SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ri H «,r A-ry-M J This Evening, 9.30 Li ( L' AIKKITo-m..rrmv Morr.inß.-i.-,-, *-N BKT—This Evening, 0.15 ■'•' RISK.—To-Morrow MorninK.6.l dO'.'N'S AGE.— First Quarter, 19th, 0.15 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. • , Ai'gyle, s.s., Crawford, .Tom SVhangarcd. to-day.

DEPARTURES.

LAST KYEXIXO. lona, s.s.. Stcvonson. for Russell, (ilenolsr, s.s., Farquhar, for Tauranga. Bonn, soli.. McKenzie, for Whangapoua. Opotiki, sch., Collings, for "Whangarei. SM_i-- ."-:■.-. ■ -... TOrDAV. . . :._;..:■ Rinararooma. s.s., Chatfleld, for Sydnor, Alacrity, H.M.s schoiner, for the Islands

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Caledonia, schooner, from Tonga. i Mnzeppa, schooner, from Rarotonga. Sovereign of tho Sea?, cutter, from New Cale donia. | •- ■ • , i i i j Bismarck, H.1.G.M.5., from Samoa ' , V I Flirt, brigantine, from Timaru. Tubal Cain, schooner, from Levuka. Minion, schooner, from Norfolk Island. Minor Vernon, barque, from New York; sailed 10th November Trovelran, ship (V.N.H.S.I, from London ;load ing. City of Quebec, barque, from London. Carnillei brig, from Ne.v YeCik • ' ! ,1 Look Out, brigantine, from Sydney. '•"-' ! Coronet,'schooner, from Marshall Group. Mercia. barque, from London ; sailed Dee. 30 Belle Brandon, schooner from Lino Islands I Island Lily, brigantjno, from Chatham Islands, Ulara Hargrcnves, barnuo. from Newcastle. ; Loch" Dcj, barque, from London ; loading.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Tauranga—Glenelg. Friday For New Plymouth and Southern Porte —

Taiaroa, Wednesday Whangarei—Aigj-lt., Tuesdays and Fridays Anne Milbank, Mondays and Thursdays; Lyttelton.—British Umpire.

EXPORTS.

Per Ringarooma, for Sydney: 5 bags grass seed, II box cancelled notos^7 bales fuugus, 1 parcel. .■ a '■•■

: Inwards Coastwise.—Zillah, from Thames, with 2n.r.(0 feet timber; Paku, from Taiiua, with 23,122 feet timber..

Ot'TwaRDS Coastwise. Dream, for Tairua Kauri, for Port Charles ; Paku, for Tairua.

H.M.s schooner -Alacrity' sailed to-day on a cruise tj tlio Islands.

The schooner' Agnes Donald will clear to mor_ow for Rarotonga.

The schooner Griffin, now lying at Onehunge is open for freight or charter.

Tenders aro required by Messrs L D, Nathan, for the convoyanco of GI tons railway material, ex Earl Granville, to Napier. j .

Tho barque Loch Urr has entered out at the Customs lor; London. Sha is taking in cargo rapidly. .- i -..-. .

Tho schooner Rona sailed last evening for Whangapoua,- where sh,_ -will load with timber for a Southern Port.

The schooner Rover has entered out at the Customs for Samoa. Sho will probably sail to morrow.

The s.s. Argyle arrived last night from Whan ga.ei and Mangapai, with 90 sacks kauri gum, (JO boxes fruit, o 00x0.1 eggs, and 2 tons sundries. Passengers:— Keys vlcluto_handMacrao,_Mi3ses Malone (2i, Mesdames Kiehardson and Carter, 'Slessis MoAr,h ir, AJeMiHan, Pollock. James, Dotialtfson, .Suth-.ilarid. Patterson, SykesJ and two ill the steerage. Tbe steamer will return to the same.ports to-night. , Tho barque has been chatted on behalf of Messrs. Shaw- -Saville an i Co., to lo.id for Loudon. She will follow the Loch Urr.

The s.s. ltingarooma loft for Sydney at a late hour thisafterncon. Patenters: Mr nnd Mrs Winter, Mrs Walier, Brady, Criigg. Misses Bel ough, Rutherford, P.oynolds, Teague, Ashton, Masters Rock (2), Misses Rook i 2», -Messrs Bain, Twomoy. Laroohe, Stccomb, Wilson, Rock, J. Armitage, Dickinson. )'. Ferguson, McEiiight, Elkington, Stone, W. 11. Douglas, A. Muirhead, Galoraith, Sanders, J. Rnthsrford, T. Hawkins, Wallace, K. J. Burchell. J. Rejnolds, G. Allen, J. Warren. J. ThoJipson, Fernand, Leeti, J. Wilson, Powlett, A Smith. Grass. H. Daertn, B. Clifford, B. Gc'dfrey, G. Athlon, YV. Ashton, G. Holland, C. Eves, Gooch, N-.smith, Russell, Chatfleld, Pcv Dnnkloy, Dr Dunkley, Master Grass.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Nelson, schooner, from tho South DEPARTURES. Lallah Rookb, p.s., Campball, for Raglan

A schooner named the Nelson arrived at Manukau Heads from a Southern port on Mon day last.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Tho s.s. Tararna, Captain Malcolm Muir, Cleared Sydney Henrls at 2 p.m. on tho llth instant, and arrived at Russell at 5 a.m. to-day. Sho discharged her cargo and proceeded to the coaling ground. Pas«engers for Auckland: Mesdames Koberts, Hui, Coutts. Shepherd, Messrs Williams, Hui. Roberts, Griffoth, Bowen, Pearson, Trear, Thompson, Rev. Hughes, nnd _\i steerage. - ■ Arrived—lona. Three colliers passed for coaling ground. Tararua sails at 5 p,m- Pas sengers :—For Auckland : Mongonui, Talwha nga, Mrs Johnson, -Miss Mackenzie. Kor I_yttel toa: Mr Clark, a lot of sailing boats leave per lona to compete at Whangaxoa regatta. Tauranga, this day. The b.s. Pengoin arrived from Auckland at 8 o'clock this morning. The s.s. GleDelg, from Auckland, arrived at 3.15 a.m. Nelson, this day. The s.s, Waitaki arrived from Mcton at 8.20 am. today. New Plymouth, this day. The s.i. Rowena arrived from Onehunga at 11 a.m. to-day. Wellington, yesterdar. Sailed: Wanaka, s.s., lor Auckland, via the Kast Coast- Passongors : Mrs shannon, Mess.s Read, Goldbury, Gill, Oldberg, Grigg, Kimble, Kirk, Hall, Henderson (2), McLean, and Uea keth. Arawata, for the South. Arrived: Majthn Reid, schooner, from Wai tara. Dunedin, yestrday. Arrived: Clematis, brig, from Hobort Town. Sailed: Marlborough, ship, for London; Wan ganul, s.s.. for the North; Taiaroa, s.s., for tho North.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Tuesday.

Mr R. Arthur held a largely attended fruit sale to-day. ex Ringarooma from Hobart Town. 160 cases ot fruit were quitted at the following averages: Apples, 2d to 3}d; pears, lid to lid ; damsons, 2Jd to 2Jd; plums, 6d; bullaces, lid. A quantity o_t local quinces realised lid. Messrs B. Tonks and Co. sold 50 eases of Californian sage honey, and about 50 rolls of fancy China matting at satisfactory prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close.as Uni.er:— This Day. For Wnngarei neads, Waipu, Wangarel,.and Mangapai, per Argylo.iat. i p.m For Tryphena, per South Carolina, at 4 p.m. ForTau-ui, por Paku, at I p.m. For Mangawal and Waipu, per Klnn, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, 17th instant. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Wellington, at 8 a.m. For Glsborno, Napier, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Tararua, at 5 p.m. _, For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 4.30 p.m, For 'lhames, per Enterprise at 5.30 p.m. TiiCT-SDAY, 18th instant. For Taranaki, Wanganui, and Wellington, per Rangatira, at l p.m. For Samoa, per Rovor, at 3 p.m. Friday, 19th instant. For Whitiangi, t'airua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Glenelg. at 1 p.m. Tuesday, 30th instant.- Per s.s. City of New York a3 follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States Of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British andjforeittn West Indies, Japan, and China, including Hongkong, at 1 p.m. I'or United Kingdom and Continent, of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, and registered lotters, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence, in addition to tho postage, will be recoived by tho Mail ARont on board tho steamer np te tho time of sailing. 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

It is recorded in Ancient History of ono Po:y bu3. that ho could tell (or at least assumed to say)how every battlo Alexander lost might have been won. But this was beyond tho scope of human tower. The highest genius of general ship sometimes fails, under the forco of adieu titious oircumstauces. Doubtless, thousands have Striven to utilizj the Juniper berry, and there nny be .mowing ones, who llko Polybus, mi .lit undertake to say liow its essence could b* best nxlraced. But nothing has eve- been produced like Udnlpho Wolfo's Schiedam Aro matic -r'chnapps. It srands alono, like the ono Alexander.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

SUR'citini.R.—We have ascertained that hono.y--.oap, which may be procured at a rea.s(Hiable prico, is calculated to soften and clean hand.'- roughened by honest hard workjSOme reccomeud glycerine, but this soap sometimes occasions pain to the user of it.

