SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

uu v tvATiwPbJ This JEvening, 7.18 .-'■ N FlOT.—This Kvoninpr, 0.21 >■>!!•: V.^SK.—To-Morrow Morr.inpr, 0. £ M< lO>;;i! AC?K.—New JUcon, Uth, 0.2(> p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Zealanrtia, P.M. 5.9., Chovalier, from San Fran Cisco

TO-DAY. Arawata, 5.?., Sinclair, from Kussell Southern Cross, s.s. Helander, from the South

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVEN'IXO.

British Empire, ship. Mather, for Lyttelton Glcuolg, s.s., Farctuhar, for Tauranga

TO-DAY. Zealand!:;, P.M. s.s., Chovalier, for Sydney Arawata, s.s., Sinclair, for the South Elmiranda, barque, Htaplo?, for. New York

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Tunranga—Glonolg. Friday For New Plymouth and Southern Ports —

Taiaroa, Wednesday For Russell—lona. Monday; Hawea, Friday For Tauranga and Southern Ports—Hawca.

Monday Whangorei—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays Anne Milbanlc, Mondays and Thursdays. Lyttolton.—British Kmpiro.

IMPORTS.

Per Southorn Cross from the South—Bo sacks rico, 50 sacks oatmeal, 135 sacks fera ss need, 30 sacks barley, 22 Backs wheat, 10 cas°s cheese, 3 casks seed.

EXPORTS.

Per Zealandia for Sydney—l caso and 1 pack ago stationery, 1 box cancelled notes.

Per Oi-ph-us for Ns.pier—JO.OOO feet timber. Por Arawata—For (Jisborno: 20 sucks flour, CG paek9gc3. 8 cases, 1 bag uroeeries. For Napier: 130 cuses jams, 8 packages, 2 drums, 1 case. Kor Wellington : 103 sacks flour, 120 cnse3, 2 tanks. 1 keg, 1 caso boo:s. For Ljttelton: 1 packa/e cigais, 55 crises, IB packaged. For Dunodin : 2 ca=es baulk timber, 1 case btationery, 92 cases. For Bluff: 1 package.

Ixwards Coastwise.—Adah, from Thames, with 2u,000 feet sawn kauri timber; Arawata, from Kusacll, with 300 tons coal, and 33 sacks kauri yum; Coralio, from Tairua, with 23,000 feet snwn timber; Elsinore, from Tairna, with 10 to.is kauri gum, and 21,000 feet timber.

Outwards Coastwise. — Queen, for Hoki anua: Orpheus for Mercury Bay; Paku, for Tairua.

Per Zealandia from San Francisco—Bs cusoa Inner, 95 cases canned fruit", 50 cases, 40 uam-.la, and 35 half-barrels salmon, 2 ensos show cards, 2.i30 sacks bone meal, 2 cases papor, Gi cases b:ieon and hams, 1 cuso plants, 1 cuse stationeiy, SO cases flah, 1 tax printed papers, 1 case rubber stamps, 55 packages salt, 50 cases laid, 1 casocjnued meats, 10 packages reapers and fixtures, II cases books, 2 tunks distilato 0.1, 1 package documents, 11 cases turner's tools, ■i!) bales pulu, 2 boxes tobacco, 13 packages p. o risiona, 50 coses ilsb, 8 cases and packages"

The s.s. Southern Cross arrive 1 ot midnight from Southern ports. She laft Lyttelton on the 2nd at Jl p.m.; arrived W'anKanui Ith at 2 p.m; landed racehorses Billingsgc.te, Libellor, Vam pire, Lara, Hornby, Sauntcrer, HippooaJipas, iietrnj er, and Kevoke, and 26 passengers ; loft Wnngauuio a.m., sth, arriving at Wellington i p.m. same day ; left on 6th at 6 p.m.; arrived at rapier on 7th at 8 p.m.; left ou Bth at 4 P,m,; arrived at Poverty Bay 9th at 3 a.m.; le.'t again at 2 p.m.. arriving hero a3 above. Kxperienced strong N.E. wind to Eait Capo, and from thence lii,rhi, d.X. wind with thick weather. Passengers : —Mesdames Carter aud 1 children, Lewis. Koas and 3 children, Mitchul', Misses Bradley (6) and Mitchell (3), Masters Lewis, Corbet, Mitchell, iVlossrs Uradley, Lepino, Joune, Carter, O'Neil, Morgan, and C steerage.

Tho s.s. .Argyle will arrivo to-mt:ht from Whangarei and Mangapai. ahe leaves again for the samo ports to-morrow afternoon.

Thebrigantine Flirt left Lyttelton for this port in ballast yesterday. Having been charted for a labour ciuise, sho proceeds to the Islands immediately aftor her arrival hore.

Tho schooners Dido and Seabird left Hoklanga for Lyttelton with cargoes of kauri timber yesterday.

Tho s.s. Southern Cross leaves for Gisborne, Nupier, Wellington, aud Lyttolton at 5 p.m. to morrow.

