BUSINESS.—The usual sessional commit- I tees were elected fur the arrangement ot | business—for the examination of bills aud overtures. The Assembly adjourned to 2.30 p.m. to-day.

Rev. S. Edger, B.A, on " Charles Dickens."

Pursuant to public notice, the Rev. S. Edger, 8.A., delivered a lecture in the Lome-street Hall on Sunday evening on "tiie Religion of Charles Dickens as an Author." There was no charge for admiss ion, and the building was crowded to excess. The lecture was listened to throughout with exceptional atteutiveness, aud although iii- character of the evening forbade the iioual displays of appreciative feeling there was plenty of evidence that the sympathies of the audience were entirely with the speaker. Mr Edger having opened the proceedings with prayer, spoke as iol-

°Ten years a^o Charles Dickens quitted this scene of a"ction at the age of 58, after probably a more successful literary course than has been granted to any other man in any a"c, or amongst any people. I have been .elicited to speak to you to-night con - cc-rnin" the religious element of this great! ™,°and in° confining mysell to it I enjoy the advantage of comparatively, untrodden ground, from which t will j not bo expected to deviate in order to sunolv sny general criticism of his works. | ' •' The ill men do lives after them—the good is oft interred with their bones." So snvs the king of dramatic poets ; a certain ciitic remarks that it might be turned right round and read, "The good men do lives after them. The ill is oft interred with their bones." Undoubtedly it might, but on the whole the poet is nearest right when we well understand him a little beyond the siipe.ficial sense, which will bring its mean iu" into special application to the eminent novelist, Charles Dickens. It is beyond all question that both the good and the ill men do live after them. Neither can by nny possibility, by any process, be obliterated ; there they stand—the stern, solemn, beauti ful, sublime reality of life; imperishable thegocd by the infinity of love, the evil by the inexorable justice of things. But then it is not so to the superficial ob sirver, most thought of in thi3 line of Shakespeare. To him the ill, whose fruit ripens first on a more congenial soil, is immediately living on; the good, later in coming to maturity, has gone out of sight, as the mini's bones have. But then not to lie there for ever -as useless ; an after age will bring those bones to the surface again, and they" give nutriment to its life—for which they have heen long preparing in that silent depth of earth. So has much of the good of the man which coming ages will inevitably bring up again to their surface, with accumulated life giving power. If this were not true universally, as I think it is, mote or less, it is eminently true of Charles Dickens, whose faults were all en the surface, coming readily into prominence ; whose virtues were all of them, like bis religion, deeper down in the silent intensity of the soul-later in coming to maturity, but not less effectually. Scarcely any one needs reminding that Dickens was one of those men whom the world calls by the familiar term "jolly good fellows," free, familiar, open, generous —with strong sensibilities, large sympa thies, a very broad, powerful yet tender humanity—uot averse to generous living— withal immensely clever with the gifts that sparkle aud fascinate human beings; a man in every way likely not to be immovably, stoically secure against the un certain currents that are apt to carry us in somewhat devious ways. Eor me to say, I think Charles Dickens' life a perfect one, would be great folly. There were faults in the direction I have indicated—and for the reason. But beneath lived a soul, I think, of rare beauty and rare excellence, humane, nud righteous, and when not too much swayed hy the more superficial ten dencies,faithtul to duty. I am speaking now of Dickens' personal character, whereas our theme is his writings. But then to speak of his writings apart from the man would be likestudvimr the sunlight apart from the sun. If cverinthehistoryofthisworldslitera ture any man did write with his very soul's life blood, that man was Charles Lickens. He and his books are one. Whenever you are weak enough to let a tear indicate some peculiarly patheticpassageyouhavereached, ten to one Charles Dickens himself stands hefoie you draped in the sorrow or the sensibility ff the scene you contemplate. Here, I say, is the key to a good deal, and Ihe first and all crowning excellence of his religion- that whatever there is of it belongs wholly and entirely to the man. To puton and wear a religion was to him impossible. Ihe absence of sham was and is delightfully On this account it is that Dickens' child hood has so great.so commanding an inter est for us. There are four characteristics of bis childhood that lie at the root of und explain the peculiar religious tendencies found in ali his works; his sufferings ; his penetration; his prayerfulness; and his practical good sense ; no one should over look these in studying his books. In those dark sad years and experiences were formed or nurtured the elements of chaiacter tbat made the mature man, and that as an inborn inspiration dictated b.s writings. It would be difficult lo picture a more melancholy childhood than his. But I think that those profound, unexpressed, if boyish sorrows were working their mys terioiis influence, like the sectet fires below tbe earth's surface, out of which come some of the most marvellous manifestations of power. Much is horn of sorrow when there isthe fipiiit that can consecrate it. Tt is a common cnoush thought that region especially is so cradled into strength and manhood Perhaps it is not so clearly seen or thought, that while this is not always the case—when it is, the result should be as in Dickens, a religion peculiar for its human sympathies, its divine compassion because it is mest certain that ranch sorrow will have one of two effects ; it will either, through the habit of enduiance, harden and blunt the sensibilities, and so may produce a cruel man, or it will open the soul to a keen sympathy with and compassion for a suffering humanity. I need not tell anyone that this was its result in Dicken3. But I do not thiuk it is sufficiently present to our minds whin we are driven to weep over his exquisite pathos, how those tears are only responsive to ihe drops of agony that were often distilled fiom that child s heart. Ihe memory of this would throw some light on his religion. One of Dickens' supreme powers was his keenandaccurateobservatiou. Hesaysoftlns in David Copperlield, "I believethepowerof observation iunuuiberaof very youngchildren to be qui'e wondeitn.l for its clearness aud accuracy. Indeed i thiuk that most grown men who are lemarkable iv this respect, may with greater propriety be said not to have lost the faculty than to have acquired it ■ the rather, as I generally observe such men to retain a certaiu freshness and gentleness, and capacity of being pleased, which are also an inheritance they have preserved from their childhood"; p. 8. Who can read this without at once seeing this is the man himself, here is one secret of his genius, one fountain of his religion? For so far from its beimr " merely senti mental" his insight into men and thiugs was so keen as to render the dominion of mere sentiment impossible, and to compel Dickens either to be real or not to be reli gion!, at all. Thb. was at any rate nurtured in sorrow ; for as trouble and difficulty will open most men's bodily eyes, so will the inward suffering do much to make keen and clear the soul's perceptions. On this same pointhe says in Bleak House, that the im pressions lie received of men in his cliihj bood rarely, if ever, had to be corrected in hi« manhood. Could you imagine such a matt a sham? Two other points of his childhood demand attention. "What was it that preserved a boy of such tender sensi bilities, so open and warm of heart allftlone md friendless in the world, in the midst of every possible evil influence pouring in upon him from all sides ? What was it kept that quick precocious boy from ever deviating from the right path, amidst thick dangers that so easily engulf the millions? Was it that secret prayer that he tells his son—counselling him to follow in the same path lie never omitted all through his life. True there are prayers that leave men exactly where they were. But not the prayers of a boy, all the deeps of whose soul have been opened by intense sorrow ; not the prayers of a man whose penetration cannot be blinded by the in sincerities of life. When he prays he means it, and such prayers have power. It was not a hollow religion whose prayeis kept that Loy safe on the dizziest heights of possible ruin.

The other point belongs to a religion, a little of which would not be thrown away on even the most nious of this age. " There is no substitute" he says, " for through going ardent and sincere earnestness, never to put one hand to anything t-u which I could throw my whole self ; and never to ali'ect depreciation o£ my work, whatever it was ; I find now to have been my golden rules." We know well how his whole life was the vindication Gf this Desertion. And as well that the principle ie contains has lost none of its religious excellence, since it was uttered 2,000 years ago, "Whatsoever thy hand fiadeth,' &o. It thai, sounds like religion

discoursed upon from a pulpit, it should hardly be less so, preached iv a life.

Now, I contend that the man who was developed from such a childhood would re ceive the destinctive form of his religion from the samo wise providence thatwatched over his childhood, i the remained faithful to the divine lessons of his boyhood, his religion would inevitably be deeply sympa thetic with a suf.'ei'iug humanity-too keenly penetrating to admit of any sham ; reposing on the divine fatherhood cf God, and full of practical, devout energy. That is the religion which I (md pervading every important work he has written. Whether I givelsufficient evidence of this, you must be the judges. But.before proceeding to this, as we have been looking at the man and life, as well as the author, I wish to make one remark, lest I should seem partial towards him. There are, as I think, inconsistences m Charles Dickens—such as his sympathy with the Confederates against the Federal party in the American war ; his disapproval of tiie condemnation by the British public, of Governor Eyre, of Jamaica atrocity notoriety; anil his refusal as Editoi of " Household Works," to admit into that periodical anything justly favourable towards the Catholics, which led Harriot Martineau to refuse her contributions to that work. Theso thin__s are, as I think, mistakenly defended by his panygerists. They aro flagrantly out of harmony with his expressed convictions, and arc distinctly blemishes. They are accounted for, _ I imacine, by his vanity, which rendered him peculiarly sensitive to the personal opinions of those about him ; who in the period of his prosperity were of a class tolerably certain to bo found on the side indicated. But I hold it to be somewhat to the honour of Charles Dickens, that when he worked, under a solemn sense of duty, these blemishes had not sufficient power to obtrude themselves. They may detract from the perfect symmetry of the man ; but do uot disturb the consistent religion of his works —would probably never have been heard of if we had had only his works, without his private letters, aud the correspoudet.ee of Harriet Martineau.

