SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATEKr^m^w'Morntg, 8.3 BUN BKT.—This Evening, 6.59 SUN KISK.—To-Morrow Morning, 5.31 MOON'S AGK.-Firet Quarter.lStb, 3.25 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVEXIXO. fliinmo Hare, schoonor, Skinner, from East Coast

TOBA\. Einßarooma. s.s., Chatfleld, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Argyle, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarci TO-DAY. Ryno, brigantine, Fernandez, for Hcrvcy Group

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Melbourne, via South,—Rin^arooma, Thursday Liondon - Fernglen, loading Tauranga— Glonelg, Wednesday For New Plymouth and Southern Ports — Wellington, Wednesday £or Kussoll—lona, Monday • Hawca. Friday ™ iauranga and Southorn Ports — Hawea, Monday WJiangarei-—Argyle, Tuesday 3 and Fridays ; Anne Milbank, Mondays and Thursdays,

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Bismarck, H.1.G.M.5., from Samoa Earl Granville, ship, from London; sailed No vember 29 Agate, barque, from New York; sailed Septem ber 23rd Klinor Vernon, barque, from New York; eailed 10th November Stra:atnro, ship, from London; sailed Nov. 27 Troyels-an. ship (V.N.H.S.), from London ; load-

City <sx Quebec, barque, from London. Kluuranda, barque, from Now York A'-eroia barque, from London, loading ''"l'.ille, brig, from Now York Agn.'S Donald, schooner, from Lovuka .hoiio Brandon, schooner from Line Islands Island Lily, brigantine, from Chatham Islands Active, brigantine, from Sydney Myrtle, brigantine. from Tonga, Griffin, schooner, from Now Caledonia Pirate, schooner, from Tahiti Coronet, schoonsr, fiom JlarshalTGroup V.thcl, brigantme, from AVcliington Energy, schooner, from Lovuka Fiery Cross, schooner, from Oamaru Syren, brig, from Sydney; loading Tubal Cain, schooner, from Levuka ■Wsiwera., schooner, from Austral Islands. Stag, barque, from Adelaide Ovalau, schaonor, from Samoa

Inwards Coastwjsf.—Minnie Hare, from Poverty Bay and tho Coast, with lo sacks wheat, 81 eticks grass Beed, 39 sacks fungu*, 1 hides, 12 bales wool, 1 cask honey, 185 sacks maize, 7 boxes apples, 15 fowlf, 80 p'gs, 13 cwt. zinc; TeloKr«ph, from Poverty bay, with 62 i-chests tea, 17 cases wine, 18 bales cornsacis, 200 posts, 131 sacks oats, 2 drays, 10 sacks grass soed, 11 cases fruit. 2 tons furniture, 2 tons wire; Nancy, from 1 haines, with 15,009 feet timber.

Outwards Coastwise. — Keiemhilda. for Whangaroa.

The Auckland Timber Cornpnny is doairousoi chartering a veesel to load for Sydney.

On the discharge of her cargo, the ship Pen Noyis will proceed to Lyttelton to load wiih grain for London.

Tho schooner Saucy Kate is taking iv cargo alongside the Queen street Wharf for Awanui ami East Coast ports.

The brigantino Ryno sailed this morning for llervey Group with a cargo of general merchan dise, and one passenger, viz., Mr O. Dunnett.

Tho work of loading the Fernglen for London is baing steadily proceeded with, and she is •ipacted to be a full ship in about a fortnight hence.

H.M.S. Cormorant left Wellington for Lyttel ton ye3terday, after a stay of several weeks in tho former port.

The p.s. Anno Milbank will arrive from Whangarei and Mangapai to-night. She leaves again tor tho same ports to-morrow afternoon.

The Union Company's sa. Ilingarooma re turned from Russell this morning. She leates for Melbourne, via East Coaat and Southern ports at 10 a.m, to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

kussell, this day.S

Arrived.: Julia Price. Sailed: Gipsy

"Whangakbi, tbia day. Arrived: Argyle, from Auckland, at 8.20 a,m, Sailed: Annie Milbank, for Auckland, at 0 a.m,

T* ew Plymouth, this day. The s.s. Taiaroa, with the Southern portion ol tho 'Frisco mail, left for No'son at 7.15 a.m. to-da/.

„■, j, ■■, L , TT Lytteltox, this day. Sailed: Robin Hr, 0(1( b r i gi for Newcastle.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Wednesday,

Messrs Hunter and Nolan held a sheep fair yesterday at the Junction saTo yards. Tho at tendance was moderate. The following were the results of the sale:—l 4 ewo hoggets, \V. J. Harris, 10s Gd, Ackroyd ; 21 do., Millan. 9s, Ranias?o ; 88 sheep, O'Brien, 53 63, Fagaa; 27 owes, Godwin Sra'th, is, Gano ;25 do., 7a Gd, Cashnioro; 22 do.. Cs 6d, Lees; do., 8 lambs. 6s 3d, Loverooi*; 46 ewes, J. Massoy, llsCd, Gordon ; 9 do., 12a, Casli moro; 16 owes, W. 11. Martyn, 8s Gd, Ackroyd; do., ilambs, Ss, A ckxoy d; 19 o vves, Captain "^Valm sley, 93 3d, L?e3; do., 0 lambs, Bs, Buehly ;11 ram lambs, Uaubaey, 9s, Hunter; do., 11 ewo lambs, 10s 3d, Bushly ; 2 ram lambs, Bamball, £1 15g each, Farmer; do., 2 ram lambs, £112 61, Thomp son ; do , 2 ram limbs, £l Us, Thompson ; do , 2 ram lamb-, 17s, Thompson ; 2 rams, Goodfeilow, -y~ —*-*-!•-« *.i. *«., 1 ram 9b, Loverock, do., 2 1 ram, Massey, 10s, McDonald ; I ram w. scon, 7s 6d, Austin.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under i— This Day. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Knterpriso. at 5.30 p.m.

Thursday, 12th instant. . For ■Waiwera,"jL'e" KSpaT't/iaißißotoMT and Warkworth, perßoßo Casey, at 10 a.m. For Thames, per Kotomahana, at 3 p.m. For Wangarei Heads and Wangarei, por Anne Milbank, at 4 p.m. Friday, 13th instant. For "Waihoko and Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 2.30 p.m. For Kussell, and Kawakawa, per Hawea, at 3 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaeter.

MARRIAGE.

TtTRK-HARVKY.-On tho 29th January, 1880, at the residence of tho bridesmaid's father. Groat North Koad, Auckland, by the Rev G. Bond, William Alfred, eldest son of Charles Turk, of Mount Albert, to Sarah, eldest daughter of James Caleb Harvey, late of tho Royal Engineers.—Homo papers please copy.

DEATHS,

RAYNER.—On February 11, at ("oromandei, the beloved wife of Mr George Rayner. KEAN.—On February 11, 1880, at his parents residence, Wollesler-street, William Murray, youngest son of VV. and E. Kuan; aged one year and fix months.

