SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

„,._ ,„ . „„,., i This Evenlncr, 11.10 HIGH WATERS To . morrow Morning, 11.50 i-TiN BKT.—This Evening, 4.17 ' UV RTSK.—To-Morrow Morning. 7.8 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, Bth, 9.34 a.m.

ARRIVALS, TO-DAY.

lona, 8.5., Stephenson, from Russell Aratapu, brigantine, Bower, from Dunodln Anthons, brigantine, Munn, from t'am»ru Sea Bird, brlgantine. Smith, from Lyttelton Minnie Hare, schooner, Skinnor, from Coast Mana, cutter. Basion. from Talrua Columbia, echoonor, Conway, from Napior Opotiki, cutter, Neill, from Opotiki

DEPARTURES. TO-DAY.

Holona, bricantino, McLeod, for Oamaru Lady Don, schooner, Pullman, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Levuka—Southern Cross, Jnno 1 New Plymouta ana South-Wellington, on arrival of mail staamer ; Kangatira, June b London-City of Quebec, loading Sydney—City of New York, on arrival Gisborne, Southern Ports and Melbourne— Arawata, Thursday __ .. . . Tauranga — Glonelg, Wednesday ; WaitaKi, Whangarei—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays ; Waitaki, Thursday ~ _ .. RusseU-lona, every Monday; Waitaki, Friday; Arawata, Monday; Hawea, Tuesday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of New York, P.M. s.s., from San Fran-

Cisco: Tuesday Hawea, s.s., from the South ; Monday Arawata, s.s.. from the South; Monday morning Meg Merrilies, brignntine, Irotu Levuka Rona, schooner, from Levuka Ryno, brigantine, from tho Islands Mazeppa, schooner, from Raroionga Wild Wave, brig, from Noweastle Pearl, ketch, from New Caledonia Look Out, brißantino. from Sydney Fllri, bngantin«, from Levuka Ada C. Owen, brigantine, from Lyttelton Saxon, schooner, from J^yttetlon I Pirate, schooner, from Tahiti Waiwera, schooner, from Aitulaki Chile, barque, from London ; March 8 Sam Mendel, ship, from London; sailed March

13th Fanienoth, ship, from London, loading Uttmille, brig, Irom New York; sailed Feb. 21 Looh Doon, barque, from London, loading Cabar/etdh, barque, from Hongkong Ocean Ranner. barquentine, from NowlorK Clansman, from Melbourne, loading Lap-ving, brigantine, Irom J imaru Korealis, brijjantmo. from Leyuto Island Lily, brigautine, from Lovuka Myrtle, brigantine, from Tonga A ctive, brigantine from Samoa Helle Brandon, schooner from Line Islands Gael, schooner, from Samoa Tranait.schooner, from Tahiti Sybil, schooner, from Tahiti

IMPORTS.

Per brig Emperor, for G. W. Binnoy : 11 oases of cheese and bacon.

Per Sea Bird from Lyttelton: 17G3 sacks wheat.

Per Anthons from Oamaru: 1152 sacks wheat, 210 bags flour, 90 sacks oatmeal, 10 sacks pearl barley, 325 sacks barley.

Per Aratapu from Dunedin : 128 sacks oatmeal, 23 sacks pollard, 1090 sacks and bags flour, 12 hhds alo, 1H sacks bran, 742 sacks oats.

Per Colnmbia.lfrom Napier : 40 sacks maize, 39 sacks grass seed, 25 kegß salmon, 400 fencing rails. 9 pi<s. j

Inwards Coastwise.—Lee, from Waiheke, with 40 tons of firewood, Mine Hare, from Gieborno via the Coast, withl2 bales wool, 18 casics tallow, ICO s»cks grass seed. 220 pigs, 130 sacks graS3 seed, 70 sacks maize, 8 cacks wheat, 2 sacics fungas. 5 hides. Three Brothers, from Tryphena, with 10 tons firewood. Janet, from Whungsrei Heads, with ROO bushels lime. Opotiki, from Opotiki, with 156 aaoks maize, 87 s«cks wheat. 2G hides, 9 pig?, 8 casks tallow. Morning Light, from Cabbago Bay, with 13.000 feet timber. Mana, from Tairua, with 23,000 feet oC timber.

Outwards Coastwise.— Lop, for the Thames; Three Hrotherz, for Tryphena. Great Barrier; Janet, for vviiaiiKwet Heads; Morning Light, for Cabbairo Bay; -aku, for Tairua; Naucy, for Thauios; Muua, fur Tairua.

A cablegram f-as received to-day, from tho President of the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Com pany, ordering tho Lomuany's Agent here, to reduce raie3 on Cabin PusaHtcon, from New Zea land to Liverpool, br the White Star. Inman. Cuuard, and American Steamship Lines of Steamers crosainj; the Atlantic, from seventy two to seventy pounds. As theso lines of steamers are the fivouriics vntn the travelling public, it is to De liopc ' ihat this reduction Will benefit them by an in ronsod patronage.

The brigantine i?o* Bird arrived from Lyttel ton this morning with a carao of wheat. Sho left on the2oth, and had strong SE. gales to the Hast C*pe, which was rounded on Sunday night. N.W. >iud N. gales for two days, and stroDg E. galee till arrival. Tho veaael was borthed on the wostorn sido of tho Queen-Btceot Wharf to-day.

The s.s. lona arrived this morning from Russell and northern ports with 37 hides, 41 sacks oysters, 22 sacks kauri gam, and 89 sheep. She wiU return to the sanio ports on Monday atternoon.

The s.s. Hawea will arrive from Gisborne and the South on Monday .next. She leaves for Russell on Tuesday afternoon, returning on Thursday morning; and leaving for tho South On Thursday evening.

The s.s. Waitaki will return from Russell to-morrow morning. She leaves for 'fauranga on Tuesday afternoon.

The sohoonor Queen left Hokianpra for this port with a cargo of gum, baxk, and bides, yes terday.

The s.s. Kina, which was ashore at Waipu, has been successfully floated.

The P.M.s.B. City of New York having loft San Francisco two days late may be expee'ed here on Tuesday next.

The barque Stag loft Hokianga for Wellington with a cargo of nawn timber yesterday.

Tho brig Emperor and brigantino James A. Stewart have been berthed alongside the Rail way wharf.

Tho s.s. Arawata will arrive from Onehunga on Monday next about ten. She leaves lor Russell at 4 p.m. and will return again on Wednesday morning. She leaves again for Melbourne, via the South, on Thursday next. Tho brigantine Arntapu arrived from Punedin this morning, after a smart passage of eight days. She left on the 2ist. and had fine weather and strong easterly breezes during tho passage. Thn Bast Cape was rounded yesterday morning, and Cuvier passed in the evening. Passenger : Jar W. Kaston.

The brigantine Anthons arrived from Oamaru to-day with a cargo of bread3tuffd. She left Oamuru at noon on tho 21st, with strong southerly winds and fine weather to Cape Pal liser, which waa passed on the night of tho 23rd. Then strong N.K. winds, making very little head-way. On tho 26sh took the wind at Bouth. Passed Portland Island at noon on the 27th. Carriod strong winda with thick weather and rain, passing Mast Cape «t midnight, and had strong easterly winda to Mercury Islands, which were passed at 10 p.m. on tho 28th.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Wellington, b.s,, Anderson, from too South

DEPARTURES.

Lalla Rookh, p.s.. Campbell, for tho South

IMPORTS.

Per Telegraph, from Waitara: 17 bullocks, 105 sheep.

The Govt. s.s. Hinemoa, now on he way from Wellington, will leave for the South with tho Auckland membcra at 1 p.m. on Monday next.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Rusrell, Friday. Sailed; Tararua, for Sydney; lona, lor Auck land. Passengers: Mr Welby_, Mrs Shepherd, Constable O'Connoll, and a prisoner. Arrived: Atlantic and Julia Price. Wind easterly; blowing fresh. o This day. The s.B. Waitaki left for Auckland at 6 a.m. to-day. Wkllimgton, yesterday. Sailed: Hinemoa, for Onehunga, via Opunako; Arawata, for Auckland, via East Coast. Poht Chacmems, yesterday. Sailed: Acacia, barquo, for tho Bluff. Gisborne. this day. The s.s. Rotomahana, from Auckland, arrived . at 6.30 a,m. to-n»y.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, Saturday.