When we inquire as to the religion con tained in au author's works, these four questions would naturally present them selves : What is the general aim of his writings? What are the principles clearly contained or'lying latent in them ? What ex plicit enunciation of religion docs the author make ? What legitimate conclusion can be drawn from his dcliniations of character? We will keep these questions distinctly in our minds ; us constituting about all that we can inquire into, they will put us ou our guard against being betrayed into a false conclusion from the very partial fact that the author may nowhere state or even imply any formulated creed. Probably he never tried to frame a creed to his own mind; probably be was content that his whole being should be illumined and inspired by the few grand conceptions of a great divine fatherhood, of a great human brotherhood, of a great law of self-forgetful kindness, of a great kingdom—all peace and gentleness—otherwise Heaven, where there would be no liars, no cruel tyrants, no base, cunning hypocrites, no smooth faced villaius ; such a kingdom swallowing up all the wretched little and large despot isms, that have so long made this beautiful world a waste, howling wilderness. Pro bably he thought that to live to bring this about was the truest way of being religious and teaching religion, and that to turn aside from this to wtite about theological creeds would have been a sad waste ot time. If so, he was in that way very like the divine founder of Christianity, and many others. But then we should not look in his works for what would have been but a blemish to them. We should not be blind to what makes the entire writing deeply religious, instead of commonplace, with a little theology tacked on.

[To be continued.]

Deputations to Ministers.

ONEUUNGA ENDOWMENTS.

A DEPUTATION from tho Onehunga Borough Council, consisting of the Mayor (Mr Ceo. Codliu), and Councillors Jackson and Hart uett waited upon the Hon. Mr Rolbston this morning with reference to the refusal of the Government to grant the Borough a certain eudowmeut which it lit d been per mitted to select. The deputation was intro duced by Mr G. M. O'Rorke, M.H.R. Mr Jackson, who acted as spokesman, explained that the Borough in the exercise of the authority given it by the 350 th clause of the Municipal Corporations Act had applied for a portion of the I'atutahi block iv Cook County, and yet an eudowmeut fully 400 miles away was gazetted to them—au endowment which was comparatively worth less, and which too they had declined to accept. The Borough had complied strictly with all the required forms, and yet after being directed to select an endowment its selection was calmly set aside.

Mr Rollestou said he was quite aware that all the legal requirements Gad been ob served by the Council, but a difficulty lay in the way of granting the land for which they had applied. Prior application had been made "for it by another body, aud under the circumstances the Government deemed it prudcut to made over to One hunga 1,000 acres of the Puuakatere block at Hokiauga. The legal aspect of the question was that the Government was not necessarily bound to gazette the block, for which the borough thought lit to apply, and that it discharged its duty by gazetting some adequate endowment, no matter where situated.

After some further discussion, the Hon. gentleman promised to give the matter his fullest couside.atiou.

The deputation then brought under his notice the question of the slaughterhouse site, which lay within the boundaries of the Borough, and which was promised to it by the late Government, as soon as its purchase should have been completed. Its area was about 100 acres, and the Bo'.ough Hrgently required it for cemetery and other purposes. The place was now a wreck, the house was destroyed and teuantless, and the fences were in a delapidated condition. Mr Rollestou said that this matter also should have his early attention. The deputation then thanked the gentle men aud withdrew.

PROPOSED £2,300 REIMBURSEMENT. This morning the Mayor of the Thames [h. Ehrenfricd, Esq.,) and J. Sheehan, Esq., M.H.R. (Thames) waited on the Hon. J. Hall (Premier) and the Hon. W, Rol lestou (Minister of Lands and Immigration and Mihistfcr of Education) on various matters of great importance to the Thames. The first related to claims the Thames Borough had to he re-imbiused the sum of £2,300^ which amount is alleged to be wrongfully deducted from sums payable to the Borough for the past three years, and which was paid to the Auckland Munici pality as Thames Borough's share of expen diture for charitable purposes, Hospital, &c. The deputation pointed out that during the whole of this time tho Thames had made ample provision for the care aud relief of .the sick and destitute, aud that though a few people who had previously lived in the Thames might have found their way into Auckland Institutes, the very same thing had happened witji respect to persons who had lived in Aucklaud and were shifted to the Thames, and had since become a burden on the Thames. Bull notes were taken by Ministers of the claims, and enquiry promised. Repayment of £500. The second referred to the repayment of £1500, being an amount agreed to be giveu by Mr Sheet an, wheu Native Minister, to supplement the sum of £1000 agreed to be spent on i and works in the Munici pality of die Thames. The Borough had done works in good faith of the promise made, and had spent the money, but np to the present they had not been able to obtain from the Government the promised sura of £500. At the conclusion of a somewhat lengthy discussion, tl c nwimbtrs said that the mat ter would b •■• x.au.ded over to the hon. Mr Bryae, wj... would have to deal with it as Native M.nister. They would lay before the hon. Mr Bryce the representations made to them. THE THAMES ORPHAN HOME. Application was also made by the Depu tation tohave the Thames Orphan Home pro claimed under the "Neglected and Criminal Children's Act 1867." This was agreed to be done. The hon. Mr Rolleston undertook to have the necessary ariangenieut made. TRANSFER OF TARARUA TRAMWAY. A fourth application made was for the Government to fulfil an agreement made between the late Provincial Government and locai authorities with reference to the Tararau Tramway. The local body under took to maintain the sea-wall between Grabamstown and Tararua, and for this consideration it was agreed to transfer to the local body the tramway.-The reply was, that the papers would be looked up, and, as far aa possible, ellVct would be °iven to any agreement made between llie Provincial Government and the Thames local body. THE KAMO RAILWAY. This morning a deputation from the Whancarei County Council, consisting of Mr J. 'Bennett, Mr Finlayson Smith (Chair man of the Council), and Mr Jas, Reyburn

waited upon the Hon. Mr Rollestou, for the purpose of urging upon him the desira bility of at once constructing the Kamo railway to deep water, as the Governmrnt ha i promised to do.

.Mr Joseph Bennett stated the business of the deputation at some length, and backed up his argument by presenting a pre pared statistical table, showing the money that had been expended in this district, the amount to which it was entitled, and the payableness of the proposed work. The Hon. Mr Roileston, in reply, said that large sums of money had b-seu ex pended in the suggested work without any prospect of an equivalent return. Some thing like £30,000 had beeu spent and in the present financial state of the country nothing further in the way of expenditure could be authorised until the House

Mr Bennett replied pointing out inaccura cies in the Ministers figures, and explain ing various matters about which a miscon ception appeared to prevail. Mr Rollestou however adhered substan tially to his former statement, and the depu tation after thanking him withdrew.

NEW MARKET TOLL BAB

A deputation from the Onehunga Borough Council, consisting of Messis Hartuett, Coden, and J. D. Jackson, waited upon Mr Hall, and uvsjed upon him the justice of a certain portion of the tolls taken at the Newmarket toll-har being paid to the Onehunga Borough Council. They pointed out that two miles of the road lay within the Onehunga Borough, and it was only fair, therefore, that some portion of the tolls should be devoted to keeping this part of the road in repair. Thejhon. gentle mail promised to give the matter early con sideration.

ri his afternoon the Board of Education had a lengthy conference with the Hon Mr Rolloston, but as the Press were not ad mitted, we are unaware of what transpired.

THE SUEZ MAIL.

LONDON, March 30.

The Duchess of Marlborough, addressing her committee in Dubliu, said that the " purest charity could not escape Mr Par uell's misrepresentations, but that was not surprising, seeing that he who slanders Her Majesty the Queen, by daring to say that Her Majesty gave no help in the famine n. 1818, should as unjuatly accuse the Duch ess fund as being used for political purposes, and not for the relief of the distressed country," Mr Brassey, at the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, pointed out the importance of establishing a coaling station in tho colonies in case of war.

Germany is intending to form convict colonies in the South Sea Islands.

It is rumoured that Germany also intends to acquire possession ot oilier small South Sea Islands. The new German Consul at Apia is to pay particular attention to the subject. A meeting at the Mausion Douse was held on January 29, under the presidency of the Lord Mayor, in support of the pro posed Arcticexpedition, which wasdescribed as a British and Canadian expedition under Commander John Chcync, R. N. The esti mated cost of the expedition will be £30,000. Commander Chcync proposed to ascertain by balloon which of the two channels wits most open in the first week in June. These balloons would leave the ships with provi sions lor fifty-one days. In a letter Lord Derby strongly opposed the scheme as an impracticable aud suicidal one for those engaged in it.

LATEST FROM AFFGHANISTAN.

Bomiuy, February 1-1

The malcontents, the Ghilzais, are known to be organising, nud threaten to attempt to drive our forces from Shirpur.

Gcueral Roberts is busily strengthening his defences ut Shirpur. The opinion in ludia is universal that, until ourpower is fully established at Ghazni and Herat taken, the AU'ghauswill not be lieve iv our supremacy. The Government itself evidently holds the sumo view, and are making preparation for the coming campaign on a great scale. Sir F. II nines leaves Calcutta for Peshawur on tho 22nd February. Bombay troops, under orders to join the Quettah and Candahar force are being rapidily moved to the front.