The funeral will leave his parents' residence at 3 30 o'clock to-morrow (Thursday) the 12th.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

" C. C." writes another long letter in reply to ''Goose," but the subject has been pulled pretty threadbare, and must give place to others. Our file is loaded. "Cousin Jack" discussing the same matter, Bays the 88th were not at Waterloo, nnd observes that the Duke of Wellington, though born in Ireland, was almost pure West of England blood, and could no more lay claim to Iri^h descent of the rices auch as O'Connell, O'Neill. Finneeran, O'.Sbanglrjesay, than our oDildren born here could claim to be doacended from the abo riginal inhabitants of this country and call themselves Maoris. W.B.S must ba satisfied with the reply given to " O. C." He should have observed, that the correspondence was closed. With over twenty letters on hand we cannot find room for thrice told tales. The Sun.—A correspondent inquires the scien tific authority for iho commonly accepted theories regarding th-j sun's heat. He may satisfy his mind on the subject by consulting Desctauniel'a ' Natural Philosophy" or Ganoid " Pisysics." Both works are to be found in the library of the Auckland lustitute, where access to them may readily be had. All modem scientists told to the theory that the hug is an incandescent mas?. lonokamcs.—The Queen has frequently opened Parliament in person sinca the Prince Con son's death. It has been usual, however, latterly for the Lord Chancellor to read the Royal Speech to the assembled Lords and Commoners in her presence, instead of pre senting it for Her Majesty to perform that part of the ceremony horself. Rkceipts.—Any receipt for an amouni over £2 requires a stamp, wue'hor paid by cheque or not.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1880.

Fo» the causa that lacks assistance, For the wrong tha needs resistance, Tor the future in the distance,

And the Rood that wo canEdO.

The Eoyal Commission on Colonial Defences has recommended that each

colony under the Empire shall under-

take a share of the responsibility for its own external defence. In making this recommendation the Commission has been largely influenced by the example set by Canada, which is pre paring a permanent army of 100,000 men as a reserve, part of which will be available for service in any part of the Empire. The

military and naval authorities at Home point to this as a proof of what might be accomplished by the other colonies, and base calculations for

the defence of the Empire upon statistics of the enormous population and wealth of the British possessions. In the opinion of advanced thinkers the enor mous area of the Empire, its varied and practically inexhaustible resources, and

j the immense number and wealth of its population, as well as the possession of the great commercial, naval, and military Isnys of the world, appear to

mould the destiny of the Empire in the direction of a mighty federation with a commerce embracing a great part of the habitable globe, and a naval and mili tary organization which must render its territories unassailable by any foreign power. A reference to statistical fkets will enable us to realise at a glance what those resources are. The Empire of Great Britain containsatotal population of 287,400,000 people, a total area of 8,982,177 square miles, and a revenue £163,105,000, with imports and ex ports of the enormous annual value of £932,500,000. Its military resources are :— Ecoulaw 135,625 Militia 137,556 Yeomanry Cavalry ... ... 14,614 Volunteers 194,101 Army Reserve 46,000 India 125,246 I Cauada, Active Militia ... 43,729 Total 696,961 And this total of regular and auxilliary military forces does not include various contingents in Africa, the West Indies, the Mediterannean, and other parts of the world, footing up to nearly 1,000,000 of all arms.

The Navy of Great Biitian numbers 249 eliips, of which 113 are sea going ships, and 136 reserve steamers and sailing vessels, manned by GO,OOO men. The ironclad fleet at at the end of last year con sisted of about seventy ships, many of them the most powerful in the world. Canada, at the same time, had eight armed screw-steamers with a total of 18 guns, mostly for seryice on the great lakes and river St. Lawrence. The naval and military resources of the Australasian colonies are at present comparatively small. New South Wales and Victoria maintain a permanent force, and one or two small corvettes for coast defence, but hitherto these colonies have relied almost entirely for protection from foreign aggression on the British squadron stationed in these seas.

But when the authorities of Great Britain point to Canada as an example of what should be done in the Austialasian colonies, they do not appear to take into account their respective capabilities and condi tions. Let us compare a few of the more salient points in the resources of the Dominion and these colonies. The last census shewed that Canada had a population of 3,913,000, the Austra lasian Group, including Victoria, JNew South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tas mania, and New Zealand, had a popu lation of 2,003,122. The total public revenue of the Dominion for 1879 amounted to £4/175,002, that of the colonies, £6,172,581 from taxation, and £11,180,583 not raised by taxa tion. The total value of the imports of the Dominion 1878-9 was £10,392,885, exports £14,298,251, while the figures for the Australasian colonies were respectively £50,545,900, and £44,196,737. It will be seen from the figures above quoted that while the aggregate popula tion of the Australasian colonies was con siderably below that of the Dominion of Canada; their revenue and trade returns were enormously larger. Under these circumstances it might not unreosonably be expected that they would conjointly compare fovourably with the Dominion in the matter of naval and military resources. But many circumstances must be taken into cou sidsration to account for tho difference. Canada is powerful united, and has on her frontier a great nation with rapidly increasing resources which might, under unf6rseen circumstances, riowalnn. into hpstilitv. She has for perfect system of defence and under the Act of 1808 "To provide for the defence of the Dominion, her enormous militia of 700,000 men is really a levy en masse, consisting of all male British subjects, between 18 and CO, who are celled out to serve in four classes, Ist 18 to 30 unmarried; 2nd, 30 to 45 un married ; 3rd, 18 to 45 married, and 4th, 45 to 60th. Tho extraordinary perfection to which Canada has brought her militia is shew by the fact that Great Britain, with a population of 33,505,000, has only been able to raise a militia numbering 137,556 after repeated panics with all the inducements of high pay and allowances.

The Australasian colonies have been under no pressing necessity hitherto of straining their resources for external defence. Kemote from the intrigues of the great states, and with no covetous and warlike neighbours to endanger their peace they have peacefully carried on the heroic work of colonisation and commerce, and probably they might continue to enjoy the same happy im munifcy if they were not a part of the Empire, and as such bound to share in its obligations and risks, as well as its privileges and advantages. In nearly all the Australasian Colonies there has been no internal enemy of any conse quence to provide against. The ab original inhabitants of the Australian Continent have never been formid able or warlike, and it has cost little to keep them in subjection. In New Zealand, on the contrary, settlement has been retai-ded by the jealousy and intermittant hostility of a hardy race with hereditary warlike instincts and training, and the colonists have been called upon since the " self reliant " policy was introduced to maintain a costly permanent force to defend themselves against the consequences of that very policy of Imperial blundering and vaccilation which were bequeathed to the colony as a legacy when Downing-street with drew its responsibility in the control of Native affairs.

The possible limits of colonial de fence as indicated by Colonel Scratchley will extend only to the maintenance of batteries at each of the principal ports of Australia and New Zealand, with a permanent force of local artillery, naval brigaded, and field contingents, which will be available for co-operation with the batteries in repelling any sad den landing. Political and commercial federation of the Australasian colonies may not be possible at this juncture, but some degree of co-operation for mutual defence is perfectly feasable. This should take the form of jointly purchasing and maintaining a few heavily-armed and swift cruisers for defence against foreign privateers, and a few troop ships to convey reinforcements in any emergency. These measures would entail but a comparatively small pro rata contribution,and would be sufiicient for some years to come.