Tho ship British Empire wns towed down to Capo Colville last evening by the Glenelgv Sho proceeds to Lyttelton ia order to load with grain for London,

Thebarqua loch Dso wassto leave London for thij port on February 5,h.

. Tho sehoonor Opotikl was sold at Mr R. Arthur's mart to-day for £215. Tho Advtinco U still in tho market.

Tho sehoonor Falcon arrived at HokiaDga from Waitara yesterday. Shs is to load up with timber.

The schooner Agnes Donald entorad out at the Customs to-day for Rarotonga. Sho i 3 expected to sail on Tuesday or Wednesday next.

The barquo Elmiranda sailed this morning for Now York. She took a valuable cargo of wool and gum, and the following passengers :— Mrs Staples, and Messrs. J, B. Lourts and W, B. Uagnall,

The Echooner Orpheus cleared to-day for Mer cury Bay, where she will load with timber for Napier.

The s.s. Penguin will arrive from the South t jia ovening.

ARRIVAL OF THE ZEALANDIA.

The P.M. s.s.. Zaalandia arrived from San Francisco and Honolulu with tho English and American mails, shortly aftor ton o'clock last Bight. She left San Francisco on 17th Fobrnary, at 3.25 p.m., and discharged pilot at 5.10 p.m. Arrived at Honolulu on the 21th, at 11 p.m. left again at 9.15 a.m. tho following Any. Passed Tiritlri liftht on the lOth Instant, at 8.45 p m.. receiving pilot on board at9.30p.m,, and arrived alongside at 10 30 p.m. Kxperionced to Hono lulu strong souther!y wind? and head Bea, thence easterly breezes until crossing the equator, sub sequently light N.E. and variable winus until making tho New Zealand coast. On the sth, at 7.20 p.m., passed and exchanged signals wit'i tho company's s.=. Australia. On the 6th, at 5.30 p,m., passed a whito schooner steering north. On the 6th, at 5 a.m., passed a ship steering S.W. Passengers :—Miss Geognegan, Messrs A. Warren, J. F. Millner, A.\O. L. Camp. J, A. Hammond; JohnstoD, M, scott, Baker, and Gsteerage, in transit for Sjdney :Mesdamea Chevalier, Newton find diughtor, Mr and Mra W. P. Maaon. child, ar.d nurse, Messrs T. G. Rigßß, F. G. Nichols, T. Geary. J. Detinold, Jno. Kone. W. Puikham. T. A..Soloman, 'I. J. Baker, R. McDonald, and 22 steerage. We are in cehted to Mr K. McDonald, purser, for custom ary favours.

DEPARTURE OF THE ARAWATA.

The Union Company's Aranata returned from Russell early this morning. She left again shortly after noon to-dsy for Melbourne, via Eait Coast and Southern ports with the follow ing passengers: -Gisborne: Newberry. Napier: J, T. Norman, J. Nayhua. Wellington :J. Heicl, A. Neilson, 8. Kobertson. Lytteiton : Mrs and Mis 3 Wilirinson, Messrs Wilkinson (2), A. Chartes. B. Martin. Dunedin: Mrs Crump Miaaes Roskruge (2), Miss Gillies, Mr RoskruKo, Joaty. Melbourne : Bari'7 O'Noil, H. Temple man, H. Rourke.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAIL STEAMER.

The Zealandia resumed her passage to Sydney early this morning. She took thef ollowing pas singers from Auckland: DrP. S. Jones, Judge Wilson, Messrs A. Bennett, K. L. Jones, J. Cunningham, James Cunningham, J. Thomp son, James Ogilvie, W. E Moore. Stoerage: W. J. McDowell, and B. J. Koone.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Circe, brigantiue, from the Sonth

DEPARTURES.

Waitaki, s.s., Edie, for the South. Lalla Kookh, p.s., Campbell, for Raglan,

fr The Union Company's s.s. Waitaki, with the Southern portion of tho'Frisco mails, left for New Plymonth and tho South this morning- Passoußer3:—For New Plymouth: Mr GeJdis. For Nelson ; Mr 'Warran, Mrs Hereford. Ifor. Wellington : J. Reid.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, yesterday. -Srrivea-Wellinuton, s.s., from the South. Sailed—Taiaroa. for the South. Lyttelton, yesterday." ArHved—Barques Iris, Kxaruiner, aud Magel lan from Newcastle. Sailed—Flit, brigamine, for Auckland. Cleared—Arethuna for London, -with 15,660 sacks wheat, IS Sacks oata, and 125 casks t&'low. WiIiNGARM, this day. The s s. Ai'iJylc loft for A uckiand at 7.30 a.m. today.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Oftico. Thursday. Messrs Cochruno and Son oflered several free hold properties yesterday at the Port-street Land Mart in the esta'e of tho late Mr Henry Keesirjj?, of which the following were sold :— Two hriok houses in Princes-straet, immediately below the Northern Cub, fcGlO; allotment in Shortland-streot, £3GO ; and an allotment, Dank- Btroot, £1 3s per foot.