Mr R. Arthur report the results of his weekly sale of fowls, produca, provisions, etc., as under: Fowls 9d to 23 Id; turkeya, Is 8d to 4s 6d each; Spanish fowls. Is 8d to 3s lOd each; Bramah fowls, 5s lOd each; Hamburgs. 3a 3d to 3s jM each • Golden Hamburgs, 4s each; ducks, Is 18d to 2s 3d each; pi(?s, 9s 6d to 20s 6d each; potatoes, 2s 4d to 3* 6d per cwt ; pumpkins, Is 3d to 4s Gd per cwt.; mangolds, Is 61 p:r cwt.; carrots, 3s 3d per cwt.: marrows, la 8d par cwt: onions. Is per bag to Jd per Ib.; apples. Id t» 2}d per lb.; cheese, 2d to G*d Per lb.; bacon, id to UW per lb • beef, 2d per lb.; honey. Gid per lb.; butter, 4d to lid per lb.; oats, 2s 3d to 2s 6d por bushel; wheat 3s 6d per bußhel; bran. Is per bußhel; sharps. 5s 6d per lOOlbs.; chaff. 2a 6d per sack; flour £12 to £1210s per ton; oatmeal, ljdperlb.; box tea, 22s to 26a ; sugar, 4 Jd por lb.; fungi, 3ii per lb.; fresh butter, 7d to 9}d per lb,; biscuits, m"? George ai'bbin sold: Bananas at ljd to 3d per ib • Waiuku salt butter, at BJd to lOia per lb -Now Zealand maize, -In 31 por bushel; Fiji m'aiza (inferior) 2a 9d; Wairoa cheese, 6d. MrW Dowden, of tho Kxchango Auction Mart, held a satisfactory sale of provisions, and produse. Several lines of potatoes brought good prices.

AUCKLAND SHARE MARKET.

May 23, 1880. Bank of Now Zealand-£2O; buyers, £19155; sellers, £20 National Bank—Buyers, 003 Colonial Bank—Buyers, Its Gd New Zealand Insuranco—Buyers, 50s Union Insurance— Buyers, 16s Auckland lias Co.—Buyers, £3 12s 6d F Union Sash & Door—£s 23; buyera, £5 2s 6d Buy of Islands Coal—£6 lfis; buyers, £610s N.Z. Loan and Mercantile—Bayors, £1 103; sollera. £i 15s Alburnia G.M. Co.-Sellors, 603 Moanatairi—Sellers, £2 17s 6d Golden Crown—ls3, lia Cd; buyera, 13s 9d ; sellers, 15s Caledonian— Buyers 21s; sellers, 22s Gi Kuranui Hill-9s, 8s 9d North Devon—Sellers, Us Queen of Beauty—Bs 3d, 83 Gd >teuben Parr—Bs; Bollew, 8a 3d Union Beach—sb Now Whan—lßa Gd, JGs; sellers, 17s Joseph Nkwman, Chairman.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS

W. T. Payne.—Two elections for tho Borough of Southwark havo recently tiken placo. Tho former, caused by the death of Mr Locke, Q.C., was contested in K«bruary, and resulted in the return of Mr Clarke, Q.C., a. Conser vative. Tho second election, in consequence of tho dissolution of Parliament, altorcd this dooision. and returned Mr Cohen, (J.C., and Professor Thorold Rogers, both Liberals. " William Wilson Simons."—Henry Irving, who Is considered tho greatest living represen tative of |the part of Shylock, plays H without Ciany accent whatsoever. "S.M."—Tho Btoamor Wonga Wonga was steaming out of tho Manukaa Heads when H.M.B. Orpheus was wrecked, on Knbruary lGth, 1863. W hen tho latter vessel struck, tho Wonga waa abauc two milea distant Irom her.

DEATH.

BICESTON.—On May 2?, at hor father's rosl dence, Victoria Quadrant, Kmma, second daughter of Thomas and Mary iiooston ; agod 12 years. The funeral will leave her lato residence on Sunday, 30th instant, at2p.m. Friends pleaso accept this invitation.

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

SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1880.

Fur tho cause that Jacks assistance, Ifcr tho wrong that needs roslstsnca, For tho future in the distance. And the good that wo can

The expediency of establishing Technical Schools iv the chief cities of the colony formed the subject of a recent article in these columns. On that occasion we under took to deal with the question of founding a College of Agriculture in the North Island and we now redeem that promise. We presume that none will deny the advan tages which such an institution would confer upon, the colouy at large by the stimulus it would give to agricultural productions, and the expansion of our commerce. The exi gencies of early settlement in a new country are not favourable to the highest develop ment of agricultural science. A large pro portion of the first generation of colonists will consist of persons practically inex perienced in agriculture, men chafing under the feudal character of the laud laws iv England, and impelled by a spirit of enter prise and adventure to found homes in a country where land is plentiful and cheap, and unencumbered by oppressive and almost prohibitive restrictions of dearness and by laws of entail and settlement. The desire to possess laud and to found a homo is strongly implanted in man kind all the world over, but it is most powerful iv the emigrant. During the first years of colonization the rude labour of establishing a home, and clearing and pre paring virgin land for the plough, leaves no leisure for study of agricultural science, and the inexperienced settler has to acquire his knowledge by a painful process of failures and disappointments, by which he is often disheartened and driven to seek other means of livelihood at the sacrifice of the capital and lr.bour of years. Tho unskilful tentative farming, however, has the effect of exhausting tho soil, and of injuring the climatic condition of tho country by reckless destruction of tho forests without provision for their renewal. It is only after the early struggles with primeval nature are over, and wheu men have breathing spaco, that they can ade quately appreciate the advantages of a higher form of agricultural skill. On the whole the progress of agriculture in the Middle Island has been far grenter than in tho North. The process ot reclaiming the densely-timberpd or stony scoria lands of the North has been laborious and expen sive in comparison with the easy cultivation of the open plains of Canterbury, but the fertility of the latter is more quickly ex hausted. The range of climate of the North Island, however, fits it for the growth of a vast variety of the products which form the staple of commerce, and increase the mate rial wealth and comfort of a nation. Ex periments and analyses of the soil have demonstrated that many of the most valu able products of tropical climates flourish heie in abundance, while the conditions are equally favourable for those of the temperate zone. Bat, hitherto, agriculture iv tho North generally has Lbuii of a, crnde and primi tive character. The necessities of a pio neer settler have obliged him to adopt that method of fanning which would yield the quickest audmost profitable returnswith the smallest outlay of labour, capital, aud skill.

The time has come when a more scientilic nnd systematic foim of agriculture should be adopted, and one of the best means of bringing about this result is the establish ment of a School of Agriculture for the North Island in the Provincial District of Auckland, where the sons of farmerswould be taught agricultural chemistry and practical farming, analysis of 'soils, how to mix and manure them so as to secure the utmost fertility, to collect and prepare manures, drain land, tend and fatten cattle, manage a dairy, breed cattle so as to improve the stock, to vary the succession of crops so as to make the most of particular soils, to prune fruit trees, bee-keeping, vine-culture, in fact, the whole science of agriculture. Farmers educated in such a manner would be more skilful, would make more out of their lands than under the existing rough and-ready plan, and would give a powerful stimulus to the trade and commerce of the country. The urgent necessity for agricul tural colleges has been fully recognised in England by a comparison of the superior prosperity and comfort of the farmers of Germany,Switzerland,Holland,Belgium,and France, with thecondition of the average En glish farmer. Iv all these countries the same evidences of progress and improvement may be seen among the peasants ; viz., a labori ously careful tillage of the fields and culti vation of the gardens; large, good, and substantial houses for the peasantry, orderly and clean villages, great industry, comfort, and contentment. The late Mr Joseph Kay, Q.C., made an extensive tour through the Continent as a travel ling Bachelor of Cambridge University, and his observations are described in his work " Free Trade in Laud." He says :— " The farms are so beautifully managed that a traveller is tempted to believe them to be the property of rich men, who keep themupfor their own amusement.anddo not mind spending on them to make them neat and good-looking. Not that there is really much expended on mere beautify injj,but that everything is kept carefully in order, as by proprietors who feel ac interest and take a pride iv theirlittleproperties. Amongst those intelligent peasants who labour on their own lands there is no need, to get up plough ing matches, to offer premiums for the best crops, for the largest turnips or the fine3t potatoes ; or to get up cattle shows and prize exhibitions iv order to promote a good system of farming." Mr Kay attributes these results iv a Jarge measure to the superior knowledge imparted to the sons of farmers at the agricultural colleges, one of which at .Constance, Switzerland, he describes. It was then presided over by the celebrated Vehrli, at that time one of tho most distinguished pro moters of the education of the working classes in Europe. The college building was the former palace of the abbot of the adjacent convent, which had been set apart by the .Republican Government of the canton. Mr Kay writes, "I found all the furniture of the plainest. The bed-linen was coarse—the tables aud chairs simply deal. But the books, tho ruathrnaticul diagrams on the black-boards, the drawings of the stiidents,thc musical instruments and music books, showed what a contrast the education bore to the daily life. Vehrli came dressed iv a fanner's tweed coat, an old weather-beaten hat, and thick farming shoes, with hands aud skin like a fanner's, but his eyes and features told of the intellect aud intelligence of the man. lie explained to me, iv this and subsequent visits, that hia students were intcmlad for rural schools, to live iimoug the fanners who owned and worked their ovm farms ; that they would have to associate with the peasant tanners and their families, and to teach their child ren ; that it was most important for them to be able to understand the farmers' work, to talk with them, to advise them, and to disseminate a better knowledge of scientific farming and gardening; that in this way too they gained the respect, esteem, and support of the parents; that they, being accustomed to these simple country pursuits, did not become discontented in their simple ruralhome."MrKay also visited a large agricultural t<eliool in the neighbour hood, supported by the peasant aud yeoman tanners of the canton, and not by tin: Government. To it were sent the sons of fanners who wished thtir sous to acquire a tail' knowledge of agricultural che mistry, tho treatment of soils, and o£ manures, the management of cattle, &c. Ho found a building well auppied with ull tho scieutilic materials and apparatus ne cessary, very intelligent professors, and a large class of students, earnestly pursuing their studies and work. Vehrli explained to him that this was maintained ill order to unable the sous of tho small fanners to im prove to the utmost thoir modus of farming and tho capabilities of their land. In other parts of his work Mr Kay describes the vast bcnclits conferred on agriculture by the es tablishment of agricultural colleges in various parts of Europe. Thoro aro agri cultural colleges aud schools throughout Germany, Switzerland, at Grignon, anil other parts of France, at Gutlph, Ontario, and various places iv the United Kingdom. Iv 1874 the Jioyal English Agricultural Society commenced to oiler ten annual scholarships of £20 each to scholars trom the middle-class schools who pass nn examination in land surveying, mechanics, agricultural chemintry, principles of agri culture, nutrition of animals and plants. Competitors have to servo a year at an agricultural college or with an approved practical agriculturalist. Tho Duke of Bedford has given an experimental farm at Woburn, where instruction is given in the fattening of stock aud the selection of crops. Besides the Agricultural Stations in tho Midlothians there is tho Glasuevin Training College where there .are ISO iicres of land. Here boys passing a certain examination in the primary schools are admitted free. Others pay the bare cost of board and lodging. The rest pay moderate fees and live out of the college. At this establishment practical instruction is given in the field. The latest school of agriculture is at Down ton, near Salisbury, where there is a mixed farm of 540 acres which is worked entirely by the students.