DEATH.

HUNTER.- -On March 15, at his parents' resi dence, .-'omer.-et Pluco, olt JUowe-atreat, Nov,ton, John Ward Hunter; ageds)months,

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

.'or th; cause that lacks asslstancs, For the wrong that needs resistance, for the fntnre ia the distance,

Aud the tool that we cua da.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1880.

Ouu readers will be glad to learn that the hon. the Premier his recognised the long and faithful duty rendered to the colony by Chief Judge Foatou, of tho Native Lauds Court, who3e services will be retained. As a well-traiucd barrister, a ripe scholar, and a gentleman with a peculiarly judicial mental bent, not to speak of long years of assidious study of the intricate questions affecting Maori lands, Judge Fenton is pre eminently fitted for the post he now occu pies, and his resignation would have been a loss to the colony. Whatever opinions may be entertained as to the relative posi tions of the Europeans and Maoris, there can be no doubt that the Native Lund Court will be a necessity for many years to come, and it is fortunate for the Colony that it is now presided over by an impartial, painstaking, aud coascientous gentleman. The Premier has gisen general satisfaction by this action.

Our leading article of Saturday has re ceived singular confirmation in a Press Association telegram from Dunedin, where a memorial from the unemployed has been signed by as many as 500 men. We believe, however, that this does not furnish any reliable index to the proportions of tiie existing destitution and distress, or to the probable suffering during the winter months. The genuine working-man is not usually foremost in these agitations, and if he suffers from a dearth of employment, he prefers to suffer in silence, or seek for work through other channels than memorials to Ministers. Wc may safely assume that these 500 men represent only those most easily influenced by the agitators. The curious feature of the business is that while the lack of employment undoubtedly exists, to the extent of 500 men at least, Otago has been committed to provide employment for some thousands of immigrants, who will on arrival swell the ranks of the unemployed.

After " Tell it all" by MrsStenhouse, one of the unfortunate wives of a Mormon elder, ono would J^ave supposed that there was no necessity for any i Urthej- exposure of the horrible whitcd sepulchre yclept "Mormonism." The misfortune, however, is that such books as that fall into few hands in this colony, and therefore the men who work in " Ways that are dark and tricks that are vain," are able to in fluence the ignorant and credulous. Mrs Stenhouse did " Tell it all." Sho gave even the true story of the flummery that goes on in the grand Tabernacle, and a very vivid description of the torments sulfered by condemned aud neglected first wives. Another lady at Salt Lake City has vece.-.tly undergone the same experience, and she describes it in the following graphic words:—" After dinper, which dragged terribly, the bridegroom lo.okiug very sheepish indeed, preparations were made for the opera. He placed his arm gently around the slender waist of his new bride, folded hot cloak close to Jier form, aud drew her towards him in sight of his lirst wife and nil the guest.?. Sho responded to his caress with a tender glauce, and the lady who describes the scene noticed in the first wife's pallid face a look of agonised endu.aucc, mingled with devilish malignity. When ti.e visitor expressed her sympathy after the depari,uj'e of the biide and bridegroom, the lirst wife replied :_ "I am not jealous, but happy in thic new love of my husband. Our faith teaches us to love these sisters iv marriage as our own flesh. This marriage js not an estrange ment of my husband's love, as it would be iv an unsanctiiied Gentile, but a re.-niarriage to myself. Iv this marriage I live over again my own espousal, my own bridal, and renew again the first-sweets of married love." When the other guests had gone, however, the truth came out unreservedly. "I am most wretched. Between me and

any celestial lights, or any glory or peace or consolation in this life or the world to come, there stands that woman. .Between me and all the light of my religion stands that woman. This girl's face is hateful to nic ; tbat my husband should love one for her mere beauty alone I My imagination can not be held back from all the soul-torturing, crucifying things which follow iv the train of this marriage." If nny ot our female loaders should be enamoured of the religion of Joseph Smith after rending the above they are welcome to it. "'f is,distance lends enchantment to the view." Looked at by those who haVe been admitted to the charmed circle it is a mere charnel-house.

Nor has Mormonism any more legitimate claims to honourable recognition as an agont of colnuization, than it.has of social morality, as the following extract will show :—

" A curious phase of the Mormon difli culty is presented in an alleged scheme by which all of the arable land of the Territory is monopolised by Mormons to the exclu sion of all other persons. Every person familiar with Utah regions has noticed that the Mormons plant a "city" wherever they plant a colony. These so-called cities are used to take up vast tracts of land under the laws of:the united.States, though the "cities" are merely shams. Thus one of those''fraudulent communities with a big name 'tacked to it, though only a hamlet in the sigebush. with GOO inhabitants, claims ami receives from the Government a tract of land containing four square miles. As "cities" of this type are Spread all over Utah, it happens that a groat land monopoly i is created for the benefit of the followers of the Mormon hierarchy. It is contrary to sound policy to allow monopolies of this sort to exist, whether Mormons or Gentile share in their benefit."

If any of our readers are tempted to go to the Utah territory in search of cheap land, the scales will fall from their eyes after reading the above. The lauds thus acquired are "farmed" by the much-married elders, who use thefoolish dupes from abroad us mere serfs. Five or six years ago a number of settlers at Karori Valley, Wellington, were cajoled into breaking up their homos and embarking for Salt Lake City. A few months later they returned stripped of almost their Inst shilling. The money had gone iuto the pockets of the wily Mormon ni-ssioiiaries.

Important cable messages appear in our telegraphic column. A lire has occurred on board the City of Sydney, at San Francisco, aud it would appear that the Afghans meditate another attack on General Roberts' lines. Probably a vigorous campaign will be opened in the spring.

The enquiry into the cause of the death of Hubert Hinds, held yesterday afternoon before Dr. Philson and a jury, terminated in a verdict of fouud drowned. 'i he deceased, it appeared from the evidence ol Thomas McMillan who had known him 20 years, was a native of the North of Ireland, and had becu'a shipping agent in Belfast, where his wife aud family still live. Wit ness; and deceased came out together in "Indian Empire," in 1802. Hinds was fond of his glass but was uot likely to have committed suicide.

At tho meeting of St. James' Mutual Improvement Association last night the chairman (Mr W. Gorrie) prcsidin :, -i lec tnre was delivered by Mr P. Oliphant on "The Philosophy of Dugald Stewart."

The subject though rather deep for an amateur in metaphysical studies, \v_i-_ v.-ell handled, and Ihe criticisms passed upon the lecturer's acquittance of his t isk wen; of a very favourable character. Next. Monday evening two essays are to be read—one by Mr \V. J. Goddis on "Amateur Conceit,"

nud the other by Mr 11 " Mental Culture."

Dorrington on

The p.s. .Annie Milbank will make an excursion to the Hot Springs to-morrow morning, leaving the wharf at 11 a.m.

We commend to the notice of ultra-Sab batarian's the following enlightened ox prcs.-ion ol opinion from the last issue of the "Now Zealand Froeiimu's Journal." For the life of us we cannot sco the harm of innocent recreation on Sunday, To many it ia the only day of relaxation, and religion does not oblige any one to abstniu from healthful enjoyment, but, on the contrary, all good men advocate it. It is only Ihe ahuse of such liberty that is to be guarded against. Anything sensual which might give scandal or corrupt the heart is always sinful; innocent recreation is always com mendable. Let those, then, who make such a great fuss about Sabbath observance remember that there is no evil but sin -, and as long as people keep from sin ami the occasion of it, moderate recreation, even on Sunday, is both necessary and harmless.

SirGcorgo Atncyand Lady Arncy aro still l-e-iding at Evcrsficld Place at Hastings, iv the south of England.