ADDITIONAL CABLEGRAMS.

[FROM AUSTRALIAN PAPERS.]

St. Petersburg, March 3,

Cencral Lorison, who was last week ap pointed head of the Supreme Commission, for repressing the conspiracies of the Nihilists, had a narrow escape of assassina tion to-day in the city. He was fired at by a Nihilist, who missed, and before he could make his escape the would-be assassin was arrested.

London, March G,

The second reading ot the Deceosed Wife's Sisters Bill was carried by an immense majority in the Canadian House of Commons.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

MELBOURNE, March 10. PAItI.IAMRNT will now meet ou May 11th, when the Ministry will be re-elected, and will be ready with a policy. Probably Sir Charles MoMahon, the old Speaker, will be invited lo preside iv the Assembly. At any rate, temporarily, though strong preferences are felt for Messrs. Murray, Smith, Cooper, or Gannon, who will probably be elected Chairman of Com mittee. It is scarcely probable_ that the re-election of the Ministry will he opposed. The Government intend to rescind a portion of Mr Longmore's regulations which liarrassed the selectors.

A horrible murder has been committed at Moonlight Flat, near Bathurst. A man named Poulson killed his son and daughter aged 11 ami 12 respectively witli au adze in a lit of delirium tremens. QUEENSLAND. The National Rifle Association has re solved to oiler trophies in the Colonial rifle match timing the annual rifle meeting in Exhibition week in July next. The Rifle Associations in other Colonies arc in vited to send teams The Irish Relief Fund exceeds £10,000. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Professor Cavili started to swim from Semaphore to Glenelg (ten miles), but after two miles and a-half's swimming he gave up, with his eyes very bloodshot. Moodie, an amateur, swam some miles further. The " xtegister" estimates the average yield of wheat, at 11 bushels, making a total out-turn of 1 G0,000,000 bushels, of which 13,375,003 bushels, or 301,500 tons, will be available for sale or export. It is believed that the child, named German, has wandered into the scrub and been lost. HOBART TOWN. The relations between the Houses are strained. The Assembly disagreed with theJCotincil's amendment, reducing the loan, and there was no quorum in the evening. The Council alleging discourtesy on the part of the Government in securing a quorum in the Assembly, has adjourned for three months.

AUCKLAND SHARE MARKET.

March , 1880. Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, £19 ss; sollers, £19103 National Bank—Sellers, 62s Colonial Bank—Buyers, -ill New Zealand Insurance—Sellers, 525. South British Insurance—Buyers, lis 6d ; col- Uniou Insurance—Buyers, Ida 9d ; Bel'ers, 15_

9d Colonial Insurance—Buyers, Gs; sellers, 6s 3d New Zealand Loan and Mercantile—Buyers, Bay of Islands Coal Company—Sellers, £0 os Alburnia -7Ss, 77s Od; sellers, 73s Moanatalri-60-i, GOs 3d; sellers, G2s Gd New Whau—72a Gd, 61s 6J, 0b; buyers, GO3; sollers, 65s New North Devon—l6s, 153 3d; sellers, 15s Caledonian—l2s, 153; sellers, 15s Thames—2ss KuranuilHill—Ba Gd.iSs 9d ; buyers, 8s 6d. Bendigo United-Sellers, 3s. Columbia—Sellers. Is Uueen of B. auty—Buyers, 9s; sollers, 10s Corby—Buyers, ls6d Joseph Newman. Chairman,

Ihe Hon. W. Rollestou, the Minister of Education, accompanied by Mr O'Sullivan, Inspector of Schools, and Mr \V. Swanson, M.H. It., visited the public schools iv Auck land yesterday. They inspected the Orphan Home, Howo-streot, at nine o'clock in tho morning, and subsequently went through the Grammar School, also the Girls' High School. Mr Rolleston expressed his ap proval and satisfaction at the large number in attendance at these schools, and at the standard of education which the scholars had attained. The West and Fast Newton schools were visited, also tho Ponsonby school, with similar results. The Ponsonby scholars mustered strongly and at the close of the inspection interested the visitors with the New Zealand Anthems of Mr Blacken and Mr Grigg. concluding with the National Anthem. are a prolific source of Sceptic ism. Tho world has born so often hurubu ged by unauthentic certificates that it i 3 hard for it to attach credence to what it reads. The true merit of any article is self-affirmative, and .its highest indorsement, its own Felf-asserting virtues. The cures consummated by Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps tell thoir i own story, and plead their own cause.

The Royal Commission.

(FliO.M A COTtKEFPOtfDENT.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, this day,

MR PARRIS V. JOSHUA JONES.

The Commission had a lonjr sittiu<» to-day. Amongst, the witnesses was Joshua Jones, better known as "Mokau Jones." It appears, from what I could gather, that he has been talking at laree about Mr Parris, sayiujj he is a dealer in Native lauds j that his connection with the Commission is regarded with suspicion by the natives; and that, generally speaking, their mind is unsettled on that account. It is understood that Parris regarded these allegations as unmitigated slanders, as he alleges that Jones has been slandering him iv this way ever since he has been in the district. Mr Parris applied to the Commission to ex amine both Jones aud himself. It would appear, also, if Jones was really desirous of being examined on these matters, inasmuch as he obtained a conversation with Sir Dillon Bell, He recounted to him all the wicked thing 3he had heard of Mr Parris ; the charges were of so grave a nature that ihe Commissioners thought it right Jones should have an opportunity of sub stantiating all bis allegations, and so get him placed on record. He was summoned before the Commission, and repeated his statement to sir D. Bell. Mr Parris was present, but when it came to makiug a specific allegation, Joues was unable to Kay anything of his own know ledge. He had merely been told these things hy Maories, lots of their men he knew very well by sight, but he could not remember a single name. Still he was certain he could bring lots of them forward if he had time. He was told that he could bring them up the next day if he liked. Then as to laud, Mr Parris trucked it, could he locate a piece ? Yes. It was somewhere about Sentry Hill. Was it North, South, East or West of it ? Well he could not remember exactly, but he knew there was some land thereabouts, res pecting which there had been a dispute be tween Parris, the Maoris, and the Whites. He could not be more specilic than that, but he referred the Commission to Mr Sansoni, who knew all about the matter, and would furnish them with all particulars, The Commission would like if possible to

get the information from him. Well he never said that he could speak of these things of his own knowledge, but it was well known, aud generally understood, that Mr Parris had been trafficking in Native lands. In fact he could produce a public newspaper in which one that be said, nnd a good deal more appeared in print, and it was in vain that the commission pointed out that this was not evidence, that they must have something more tangible to go upon. Well then he would ask the Commission to place Mr Parris in his position, and question him ;is to whether he did not truck iv native lands, or he wonld ask them to put Mr Uinnell of tho native office here in the box, as it were, and examine him; ask him whether Mr Parris had not been ti". eking in native lauds. Mr Jones seemed be of opinion that it would he better to ) itnine everybody he chose to name, than that lie should bting forward any evidence himself. When Mr Parris was about to ask him some questions, he said that the 800 soldiers at the back of the Commis sion could not compel him to be questioned by Mr Parris, but he would not object to answering the Commis sion. At first ho was inclined to defy tho CommissionerSjUntil SirD. Bell and Sir W. Fox explained to him that he was under the authority of Parliament, and they could compel bin. to give his evidence, or give him in charge for contempt. Jones stuck to his allegations, but the Commission after a patient but vaiu endeavour to get something iv the shape of evidence out of liini, bad to give it up as a bad job, and give him to understand that they attached very little importance to what he had said. Then Joshua muttered something about a Commission appointed for a political pur pose, and vanished through the door. Whatever reports the Commission makes Jones intends to appeal to the Governor against, and ho will move in Parliament

for another Royal Commission. Jones is the man who was granted money by the Giey Government for services in connection with Mokau. Ho explained to the Com mission that what he said about Parris he did on public grounds, as he thought those things ought to be explained.

Musical Notes.

The Choral Society's Concert given in the Choral liall on Tuesday last, formed the principal musical event in Auckland during the past week. The oratorio selected for production was Mendelssohn's celebrated "St Paul, "which abounds iv classic and high class beauties, modulations and contrapun tal peculiarities. These are especially noticeable in tho overture, and in nearly every chorus fugal music ot the most intu cale kind is the principal feature. It was with some surprise that, a short timo ago, I learnt that the Choral Society had chosen such a conception for performance, requiring us it does the closest attention, the best pro fessional talent and the most eflicie.it orchestra. It is very creditable to the local Society that they carried tho ex ecution of the work successfully through, ami although the performance in many places should a want of attention, and a scarcity of professional talent, the performers arc to be lauded for their efforts to bring before the Auckland public good music—of which for some time there has been a dearth. Miss Maunsell gave much pleasure with her solos, which wero well rendered. Mrs Jud son sang correctly, but lacks sufficient power to give adequate interpretation to the try ing solos met with. Mr Dickson took tho teuor solos and gave pleasure to all present by his able rendering of the music. I trust that the Society will go ou improving, and that each opeu rehearsal will bring out new vocali-its. There is an old saying " Variety is charming," aud| if some now soli would take tho songs next time a great advantage would result.