We think the Government ought in tho present session to set aside endowments for future agricultural colleges and schools, and that a practical beginning should be made, on a small scale in some suitable part of the Auckland district. The first stop would be to remove the children from the Industrial Homes to an institution of this character, where they would be educated to agricultural pursuit, and isolated from the contaminat ing vice of the cities. We believe by judi cious management these Industrial Homes would be made entirely self-supporting. The expense of establishing one school of agriculture iv the neighbourhood of Auck land would be comparatively small, and in a few years its advantages would become ?o manifest, that a, demand for similar institu tions would arise iv all parts of the colony, a demand which there would be no difficulty in meeting, because by that time the endow ments now set aside would have become of great value, and would be sufficient for the purpose.

"In a Haunted House," a sensational story, appears on our fourth page to-day.

Mr Joseph May has retired from the Auckland Licensing Bench, and Mr Coi gravo has been officially appointed to lIIX the vacant seat. The third of the series of concerts by the members of tho Auckland Choral Society will be held on Tuesday evening next, and will comprise selections from lienedict's " St. Peter." The train that leaves Auckland at noon will take members of the Legislature to Onehunga on Monday next. Tho Hinemoa sails at 1 p.m. Mr Tyler has been appointed solicitor to the Auckland Licensed "Victuallers' Asso ciation. The annual Licensing Court will be held in High-»trcet Police-office on Tuesday next, when six applications for new licenses will be made. A united prayer meeting will be held this evening in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association. We are glad to learn that representations which were made to the Government rela tive to the inconvenience and loss to the jmblic service which would result .from Mr Cotter's removal South,have been successful in securing tho reversal of tho order for his transfer and he will remain in this city. To the Editor : Sir,— Why not adopt tho " boarding out" system with orphan chil dren ? It has been proved to be tho very best claevvhere in ninny plascs. There would be no cutaneous outbreaks. They would be far healthier and happier. Att objections have been long ago proved groundless, and the benefits are numerous and indisputable. Nothing can be worae, for young or old, especially the former, than the workhouse system.—l am &c, TIUSACLJS AND SULPIIUS. Miss Fidlor is cooking at Bathurst. To the Editor: Sir,—l pen these few Hues as I promised the sons of Old Colonists that I would proceed to Wellington to light their battle. I stepped on board the Hinemoa, and was quietly told by Captain Fairehild in the face of the Liberal Party so-called, that strict orders had come from Welling ton that no one should travel on board a Government steamer except Members ; but I saw others that were not Members. The Government of New Zealaud owe me, per sonally, over .£4OO. I intend to go if I walk it. Why should one of the unem ployed from Auckland be refused a. passage, whilst those from Wellington get a free passage ? Justice to Auckland, forsooth ! —I am, &C, JR. J, FEIiTUS.

A batch of live training-ship boys cleared off from Kohemaramara on Thursday last. Three of the fugitives were followed yester day by the police from Newmarket to Oue hunga, where they were captured and brought back to the police station in Auck land. Their names aro Skey, King, and Holt. The other two are still at large in search of a home. Mr Grant, eye and ear practitioner, announces by an advertisement in another column that he has opened rooni3 for con .•ultation in Princes-street. A complimentary entertainment to Elder Bros, will be given in the Albert Hall, on Tuesday evening next, when a full and varied programme will be presented and performed. The Rev. Mr Forbes, of Pokeno, has Idndly consented to deliver a lecture on Monday evening next, in the Onehunga Presbyterian Church, before the members of the Onehunga Mutual Improvement So ciety, interspersed with selections of muaic by the choir. The subject of the lecture will be " The art of jogging a bad memory." Laycock, the Sydney sculler, proposes to make a tour of Victoria and New Zealand. The Key Charles Melville Pym will address a meeting this evening at 7.30 in the Young Men's rooms and giye a Bible reading. To-morrow evening he will give an evangelistic address in the Theatre Royal. Judge Bathgate writing from England to a Dunedin journal says " that during a visit to -Birmingham and its vicinity he went through the extensive works of Tangye Brothers, covering 12 acres. These ingeni ous and indefatigable men commenced with a small workshop rented at four shillings :i week, and now they employ huudreds of hands, and require a capital ef at least £100,000. The " Waikato Times" advocates the establishment of a central hospital for Waikato. The difficulty respecting tho continuance of the Cambridge-Rotorua road has been successfully overcome, by the exertions of Mr R. E. M. Campbell, and tenders for tho work will be invited shortly. The Govern ment have purchased the laud at a cost of £600, an agreement having been signed and a deposit of £100 paid last Monday. The balance will be handed over to those natives who aro proved to be the owners in the Native Lands Court at different intervals during tho progress of tho work. Tho recent Presbyterian and Anglican concert at Otahuhn realised over £40. Tho election of auditors for the city takes place on Tuesday next at the Mechanics' institute. Mesirs George Eraser and S. M. Leers are tho present auditors. Mr Georgo Fraser announces in another column that, he is a candidate for re-election. Mr Fraßcr's ability and experience as an accountant are too well-known to require any commendation from us. The rate payers cunnot place their affairs in sater hands. The following arc tho tenders rcceivid by Messrs E. Mahoney and Son for tho erec tion of a family residence near City Road, viz.: James Heron, £1,790; J. Holland, £1,845; McConuochio and tflatt, £1,888; E. J. Matthews, £1,891; T. Colobrook, £1,910; W. G. Connolly, £1,940; Henry Shailcr, £1,943; J. Kllmfthani, £2.054; John Grey, £2,100; Alex. Watson, £2,292; and Samuel Grey, £2,292. A pleasant entertainment was Riven last eveniiii; iv tho Pousonby Baptist Chapel, and wns well attended by parents ami children. Key. Kichard Jones occupied tho chair, and introduced the singers and re citers iv mi encouraging manner. Tho simple ballads and recitations were of a moral and religious character, and tho deli very elicited frequent approval. Mins E. Cobb won favour by her apt rendering of "Toj>sy,"a character song (Adapted from Mra Stowe's " Uncle Tom'a Cabin.") Tho chairman expressed his gratification in boint; present, and suggested that fort nightly entertainments should be given during the wiuter evenings. Mis* Smith aud Mr Holmes received tho thanks of tho audience, on tho motion of Mr Bigelow, for their generous nssistance. The proceedings closed with the National Anthem.