The annual lueetins of tbo Oiieluui_;a Ladies' Benevolent Society was held on the evening of the 112 th inst, Mr Codlin, Mayor, in the chair. Rev. Thomas Humor read tho report, shewing that £24 7shail been received from subscrioers, and JCIO 15s, the pro ceeds of au entertainment, tiie whole of which had been expended in relieving distress, except £1 9s 'id, balance iv hand. Auuauimous vote of thanks was passed to the ladies of the committee for the time and care they had devoted to this necessary work. The meeting also desired to place ou record their high appreciation of the medical skill and kindness shown by the gratuitous services rendered by the late Dr. Zinzan. The former committee was then re-elected.

We have received from the author " Kos nios," who is a pressman of some reputation a copy of the pamphlet entitled " The ruiu of the turf in New Zealand." As a contri butor to " The Field," " Laud and Water and other English papers, the author of tho pamphlet under notice is well qualified to deal with sporting matters The brochure is a defence of betting and tho existence of bookmakers as being essential to the turf. The weak point of tho argument however, appears to be that the author has not shown the necessity of the turf.

Constable Igoc, who was on duty la-t evening near the wharf about 10 o'clock, observedjflames issuing from tiie chimney of the portable engine on the premises of Mr D. Goldie, timber merchant. He at once proocecded to the spot, aud assisted hy Mr E. Hadrill, soon extinguished tho flame--, which proceeded from the furnace of the boiler. No damage was dono to the doors, as an entry was easily effected without force. Mr Hadrill, who has been engaged for several days on a covering job, was in possession of the keys, and knew where to put his lund upon buckets and other ncc-s ---s-iry things. It appears the soot had caught fire and fell in huge burning flakes with the water. The lire being completely subdued, no uunece-sary alarm was raised by the ringing of lirebells. The premises we; c ro fasteued, and a watch kept over the pre mises in case of a second outbreak, which wasnotatall uulikely. Fortunately Mr Had rill was near at hand with the keys, or a certain amount of damage must have en sued, which was thus happily prevented We learn that Mr Goldie's premises were uninsured.

To the Editor: Sir, —I have recently arrived here from the South, and am ex tremely surprised to find that only a very few of the streets have their names marked up. Now this state of things may be all very well for the old residents, but for strangers, like myself, it is a great bother and very anuoyiug tQ have to ask every now and then for the way to suoh and such a street. All the other cities in New Zealand have the streets clearly named; some simply painted on the corner houses ; but iv the majority of cases, neatly put up on blue euamelled iron plates, the names being Ju vyhitp letters, \yhich, as well as being very useful, are, to a certaju extent, ornamental. lam certain that something of this kind might be done to advantage iv Auckland, at no very great expense, and I think you will agree with me that this is no matter of minor importance, but un absolute necessity.—l am Sic, STRANGER

The Executive ot the New Zealand Order of Good Templars, accompanied by a num ber of members from the Excelsior and Ilavelock lodges, went out to Onehunga last ovening in do wthp.r's large 'bus, drawn by four horses, to institute a new lodge, au offshoot of the Hope of Manukau, who had left the parent lodge, being dissatisfied with the working of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand North. On arrival at One hunga, ii.c Auckland contingent sat down to a very bountiful repast, provided for them in the Masonic Hall by their Ou- hunga friends. After full justice had been done to the good things provided, the lodgj was opened in due form, the offices being filled by members of the Excelsior and Ilavelock lodges. Several candidates were initiated, after whioh an addles-, was given by the presiding ollioer, explaining the action of the Auckland lodges in leaving the Orand Lodge with their mode of pro cedure iv conducting lodge business. It was unanimously resolved that the new lodge should be at once instituted, to be called the Pride of Manukau No. 3. Be tween 20 and 30 persons became mpnihers. The officers for the ensuing term were then elected, and installed by Brother Golijie, assisted by Brothers Anderson, Crouch, and Barker. The party then Jeft for town, arriving jn Auckland at 10 30 p.m.. highly gratified with the kind attention shown to them hy their Onehunga irieuds.

The report of to-day's proceedings of the Presbyterian General Assembly is crowded out of this issue.

The Acclimatisation Society's report will intorest its members and the public, al though complaint was made that several of its members bad not attended any of the meetings during the past year. Iv regard to the ganlc.is, the anticipated improve ments have been made, and in consequence of the.ample supply of water available, tbe curator has been enabled to keep them in a fairly attractive condition to the present time. Thin section of the report proceeds thus : The conservatory and plant-bouses have been enriched with a number of green bouse plants specially ordered from Sydney and Melbourne, and it is proposed to make further additions from time to time as funds will allow. The ereotion of a small fernery is vow being proceeded with, several mem bers thiuking it would be au attractive ad dition. Iv the economic part of the gardens the c Election of standard apple trees pre sented by.Mr J. Palmer is doing well, many of the different kinds having commenced to fruit.

An address on " Mormonism" will be delivered this evening in Cook-street Chris tians' Meeting House, commencing at half pnst 7 o'clock,

The first of a series of popular lectures will be delivered in the lecture-room of the Auckland Institute on Thursday (evening by Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, ou " Ail'ghauislan and Central Asia." The Bi<hop having spent some years in India, will lie able to impart new interest to the subject, malciug the subject all more accept able.

The children of the Nelson-street school were on the gui vive last Friday, expecting to see the handsome prizes given to the three best of Mr. Orauwell's singing class. These were Emily Fisher, EmmaSime, and Arthur Brabazon, who were complimented by Mr, Cranwell aud the head teacher for their proficiency. The last named, a cbild of only 8 years, is remembered by the teachers for the duets so brilliantly played by him in company with bis sister at the teachers' dance party before the Christmas holidays.

The Newmarket Hall, will be occupied to morrow night by the Rechabites of that district. The object is tbe celebration of the sixth anniversary of the Eden Tent by a tea, conceit, and ball. Tbe Rev. \V. Dunn is to preside at the concert, for which a highly instructive and amnsiug pro gramme is iv preparation. The quality and quantity of the I'P'^lormers is a sure guaran tee that a treat *t no pioilU-Order is in store for those who a*Ct wisely in determining not to miss it. For those who are fond of a dance the opportunity is great, as New market is well kuowu to excel in that art.

Mr F. O. Calliau, a membor of the National Academy of Music, Paris, adver tises that he has on sale the compositions ot leading French musicians, and will hayu a regular supply of new pieces by each mail. He announces also his intention to publish a musical journal.

Among the gentlemen present at the Acclimatisation Society, were Mr W. Atkin and Bull.

'! he members of the Working Men's Club intend celebrating the anniversary of St. Patrick by a social gathering, songs of Erin, and an aftor-dnuco. Mr Wheeler, with his wonted coiirtc-y, will supply lesfreshmci.ts.

An accident of a very serious nature happened yesterday at]Coromandel to a boy of seven or eight years, son of the man Ble'stowc, who was drowned in the Deck s -veral days ago. The boy was returning from school, when he was kicked ou the side of the bead by a boric. The wound is a very serious one, and tho hid is in a dangerous state.

ihe " Pacific Christian Advocate," 15th February, publishes the following vivid description of a pitched battle which occurred on a recent Sunday in a Presby terian Church in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, between the partisans of Rev. Mr Wood side and those of the Rev. Mr Clyde : —

" The battle raged with great fierceUess. Many eyes weie blackened and many noses much damaged. One elder had his head laid open with a poker, and one or two arms are said to have been broken. The female members of the congregation encouraged the combatants with loud shouts, and a lively fusilade of bibles and psalm-bonks was kept up by the skirmishers in the back pews. Finally the police were called iv, and the couibat-iuts parted, when the light ing ceased. It was really a drawn battle, although the Woo.lside party claimed that it the polico had not arrived the victory would have been theirs," Tho writer criticises the management of the fight, anil says that "the large 15-inch Bible mounted on the pulpit would have done tremendous execution if it hud been skilfuly projected uu the heads ot the ciders near the pulpit stairs ;" and also that the foot-stools in the pews were neglected or overlooked entirely.

A labourer while working in the bush last week, adjoining the farm of Mr Selva, near Whanj-jnpanipara Hay, iv Great Bar rier Island, discovered the skelet n and re mains of a human, which must haro been in the place for nt least thirty year.--, as nil trace of identity bad passed with the evolu tion of time. Mr B.irslow informs us that he has no doubt but the remains aic those of Captain Kiehard Waddy, master of a schooner, who was lost in that locality about the year 1552, Captain Waddy was well-known in Auckland at that period, and was esteemed for his jovial ami generous disposition. Like many men of this stamp of charactcr,hc suHcred a reverse of fortune. He ami some friends were at Whangapnra para Bay, and the Captain left them, saying that ho would shortly rejoin them, but he never returned to liis friends. A strict search was made uot only by his associates, but by the natives with whom he wa-t on fi toudly terms, but thoy failed in finding him, although tempted by a considerable reward. Mr Barstow who has a tolerably clear recollection of tho circumstance r, is decidedly of opinion that the remains are those of the unfortunate Captain Waddy who was well known to him.