NEW ZKALAND WOOL IMPORTERS. 1879.

Name. Bales. Name. Bales N.Z. Loan & Mer- J. Terry & C 0... 255 cantile Agenoy J. Cruickahank Co 45,180 and C 0... .. 254 National Mortgo. Cargill, Joachim & Agency Co. & Co 251 of N.Z 15,885 Henry Fulton .. 251 Dalgety, Dv Croz H. Greenwood.. 224 &Co 11,009 Anderson.Ander- Miles Bros & Co. 10,233 son & Co. .. 22i Redfern.Alexan- W. Bateman & &Co 9,322 Sons .. .. 214 Sounderson.Mur- Manning & Co. 207 ray & Co. .. 8,610 B. H. Llovd&Co 203 Australian Mort. C. J. Bostock .. 197 Land & Fi- Finlay, Campbell nance Co. .. 8,235 & Co. ~ .. 195 Young, Ehlers & Potter & Co. .. 192 Co 7,517 Owen Graham.. 191 N.Z. & Austral. D. P. McEwen .. 176 Land Co. .. 7,111 W. S. Grahams 168 A.L.Klder .. 6,373 V. Jowilt &«ons 161 N. Edwards &Co i,SIS Chalmers, Guth- R. Campbell .. 4,221 rie&Co. .. 148 K. Brooks & Co. 1,135 H.H.Beauchamo 138 Bank o( N.SW, 4,003 N. F. Kobarts & Johns:n & All- Co 121 sup .. .. 3,817 Forbos, Forbes & James Morrison Co 123 & Co 3,533 W. Grico & C 0... 116 Richardsoa Bros L. J). Nathan and &Co 2,810 Co 115 BankAnstralasia 2,713 Rose and Glen llathefcon & Co. 2,221 denning .. 706 Edwards, Berniet R. Richardson .. 103 &Co 1,499 Frith, Bauds and Scales & Rosrers 1,190 Co 97 K. Hnth & C 0.... 1,111 R. Whittingham Thos. Andersor. 863 and Co 83 Fcnwick&Co... 7C'i J.Hasaell.. .. 77 K.T.KI worthy.. C'Jl A.Scott .. .. 71 Colonial Bunk of .7. Nathan & Co 73 New Zealand.. 031 cituart, cnellaud N.Z. Meat i Jru- Co 67 fccrvin^ Co. .. 58S T. J. and T. IJol Jo- Atkns&Co, .. 575 well .. .. G6 Alc,standerSclan- A 1,. Cochran d(:ra&Co. .. 509 aDdßroß. .. Go Sinclair Hamil- It. T. 'urnbull ton it Co. .. HI and Co 05 OtaKoatid9ont.h- G. Gib?on .. 61 land In v c 8t- A. l.aird .. ~ 63 mn'it Co. .. 127 J.'laylor.. .. gi E. Grey .. .. 412 W. L. Crowe and H.Kcnnard&Co. 3(0 Co 59 J. ifarrar & Hods 800 A. Dnrantfe Co. 59 Mort He Co. .. 3fl H. &G. ICub^ll 63 A.WorbUsr .. 208 Geard & Hon.. 52 H.Healey.. .. 292 Quantitiesb:;low •• ' honuiiiHon, Lam- til ly bales ~ 335 Utrt Si Co. „ 257

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closk as Unijkr:— Trim Day. For Thames, per Knterpriso. at 1.30 p.m. For Tairua, per Paku, at 4.30 p.m. Fhiday, 12th instant. For Tairua, per Coralio, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Kotomahana, at 1.39 p.m. For Kussell and Kawakawa, per Penguin, at 3 p.m. i For Walhoke and Coromandol, por Coromandol, : at 2.30 p.m. For oiaborne, Napior, Wellington, and Lyttol ton, per Southorn Cross, at 4 p.m. For VVliangarei Heads, and Wangarol, por Argvlo. at 1 p.m. For Tairua, per Klslnore, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Kntorprise, at 6.30 p.m. Saturday. 13th instant. For Waiwera, Muhuranxi, Matukana, Manga wai, Watpu, and Mungapai, per Hoso Casey, at 11) a.m. Monday, 15:h instant. For Tauranga, Gisborno, Napior, and Southorn per Penguin, at 'A p.m.

Tuicsday, Kith instant. For Kussell, Kawakuwn, and Australian Colonies, per Itingaro ima, at 3 p,m.

Tuesday, 30th instant Por s.s. City of New York aa follows :— For Sandwich inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Control and youth America, and Hritiah and Foreign West lndios, Japan, and China, including Hongkong, at 1 run. For United Kingdom and Continent o£ Knrope, at 1 p.m. For nionoy orders, and roßlstored lottora, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra foo of slxponco, In addition to tho postage, will bo rocotvod by the Mail Agent on board tho steamor up to the timo of sailing.

8. B. 81-S, Chiof Postmaster.

BIRTH.

