had hitherto guided the nation, was unchanged.

[REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.]

Irish Question in House of of Commons. LONDON.

February 13,

F. H. O'Donnell, member for Dungarvon, in the House of Commons moved an amend ment on the Address, conveying censure on the Government regarding Irish affairs, but was defeated by a majority of 128 against 12.

The Irish Distress Relief Bill, promised in Her Majesty's speech, has passed second reading.

Obituary ; Sir Win. Bagge, member for Norfolk.

Lord Lymingtorj, Liberal Candidate, has been elected for Barnstaple.

Colonisatiug of New Guinea

Sir Hicks Beach replyiag to Mr Mac- Arthur in the House of Commons said that Queensland* management of the Torres Island has beeu faultless. He also intim ated that the Government had not at preasentany intention to extend jurisdiction to New Uuiuea.

Tne German Army. BKKLIN,

.February 12.

The Reichstag has been opened. The Imperial speech justified the increase made in the German army, on the ground that armaments going on amongst their neigh bours rendered tho course necessary ; but the speech also pointed out that the course of action being pursued implied no departure from the pacific policy which had been laid down for the guidance of ■jhe German Empire.

AUSTRALIAN

IREUTER'S SPECIAL CABI.KOBAMS. I

Mr. Service at Maldon MELBOURNE.

February, 13, Mr Service addressed the electors of Malrion yesterday, and replied at length to Mr Berry's speech at Geelong. Mr Francis made a political speech ut VVarnambool, in which he condemned the Ministerial scheme foreshadowed by Berry. 15oth gentlemen received unanimous votes of coniidonee.

Commercial. SYDNEY.

Friday,

IlMincssy's Three- Star brandy iv case, 3Gs to 45s Gd ; llenuessy's brandy in bulk, quarters, Ils9d; New Zealand oats, 2s 6d to 3s per 4Olbs. ; candles, D.K.J.'s, 7d to 7Jd per lb. ; kerosene (Diamond), Is 7*d to la Sd per gallon.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., K.M.) ON THE INCREASE. Eight persons, male and female, pleaded guilty to drunkenness, and were severally lined in consequence. ABSENCE OF REASON. William Baructt a stalwart labourer, was charged with wilfully exposing his person yesterday in Shorllnnd-strect. Prisoner said he was very drunk and knew nothing of the offence. Constable Igoe deposed to prisoner's con duct. I was about 9 o'clock, near the Auckland Club, Persons were passing at the time. Fined 10s for druukennes", and 40a for wilful exposure, or seven days' imprison ment. ANOTHER CASE. Jonathan "Young was charged with the same offences iv Sliortlaud-street. Prisoner pleaded drunkenness.

The coustablo proved the oilbnoe, which was corroborated by a tradesman, who was annoyed by prisoner's conduct in front of his shop.' Ills Worship said this was a very bad case, and imposed a line of £3 and coats, or one month's imprisonment.

Prisoner was compelled to accept the latter alternative.

"NOT DRUNK, NEVER WAS."

Joseph Hunter was charged with drunken ness and riotous conduct in Drake-street lust nights Prisoner, " Not drunk, never was," had only four or live glasses of beer all :lib day.

Constable Hobson aud Sergeant Fleming evidenced that prisoner was drunk beyond a doubt. He and another inau were arguiug in Drake-street.

Prisoner made a long speech in defence. He had been to post a valentine, and met a man who was drunk. He was inertly argu iug a " pint" with him—on tho folly of drunkenness.

His Worship took a lenient view of the case, aud imposed a fine of 5,3 !\m\ costs.

AL.W3EU LARpENY. John Long, a poison of short stature, was ohorged with the larceny of a silver wa*ch and gold Albeit chain, value £8, the property of John Uavaungh, on tho Sth inst.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said a portion of the property had been recovered. Ho would ask for a remand until Monday, which was granted. This was all th c business.

Sudden Death of Gumdigger.

our own Correspondent.]

OHOE\VAI, this day. A GUMDIGOKa named Robevt Keid, alias Stvawh/idse, diod siuldouly at oloven last night iv his whaye. Ho only returned frrm Auckland yesterday, and had tea at the Ohaowai Hotel. Ho was then apparently in good health. The cause of death is un known. An inquest takes place this afternoon. The deceased had been living with the natives foy the last two years, and he frequently stated that was mate of the African, barque. He was tried and ac quitted at Wellington on a charge of invader or manslaughter three of tour years ago, and had certificate suspended for two years.