Lyster's Opera Company have now left Wellington aud are on their way to Mel bourne. They were to opeu on the 14th, but tho accident to the To Anau will pre vent them doing sc. They cannot reach Melbourne bctore the ISth, having gone by the Rotorua.

Camilla Urso will visit New Zealand, making Auckland her lirst place of call early iv April. I have no doubt she will meet with the same success here as she did in Melbourne and Sydney. This wonder ful virtuoso will add a new impetus to the music loving portion of the community.

A concert will be given in a short time, tho proceeds of which are to be devoted to the fund tor erecting an organ in the Choral Hall. Judge Ecnton has consented to conduct, and the majority of tbe member of the Choral Society will take part. Some time ago, I believe, a sum of £-100 or £500 was set aside for the purpose, but has apparently been used for other objects. Where has the money gone?

Mr Slater, at present officiating organist of St. Paul's, has been appointed organist of St. Mary's, Parnell, Mr Angelo Forrest, propably the best pianist in New Zealand, will give a piano forte recital in the first week in April. This wellknown pianist, will, I have no doubt, be received with the welcome he deserves. It is likely Mr Forrest will also give au organ recital during his visit. "The Auckland Music Warehouse Novelty Catalogue " is before me, and from it I gather that the best songs can be pur chased wondeifnlly cheap. This is the first attempt that lias been made to bring new music and songs within the reach of all classes.The catalogue comprises many of the songs published dtuiug the past two years, and they are offered at from sixpence to one shilling. The catalogue comprises some very pretty ballads by Millard aud Thomas. The comic songs by John Read include his best productions. Among others arc the famous "Oh Julia," "Keep it on the Quiet," &c. The dauce music introduces several new and original pieces, including the "Uncle Tom" waltzes, Sec. The pianoforte pieces cousist of the best pieces by Schubert, Handel, Bach, &c. The "Song of the Labourer" is I find having a ready sale. This song is by " Fstcllc," the well-known author of " Only a Tiny Glove " There is a homely charm in the words. The first three versos run thus :— Brown and burly, honest and true, Hosting he sits by the firj ; Wife at his sido, bairns at his kneo, What can ho moie dtsiro . And ho siu^s tbom asoig, not grand nor long, But that song in their hearts Bhall stay, And cheer ihem on when h", is gone To labojr, and watch, and pray. Low and mighty master and man, Labour and do your bo3t; Think you can do it, aud do it you can. God will take care of the rest I From what I hear, the promoters of the new Grand Opera House iv London are san guine of success A company has been Formed for reviving this old but unfortunate scheme. '1 lie company will acquire posses sion of the partially-constructed buildings on the Thames Embankment aud which begun under the auspices of the Earl of Dudley, was to have been a glorious success within a short time. Tho foundations of the walls are there, and the basement has assumed form, but the stone has succumbed to the darkening influence of our lovely

Loudon atmosphere. II iwever, the nucleus of a palatial pile is thero, tiie plans are ex tant, the promoters say they have not lb company, and will soon have th•-! ■'-~■ Capital to the amount of £100,000 :- re quired, and Ciis is to be raised in CI 00 shares. Mr Maplcson will be the Je-sec at £12,000 per auuutu. The Choral Society will perform ': St. Peter at their next concert in May. The lirst rehearsal will be to-morrow evenintr.

ICI-. i.l.n-V

Our Wellington Letter.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

GAMBLING IN HOTELS

March g.

The police authorities are worthy of great commendation for tho determined ellbrts they are now making to suppress gambling in hotels: Half the parents of this colony are not, I imagine, aware that numbers of young men are frequently to be seen in our hotels at v lute hour of the night, or rather till the small hours ot the morning, practis ing the art of gambling; or a stricter watch over their movements would be kept than appears to bo the case at present. The at tractions of Yankee Grab and similar games only too often prove fatal to those who can not resist them, an.i many are the in stances, as everybody knows, where youths educated in cradles of sin of thi _ descrip tion, are induced to become dishonest, and compelled to figure in police courts. Within the past week the police have piosecuted two of our well known publicans for allowing games of chance or skill to be played oil their pre mises, aud, in spite of the array of legal talent that was brought forward on behalf of Ihe prosecuted ones, they were made " shocking examples " of by our worthy R.M. and lined £2 each with costs. This sentence has led to some correspondence in the newspapers. Some persons consider that as these were the first prosecutions of the kind occurring for several years, a nominal line would have been sufficient to meet the requirements of justice; others that in order that the evil may be effectually stamped out, a heavy penalty was desirable. In addition to the line, the law-violating publicans were informed that when they next had occasion to come before the Licen sing Bench, their little sins of this nature would rise up in judgment against them. These prosecutions have, 1 hear, already bad a most beneficial ell'sct, which it is to be hoped will also move lasting.

THE UNEMPLOYED,

A more enthusiastic meeting than tbat which took place at the Theatre Royal on Monday last, to agitate the immediate com mencement of the Wellington and Foxtou railway, has rarely, if ever, been held iv Wellington. The theatre vr.is crowded. The speakers iv perfect harmony as to the desirability of the construction of the line and everything savouring of party polities was by tacit consent most carefully eschewed. In a series of temperately worded resolutions the meeting puoliely recorded their views on this subject, and not to allow the art our of the people to cool, this agitation was" followed np by a mon°ter deputation to the Government whose reply was that nothing could be done untiljtho report of the Railway's Commis sion is received. It will be the duly of this Commission to inquire into the relative claims of the various railways which have already been authorized by Parliament, and to name those entitled to priority iv point of colonial importance. If the Wel lington and Eoxtot. lino is regarded as belonging to this class it will be proceeded with at once. In view of the present con dition of our finances the decision of the Government meets with general satisfaction.

RELIGIOUS FANATICISM. At Fielding, a few days ago, an inquest was held on the body of a man who.-c death exemplifies the length to which reli gious fanatics will sometimes carry out their doctrines. The man, it appears, be longed to the sect known as the "Brethren of Christ," whose tenets lead then, to dis pense with medical assistance in times of sickness. He had been suffering from a complication of diseases, and though suffer ing most acute agony, persistently refused to call in medical aid. liis friends countenanced this line of conduct, and iv fact, sent for a doctor only at the last moment for the purpose of procuring the necessary certificate of death. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that death resulted from natu.al causes, but added a rider censuring the deceased's friends for neglecting to obtain medical assistance, considering that in the case of intectious diseases such neglect might prove most disastrous. The Press is taking the matter up, and the prosecution of members of the sect guilty of this conduct is warmly advocated. MORE UNEMPLOYED. The city is begiuniug to assume its wonted appearance of healthy activity. This is owing to the prompt measures taken by the Government to provide employment for those who through the depressed times had been unable for sonic time to obtain it for themselves. Whether this healthy ap pearance will continue long is exceedingly doubtful in face of the fact that another vessel, with about 200 immigrants on board is expected to arrive shortly in our harbour. However, it is to be trusted that these may bo able to find employment immediately on their arrival, otbe.wiso destitution must again be prevalent to a large cxlint. It is stated that Ihu Governnic.it have instructed the Immigration Agents at Home to warn intending immigrants that the colony is suffering severely from commercial depres sion, and to discourage all but people pos sessed of capital, from coming lo these chores. It would have been well had this step been taken some months ago. THE TOTALIZATOR.

Mr Franck, who introduced the totaliza tor into the Australian colonies, is at pre sent in Wellington, and will shortly visit Auckland. Wherever it is used, this in strument is proving to bo the hOte noir of the book-making fraternity, captivating tbe admiration of everybody for ils fairness when used under proper supervision. An ell'ort has been lii.-vie to buy it out at tbe forthcoming Wanga.nui races. The book makers' commissioner, a publican, bid as high as £G0 for the sole right to ply the totalizator within the enclosure, aud £40 for the one outside. These sums were actually bid, but not being the highest, were not ac cepted. HAPPY LAND. At tho Theatre Royal Bachelder's Ameri can Pantascopo opened on Saturday night to a crowded house ; the gift distribution proving an irresistible attraction, Mr Gary, of the Academy of Music, an nounces that he will shortly pro duce o New Zealand adaptation of "'Anpy Land," which, it will be remem bered, recently turned out to be a thorn in the side of Mr Giiliam Berry, ex-Premier of Victoria, who prohibited its representa tion on the public stage. The adaptation is by a gentleman connected with the literary staff of a Christchurch paper, aud the company who will appear in its produc tion have been specially engaged by Mr Cary from that city, where the piece was very favourably received.

Municipal Affairs.

A special meeting' of the City Council, of which no notice was given the press, was held this morning at the Council Chambers. The object, wc learn, was to appoint a deputation to wait upon the Premier, and to consider what matters should ibe brought under his notice. A number of questions, that have excited much atten tion during the last few months, were selected, aud the Mayor and Coun cillors Goldio, Buchanan, Thompson, Crowther; Waddoll, aud the Town Clerk were deputed to wait upon the Hon, Mr Hall iv reference to them.

The deputation at once proceeded to the Minister's room, at the Post Oilice, where they were courteously received hy the Premier.