A rcccut telegiam mentioned the fact that a project was on foot at Timaru to export oatmeal to England. A local journal referring to the subject, says : —One shilling to fifteen pence per bush. 1 is something ridiculous. Forty pounds weight of oats for the price of a plug of tobacco or a couple of cigars I The oiler seems almost an affront to the producer. Australian telegrams tell us that oats are a drug in the market there; still they nre realising 2s to 2s 6d per bushel in the Melbourne and Sydney markets, or just exactly double their value in Timaru. This discrepancy is annoying. The figures are still moro astouishint; if we compare notes with the current prices in the Loudon market. For wheat and malting barley, when a. glut occurs relief can always be sought by exportation, but oats cannot well be sent abroad. They are too light and bulky, and tiie freight would swallow up all th ■ profit. It has been suggested toils that

this dilliculty may be overcome. The met hod proposed is to get kilus erected in conjunction with some of our district Hour mills, and get the stones for flour-grinding altered, so that kiln dried oats might have their skins rubbed oil. They could then be packed closely, like peiul bin ley, aud being dried, they would bo proof against risk of much damage during a long sea vojage. It is believed that if companies were formed for this purpose our farmers would be aide lo realise a fair price for their oats after paying all expenses of preparation aud export charges.

The Dunedin Tragedy.

[united press association.]

DUNEDIV, Monday. With reference to the Cumberland-street tragedy, Dr. Brown, who inspected the body of the deceased Grant at tho hospital, is of opinion that the blow was given while Grant was asleep, and that it caused instant death. Mrs Grant had three wounds on the crown of the head, ono by the loft ear, and one ou the right temple. He cousiders it beyond question that the wounds were not self-inflicted on either Grantor his wife, und that the one could not have inflicted the wounds ou tho othei. After Mrs Grant had beeu removed to the hospital, she received every possible attention, and at one time appeared to be improving slightly, but towards evening she relapsed again, and expired shortly after midnight, without having recovered con sciousness. THE SUPPOSED MCRDERER ARRESTED. The police at Waikonati have-arrested Butler, alias Donnelly, who is charged with the murder of Qraiif, wife, and child. When arrested he drew a revolver, hut did not uso it, tie hftd beeu recently dis charged from gaol, after serving for burglary at Bishop Moran's.residence, He left Blue skin at 10 o'clock last night, aud he will be brought iuto Dunedin to-night. This day. .THE INQUEST. The inquest ou the Cumberland-street tragedy will take place to-morrow. Butler has been remanded till Monday. Besides doing charged with murder, and presenting a loaded revolver at Constable Townsend's head, lie will be charged with burglary at St'aniperte hfJuse.' fhia plffce was fopnd to bo on fjre under suspicious cireumsitapces esrfy on Saturday ipoining, and some of Stamper's property was found , on Butler.

CABLE NEWS.

BUEOPEAN

[REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.] The Wool Sales. LONDON.

March 13.

The N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency report, under date London, March 13th : The wool sales closed firmly, at an average improvement of K-d to 2d per lb. It is ex pected that the next sales will open at the present quotations. Superior greasy has advanced ljd to 2d; scoured, 2d to 3d ; superior combing aud washed, Id to l-^d; clothing washed Id. Since the close of the past sales cross-bred, greasy, combing, washed and scoured have each advanced 3d per lb. Up to date 189,700 bales have been sold and 190,170 taken for export. The leather market continues flat. Best aides are worth lljd. Tallow is dull, best mutton being worth £36 10s, and best beef £45 10s per ton.

Fire on Board P.M. Co.'s

City of Sydney LONDON.

J March 15.

Information has been iceived here this morning from San Francisco that a lire has occurred on board the I'ucific Mail Co.'s steamship City • f Sydney, while she was laying in duck at San Francisco. The extent of the damage she has sustained is at present unknown.

The War in Afghanistan,

BOMBAY.

March 15,

A report has been received from Afghan istan to the effect that the enemy has cap tured the village off Charikar, near the city of Cabul, and a new Afghau campaign is now considered inevitable.

AUSTRALIAN.

[RKUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] Torres Straits' Mail.

SYDNEY.

Monday. The E. and A.M. steamship Noinianby arrived from Cooktowu on Saturday.

Great excitement exists at Sargon, Cochin China, relative to the French occupation of Tonguin. The Japanese Executive are considering tho necessity for establishing a National Assembly.

The King of Siam is about to visit all the capitals in Europe. •

BRISBANE.

Monday.

Legal points having been raised in connec tion with the convict ion of the Bushranger Wells, the Governor has granted a respite of the death sentence until the 22nd inst. Queensland Loan Delayed. BRISBANE. This day. The Queensland National lUuk has received a telegram from London, to the efl'ect that the floating of th- proposed Queensland loan has been postponed until after the forthcoming general election iv England, as it is feared tho excitement, attending the same, might endanger the success of the loan.

Napier Races.

(From our Own corrkspondknt.)

NAPIER, this day

His Excellency the Governor and Lady Robinson were on the course. About 2,000 people are present.

Ukand Handicap Hurdie Rack. - Orey Momus, 1; Te Whetu, 2; Loci. Lomond, 3. Tamaten also stared.

Hack HURDLE Race,-Grant's Jack (scratch), 1 ; Kipatnson's VVainui, 2. Four others started.

Maiden Plate. —Saunterer, 1; Macro, 2; luanga, 3 ; Grand Duchess a bad fourth. Nutna, Rawontua, Riugotako, and Spend thrift1 were scratched. Time, imins.

Hawkks Bay Cup. ■ Libeller, 2; Otupai, 3 started but did not finish, Numa wete scratched. 40»ecs.

— Vampire, 1 ; Grand Duchess i. Laertes and Time 3 mius.

Reception of Volunteer Representatives.

Tub banquet to celebrate the return of the Auckland und Thames representatives from ■ the meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association at Wellington took [dace iv the Albert Hall, Darby-sticet, last evening. The room was tastefully decorated for tiie occasion with Hags. An excellent repast waa provided by Mr W. Waterman, but the attendance was much larger thau had been anticipated, and it was found necessary to provide for two sittings. Considerably more than 150 persons, consisting princi pally of officers aud members of the Naval Brigade, and Artillery Company were present. There were also in the hull Majors Withers, Derrom, and liurns, Captain Wildman (Thames) and all the Auckland, Thames, and Waiuku represen tatives, with the exception of Cunncr Woolloy, who was unable to attend in con sequence of the illnes. of hi-, father. The tat.les having been cleared, Captain Leßoy took the chair, supported on tlio right by tho carbine champion (Petty Ofliccr Thomas) and on his left by Major Withers. The chairman said his conduct might ap pear strange to some, but most of those present knew that it wus against his prin cipals to countenance the use of intoxicating lujuors, and he could not, therefore, con scientiously propose a toast. He com plimented Petty Otlicer Thomas upon having brought the belt up to this part of the colony again, and trusted that if Auck land did not get it next time, it would not gofurtheraway than the Thames. He wished long life and prosperity to Pctty-Ollieer Thomas, the present carbine champion. Captain Leßoy then vacated his position, which was taken by Major Burns. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were jjivi n and duly responded to, and Major Burns then proposed, " The Native and Defence Minister, coupled with the names of Major Withers and Mr J. Sheehan, M.H.R. Major Withers returned thanks briefly. Mr Sheehan, who, in company with Mr Brodie, entered the room while the toast was beiiitr drunk, also responded. Ho said it was one of his principles to return good for evil, and he would therefore return thanks ou behalf of the gentlemau who vow held the portfolio which he had been compelled to vacate. He believed, however, that Mr Bryce was a gentleman of considerable ability, and well - qualilied to cope with the present native diffi culty iv Taranaki. He (Mr Sheehan) was, however, now in the Opposi tion, and notwithstanding liis confidence in Mr Bryce, he would be glad to give his vote to put that gentleman out of oilice, and place his party on the Opposition benches. Mr Sheehan then proceeded to refer to the necessity for better discipline iv the volun teer system, and said if the volunteers would place themselves ova high standard of ellicieucy and discipline, he.for que would be in favour of giving them, instead of miserly 40 acre grants, a sullicient increase iv the capitation grants as would aflbrd some recompense for their loss of time. Tlio speaker concluded by expressing the hope that next year theie would he two gun-carriages required for two champions. '1 he health of the carbine champion (Petty Oflicer Thomas, of the Thames Naval Brigade) was theu drunk, the baud playing " See the Conquering Hero." Li response to loud calls, the champion blushingly bowed his acknow ledgements, but he could not be induced to address the meeting. Captain Wildman, who said that list year he performed a similar sorvjee for Lieutenant Gordon, the thou champion, returned thanks for tho manner in which the toast had been drunk. "Theßifle Association," couplod with the names of Captains Payne aud Wildman. was then given. Both gentlemen named responded to the toast, and they both referred to the very inferior marking at Nelson, which has given rise to many complain!s. Captaiu Wildman trusted the local secretaries would be more active next year, aud would endeavour to get in As many subscriptions as possible. "The Mayor and City Couucil, the Thames Borough Couucil, and the Thames County Council, coupled with the name of Mr Brodio " was theu given and responded to by that gentleman. "The Representatives," coupled with the name of Sergeant Cochrane, of the Thames Scottish, followed, Mr Cochrane replied. He referred to various irregularities at the regent meeting of the Association, and then characterised the marking as unfair. He said ho had seen bulls-eyes scored by Northern competitors scored as outers, and centres made by Southern men marked as bull-eyes. The speaker then proceeded to charge the oflicer who had conducted the firing with prefacing his orders with profane expres sions He was, however, called to order hy i the Chairman. The toasts of the ex carbine champion (Lieutouant Gordon) "the Naval and Artillery Bands," "the Press " (coupled with the name of Mr W. i Robinsoni and .' the "(Jnsgccessfui Com- ' peti'tprg * Weje thep given, apd thie gather- i ing terjpinatecj. A priyatedancp followed, i and was poptipued till an early hour this . roorping, ' {i