When Hnrry Kickards recently 'went insolvent' he included iv tho list of his creditors the solicitor who acted for him in a divorce suit.

A certain fashionable Melbourne editor who ' does Coliins-strjet' with a wealthy young heiress, has of late been much em barrassed by finding that a good many people arc aware that he left a nice-looking wife on tho 'Pacific slope.' Tho queition is, was the 'slope' altogether 'Paciiic.'

Tho Kcv. Charles M. Pym lias kindly consented to give .1 special lecture in con nection with the Young Men's Christian Association on Tuesday evening, when bo will give an account of his tour through India, and will relate some of tho incidents of the memorable Mutiny. As Captain in H.M. 75th Kegiinent, he was present at tho Siege of Delhi, and his knowledge of the stirring events which happened there will enable Mr Pym to speak from personal experience, and with the force and fresh ness which an intelligent upoctator can always give. Doubtless there will be a large attendance.

To the Editor : Sir,—ln your local of laat ovenin«'s paper, it is made to appear that the first prize given for ornamental iron work, was given to Peter JJirley by tile influence of Mr Callis, tlio secretary ot the New Zoaland Commission. I would draw your attention to the facts, which arc these : It was only neur the close of the Exhibition that the merits of the workcamo into notice, it having been partially bidden amongst upile of Ladies' work. When it was brought to the notice of the Commissioners they considered justice hud not been douo in awarding third prize, they then agreed to sit agaiu and called in another Commis sioner who at one timo worked at the trade, and they at once agreed there was nothing in the building to bo com pared to it for workmanship and at once awarded first prize in oruamcutal ironwork to the ' Auckland artizan. Now as I had not only to com pete with New Zealand but also with Australian and American colonies, in jnstico to Auckland and the maker, the facts should be made public. The work of art was immediately forwarded to Mel bourne,—l am, &c., Justick to Auck land.

Sunday scrvides are announced in the usual column. Rev. C. M. Pym will preach to-morrow, morning and evening, in the Church of St. Sepulchre. The Latter Day Saints will occupy the Newton Hall to morrow, and on future Sundays. The eveuiug service in the Theatre Royal at eight o'clock, addresses and hymns.

Joseph Hatton and Charles Dickens, jun.. have dramatised ' Tho Mystery of Edwin Drood.' Dickens says he heard tho tolution of the mysfceri' from his father's own lips.

At Hastings, England, recently, the health olficcr, acting upon complaints, pro ceeded to a fashionable boarding-school and there found two boarders apparently suffer ing from starvation. Ono girl, aged 14yrs., was in a fearful state, and was removed to the workhouse. She weighed but 35 lb°,, and on being washed it was found nocessary to remove all her toes, they being rotten. There were eight boarders some supposed to be illegitimate. To the Editor: Sir,—May I call the attention of your well circulated paper, and also the attention of our worthy custodians, to the fact that there is a hole in tho asphalt pavement in close proximity to tho Theatre Royal. I found it out last night, and came off as I am told luckily. Two sprained ankles have been tho lesult of the said same hole. I merely barked my knuckles and disturbed my clothing, I have interviewed the hole again (his morn ing and find it in thoaamc position. Possibly you may feel inclined to test my veracity ; if so, the hole is in front of tho new build ing now being erected next the theatre in Victoria-street. Apologising for trespassing on your space—l am, &C, VICTIM. In the report of a " swell wedding" it was written : ' Uer feet wore encased in shoes that might have been taken for fairy boots," but the compositor made it read, "shoes that might have been taken ior ferry-boats." To tho Editor : Sir.—l have been sub jected to much annoyanco during the past week in consequence of persons to whom I have seldom or never boforo spoken, stop ping me and taking sudden interest in mo re Industrial Home. Will you oblige me through the medium of your paper by pub lishing that none of my family ever were, and 1 trust never will be, inmates of that establishment. —Yours, &c,, Samuel. WOHM. To the Editor : Dear Sir,—Cannot some thing be done to put a stop to the interrup tion and annoyance caused by gentleman (?) going out at the end of each act and coming in after the next has commenced? Mr b airclough's splendid acting was consider ably marred in consequence. Surely if these people cannot refrain from refreshing themselves every half-hour they might have the consideration to come back and settle down before the play commences again, and not spoil the pleasure of those who are content to wait fur refreshments fill they arrive home ; aud I think the crackling of lollie bags and eating the con tents by the gentler sex during the most pathetic parts of the play might be post poned till between the net?.—Yours, &c., Hamlet. *

The following tenders were received'to day by Mr E. Bartley, architect, for the erection of St. David's Church, Symonds street:— Without With Tower and Tower and Spiro. Spire. & H. (1. & S. Q. w. Coiweii.. .. i.ioo o o 1,200 o o A. Keyes .. .. 1.090 0 0 1,320 0 0 H. Shatter .. .. 1,011 0 0 1171 0 0 A. Hunter .. .. 993 0 0 1.61G 0 0 J. Herron .. .. 897 0 0 1,117 0 0 W, a. Connolly . 896 0 0 1,222 0 0 Mr Ashton, the well-known estate agent, celebrated his Golden Wedding-day last night by asking about 150 ladies and gen tlemen to spend the evening with him at the North Shore. The reunion, it is need less tojsay, passed off very pleasantly, aud guests did not break ,up till a late _ hour. Mr Ashton is 75 years old, and his.wife has reached the ripe old age of 73. In return ing thanks for the toast of his health he said that he had never had an ache or a pain for years. We trust he may long be able to adhere to this statement. " Momus," who takes exception to our report of the performance of the Comus Company at Hamilton, says : " No one who saw the excellent acting of Mr E. S. Smith, cannot help feeling that a slur has been unjustly cast upon one who had undeniably a difficult character to sustain, but who did so with consummate skill, the depth of feeling, and naturalness of manner, un mistakably stamped him as a born actor. But moat of all I would take exception to the remarks made upon the second piece, " Checkmate," any one would suppose instead of the comedietta being rap turously applauded by an audience, before wkom it was produced till past 10 o'clock, that it was within an ace of being a failure. !No such thing was the case. There was no appearance of it having been insufficiently rehearsed, aud in the case of one character, Martha Bunn, it is difficult in Hamilton to get anyone to believe that the lady who assumed the character had not bten on the boards half her life. Not a word of credit is given to to tho stage manager, either for his inimit able acting in " Checkmate," or for the zeal under great physical diiliculties which he evinced in bringing on the performance and in sustaining one of the principal characters. Mr Swarbrick's personation of the Gardener in " Checkmate," though not more than a dozen or two of words, was a piece of linished acting that would have excited the envy of nine 'out of ten professionals, decidedly the best thing of the evening, and altogether over-looked by the press."

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before R, C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.)

DRUNKENHESS. Two men wero lined 5s and costs for this offence. A I'ANEFUL CASE. Edward Lynch, a respectably dressed young man, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Abercrombie-strcet last night, aud maliciously thilisting his first through a pane of glass, valuo 4s, the property of Michael Flynn. > Fined 20s aud costs for disorderly con duct. Sub-Inspector Pardy said that Mr Flynn wan not desirous of pressing the charge of breaking tho glass, as there were several persons connected with tho disturbance, aud ho was not sure that it v/iu prisoner who broke the glass. TOTNTBR BLANKETING. Joseph Quinlin, a well-kuown character, was charged with stealing a blaukct, shirt, handkerchief, &c, value 11s, on the 28th iiiHt., the property of John Monaghau. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Constable Rist deposed that prosecutor was locked up for drunkenness, and tho things wero taken from his bag. (Pro duced.) He saw the prisoner leave tho Auckland Hotel with a bundle under his arm. He aaked him what he had there, but ho objected to tell. Found the articles upon him. John Monaghan recognised the things as his property. He missed them, but was too drunk to know any more. Prisoner: Send for old Georgo, the bar man ; he can clo»r me of this vile charge. Fancy a respectable man stealing a coloured shirt ! Perfectly ridiculous ! His Worship : You snail have your turn presently. Ask questions now. Prisoner : Send for old George.