To the Editor : Sir,—Will you really do something to iuduce the City Council to make use of the water supply, by laying the dust, before soino of us. uuiortunate citizens comppl^ed to spend our dayu iv town, avp choked. To-day i,o ShorUand-street the nuisance wai intolerable. Surely with a, yery small amount of trouble a hose could be attached to the hydrants in the principal streets in and adjacent to the city, and the dust effectually laid,—Yours, &c, ANTE. SCOBU-ASH,

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUE OWN CORRESPONDENT),

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day.

Elizabeth Mclntosh was sentenced to four months' imprisonment for obtaining goods by false pretences, The Moanatairei cleaned up this morning and obtained 331 ozs. of gold from 300 tons.

WELLINGTON, this day. SINGULAR FOG IN C JOK'S STRAITS,

The English mail, which should have ar rived here last night at 10, did not reach here till late this morning. The cause of the detention was curious. In consequence of the bush fires burning to the northward Of Wellington, great clouds of smoke were carried into Cook's Straits, where they ap pear to have become stationary, enveloping the whole Straits in a dense fog, through which the mail steamer had to grope its way at about half its usual rate of speed. TE WHITI'S LIKENESS. A clever young fellow, who recently paid a visit to Te Whiti, has secured a full face and profile likeness of Te Whiti. THE WEST COAST QUESTION.

Mr Eyes, formerly superintendent of Marlborough. writes to the "New Zea lander," complaining of the misleading re ports of the West Cnast correspondent of the "Lyttelton Times." Mr Eyes deuies that titokowaru has gone to visit Te Whiti, and ridicules all the sensational speculations based upon that. Eyes further more deuies that there is any gravity in tbe situation.

The oldest inhabitant has scarcely e\er seen such a long spell of bright warm weather as Wellington has been enjoying for the past few weeks.

{PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

THE FEMALES EMPLOYEES' ACT. OAMARU, This day.

At the Magistrates court to-day Daniel Tohey draper was lined £2 for keeping a dressmakers at woik after 2 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon.

NEW PLYMOUTH,

Friday.

It was stated in town to-day, by a party who was on the Plains yesterday, and saw the natives digging potatoes, that they were complaining of the men at the camp steal ing their potatoes, and that was why they were digging them up before they were ripe.

WELLINGTON, Friday.

The following appointments have been made:—W. G. Gudgeon, to be Resident Magistrate at Poverty Bay, with jurisdic tion up to £20. Mr Hudson Williamson to be Deputy-Sheriff for the district of Auck land. William Scanlan to be Assistant- Draughtsman in the Survey Department. Lewis Fiederick Clayton, Leonard Rose Jaggar, Alfred James Renner, and Charles D'U.bridge have been dismissed from the Telegraph Department. James Lowrie, harbourmaster and pilot at Kaipara, has been dismissed from the public service. The bank returns tor the quarter ending 31st December, 1879 :—Total liabilities, £8,599,717 0s 4d ; total assets, £15,388,627 19s. Liabilities : Deposits by Government, £474,274 13s 2d ; bearing interest, £4,291,933 4s; not bearing interest, £2,845,337 17s 7d. Notes in circulation, £883,294 0s Id. Bills in circulation, £7G,605 14s 4d; balance due to other banks, £29 271 5s 2d. Assets : Coin, £1,931,880 9a 8d ; bullion, £183 560 13s 7d ; notes and bills discounted, £5,390,851 3s 4d ; Govern ment securities, £200,000 ; good debts due, £6,965,626 Is lid, other securities £716,729 lis 3d

This day,

The shareholders of the "Times" have confirmed the resolution of the directors selling the papur to Chantry Harris. The amalgamation takes place early next week. Young Scott, the pedestrian, will essay to walk seven miles in the hour to-night.

CHRISTCHURCH,

Friday.

The New Zealand Shipping Company publish the first list of 20 iron clippers, with a capacity for 23,000 tons, or a million and a quarter bushels of grain. These are to sail in February, March, and April, and other vessels are to follow.

This day, SHIPMENTS OF WHEAT.