KLLTSDON.—At her residonco, Nowton-strcot, the v,-if>> of Frederick Kllls-lon, Slater, of a. daughter.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Held Over.— A letter from Mr Hughes, Collector of Pousonby District, and other correspondence is again held over to make room for mail news.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1880.

tat the causa that lacks a_«l .tancs, For tin wrong thst needs resistance For tha future in the distance, And the Kood that wa can do.

The doings at Ohinemutu have not at tracted the attention that they deserve. And yet no place is of more importance to Auckland, and few of greater interest to the colony. That these wonderful springs and geysers, with their healing waters, should remain to this day locked up and almost unavailable to the world at large is a marvel. Whether the slothful ness of the Auck land people or the supercilious careless ness of a distant Government is to furnish the secret cause of this strange neglect; it might not be easy to determine. But there is no doubt that the great practical value and impor tance of the opening of a sanatorium for the Southern Hemisphere at Ohine mutu has been little thought of, and in effect overlookedjby the people of Auck land, who are most deeply interested in it.

It is known to those who have survived a journey through the forest between Tauranga and the Lakes that a few enterprising persons have squatted at Ohinemutu aud done their best by building inns and stores, to provide some wort of accom modationforvisitors. These adventurous individuals have got no title to the land they occupy, and are living mov ing and having their being entirely at the caprice of the native owners, "the large-inonthed Arawas," as they are called, h overtheless, visitors continued to arrive and depart—at length the usual result has happened. The squatters have quarrelled with the native owners, or the native owners have quarrelled with the squatters. A series of assaults, and batteries, eject ments, intrusions and alarms has en sued. The justices of Tauranga have dispensed justice's justice. Those who have transgressed the law, have laid in formation against those who are wait ing for an opportunity to transgress it. The police, with little reverence for the Native Eight's Act, show the world that the outside of an Englishman's house is his castle, and then reverse the maxim with great advantage to those who profit by it. Her Majesty's gaols are largely availed of in the strife. And the fiction that the R. M, Courts are incompetent to deckle titles to land is finally swept away, and relegated to the great limbo of other fictions, such as Magna Charta and the Bill of .Rights.

Seriously, speaking, tlie confusion seems complete, though we are utterly at a lose to understand what it all means, or how .matters now rest. However, out of passing disturbance producing a temporary inconvenience permanent good may foe derived. Let the Government now devotfl itself to the task of opening these springe to public use. Mr Graham asserts that the natives are willing to leave the whole affair to Mr Fenton's arrange ment, in whom they have much con fidence, and that ho would be authorised by the natives to operate npon the whole of the country there, so that a township would be laid off, and the whole country opened. We, are aware from the best authority that Mr Fen ton communicated to a previous Govern-

Mont an oiler from the natives of the dedication of tins country to public uses, but the Native Minister of the day replied by proclamation, aud there tho matter ended. And now wo road that Europeans aro to lie forbidden access to the springs absolutely. And all the while the solution of the problem is easy, and the result would be in a few years one of the largest and most prosperous towns of the colony, created largely and mostly supported by foreign capital.

AmOXG the American news items by the mail is one of special colonial interest. A telegram from Washington states : —

" Kepiesentative Horace Davis has re cently come into possession of important information showing that the continuance of the existing line of steamships running between San Francisco, the Sandwich Islands, New Zealand and Australia, ij seriously imperilled by the charge of about §100,000 (£20,000) per annum made by our Government for the transportation of the Australian closed mails across tlie continent, and he is therefore actively interesting him self to induce Postmaster-General Key to reduce this charge for transportation, aud, if possible, to relinquish it wholly. Davis, for this purpose, is drawing up a letter in which he expects to be joined by all other members of tho Pacilic Coast delegation, setting forth tho great present and prospec tive benefits to our conntiy of the trade and travel induced by this line that would be cut oflin a great measure by its discontinu ance, and calling attention also to the fol lowing facts, which are as yet by no means generally known. It appears that the British Government, viewing with jealousy the profits derived by our people, not only ftom the transcontinental travel, but more especially from our trade with Australia aud New Zealand, which now pays us a cash balance of about §5,000,000 (£1,000,000) per annum, has already taken steps to divert this travel and trade iv England, via the Suez Canal. For this purpose a fast steamship line has been subsidised, touching at Ceylon, aud carrying the English mail via Suez Canal and Brindisi, Italy—no mails being sent now via the Southampton steamers —and the rate of postage by the new line has been reduced to seyenpence, with a prospect of further reduction ; and as an additional means of detaching New South Wales and New Zealand from the support of the line to Sail Francisco, and thereby breaking it down, the London Government makes our heavy charge for continental transportation a subject of persistent complaint to these Provincial Governmouts, and threatens to add it to tho heavy burden which they already sus tain in the payment of §450,000 (£1)0,000) annual subsidy to this line, which ia more, perhaps, for our own prolit than tlieir own, as wo derive tho largest share of benefit from their trade and travel, and pay nothing whatever to the steamships for currying our own mails, except tho beggarly amount of the sea postage. It is believed that Post master-General Key, in view of his recent recommendation for the establishment of ocenu ]iostal lines by grants of liberal com pensation, will rogard this foreshadowed suggestion with groat favour, especially as there seems to be no reason to doubt that the present Government charge of transport ing ihe Australian mails across the United States is largely iv excess of what it really costs."