George Win. Thomas, of the Auckland Hotel, dcpoaod that prisoner was at tbo bar last ni^ht, drinking rum. Prosecutor was very drunk. Saw prisoner tugging at one end of tbo bag and prosecutor nt the other. They left together, L'risoncr: There, your Worship. You seu 1 am innocent. His Worship said it was char that tho prisoner intended to meal the articles. Fourteen days' imprisonment with hard labour. YOUNQ SCAMPS. Alfred Soaifc, Edward Holt, and Georgo King were charged with absconding from tho Naval Training School on thu 27th iust. On the application of Sub-Inspector Pardy, the prUoners were remanded until Monday. LAItCENY AS A BAILEE. Daniel Kagau, who was released yester day from Mount Eden gaol, was brought up on a charge of stealing a cow, value £10, on the 27th .November, the property of Peter Brcuigau, Ormond, Poverty Bay. Kemaudod to Gisborne. FAILING IN DUTY. Daniel Gleoson was charged with failing to provide for his wife and family, he being in a position to do so. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr John Graham, Kelieviug Oilieer, waid this was a glaring and heartless case. The man had deserted Ilia wifo and two chil dren, and had, not he administered inline- ' diate relief iv most ttyiug circumstance?, they might have perished. Defendant was in work at the time, first at Otahuhu, and then at Riverhead, aud had been continually drunk, and occasionally Buffering trom delirium trenicns. Etuily Gleeson, deposed that her husband left his house seven weeks ago, giving her sixpence. He looked in once since, but was drunk. She managed to get a'crown out of his pocket without his knowledge, which was all she had. He then used improper language, and wished them dead. Mr Graham said ho was informod that defendant had been earning 7s a day. Defendant said he wanted timo. His Worship commented severely upon defendant's heartless conduct. He had earned good money and spent it all upon himself, leaving his wifo aud childrcu to starve. Three months' imprisonment with hard labour, and at tho expiration of that term to contribute 12a per week towards the sup port of his wife and family, and iv default to be imprisoned for a further term of throe months. BREACH OF LIORtfSING ACT. Alfred Kidd, landlord of the Commercial Hotel, was charged with supplying alcoholic liquor on Sunday, the 23rd mot., to James Cavanagh, he not being a boua iidc traveller.

Mr S. Hesketh appeared for defendant, and pleaded not guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the simple facts of tho caec, which will appear in evidence. Constable Gordon deposed that ho was on duty in Shortland-streot on Sunday morn ing last. Saw Cavanagu leaving tho hotel with a kit, in which ho found two squaro bottles of beer. James Cavauagh stated that he resided oIF Chancery Lane, and on Sunday last ac companied Levi Watts to the hotel. Went for two bottles of beer, supplied by the barmaid on tho previous night, for which ho paid. Did not wish to say whother or not he had anything to driuk. His Worship : You will answer or go to Mount Eden. Witness: Did not have anything on Sunday to drink, was muddled on Saturday and forgot his beer. Margaret liogcra, housemaid, remem bered Cavanagh calling on Sunday morn ing, she supplied with tho beer, as ho said he had paid Mr Kidd for it on the previous night. It was about half pust eight o'clock. Mr Kidd was in bed at the tune. Shu did not usually serve in the bar. Know that Mr Kidd would not supply any person on Sunday. She was de ceived by the man. Mr Ilcskcth addressed the Court iv do feucc. He said that in this case. Mr Kidd did not permit nor sufier the sale of liquor. The beer whs served against his instruc tions, aud the girl naturally concluded that as the man had paid for the beer he was en titled to it. He would submit that by pleading not guilty he had no intention of fighting with the Act, but he considered this to he an exceptional case, in which the Court would foel that the publican was not responsible. His Worship asked if the learned coun-. sel wished to imply that publicans might lie iv bed on Sundays and allow their houses to be open. He often woudered how it was that so many Sunday drunkards appeared iv the dock on Mouday mornings, which could not be if hotel-keepers were strict iv refusing to supply the drink on Sundays. This was one of those cases which he could not overlook. Fined £3, costs, lla. This was all the business.

CABLE NEWS.

EUROPEAN.

[RKUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

English Burials Bill. LONDON.

May 28,

A Ministerial Bill has been introduced into the House of Lords, by the Lord High Chauccllor, for the purpose of permitting the burial of dissentera in church ceme teries, without the Church of England service. Tiie Australian Cricketers. LONDON. May 27. The Australian cricketers commenced their match to-day, at Itochdalc, against eighteen gentlemen players of Lancashire. The weather was unfavourable, being showery during the day. The English team went in first, and have eight wickets down for 45 runs. Commercial. LONDON. j May 27. Pig iron, 50s. There was a fair demand for most descriptions of • hides, being Jth lower. Five per cent. New Zealand Loan, 1889, 105 ; four-and-a-half per cent. New Zealand Loan, 1879 to 1904,98. Total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England, £15,750,000. N.Z. Land M.A. Co.s Pkodi/ce Report. LONDON. May 24. "Wool. — Market unchanged. Home buyers aro purchasing freely, but Con tinental demand is limited. Competition on French account is sluggish. The Ameri can demand has fallen off. Up to dato 260,000 bales have been sold. The sales will close on Bth proximo. Wheat.—Market quiet. Adelaide is worth 525, aud New Zealand 50s, per 4961b«. Tallow.—The supplies of town incited arc light. Market firm. Mutton is in good demand, and worth 35s Gd per cwt.; beef, 32 Cd per cwt. Leather.— Market quiet. Best sides aro worth Ugcl per Ib.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.]

The Filibustering Expedi tion. — Important Explan ation. SYDNEY. Saturday. The alarmist report rife with reference to the ship Genie is denied by a representative here of the Marquis DeKays. Ho explains that the vessel merely conveys a colonising party to New Ireland, and her cargo con sists of machinery and tools. The alarm was probably due to the fact that there is a corps of 221 gendarmes aboard. Trickett's Visit to England. A meeting was held last night to arrange for the collection of a subscription "to de fray Trickett's expenses to England. The sum of £400 was subscribed by those pre sent in the room, Exports of Queensland. BRISBANE. This day. Tbs exports of Queensland for last year show an increase of nearly £280,000, as compared with 1878, but the imports show a decrease of nearly £300,000. Commercial. SYDNEY. May 28. Palna rice is £15 per ton. Hennessey's brandy (bulk, quarters), 10s 6d to 10s 9d ; maize, 2* to 2-i Cd per GO lbs. Sugar Company's No. 1 pieces, £30. ADELAIDE. May 28. Adelaide wheat 4s 2<l to 4s 4d per bushel; flour, £10 to £10 5s per ton.

Sporting.

WEIGHTS FOR STEEPLECHASE.

WANGANUI, this day. Tho weights for the Handicap Steeple chase are as follows: — Bt. lb?. st lbs Ajjont 12 12 MicWoy Free .. 10 0 GreyMomus.. 12 0 Mata .. .. _ 10 O Baron.. .. _ 12 0 Tricoffere.. .. 10 0 ToWhitl.. .. 11 7 Ada 9 12 Ireland .. .. 11 3 King Don .. 912 1-och Lomond.. 10 12 Clips 910 Vonturo .. „ 10 8 Gonoral .... 9 0 RanKatira .. 10 8 Sunbeam .. .. 9 6 Hiirkuwuy .. 10 5 Lupuku .. .. 9 5 Otawa _ .. 10 i Hard Times .. 9 s Abolition .. _ 10 0 Diver 9 Acceptances take place on Juno 12th.

THEATRE ROYAL.-"HAMLET."

" Hamlet " was reproduced at the theatre last night for Mr Fairclough's benefit. The building was crowded to excess. We have already noticed the gentleman's impersona tion at considerable length, so that it is un necessary to traverse tho ground again. Sulh'cc it to say that his reading of the muny splendid passages with which the work abounds was magnificent, that his acting was thoroughly natural, and in the highest degree effective, and that his por traiture is most finished in detail, and sharply defined in general outline. The applause was frequent, and more than ouce enthusiastic. Some annoyance was felt during tho most thrilling part of the last scene at the unmannerly conduct ot a number of people who, assuming the fall of tho lecherous King, to be tho con clusion of the play, made a rush for the doors. The cast was a better ono_ than that with which " Hamlet" was previously pro duced, tho most notable change being the substitution of Mr J. A. Patterson for Mr JDumar in tho part of Horatio. Mr Pat terson's performance last night certainly evidenced the possession of much dramatic ability on his part. Mr Stcchrs Ghost and Player King, Misis Wilton's Ophelia, Miss Stephenson's Queen, Miss Ray uiond's Osric, rind Mr Haygarth's Polonius were all good delineations, and the subsidiary characters generally were better represented than usual. Mr Byers' King was marked by tho actor's invincible peculiarities of speech, and the effect of thorn was shown at the conclusion of the well-known soliloquy " O my offence is rank," which was received with a burst of laughter. It was rather unkind, but still the actor has only himself to blame. 11 Macbeth " will be presented to-night with a strong cast and accompanied by Locke's beautiful music. Several players who have just arrived from Australia will make their first appearance ou this occasion.

CATTLE BOARD.

