SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

,-, t ..^ r ~.,,.,,. \ Thin Kvonlnc;, 9,!9 HIQH «A.iE] To-^cvrov/ Siornius, 10.9 tVN STCT.—TnIs ■Jvaning, 5.32 !■ VS Hl'oK.—To-Morrow lilomins:, 6.50 M<yj:>:'..j ii-3K.-Fl.-at Quarter, ISth, 0.03 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST BVKN'IXG. TO-nAY. Rotorua, s.b . Toz«r, from Sydney Christina, schooner. Smith, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

tAST EVKNINO. Arawata, 3.' J., Sinclair, fi>r Sydney Aivylc, s.s., Crawtord, for Whangaroi WnitiUi. s.s. Kdio, for Tiuuanpia Joisic Lchoonor, Aubrey, for Whangwcl Advanco, iChounor, ].over..ck. far Lyt tic tin Clansman, brlgantins, Oakes, for Kaipara

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Agate, ioaciing Gisbnrac, S .ufherr. Port.i, and Xiiolbourne— Rotorua, Thr.r-.day Sydney—Hero, 27th KnskOll—loan, every Monday : V/aiUk!, Friday 'i'luiranga—Glonel:-;, Friday ; Wuituki, Tuesday For New Plymouth and Southorn i'orts — lidwi.o, 20th. WhiiTigarßi—Ai-gyii?, Tuea3ay3 and Fridays ; Waitaki, Thursday New Ciiicdoiiia—i'carl, lo;idicg

IMPORTS.

For Rotorna, from S> dnoy.—s cases preserved moats, 2 ash planks, iiU onr?, caskii fuse, 1 hickory plank, ii • -asks plaster, aS'ChCit-3 and i choit3 t'ln, 20 caskj currants, 5 quarter casku port, 50 cadus biaudy, 2 casks bolts, 1 caso drapery, lbairel coJlee, 2 casks chicory, 8 cases dragc, 553 mats, begs, and gutmics sugar, 20 qr. casi;s ruin, SCO felloes, 81 hags boncdtuit, 11 a>:e arrns, G rprints, <! bale 3 ii.-hin:! neio, 2J pacKagoa manilla, U caws fruit, 1 case birds, 1U casks hums and bacou, 123 jjackages and ease?.

EXPORTS.

Per Arawata for Sydney: 07 bales flax, 1 parcel typo, 21 sacks and 1 bales p,:pcr cuttings, 10 bales fungus, 1 parcel. Per Loongana. for iiobart Town.—lo.oCO feet dresaed timber, 1G doors.

Inwards Coastwise.—Corallc, from foirna, witii 25,3011 feet timber; I'ieain, tVom Tairu-J, with 28,300 feet timber; Adah, from Thames, v/ith 20.U09 feet timber ; Wpeedwell, from \Vhau fjarci, with 5i tons eoa!; Perseici-Vince, ironi ~ aih"ke,- w;th 300 bushels sh:n,?;lo ■; Ohvisiina, from Ruhsol?, with 07 tons coil: Nancy, from Thames, with (J;li0 ;eet timber, and 20 to:'? kauri gum. O; twakos Coastwise.—McOoim, for Atra nni; Speedwell, lor Whungarci ; Peraever-;n^o, for Wainoke. Tho 5.3. Glanelg will arrivo to-morrow morn ing from raurailgit. oho returns ugain on Friday evening. !The schooner Ncrral left Giabornc for Napier on Thursday last. Tno Bchoonor Iselson arrived at New Plymouth from Kaipara with a cargo of timber last Wednesday. Jiowslia3 bc-en received in town of tho safe arrival of the schooner Venture, 15 tons, Captain Clfivcrloy, at Samoa from t-'ais port, after an un usually louk passage oil six weeks. Sho ox porioncofl v ry tempestuous weithor during tho passage, and it is the opinion of tho skipuev that if the'schooner hud not been a. ;;ood esaboat she would not have reached her ucsli.-mtioa in safety. An Knglish papor contains tho follov/ing :— "Tho Board of Trado has directod Dr. A. B. Harris, of FiUoiouth, to hold aa enquiry ns to tho Ciuso o£ an outbreak of scurvy 011 bosird tho barque Unrmelo, of Snndcrlaud, iiapt. Mao)are, from F;iDning Island, hound to Bremen, which put into Falmouth 2Sth in-taut. Tho Carmylo, it will ba romombored, left Auckhmd for Faa ning Island about S months ago. The ?.■?. Waitaki will arrivo at a late hour to night from Tauranga. She leaves again for WUnngarci to-morrow morninpf. Tho briganliiu Clansman sailed last night for Kaioara, \Thjro ehe 13 to loai with timbei.- for Melbourne. H.M.S. Wolverene is not expected to arrivo in this port from Sydney till tho 22nd instant. Tho topsnil schooner Advanco sailed yester day for the Tliiimea River Sawmills. Sho is to load thero with timber for Kalnpol. Tho kotcli Pearl cnterci out at r.ho Customs to day for Noumea. She 13 expected to sail to morrow evening, or on Friday. The b.p. Sothern Cross was taken out of tho Dock to-duy. Sho will lctivc for Gisborne, Napier, and Southern 1 orts, at H a.m. to-nior row. Tho barqno Loongnna cleared at the Customs to-day for Hobart Town with a Quantity of timber as cargo. Sho will sail to-morro >v morn ing. Tho ketch Vcnua has arrived at Napier from thia port. "Her Majesty'H gunbo.it 'Conflict recently calUd at Fentocoatlelanrl on her way from tho South Sou. JBland3 to Syd.icy, for the purpose of niuking enquiriej cosccrniaa; tho inurijcr of Georgo Simpson, mate or liic AucUU'.nd schocner Agnes Donald, and several E-jamen of that vesssi-1. 'I'ho o-ew of tho Conliio'inp.rchcdabout eij(ht milcd iuto tiio int nr:or un.il they came to a village. They then demandod that tho mur dcrora should bOKivon up, but tho requf&t not having boon compiled viUh within n, reasonable time, they set fire to tho vilUi^o, which was soon bufot to the ground. The Union Company's Rotorua arrived at an early hour ihi.i morninir from Sydney, via Russell. Her report and Sydney passenger list nppo ired In tho telegraphic columns of our last ovciiiug's isruc. Tliefallowingpassaagorscame down fro'ii Russell:—Mrs Kipa. Jlr Davis, Mrs and '"l-a Uogaa, Mr Drinkvva'or, Mr Sullivan. The parser (Mr Jones) wilt plea?o accept cur thanks for cu-itomary favours. The stoanier is announced to leave at 1U a.m. tomorrow for Melbourne, via East Coast and Southern ports.

Cocsid-:r.ib!o proeross has brcn made with the torret bins Colossus. Sho will bo constructed entirely of steel, ard will not only ho sft loader than the Inflexible between tho peroendioulara, but as much a3 7ft. les3 in beam, bringinr; her nearer in form to tho Dreadnought. Her dimen r-iorss will be—length, R2B£t,; extreme breadth, IJili, ; with amoau load draught of 25ft. Out.

'i'ho Auckland brisactine Boraali?, now at liovuka, has ben chartered by tho Fijian Ga vo niaeni for ii labour cruise.

The s.s. Arawata sailed at ajjlato hour last nip;ht for Sydney. Sho took tho following pas sengars:—Mrs Cosh, Gill, Freeman, Levy, Eoborts, Hector, llabins. Smith. 8011, Sauby and three children, Collipa and chilrt, McTntyre; Dr Hector, Blesß'S Bennett, Habins, t'arapo, Hill, Freeman, «;. K. Murray, D. Fleminpr, J. B. Steel?, J. N. McArthur, h. Parent, J. Bl.Thomp- Bon, Turner, Ilavery, Clark, BoOeoocl. Pct muns, ymith. L. Henry, Hall, Levy, McPhecson, Pole, J. Jcane, T. Vantior, A. Ponderitaat, W. MSyie, S. J. Gill. M. Harry. J. Bchofleld, K. Gil's, w. Gilo*, M. Smith, W. Ropes, Hoberts and 3 children, J. Sanly, B. Kadborn.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

. ARRIVALS. Telegraph, schooner, Keane, from Waitara jlowena, s.a., Amodeo, from'Wiiitara Hannah Mokau, s.s., McCarthy, from Waitara,

DEPARTURES.