Though not exactly accurate in detail, tlm telegram make* a pretty fair statement of the case a-i between tliese colonies, America, and Great I'rilain, in the matter of the mail f-ervice. The Imperial Govern ment have repeatedly threatened to throw up tlieir part of tliu San Fraucbco seivice, which imposes on them the delivery of the mails at tlie port of departure on tho I'acilic coast. Naturally they are not enamoured of any lino which lunu money aud tiado away from the United Kingdom into the pockets of the people of the United States. Any country less liimly wedded to dec trade doctrines would, we believe, have refused lo assist iv the undertaking. Tlicrc is a great deal of force also iv the objection that America, the country most largely benefited has not only refused to assist but absolutely exacts a profit out of tho contract for con vey iug the mails across tho continent. When the Suu Francisco mail service was estab lished, most positive assurances wcie given that a subsidy from the American Government would be forthcoming. That failed, and the colonies, by their own energy, cariied the project to a successful is.vie. Now, if the present Government at Washington possesses any seuwe of what is just, it will manifest a more liberal disposi tion in dealing with tlie conveyance of the mails overland, aad a greater readiness to assi.st the service iv various ways than we have had occasion to thank tho United States for iv the past.

The annual exhibition of the Horticultu ral Society will be held on the 19thand20tl] of the present month in the Drill-shed.

Madame Marie Duret, a talented actress, well known in Auckland, was lying, when the mail left, seriously ill with paralysis at the Creedmoor House, corner of Bush and Larkin-streets, San Francisco, and was in distressed financial circumstances.

13y advertisement we notice Unit a course of Lectures is to be givou in Mrs. Clayton's school, Parncll. We wish to draw attention to the fact that lectures .ire frequently jjivcu in school* in lingland at the present day, and are a mean-I,we think,of conveying con siderable iufm matioii. We hope that the lecturers iv the present caso will bo well sup ported by a good audience. Tickets can be obtained from Messrs Cliamptaloup and Cooper, stationer, Queen-street.

Telegraphic communication south of Gra hamstown was interrupted for some time to-day. One wire however was working at a late hour this afternoon.

To tho Editor: Sir,—Your correspondent " Wide Awake " is evidently wide of his subject, and misunderstands the law as well as facts of the case. The matter as he puts it lies in a nutshell. Any ratepayer can appeal by law against the valuer's assess ment, whether to raise or lower does net effect the question. All he has to do is lo bring evidence that the valuer's assessment is wroiig. This, I presume, was done, or the Assessment Court would not have allowed the alteration, If otherwise, why did not the valuer object?—l pm &c, ARGUS, '

A sitting of tlie Assessment Court was held this morning at Mr T. Hayes' store, Newton, for the purpose of hearing and determining any appeals that might be made against the valuations of property in the Karaugahapo Highway District. None, however, were received, and the Judge (Mr Bars tow) and the Secretary aud Valuer (Mr Hayes) having waited a aulricient time, the Court was closed in due form. Only one more sittiu;,' remains to be held this year, and that one at Eden Terrace. It is to be hoped that the Board will guard a repeti tion of the hiatus which occurred a week or two ago.

We have been requested to state that the silt basins were designed by Mr H. P. Higginson, and the reason they have not been cleaned out is that the City Council refuse to pay their portion of the expense ; that the soundings for the railway wharf were not taken by Mr McDonald personally, but by his assistant; and that the dredge was designed by Mr Moriarty and carried out under the supervision of Mr Lodder, being afterwards placed by the Board in charge of Captain Burgess to work.

'1 here twill be a Christmas tree distribu tion at the Destitute Home, Howe-street, at 4 p.m. to-morrow, weather permitting, when the friends of the Institution are invited to be present.