Daring the months of February, March, and April twenty New Zealand Shippiug Company's vessels, of an aggregate tonnage of 23.155 tons, are advertised to leave Lyttel'ou for London. The holdiDg capacity is stated at 10,000 ton?, being equivalent to 1,000,000 bushels of wheat. PASTOR CHINIQUY. Pastor Chiniquy's final lecture—subject : " Temperance"—was given to a crowded house last night.

REMARKABLE DISCOVERY.

A little excitemeut -was created at Kai apoi yesterday by the discovery, in an old office, once occupied by a merchant, of a crucilix, altar cloth, vases and other Church ornaments, which were btolen from the Episcopalian Church two years ago, during a warm controversy between High aud Low Church. Tho police have now charge of the articles.

Last evening Mr W. Smith, late post master at Temuka, and recently transferred to Christchurch, was presented on behalf of the inhabitants of Temuka with a hand somely illuminated address and purse of sovereigns.

The arrangements for billeting the Vol unteors expected to be present at the Easter Review are almost completed. It is expected that over 1,500 will be present.

DUNEDIN, Friday.

Messr3 J. Reid and A. Muir, labourers on the railway works near Hendon, were injured seriously yesterday by blasting powder. '1 hey had inserted a charge of powder into some rock, but the charge not going off, the endeavoured to. withdraw it, and while so engaged, it exploded. The men had their right arms fractured, and were injured in the facea, a,ud greatly scorched about the hands. Th.ey were for warded to the hospital at Duneiiin by rail this afternoon. This day, At tho Mount Ida races Rover won the District Handicap, aud Sailor Boy the Club Handicap. SUPPOSED LOSS OP EIGHT MEN. The master of the schooner Awarau reports to the Collector of Customs that he fears that a whaleboat crew of eight men, who went out sailing in July last and have not since been heard of, must have been drowned. The Awarau returns to the Island immediately to make a complete search.

Fiji News.

By the arrival of the schooaer, Energy to day we have iiles of Levuka papers to the 4th hist. We make the following extracts : The Hawaiian brig Violet reached Juluit in distress, in a leaky condition. After a consultation with several ship-masters on the island, it was deemed advisable to haul her up on the beach and ascertain the extent of repairs necessary to be mad,c to her. After taking her off tlys beach she was worse than ever being broken, amidships. After this the ship-masters condemned her on the 24th Apvil last, and she was sold at auction to Messrs Hcrnsheim and Co., for §900, who hauled her on the beach and broke her up. We are assured by a gentleman resideut on the Ha coast that he knows personally of no less than forty-three deaths of natives in his district, which may be attributed to the ejlbots of the late veibose at Ban, the result either of drowning, exposure to inclement weather, or other causes.

Mr Robert Evans, whose schooner, the Ariel, was chartered in order to prooeed to Nadi and irako a search far the' ill-fated cutter Byron, which, was lost at the time that- her owner, the late Mr Fergus Mc- PhersQu, mot his death, has returned to Levuka, and reports that he has succeeded in finding the object of his search, which is sunk in about six fathoms o$ water but will be easily lifted and recovered

The stearoor Pretty Jane, which has been runnjug the lust few months on the inter island route, and beeiitound too small for the requirements of the increasing trade, left for Brisbane on Saturday morning last, under the command of Captain Fisoo, who brought down tho steamer Tiuouce. We understand she is destined, to run between the Queens land coaat ports. The schooner Oyalau, which we have been expecting to arrive from Auckland,, via Samoa, is not apparently to come on to this port, as she is advertised in the " Samoa Times" to. leave Apia for Auckland, via Tonga,

By the [arrival q{ the Mission, schooner Jubilee from Windward, information has come to hand that diptheria has broken out amongst the native population at Lav, and four serious cases are reported. Dr. Far quharson had }eft Loma loma to render his professional assistance, and it is to be hoped that the disease will quickly be stamped, out.

In order to afford more accommodation for the landing of passengers, &c, at Nasova, a new pier of very substantial proportions is being erected.

The schooner Coronet arrived at Levuka from Auckland on January 20th,

Musical Notes.

ST. MARY'S CONVENT.