TELEGRAPHIC.

(PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION).

NEW PLVMOOTII, this day

VOLUNTEER BANQUET. The banquet given to Sergeant Oakey last night was a great success. Over two hundred attended. Sir D. Bell was present and proposed the toast, " Prosperity to Taranaki." Major Stapp was iv tho chair, and Colonel Trimble in "the vice-chair.

The Lincolnshire delegates arrived from Ilawcra last night. Mr Grant is suffering from a severe attack of sciatica, and can scarcely walk. They are guests of Mr Caverhill. It is supposed they will leave for Auckland to day in the steamer Kangatiru, which will be detained so as to enable Mr Foster to see something of tho district.

WELLINGTON, Monday.

A man named James Grey, bootmaker, at Pabautanui, was knocked down by a run-away horse this afternoon, aud seriously injured.

This day. THE COLONIAL INDUSTRIES COM

MISSION

At the meeting of the Local Industries Commission Mr Wakefield was appointed Chairman, und it was resolved to send a circular to tho various Chambers of Com merce asking then to make any suggestion they may consider necessary to aid tho industries already iv existence, aud for de veloping new ones. John Wallace, au old settler, died this morning. He was in his 93rd year.

CHRISTCIH -ECU, Monday

At the Police Court this morning, n man named James Brown was charged with cruelty to animals. It was proved that he had left a couple of horses harnessed to a cart all night outside in a storm of rain, and as it was not the first time be had done this kind of thing, the magistrate sentenced him to gaol for a fortnight, without the option of a line

This day.

The City Council last night passed a re solution asking the ratepayers to sanction nfloan of £5,000 for the erection of munici pal offices for a Mayor's court. On Saturday night a man standing at the edge of the Kaiapoi Railway platform, was nearly caught by a approaching train. The stationmaster seeing the danger dragged the man back, but not a moment too soon. In another minute he would have been drawn on the line.

The Review Committee have received a notification to date that 1,400 visitors will be ]. resent at Kaster. A number ot persons are endeavouring to form a Naval Brigade.

A lire broke out in the tussocks at Rakaia, and spread, over a large portion of the town ship extension, destroying several chains of gorse fencing, aud burning a large portion of the Government plantation. Nearly all Rakaia turned out, and succeeded in beat ing out the tire before it reached the dwelling of Mr Boag. Mr Bui-nside has purchased from Mis Nimono, Taieri, Ot-igo, at a high price, the Clydesdale mare, Jessie Haddo. The number of bags of grain forwarded to town and remaining at the station on the Christchurch section for the week ending Saturday, 13th, was 27,000. DUNKDIN, this day. Mr C. Y. O'Connor, District Engineer of Wcstland, is transferred to Dunedin as assistant to Mr Bluir. POLICE COURT.—THIS Day. (Beforo R. C. Barstow, Esq , R.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Three persons were fiued 5s each for this offence. DOWNHILL. Sarah Home, a young girl, was charged under the Vagrant Act, with creating a disturbance in Queen-street, ou the Ist inst. Prisoner pleaded guilty. She was simply fighting tor her rights — her favourite feather. Three months imprisonment with hard , labour. LARCENY. John Edwards was charged with the lar ceny of oilskin (value 30-) the property of James Campbell, on the 11th inst. A second charge, that of stealing a shirt (value 3s), the property of John .Smith, of Queen-street, on the 15th inst.

Prisoner, who had been drinking heavily, pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy said—in the first in stance, the prisoner stole the oilskin from Campbell's hand-cart ; and iv the second, be took tiie shirt from Mr Smith's simp door. There was a long list of convictions against Edwards. Two months' imprisonment wi'h hard labour.

CONSOLIDATION OF LOANS.

A POLL ot the ratepayers ol the city ol Auckland was taken nt the Mechanics In stitute to-day in order to decide whether or not the City of Auckland Loans Consolida tion Act, 187'J, shall be brought into force. The poll opened at i) o'clock this morning, and was to c!o»e at G o'clock this evening, The voting, which was by the ordinary ballot system, was under the supervision of Mr Thomas Hidings, Returning Ollicer, Only a very small amount ot interest ap peared to he evinced in the polling, and the nun bet- of votes recorded up till a late hour this afternoon was not by any means large.

Fatal Accident at Te Rore.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

INQUEST ON THE BODY,

An inquest on the body of William Craig Chester, of Te Korc, was held on Saturday, before Mr Grcsham, solicitor, of Te Awa mutu, the District Coroner, aud an intelli gent jury of neighbouring settlers, of whom Mr N. T. Maunder was chosen the foreman. The following is the evidence adduced : -

Walter Hugh James, of Te Hore, farmer, deposed : On Wednesday last I went, by appointment, at 7 o'clock in the morning to deceased's house. We iv tended to go to gether to Ohaupo to fetch rattle. I was on horseback. Mr Chester was saddling bis horse when I came up. He tried to mount the horse, which became restive. Ho had some difficulty iv mounting. He asked me to get oil' my own horse and hold his bridle while he mounted ; I did so. As soon as Mr Chester was up I let go of the biidlc. Just before he got up the deceased supplemented the bridle with a iope, as lie thought it (the bridle) somewhat weak. I told him to be careful, us it would act as a curb. Chester said, " It will bo ri<jht chough ; I will not pull it too tight." After he was pp deceased struggled with his horse for about live minutes, iv order to get him to stait '1 he horse reared up, and fell backwards upon the deceased : Mr Chester was then underneath the horse. I dismounted, and ran to pick him up. He was then insensible, but ho speedily became conscious. Mr Hodgson came up iheu and we assisted the deceased into his house. He complained that his chest on which the horse had fallen was very sore. He vomited directly we got him into the house. Theie was no blood in the vomit.— Isaac Hodgson, farmer, To Rore West, deposed :—Abjut 7 o'clock on Wednesday morning, I went by appointment to the house of Mr Chester, with the view of assisting him and the last witness t-i fetch cattle from Ohaupo. When I arrived I saw decoded lyiug on the ground. He then had a pillow tinder his head and a, blanket over him. Mr James told me that the horse had reared up aud fuller^ back ou him. lie complained of son^e injury t° bis inside. 1 a=sisto4 Mr 4atnes to take de ceased into the house. He vomited directly. There was no blood in the vomit, There was no external injury that l could see ou the deceased.—Dr. William Bluiideu, de posed i—About 11 o'clock ou Wednesday morning I received a telegram from Mr Chester, stating that Mr Chester had boon hurt by a horse falling on him, and was almost killed. I attended him. I saw him in tho afternoon of the same day. I found liii»i perfectly conscious and complaining of great pain iv the chest aud lower part of the abdomen. There was no external mark or biuise upon deceased whatever. I treated him and left him. I gave direc tions to his wife to send for me if any change took place in him. I received no intimation of his state from the time of my leaving him until the ' oroncr shewed me a telegram which he had received from Constable Mc- Lcod announcing the death of the deceased. I have vie ,vrd the body of the deceased, and fro.n the symptom. <vhich his widow has detailed to me as liavjug occurred imme diately before hi. death I have reason to believe that his death occurred from inter na' hemorrhage, the result of the injuries he sustained on the 10th instant.—The Jury returned a verdict in accoidance with tha evidence.