A CABLE message to-day announces that Great Britain bas released Persia from the provisions of the Treaty which prevented the occupation of Herat. There can be no doubt that this is the preliminary step to the realisation of what has long been the ambition of Persia. The angry tone of the Kussian Press, and the energetic attempts of Kussiau emissaries to thwart British influence in Persia, clearly indicates the importance which they attach to this last .stroke of policy. It is not likely that Persia will misunderstand the hint which the re vocation of that part of the treaty implies. At latest advices the Shah was preparing to

make a pilgrimage to a city which com mands the line ot advance on Herat, and h» was to be accompanied by 10,000 troops. Probably the Shah will become impressed with the notion that his pilgrimage will be incomplete without a visit to Herat,

Among other measures taken by the British Government for the amelioration of the deplorable condition of distressed labourers in Ireland, is that of advancing sums of money at lovv interest, and repayable on long terms, for purposes of drainage, the money being expended under the super vision of the Irish Board of Works. There can be no doubt that the scheme is wisely conceived and if care fully executed, would confer vast bene fits upon the Irish people. A recent Par liamentary Commission reported that there are in Ireland 465,355 acres of absolutely waste and unprofitable land, over one fifth of the total area of the country, 2,000,000 ares of which could be easily and cheaply reclaimed. Apropos of this subject, an Irish land owner has written an interesting letter to the London Spectator in which he urges, tho feasibility of the proposed scheme of reclamation, and elaborates a plan for placing a large portion of the population, with no possession of freehold estates. His proposal is that the British Government should advance the cost of draining the 2,000,000 acres of land, dividing it into 20- acre-farms to b occupiedby|landlef a familiesof tho labouring or cottier class, and he estimates that 100,000 of such families or in all 500,000 persons, would thus be comfortably provided for, and cease to be an iucumbrance, or a danger to tho public peace. With regard to compensating the present proprietors of the laud he says : —"lf the problematical claims of a proprietorial class who nobly kept these lands waste since, by 'fraud or force,' they became possessed of them, and who religiously intend maintain ing them in the same condition, be disre garded and uucompensated, the subsequent cost of drainage and thorough reclamation, and even the initial expense of building a house, providing implements, seed, and food for the first year, would be an average rent for twenty acres of £5 a year for the first three years, and £14 for thirty-two years, being for principal and iuterest at about 5 per cent, on the original advance. The encouraging incentive that at the end of that term, or sooner if he purchased the rent-charge, the occupier of that annually improving holding would be its sole and absolute owner, would nerve his arm and quicken his brain to ceaseless labour and constant toil. With the characteristic ' earth-hunger ' ot the Celt, he will keep a grip of the faim, and by no conscious act suffer himseli to be deprived of tho accumu lating fruits of his endeavours. Of course, in the surrounding competition for land, and the conviction of the unrelenting stern ness of the obligation and the risk of conn's cation of years of industry, no one except a criminal or a fool would dream of evasion or repudiation. The consequences that would follow are sullicient to deter any from such a course, and the experience of the working of the Church Act clearly proven the honesty of intention and ambition of aim on the part of the Irish peasant to fully and expeditiously clear away the debt, when regulated upon such intelligent principles, As the Avaste lands are a ' common commo dity,' their allotment as suggeeted in twenty acre allotments would moro evenly distri bute the population, lessen the weight of pauperism, and increase the general produc tiveness of the country."

Owing to the dilliculty in getting a second Justice of the Peace, the business of the Police Court this morning was considerably delayed.

Mr Fallon ia getting on fast with his rail way contract between Uhaupo and To Aw ainutii. Parties of men aro working along the whole course of the line, and the rails are laid a distance of four miles from Uhaupo. F

Au entertainment consisting of vocal and instrumental selections, and Christmas tree gifts took place last evening in the Wesleyun Chapel, Parnoll. Great excitement was caused as each person received hio prize. The wiuuer of the leg of mutton was a lad named Wheatley. Among the vocalists were Misses Gee, Hirst, and Messrs Smyth and Morley. The entertainment was successful, and but for the disorderly be haviour of the school children, over whom the teachers appeared to have no control, nothing would havo marrod the general harmony which prevailed.

Wo learn that the Key. Georgo Brown, o Onehunga, lias been appointed by the Bonn of Education to the ollieeof assistant-maste of tho Girls' High School.

Mr Thomas Henry Russell, eldest son ol Mr Thomas Russell, of this city, has passed "first class honours" at Trinity College, Cambridge.

A southern exchange says that Mr J. M. Penier,, the "Intelligent Vagrant," a jour *n!.i-);.\vnU.knawa JjMyiwbo.ut.JNew Zcaluud. Rama of New Zealaud, is now engaged on the "Sydney Daily Telegraph," an opposi tion paper to the ." Morning Herald," His articles on the "Night Side of Sydney" have been creating a great sensation in that city. Tho new paper has become very popular.

The "Dawn of Day,' a cheap monthly illustrated magaziue for school and parish use, is a, neatly-printed and most service able serial for youug persons connected with the English Church. It is issued by the society for promoting Christian knowledge, and contains information on Bible, natural history, the geography of the Holy Laud, descriptions of ruins of famous cities, asso ciated with pictures from history—then and now—passages from church history, suitable lessons for festival days, explanations of the common prayer-book, sketches of the religions of the earth, fairly stated from the best authorities, and a continuous story running through the volume. No church man, who desires to give a reason for the articles of hit faith, should be without the enlightening influence of the " Dawn of Day."

The Harbour Foard is contemplating an increase oi wharfage dues.

In accordance with a recommendation of the Works and Endowment Committee the Harbour Board has appointed the dock master to the general supervision of the dock in place of the engineer.

Mr. Archibald Forbes was to have deliv ered a lecture on the Zulu war in Cork Theatre, but was prevented by the Nation alists from obtaining a, hearing. Placards had been circulated in the city calliug atten tion to his letters to the " Daily News" from Tippcrary in 1875, on the occasion of John Mitchell's election, iv which he is alleged to have described Mitchell's suppor ters as drunken tatterdemalions. The gal lery and pit were packed with an organised mob ; and when Mr Forbes appeared on the stage he was received with a storm of groans and hoooting. He remained for nearly a quarter of an hour, and tried several times to address the assembly, but was quite inaudible in the dm. He then left the Theatre, and the audience were turned out by the police.

The treasurer of the Parnell Urphan Home, acknowledges with, thanks, receipt of cheque for £8 13s from Messrs. Cruick & Co., agents for e.s. Hero, proportion of receipts on last excursion to Motatapu.

ltatopayers will be interested to learn

bhat (he Library Rate of one half-penny in ;he pound, which Avas recently struck by ;he City Council, becomes payable after ;o-day.

What with the bullets, daggers and infernal machines of Nihilists. Socialists commune it is not all gold that glitters about a throne. The " Voltaire" says the follow ing is a copy of the letter found on the Czar's bedroom table :—" To Alexander 11., Emperor of all the Russia?. Sire,—For the fifth time fate has preserved you from the stroke of justice. They were five decrees dictated by the law of humanity, a law which you no longer recognise. You know our power and determination. Beware of the sixth decree ! Do you wish to be a great monarch ? Do you wish all the Russian people to acclaim you and recognise you as their father ? Do you wish that those who strike to-day shall become apostles instead of executioners ? It you do, then cease to be a tyrant and become a man, and render to your subjects what belongs to man lay the law of nature—namely, liberty. It ia not your person that we attack, bui your principles. So long as you remain as you are, our judgment will be always tlio same. Saved to-day, you will perish to morrow. Neither death nor persecution will stay our arms. You possess brute force ;we possess moral force. We have sworn to vanquish, and we must carry oiF the victory in the end. The first apostles of Christianity perished at the stake ; their martyrdom was the cause of the ruin of Rome. Beware and reflect I —The Govern ing Committee.