Kowcna, b.s., Amodeo, for Holdangr.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING,

.. TaukanG-A, thia day. The s.s. Waitaki atrived from Auckland at 10. SO a in. to-day. Wellington, tlys day. A rrived- Hawea, fi-S., from Lyttelton. Bailed—Matttdou, barquo, for Lyttoltoa. Wanga.su i, thitj day. Ai rived—Wallabi, from Grcyrnouth. NftLSON, this day. Arrived—Talarea, from Picton and Welling ton, with the San Francisco mail. L\ttelton, thi3 day. Arrived—Kqtomahana, from Wellington with tho San Francisco mail. Hailed — Rotomahana, for Port Chalmers ; Toroa, Bohooaer, for Kaipara. Hokitika, yesterday. Ssuled—Albion, s.s., for Melbourne. Sho took 5.G35 ounces ol gold. TiMARtr, thia day. Sailed —Glimpse, for Auckland; Comraoaore, Ehip, for London, with 1070 tons yrain. Oasiahu, this day. Tho barque Hawkhopo hao cleared fur London With 550 tOM grain. WiiANGAKEr, thia c Tay, The s.s. Argyls a-rived from Auckland at ten o'clock i his morning. Russeli, th!g day. The s.s. Arawara arrived from Auckland at 1 31 p.m to day. Sho leaves again for Sydnoy this evening.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Wednesday,

At Messrs Oochrane and Sena Auction Hart to-car, lots 3 and i each 10 feet frontago to Wjnyarrt street wers offered for a leaso of 21 youm 'i'hera wero. howover, no suitable bids, and they wore withdrawn. A tale- of tirocuricr1, &c, in tho estate of Mr J. C. Mor:in. Queen-street, was hold by Messrs E. and A. I-3ancs to-dny. There waa a lavgo atton ance, ami tho good offered brought f=ir prices. A land salo was held to-day at Mewra R. Tonka and Co.'a Brunswick mart. Four allotments at Bayflold brought £5 onch, and seven alUnmtnis i". tho township of Kapanga 53 t a';h. Tuo bidding for the property at the corner of Lake Taknpuna, and in various parts of tho Civ did not reach tha reserve.

There wasai;ood attendanceat Arthur's mart to-dny. .About 400 volumes of second-hand books, anrl a quantity of furniture, &o>, wore (lis [ o?ud of. At 3lr 11. C. Greenwood's sale to-Say, freehold property at Pukekoho West, Stoko-i' Point. Grahnmstown, Whangarel, and Margatete were oll'ered. A'l the bids, however, wore bolow tho reserve, tad tho lots wero consequently with drawn.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closii as Uotjer :— Tins Day. For Thamos, per ltotomnhana, at 1 p.m. For liobart Town, per LoonKinu, (it 5 p.m. For 1 homes, por Sntorpriso, at 5.30 p.m. Tiiuhsday, 15th instant. For Whangarei Heads, Wungaroi, and Manga pui. Dor Waitaki, at 7 a.m. For AVaitar-'., per Hannah Molcau, at S a.m. For Gisbornu. Nayior, Southern province?, Cliatlium Islands, vi» I yttelton, and Auatra lian Colonies, per Eotorua, at 1) a.m. For Waiwora, To Kapa, Cialgioburn, .and Wiu'kworth, per Koso (Jusoy, at 10 a.m. For Norfolk Island and Now Caledonia, per Pearl, at 3 p.m. For Taranaki, Wanganui, and Wellington, per Kannatira, at 1 p.m. ifor Oiabo no, Napior, Wollington, and Ijyttel ton, pnr Southern Cross, at 1 p.m. For Thames, por Hotomahaua, at -I p.m. FKIDAY, ICth instant. For Waihoko and Coromaudol, por Coromandol, at 2.30 p.m. For Whitiungi, Tairaa, Tanransra, and Opor.ikl, por GlenclK. at t p.m. For Wangaroi Iloads, and Wangarei, por Argylo, at 1 p.m. Saturday, 17th instant. For Walpu, per Kina, at 0 p.m. Tuks'jay. 27th instant. Por a.s. Zculandia as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, Unitnd States of America. Canada, Kriciiih Columbia, Contra! nnd South Ainorioa. and British aud ForoJKn West Indies, Japan, und China, inoludinß Hongkor.i;, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent, of Kuropo, at 1 p.m. For monoy ordors, and ro>Tlotorod lettora, i\t 1J.30 a.m. l^ato letters br-n.rlnp; fir. nxtra feo of gixponco. In addition to tho postnrco, will bo reooivod by tho Mail A|,'O»t on board tho stoumor up to tho timo of nailing. y H. Oib3, Chief I'oatmafitor.

BIRTH.

SCIIICNIC—On April Ilth, at hor rosidonco, Mount street, tho wifo of IS. 11. X Schonk of a daughter.

DEATHS.

CHADWICK.—On tho Ilth instant, at horlato rc3idenc;\ West-street, Newton, Noruli, lxv lovihl wifo oC Richard Chadwlclc, Tho funeral will leave on Friday next, ICth Instant, ut 3 p.m. C \DICLL. —On K;ißter Sunday, at Sydney, Alice lxniisa. Cadell. fourth daughter of Edward S. Wilcocka, ltoxistrur. Supremo Court, Auck land.!

NOTICES CORRESPONDENTS.

Champion writes a letter in reply to tli.it of " British Lion," on " Garden aud iiekl PestV but it docs not attempt to throw any liidit on the subject under discussion, C.B.—Your letter is libellous

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1880.

fjr tha canss that locks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistasc*. For the future in the distance, Aud tha acod that wo etui do*

The Hon. Mi' Oliver's inannei' of receiving tho Harbour Board deputa tion yesterday, and his proposal § with regard to tho railway reclamation, can only be oxcusod on tho plea that he is new to office and is completely unac quainted with tho past history of tho question ho was talking about. He is further at a disadvantage in being advised by officials who have been obstinately at variance with the public on this and neaily all other matters, and was addressing another gentlemau, in the pei son of the Chairman of tho Har bour Board, who rides his own hobby horse, of which he has been permitted to enjoy a monopoly. Mr Oliver stated that he would like to have the opinion of the mercantile men of Auckland on the question of diminishing the area of the reclamation, and making tho station at the junction of Custom House-stree and Fort-street, somewhere near tho old site. If Mr Oliver really is in search of that opinion ho will only have to turn to the official ro cords and newspapers about tho timo when tho station site was fixed, and he will find that after various public meetings and the appointment of a most influential committco representing the whole mercantile and trading interests of the port, who mado a very careful investigation, the decision was unanimously in favour of bringing the railway to Queen-street wharf. Mr Oliver will also discover various resolutions by the Chamber of Com merce, Harbour Board, and we believe City Council, to tho same effect. It is too much even for a Cabinet Minister ta expect to be regarded as omniscient and therefere, it may occur to him,after a little reflection, that it was just a little bold, upon the strength of two days' acquaintance with our city,and in utter ignorance of its commerce, to put his opinion in opposition to those of the whole comunity with so fow exceptions and those self-interested, that they are hardly worth naming. When Mr Oliver spoke of cutting off communica tion with the Railway Wharf ho should have been aware first, that tho Railway Wharf is an abortion —that ships do not and cannot dis charge there, and that it would bs of very little consequence to the city if the wharf were made a present af for shipment to Dunedin ; and next that it was not intended in tho plan idopted to cut off the Railway Wharf, jut provision was mado for quite as jood an access to it from Queon-street is there is at present, and also for a jrossing from Custom-house-street itself. [f Mr Oliver were more familiar with iuckland he would know that, ipart from the shipping which renders t absolutely imperative that the rail vay shall come to Queen-street wharf, :he whole traffic of the City, east, west, lorth and south, concentrates on that pot. In foregoing the rents of remu-.

nerativo allotments on Gustoin-liouse street, even for a. time, allowing the Gore-street jetty to bo destroyed and a solid stone wall along Gustom-houao- Btreet pulled down, the citizens of Auck land have mado a very considerable sacrifice in order to present the Govern ment, without payment, with the finest site for a railway station tho City could offer, and unless: Mr. Oliver wants to get himself into the midst of a hornet's nest, he will rcfiv-.in from saying more about not bringing tho lino to tho principal wharf as intended, even though ho may sec stick ing out from tho proposed alteration a few more thousands to be spent in Otago branch-railways. Tho past dealings of the Government and its officials with this reclamation happen to be among the very sorest points Mr Oliver could have lighted upon, and if he has any respect for the reputation of tho Cabinetho will speedily rid himself of advisers who, from per sonal pique, would lead him into committing a gravo. blunder involving the traffic of the railway and the commercial interests of this city. Mr Oliver should contrast the conve niences ho has just left at the Dunedin and Christchurch stations with the miserable ill-situated sheds which Auckland has put up with for years past, and he may then per haps feel some littlo compunction for his ill-advised suggestion, It is quite unnecessary to say that neither in Lyttelton nor Dunedin do shippers have to cart import or export goods half-a-mile from the principal wharf to the railway station. Isfotwithstanding tho reputation for long-suffering which the people of Auckland have borne hitherto—they arc not quite prepared to put up with this kind of Government humbug much longer. And though an official gentleman whose influence and tenacity have astounded tho people, ia understood to have declared that tho railway station never shall go to tho Queon-strcot Wharf, tho public say it shall, and it remains to see whether the public or its servants are to prevail. We aro quito prepared to back the former.