The Mayor succinctly stated the business that had taken them thither and concisely stated the various subjects on which amended legislation was required. The first matter that received attention was that of the REPAIR OF BOUNDARY ROADS, His Worship showed that while acting under the powers conveyed in clause ISS of tho Act. the Council had been defied, aud that in endeavouring to enforce payment it was nonsuited on a technical point. Mr Hall r. quested that he might be furnished with the Resident Magistrate's decision, aud promised to bring the matter under the notice of the Solicitor-General with a view to effecting the necessary legislative amendments. The Mayor then referred to tho subject of MEAT INSPECTION. Ho pointed out that the clause in the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Act ot 187S, under which the Coun cil had to take action, had beeu declared quite imperative, and that a case had been decided against the municipal authorities on the ground " that it would bo requisite under tbe Act to prove that the meat was 'consumed' within tbe Borough." It was very requisite, he thought, that the power to deal with so im portant a matter should be both operative i and clear. He contended that if

it could bo shewn that meat unfit for human consumption was exposed for sale, even the Council should have power to prosecute.

Mr Hull acknowledged thy correctness of riis Worship's remarks and promised to take, pioinpt steps to meet his wishes in this re pect. cr.AIPB AGAISST THE GOVEESMENT, 'i he Mayor next brought under the notice of Mr 11 ill certain uusatislied claims for rent which bad been made against the Government on behalf of the Improvement Commissioners Trust. Rent had been claimed for the use of the old Wesjcyan chapel in High-street as an R.M. Court. Application had been repeatedly made for the pay cent of the amount, viz., £309 ISs 3dj but no apparent notice had been taken of them. Mr Hall said that he had not been aware that the application spoken of had been made. Be would, however, enquire into the niawr, and secure the payment of the claims. STANLEY-STREET DRAINAGE. The Mayor then introduced this subject. He informed the hon. gentleman now With a view ot abating the noisome nuisance , which the obstiueuon of this drainage had ' caused. The Council hud taken steps to ob'aiu a conference of tho representatives of all the interested bodies, and that all hud promptly responded except tbe Govern ment. They bad been requested to nomi nate delegates, who might act for them, but no answer was received nor notico taken. The Premier said that this was the first intimation ho had had of ;tuy correspond ence of tiie kind, and now that his attention had been directed to it, he would sco that the necessary action was taken. LOANS CONSOLIDATION ACT, His Worship in pointing out the necessity for further legislation ou this matter showed that at present the Council were authorised, (providing the poll of rate payers was such as to approve their. action) to levy a rspecial rate of 2s for the purpose of paying the interest on the loan and ordinary charges, but were precluded from levying any general or special rates exceeding 2s. This measure, lie showed, would reduce the existing rating power of the Corporation by 20 per cent,, and should the municipal ' subsidies continue it would also preclude tho Couucil by the mere phrase "special rate" from participating in the sums voted for annual subsidies. Under the circumstances, the Government might fairly be asked, lie thought, to give a promise in writing pre vious to tho rate being made, that, should thosubsidies be continued, the omission in the Act should not prevent the borough from being deprived of its fair share of revenue, Mr (lull in reply said that he deemed it advisable as the Financial Arrangements Bill provided that subsidies should be pay ables only on general rates that the Council should so allot their rates as to enable them to levy a general rate which would entitle them to claim tho subsidy. lie could uot however .hold out any probability of the subsidies being continued. Mr Coldio asked if tho continuance of the subsidies was not iixed by law for live years.

Mr Hall said that the gentleman was quite right but that in the interests of the country the Government .night be forced to retrench by discontinuing the subsidies sud denly,

COMPENSATION CLAIMS.

Tho Mayor, in introducing this matter explained the very disagreeable position in which magisterial dcci.-ions upon certain clauses in the Public Works Act bad placed the Corporation, and in formed the hon. gentleman _ further _of the number of compensation claims that had been made in consequence. He also indicated what ho deemed defects in the Act.

Mr Hull expressed hia opinion that the persons whose property was damaged by city improvement were fully entitled to claim compensation. Still it happened in the larger number ot oasis that the effect was to in crease the value of the property, and it was necessary to look carefully at the grounds upon which the claims rested. If he were supplied with all pos-ible information on the matter, besides opinions aa to the work ing of the Act of 1876, he would refer the question to the Solicitor-General with a view to legislation, which while fully protecting the personal interests of the rate paying would also define already the position of the Couucil. Several minor matters having been referred to the deputation thanked the Premier for his courtesy and withdrew.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, IS!



Wanted. \\7 ANTED, a General Servant who V V understands plain cooking.—Miss Hill, Wentworth lioi.se, I'onsonb^K'jul^ \\ /ANTEL\ Tillc^c! able Girl.-Apply TV to Mrs Constable, 1 lobson-strect. \.\7ANTED, a Cabin Roy.—Apply to Vt stewardp.j^ 'City of Cork.' \ 17 ANTED a Servant. -- Apply Mrs ' Vm. T > T. J. Hell, Nugent-3irecl L o_rivj be;' Para. \s^VNTI_T)7 Bricklayers' Labot.iers.-~ T T Apply at, New Building, foi.iot Hobson- , st--cet, at 8 o'clock to morrow morning. TTTaNTE lJJJJ]iuss:: irl.—Mrs. Kills, » » PoiiEonby Road, third houso beyond Hepbain-^treet. _ j \\7ANTI.n, a -.oed Plain Cool: and TT Laundress.— Apply to Mm Ireland, i Iluhne Court, Parnell, : \\7'ANTl'.l),~a!i rliicVciit" Housemaid"; i 11 i-ef-'rcnces rcquirod.—Apply at Mr P, a cook's, Shelly Henrh Konu. poni.onbj^ j YV antkd, 20 "n"c! iJick an<l S!lovul TT Men.—Apply at onco at the Tunnel, Wni'nko.-ei Railway Contract. J \\T ANTED, some Men to Split Posts ' ♦ T and Hail-'.—David Gouk. _ V\7"ANTED, a Laundry-maid ; references Vt required.—Apply Star Hotel. W/ANTED, two Coach Body-makers. — TT Cousins and Alkin, Coach Builders, KllioU-stroct. 1 \I7AN i'ED, a Girl about 10 to assist in • It house work— .'pply to Mr Easdown, Baker, Quoen-strcct. \\T ANTED, a Young Lady about 17, \ IT ablo to assist advertiser in all her house hold duties, and teach a little; four children, from 2 toG; all home comforts. Some know ledge of music and singing preferred.—A pply "A.K..."Stak Office. \\J ANTED, Fungus, in any quantity.— TT 11. B Morton, Customhouse-street. Y\7 ANTED, Plain Se\viu<>, or would go V T out by the day, with machine.—Apply this olllee for address^ l Y7 ANTED, a middle-aged single Man ; Vt ono who can milk, groom and garden; references required.—Uicha d Keels, Pat noil. \\f ANTED, a Small Freehold Cottage, V V containing, say foil- rooms, about one mile from Queen-street. If suitable, am prepared to pay cash.—Apply to W. l.odder, Wharf, Auckland. WANTED, a Married Couple without family for Wcsleyan College, Three Kings: the Man for fa-m and garden work ; tho Wife for cookimr, dairy work. &c.—Apply to Mr R. Arthur's Auction Mart, or at tho College. YVANTED, t;o Lease a small Dairy Vt Farm, of from 50 to 100 acres. Within 10 or 12 miles from Auckland.—Address J.R., Kden Vino Hotel, Kden Toruu-e. WANTED, Everybody to Road J GUl'-tCN'd New, Advertisement of Bargains on Ith pagoto-aiorrow. \XJ ANTED to Let, a New Three-roomed TV Coitag', detached, with verandah.— Apoly ut the oir.oo ol this paper. Y/t7"AN'TED, a situation by a proficient V T Mining K'ngim er, is a practical Surveyor, and a Mineral Ai-sayor, have had 1G years ex perience both iv Coal and Metalliferous Mines. -For reforoncc, apply to J. Coombc, llunt.l.-. TTTTANTED to Sell, alight Spring-cart, t" Horse and Harness; to bo seen at H. McGinn's, Franklin Road. VST" ANTED to Sell, really good Second- V t hand Buggies; Hinglo or double hoodod or open also, two First-Class Phaotons (new at Crowtlier's Victoria __ti»blea. ANTED KNOWN, Cheap timber can now be Purchiacd at the Yards of D. Goldio, Albort-street, olose to Dock. He having purchased between 300,000 and 100,000 feet ol! Seasoned Timber on advantageous tonus, will bo prepared to givo customer) tho benefit of his purchase. __ WANTED KNOWN, the Auckland Timber Company have on hand such largo stocks of timber of every description, together with Sashes, Doors, Mouldings, and Turnery Work, thoy are compollcd to sell. Now is the time to build. Pro-sent prices can only continue until the heavy stocks aro fold. Job lots of eeoond class. , Face cuts, Slabs, &c. Firewood2s Gd per load, Sawdustand shavings too. , WANTED TO LEASE/ a Seven roomed House, en volcanic soil. Near Railway t tution pref-n red. Apply to A. Saun ders, 2, Insurance liuildlngs. , \*TANTKD KNOWN, that E. ("arr and W iron havo to hand Huildirg Timber in Kauri aud White Pine, Shingles, Hcnm_ Blocks, Pr_lim_= Pouts, Hails, and Firewood in their yard Customhouse-street West, opposite ond of Hobson street, N.R.-The increasing demnno for White Pine h-s induced them to arrange for a constant supply. ■%y A H '1 E_l__ E X U W N TO TRaDIHRMKX, MKOUA-NIO3 ! AND OTHERS. I Monkv AnVA.voBD in Seas of _?,-.! to __o0 or. personal security, re-payable by v.eemy lueti.l- I ments, at L. 11. NKUMEGKN, Auckland .Loan Othco. 100 Quw.n tit.. onrosita Savings Hunk. mo fishekmkn and others.— J Wauled to Sol', a Yacht, bails, anchor, n.p\ &c , for £7 _____________J. W. Can & Son, » ' MkTTcai. M-uN (B A.M.D.M.C. F% P. A.) anxious to settle i-.i New Zealand, is desirous o£ hearing of an opening, where he will be fenured by appointment, or otherwise, a settled inoome. Testimonials and reference of tho highest order.—Apply to J. M. and J. Mow bray, i.and Agents, Queen-street, Auckland. A YOUNG Man (new arrival) would be glad of work. Grocer by trade, but 1 willing to do anything; 8 years' good refer t c nces.—Pleaee address '' Grocer," Star Office.