Law's Tautology.—Some idea of the legal f rmula may be gathered from the following specimen, wherein if a man wishes to give another an orange, instead of saying •' I give you that orange," he must set forth his " act and deed" thus—"l give you all, and singular my estate and interest, right, title, and claim, and advantage of and in thai, orange, with all its rind, skin, juice, pulp, and pips, and all right and advantage therein with full power to bite, cut, suck, or other wise eat the same orange, or give the same away, with or without its rind, skin, juice, pulp, and pip 3, anything heretofore or here inafter, or in any other deed or deeds, instrument or instruments of what kind or nature soever, to the contrary in anywise notwithstanding,"

it ™n& a loug and wearisome sitting of J,he Wellington City Council a Councillor named Brown applied for and obtained leave to, smok.e, and forthwith he threw himself back in his chair and blew a tre mendous cloud.

The height of the Tay Bridge where it was suddenly rent asunder is about 130 feet, and the river is juat here full of deep quick sands.

Mr K. Arthur will offer a number of free hold properties for sale to-morrow, situated in the city and suburbs, as per advertise ment.

A meeting of creditors in the estate of Charles Burton, baker, of Queen-street, was held yesterday in the offices of Messrs Stone. It was decided that the estate should be handed over to Messrs Scone and G. W. t Owen for the benefit of the creditors. The liabilities are estimated at something like £4000. The probable assets were not stated.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the members of the Auckland United Laborers Mutual Aid, Society will be held this even in the school-room, Temperance Hall.

At Invercargil Mr C. E. Ward, Primitive Methodist Minister is repotted in the course of a sermon the other night to have said, that the circus performance, was in too many cases a stepping stone to vice and degradation.

A concert in aid of St. John's Church, East Tamakj, is advertised to be held in the Public Hall, Otahuhu, to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock. The programme is a good one, and we hope that a large attendance will prove the fact that a musical treat is both appreciated and enjoyed by our country friends.

Colonel Jack, who was in Auckland last year, is playing with a company in China. Mr George Chaplin and Miss Kose Osborne were playing at the Californian Theatre, San Francisco, when the mail left, in " Pygmalion and Galatea." Senor Majeroni is ill of consumption. His wife is playing at the Union Square Theatre in " A False Friend," Bundman has sued his backer, Perdicans, lor 4,500 dols. for alleged breach of contract.

An incident, which exhibited the kind heartedness of Captain Farquhar, occurred the other day, A little girl, the daughter of a settler at Mahurangi, who was proceed ing home, had by mistake got on board the Itotornahana, and did not find it out till the steamer was far down the harbour. When the matter was reported to Capt. Farquhar he took the child uuder his charge, and did his best throughout the passage to the Thames and back to render her comfortable. Some of the passengers also raised a annvll sum towards her expenses.

To tho Editor : Sir, —Can you tell me whether Symonds-streetbelongs to any road Board except the one that t;ota the rates? By tho state of the footpaths I .should think that there ia one to collect the money and another to do tho work. It is a wonder that the Board in not brought up for damages for upraiued ankles, as it is almost an impossibility to walk down it without doing some damage.—Your?,&c.,HvMOHDS STKKET.

The return match. Whan Union and Point Chevalier Clubs, on Saturday, was not finished. The scores wore: AVliau, lat innings, 20; 2nd innings, 40, with four wickets to fall. The Point Chevalier scored 70 iv their Ist innings.

The following peisons have npplicd to the 11 arbour Board for the position of yilot, vacated by Mr James, viz. : Mesßrs W. living, W. Jeukius, John Patterson, A. Campbell, R. ('. Smith, A. 11. Austin, Cardinal Senty, G. S. Scooins, F. Ohlsou, Diiirmid McDiaimid, J. P. Oakes. 'i ho applications were referred to a committee, with instructions to examine the Chief Harbourmaster as to the competency of oach of the candidates.

Mr K. B. Dicksoii, GoTornment Observer, reports that last Thursday was thn hottest day since January 7th IS76—the shade temperature was 854.

The " Waikato Times " notices the pre sentation of a very handsome album by Mr V. Waytc, of Queen-street, to the Hamilton contingent of the Te Awumutu Volunteers, to bo competed for by the company at tlie riile butts, by those who have attended the monthly sword drills between November and May ne^t.

Tho Bay of Mauds Coal Company Blip plied the 'City of New York' yesterday with 300 tons of coal, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., being at the rate of over 40 tons per hour. This is the quicKest work of the kind we know of as over having been executed in this harbour, and calls forth approval from the P.M.S.S. Company.

At yesterday's meeting of tho Harbour Held, to include in tJiB-ttoTniirtt'u M6A/tenWb ture for 1880 a sum of £200 for tho erection of a wharf at Ponsonby and that the engineer should be instructed to prepare plans for the work. Mr Robinson stated his intention to request a similar favour for Paruell.

The adjourned meeting of creditors in the estate of John Morcland, carter, of OUhuhu, was to have buen held to-day, but at the uppointed time the debtor, the provisional trustees in bankruptcy and the Registrar of the Supreme Court were the only persons in attendance. The debtor's statement showed his liabilities to amount to £52, and his assets to £7. The Registrar appointed Mr Thos. Macfl'arlaue. trustee.

The " San Francisco Post," referring to the legislation of last session, says :—" The Now Zealand Parliament has conferred the elective franchise upon all females owning real estate. It has like-wiso passed a law enabling married women to acquire separate property, enter into trading partnerships and conduct business apart from their hus bands. This is the largest installment of women's rights yet accorded by any Legis lature. It only remains to make husbands responsible for all thoir wives'dcbtn, whether

contracted as sole traders or as partners in any trading concern, without the former's knowledge or cuusent, to fill the cup of feminine rights to over-flowing in the " Britain of the South."

Return of sick treated at the Provincial Hospital for the week ending Saturday, February 7, ISBO :—Remain lust return, 98 ; admitted since, 19 ; discharged, 17; died, 3 ; remaining, 97—males, 77; females, 20. Arrangement of cases : Zymotic, 24; con stitutional, 7; looal, 43; developmental, 16 ; violent, 7. Three deaths occurred, viz.: H. (Maori), male, aged 30 years, on the Ist instant, of peritonitis ; D.M., male, aged 44 years, on the 3rd instant, of heart disease ; C.G., male, aged 24 years, on the 6th instant, of fever.—Thanks are returned to an occasional visitor for two boxes of grapes, and to Mrs White for a parcel of old linen. Old linen is vory much required for Hr spit al use. The Kabbi Joseph Hurwits, from the city of Jerusalem is at present in Auckland, in pursuance ot his mission of benevolence, namely, thatof railing subscriptions towards the establishment of soup kitchens in the ancient city of the East for the relief of the suffering people of the Holy Land. The Kabbi appears to be a man of modest pre tensions, and of unassuming character. His Eastern dress attracts curiosity as he walks along our streets. The Rabbi is not seeking money so much as regular subscri bers to theprojected Jerusalem soup kitchens. The Rabbi brings with him high credentials in respect of his character and mission from unquestionable authorities. The project moreover has met with the hearty sympathy nnd approval of Sir Moses Montefiore and other eminent persons of the Hebrew persua sion, and is recommended by the British and Foreign Consuls. The Rabbi has met ■with much co-operation and success in the cities and towns of Australia, and shortly, we understand, a meeting will be held in this city, for the purpose of explaining the Rabbi's scheme, and establishing a branch society here.