Tho claim inailo by tlio deputation t bo compensated for tho loss of tho Cuatorn-Houso-stroofc allotments, with endowments on theoutsido of tlio recla mation, i.s a perfectly just one, and though, not embodied in a binding agreement was fully understood, as shewn in tlm report of Messrs Conyora and Lawson, when tho Hoard .snerificed their allotments, Gore-street jetty and slono wall. Mr Oliver admitted the justice of tho cbiini, and will, wo pre -8111110, bo prepared to carry out the honourable understanding arrived at by his predecessors in the matter. As for any chnngo in the original design, wo hope Mr Oliver lias satisfied him self, ero now, that ho had got off the right track. We do not hesitato to s.iy that no member from this city daro vote for n Government guilty of ho gross n pioco of bad faith ns that which Mr Oliver's suggestion involves. If euro ia taken that needlessly costly provisions oro not inserted iv tho spoci fiontions for re-letting thocontroct, thero is no reason to fear that tho cost of (lie reclamation will bo muchj greater than was shown by tlio first tenders.

The Wild Beast Show in Wellesley-strcct still continues to attract a large number of visitors. The proprietors, in order to allow all the opportunity of seeing these animals, have reduced the admission feo to sixpence, so those who miss it will have no excuse. It was also their intention to set tho bear— who is perfectly harmless—at large in die tent, but on suggesting such a step some of the visitors showed signs of the greatest terror, and requested them not to do so.

The closeness of the Supreme Court and the monotony of the alleged cattle stealing c&se yesterday, visibly affected several persons in attendance ; one of the jurors became ill and was permitted breathing space in the body ot (he court. One who had been a spectator of the scene, gradually sank into the somnolent arms of Morphoug, and, with his weary head upon the rail, possibly dreaming of green fields far away, gave snoring indications of his abnormal state, when an official tap on the shoulder restored him to consciousness. Another "lapped in dreamy sleep" behind the re porters' box, evidently accustomed to sleep talking, if not sleep walking, was arrouaed by his own voice uttering, " Here's Tim, do you want him 1" Ho immediately rubbed his eyes and walked out of court into the fresh air.

To tho Editor: Sir,—l read a letter in your paper from a correspondent, signed R, J. FeltuSj who is greatly concerned about old colonists having land giving to them. He calls ii<3 a "clique" for signing a petition, but there is no clique about it. Tho adver tisement shows that it is open for Mr Jfeltus or any other man on the same con ditions. What have old "colonists" clone with land ? Nothing at nil, and I think Mr Feltua would not do much good with land if he had it, a^s he seems mure iit to stick to a ministers coat - tail than to the tail of a plough. If old colonist? have a claim on the Government let them bo paid in cash, and not make land the rubbish heap for every claimant for compensation. Government ought not to part with land except on the distinct terms that it ba culti vated. There is already too much land locked up.—Yours, &c., One Who Signkd.

The lawn in tiout of Government House was a sc.jue of life and merriment yesterday afternoon, and attracted a large number of citizens, among whom we noticed the Hon. Mr Oliver, tho Hon. Mr. Whitaktr, and

the oiliceis of lI.M. German ship Bisu>arck. The brass band performed a number of selections from German composers in excel lent style. The central attraction was the archery exorcises by members of tho Ladies' Archery Club ( in which Mrs. Shorn., Mra Breen, and other ladies shewed much skill iii the pleasing sport.

We have received for the Irish Relief fund, the sum of £5, from a "Friend."

The Hon. Mr Whitakcr received a tele gram last night from the Native Minister stating that he expected to be in Auckland by next Wednesday.

Mr Fclkin will read an essay ou " Comets" thu evening before thomomberg of the l'itt- Btrect Wcsleyan Improvement class. Another old nud respected settler has passed over to " tho great majority;" thus weakening the chain uf associations which biud.s the New Zealand of to-day to the per iod of hor infancy an a civilised country. The gentleman whose demise wo chronicio was Mr Joseph ilar^ruaves o£ the Kaipara, whither lie removed many years ago from East Tumaki. He was an ardent sports man and a good settler. A (sou and two daughters are left to mourn their bereave ment. The announcement of tho purposed transference of Mr Tlioh, Colter, Deputy ; Commissioner of Stamps and Examiner of .Titles t-> Dunedin, will bo received in Auckland with unaffected regret. The jjontleman in his capacity of liouistrution and Returning Ollicer has won "golden opinions from all torts of people,'1 aud hi tiie discharge ot his electioneering duties he has had the singular good fortune to satisfy the most rabid partisans of rival candidates, lie is a diligent and conscien tious oilicer, and he in gifted also with that pleasing quality so rate among civil servants—gentlemanly courtesy. Hence forth Mr Theo. KiH-sling, Deputy Land Registrar, will undertake the duties ap pertaining to the Deputy Commissioner of Stamps nud Examiner of Titles' depart ment, Who the new Returning Ollicer in likely to be we cannot say. Sir William Fox has announced himself a candidate for the Raugitikei seat in Parlia ment vacated by the resignation of Major Willis. The Royal Commission on Local Indus tries is diligently engaged in tho prosecution of the necessary enquiries to enable them to lay an exhaustive report before Parliament at its ensuing session. Mr Tinne is the only local member of the Commission, and as he is at present in town, tradesmen and manufacturers will be consulting their own interests in supplying him with the fullest information respecting their requirements, besides indicating the disabilities which they arc desirous of having removed His Worship the Mayor is also moving in the f-ame direction, and any particulars for warded . him will be promptly trans mitted to head-quarters. It is .said that the Government has an iutentiou of appointing another local commercial man to the Com mission, and wo hope that this statement will be verciicd. Upon such a body Auck land should have a fair representation, and it is also due to her importance as a manu facturing aud industrial centre, that tho Commission should extend their journey ings hither.

The Hon. Mr Oliver was engaged till two o'clock to-day in the Public Works Department, which he then left for the pur pose of inspecting the railway station works t Newmarket.

The next two lectures at Mrs Clayton's boarding and day schools, St. George's Bay, will be by Mr Swallow, and will treat of Music, educationally considered. The young ladies being musically inclined will take special interest in Mr Swallow's pro mised lectures ova subject of which he is a master^

Those popular comedians, Messrs Steele and O'Brien, have arrived from Napier with a new Dramatic Company, in order to play a season in this city. They will open in the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening, with the "British Bore," a sensational drama, which has had a long and successful run in London aud Melbourne.

We iwould again remind lovers of high dixsß music that Madame Urso's opening concert takes place in the Choral Hall ou Friday evening.' So that early application for seats should bo made by those who desire to bo present. Quite a furou of excitement has attended the lady's per formances in Sydney and Melbourne, and we have no doubt but that she will be re ceived with equal cordiality here. The programme appears iv another column.

The " Lyttelton Times" of yesterd.ty re ports that James Moore, a recent arrival from Homo, who came up from Duuedin to Christchurch by tho express train on .Satur day, was armed with a revolver, which he avowed he required to protect himself irom the Catholics. He also expressed pretty freely hi 3 determination to shoot anyone who should da'-e to molest lut.. The re volver was taken from him, and he was arrest d, as he was evidently suflbring from monomania.

To the Editor : Sir,—l learn by tho STAR of date IGtli iust, that the Wellington Mag istrates have so far done their duty to their important o(licc as woll as to the public, in suppressing that contaminating vie.;, gam bling, and have to add, that it would prove a general blessing to the community, both to parents and SOUR, if an entire stop to the demoralising practice of gambling, so pre valent and openly carried on in hotels, aud that to the free encouragement of what, is termed respectable proprietor*. While lately visiting at Onelninga, I was credibly informed that boys scarcely able to reach the counter-top are found in batches practis ing the rudiments of gambling with pence. I have actually seen father and son strctch iug their utmost skill to swindle one (mother at whatis termed an innocent game at cards, and do not hesitate to state that a gambler ought to be avoided as you would a venc mousroptilc.—liini.&c, Eaknhst,Opotiki

Tiie quarterly meeting of Lod^o Rcmein ber.inee of the order of Loyal United Friends will bo held this evening at 7.30, when all members are expected to attend, as business of importance will be introduced.