Wanted. A THi•ROUGH practical Engineer is! ___rSL .Ic3 rt-.us of nit-elmer with a.?! Kn_-agen_enfc ; to take ohars-.- of Plant-, or anything : whore EUnm-nuwer is used, such &>. fleep-lift , pumping tn»chi!iß-v. l.rick Machinery, Brew er'es, &c, <S:c Would have no objection to diive a Portable -retire nn-l Th'i.shinft i\.a- ' tihir.e, and keep-ame -v repiir. Highest horn aud Colonial refeienT-s «i,en.—-Apply Sta Olllco. f U.KRKSHU* {Managing or Dcpart v_^ moiitii!) required by an exnerißticed Man. Thoroughly proliei-nnt in Rook-keoi inp, fair business corresi.omlent, capable, industrious, of ; good habits.—Address, " A.Z.," Star Oflloe. For Sale. . IJIOR SALE (low price) on easy terms, a 1 the few rcniainip_piio<=t electable Business and Villa" sites, .Mount Bdon Road, near tho ' Koscrvoir. FOR SALK, Kight-roomerl House in the City. This is a bargain. Terms easy. Also, Allot ments Ponsonby.—ll. Partington, Houno nn-1 Land Airc'it, Stichbury's llni'.dln^. FO!l Immediate Sale, the Carriage, Ponies, and Harncra belonging to Judi-o Gillies, who is leaving for"Europe. A bettor pair cannot he got.—Apply to \V. Crowth-r, Victoria Stablo. JTIOR SALE, a Pet GoatTgiving milk; fi? she is very pretty »T.d lame. Price 15^.— Address " A.15.0.," Star Oilice ILi^OR SALE, a ooou little paying 9 Business in tiie Growers', Cij?;_r. Tobacco Ftultnnl Confoet.iotiery line, on acco'intof tho principal leaving tho colony.—J. Soppot, No. S Queen-street. IJIOR SALE, Cow Feed and Pig Feed. As Barley Durt. in qnantitics to suit pur chasers^, tier cwt.—o-. urge Sibbin. IJIOR SALE Cheap, a really good Farm - X lof IliO acros, the principal portion fenced -with White Thoriio lleiUoj and Creek fronagc, - a good House and UuPdings; also, good Orchard and Stock on pame cnmiuiseo 21 head Cattle, 71. f Sheep, 2 Horses aud the usual agricultural impements, us tlu. owo< r is going to Kuulfiml a very low price will be taken—John Soppet, No. 8, Queen-street. "OUTTER.—2I kegs Pukekohe Butter 0 Cor nale.- John lioid and Co., 2« Queen street. 'I3RETTY Residence at Ponsonby for _&_ Salo, largo allotment, plenty of water, i 3.-: vr-ii rooms and ni.thonbeg.--F. G. Kwiegton, j Bi, Queen street. J"3ONSONBV7--A~ _Mge~«^!ding AHot ment ir. Lincoln-street for Sale at 22s per foot.-—S. Hour, House and Property Agent, High street. ~~A GOOI_rBA"KERyTu"t_"[NESS in the il. City. A rare chance for a person with -BluG.—Apply to It, C. Greenwood, Auctioneer, QueoDutreot, f'__.F_ CASH, aalacce by wt.-kiy payments of <<_±U S3 ?aoh> . vjth interest at 8 per cent, Cottage of Five Koo.r.a, with _.Veeli"kl Allot ment, near Mount Eden. Price. £165.~5, Vaile House aiid ! md Ai>"?it, Slu-.tlanil ;ti-eet. j? _k a.—Capital House of Kivo Itooms, with - j^'iUtJ i arKe ouibuilJingH, v.-eil, piimn, tank, &c„ and Allotment with a frontage of 50 feet to - two street!, by a total depth of 200 feet; laid out fi an garden and orchard. Terms aa agreed, t Twer.ty-five minutes' walk from Queen-street.— S. Vaile, House and Land Agont, .-.hoit!ana-st. I "jjj'Olt SAL*: (eiioip), Huildiiig Allotments, in i A. ICarangalnipo Road, Queen-street, Nelson- _ street, Spring-street, Alexandra s'reet. Kyber , Puss, Sec, fcc.-S. Vaile, Landand House Agent, _ Shortlnnd-strecet. j »J> ACI'.KS "t Parnell, wiMi small Cottage, c •J* Stable, Sheds, &c, suitable for a residonco I or for nursery grounds. The lease for f>2 yeai-d, E at £10 :er annum, will be slid ct.3-_p.-S. Vaile <• Landand House Agent. Shorlland-strcet. LA i) A. Subitar.t iully built I louse of six rooms, X,±y)\J vitli detachc-i wash-honso, wood house, well, tank, Sec; allotment So x 136 feet, situated in a principal street; lv minutes from Post oilice.—S. Vaile, lioo3c and Land ARent, Hhortland-atreet. £1 --Jl")— 1:<;'*'I'AGE o.' four rooms—verandah L° ' kitchen rani'e, :--U quite new—with allotment. 10 x 95. -s>. Vaile, Hov.se and Laud Ak'cnt, shortland-street. 01 A to £1000 LENT, en Knlldlng Society c'-o' L\f principles, or or. other terms to suit borrowers. "..oei-.,-ac-o_ ae.-i Loans negotiated. Sco List of Properties for Silo on 4th page.— C. Williamson, t£state Agent, Vulcan Lane.— pcven per cent, allowed on money deposited for investment* , TH H E BEST IN TO WN. 2-10 SACKS POTATOES, * From Waikato. KXT II A PR I 1,1 X QUALITY. Unequalled for the Table. t ..._ _ in Lots to Suit Purchasers. l ADAMLAY B O U R N, POET-STREET. ■\T EWC A S TLB COA L. _v.^ > TO ARRIVE Pjcr ' Lapwing ' (xow due) : 100 tons Smiths' Coal 20 tons Houso do. £ Pbr 'Clara Hargrkavbr t 300 tans House Coal 200 tons Smiths' do. 10 tons Coko 2,000 Spokes (Iron Bark) "i 0 pair Shafts (Iron Bark). .V". Si G. WINST ON E. To .'ust. rflO LET or For Sale, ail that beautiful \ i D'aniilj Ecsidonce now in '.he occupation J nf Ali» Ui>oi-i>3, and ;-iiualo.tl in t1... Franklyn Head, and knownas the iKsideu c lately oocu- t n'cd by Mr A. Ulack. There are Ten Rooms fitted up ivitn Bath-room and overy con- i vonience.; e.lso, a snod Orchard.—Apply to Mr c ■\. iit-ii k, Vincent-street, oi to J. M. l_enn'ox, it's. i. c A i;. Nt, Auckland. _ _ 'IPO Let, corner of Wyndham and Hohson -1 streets, romfortable Cottago; water laid i OU.--J. M. _\l-edonald, House and Commission .'. Kent, corner of Queen and West Queen-streets. fjPO LET, a Sho]. and Four Rooms in S Upper Oueen-ftreet, Fixtures ti go with .t.—Hannaford's ARoney, tipper Queon-street. ( O bo LKT at North Shore, a pleasantly J situated New House of six rooms and c kitchen.—Duder Jlros., Hcrouport wharf. r tiO TOBACCONISTS AND OTHERS > 1. —To Let. the Shop next Canning's: im mediate possession : the best position in Queon street. —Tanner and Kvans, Kstate Agents, 71, Queen-street. _ Gazette in Bankruptcy. TNBANKR U P T C Y. In the matter of "Tho Debtors and Cre- i ditors Act, 1570," and the several Acts ameiidiiu,' iho same, anl in the mattor of ; the R.u kruptoy of .lamks HARRIS, of Auckland, in the Provincial District of Auckland, and Colony of New Zealand, Auctioneer, a Debtor. Notico is hereby uiven thnt it is tho intention of the Slid James Harris to apply to the Supremo Court of New Zealand, Northern District, sitting in Bankruptcy at Auokland, on WKDNSSOAY, tho 31st day of March instant, at elovon o'clock in tho forenoon, or as soon thereafter as counsel can bo hoard in that behalf, that un Order of immedta'o l)iso.iar_s<_ bo prAntoa to him under the provisions ot the said Act?. Dated at Auckland this loth day of March,lßSo. HESKKTH & RICHMOND, Solicitors for tho said Debtor. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEALAND, NORTHERN DISTRICT. IN BANKRUPTCY. " In the matter of " The Debtors and Creditors a cf," IS7G," and the amendments thereof, and of the Bankruptcy of William Hn:>rß\-PATTEi.soN*,of Wang irei.Settler, a Debtor. This is to notify that William Henry Patterson, formerly ot Coromandol, in the Provincial Dis trict of Auckland, but now of Wangarel,in the said Provincial Di.trict of Auckland, Settler, ha. this day hied a statement that he is unable to meet his Kn_;ag-inent3 with his Creditors ; the First Meeting of Creditors to bo held at tho Supremo Court-house, Auckland, on WEDNES DAY, the first day of Api-i', one thousand eight hundred and eighty, at eleven o'clock in the foronoon. Dated this 16th day of March, ISSO. EDWARD S. WILI.COCK3, .Registrar. Robert Browning, Shortland-street, Aucklnn 1, Solicitor for tho Debtor. Lost and Found. LOST, last night, a Carriage Rug.— Finder will be libpr.ll'y rewarded by re turning Sam-, to No. 37. C"-hd>tand, Queen-street lOST, a Black Cape, trimmed with ___ Crape, either in Kyber Pass Road or rtv-monds-slreol. Finder please icavo it at Byrne's Sore, Kyber Pas-. Pr S REWARD.—Lost, Stolen, or Strayed, e# from Mr Sheldon, Union-street, a little Back Hog, without tail; brown feet. ffS REWARD.—Lost, between the Tele 0r graph-ofiiee and Wellssloy-st.eet, ye ter day afternoon, a small Gold Locket with Ihcto of a lady inside.—Finder please return to Star Office. fJIOUND, a Purse, near the Eden Vine s. Hotel.—Owner can have fame by applying to "F.W.8.," Kuoa Tunac . Post-oPiee. STRAYED from the Government Pad dock. Conquest Place. Parnell, a Horse belonging to the Telegraph Department. Tho Horse id a Bright Bay, branded J f on near shoulder; ho is poor in condition, and stiff in the fore legs, Information 3tating the where abo-ils of tho said l.or c i.-, rcquo.tcd to be for warded to tho Telegraph Oftico, Auckland. Board ana Kesiaence. ri OVERNOR BROWiSE HOTEL, V_JT HOBSON-STREET • Board and Lodging 20s per wee* (sins/lerooni),_2sn.