Thk weekly mooting of tho North Auck land Cattle Board was held yesterday morning, tho members present beiug Mr J. May, (chairman) Mr B. Maclean, and J. Wallace. The business transacted was but slight and unimportant. A dis cussion took placo in reference to the slaughtering of the yearling heifer which was reported at the last meeting to be surfei ing from chronic pleuro upon Messrs Ireland's estate. It wa* finally agreed to leavo the matter in abeyanco for the pre sent. The inspector submitted a memo from the Government in respect to au ad vertisement relating to the driving of cattle from Waikato to tho Thames. The Inspector was requested to reply, and tho Board then adjourned.

MISTAKEN FOR A BARBER.

Mr Thomas Brackbn, the -well-known editor of the " Saturday Advertiser," and poet-laureate of New Zealand, has just had the mortification of being mistaken for a barber. The editorial sanctum is next door to a, barber's shop, and as the variegated pole projects from between the two estab lishments customers are apt to be led astray. The "Advertiser" supplies the following account of Mr Bracken's adventure :—A morning or two ago a herculean Milesian, with stubbles on his chin half an iucli long, dropped into the sanctum while my friend was writing in the throes of an editorial. Walking boldly into the sacred precincts of the snuggery the unshaved one dropped into a vacant chair, and exclaimed in language more forcible than polite, " Conic on, bad luck to ye, come on." My friend jumped up in a state of iudignant as tonishment, fury gleaming in his eye, and the ruler twirling in his hand. " What the deuce do you want here ?'' he shrieked. (It may be observed that a train of beautiful ideas had been scattered by the intrusion of the unwelcome visitor.) "You've better be civil or be-gog I'll go over an' get shaved at the shop op-posit, beyaut the sturoet there," replied the unsophisticated stranger. The absurdity of the situation so struck my friend that he buist into a hearty liuigh, and explained to the intruder that although it was part of his business to lay on the soap and use the scissors at times, lie was rather an awkward hand at the razor. He then directed him next door, where in a few minutes he had his stubble mown to his entire satisfaction.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

HAMILTON, this day. REWI'S INTENTION. The "Waikato Times" denies on authority the "New Zealand Herald's" statements that Rewi has made a speech saying he withdrew his lands from the con trol of the king. Also the "Herald's" statement that Rewi will not take possession of the house built for him by tho Govern ment at Kihikihi until a Crown Grant is handed him. William Neilson, on remand, was again brought up before the R.M., charged with stealing porter from Cunningham's Brewery, and was also charged with stealing a keg of white lead, a roll of paper, a spade, and timber from the police station, the property of the contractors. He pleaded not guilty. All the charges were proved against him, and the magistrate, having commented severely upon his conduct, sentenced him to two months for each offence. The sentence was made light in consideration of prisoner's wile and family.

CAMBRIDGE, yesterday, NATIVE LANDS' COURT.

The Laud Court was adjourned at half past ten in consequence of a Maori death, and tho Mangaratawhiri evidence not being ready. THE PAKARANGI HOUNDS. The Pakarangi hounds arrived thia morn ing. The lirst meeting takes place at Hutapu on Monday. At Broad Meadows, Piniire beat Buckland's Spring ; Druid beat Papapa; Tom Moore beat Lord Nelson ; Vick beat Mark Twain ; Juno beat Morrin's Spring; Sally Brass beat Duke of Wel lington; Venus beat Primrose; Susan heat Ivanhoe; Sandy and Little Nell ; Princess and Rifleman will be run off with ties to-morrow. CAMBRIDGE, this day. SERIOUS DISTURBANCE. A serious disturbance took place yester day near the Duke of Cambridge Hotel, which, but for the timely arrival of Con stable Brennan [and tho Constabulary, might have resulted in a general riot. It occurred from a pakeha'a interference at the Maori tangi. The case will be tried at the next Court. Purukutu's son was fined )20s and co3ts for his capers at the race course.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. MINING NEWS. Caledonian—Cut a nice-looking lode, well mineralised, in No. 3 level. Whau—The low level improves as it is opened, gold being seen more frequently, but the drive is not in far enough to inter sect the reef, but is in the winze, according to survey. The Railway Commissioners arrived here last night at six o'clock, they having to we.lk in some three miles from E opu landing, in consequence of the slow delivery of tele grams announcing their movements, which were sent from Morrinsville forty-eight hours before receipt of same at the Thames, The telegrams were delivered, a few hours* after the Commissioners arrived. They heard evidence until 11 p.m., and left for , Auckland this morning.

(PEE UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION),

NAPIER, this day. SUICIDE. An inquest was held to-day on the body of Wm. Collins, who expired yesterday afternooD. The jury returned J a verdict of " Suicide while laboring under tempor ary insanity." He leaves a widow and : three children totally unprovided for.

WELLINGTON, this day. THE BELL-RINGERS. The Bell-ringers closed, a successful season hero ou Thursday night. They left for tho North last night.

CHRISTCHURCff, this day. Tho body of a newly-born infant was found in the river Avon yesterday. The Volunteers were inspected by General Davidson last night. There was a good muster. THE PROPERTY TAX. A meeting will shortly be held at Ran giora, to protest against the Property Tax. Yesterday 6003 bushels of first-class oats were sold by auction at 8d a bushel, deliverable on a farm near an up-country railway terminus.

DUNEDIN, this day. SALE OF A BIG STATION. Mills and Beaumont's station 70,000 acres leasehold, and 20,000 sheep was sold to Alex. Brown, of Green Island. The price is withheld. The escort brought down 4,000 ounces. INVERCARGILL, this day. MR SHANKS, M.ILR. At a meeting of the Eastern Disirict Reform Association a motion was carried expressing strong disapproval of Mr Shanks intnot|hftvingaddressedthc Mataura electors and stating that they felt a want of confi dence iv him. A requisition is being circu lated requesting his resignation. THE RABBIT NUISANCE. Capt. Raymond, a large run-holder, has published a letter, in which he asserts that ptosphorated oats, without rhodium, are a perfect specific against the rabbit nuisance. His land was thoroughly cleared at the rate of fifty acres iv three days. COURSING. The coursing matches finished yesterday Hares were scarce. In the deciding course for the Oaks Mr J. McDouald's black and white dog Ascr, by Ben Fly, beat Mr Sut ton'3 r. Folly, by Rufus, out of Fawn. In the deciding course for dogs of all ages Messrs C. and H. Howard's Harmony, a white and black dog by Sedan, out of Happy Lass, beat Mr McDonald's black and 1 white Calceolaria, by Ben Daniels, out of Fly.

LECTURE ON "ASTRONOMY."

Mr Tomliksox last evening delivered a lecture on " Astronomy " before the pupils of Mrs Clayton's school, Parnell, and a number ot their friends. At the com mencement Mr Tornlinson insisted strongly ou the paramount importance ot personal observation on the part of anyone desirous of obtaining a knowledge of the heavens, and recommended the construction of star maps, in which shonld be set down the principal stars of the most strikiDg constel lations. The lecturer proceeded to relate a number of facts connected with sidereal i astronomy. Ho explained the revolutions of the stars—their slower motion near the pol»s, and their faster motion as the dis tance increased. He spoko of the Milky Way, the two Magellan clouds, the twink ling of the stars—this characteristic being a rough method of distinguishing tlxed stars from planets, since the jlattcr but seldom appear to twinkle, q In,explaining the nebu lar theory, he said that a true nebula, as distinguished from an apparent nebula (i.o, a cluster of stars) was a mass of incandes cent or glowing gas. The nebular hypothe sis supposes that the solar system, in aeons of tue past, consisted of gaseous matter, and that gradually it condensed, throwing off the planets one by one, the centre being the sun. Tonuysou has referred to this celebrated theory in his poem "The Pri ncess" :— " This world wns once a fluid hazo of l'ght Till toward tho contre sot tho starry tides, Andeddiodinto suns, that wheeling cast Tlio planets." Further on he makes Ida, tho Princess, say :— '• Thoro sinks tho nebulous stur wo call tho sun If that hypothosis of theirs bo sound." Many other interesting particulars about the stars were given by Mr Tomlinson; their colours, distances, variability ; what was meant by "parallax,"&c. By means of maps of the night sky he exhibited the peculiarities of numerous coustella-. tion.«, and thus showed how they might be distinguished, confining him self almost entirely to those which arc visible in this southern hemisphere. The lecturer spoke with fondness of the magnifi cent constellation, "Pleiades," described by Tennyson in his " Locksley Hall " as glittering " like a swarm of fire-ilies tangled in a silver braid." Hie lecture concluded with an elaborate description of the specirum analysis, the instrument called the spectroscope, and the marvellous re sults which have accrued to astronomy and chemistry by means of it. It is needless to say that the lecture was a highly interest ing oue, and that it was listened to with close attention throughout. A vote of thanks to the lecturer, proposed by Dr. Kidd and seconded by Mr Hammond, closed the proceedings.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER I

THE OPENING CEREMONIES.