Doran's Variety Entertainment will be commenced at ei»ht o'clock this evening in the Albert Hall. The Leonard Urothcis and other members of the troupe will appear in the several departments of interest. The infant wonder and Hettie, and the new vocalist, will take prominent parts in the proceedings,

CREDITORS' MEETING.

A CREDITORS' moctiiif,' was held at noon to-day, in the estate of Henry T. Cannell, Carpenter, of Taiiran^.i ; but no creditors wero present, Tho liabilities wore stated at .t\S!l, assets (uominul) £'20. Mr Thomas Maciliirlatio, wiui appointed trusfcoc to the esUte by the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

A similiar meeting was held in the calatelof.Henry Jones, salesman, Aucklaw', lato of Wniwcru, but no creditors won; preacut. Liabilities £112, assets .C 2. Mr. Brock represented the debtor, and Mr. Tho*. Macll'arlano was appointed by the Registrar a.s trustee.

CABLE NEWS.

EUROPEAN.

[REUTERS SPECIAIi CA IU.EOIt AMS.] PAULS. April 13. It is announced that a vessel, convoying tbo French exhibits U> thu Melbourne Exhibition, will leave in May. Lord Lytton Made an Earl. LONDON. 13. In viow of the approaching resignation of the Ministry, Lord Lytton, Viceroy of India, has been raised to an earldom. Training-Ship Missing. LONDON. April 13. Tho training-ship Atlanta, with HOO poisons on board, ia reported missing. She left Bermuda at the end of January, returning from a cruise. Groat anxiety prevails for her .safety. The Channel squadron has been oidercd. to search for tho missing vessel.

Additional Cablegrams.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION IN FRANCE. LONDON. April 2. The construction of a canal is proposed between Bordeaux and Narbonne, thereby connecting the Mediterranean-with the Hay of Biscay. LONDON. April 2. Sir Ilnrdingc Giflaid, the Solicitor-Gen eral, who, in tho last Parliament, was member for Launccston, was a candidate for Edinburgh, and was rejected. Mr D. M'Larca (Liberal) brother-in-law to Mr John Bright, has again been elected for Edinburgh. Sir William llarcourt (Liberal) has been rc-clocted by the city of Oxford, and the Hon. R. Bourkc, Undcr-Sccretary for Foreign Affairs, has again been returned for King's Lynn. ELECTION OF MR McARTHUR. LONDON. Apiil3. Alderman William McArthur (formerly member for Lambeth), and Mr Alexander McArthur (formerly member for Leicester), havis been elected ; aud George E. Browne (formerly member for county Mayo), the Right Hon. James Lowther (Chief Secretary for Ireland), Mr Warner, and Dr Edward V. Keucaly (formerly member for Stoke), are rejected. THE TICIIBORNE CLAIMANT. LONDON. April 3. The Tichborne claimant will, it is under stood, be released shortly. lie intends in stituting a suit u£ainsi his wife for divorce. THE RUSSIAN EMPRESS ILL. LONDON. April 2. The Empress of Russia, who for some time past has been in a very critical state of health, is now dangerously ill, aud is not expected to live. ARREST OF NIHILISTS. LONDON. April 2. Arrests of persons implicated iv tho Nihi list conspiracies still coutmuo to be made in Russia, and tho courier of Prince Lieug has arrived at St. Petersburg under arrest, for being concerned in the attempt on the life of the Czar of Russia at tho Winter Palace. WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND CHINA. LONDON. April 5. It is now considered impossible for the threatened war between Russia and China to be averted. A forco of 20,000 Chinese are reported to have entered upon Russian territory, and hostilities may be expected to commence at any moment. SIR JULIUS VOGEL DEFEATED. LONDON. April 1. Sir Julius VogoJ was one of the can didates for tho electorate of Falmouth aud Penryn in the Conservative interest, but was rejected. 'Iho successful candidates are Mr D. J. Jenkins (one of the former members) and Mr Urett, son of Sir William Baliol Brett, Lord Justice of appeal. Both the successful candidates are Liberals. Mr Jenkins's former colleague was Mr 11. T. Cole (Liberal), who, however, retired, owing to ill-health. The Home Rulers have made slow pro gress, especially Pamell's supporters. THE NliW MINISTRY LONDON. April C. The Right Hon. W. E. Forster will pro- ■ bably accept the Po3t of Secretary of State for the Colonial Department in the new Ministry, and the Right Hon. Hugh Chil- • dors that of Chancellor of the Exchequer, i or First Lord of the Admiralty.

Discovery of a Diabolical Plot. ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP AN IRISH CANDIDATE. LONDON. April 5. Great excitement and alarm has been caused by the discovery of a diabolical plot to blow up a meeting of Conservatives at Carlow, in Ireland. The meeting was to be addressed by Mr Gray, Lord Mayor of Dublin, but before the proceedings com menced a quantity of dynamite was found secreted beneath the platform, ready for ignition. The plot was thus frustrated. THE MIDLOTHIAN ELECTION. LONDON. April 5. Tho result of the election for Midlothian was the return of the Eight Hon. W. E. Gladstone by a majority of 211 over the Earl of Dalkeith, who represented the con stituency iv the last Parliament. DEFEAT OF SIR ARTHUR GUINESS. LONDON. April 6. Sir Arthur Guiness (Conservative), who represented Dublin in the last Parliament, has been rejected by that constituency, and a Liberal and a Homo Ruler have been returned. TIIE STATE OF PARTIES. Tlie returns to hand up to to-day show that there have been elected— Liberals _ 320 (?) Conservatives ... ... 157 Liberal majority ... IC'J The nott gain by Liberals of Conservative) seats amounts to G2. DEPARTURE OF THE ORIENT. The Orient, steamer, Captain Stoddart, left Plymouth ou Saturday, at 10 a.m.,with 454 passengers, and full cargo for Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. COMMERCIAL. LONDON. April 2. There is a fair demand for skins of all Icinds, but there is no change in price. Ox hides arc quoted at 14j|d to 14Jd per lb. The tallow market is excitedly specula tive. Prices are not quoted. Australian wheat is quoted at 57s to 58s per 4901b, ex warehouse. New Zealand, do., 55s to 5Gh do. The price of Australian Hour is 2Ss to 29s per 2001b. English harvest prospects are improving. LONDON. April 5. The price of leather is 12d per lb. The tone of the market is unchanged. MONETARY. LONDON. April 5. Consols arc % higher, and are now quoted at £9S 7« Gd. The market rate of discount is 2i', or J below bank rate. Four per c«nt. New South Wales loan (1903), 10s higher, and is now quoted at £',)S ; 4 per cent. Queensland loan (1913), 10s lower; 5 per cent, New Zealand loan (ISSS-9), £IOS 10.-t ; 1 per cent. Australian loan (1004), £94 ; <ih per cent. Victoria loan (ISS9), £104. THE RUMOURED DEATH OF MAIIO MKD JAN. LONDON. April 9. Intelligence has been received of tho death of Mahomed Jan, the most prominent leader of the Afghan insurgents. He com manded the Afghan battle of Charisiab and in more recent altauks on Cabul. After his discomfiture by General Roberts he retired to Ghuznee, whero he was orf;auis iiiy a National Alliance. He is reported to have been killed while lighting against the Flaguras, a powerful tribe who, incensed at tlio destruction of thoir village by the Cihilzais, and assisted with arms by the British, have been for some timo past pressing Muhomed Jan severely. It is believed that the result of his death will be the capture of Ghuznee by the advancing force under General lilewert with littlo or uo resistance.

AUSTRALIAN.

[UEUTEU'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS,] South Australian Trade Beturns, ADELAIDE. April 13. The imports for the past quarter amounted to jCO, 530,000. Tho exports for the same period amounted lo £9,527,500. The Melbourne Cathedral. MELBOURNE. April 13. His Excellency the Governor laid the foundation stone of tho Melbourne Cathedral to-day. The Union Company's s.s. To Auau sailed for New Zealand to-day. Commercial. ADELAIDE. Wednesday. Wheat in Adelaide is quoted at 4s 5d per bushel, and at ontports 4.s 3d per bushel. MKLIiOUKNE. This day. New Zealand oats are slow of sale at 2h 3d per bushel ; sugar stands at 2s 3d. Sugar at auction, however, has realised £1 per ton higher. Steamship Competition. It is slated here that Mcs.ts Money Wig ram and Co.'s steamship Norfolk will on her next trip from England, go direct to Lyttelton and Wellington.

Native Matters.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

(Fiiom Ouu Own Correspondent.)