A concert was given in St. Mary's schools last Monday evening, under the patronage of his grace Archbishop Steins, tj J T| Convent is well-known for the excellence f its music, as indeed are all institutions onn nected with the Roman Church and ti performances of the young ddbutantes C Monday gave evidences of most care?» training on the part of their instructors The programme was very well compiled' consisting of well-known selections frim! modern composers. The choruses were wpli sung, but I would advise the fair performer, to cure themselves of a fault always sep in amateurs. Probably nervousness is th cause, but vocalists when singineT should remember that they are singing to an audience, and not into their music conies Thus, on Monday the young ladies hardly took their eyes off their music, and cons/ quently could not sing with that effect" which they would produce if fairly f ac ino their auditory. When choruses are sunr? it is necessary for the music to be known so that the performers may sing without even casting a single "lance on the music I mention this, not with any cynical spirit but with the desire to point out an inaccuracy that can be easily so t over. The " Carnaval de Veuhe" by Schoulhoff showed a fault gener ally to be observed in the perfor" manceof amateurs. In rendering variations." many pianists pay more attention to the variations than to the themes on which the variations are based. The variations should always have great care and attention paid them, but should be secondary in j m , portance to the theme. Thus, in playjno the varied constructions of the " Carnaval" the ear had to travel in a circumlocutory fashion before attaching itself to, or fathom, ing the theme. The variations on any melody should be played in such a manner as to give due prominence to the variation and at the same time, to bring the air to the listener in a distinct and unmistakeable manner. The rest of the concert was"very good. Miss Stephens.oll, who made her dfebut before the Aucklanders for the first time, has a good voice, and only wants careful tiaining to become an efficient artiste. Mr Tole accompanied a yonne lady's song on the violin. The song " Chil. dren's Voices,'1 by Clanbel, was well sum/ and the chorus (divm) '• Kyrie Elcison " came from outside and produced an excellent effect. There is a divisi chorus to the " Venetian Boatman's Song," by Henry Cusins, the refrain being " Ora sacra pia virgiue, ora pro nobia o omnes sacri angeli orate pro nobis," which I remember hearing with beautiful effecfin one of the provincial towns in the old country. These choruses should, I think be more frequently given, a3 when well sung they are a great treot.

PIANOFORTES AT CONCERTS.

If there is anything exquisitely excm. ciating, it is a piano out of tune. That is far more troublesome to the sensitive nervous system than tic douloureux. To wade through a concert at which the singers and instrumentalists are placed at the tender mercies of a combination box of wires which has not for a considerable time felt the skilled hand of the tuner, is a horrible infliction. An instance of this kind it has frequently been my lot to -witness, but never did I notice it more than at the "musical festival" held last Tuesday evening in the Wesleyan Chapel, Parnell. The perfor mance, after singing one of Moody and Sankey's hymns, commenced with a piano forte duet, and immediately I heard the first chord given by the" lady perfor mere, I felt sincerely sorry for them Both ladies we.'c good pianistes, but the" piano did not allow them to do justice to the selection. Miss Gee has often been before the public, and is well-known for her willingness to assist in amusing the public, and iv some degree alleviating the general monotony which prevails in the suburbs. The other performers all acquitted themselves creditably. Amongst them I noticed Miss Hirst, and Messrs ' Ryan and Smyth. Unfortunately the harmony of the gathering was considerably - disturbed by the larrikins present, and who several timea insulted the lady per. formers with offensive remarks. A good birch would perhaps alter the behaviour ol these youngsters, and teach them that they are not playing on the parochial refuse in Parnell, but are in polite society.

THEATRE ROYAL.

Mr J. J. Wallace has appeared to success in two characters this week—as Gerald Fitzgerald in the " Irish Exile," and as " Conn," the " Shaughraun," in the meca by Dion Boucicau't of that name Both ; pieces were well mounted. The "Shangh. raun " will be again presented to-night, and from the praiseworthy acting of the dramatia personte, they deserve a good house.

MDME. CARLOTTA PATTI.

The last mail steamer had on board this celebrated prima donna, and a Company, who were en route for Sydney, where they are to perform for a short time.

LYSTER'S OPERA COMPANY.

The above company has been playing in Wellington. Before closing their season, would it not be as well to endeavour to ensure their presence in Auckland ? If the musical people allow the opportunity to go by without an effort, it will certainly be a blot on their name, professing to be the musical world of the Southern Hemisphore.