By way of San Francisco wo have further telegraphic details of tho progress of uHairs in Afghanistan. General Huberts had written a minute refutation of the charges of cruelty, contained iv the letters of news paper correspondents, while hyadmittcdtliat a great many executions had taken place for various acts of murder aud rapine. A magistrate and six other Afghans were nhot for mutilating the bodies of oflicers of the British Embassy, seventeen were executed for attacks on escorts to the Embassy, and having property belonging to it iv their possession, forty-nine for murders of camp followers, fifteen for assassinating wounded soldiers, and nine others tor various ollences. Tho ferocity of tho mountain, tribes is described in a " Times " despatch from Candahar, shewing that the Ghilzais had exterminated 2,000 neutral families living outside the British lines, besides sucking several small villages and ruthlessly butcher ing the inhabitants. Wo have also particulars with respect to the rumour that England had abrogated that portion of tho . nglo-Persian treaty which precluded Persia from taking posses sion of Herat. The " Times " was tlie lirst to publish the statement, but on tho follow ing day, having apparently received a hint from a high quarter, declared that the rumour was without foundation. Ou tho same day Earl Beacouslield in reply to a queotiou by Earl Grauvillo in the House ot Lords, said communications had taken place with Persia, but without any definite result, and that meantime it would be " inconvenient aud injurious to preseut papers on tho subject." Iv a sub sequent aiticle the "Times" reverted to the subject expressing gratification at learn ing that " the permission ot tho Govern ment to occupy Herat does not ins-olvc a guarantee of securo possession," and adding that the permission was " subject to certain conditions." The IJuasian olliciul journals appear to have regarded the matter Suriou-ly, as they emphatically declared that Rus sia would cippoi-o the iv tended cession. While tills was proceeding a severe struggle wan going on in the City of Herat between the loyal tioopa and (he Cabnlcso stationed there, tlie latter being suddenly attacked witli heavy loss before they could avail themselves of their artillery, with which tlicy afterwards defeated the Hcrutese with great slaughter. Further proofs have come to light of the connivance of Russian agents iv the Afghan resistance. Whilo General Roberts was in a critical position at Shirpur the Russian General Abramow, Governor of Samarcaud, was at jJcrvvos, east of Cabul, and the centre of agitation. The position at Shirpur has been greatly strengthened in anticipation of a renewed rising of the tribes ill the spring, aud orders had been received for a general advance ot the British forces in March, Gcuera.l Bright's division moving up to support the division under General Roberta, which was greatly weakened by sickness aud casualties.

Mr Gough, the enterprising vine-grower of the Thames, has suffered this season in consequence of the blight on his vines. He bus only been able to produce about half tho quantity of wine he anticipated making. Mr Gough is in tho habit of evading the law in serviug his friends by selling a bis cuit, and giving the customer a glass of wine.

Tho St. Luke's Presbyterian soiree, Reumera, will be held on the 23rd March.

The Norlhcote (Stokes' Point) Ball, will be held on the evening of St. Patrick's day.

The Battery and Band of the New Zea land Regiment of Artillery, will meet for parade and inspection this evening.

A meeting of the Auckland United Labourers' Mutual Aid Society was held in tho school-room, Temperance Hall, Albert-street, last evening. Tlie meeting opened at half-past seven, the Vice-Presi dent in the chair. Minutes aud accounts of the previous meeting were rcatl aud confirmed. The princip.il business was the proposing of ollicers for the ensuing six months. The secretary's resignation was read and accepted. After some other minor matters had been transacted a vote of thanks was given to the late secretary for the able manner in which he cariied out his duties for tlie list six months. Tho meet ing closed at half-past nine o'clock.

The time for receiving tenders at Mr Brooking's oilice, Uigh-strect, for the erec tion of a tun-roomed house in Ponsonby, i» extended until Saturday morning, the 13th ustaut, at 10 o'clock.

Arthur Nunn, a seaman on board the British ship Loch Urr, was charged at the Police Court for disobedience of lawful com mands. The prisoner, with tho view of getting a cheap passage to the colonies, shipped asc(.ok and steward, but was found to be incapable of performing his duties; tho meat was not properly cooked, and the vegetables invariably spoilt, consequently he was disrated, and reduced to the position of a seaman. Prisoner complained that he bad not been fairly treated, and the case was adjourned at his request in order to obtain the assistance of a solicitor. Subse quently, Captain Murdoch offered him his discharge which, upon the advice of thu Magistrate, Nunn accepted, with £1 to boot.

Captain I-oKoy, of tho Naval Brigade, has received a telegram fiom Captain Wildman (now with the Thames representa tives at Nt-lsoi.) informing him that thoy expect to reach tlie Manukau ou Sunday, and promising to wire nioro dofloito infor mation upon their arrival at Taranaki. Should the .steamer containing tho men make the Manukau on Sunday morning, it is in contemplation to hold v church parade, and afterwards to march in pro cession through the city with the carbine champion mounted upon the gun carriage. Tho Volunteers would then lunch together at Waterman's Dining Rooms, aud after wards disperse.

Fatal Accident at the Dock.