Tho "Post" to-night says no later intelli gence has been received by the Government re the movements of Kemp at Murimorita, but as ho has not returned to Wanganui as promised, it is believed he ia waiting on, in tho hopes to provoke Topia to hostilities, having mistaken the purport of the letter from the latter as containing a threat.

Tha Waimate surveys of roads and re serves arcjstill proceeding quickly, and Iho natives are friendly.

Deputation to the Hon. Mr Oliver.

NORTH AUCKLAND REQUIRE MENTS. Mesjrs C. G. Quick, R. Graham and E. C. Greenwood attended at tho Ministers' room iv the Supremo Court, yesterday, for the purpose of interviewing the Minister for Public Works with respect to much needed works iv districts North of Auckland. They were informed however that the lion, gentleman was indisposed, and could not therefore receive any deputation. If the business of the gentlemen were stated Mr Oliver would endeavour to fix a time for tho interview. Such was the answer of the clerk-in-waiting. The members of tho dep utation then submitted several petitions for the consideration of Mr Oliver aud with drew. The petitions were as follows: —A petition for a coach road from Mahurangi to the North Shore ; a petition for bridges and road from North Shore to Waiwcra ; a petition for a road from Wainui; and two petitions for a wharf at Waiwora,

WORKING MEN'S POLITICAL ASSO CIATION.

A COMMITTEE mooting of tho above Asso ciation was held lust evening in tho Albert street Temperance Hall, for the purpose of deciding what steps should bo taken to have tho industrial req-ircments of Auck land suitably repreocntc I to tho Royal Com mission. An animate.l discussion took place, tho result of which was that a number of suggestions were taken down by tho Secretary for transmission to Mr Tinne. All of thorn have reference either to tho i promotion of existing industries or the establishment of such now ones as would be likely to thrive with a littlo judicious encouragement from the Govern ment. It appeared to be the general opinion of the Committee that the Chairman of the Commission was by no means so energetic in his search for information as tbo Chair man of the lata Select Committee, Mr Stevens. Iv fact it was broadly stated that the Commission was a mere sham, and that it was intended to bo such by the Government. Printed forms were then distributed amongst the members of Committee in order that each might iill in whatever particulars he obtained of the needs of his own prescribed district. The question of harbour reclama tion was then brought upon the tapis, and after a, lengthy discussion it was resolved tbac the secretary should write to His Wor ship tho Mayor, requesting him to bring the matter before the Council at its next meet iug, with the object of appointing a deputa tion to wait upon the Railway Commission to secure the speedy completion of the work. It was agreed to convene the half yearly general meeting for the 27th iust.

A general meeting of the Auckland Rjfle Association will be held to-morrow evening iv the Drill-shed, for electing officers and other business,

The Outbreak of Pleuro pneumonia.

THE SOUTH AUCKLAND CATTLE

BOAKD.

A FULL meeting of the South Auckland Cattle Board was held at the Farmers' Club, Cambridge, on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock. Kvery Maclean, Esq. (Chair man), presiding. The Chairman,in opening the proceedings, said he had received intimation that some offence had beun taken in regard to the boundaries adopted for the infected district. It had been pointed out to him that iv several respects they might have been bettor arranged. Those who objected, must re member, however, that the work had to be done somewhat hurriedly, and as the pro clamation only held good for 2S days, altera tions in accordance with the general wish of the settlers could be made at the end of that period. Till then he hoped they would rest content. They would remember that at the last meeting the Inspector and Mr Nadeu had been instructed to proceed to Messrs Burke'a and McNicol'o farms for \ the purpose of further examining the cattle alleged to be suffering from the disease. He would now call on the secretary to read the reports of those gentlemen. The Secretary then read the following report :— " Catnbridgo, 9th April, 1880. "To the Chairman of the South Auckland Cattle Board. " Sir, — I have the honor to report that on the 8:h instant, I in company with Mr Nadeu, veterinary surgeon, went to Mr D. McNicol's farm, at Ohuupo, to inspect his cattle, also Mr Burke'a cattle at Te Awa rnutu. I herewith hand iv Mr Naden's report, " John Kunciman, Inspector of Cattle and Sheep, South Auckland District." "Cambridge, Oth April, 18S0. " Sir, —I have the honor to inform you, for the information of the Chairman of the South Auckland Cattle Board, that on Thursday la.st, Bth April, I again visited Mr Burkes farm, at Paterangi ; the herd of cattle I formerly reported as diseased were much iv the same state, with the exception of a red cow, which w\s much worse than when I saw her last. I also examined at the panic time fifteen calves, another herd of Mr Burke'B, which also showed symptoms of epizootic pleuro-pneumonia. " 1 did not think it necessary to make a postmortem examination as Mr Burke and also Mr Storey were both o£ my opinion, that those cattle were infected with epizootic pleuro •pneumonia. "1 wish to call particular attention to the fact that cattle belonging to Messrs Wcstney Brothers are in a paddock on the opposite side of the road, within twenty yards of the diseased cows, and v wire fence only divides the diseased calves from them. There are also some fat cattle in another paddock adjoining the diseased calves, belonging to Messrs Taylor. •'On the same day I nlso again visited Mr Duncan McNicol's farm, at Ohaupo, but as Mr MoNicol wished to have a butcher to di-ttroy the beast I intended to examine post-mortem, and as the herd are completely isolated, ard they did not ap pear to be any worse than wjien I formerly saw them, agreed to postpone the post mortem examination until Monday or Tuesday next. "On Friday last I visited the farm of Mr Shaw, it the Scotchman's Valley, hav ing been informed that one of his cows allowed symptoms of pleuro-pneumonia. I saw no appearance of plcuro-pneumonia about thU cow, and perhaps the Board would thiuK it advisable that I should visit her again, as there is only a wire fence be tween Mr Shaw's cattle and an infected herd.—l am, sir, your most obedient servant, G. Nadkn, M.R.C.V.S.JU" J. ltuncimau, Esq., Cattle Inspector. The following correspondence was also rend : — " Wellington, 7th April. " J. liunciman, Inspector, " Proceed, without delay, iv the cases of Burke'a and McNicol's. W. ROLLESTON." " Wellington, Bth April. " J. liunciman, Inspector, " You ate hereby authorised to request the assi.'itaucc of the Armed Constabulary whenever you consider it absolutely neces sary to prevent tlio moving of ciittlo infected, and in allixiug notices, uudcr section 4 of the Cattle llegulations. W. ROLLE3TON." Mr A. Swarbrick wrote to the Board as follows:—"I am desired by Mr Nathan Kumney to inform you that a cow is believed to be infected with pleuro on his farm, between llokoiiui and Tatipiri." Mr G. Quick, of Huutly, telegraphed, asking if he could kill and remove beef from Lovell's farm, at Taupiri, to Uuntly. Mr Fantham thought they might grant him permission to slaughter the beasts on the farm, and remove the carcases. The other members of the Board con curred, Captain Steelc remarking that there could not be any objection if the farm was clean. Mr Nad en also concurred, and the Chair man directed the Inspector to grant the necessary permission. The Chuirniau then invited the gentle men present to offer any remarks on the general subject of the disease, remarking that it was for the purpose of receiving sug gestions and advice from them that the Board had requested cattle-owners to be present. Mr A. Swarbrick said he had been re quested to put into the hands of the Chair man the minutes of a meeting held at his house a few days before. lie came from liokonui, in the heart of tLe infected dis trict, where the settlers were anxious to do all in their power to assist the Board in stamping out the disease. The resolutions passed at the meeting he referred to had been published, but he would read them to tlio meeting, calling special attention to No. 3, requesting the Board to prohibit cattle from any farm on which there is known to be infected cattle being driven upon a public road, lie thought a ranger should be appointed, failing which the settlers would have to take some steps iv thar direction themselves. The Chairman said the Board was very glad to find that the settlers ia that part of the district were taking such prompt action ; lie hoped the example would be followed by others. From what Mr Swarbrick had said he supposed a great portion of the country was open, but he thought the Company** cattle would not be allowed to stray. The Board had given orders to keep the infected cattle in the paddock in which, they were found ; and he had no reason to doubt that the instructions would be carried out. Captain Steele thought the action of the settlers iv the liokonui district very wise. If others would follow their example he had no doubt {hat the disease would be speedily stamped out. He did not know to whom the cattle mentioned by Mr Swarbrick be longed, l>ut he could assure him that none of the Company's cattle would be allowed to stray out of the paddock. His only de sire was to prevent the spread of the disease, and ho would be willing to purchase the ton stray beasts, in order that they might not run about the district. He would answer for it that 'none of the Company's cattle would be driven along the highway without an order from the Inspector. Mr Fantham moved : " That in accord ance with section 13 of the Diseased Cattle regulations, as passed by Order-in-Council, and published in the New Zealand Gazette, tho Board do at once give notice to cuttle owners to at once destroy all cattle suffering from pleuro-pneumonia, subject to tho ad vice of the veterinary-aurpepn."