LONDON THEATRES.

Fourteen pantomimes were produced in London on Boxing Night, nearly all of which have proved successful. The best are " Sinbad the bailor " at Covcnt Garden, and "Blue Beard" at Drury Lane, but neither oan compete in point of popularity with the children's " Hunfore," which ia undoubtedly the hit of the reason. I went to see it yesterday afternorn, ami like everyone else came away delighted. The little folks both act aud sing inimitably, and their trainer desei yes great credit The manager talks of taking them round the world after a season in the provinces, but I doubt whether the idea will come to any. thing.

Tennyson's new play, " TheFalcou," \ras brought out at the St. James' Theatre on the 18th, and may be pronounced a succes d'estmd. Tho chief weakness lies in the plot, wuioh, as the critics anticipated, is far too frail for dramatic purposes. The Count Federigo, a young and handsome Italian noble, has wasted his substance and dissi- 7? pated his patrimony in making presents to the Lady Giovanna, a wealthy and beauti ful widow, who after giving him much en couragement, refuses his offer of marriage on account of an old family feud. When the curtain rises Federigo is discovered in a tumblo-down farm house, whither he baa retired with two ancient and faithful re» tamers. His sole solace seems to be a beau tiful falcon, to which he is much attached, J and which bo carries about on his arm. To the farmhouse cornea the Lady Giovanna, ; She brings with her a set of costly diamonds the Count's last present,and her intention is, if he will cousent to exchange them far the falcon, as her sick child has a craving for the bird. There is no refreshment to offer the lady but a dish of prunes, and nothing to . • furnish the table with but a clean clolh. Suddenly the Count thinks of the falcon. The unfortunate bird is killed and served I up for the beloved Giovanna's breakfast, but when with much delicacy and high bred feeling the lady mentions the one desire of her sick child, Federigo horrorstruck, con fesses his devotion and self-denial, Giovauna | yields to the promptiugs of her heart, and a : mutual declaratiouof passionate love closes the piece.

"The Falcon** contains many exquisite and touchiiag passages, and is mounted with a splendour and correctness of detail rare even in these days. The scene waa designed by Mr Marcus Stono, A.X.A., and the dresses are from pictures of the period. Mr and Mrs Koudal, on whom the principal parts devolve, are probably theonly livicg artistes who.could throw snch subtle power into them.. Their acting is indeed the best of its kind in Europe, and should the? ever visit the colonies you will be surprised. "The Falcon" is snre to be producedia your part of the world erelong, but I feat very little .viLl be thought of it. With the St. James's acting, mountain scenery, »n<* stage management, one enjoys the pl*J weil enough, but without them I woalo rather read it at home. . "Such a Good Man," by Walter Besant and James Rico, was produced at the Olympic on the 19th iust,, and is a complete failure. This ha? surprised everybody greatly, for the authors are most successtiu novelists, and might fairly be expected w write a clever play. Dramatic composition U evidently out of their line, and in future they will "probably stick to fiction. -I"' "Referee" says "Such a G°°d MJ"' ought to be called " Such a Good *■£■ Gone Wrong."

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Adelina Patti receives £^00(8,003 marks) for every performance ia Germany. J| Friedrich Grutzmaeher, the eminent™ 1 loncellist, haa\ been concerning in "«*,- The German government have subscribe' 1,200 marks to the fund for the erection « a monument to the memory of Spon* "J Cassel,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1880.



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Special .A.d.vertisments. j? S T A BLISHED 185 5. 8 1 EC CHEAPEST '^ BEST HOUSK QUALITY o MACHINES T H E| TRADE. g !z! W pa W TT HAKESPEAR & rlO-' 246, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. ESTABLISHED 185 5. /"* N SALE, Kearsley's Combined Reapers and Mower Mangold and Turnip Drills Turnip Sllcers Oilcake Breakers Winnowing Machines Lawn Mowers. Also, TO ARRIVE, PER ' INGLEVVOOD,' Coulter's Corn, Mangold, Turnip, and Manure Drills, combined And Ploughs, double and[slngld ■ Harrows Rollers &c. &C. &C The'above goods are imported directed from the manufacturers, and will be sold cheap to make room for further shipments. VT. J. HURST & CO., 161. Queen-street



TOWIV EDITION. PUBLISHED AT 1.30.