Colonel Scratchloy had an interview yes tcrday with the volunteer officers of Auck land, and he took the occasion to urge upon them all that he had said at the parade of the previous evening. He pointed out, the advisability of having one distinctive uni form for tho rifle corps, advocated the for mation of the various companies into a strong battalion, to be further strengthened by a battary of artillery, and a troop of cavalry, while the Naval Brigade could bo utilised ns a harbour defence corps, with a drilled detachment to man tho four torpedo boats, which lie should recommend the Go vernment to obtain. He would also suggest double crews for these boats, and monthly, or at lea 4 quarterly, practices. He did not see auy necessity for an Engineer Company, while cadet companies, except in connection with schools, were a mistake. Ho advised daylight parades and drills, and he would be also prepared to recommend to the Govern ment the voting of a sum to defray the ex penses of encampment in the various dis tricts for four days or a week each year. IHe admitted that the Auckland volunteers were armed with a very inferior weapon, and he would undertake to advise the Govern ment to supply them with Martini-Henry rifles. The officers prrsent concurred in these expressions of opinion. Col. Scratch ley then inspected the Drill-shed, and after remarking that an approach should be made to it and sheds provided for the guns of the battery, he said that he would recommend the authorities to furnish the district with two additional field guns. The gallant officer then left, and in the evening took his departure from Auckland by the mail steamer,

CABLE NEWS,

EUROPEAN.

[Religious Fanaticism in Afghanistan. LONDON.

[UNITED PJRESS ASSOCIATION.]

February 9. A high priest attached to the fol lowers of Mohammed Jan, is preaching a war of extermination against the' British. He urges the people to raise the green flag and massacre the British; His action is causing great excitement, and General Roberts expects a des perate attack by the fanatics.

[Reduction in Eussian Navy.

LONDON.

February 10< Russia is making a reduction of 12,000 men, in her marines.

The Irish Distress. LONDON,

February 10,

There was a warm debate to-day, in the House of Commons, on the question of the conduct of the Government in respect to the Irish distress. Some of the Home Rule members made a bitter attack on the Earl Beaconsfield's Go vernment, charging them with apathy in respect to the measures they had adopted to relieve the existing distress.

Lord Hartington and Mr Foster replied to the attacks, and ably de fended the Government, showing that all that was possible had been done to alleviate the distress.

The Chimborazo in a Storm,

Loss of Life.

LONDON.

February 10.

The Orient steamship Chimborazo encountered a terrific storm, in which four men were drowned and sixteen injured by the dashing of the waves. Six boats were also lost.

Tho Hankow, which put into Fal mouth disabled, has been towed to Plymouth.

The Frozen Meat Experi-

menc, LONDON,

February 9,

There was little meat in the market on Saturday, and prices are unreliable. The bulk of the frozen mutton was sold at sixpence ; the beef five pence a pound. Iho American meat is much worse. The butter realised Is Bd.

The Anglo-Persian Treaty,

LONDON.

Fobrnary 10,

Great Britain has absolved Persia from that clause of tho treaty which precluded her from occupying Herat.

Great Sculling Match, LONDON.

February 10,

A sculling match took place on the Tyne between Boyd and Elliott, for £200 a-side, the former winning easily.

The Hankow,

LONDON,

February 9,

Tho Hankow escaped loundering, though her engines were completely disabled.

The health of Lord Saliubury has improved

LONDON.

February 9. The Irish members alono moved an amendment ou the Address.

Tho Government propose loans to

leges as tenants, and a general im provetnent of tho land laws.

o?he Wool Market

LONDON

February 9,

Owing to the continued wet last year sheep-rot is extremely prevalent, especially in tho Midland and Western Counties. 10,000 sheep, chiefly ewes, are dead or dying in parts of Oxford, Warwick, Somerset and Gloucestershire. A small portion is left. It is stated that it is expected that a large propor tion of the lambing ewes will succumb, and it is becoming a matter for serious conuideratiou to tho wool staplers.

Mail Steamer Disabled.

LONDON.

February 9.

Tuga are bringing the mail steamer Hankow to Plymouth, her engines being disabled.

Produce Market, LONDON.

February 9

Sydney mutton sold to-day at s|d to 6d ; beef, at 4|d to sd, Beef is not drawing so quickly, being somewhat injured. Tho sale of Homo beef and mutton averages 6£d; American beef, same as Australian; American mutton, Id less.

IKBUTER'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS. I

SYDNEY. February 11.

EXHIBITION PRICE FOR ALES.

Exhibition prizes class mild ales, Joel, Dunedin, first prize ; Brown and Campbell, Auckland, highly commended. Class pale ales, Martin, Invercargill, first prize; samples sent by Pascoe, Wellington, and Wilson, Dunedin, highly commended. Class strong ales, Vincent, Christchurch, first prize; Speight, Dunedin, second prize. Class bpttled stout, Crawford, Dunedin, first prize; Phoenix Brewery (probably Ehrenfricd's), second prize. There are no awards for bottled ales.

AUSTRALIAN.

UKITED PKKSS ASSOCIATION,

Murder. ADELAIDE.

February 10,

A woman named McMahon, while suffering from religious mania, mur dered her infant yesterday.

Robbery at Helensville.

;Fkom Our Special Correspondent),

HELENSVILLE, this day. On Monday night a Maori named Hereraia broke into the Terminus Store (the pro perly of Mr D. Stewart) and stole some clothing, etc. Constable Nanghton, on being informed of the theft, at once pro cured a wanant and arrested Heremaia on Tuesday night at a native settlement, some 12 miles down tho creek, called Pahakihake, and lodged him iv the station at Helensville this morning.

The annual meeting of the Ladies' Benefit Society will be held to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon in the largo room of the Youug Men's Christian Association at 3.30.

There may be men who would willingly sea'ch the Scripture? if they could find anything to steal in them.—" Boston Trans cript."

TELEGRAPHIC.

CIIKISTCIIURCtJ, t AN ILLICIT STILL.

[UNITED PKESS ASSOCIATION],

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day,

Michael Driscoll was brought up, charged with obtaining goods under false pretences. It was alleged that the defendant obtained a suit of clothes from W. J. Claxton, repre senting that money was due to him by the County, but on inquiry the prosecutor found this was not the case. The magis trate dismissed the case on the grounds of insufficient evidence of felonious intent. The defendant had been a small contractor for the County.

Old Whau.—A meeting of shareholders was held this afternoon to re-form the Com pany, and buy out the tributers by means of shares in the new Company, which is to start work on the rich lode from which the late crushings in the Alburnia have been taken,

Watchman.—An extraordinary meeting last night resolved to sell their ground, as there were two buyers. The ground will be offered by auction.

The Old South Devon, Karaka, gave another 50ozs crushing yesterday, being the second or third within a few weeks. It is reported that the object of stopping the Big Pump and taking up the Plunger will damage Mr Rowe's chance of floating the Caledonian new company. The buyers of the Golden Crown are to work with three shifts to-morrow, to ener getically prospect the ground,

P-VLMERSTON NORTH, this day. IRIStI FAMINE FUND.