Tho funeral took pace directly after the inquest, tho Coroner having given his war rant to bury as soon as the Jury had viewed

the body. The deceased was well known and greatly respected. About 250 settlers followed the collin on horseback. Ma,)y of them started from Te Roro, and vc.y ipauy more joined procession. So large a number has never- attended any previoi\a funeral at Alexandra, where the h°dy waa interred. A very beautiful and impressive servjpe was performed at the grave by the Roy. Mr Bruce, the Presbyterian Minister, resident at Te Awamutu.

Notes from Te Awamutu.

THE CATHOLIC CONCERT. ON Thursday evening Te Awamutu was enlivened by a grand concert in the Public Hall in aid of the building fund of the Konian Catholic Church at Kihikihi. The appointed time for cominencint; was 8 p.m., but long before that hour it was apparent that, notwithstanding the inclemency of the wentber and the darkness of the night, an unusually large audience would be pre sent. Settlers with their wives and fami lies, with their " sisters, and their cousins, and their aunts," also uncles, aud brothers, and friends rolled up in a manner hitherto unparalleled in the annals of Te Awamutu. Never before has there been such a success, as regards tlio number of the audience at any previous concert. The lights were very bad, and the piano was more than usually out of tuuc, but iv spite of these drawbacks everybody seemed determined to enjoy themselves, aud they were not dis appointed. The programme commenced with a glee, "Oburon in Fairyland," by Mrs India, Miss Allen, Miss Driller, and Messrs Benge, Olough, and James Mandeno. This was followed by a song hy Mrs Innis, "Home Sweet Home." This was not the old air. It was very prettily sung, and we must compliment Mrs Innia upon her selection. Miss Mandeno then favoured us with "Robin's Return," which was well received. Mr Benge, of whom we hud occasion recently to speak in high terms of praise at a recent concert, was the next vocalist—" Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still." Mr Benge had a decided cold, but iv spite of it he sung very well. At the commencement of his song the hall was quite full, but the numbers were suddenly increased, and the " Gods," in order to make room for the new arrivals, ascended the ladder into the upper part of the build ing, and in doing so caused considerable interruption to the performer. Miss Man deno, as in the previous instance-, accom panied on the piano—and here we must pause to pay a tribute to the piano accom panists of the evening, Miss Mandeno and Mrs Storey. Miss Robina Allen followed with " Kathleen Mavourneen." Her " Hast Thou Forgot Her," and "It May be for Years and it May be for Ever," were vociferously encre-' This lady was an nounced as suffering Irum a cold,, but we must say that most satisfactory ennuncia tion did not warrant the assertion. Mr Wiustoue's reading " Bread and Butter," delivered in the West of lingland dialect, contained mere real fun than auything we have hitherto heard him attempt. It brought down the house in a very decided manner, especially that portion of the narrative which relates the "con tretemps " experienced by the thief, who to conceal his offeu'ee, thrusts the stolen butter into his hat, aud is then forced to sit before a roaring fire. Mis»s Kilkenney next gave " Happy Moments." This lady's voice is very lich in tone, and her song a great treat. Mr Stewart was named for the next song with chorus. This gentleman was uot forthcoming, and Mr Benge did duty for him. There was great want of time in the chorus. This was occasioned by the fact that many joined in it who had not sufficiently practised their parts. Mr George Wilkinson's "Jolly Irishman," nave much life to the entertainment. The local allusions which he introduced into it, and the delicate manner iv which at the conclusion of each verse he described the "jollity" of the "boys" was inimitable and full of fun. This song took tremend ously, aud was received with screams of applause. Next was Mrs McDonald's song, "Floating on the Wiud." This lady, like her sister, Miss Kilkenny, possesses a very rich voici.. A ylee followed —"See Our Oars With Feathered Spray." In thi. Miss Kilkenny, Miss Driller, and Miss Allen, Messrs Goodfellow, Benge, James, Mandeno, and Clough. Dr. Blunden's reading, "The Jumping Frog," was of course, a success. Mr Benge, hy special request, sung "Mrs Jones' Musical Party." In Miss Kilkenny's " Barney O'Hea," her " Impudent Barney none of your blarney I" was positively bewitching. Mr Stewart sang " Try Again," and Miss Allen, "Ever of Thee." This was followed by the song of the evening, Mr George Wilkinson's " Widow McCree," which gave universal satisfaction, and we must compliment him on the " Och, hone !" We have often heard the song in the old country, but never more sweetly sung. Mrs McDonald's song with chorus "Silver Moonlight," was the best chorus soug, and put us in mind of the Christys. Mr Thcmas sang the concluding morceau, and proved that he totally mis took his audience. We hope that hi 3 style will be neither imitated nor repeated. The concert finished at 10.30, and dancing com menced and was kept up till 2 a.m. Tbo^e interested in the success of the entertain ment must have had their most hopefnl an ticipations more than realised. The total number of those in the hall exceeded 250, and the proceeds amounted to over £20. LIBRARY COMMITTEE. It was not worth while for me previously to notir-e the letter of " A Local Worthy," but as I am now writing I must express my astonishment that that gentleman, while he was about it did not deny that my proposal " to have the library removed to* the store of Messrs Duffua aud Dick" was strenu ously opposed. But I suppose that, as this fact can be supported by evidence other than my own, he will scarcely venture to allow his sprit of conirndiction to so far mislead him.—[Own Correspondent.]

Correspondence.

INSURANCE RATES.

(To the Editor)

Sir, —Allow me to set "Jupiter " right by referring him to the previous correspondent's letter, winch he will find I have correctly quoted from, and which states : "Tbat the rales are to be, viz., considerable." The object of my letter was simply to point out to insurers that the lates fixed by new tariff nre not exhoi bit-nit. In a gieat many cases they arc actually as low as in the old country, and in some cafe* even lower. I find that many ot the 1 cal companies do uot take the trouble of classifying their losses for statistical purposes, but, fortu nately, most of the British companies do, and from reliable information I have abtained I find tha% at the time of the introduction of water-supply to Auckland, there had been about £26 000 more paid away in this town than had beeu collected in premiums. "Jupiter" vfU. probably be surprised to l»arn this. That some one or two o( the local companies have in times gone hy " showu up well in way of dividends"! believe is a fact, but this is foreign to the enquiry as to whether the premiums fixed by the "new tHriff"are likely to prove too \i\_ih or not. Jupiter has probably looked on this question from one side only, aud has had no oilier experience than that of an insurer possihlyof one who has "never hud a iVaw." i claim to have considered the question impartially in all its aspects and have arrived at the con clusion that a complaint is being raised by "ihe previous Correspondents," and some other insurers for which thoy have very little ground!—; am, &c, C. E. JoiKSON.

A VINDICATION.

(To the Editor.)

SIR,—I was rather su pi iseii to, see from the report of the 1 st moctiiyj. of Pieshyt ry, the way in which several ministers of that body spoke of the Rqv Mr McCallum in nis ab seucc. It is a groat pity th it more brotherly luye, and loss jealousy, to which we arc all a little liable, should be manifested. It appears from the report of the Presbytery, that tho Rev Mr McCallum was refused the position of a minister of the Presbyterian body.and was not allowed to act as modora tor of session in the congregation whore he isforthe present oflicuiting.allhough he had been formally reamed as a minister in con nection with tho Presbyterian body, to which he was regularly accredit- d. I have obtained and subjoin a copy of Mr McCal lum's credentials, from which it will appear that he is not a man to shirk any duty fairly imposed upon him.—l am &c,

~ Presbyterian. [Accompanying the above letter Js a cer tilicate by Rev John Fiddrs, moderator, and William Alexander, presbytery olerk of the Fj-ee Prcshytery of Dumbarton, show ing thr.tthp F,ev. A M. Murray McCallum labcm-ed for riyearsas a minister of the Free Church of Shaudou, but resigned through ill-health, and that he boie the highest Character. There is also a commission by the Secretary of the Colonial Committee of the Free Church of Scotland, vouching for Rev. A Murray McCallurn's high charac ter, ani\ appointing him to the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand.— Ed. E.S.I

Return of sick treated at the Provincial Dstrict Hospital f..r the week ending Saturday, Match J§lh, ISSO _-_•- email.cd last return, 03; admitted since, 13; dis charged, 15 ; died, 3 ; remaiuing, 90 : males, r5; females. 13. Three deaths occurred, vi? : J. I>\ 0., male, aged 37 years, on March 10th, of seroug appoplexy; S. 0., male, aged 3 years, on March 10th, of dropsy j M. L., male, aged 30 years, on March 12th, of fever. Thanks are"returned to the Mayor and Council of Auckland and and unknown "Friend"- for a number of illustrated and. c,th,er periodicals,

Presbyterian General As sembly.