Pablic Notices. »2_s3s§PE§_Si " F AND TAX ACT, 1878,"SECTION45. VALUATION FOR NKW ZEALAND, AUCK LAND DISTRICT. NOTICE WHEN LAND TAX IS PAYABLE. Kotice is hereby given that, in pnrsuanr<> of tho 15th Seciion of tho "Land Tax Act, 1878" the Laud Tax tor tho Land Tax District of Auckland will be payable ou tho FIUST DAY of April next, and that tho same must be paid to tho Collectors appointed to receive th« same at the following places, at tho times set opposite encii. Date—lst Aprii, ISSO. and following days. Hours—lo a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturdays 10 a.m. to 12 no.iii. Borough Auckland "\ „ Onehunga I Receiver of Revenue, Parnell J- Custom House, County Keen I Auckland Wanda J County Manukau—Postmaster, Drury „ Waitemata—Postmaster, Riverhead „ Hobson—Postmaster, Dargaville „ Rodney—Postmaster, Port Albert Coromandol—Receiver of Gold Re venue, Coromandol „ Whangarei—Postmaster, Whangarei „ Bay of Islands—Postmaster, Bussed S. MACLEAN, Deputy Commissioner. March 13, ISSO. Sheep and Cattle Inspector's OPic?, Post Odieo Huiidings, Auckland, March lOih, ISS9. JAM directed to call attention to Section j 11 of " Tho Disea-.cd Cattle Act, 1871." 41. Any Police Constable mn.y proceed n i follows :— (1) He may apprehend any i_*rson found ciimmitting an oil -r.ee ag.-iin3t this Act with respect to infected places, and he shall take any p.rson ac apprehended, as «oon as conveniently may be, before a Justice of the Peace, to be examined and dealt with according to law, end a person so apprehouded siu-.1l net bo de tained in custorty by any Constable with eut the order of a Justice, lonner than ie ncceri.ar.r for briouing him before r Justice or than tw.niy-f.oiu- hours at longest. (ii) He may require that any cattle, animal or thing moved out of an infected place | in contravention of this Act, be forth- i with taken back within the limits o;' that place, and may enforce andexooute j such requisition. Instructions have been given ;to E-JFCRCI. 1 this Ciauee, F, C. LEW 13. Tnspecior of Cattle. Patent Oilice, Wellington, ! i-Gth February, ISSO. }3ATENT for an invention for the effec tually clearing and freeing from rub it _ airlands and districts at yreient infested with them. Bknjamin- Dickson, of Bar wood Station, Otago, has deposited at this ofttcc a specification of the said invention: and I have appointed Friday, the 9th day of July next, at 10 o'clock in tho forenoon, at this office, t/i hear ti.e said ap pliontion and all objections thereto: and I require all peraons havirg au interest in oppos ing the grant o' such letters patent to leave, on or before the sth day of July next, at thi3 office, partieu'ars la writing of their objections to the said application, otherwise they will hi pre cluded from urging the same. W. S. RBI ID, Patent Officer. SiuvwniGHT Se Stout, Solicitors, Wellington. Tjl AS T TAMAKI RACES. ST. PATRICK'S DAY, WEDNESDAY, 17TH MARCH, 1880. First Race will start at 1 o'clock. Steame.s run at frequent intervals from 11 o'clock. WJM. PKRCIVAL, Secretary. OT. PATRICK'S DAY. RACES! RACES! RACES! At East Tamaki. Tho p.s. Takapnna and Enterprise will leave the Ferry T for East Tamaki on WEDNKS DAY, 17th March, at 11.30 and 12 a.m., and 1.30 p.m. Kelurning after the Races are over. Re turn Tickets, including admission to course, 3s. H. W. HICATH, Manager. i&»r ©US _uSS_eS____fc. *^_M_eSSSi tM^-- -'.-;■,,. .-KvhSS. AUCKLAND AND OHAUPO RAIL WAYS. St. PATRICKS' DAY, MARCH 17. Single Tickets issued from any Station to any Station available for return same day. Late Train from and to Onehunga as on Satur day Nights. A. V. MACDONALD, General Manager. AUCKLAND AND OHAUPO RAILWAY. GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTEE HOLIDAYS. CHEAP FAEES, Tickets at Single Fares between ail Stations I issued on THURSDAY, the 25th March, will be available for return v o to and Including WED NESDAY, the 3lst March. On GOOD ITRIDAY—Trains will run as on Sundays. On EASTE't MONDAY and TUESDAY the iato Train will ruu from and to Onehunga as on Saturday Nights. A. V. MACDONALD, General Manager ■Steffi.^ XfXCURSION TO HOT Igjgjgg^.lJj SPRINGS. Tho p.s. 'ANNE MILBANK'' Captain Anderson, will leave lor the Hot f-orings. at 11 o'clock, TOMORROW (St. Patrick's day). Leave the Hot Springs at 5 o'clock, arriving in Auckland about S p.m. 555*F ° R hokianga, 'ROWEN A' Will leave the Onehunga Wharf on TO-MOR ROW (Wednesday), March 17, at 3 p.m. sharp. For freight and passage apply to A. MCGREGOR, Queen-street Wharf, Manager. TO THE MEMBERS AUSTRALIAN A MUTUAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY, Mr S. A. Joseph, of Sydney, in again a Candi date for a seat at the Board of Directors. Voting Papers in hi 3 favour will be issued to Members of tho Society in duo timo by HENRY GILFILLAN, 7, Queen-street. March 16,1580. THOROUGH OF PARNELL. Notico is hereby given that Joseph Lowndes has been appointed Inspector cf Slaughter houses for the Borough of Parnell. S. REYNOLDS, Town Clerk. 16th March, 1880. /CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. Mr. J. R. HUTTON hereby Accepts the CnALLENGB of Mr. J. 11. FRBKR—distances 100 yds., 150 yds., and 200 yds.—for the sum of £100 a-side. AUCKLAND HORTICULTUPAL SOCIETY. THE AUTUMN EXHIBITION OP Greenhouse Plants, Florists' Flowers, Fruits, Vegetadles, &c, Will be held in the Drill-Shed, Wellesley-street East, on FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, March 19 and 20. Schedules of Prizes, and all information, can bo obtained on application to the Secretary, at the Museum Builaings, Princes-street. (In Sec tion 2 of the Schedule all the sets must be distinct varieties). Exhibitors are requested to give notice to the Secretary on the THURS DAY prior to tho Show of tho amount of table space they are likely to require. Exhibits will bo received on the morning of the Show, from 6.30 to 9 o'clock. Admission—One Shilling. T. F. CHEE3EMAN. Secretary. AUCKLAND INSTITUTE, Tho First of a Series of Popular Lectures on Miscellaneous Subjects will be delivetod in the Muacum Buildings on THURSDAY EVENING 18th instant, by tho Right Rev. W. G. Cowic, D.D., Bishop of Auckland. Subject: " Afghanistan and Central Asia." To commenco at. 7.30 p.m. Admission fre T. f. CHKEfc_EMAN, c- Secretary. ■jy O T 1 C E. ; surreylhlTs dairy. G. H. Clarke Begs to int'mato to his Customers and tho Public ' th.thehas retirod from tho abovo Dairy, and ! requests that all Claims against him may be sent in to Messrs Whitaker and Russell, Wyndham ' street, without delay. G. H. CLARKE. ! \\T EYRE,Enniskillen House. —Olovea, Vv . Glove3—Two hundred dozen The 1 Lepine, better than Josephine, in all the " new and fashionable colours ot the season, ' and a groat variety of Jooei>hine Gloves I will so 1 first choice, at 2s 6d pair, worth 13 6d. : 30 dozen Back Lepine, two-button, 3s pair, wonh 4s 61; 50 dozen Now Co'ours, iwo-button, 2s 6d, woith Is. I have a variety of New Hats . (trimmed anduntrlmmed), New P.ibbons in great varieties. Come aud see my New Corsets. The > Boot _ and Shoes I must get rid of at any price, 1200 Long Ostrich Feather, now colours, at 5s 6d. Gs Cd, 7s Cd; worth 12s Gd. A New lot of Ladiei Fashionable Winter Jackets. A splendid asori , rnent of Belts at l», worth 2_,