It was well known that the disease existed in the district, and that every day they neg lected they wore only increasing the risk they ran of spreading the disease further. They would remember what the veterinary surgeon had said that all diseased beasts should be slaughtered, and yet they had been pottering about, and nothing had been done. In moving this resolution he knew no one, but was acting simply for the good of the district, not knowing but that in a few days his own cattle would have to be knocked on the head. If the Board did not. start at once, and carry out the provisions of the law, theu he had no hesitation in telling them that they deserved the censure of every settler in the country.

Mr Buttle, while he admitted the gravity of the situation, questioned whether they ought to go so far as Mr Fanthani's resolu tion indicated. He thought tliey would be more effectually doing their duty as a Bonrd, by enforcing strictly the principal of isolation.

Mr Storey agreed with the spirit of Mr Buttles remarks.

Captain Steelc thought it would be a harsh proceeding to adopt without reserva tion, the proposal of Mr Fautham. Some cattie should of necessity ba slaughtered, but the killing should not be wholesale.

Mr Fantham said his motion proposed nothing more. He would leave it to the veterinary surgeon to select the diseased beasts, but they should, when picked out, be slaughtered.

The Hod. James Williamson thought the Board should only proceed on the ad vice of the veterinary surgeon, and all cattle which, in his opinion, could not recover should be slaughtered. People should, however, have an opportunity of saving their property if it could be done with perfect safety to our country.

The Chairman said the Board had ap plied to the Government to havo Mr. Waiien gazetted an Inspector. The position the Board occupied was a very onerous one, and they had applied to the Government for the services of an additional veterinary surgeon. Ho was fully satisfied wifli Mr Nadcn; indeed, the way he had gonn about his work had inspired in him the greatest confidence in his professional skill. It was due to him, however, that he should have another professional man in consultation. One case would be quite sufficient if the veterinary surgeons agreed, lie had spoken to Mr Nadcn on the subject, and he had expressed his desire to sec the sug gestion carried out. Mr Swarbrick said lie would like to say one or two words on the plan adopted in similar cases at home, lie had had a threat deal to do with both sheep and cattle. He had had 5,000 cheep yarded, and because one or two were found to be infected with the foot-and-mouth disease the whole flock were destroyed. He had also seen a herd of 500 cattle destroyed beciusetnere were a few diseased beasts among them, It was the opinion of all vetcrnary surgeons aud all versed in the science at home that t'ue cheapest aud only safe way was to kill all infected animals.

In answer to the chairman

Captain Steele said there were no fresh cases of disease on the Company's property. Mr Willis, a settler residing in the Hoko nui district, said he saw some of the Com pany'seattle which he believed to be infected with pleuro outdidc his fence adjoining the Company's property. A Jong discussion ensued. Mr Buttle was pleased to hear the opinion of those present. As a member of the Board he would always strive to do his duty, aud hoped it would never be said with justice that lie .shirked it. He was willing to do all in his power, but he was always open to conviction. Since he had bccn'in that room his opinion regarding the measures to be adopted had been changed, and lie would now beg to move, " That every animal reported by tho veterinary surgeon as Buffering from pleuro-pncumonia to such an extent as to remove all hope of recovery, be at once slaughtered." Mr Fantham said there was little differ ence between the resolutions only that his met the cane much better.

After further discussion, the Chairman said he wished to move Mr Fantham's original motion, with the following addition: —" That thofe cattle which, in the opinion of the veterinary surgeon, might have a chance of recovering, might be isolated." Any breach, of the regulations would of course be severely dealt with, Mr Buttle, with the consent of the seconder, withdrew his motion, and secon ded the above, which was then put and carried.

Mr Fantham moved—"That all cattle sales be stopped for the present in the South Auckland Cattle District; and that no cattle be allowed to be driven on any public road without an order from the Inspector." Mr Buttle moved—" That consideration of the question be deferred till next meet ing." Mr Fantham agreed to this. Mr Storey made an explanation with re gard to the charges brought against him by Mr Buttle at tbe last meeting. He wrote to say that when he last saw Mr Burkes cattle he could see no symptoms of the disease, which was known to make its appearance suddenly. Mr Fantham had visited the place a short time before, and could detect nothing. Mr Naden said Mr Storey might easily have born deceived, because cattle alter wonderfully in a day even.

Mr Buttle expressed his satisfaction at Mr Storey's remarks. Nothing could be more foreign to his intentions than to cast any reflection on that gentleman.

Mr Fantham said the resolution he was about to propose to summon certain persons to give evidence on the subject of the out break at the Swamp had been rendered un necessary for the following reasons : —They were all agreed that the manager of the company had laid himself open to a penalty of £50 for not giving notice that pleuro existed on the estate. It was the duty of the Inspector to prosecute when any offence bad bern committed against the Act with out special instructions from the Board. He hoped, therefore, that the Inspector would do his duty. The prosecution would bring out all the evidence he desired to be made public. If this flue were not enforced lie would remind them that it would not be fair to inflict it in any similar case which might arise in the future. Captain Steele gave notice that at next meeting he would bring forward the sub ject of inoculation, with a view to creating a discussiou thereon.

Having agreed to meet on Saturday next, the Board adjourned.

Pitt Street Wesleyan Sun day School.

The anniversary of the above school was held last evening. The tea was served in the lower schoolroom to some hundreds of persons. The public meeting was con ducted in the church. The following gen tlemen were upon the platform :—Kevs. T. Buddie, W. S. Baker, E. Taylor, W. Mor ley, G. Bond, and H. Dcwsbury. On the motion of Mr Morley, Mr Thomas Buddie presided. The Chairman, before intro ducing the programme of the evening, said that the subject of Sabbatli schools and their work was now amoug the most important things in tho Church of Christ. No place of worship was now considered, complete unless a Sunday-school was attached. Mr Wesley himself considered this institution to be the great feature of the Christian work of his day. The Chair mau said it was even more important than the public preaching of tho Word—in this respect—that the teachers had to deal with the tender heart of the child, while the minister had to work upon soil that was hard and sinful, and often difficult of being impressed. He hoped for greater results from tbc labours ot Sabbath schools. What was needed was thorough God-fearing, dovoted teachers, and then the expectancy of the schools would be realised. Mr James Buttle read a most encouraging report of the year's doings, which showed :— Oilicers, 13. Teachers ; Male, 24 ; female, 17 : total 41. Average attendance : Morn ing, 10, as against 7 in 1579, being an in crease of 3. Afternoon, 32, as against 28 in 1879, being an increase of 4. Scholars, on the roll: Boys, 206; girls. 212 : totol 41S, being au increase of 30. Average attend ance : Morning, 103, as against 77 in 1579, being an increase of 26. Afternoon, 263, as agaiust 259 in 1579, bjiug an increase ot 4. The highest attendance has been 336. LOENE-STEBKT BRANCH SCHOOL. Number of children on roll at beginning of year, 40; transferred during year to otlior schools, 14; leaving the number at present 26". Although we have only 26 on the roll, very often our attcudaneo has been 30 and 33. We hold au evening service for parents and children every Sunday, which is very well attended. Baud of Hope meet ings are held monthly, when readings and recitations are given by the children; on these occasions our school is often filled to overflowing and most successful meetings are the result, Sympathy with the work is what is required, for \ve arc persuaded moto attention should be directed to this class of Sunday-school work if the masses are to be reached. Wo arc thankful for what wo have received and trust for hclD in the future.

Mr Henderson read the balance-sheet for the year ending March 31, ISSO : -Dr.—To paid expenses last soiree, .-£ll 17s, school festival (January, 1SSO), £21 12s 3d ; A. S. School Union, £23 ISs Gd ; E. Waytp, library book?, &c, £17 Cd ; Upton and Co., library books, &c, £10 19s ; Treasurer of Home Mission Fund, £27 17s 4d; Wcs leyan Book Depot, £8 ISs Gd ; tuning har monium (old one), lls ; new harmonium £39 ; fiamiug certificates, £4 4s; suudry small items, £3 IBs Cd—total, £IG9 13 7d. Cr.— By balance last year forward, £9 4s 9d ; proceeds last anniversary collections, £31 5s lOd; proceeds of soiree and dona tions, £32 lls 3d ; subscriptions and dona tions on behalf oi festival, £1S Gs j proceeds of entertainments (:?) for library fund, £9 9d ; proceeds of entertainment ia aid of Ex lubition Pnnd, £3 7d ; collected on behalf of Home Mission Fund, £27 17s 4d ; cash received for hymn-books, &c, £3 Ss • cash from Church Trust as half payment of har :iKS Waiiccduc '£isteid-

The chuirman;then announced the Rev. PI. Dewsbury, who had just arrived as the new minister for the Pitt-street circuit. Mr J. L. Wilson, as senior circuit steward, came forward, and in the name of the con gregation, welcomed the preacher, expres sing lug sympathy aud theirs, and hoped the year would be most productive for good. Mr Wil&on then extended his baud to Mr Dewsbury, and formally welcomed him, winch Mr Dowabury received, sitting. The new minister then came forward, and in a short but effective address, referred to the work that had called them together. Its importance was great. The responsibility of parents was such that it could not be delegated to the teacher. The aim of each should be the saving of the children. God had fluug man into an existence, which will run parallel with the Almighty for ever, therefore, how earnest should Christian workers be, and in particular the teachers, to see that Uieir children were secured for Christ. Home training was absolutely necessary, and if this were neglected, nothing could supply its place.