Tfie annualsession of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Ze-i land was opened last night, in St. Andrew's Church. There was a large attendance The Moderator (Rev. John Sidey, of Napicri preached the inaugural address from tho 90th psalm, 16th and 17th verses, and tha " Lord's Supper " having been partaken of by Church members, the Assembly \ V J. constituted iv due form. The Moderator after expressing the gratitude which he fan at the assistance rendered him in the dls aharge of the functions of his high office* nominated as his sucesssor the Key. U _f Maccicol, of St. James's Church' one, he said, who had beea for a considerable period a distinguished minister of the Church, servint, faithfully—first at Taranaki, afterwards in Auckland—a minister of eminent personal worth aud great official influence, who had always taken special interest in the Church's operations, who had been of great useful, ness and good to the Church, preserving the link between the Colonial 'Committee in Scotland and the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand. The new Moderator-then delivered the formal address expecte^fcoii the occasion of assuming office. H« jj^ tnenced by returning his sincere thanks for the honour which had been conferred upon him —an honour which, if less intrinsic value than that of holding the same position in connection with one of our older branches of Presbytenauism, was yet worthy of beins borne by one of much higher qualifi, cations than he himself possessed" While he did not presume to think- that any words of his could awaken within his brethren a more earnest resolve than they had already formed to carry on faithfully the all-important work to which they were called, or intensify that zeal for the good of the souls of men and the glory of God which their efforts generally evinced, it had' yet appeared to him that he might saitkbly occupy their thought for a short linie, ou that occasion, by glancing at the adaptation of the Church to her special work in"thia colony. The peculiar mission assigned her by Providence in this land was in the lirst place to provide for the spiritual; wdiits of the thousands of her children wiftrW found her a home, and also to take a be coming part along with the other sections of the Church ot Christ in moulding the re. ligious character of the whole population. I_[ faithfully discharging her duties in th CBe respects, the Church had many and peculiar difficulties to encounter. Of these difticul, ties the most apparent, and the most, for midable were:—First, of supplying the means of giace to her membets and adher ents in outlying settlements, in consequence of the sparge nature of the population,, and the lack of missionaries for the work Secondly, in seeking to bring inee, ia general, under the influence of the (J«pel and to extend the Kingdom of Christ ia this land, the Church had to contend against the strong aud obstinate resistance presented by the tendencies of .thoughtand practice, in matters of religion and morality so remarkably characteristic of .the i time. Men seemed now to have reached the ex. tremes of certain reactions which commenced in former generations. The reasonable re. action against traditional bel_ef>^super stitious credulity, and usurped hiesrffciiial authority, which commenced 'with, the Reformation, had now been carried'by very many to the extreme of unbelief, in any form of supernatural revelation and1 general irreverence for devine things. Wi now saw multitudes not content with simply casting off the yoke of an absolute monarchy, or despotism in civil government, but agitating for the adoption of principles whicli were positively anarchical and subversive of all social order. The reaction from the union of Church and State, however justifiable in the eyes of those worthy and devcrteif men who initiated it, was now being followed up by the desire for a total severance of religion from the sphere of civil government, which they never anticipated, and which_4tbey would never have sanctioned. We fifardit commonly asserted that the Kingdom of Christ and the government of the nltion, as such, had nothing to do with each other. Not the revealed will of God, buHKeJaws of nature and the light of huma.i» J]ndg. ment and experience were regarded as the proper and sufficient guides ;{s>_§ the regulation of all matters demanding the attention of the Legislature, 'eveoihtq the; making of suitable provision for, national education. Besides these and other ten dencies to laxity of opinion and practice, from which even many undoubted Christians were not wholly exempt, the ClißrCji had vow, as in some measure it had eyer had, to combat a false,or at least narrow.piiiloaophy, which tended to exalt human reason so as even to assume to bring the Tdea'-ct God within its grasp, .and vary its conception of His nature and revelations, accofding to its diver; c speculations. 'By far, however, tbe worst opponent which the Church had to encounter, because of its wide-spread power and the difficulty of bringing any moral or spiritual influence to bear upon it, was what had been termed secularism, but which might be as appro, priately designed by the term worldliness. After deploring the enslaving powei^of this worldly spirit, the rev. speaket passed on to consider in what way the Church-could best overcome the evils wbich he had indi cated. In doing this he took tho Oppor tunity to point out the peculiar adaptability of the Presbyterian organisation fofShcha work. The leading principles embodied in its form of Government, viz , the authority of Church government being vested iv elders elected from the membeisliip, who t rule along with the teaching elders or;;min isters, the parity of all Church i rulers, and the several graduated courts of judicature of the constitution, were well fitted to secure individual Christian liberty, and at the same time to maintain order and to conserve and propagate; Scripture truth. It was well fitted also to bring into activity the different ministries essential to the prosperity of any.Church teaching, rule, finance. The V minister laboured in word and doctrine, the ruling elders co-operated with him to all that pertained to spiritual government aniledifi lication, while the deacons and managers had the oversight of the temporal interests of the Church. Each working faithfully in l\is own sphere, and all acting in unison with reference to a common end, formed a combination which tor solidity * and etlicieucy could not ho surpassed. Having' now explained how easily and naturally 1 congregations were formed aud tlieVgrowtb. of each brauch of the Church was fostered, the Moderator went on to speak? of the 1 obstacles which had hitherto impeded the operatious of the Church in this country. The chief of these was the difficulty"#f pro viding agents to labour in necessitous and thinly-peopled district*. That he thought might buipartially if not wholly overcome^ by the utilisation of their ruling elders ill? calling upon as many among them an possessed th© gift of utterance to exercise it frequently in conducting religious services* iv places where there was no resident minis ter or where the visit of a minister was only of occasional occurrence. The rev. gentle mau theu passed on to expand the adoption, of tho Church's teaching to her work. All the Churches of tbe Reformation stood decidedly on tho basis of the Word of God, aud moie than any ot those Churches might the Presbyterian Church bo regarded as essentially the Church of the Word. In her abhorrence, of vain ceremony mid un« founded tradition she, at, the outsSt of her history, made a rebound to the extreme of bare doctrinal teaching, aud by her stand ards she was still required to give to the teachings of the whole, trnth of> Holy Scripture a specially promoted place iv all her administrations. The? might depend upon it that it was just by the intelligent, faithful, and bold pro clamation of God's Word, in all its adapta tion to human siu aud ignorance and sufferings and spiritual longings, that tbey would best meetthe various forrosof error,iin heliof, lawlessness, and iniquity which *"j# saw around them. What might he called special attacks upon unbelief, and par- I ticularly, special forms ol unbelief, ought, he thought to be raro in the_ pulpit, but at the same time every minister of Christ ought to nmko himself so familiar with the present phrase of infidelity and scientific speculation as to he able to defend thefaitn of the Gospel when occasion mipht require, aud espocially ought he so to keep those i subjects before his mind, in the course or his ordinary ministrations, that would set forth the truths of God's Word in such a. Wav as to prevent and remove unbelief. 1* might not he difficult to show how the dicta ofthemostmodern scientists contradicted one. another, and how the speculations- of tne philosophy of te-day were liable to be mate rially changed in a year hence; but whil gratifying themselves hv such exercises, and obtaining credit for erudition a"» logical acumen, many souls who? cam uuder their teaching would only _ be per plexed and sent away hungeiiug from tn sanctuary. The more excellent way.B!j doubtedly was to get men's attention nsea on Christ and His teaching. He confiluOM with the exhortation—Let us see to it tuw, fathers and brethren, that we be true to ow Church's teaching, which we hold.to do l» teaching of God's holy word, and thaiw use to the bost advantage her peculiaror ganisation iv carrying ou the Lords nj work > and we need not fear but that iw . great Master, who has so honoured fieri the past, will honour her still IpjFfS her in all her borders, and by wW" a blessing in the grandest,, widest sense «• this out adipDted country,;

THE AUCKLAND EVENIBTG STAB, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1880.