The total proceeds clear of all expenses of the concert in aid of the Irish Relief Fund amounted to £47 10s. Mr Dungan yesterday sent a cheque for that amount to the proprietor of the Wellington " Post."

WELLINGTON,

this day.

Sydney Smith, better known as " Old Smith," an old resident, died last nij>ht at the age of 80.

DUNE DIN,

this day.

The Corporation has received forty applications for the appointment of youths in the Gas Department, at a salary of £50 a year. The Gas committee's report, censures the iuspector for allowing the corporation employes to carry out private work INQUEST IN THE MURDER CASE,

The verdict at the inquest in the murder case was temporary insanity. The evidence showed that the illness of Hayes' son lately preyed greatly on the deceased, causing excessive melancholy.

this day.

James Stevens, storekeeper, of Oxford Forest, who was committed for trial a few days ago for the larceny of a number of shirts, pleaded guilty yesterday at the Asuburton Court to having an illicit still on his promises, and was fined £50.

MAO HI COMMISSION,

The Native Commission sat yesterday in the late Provincial Hall, when the examina tion of J. VV. Stacks was resumed, as to Maori understanding of the reserve or pro mises, or whether the reserve is embraced within H. Maucngo Kai. At its rising, the Coinuiwuion v\as adjourned to Duuedin, where it will sit on Monday next. Mr Izard is at present at JUunediu, working up the case for the Maoris.

The Union Steam Shipping Companj have presented a cup value thirty guinea to be shot for at the Nelson prize meeting.

SPLENDID CROPS.

On J. C. White's farm, Ohako, near Kaipai, a crop of CO acres of barley is just finished thresiling, yielding 4,222| bushels, equal to 70 busliels per acre. On the same farm a crop of wheat will yield 6'o bushels to the acre. On a Maori run near Wood end in the samu district, Mr Charlea Watson has a paddock of beans estimated to yield 95 bushels per acre. lv Wavcrly, same district, Mr YVliitiord the other day in his garden of strawberries and white currants, got six of the former weighing one oz each, and currants the size of small cherries. On Kaipoi Island the average length of oat straw is six feet six, and the same crops will yield 8 ) bushel* per acre.

NEWSPAPER CONFERENCE.

A conference of newspaper proprietors interested in the Press Association opened here this morning at 10 o'clock.

POKT CHALMERS, Tuesday. Louis T. Drew, muster of the schooner Awamia, was charged with unlawfully taking 319 seals during the close season. After a patient hearing of four hours, the Resident Magistrate committed him for tria^consjjnting to take bail, himself in £200,

OAMARU, this day,

The Oamaru rifles at a meeting last Highi decided to take preliminary steps to pro mote holding the next volunteer review.

The Minister of Public Works arrived to day and was afterward* waited upon with reference to several matteis touching the erection of tho railway station. He pro mised to look over the Plains, and if he ap proved of them, to give instructions to have specifications drawn, tenders called for, and the works commenced as quickly as pos sible.

Sergeant Itoss, of the Otspopo Riiks, Volunteers Harding aud Morris, and Baiids mau King, of the Oamaru Killcs, have entered tor the Association's meeting at Nelion, and probably one or two others may go.

Theatre Royal.

The gcuuinc success achieved by Mr J. J. Wallace in his representation of a special and well-recognised typo of Hebrew hu manity prepared the public for excellent poitraiturcs of lush character, the delinea tion of which was said to bo his peculiar forte. The result has not belied the general expectation. On Monday night "The Irish Exile," a romantic drama of a prologue and three acts, was produced to a fair house, and played with undoubted effect. A sketch of the plot was supplied iv our issue of the previous cveuing, so that it is unnecessary to recapitulate the various situations in the progress of the theme, while a few remarks will suflice for the character of tho piece. It is founded upon come kcideuts in the insurrectionary troubles of the memorable year '98, and it exhibits in a patriotic and sympathetic light the adventures of au un fortunate refugee, who after an enforced exile of 20 years'duration returns to his old haunts in the disguise of a piper. He unexpectedly finds a daughter, is bribed by by unscrupulous villaiu tocommita dastardly deed, is imprisoned because he acts in accord with better dictates,and cventuallyreprievcd through the intercession of kind triends. The drama, although containing much of pathos and humour, is deficient in both qualities when compared with cither "The tjhaughraun " or " The Colleen Bawu," while it is also iufcriorto both those plays iv dramatic interest and constructive skill. Still it mmrtrays a phase of Irish life from tho purely national side, of course, and, although it cannot lay claim to much originality, either of conception or of exe cutive skill, it is sufficiently good to engage the close attention of a mixed audience. Mr Wallace's impersonation of the pseudo Pipor is excellcut in make-up, action, and speech ; and he fully succeeded in securing to himself and ably sustainiug the sympathies of the onlookers. There is nothing stagey about his representa tion. The sudden changes from grave to gay, the uncontrollable bursts of passionate feeling alternating with reckless pleasantry which are associated with the portraiture are thoroughly characteristic whilo the brogue is free from affectation. There are, however.some palpable inconsis tencies connected with the part which ho plays that may possibly bo attributed to the playwright, but which the actor cer tainly throws into very strong relief. One of these is the radical contradiction that exists between the declared antecedents of the disguised piper and his carriage, mode of expression, and general bohavior. Every thing at the opouing of the play tends to establish the opinion that he is a man who has been associated with the refinements of life, one used to command—in short, a mau of culture, while in the succeeding acts he is depicted as a rude and boorish peasaut, defi cient both iv correct speech and polite deportment. Of course these faults may be inherent in the drama, but if so every moans is taken to exhibit them prominently. Miss Marie Wilton assumed the r6le of Eileen, the long-lost daughter of the exile, and she played it well. It is, however, one of secondary importance, the presumed piper being the central and most promineat figure in the drama. Miss Jessie Raymond acquitted herself very creditably iv the dual part of Kathleen uud Lady Kilgour, while Mr Stecle made an admirable Morgan Wolfe. Mr J. O'Brien's Eobert Moran (Eileen's lover), and Mr Haygarth's Lord Kilgour, are also entitled to favourable mention. Several members of the Com pany displayed an imperfect acquaintance with their parts on Monday, and, as hurried preparation can hardly be pleaded as the excuse, we trust that this fault will be at once rectified. There is no occasion to make our remarks more pointed. " The Irish Exile " will be repeated to-night for the last time, for "The Shaughraun" takes its place to-morrow evening

Anglo-Colonial Notes.

[By Our Special Correspondent In London.]

LONDON, January 1, CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND.