WELLINGTON, this day The Governor opened Parliament in person He read tho speech in a firm, clear, We n" modulated voice, withont the bombast and inflation peculiar to Sir Geo. Bowen There was a very thin attendance in both Houses, but the public, especially the female portion, mustered in ereat strenDti, The artillery salute was fired on the 2?' lawn attached to the House, and mad* * old buildings rattle. ade the THE ARRANGEMENT OF SEATS In the House of Representative, there has been much re - arranged of seats some apparently feeling them Eelvea failures, have selected the most H conspicuous positions in the body of th House, while othcr.s, eager to be in the front ot the battle, have taken seats that oZ mand a good view of the chamber Sir W Fox has selected his scat opposite where ii is understood bir George Grey will mab» V appearance. To-day Mr Speight and Mr George however mounted guard ovor « old knight's seat. * Ver tb<> THE GOVERNMENT WOKK. Ministers look cheery and ready for an amount of work. The Premier took tuna by the forelock and gave notice to ask W to introduce tee Government measures at early date so tbat it will not be the foul'nf the Government if the work of the count™ is not nasteued with all possible despatch NOTICES OF MOTION. ' The notices of motion were unimportant A large batch of printed Parliament-!™ papers was laid on the table by the Pr inier. It is not expected that the interim reports of the Commissions, other than th Native ones, will he ready for several we P t! at least The Civil Service Commit£ a tiood deal to do yet before the consider^ tiou of a report caa be arrived at. RAILWAY CHARGES. The reference in the Governor's Speech t making Public Works more reproductive U understood to mean an increase ia the rail way charges of the Colony. OPPOSITION MOVEMENTS. It is reported in the evening press that the Opposition contemplate an imme diate assault upon the Government but tho information is inaccurate, as no determin tion will be come to until such time as all the members who are dissatisfied with thn present Government are assembled her n : when it is expected that a sort of general Opposition conference will be held with a view of making the incoherent atom's of the old party coalesce once more. There is very little political talk current which is attributed to the absence oftha leading men on both sides of the House There is a talk of starting a penny morn ing paper in the interests ot the Opposition' but that must remain in abeyance until there is more Parliamentary life, stirring

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

House of Representatives.

The Hinemoa's Double'Tbip,

In the House to-day, Dr. Wallisgave aotice that he would move for the product tioa of papers relative to the sailing of ths Hinemoa on her last two trips to enable members to attend the session ofPatlii. incut.

Bank of New Zealand Act Amesd. ment Bill. Mr Levin gave notice that he would ask leave to introduce the Bank of New Zea land Act Amendment Bill. The Addbess in Reply. Mr Beetbam, on behalf of Colonel Trim, ble, announced that on Tuesday neit he (Colonel Trimble) would move an addicsj in reply to the speech of the Governor. Municipal Corporations Act. ■ Mr Hutchison gave notice of his inten tention to introduce a Bill to amend the Municipal Corporations Act. Wellinoton-Foxton Eailway. Mr Hutchison also asked to have laid on the table a return showing how much' had been spent on the Wellington-Foxton Railway out ot the vote of £40,000 passed last session for the construction of that line. Electobal Bills. _ The Premier gave notice of the Regula tion of Elections Bill, the Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, and Elections Petitions BilL- Notices or Motion. A largo number of notices of motion and of questions were given and papers laid oa the table. Electric Telegraph Act. The Premier introduced a Bill to amend the Electric Telegraph Act, and it was read a first time. The House adjourned till Tuesday.

"ROYAL OAK DAY."

Schoolboys in England are accustomed to call to-day " Royal Oak Day," and those who have a sympathy with the Royalist cause and au antipathy to Cromwell, wear a sprig of oak in their button-holes. They are not quite right, however, in their name, for it was not on the 29th of May that Charles 11. eluded the search of Parlia mentary soldiers by taking refuge iv the leafy recesses of an oak tree. But since the of May was Charles's birthday, and also the day ou which he entered London after iiis weary banishment, the schoolboys have taken the liberty of allot ting to it another very important event in his chequered career. The incidents surrounding the time when he hid in the oak are so romantic that perhaps a review of them may not be un interesting. Charles had, about eighteen months after the execution of his luther, concluded au arrangement with the Scottish Covenanters, who were to raise ' an army and. attempt to place him on the throne of his ancestors. Ike army was raised, but was defeated by Cromwell at Duubar (1650), and driven within entrenchments at Stirling. In the • folluwing year, Cromwell succeeded in dis lodging them, and then they formed the project nt an expedition into England, Numbering about 14,000, the Scots marched south, taking Charles with them, nominally as their king, but in reality more like a prisoner. The English loyalists did not rise however, as had been expected; and t» complete the misfortunes of the Scots, Cromwell was following them with an army 30,0001 strong. At Worcester they made* stand, and Cromwell's Ironsides, falling on the city from all sides, won a great victory just one year to a day after the battle of Dunbar. Chirks tied from Worcester about six o'clock: on the September after noon, and, accompanied by fifty or sixty friends, travelled nearly thirty miles with out halting. As the safest course, be separated from his companions, without acquainting any of them with his inten tions. He made his way to Boscobelj a lonely house on the borders r of Staffordshire, inhabited by a farmer named Peuderell. Fortunately for Charles, this man proved faithful, although death was the penalty denounced againiit all concealing the King, and a large reward was advertised for his betrayal, for some > time Charles remained with .Penderell and his four brothers, who all proved equally honourable, dressed in the same mean garb as they did, performed the same work, shared their homely food, and slept upon straw. It was at this time—somewhere about the latter end of September, 1651,-— that he concealed himself iv an oak, and heard the Cromwellian soldiers express, as they passed beneath, earnest wishes for hia capture. The Penderells did not go un rewarded for their loyalty, for in 1877 two descendants of the family were still receiv ing pensions for 'their service?. After leaving Boacobel, Charles experienced many adventures, and had several narrow escapes. Ou one occasion a blacksmith detected that his horse's shoes had been made in tho north, and not in the west, as he repre sented. At length, after 41 days' con cealment, and after no less than 40 nien and women had been concerned in hi" escape, he embarked at Shoreham in Sussex on board a coal-vessel, which landed him in Normandy (October 17th.) , The historical incident for which the 29tn of May is really remarkable is the Restora tion of Charles. When the great Oliver was dead, and his mild and retiring eon liichard had declined the protectorship, the recall of Charles, who had lived nine years on the continent, was iuevitable. Happily, the restoration was peaceful. An offer was made by the English Parliament to Charles, who was then at Breda in Holland, ana accepting it, he embarked on the 23rd May, a gallant fleet being sent to fetch him. l>a his way across he talked with his friends oi his adventures after the battle ot Worcester. He entered London on May 29th,, 16W, amid enthusiastic rejoicings. He did n<« turn out a good king, as every one kno^' but his common sense prevented his e"ve being scut " on. his travels " again.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY. MAY 2d, 1880.



There is no mistake that Bland Holt has made a hit in ' New Babylon.' His acting in the sceue with Karuarez i*» abont the most amusing bit of American coolness ever seen_ in these parts. Mr. J. L. Hall is uimply' immense as Luzareck. It is said that the Kellya are really caged in the almost incessible valley of the King. River,