QUR AREAT S ALE OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, HATS, CAPS, AND SHIRTS, CO M M.B N CIKIS THIS EVENING. M, All.the New Shipments recently received Will bo sold at SALE TORieKS, ALE 1 KICKS. J. OOSGE AYE & CO. T7ISTARLISHED 185 5. liQdl Wi BEST IiUY.iL, >zj.l Q!UALin IN I g MACHINES THE : I*l t> TRADE. 2 ONLY. 3 CO W TT QHAKESPEAR & rjO., 246, QUEEN-STBEET, Auckland. established 185 5.



The Triumph op the Age. —In moderate tone and dis'.iec. ive excellence the Wilcox and White Organs e"_ipse all other styles. Thoy are capable of brillii nt effects as well as of sustained harmony, and the many varied and beautifn combinationsa'leiuate to performance ot Clas sical. Legitimate Or_ran Music.—Sole Agency Auckland Music Warehouse, 71. Queen streofc. The new P. C. S. system now being init'ntedby G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has been v. grant success in Sydney, and Melbourne, and when strictly carried ou the customer who-buys at an establishment •where the goods aro marked low to onsure a vapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery, millinery and clothing at such prices for cashas gives the buyer tho advantage of n shareholder in a co-operative society, with out tho loss should tho year's business prove un eatisfsotory. G. and C. will aim to retain ihe confidence which tho public havo hitherto shown them, and are determined to give the pure cash system & fair trial; whether they gain or lose the iirat year. Country buyers on remitting oesh with order will be supplied with goods at co ©peratlv* prices, just tho samo as ttinugh they ihad mado a personal selection. Furnishing Roods, such as carpets, floor-cloths, bedstcids, bedding, and general house furniture, tho larg e-tportloi of whioh is tune! out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunera tive prices, and a discount of five per cent, vr. 11 foe allowed to those who pay at the time of jp-p ---chase. Having real zed the entire value of the «took during the lato cash sale, the present stock I A nkw and v-tßjr ciieAfci-Y Boueirr. An in, spection is invitod.-GAHUCK __nd Opansvixl- I City Hall Furnishing Ar/siHe, (Jneen-street I .Auckland. V



Special Advertisements, {MA-KLICK * riKANWELL HAVKfJirsT Anhj.D -r.) Titism Stock i 85 CASKS • or "OEDSTSADo I EX 'LOCU TJjUt| AND 'STRACATRRO.' NO W ON VIE W ~ni_ LARGEST AND REST ASSORTMENT OF M "Brass and Iron Bedsteads ' :iI C | IN AUCKLAND. Our Last Importations (J.U3T OPENED) are Direct fkom Till. Manufacturers, and. Despatched to us before the Rise ; in tho -.-rice of Iron. Wc shall SH.LL this Shipment at OLD RATES Hauds:ime HaU-toßter Bedstead -oft. wide (extra large) Handsomo Jfalf-te-;<or bedstead Pfr. , ,-,' ' ••„•' ~ Sift. A]-.'- ' ■■'<•-'- ■■■ -,; ■ French ~ all sizes,,; np to ijtt. vvido COTS, with Open and Perforated Sides ..... j . ■' CHILDi.EN'3 BKDSTE ADS, Seo.



UPWARDS OF Oi'sA BKDSTEADS •_>l/'.. -r :T0 SELECT FROM,'* VERY CHEAP. TGWTRNISH TrOUR TTOUSE FR.'IM TIIE . , CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE. FURNITURE .. - 5 per ot. Discount for Cash CARPETS .. .. 5 „ Discount LINOLEUM -.5 „ Discount „ OILCLOTHS .. 5 „ Discount „ BEDDING .. ..a „ Discount „ BEDSTEADS ..5 „ Discount „ TOILETWARE „ o ~ Discount „ TOILET & PIER GLASSES- .. ~ Discount ~ FENDERS&IROXS 5 „ Discount .... Book Catalogues Sent Free. DESIGNS AND ESTIMATES GIVEN. /GARLICK. & Q RAJ. WELL, CITY HALL ARCADE, Auckland. tv/i"acintoslv & v^taierproof - - -: i^oats.' 1 -• We are NOW SHOWING a Large Assort ment pFNEWjGOODS in VULCANITE.& DOUBLE TEXTURES, from 46in. to 50in. in length, with oxta long fly at back, to op?n for riding. Those goods are of superior quality, nnd GUARANTEED WATKKPROOF. SILK UMBRELLAS ALPACA UMBRELLAS ZANELLA UMBRELLAS GINGHAM UMBRELLAS Iv Great Variety, Agents for WERTnEIM'S SEWING MACHINES, . NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, QUEEN-STREUT, OPPOSITE 1 lIEATBE BOYAL. J. ?ITZ3IMON3, Manager. [ESTABLISHED A,D. 1553.1 WILLIAM "OAT TRAY, DRAPER, CI OTBIER, SILK MERCER, AND MERCHANT TAILOR, 66, QUEEN-STKEET, AUCKLAND, iHas Jnsfßcoeirca a L A R}G E !A'-3 S OIR T M E N T OF CALICOS, LINENS, TABLE DAMASKS, DAMASK TABLE CLOTHS AND NAPKINS, HUCKABACK & TURKISH TOWELS, COUNTERPANES, AND OTHER TJ>URNI3HING T> KQUISITE3, Which wcro bought during the recent depression in English Trade, and will be offered at proportionately LOW PRICES. Note the Address- CG, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND (Opposito the Bank of New Zealand). •p H 1 S L I X U M. 100 DOZEN 2-BUTTON KID GLOVES (Quite sound), ~ , Only Is lid per pair. A LargefStock of _. FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY, COSTUMES, PINAFORES, DRESS GOODS, &c.,'&c. ;.Y . To be Sold at NettgCash, for a Short Time only, . DRESSMAKING ON TIIE PREMISES, Costumes made in 21 hours' notice. A. LINABURY & CO., 201 aitd 208. QUEEN-STREET. HEEAT DAKGAIKS xjc li c at Bargains GREAT JBARGAISS! * GREAT BARGAINS* GREAT BARGAINS I JUST OPENED, A SPLENDID LINE 01' J^EN'S rpWiEED QUITS, AT 27 s 6 D- Worth 15s. ONE CASE j|^[EN\S JPLAX gHIRTS, With Collars, at 4s 6 D- Worth 63 6d. ONE BALE gUPER. JJLANKETS, 13 s 6 D' WOBTH 2Cs. Inspection specially invited tc OUR OWN MAKE OF BOYS' PLAITED TUNIC SUITS, FromioS. KST Note the Address— J. B. ROBIN SO N, \ UCKLAND pLOTHING T^ACTORY, NEXT MES9RS TONKS fc CO.'S AUCTION MART. M.S. PINAFORE VOCAL £CORE H.M.S. Pinaf ,re Pimm Arrangement H.M.S. Pinafore Wn'tzes H.M.". Pinafoic Quadrilles H.M.S. Pinaforo Lancers H.M.S. Pinafore Giilop H.M.S. Pinaforo Polka H.M.S. Pinafore Fautasia—Dorn ~; - To bo obtained only atjho AUOKLAND MUSIC WAREHOUSE,



Special Adverusments. Q N SALE, Kearslnj-'a Combined Reapers and Mowor Mangold and Turnip Drills Turnip Sllcors Oilcake Breakers Winnowing Maohines Lawn Mowers. -;: J \l ... "'■ .. Also, TO ARRIVE, PER 'INGLEWOOD,' V X'cnltor'S Corn, Mdngold,; Turnip, nnd ■ _.- .... Manure Drills, combined,,_. .._,.__,_. ._ V _ X/ .'■■ ssz-'s: Aiicf: H 0 > Ploughs,: double anrtrsiuglaY > J _, 1 ■- Hnrrbws y, ; Rollers fee, —— &c. ccc s. • Tho'abovo goods are imported directed rom the manufacturers, and will bo sold cheap to make room for further shipments. . ■•■ i I N. J, HURST & CO., ■ ' . 181, Queen-street. . V i "O A N X H O L I DAY. ST. PATRICK'S DAY,



The Banl-s will be CLOSED on WEDNES DAY, 17th March. . Q T. P A T R I CK'S D A Y. The Insurance Companies Offices of Auckland will b.. CLOSED on WEDNESDAY, 17th inst,, 1-cinij St. Patrick's Day. H. WORSP, .Sec. Insurance Companies Association.



TOWN EDITION. PUBLISHED AT 4.30