SOME surprise was occasioned this morning on board the steamer Coroiuandel, which is at present lying within the graving dock, by the unaccountable absence of tho proye dorc, a married man of very steady habits, named William Bloatowo. He hud left the vessel early on the previous evening for the purpose of proceeding up the town, and as it was not usual for him to absent himself without notice, his non-arrival gave rise to much conjecture au<l uo little alarm. While the hands were in this uncertainty of mind the mate perceived a hat lloating in the water of tho caisson chamber at tho left baud sido of tho entrance to the dock, and when it had been secured it was immediately recognised as tlmt of the missing poison. The captain was at his house on shore at the time, and the men, filled with gloomy apprehensions, at once despatched a messenger to tho pnlico-atatioii to report the discovory aud their fears. Meanwhiletliey procured a pair of grapnels, and with tlieir aid began to drag the chamber. Iv a few inomonts tho body was found and brought to the surface. A severo gash was ut ouco noticed on the side of the head, whilo tlic appearance of the corpse indicated plainly that it had been immersed in tho water for sovcrul hours. Vt hile it was being raised to the top of the caisson a silver watch dropped out of one of the vest pockets, and has not since been recovered. The body was removed by tho water police to the morgue, where it awaits the coroner's iuqiust. irrom inquiries made today it would appear that Blestowe wns lost seen at 10 o'clock last night iv the Aurora Hotel, He was quite sober aud iv his usual spirits'. An inspection of tho scene of the accident will suffice to settle all speculations as to the cau3o of the un happy occurrence. Tn order to reach the steamer it is necessary to travcrso the end of tho cais-iou-top on tho left of which yawns the unprotected chamber filled with water aud llaukcd on cither side by a perpendicular wall of dressed and undressed scoria stone. Tho breadth of tho chamber is about twelve or fifteen feet, and the height from the copiug stone above to the surface of the water fully twenty feet. Great care has to be taken in getting on to tho caisson for tho projecting iron work Iwould assuredly trip up tho unwary. There'are no adjacent lamps to shed light upon the dangerous place and on a dark night such as that ot yesterday tho passage of tho cais-on would be a feat of extreme peril, The deceased mus-t have stumbled aud then plunged headlong over into the cavity, for the gash on his head shows that it was this part of his body which rectived tho concus sion of the fall. The womul is sullicient to have produced ins'aut insensibility, aud hence uo cry for help could have beenraised, nor struggle for life made. The poor fellow was hard-working nud industrious, and he leaves behind him a wife and live children, whor cside at Coromandel. The inquest will probably take place to-morrow at tlie Ulack Hull Hotel, Lower Albert-street.

Wanganui Regatta.

[UNITED PRKSs ASSOCIATION.]

WANGANUI, this day. The Scullers' Kace, prize £5, lj miles, was wou by flesiu, of Wellington.

Seiuor Four Inuiggkd Race—lst prize, £20 ; 2nd, £5 ; distance, 2.} miles : Foxton crew, 1 ; Wellington Dolly Vardcn crew, 2 ; Wangauui crew, last. This race was a great boil over, as the Foxtou men rowed in a very ugly manner. They Bhowcd great strength, and lusted well. For tho hist mile all the boats wi-re close together, then the Foxtou men gradu ally forged ahead, wiuniug by two lengths. Thero was a moguilicont race for second place between thu Dolly Varden crew and VVangauui, the first namen receiv ing second money by a quarter length. Junior Four-oared Inriggkd Boats, for oarsmen who have never rowed an ad vertised nice of tho value of £20 ; distance, 1J mild ; Ist p ize, £7; 2,id, £3.—W.n by Wanyaiiiii Star Club ; Union Club, 2. This was another closely conlo .tudrace, and was won by two lengths. Lai ils' Platk (Luroaral outriggers). !H miles ; Ist prize, £15, —Won by Dolly Varden ; Wangauui, 2nd. The Wellington men rowed splendidly and just managed to shako oil' tlie local crew,

AUCKLAND SHARE MARKET.

March 11, 1880. Rank of New Zealand—Buyers, £19 58 ; sellers- JJI9 10s Colonial Hank—Buyow, dla New Zealand Inauriince—Sellers, 51s Uuion Jusurance—Buyers, Hi Oil Colonial Insurance—Sellers, 6a Gd Aucklaud Gaa—Buyers, £8 5s N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Co.—9os; buyers, 90s: Bc'lors, 923 61 Alburnia -Buyers, 71a ; sellers, 75s Now Whau—7os to Gsb ; sellers, 67s fid Mo.inatairi-5-ls, 55a; buyera, 51s Th-unes—22s Cd New North Devon—l7s 6d to lls ; buyers, Ha ; so'lers. 151 Cure -2s. 2s6d: Beliefs, 2s9d Bendigo Unlted-3j Id, 3s 3d: sellew, 8s 2d Queen of Beauty—los, 10s 9d ; buyers, 10s 6d j selleiv, lla Columbia-3s6d to 4s; buyers, 3) 6d Kurauui Hill—7s id Joseph Newman, Chairman,

CABLE NEWS.

ATJSTEALIAN.

[REUTEE'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.]

MELBOURNE. Wednesday.

New Victorian Policy.

The Hon. Mr Service at Maldon to-night, expounding the Government programme maintains hia own scheme of Reform. _ The question of the franchise for the council has not yet been decided upon. The Govern ment purpose to empower the Council to expunge those items involving motives of policy from the Appropriation Act, dealing therewith by a separate Bill. It is also proposed to sub-divide the Mallie County in small blocks and rent them to the highest bidders, but all agricultural areas are to remain untouched, ahd squatters be allowed to hold land subjict to selection. The ad ministration or railways is to be entrusted to a Commission or lioard. He announced the Civil Service lteform would take place upon the basis of a reduction of salaries of all classes now officials, lie proposes the abolition ot pensions, civilians being com pelled to insure their lives, and every facility would he given them to do so. In regard to the Harbour Trusts he said their powers would hi enlarged. He estimated the year's deficiency at £365,000 after deducting £300,000, be referred to the lapsed not'j and stated that tho oilicials would be prohibited from interfering in politics. He said the Government would endeavour to remedy the injustice done by his predecessors, wherever such was prac ticable, but would not interfere with protec tion whilst relieving the farmers and miners. He would not alter tko Education Act, if payment of members was unmentioned. SYDNEY. March 10. Bishop Selwyn. Bishop Selwyn has arrived at Gunga from Norfolk Island en route to Aucklaud. Mauritius Sugar Market. MAUJtUTI US- February 2G. Whites, 34 ; yellow, 32. The Crop pros pects are favourable, freight is high, and tonnage scarce.