Special Adveroißements. TjiLANNELS & JgLANKETS I WILLIAM RATTRAY Begs to notify that ho HAS NOT RAISED THE PRICB3 on account o£ the advance in the price Of Wool and the increased duty, but is Selling his FLANNBLS & BLANKETS at the OLD PRICES. A Large assortment of FLANNBLS, all widths BLANKETS, all sizea. Also. RUSSIAN DOWN QUILTS. ! WILLIAM RATTRAY'3 Family Drapery Establishment, 6G, Queen-street, Auckland Opposite Hank of New Zealand. A UCKLAND CLOTHING FACTORY. LOCAL IJNDUSTRY. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. J. B. Robinson haa the honour to an nounco that he haa securod tho services of an eminent fashionable Cutter from Sydney, and a competent staff of Tailors, and haa made extensive pro paratlons for the manufacture of colonial cloths; and is now In a position to supply Men's, Youths's and Boy's Suits mado to measure, at Eng lishlslop prices on tho shortest notice.; Suits made to order on twolvo hours' notice. Colonial Tweed Trousers, made to measure at 13s Ed, on six hours' notice. All Tweeds guaranteed well shrunk. As it Is intended to devoto tho whole of the resources of the Establishment solely to the manufaotura of Mod's Youths'and Boy's Clothing, tho present Stock of Ready-made Goods will bo sold at prime cost, to make room for those of our own manufacture. J. B. X O:B INS ON, A UCKLAND /CLOTHING TjiACTORY. QUEEN-STREKT (Two doors below B. Tonk's Auction Mart). PRINCIPAL CARPTCT WAREHOUSE.— Tho Largest and Cheapest Stock of Tapes try, Brusaels, Kolt, Kidderminster, Juto and Hemp Carpets are to be aeon at tho City Hall Arcade. Carpets made and littod to any eizo room. GARLICK & CRANWKLL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. IliON & BRASS'BKDSTEAD3.—Upwards of 350 in stock to Select from, and all sizes— from 2jft. wide to sft. wide. Stump, French, Half-Tester, folding Stretohors. Invalids Chair-Hods. A Groat Variety of Wood Bedsteads to suit every class of customer. Children's Bedsteads and Cota (various styles). GAKUCK & CRANWICLL. City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. KDDINa OF ALL SIZES kept roady for Delivery. All our Bodding is mado at onr own Factory. Kapok Down and Feather Bods; Hair. Fibre, Flock and Klax Mat trasaes; Pillowa and Bolsters of ovory kind; Spring Mattresses and Palliasses for any size bedstead. Mattrasses ro-mado with despatch. GARLJCK & CRANWELL. Five por Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. ___^_ EDROOM FURNII'UKE-tho Plainest and Handsomest—to be Been at tho City Hall Arcade, at Prices to suit tho working man, the middle class, and the rich ; to suit board ing-hOU3O and hotel-koepors. Ward robes, Chest Drawers, Toilet Tables, Washstands, Commodes. GAKLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Viscount for Cash at time of Purchase. mOILKT GLASSES and TOILET-WARE.— JL Wo study to keep such a Stock as to ba able to please every taste. Every Size in Toilet Glasses, and a Splondid Variety oE Toilet-ware : Pior Glasses — very pretty Chimney Glasses just opened. GAP.LICK & CKA.NWBLL, City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. RAWING-ROOM AND DINING-ROOM IfURNITUKK always on view and mado to order on a short notice. Suites ready for delivery, and a Largo Assortment of Coverings to select from. Centre and Occasional Tables, Cheflloniers, Whatnots, Cornices, Fenders, and Firo-irons. T^HUKCH FURNITURE, H4.LL FUKNI- Vv TURE, Library and Office Furniture, Kitchen Furniture, Self-acting Roller Blinds, Floor Cloth, all kinds o£ Furnish ing Goods. FURNISH YOUR HOUSE FROM THK piTY TTALL ARCADE, GAKLICK & CKANWELL, PROPRIETORS. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time o Pwrrchaae. -VT OTICJS! W* O T I C E ! NEW DRAPERY. NEW CLOTHING. RUSHBKOOK & BRIDGMAN Beg to announce that their NEW STOCK for the incoming Season's Trade is Now to Hand, comprising— New Materials in Fancy Dress Goods, very cheap Satin Cloths, Serges, Reps Cashmeres, Krench Merinos, &c, new shados Waterproof Tweeds and Ulster Cloths Ladies' and Maids' Jaokets, a choice assort ment New Fancy Woollen Goods in great variety jLadieß' and Maids' Ulsters, all quite now Hosibry in variety,&c. Also, A Largo Stock of Flannels, various mak6ra, and unusual good valuo Blankets, all sizes, white and coloured Winceys, Wool Plaidß, Snirtlngs, &c. A Very Choice Assortment of NEW [CLOTHING FOR BOYS AND MEN. Overcoats and Ulsters Boys' and Youths' ditto ditto Crimean Shirts, Oxford Shirts, White Shirts;' Under-Flannels, L.W. Shirts and Panta Printed and White Moleskia Trousers for Boys and Men Hats, Caps, &c. A Heavy Stock of Good Twocds Cheap Tweed for Boys' wear, Bluo Sorgo, Moleskins, &c. fS" Five per cent, discount'ds in tho J3) bl lowed upon all Cash Purchasers of 20a and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Drapers and Clothiers, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-Btreet. Auckland. , _ mHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S GARMENTS FOR MEN'S AND BOYS1 WEAR Fit Better :: Are Better Cut Look Better :: Are Better Made Wkak Better :: Are Better Shrunk And therefore givo more satisfaction than any other goods offered to tho public. Testified to by their Thousands of Customers who purchara constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedi.v Wellington invkroargill nelson Oamaru Wanganui Tim ah v New Plymouth ashbubtun napikr Lyttelton Thames CIHUSTCUURCn AUCKLAND A Single Garment at Wholesale Price. N. 8.: Our New Winter Manufactures aro now Ready. X 3. "TRY THK N.Z. OVERCOAT. Shirts, Hats and Hosiery of ovory desorip [ionut WIIUXb'EdLU PxiCO'i A U C X L A n7~B RANCH, Queon-Btreot (opposite Thoatro Royal), , j. DITZSiMONs, manager.



Special Advertisements. J. COSGBAVE $ CO., Havina WOUND-UP, .their BRANCHES in New Zealand, and Removed the Goods to. Auckland,\have resolved, to CLEAR THEM OUT REGARDLESS OF COST. nno insurers. SECURITY Should be tho Primary Consideration. THE -pOYAL TNSURANCffi pOMPANY Affords this desideratum by the Fulfilment ov the Tests recommended by THE BOARD OF TRADE: A small por-oentage of Working Cost, and the Profits Not Anticipated. Also, by an AMPLE CAPITAL, viz. ... £4,030,000 Of which £289,515 is paid up and in hand, with, in addition, the Unlimited Liability of tho Shareholders. Laroe Accumulation of Funds, EXCEEDING £1.000,000 And an Annual Revenue of £1,250,000. Tho undersignod Agont continues to accopt FIRE RISKS on every description of Incurable Property at the lowest rates obtainable. Claims for Losses Aro Promptly and Liborally adjusted, without reforence elsewhere, and immediately paid at the Company's Bankers in Auckland. GHO. W. JONES, Chiof Agont for tho Provinco of Auckland. Offlco: Shortland-streot. May 22,1880. As civilization advanocs, and onlightonmont extends, men entertain stronger oonvictions and become armor in their beliefs. Liberal educa tion strengthens Individualconviotions. A;.long tho strongest sentiment* of the use, ia tho faith that attaches to Udolpbo Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatio t'ohnappe. and this faith ia conflrmod, not only by tho opinions of sanitarians, by tho fact that it is usod in hospitals and infirmaries, with singular efficacy. CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLJ ND. Mails will Clobb as Unjjeb :— This Day. For Port Fitzroy, per wfateriily, at 1 p.m. For Tairua, per Pfku, at 1 p.m. Monday, 31st instant. For Wellinirtoa and Southern Provinces, per C.G.B. Hinemon, at 11 a.m. For Trypena, per Throo Brothors, at 10 a.m. For Corotnandel, per Coromandel. at 11.30 a.m. For Kuseoll, Kawakawa, Hoklanga, otc. per ji-awata, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Waug&roa, and Mon gonui, per lona, at 4 p.m. For Thames, por Rotomahana, at 5 p.m. Tuesdat. Ist Jnno. For Rnssoll, Kawwkawa, Lovuka, and Norfolk ißland, por Southern Cross, at noon. For Waiwora, Kawiiu, Omaha, and Matakana, por Rose Caaoy, at 10 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Hawoa, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Waitaki, at ■1 p.m. Wednesday. 2nd Jnno. For Thames, per Rotomahuna, at 8.31 a.m. For Whitlangl, Talroa, Tauranga, and Opotiki, por Glonolg, at & p.m. TnuRSDAY, 3rd Juno. For Glsborno, Napier, Southern provinco3, anil Austrulion Colonies, por ArawuU, at 9 a.m. For Australian Colonies. Batavla, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torroa Straits, por City of New York, immediately aftor hor arrival from Honolulu Supplementary Mails for India, Conttnont of Kuropp, and Unitod Kingdom, Tia JBrindisi. for letters specially so aldrosßOd, por City of Now York, immediately aftor hor arrival from Honolulu. For Taranalti and Southern Provinces, por Wellington, immediately after arrivulof City of New York. N.B.—Tho Post-ofllco Saving Bank will bo open for tho receipt of deposits ovory Satur day, from C.30 to 7.45 p.m. S. B Bias, Chiof Postmaster.



The Liugards' Newcastle season has been a great success. It is probable that Mr, and Mrs. Lingard will shortly go home,



A mistake made in the working oE the to talisator at Morphetville, Australia, will cost the race club £150. Edward Marshall, who visited Australia with the Soldenes, is playing the Baillie in 1 Les Cloches de Corueville.' •



Mr. George Lingard has bought the ' Zealandia ' panorama, and will travel it» England. __ i,. Humoured that F. E. Hiscocks.of HiscocKS andHayman, has tumbledinto money, uoou luck to him!