Mr Gaesel, a teacher, addressed the meet ing in an outspoken way as to the work in the school. He said that it was customary iiow-a-days to get up laughs on the plat form at the expense of the teachers. He mentioned the case ot a young Wealeyan minister who at the recent Sunday-school convention made use of some trifiino remarks, which might go far to push aside the awful solemnity which should hano over the faces of teachers. The work was a most momentous one. He had wished to see more teachers on the platform, f or the practical addresses of teachers in the actual work must be the best for such anniversaries Mr Casscl gave some excellent advice to hia fellow workers. The Sabbath-school had been a glorious success..

The Rev. It. Taylor, in an address of twenty minutes, fairly captivated his audi ence on the subject of the "Bible." This address—without attempting comparisons with the others, will live longest in the memories of the hearers. It was such an address as to make teachers more dearly love the work of doing good, and God^ word too. His illustrations are always good, and well recited.

The Rev. W. S. Laker gave a short ad dress, and was at home in his subject. He Raid that next to missions he loved the Sabbath-school most dearly. The work of the teacher was not fruitless. He recounted his visit to the hospital, where he witnessed the amputation of a boy's leg. That boy when just going under the influence of chloroform, began to repeat one of his Sunday-school prayers, which was beautifully touching. Then he prayed for his parents and sistcis and himself. Dr Philßon said "Mr Baker, that is a Sunday-schooi scholar." This anecdote was told with visible effect upon the congregation. The meeting closed at 9.45. p.m., after having voted thanks to the ChairmaD ladies, and the choir. '

The Kcv. T. Buddie pronounced the bene^ diction.

Our Wellington Letter.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

WELLINGTON, April G.

A HORRIBLE FATE. LAST Friday morning a most shocking dis covery v."as made iv the house occupied by an old settlor named Mr John McLaggan on the Wellington Terrace, almost opposite' the Wellington Club. On the preceding night Mr McLaggan retired to rest as usual, leaving his housekeeper—an elderly person named McColl—in the kitchen, and at an early hour on Friday morning, comin» down to take in the milk, a ghastly sight presented itself to his eyes—McColl's al most naked corpse, burnt black, with the raw ilesh exposed in several places. An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the terrible affair has been held, bat the facts elicited do not throw much light on the canseof it. Itappears that McColl.wbo was a single woman, about GO years of aee,had acted as Mr McLaggan's housekeeper for a considerable period. Occasionally she gave way to fits of intemperance, which, as a rule, lasted for days, and were of a serious nature. In her sober intervals, however she was quiet and industrious. She was tfie worse for drink on the night of the catastrophe, and at the time Mr McLaggan went to bed she was lying on the sofa. A lighted candle stood on the table. During the night McLaggan was not disturbed by any unusual noise or by a smell of burning, but slept soundly till morning. He was awoke by the milkman knocking at the door. Not hearing; Miss' McColl moving about, he got up and opened the door himself. In order to do so he had to pass through the kitchen, and here he observed the burnt body of his housekeeper. Strange to say, however, he tiok in the milk without mentioning the circumstance to the milkman, and then locked the door, in order, as he subsequently explained, to go and have a look at the body. Having gamed time to gather his scattered senses, he informed a neighbour of the affair, by whom he was advised to report the matter to the police. Mr McLaggan'a evidence before the Coroner was of a most unsatisfac tory character. Indeed, that official de clared that it ■was impossible to get any sense out of him. The event seemed to have quite bewildered him. He did not think there was anything dangerous in leaving a a drunken woman uuvvatched with a naked light at hand. He did not know why he omitted to mention the discovery to the milkman—it did not signify. He could not recollect much about it. He had had a glass or thereabouts of gin on Thursday, but not sufficient to do him any harm. A theory has gained ground among certain people that Miss McColl, like the fa.110113 Mr Crook, in Bleak House, went off from spontaneous combustion, as the room in which she was found had no appcaranceof a fire having taken place there ; but the pro bability is that the deceasecf, whilst on fhe point of going to bed, fell on the floor hold ing the candle in her hand; that her clothes caught fire; that she was then suffocated by the smoke aud her body burnt in the manner described. Mr McLaggan, who, it should be stated, is about seventy-six years old and of sober habits, picked up the candlestick on Friday morning, but could not remember in what spot he discovered it. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased was burned to death while in a state of intoxication, THE RAILW VY AGITATION. The movement for the completion of the West Coast Railway is being pushed On with unabated vigour. Since my last letter another public meeting has been held, this time to consider the feasibility of the scheme 1 have previously referred to, viz., that the line should be constructed by men willing to receive their remuneration partly in land alongside it on which to settle and partly in money sufficient to keep the wolf from the door whilst they are so engaged. The matter was warmly dismissed aud the conclusion that the meet ing arrived at was that not only was the plan quite practicable, but that it ought certainly to be adopted by the Government. Accordingly a deputation waited on the Ministry forthwith. The Hon. Major Atkinson, who on this occasion acted as the mouth piece of the Ministry, said that the scheme was impracticable. It would cause great complications in accounts, it would bo an infringement of the land laws, and would not, he was sure give satisfaction either to the .Parliament or the people. He advised workinguicn to' look out for land where works were already goinp on. He was quite willing to place the proposal, if set out distinctly in wiiting, before his col leagues, but he was quite convinced that it was unworkable, and could hold out no hopes of its being adopted. This inter view 7 has had the effect of extinguishing the ardour of many of the foremost advo cates of the scheme, which may now be considered to have been dropped. But the people of Wellington are sanguine that the West Coast line will shortly be included among Government undertakings. Your scathing leader concerning this Jine has been read with much interest here, and as the " Post," the champion advocate of the line, lias not yet seen fit to deal with your remarks, it is concluded that paper has thrown up the sponge and tacitly admitted the errors you so clearly pointed out.

A SERIOUS CHARGE. A tew days ago, a well-known and greatly respected bailiff was placed ia possession of a house in Tory-street tenanted by a Mr and Mrs Symes, whilst there it is alleged that he committed mi indecent assault. Mrs Symes stated that she went into her bedroom to show Mr Bowden " how the bod was put up" or for some other reason, when he threw her down and behaved indecently to her. She laid an information against the bailiff fora criminal assault, and that perton was im mediately arrested, though liberated on sub stantial bail. The case was fixed to come on for hearing at the B. M. Court on Satur day last, but the prosecutrix made no ap pearance. The Magistrate in dismissing tho information, gave hia opinion that the affair was "extremely improbable.'' La*or on during the day Mr Symes called at tho Court and wished to have the matter re opened. One cause of tho non-appearance of his wife when called in Court was that there was no clock in the house, and sne had miscalculated the hour when she ought to havebeeu in attendance. Another rea son was that she was subject to fits, ancv~J excitement arising from the afiair had brought on an attack of this malady. His Worship referred the matter to Inspec tor James, who, however, declined to in^" fere after the case had been dismissed, Mr Symes has therefore written to the Chief Justice, so he says, for permission to lay a fresh information. In the interests 01 juaticp, no less than for the protection or men exposed to the possibility of sucp charges being brought against them, i' & certainly desirable that this case should should have the fullest light shed on it. '* do not mean to allege that the charge ia question was a trumped up one-thatnas yet to be proved—but it is notorious that at oue time, so common were charges of tnis nature in England, that no prudent man Would ride in a railway compartment whose only other occupant happened to be » female. And I have_ frequently known solici'orsgive instructions to their clerks to keep constantly popping in »na out of their sanctum whenever female clients sought an interview.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1880.