Tendera. r**£_^*_Wfc£t2sr FEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS, NELSON-GREYMOUTII RAILWAY. nelson-i'yundklt.. suction, wahti contract (Formation Only). , Length, About Six Miles. Written Tenders will be receivoi at thl3 OfHco until noon of SATURDAY, April 10r.fi, 18S0, for the abovo Contract. They are to bo marked on the outside, "Tender for .Val-iti Contract.-' and add -. sscd t-> the ; :on. Iho .Minis ter for Publio Works. Telegraphic Tenders, BimPurly addressed aid marked, will be re ceived ii presented, at any Tcleg'&ph Office by noon of tha aforementioned date, provided that Wntton Tenders (in due form) aie, at the shiiio hour, lodged at any X_istr:ct cr Resident En gineer's Ofliee. , " i'lan a, specifications nnd general conditions mvg be a en at this Oilice, ard at tho Public Works Oilices Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Hokitika and Christchurch. Tho lowest or Buy tender nut necessarily accepted. By command. W. N. BLAIR, Englneer-in-'JharKo Middle Island. Public Works (Ifflos, Dunedin,.ith March, IBSO. •<.%&*■ 'W^ J>%»£_jy Pebiic Works Offloe (Architect's Rranch), Wellington, March 6,1808. HHENDERS are invited for the Erection 1 ofaPoitund Telegraph Office at Darga ville. General conditions, ppeeilications, and draw ing-! maybe seen at the Public Works Office (Architect's Branch), Wellington, and at the Public Work's Olllee, Auokland. Tenders addressed to the lion, the Minister for Public Works,und marked outside •"lender for Pott a:;.. Telegrr.pb cilice, Dargaville," will be received at. the above cfllco up to noon of THO! __.F.AY, the 25th day cf MaToh. ISSO.. Telograt-.V ,c Tenders will be. reseiv-; d,provided the origincl tender __t.d depoL-ir aid lodgod vt-itli u;e nearest District Engineer at the time above Bpeeißed.i The lowest ov any tender ...ot necessarily ac cented,! .-. P. M. BURROWS. Architcej. 3>ssli§£*,_; S7TREIGHT FROM AUCKLAND TO V WANGANU. Publio Wo i.t OiTlc.., Auckland, March 18, 1880. j Tenders will be received until noon o' MON DAY, Ute sth April, 1880. at the Public Works OlHces Auckland a^.d Wellington, where speci fications und condition;; niny be seen, for the Conveyance of Hallway Material from Auck land to Waugsinui. Tenders lobe aridiessed to the Hon. the .Minister for Public Works, marked outside, " .'endi-r for Pi eight," and to contain a marked cheque for £25 mode payable to the Bcceiver-General's Deposit Account only. Tho lowest or any tender no, i.ecoes_ rily uccopted. By command. (Signed). JAJIBS STEWART, District Kngineer. &jk_w&&_. ■^_&'^i^<_^pi_S4__y |1 IT V OF AUCKLAND. TENDERS FOR PAINTING RESERVOIR FENCES, &C. The City Council will receive Tenders until 4.30 p.m., cf WHDNi.SDAY, 17th in3.nnt, for Paiiitii g work as above, in terms of specifica tions and conditions on view at the olllee of tho Town Clerk. Canada I'uildiugs. The Council do not bind themselves to accept any tender. Tenders to bo endorsed, " Tender for Painting, &c." P. A. PHILIPS, Town Clerk, < Town Clerk's Office. sth March, 1880. ril O BUILDERS. Tenders will be received by the undersigned nntil noon of THURSDAY, March 18, for tho Erection of a Covered Travelling Crano at Messrs E. Porter and Co.'s premises, High- Street. Plans, &•::., at my office, Quo'n-street, P. HERAPATH, Architect. m O BUILDERS. Tenders will bs received by tho undersigned until noon of MONDAY, March 22, for the Erec tion of a Family Hotel in Pitt-street. Plans, &c, at my office, Queen-street. P. H-CRAPATH. Architect. ..' mo BUILDERS. Tenaers will be received up to noon on SATURDAY, tho 20th ins'ant, for the Erection of a Two-storiei B.ick Building iv Hobson street. EDWARD MAHONEY & SON, Architects. TENDERS required for building a* Cottage at Parnell. Plans and. speciflca tion to bo seen at Mr It. Ya'cs', Grocer. Manu kau Hoad, whoro tenders are to bo lodged not later than 4 p.m. on Wednesday, 17th March. LENDERS will be received by the Wai- B takcrci South District Board until noon of 20th inr.tant- for the Erection of a Bridge over a branch of Big Muddy Creek, Sou'h v, a.takerei Head, in termo of i-laus aud speciiieations to bo seen at the office of the I-oard, Stichbury's Buildings, Q ccii-streot, e-ad at Mr Sharp's, Waikoniiti. The lowest or any tender not necoeairily accepted. WM. J. EVANS, Chairman, rpJENDERS will be received by the no -2 dersigned until 1C a.m., on the li th. March, ISBO, for the purchase oi the smart and recently repaired Steam Launch " V RSTA," to be taken delivery of at Hokianga, Tha lowest or any tender not necessarily accented. Further par ticuliirs can bs obt.iued frorii the undo: signed. A. & ANDREWS, ' ".; Hon. Sac. to the Hokianga 8. F. Co. | HHOICE FARM TO L E';tl Tenders will bo received by the nrdersigned, at their office, Durham-street, up to 2 p.m. on tfRIDAY, tho 2Cth instant, for Lease of Farm at Mangere. The Farm will be lot in two lots—one of 150 acres, with good Dwelling and Out-buildings; the other of 20 acres, with comfortable Cottage and garden. Kor further particulars apply to Hunter and Nolan, or on tho promises, to \V. M Hall. HUNTER & NOLAN. Meeting's. __$S^_*_ i __ npilE Officers and Mem ___Wf^i^_ek A beF;i of Court Zealandia, ?l|&ji)«j_S*E|9 No. 474, A.0.F., aro hereby ( w-Vc^TfagSfiSi not fled that tho Court has iJiWAMJiSk REMOVED from the Young IvfMWOTWTI I Men*S Christian A ssoclation to V llls_^i_a-/w%'l lho Alexandra-street School \_j_mkWmt______t room, whore all Meetings will in future beheld. The usual Fortnightly Meeting will takeplaco .TO-MORROW (Wednesday) KVENING, when a full at erdance is requested. By order of tho C R. PR ED. CHRISTMAS, Sesretary. mo YOUNG |V|EN. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. The MEETING on THURSDAY EVENING. 18th instant, will bo for YOUNG MEN. All aro invited. Recent arrivals welcomed. PREMIER GOLD MINING COM PANY (LIMITED). An Ext'aordinary Meeting of tho Shareholders in the above-named Company will bo hold at tho offloe of the. Company, Shortland-street. Auckland, on THURSDAY, the ISth day of March, 1880, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, to con sider the advisability, and if necessary to pass a resolution to wind-up the Company voluntarily, and dispose of the Company's property ; to ap point a Liquidator, CHARLES TOTHILL, Secretary. Auckland, S'.h March, ISBO. Personal, EOTICK.— J. Cleal denies owing E. J. Burnt s a-iy money. a_.d cautions him that if his Regalia is not delivered at his huuse by FI.ID_S \, .March 19th, ltßo, it will be put in tho banes o; a Sol citor. JOHN CLEAL, npBE Person who took ihe Umbrella JL from Dr. Smith's.rule, Hemuera. Please return same to Wnitu___ata Hotel. Person know n. Auctions. _ , __.._ THURSDAY, MARCH IS. QUAY STREET, AT 3 O'CLOCK. TIMBER! TIMBER! TIMBER! G. W. BIN NE V \AJ ILL sell by public auction on Thurs ', t\ day, at Uuay-atrcet (near Mr David Goidie's), at 3 o'clock tharp, 35,000 feet best Kauri Timbor, 9x3, 9xl, 12 x 2, 9 x 2, 6 x 2, 12 x 1. s Without Reserve. G. W. 1$ I N N E V, ' Auctioneer. 1 j [Continued on Fourth Page. J]