To the Antipodean who ha* from youth been accustomed to the mild midsummer amusements aud trequently rather forced hilarity of a colonial Uhristmas,nothing can be more delightful than a good old English Yule-Tide—the frost and the snow, the evergreens and the holly-berrie3, the Christ mas tree and the Christmas dinner, the waita singing carols without and the child ren playing " Hunt the slipper" within, the quiet kiss under the misletoe, the riotous country dance, the " Loving Cup," the cordial " God bless you, my boy," and finally, the brisk walk home beneath a star lit firmament; all help to make up a jovial and accordant festival. True, the Antipo dean is probably acquainted with the tradi tions of Christmas, and has read more or less on the subject, but even the best authors convey a very feeble idea of the reality. What words can do justice to the glory of Regent-street on New Year's Day, or give an adequate idea of the noisy good humour which prevails at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, on Boxing Night. By the way, I went to a dress rehearsal of a pantomine the other day, and anything much funnier it would be impossible to imagine, for whilst the ballet and supers were got up in costume the principals wore their ordinary clothes. This, I am told, is the usual custom, but to astrangeritseemssimplyextraordinary. We are most of us familiar with the glittering harlequin, who takes a header,through the second-lloor window of a tallow chandler's shop ; but to see a staid elderly gentleman, in plain morning coat and inexpressibles, performing the same marvellous feats strikes one as very quaint. The old year is dead and the youthful 1880 has arisen, bringing with him, as a promise of better times, some almost perfect weather. This is indeed one of those rare winter days, when the the sun shines brightly and the frosty air exhilarates like champagne. Everyone appears to be gay and joyous ; even our own particular organ grinder, who, to my sorrow, is seldom enticed from the paths of duty, having just been walked off to gaol "crying" drunk. The streets are full of happy children on their way to a " morning performance " of some kind or other. The parks and lakes are covered with skaters j and wherever I go, there seems to be a perceptible, yet grateful, aroma of hot spiced beer. Having said so much about the joys of the festive season, it is perhaps only right to tell you that there are drawbacks also—chief amonst them is the "Christmas box" nuisance. For the past ten days my life has been rendered burdensome by requests for tips. E\ery man, woman, and child, of a certain class, whom I have met or indirectly patro nised since I came to England, wants one. The postman who brings the letters, the lad who leave the milk, the gentleman who raked out the coal-hole four months ago, the laundress who persistently sends home Jones's old shirts instead of my nice'new ones, and the window-cleaner, whom I sus pect of purloining a missing brandy flask, all caressingly, but firmly, " beg to be re membered." liere is the formula :—

Enter gingerly, a very seedy old man whom you could almost swear you never saw in your life before. He shuts the door mysteriously, and advances. Myself: Good morning. Visitor. Good mornin' sir, good mornin'. I came to wish you " A Merry Christmas, and a 'Appy New Year." Myself: Thanks, much obliged. May I ask who you are ? Visitor (ailably): Certingly.sir.certingly. I be the man what opens and shuts the cab doors at the restaurant where you dines. Mauy's the time I are called a 'ansom for you sir. Myself, (with memories of numerous "tuppences" bestowed on the old scoun drel) : Oh ! (A. long pause follows, in the course of which your visitor will in all probability either scrape one of his boots on the bright steel fender bar, spit in the grate, or knock over a piece of china. Profuse apologies follow till in desperation you ask him what he wants)? Visitor : Well, sir, siuce you are so kind as to hoffer to 'elp us I was thinking per haps you would give me the price of a flannel petticoat for my wife, pore thing. (Seeing that the man is determined and will oa slight provocation embark on a lengthy family history, you produce requi site sum, and he retires murmuring "Gawd bless you." Two hours later you will meet the same man,in a state of helple3s intoxi catiou.")

pp.vivaJi OF TRADE. — CAPTAIN A&ITIJV-T. or.r«r^V

The revival of trade and generally im- E roved aspect of affairs—commercial—is aving a perceptible effect on the emigration movement. Captain Ashby reports that trade is much slacker than it was a few weeks ago, and that the vessels on the berth for New Zealand are not filling up either with passengers or cargo nearly as fast as their predecessors. The New Zealand Ship ping Company's Mercid sailed for Auckland on ilia 28th ultimo, aud Messrs Shaw, Saville and Co.'s City of Quebec will pro bably leave to-day. The former vessel takes cargo only, but the City of Quebec carries about thirty-fire passengers in all, some of whom are substantial fanners go ing to settle in the North Islaud. The City of Quebec has also two valuable bulls on board consigned to Messrs Tavasour Bros. Nearly all the better claps of passengers to New Zealand prefer to patroniso the steam route via Australia, which as was pointed out last mail has now special advantages. There were several on board the luckless Somersetshire, and amongst those booked by the Durham (sailing January 19) I may mention Mr G. Peacock, of your city, and his family.

THE NEW ZEALAND LOAN.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS THEREON.

Ihoso who were asked to give advice rclativo to floating of the £5 000,000 New Zealand loan, frankly said they thought the present juncture unfavourable for such a purpose, and that it would be better to wait for a time. At first most of us under stood this was to be done, but early in December the subscription list opened. The financial world was consequently par tially taken by surprise, and "knowing'1 speculators prophesied a failure. Happily they were altogether wrong. The loan has proved a brilliant success, as may be gues sed from the fact that when it closed on the 11th the applications were considerably in excess of £11,000,000. Still the Press is anything but congratulatory. Au impres sion seems to be abroad that the Austral asian Colonies are piling up their public debt too fast. Not long ago " Truth " had some observations on the subject, and now the "Daily News" publishes a long leader to the same effect. In the latter it is pointed out that with a population of ouly 2,500,000 Australasia has contrived to owe more thau £70,000,000 a larger propor tion per head, than the National debt of any country. Moreover the rapidity with which this indebtedness has been accumulated seems as remarkable as its amount In 1872 these colonies owed £41,000,000, now they owe £72,000,000. New Zealand with a population of 430,000 owes £24,000,000, a sum out of all proportion to the increase of the popula tion. " Comparing the proportion of the colonial debt to that of the mother country," continues the "Daily News," " we by no means suggest that the circumstances are precisely the same. Most of our debt has been incurred in war in taking territory from someone else, or iti measures sup posed at the time to be necessary to prevent something being taken from us. In the Australasian Colonies and especially iv New Zealand, the money has been bor rowed for the professed purpose of develop. ing the country and fitting it up as a desir able habitation for the millions who, it is hoped, will be attracted thither. Railways have been made—not to accommodate traffic, but to create it i he islands have been treated as a public estate requiring to be laid out and supplied with roads and all other conveniences for the expected occu piers. The Government there has under taken a description of enterprise snch as elsewhere is usually left to the energy and business sagacity of associa tions of private individuals. It is maintained that this system is the most suitable, and that the State gets a return of four per cent, on the outlay. No doubt the process is a highly stimula ting one. The introduction aud expendi ture of large sums of money every year or so, must give a great impulse to trade of all kinds. At the same time, the operation is one to be closely watched. There is no reason for supposing that a community of English settlers, will not be able to answer for any liabilities they may incur to creditors, here, even if their public investments should not all be as judicious as could be wished. But apart from all apprehensions on that score, it must be acknowledged that the work of " develop ment " may be hurried forward too rapidly, for the interests of the borrowers. Nor is this the most important aspect of the case. An over stimulated development is au un healthy one, and the withdrawal of the cause of excitement inevitable some day, cannot take place without danger. We

venture to think that it would be bet fer fo New Zealand to rely more on her own re sources,than to borrow so much and so fast as she is doing, and seems inclined to do. Of the present debt of the colony about £15,000,000 has been spent on public worka such as railways, telegraphs, harbours and roads, and the re3t has been spent in en couragingimmigration,orinnativewarß.Con- sidering that the colony has had the benefit of a revenue which during seven recent years, averaged £820,000 a year from sales of the public landed estate, it certainly seems that with economy these large and frequent loans might have been avoided." Several other papers express a hope that the colony will keep its promises and not borrow any more for some years to come.