% ., ILN J3 & nflOY CiS lvi V>/ Are NOW SHOWING thoir AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, which will be found to bo Stylish, of Good Qiality, and Very Moderate in Price. MILLINERY—the Latent Parisian Styles i.'ATS in Be.-.ver, Fc\t, Straw, &c. s'ifAu Turbans, Keal and Imitation, In Ladies' and Clii'clren's Trr-OWKit":-', JTATHICRS, lIKAD-DRKSSE3 JAOKETrf «nd IUA-N'TLKd, in Black and Coloii;-^! Cluth, oilk. fro. FlinLHIiD Cr.OAKS, UtSTERS Hosieky (bo* ladies and Children s) in cilk, Lialo /:orlno, CashniPi-a. aod Cotton GLOVES, in Kid, Cloth, IWdta, &c. Undressed Kid ditto, 2 and i button. An Immense Stock of DKKSS MATKRIALS, in every style and texture, with arlmrmngs £ 11 UwrHiioos in Black Silks (just to hand in our uauil favourito makes) marked very low Ladies' and Children's Costumes iv great variety Special attention is drawn to the BABY LI ;KN arid Children's and Ladies UND.-tR CJj' TIUNG Department, every posslhlo re- QUiroment in which will bo fully supplied Boys' Knickerbockers, Ulsters, Hosiery, Hats, A Compfeto Assortment of Calicos, Flannels, Blanket?, Linens, &c. Dress and Mantle-making conducted on the premises Five per Cent Discount allowed for Cash. MIL W ■ Jfl- I OHOY CE, Auckland. ..



! Special Advercißeinenta. "XTEW CLOTHING AND HOSIERY, SPECIALLY SELECTED For tiie Auckland Mahket. PAGICT SUITS, Single and Uouble-broasted SAC SUITS, Singlo and Donble-brcastci BOYS' and YObTHS' GALATEA SUITS BOY 6' NORFOLK SUU'S, Now Patterns BOYS' SAILOR SUITS, New Patterns BOYS' COSSACK SUITS, New Patterns BOYS' KNICKKB TKOUSEES MEN'S and BOYS' NEW OVERCOATS. 11 The Ulster," " Tub Chesterfield," " t-he roseberkv," In Pilot, Granite Cloth, Cheviot, Froize, and other Tweedd. Agents i^or WKRTHBIM'3 SEWING MACHINES. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, Queon-atroct (opposite Thoatro Royal). J. HITZSIMON3, Manager. MOTICE! "JJ OTI CE ! NEW DRAPERY. NEW CLOTHING. RUSHBUOOK & BRIDGMAN Beg to announco that thsir NKW STOCK for the incoming Heison'a Trado is Now to Hand, comprising— Now Materials in Fancy Dres3 Goooo, very cheup Satin Clo:lis, Sorgo-. Reps Cashmeres, ifronch 3rerino3, &c now shades Waterproof Tweed:; and Ulster Cloths Ladies' nnd Maid-s' Jackets, a choice assort ment Now Fancy Woollen floods in threat variety Ladies' aiul Maida' Ulsters, all qulto now llosiiiKY in variety, &o. Also, A Largo Stock of Flannels, various makorp, and unusual gojd valuo Blankets, till sizes, white and coloured Winceys, Wool Plaids, Shirtings, Sec. A Very Choieo Assortment of NEW CLOTHING FOR BOYS AND MEN. Overcoats and Ulsters Boys'and Youths'ditto ditto Crimean Shirts, Oxford Shirts, Wlnto Shirts Under-Flannels?, L.W. Shirt? and Pant? Printed and Whlto Moleskin Trousers for Boya and Men Hats, Caps, &c. A Hetvvy Stock of Good Tweeds Cheap Tweed for Boys' wear, Bluo Sers?e, Moleskins, &c. tST Five per c.nr, discount (13 in the £) al lowed unon a 1 Cash Purchasers o£ 20s and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Drapers and Clothiers, Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queon-street, Auckland. l^T E W MILLINER V, NKW BONNETS and HATS. LATE3T FASHIONS FROM PARIS. Also, in CCSTUMES, JACKET 3 and MANTLES. W. IUTTEAY will hold a GRAND SHOW Of very Choice and Fashionable Autumn and Winter Goods O.NT MONDAY, THE otii APRIL. Tho attention o£ tho Ladles is specially invited to this intended Display of New ami Fashionable GOODS. W. R A T T R A V, GG, Queen-street Oppoaito Bank of Now Zealund). a RE AT fi> All GAINS UE A T JL> ARG A I S GREAT BARGAINS 1 GREAT BARGAINS! GREAT BARGAINS|I JUST OPKNED, A SPLENDID LINE OF |IWEED JgUI.TS, AT 27 s 6 D- Worth 455. ONE CASE J^JEN'S jC^LAX gHIRXfS, With Collars, AT 4 s 6 U Wohth 6s 6d. ONE BALE gUPER. JJLANKETS, 13 s 6 D' Worth 20a. Inspection specially invited to OUR OWN MAKE OP BOYS' PLAITED TUNIC SUITS, From gS. $S3" Note the Address— J. B. -ROBINSON, A UCKLAND /CLOTHING- TjiACTORY NEXT MESSRS TONKS & CO.'d AUCTION MART TO THE PUBLIU,- Wc have the pleasure to inform yon our AUTUMN' and WINTER GOODS arc ■now opened for your inspection. It is our intention to keep a much Cheaper, Larger, and more Fashionable Stock of DRAPERY and FANCY GOODS than we did prior to the late Dissolution of Partnership, and a {/lance at our present Slock will convince you that pood taste and jtidgment has been exercised in its selection. We thank you for so far endorsing our views regarding Cash Payments as to encourage, us to continue the CO-OPERATIVE CASH SYSTEM. Our Stock is marked down to the VERY LOWEST SHADE OF PROP IT; but we trust to a VERY LARGE CASH RETURN to compensate for the small profit put on the Goods. In doing a large trade we necessarily have a great number of Remnants evert/ xceck. These will be measured up, marked at venj low prices, and cleared off every FRIDAY and GABLIGK c& CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. Pompadour Cashmeres and Serges Pompadour Silks and Velvets Pompadour Fringos and Buttons Satin Dress Vests and Tynan Velvets The " Louis" Volvotcen (highly commended) Silk Finish Pateut Velvet And all tho Now and Fasliionablo Trimmings. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Estamines - :: Wool Poplin ' Satin Cloths :: Persian Cords Crapo Cloths :: Russell „ Costume Tweeds :: Fancy Serges French Cashmeres :: Plain „ Winceys, various :: Black Silks Alpacas, „ :: Silk Reps Cherry Black Lustre :: Wool „ At Co-operative Reduced Cash Prices. GARLICK & CRANWELL. A Splendid Assortment of Flowers, Feathors, Fancy Birds' Wings, Frilling, Rouehing, Fancy Velvets, Sealskin Caps, Trimmed and Untrimmed Hats and Bonnets,- in our Milli nery Department. Milliners on tho premises to'exocuto'orders with dispatch. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. Ulsters, Mantles, Paletots, Jackets, Opqrettes" AVool Squares, Shawls, Capes,;etc., Ribbons, Scarves, all at Co-operative Prices. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Manchester Goods :: Blankets, very cheap Men's&Boys'Clothing :: Curtains, „ GARLICK & CRANWELL. Our Goods arc all Marked to tho VERY LOWEST SHADE OF PROFIT. Co-operative Prices for Cash. Co-operative- Prices a Public Benefit. Co-operative Prices and a Large Return. m Support our New System. 1E& GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade.



Special Adveixlsmenta •■p H I S L I X U M. 100 DOZEN 2-BUTTON KID GLOVES (Quito sound), I Only Is lid per pair, f A LargefStoclc of FANCYgGOODS, MILLINERY, COSTUMES, PINAFOEE3, ,DRESS GOODS, &c, &c. To be Sold at NettßCaab, for a Short Tlmc;onlr. DRESSMAKING ON THE rBKMISES, Costninesiraadc in 21 hours' notico. A. LINAB Ull V & G 0., 201 AND 206. QUfIKN-STRKKT N S A v X, Koaraloy's Conibiuecl Keapors ard Mower Mangold and Turnip Drills Turnip Blloera Oilcako Breakers V t rinnowinK Machinoa Lawn Mowers. Also, TO ARRIVE, PER < INGLEWOOD,' Coulter's Corn, Mangold, Turnip, and Manure Drill 3, combined And Ploughs, double and singlo Harrows Hollora &c, &c. Ac Thojabovo goods aro imported directed rora tho manufacturers, nnd will bo sold choap to raakp room for further shipments, W. J. HURST & CO., 181. Uneon-Rtreat.



What riches arc those that certainly i make themselves wings and fly away-"" ' Ost-riclies,