THE GLASGOW BANK PROPERTY IN NEW ZEALAND.

The following letter, which appeared in a recent issue of the " Times," may perhaps interest your readers : —

To the Editor of the "Times."

Sir,—There is now the prospect of the creditors of the City of Glasgow Bank receiving full payment, with 5 per cent interest, without much delay. And when this is done, a huge blot on our commercial credit will be removed, leaving behind a mass of frightful suffering and a memorable warning. All must admire the fortitude and patience of the contributories. With heroicmagnanimitytheysilently surrendered their property, looking forwarded, in many instances, to a future surrounded with gloom, the vigour of life faded, aud no industrial pursuits to fall back upon, no wealthy relatives to aid. To the very limited num ber of. contributories who have paid up the calls in full, there yet remains a source of reiief. It is confidently asserted that, if the New Zecaland property is nursed and judiciously administered, a very large return may accrue to this class of contribu lories. On the other hand, those con tributories who have only made partial pay. ment of the calls have been obliged to give up all claim to such eventual surplus, Even for them, however., some alleviation may possibly be afforded, and the subject is at this moment under consideration. It has been proposed to organize a limited company to purchase the New Zealand property from the liquidators under the express condition that a pro. portion of the profits to be earned by th« company shall be devoted to, and rateably apportioned amoug, all the contributoiiai without exception according to the several amounts paid by them. It is not unreason, able to expect that after the creditors aro fully paid public sympathy may be efficiently invoked to support such a scheme, —I am, ~&c, Aliquis.—Edinburgh, Feb ruary 16.

HUMANE SOCIETY MEDALS FOR NEW ZEALAND.

FAST PASSAGE OF THE ORIENT.

On the recommendation of the Colonial Office the Humane Society medals have been bestowed on William Jenkins and his boat's crew, who it will be remembered saved up wards of 100 women from the wrecks of the City of Auckland and the Felixstowe.

The extraordinary passage of the new steamer Orient from London to Adelaide has excited considerable comment in the leading English journals. The "Times" remarks that taking iato consideration the great distance, the performance is " un equalled in the annals of steam navigation." At a recent meeting of the Council of the Royal Colonial Institute Mr James Bull, of New Zealand, was elected a fellow.

COLONIAL COALING STATIONS.

The Colonial Defence Commission new meet at regular intervals. They have had brought before them the question of the1 defence of the coaling stations in various': parts of the world, and will probably recommend that steps be at once taken to place these stations in such a state of defence as will enable them to resist any, suddencoup de main. It has (says "Vanity,' Fair ") transpired that none of them are at E present in a condition to do so, and that had one of them been suddenly attacked, : , the only course that could have been adopted to prevent the enemy capturing the coal would have been to throw it iato the sea.

ACCIDENTS TO THE STEAMER SOMERSETSHIRE.

A. SERIES OF MISHAPS,

The Somersetshire is perhaps the most unfortunate of the existent steamers trad ing between the Australian Colonies and Great Britain. Not very long ago she wai knocked all to pieces in a gale oft' the Horn and had to put into Valparaiso for repairs, and now it becomes my duty to chronicle another series of catastrophes. Tne Somer ov.^\.-...,,,,;fh uiiwn 200 and 300 Dassengers aboard, sailed from the docks on Dec. 13th, for Melbourne and Sydney via Plymouth. When off Gravesend she was run into by the steamer Diomeda, and had her port lifeboatsmashed, and received other damage. On the Monday following she ran into a barge, and next morning she grounded off Southend, but floated shortly afterwards^' add proceeded on her voyage. By this time* the passengers were naturally somewhat alarmed, but with the exception of a man being lost overboard, nothing of importance' occurred till Thursday night, when thai Somersetshire collided for the third time in* as many days, with the American schooner;" Hattie G. MacFailane, which ran into her, causing a large hole just above the water mark, and carrying away her jibbootn. The schooner was dismasted. The Somerset shire stood by the schooner till daylight, j when they both put into Plymouth, The' raison d'etre of this extraordinary series of ac cidents is, presumably, the deuse fog which prevailed, but why the Somersetshire started at all under such circumstances is not ap parent. A daily paper of the 23id gives the followii g version of the affair: .-"The career of the Somersetshiie siuce she left the docks a week since has been most remark-, able, she having been no less than twice i ashore and four times in collision, and' having met with a series of other accidents more or less serious. She left Loudon on.; Saturday week, but on proceeding to. the' company's buoy off Gravesend another ■ steamer ran into her, smashing her port life-boat, besides inflicting other damage. The following morning, while still at anchor in consequence of the prevailing fog, two steamers, the Diomeda and Castilia, bore down upon her, and the former came into ' collision with the Somersetshire on the : . starboard side and carried away the davits, broke the waterpipe, and otherwisedamaged her bow. The steamer remained off Graves- 9 end on Monday aud Tuesday, but on Wed nesday, the fog clearing, jorders were given to gct'up steam and start. In going dowa the river she came in collision with a barge,•' carrying away the mast, inflicting other in juries, and creating the utmost consterna tion among tha women and children on board. 'i he officers and crew of the Somersetshirerendered every assistance, and remained off Thames Haven all night. ; At 7.30 the next morning orders were once* more issued to get up steam for the start, but the fog still prevailing, she had to stop, until the tide made. At 11.30 on Thursday morning steam was raised, but it occupied an hour to clear her. The next mishap occurred at 6.30 p.m. An ordinary seaman, Claude Calberg, a Swede, was on the bow sprit, when a gust of wind took the sail, and instead of the poor fellow loosening bis hold, he clung to it. The sail capsized and ; he was flung overboard, coming in contact> with the poop on the way down. The engines were reversed at once, and the boats lowered, oue in charge of the chief officer, Mr Paget. The man was at first seen m the water, but in the darkness he was soon lost sight of, and the electric light was then flashed. After pulling about for more than an hour, it was felt to be useless to stay longer, aud the Somersetshire once more proceeded on her way to Plymouth.,, On Friday, at 1.15 a.m., while just off Eastbourne, the American schooner Hattie MacFarlane, bound for Ipswicb with a cargo of Bombay shalots, was seen bearing down. The Somersetshire was going at half-speed, but the schooner is alleged to have been proceeding at a smart rate. The Hattie MacFarlane ran into the Somerset shire on the port bow, carried away her jib boom, and knocked a big hole in her bow about a foot above the load-line. Into this the water rushed with much force until a plug was inserted in the hole, which subse quently was effectually 'made watertight with shawls and blaukets. The damage sustained by the Hattie Macfarlane, how ever, was much more serious. She was caught amidships, and her foremast, mam topmast, jibboom, and ail headgear were carried away. The Somersetshiie remained by the schooner all night, and next morning left her in charge of fishermen to tow bacK to Beachy Head. On the steamship reacn ing Plymouth, a writ from the High Court of Chancery was nailed to the mast, claim ing £4CO damages on behalf of Mfl^« Cooper and Co., 21, Leadenball-street, tne owners of one of the injured vessels.

THE GOVERNORSHIP OF TASMANIA.

One of the society journals says a good deal of interest is being brought to bear on the Colonial office just now in view ot mr Weld's retirement tfrom the Governorship of Tasmania. I can conerm this, and Jim also in a position to state that despite rumours to the contrary no one baa y™ been appointed. It is, however, beU«Tea

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1880,



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