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day.

THE NEW WHAU.

(From ouk Own corkkspondknt.)

There was intense excitement at tho Corner last evening, when 4cwt of finest class specimens were broken down iv the New Whau, leaving even a better show. SHAREMaRKIST.

Tho Shareinarket closes at noon to-day. Albumin: Sellers, 77s 6d. New Whau: Css to G7s 6d ; sellers, GBs Gd, buyers, GGs Gd. New North Devon : 10"s; sellers, 15s 3d ; Queeu of Beauly, 9< Gd to 10s ; buyers, 10«. Bendigo, 3» to 2s 4d. Sellers, 3g 9d ; buyers, Columbiu, ii ; sellers, 3s 9d ; Moanatairi, buyers, 535. The next breaking down in the Whau will take place on Saturday. Tho Freemasons largely attended the remains of (Jeorgo Pitkethley to the Enter prise steamer.

CAMBRIDGE, this day.

BACHELORS' BALL.

The bachelor.-!1 la>t night gave a ball to tho settlers', which was a great success. About thirty couples stood up, including several of Mr Firth's guest*. Tho dancing was kept up till daylight. Tho arrange ments reflected great credit on the com mittee The local band was in attendance.

WAIUKU Wednesday.

FIRE AT WAI UK U.

Walter McEwain'a house, at lSeedres Point, was burued down last night but no paiticu 1.11-3 are to hand.

CISBOKNE, this day.

THE WARD CASE.

Ward's case is dismissed. The Magis trate stating that the case was not snbstan tiitcd by witnesses entitled to ordinary credence. The whole proceedings are looked upon as frivolous and vexatious. Mr Uees appeared for tho prosecution, Mr Brassy for defendant.

{PEIi UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

Mr Barns, formerly M.H.lt. for Itoslyn, has been appointed member of tho Com mission on Local Industries

Mr Parkinson has been appointed short hand reporter to the Civil iservico Com mission.

GUTJIRIE AND LARNACH'S MILLS BURNT.

INVKRCAKGILL, this day,

Guthiio and Larnach's largo saw mill at Woodend wa* burnt to the ground this morning. Besides tlie expensive machinery, 20,000 feot of dressed timber were destroyed. Insurances : British aud Mercantile, £250; buildiug*,, £500; plant, N. Z., £700; Bindings, £600; machinery, £200; Engine, S. British, £1,000; engine and machinery, £500 of last amount re-insured in the Colonial. The fire throws forty-five parsons out of employment. By a fire in a stable of Mr McLashlains Dipton, the Victoria oilice loses £150.

Sporting.

(BY TELEGRAPH)

DARGAVILLE RACES.

DAII3AVILLE, this day,

The weather is vory stormy. The town ship was flooded, and many horsos woro obliged to bo removed from tho stables. The mills woro closed yestorday, but uro working to-day, which will interfere with tho attendance. Tho course is very heavy and wet. 1.55 p.m. About COO people aro on the course. The Giandstand is crowded. The weather ia fine, with an occasional shower. Ono totalisutor is on tho ground, but it is poorly patronised. Thero is very little betting. Maiden Plate.—Ellesraere, 1; Milk man, 2 ; Border Chief, 3. Betting ou Ellcsmero, who wou easily by two lensths. Border Chief pulled up. Maiden Hurdles, of £30; distance, 2 miles.—Lark, 1 ; Border Chief, 2; Minnie Casey, 3. Betting even on Lark. Won in a canter. Casey's Will fell twice. The rest were scratched. Dargaviu.k Cup, 80 soys.; 2nd horse 10 soys.; distance 4 miles. Young Per former was scratched. PiVcitorious and Mnlvern were the only horsen backed. The result was ; Xantippe, 1 ; Ta;po, 2 ; Alalvorn, ',}.

WANGANUI RACES.

Wanganui, this day. The woathor is looking threatening for the races.

Tho latest betting on the Cup is : 130 to 35 Hornby (tk), 100 to 25 Betrayer (tk), 100 to 20 Otawa (tk), 100 to 12 Vampire (tk), 100 to 16 Hailstorm (tk), 100 to 15 Hippo (oil), 100 to 15 Libeller (oil), 100 to 15 Mima (oil'), 100 to 15 Laertos (tk), 100 to 10 Magnolia (tk), 100 to 7 Soukar (oil), 100 to 10 Balmorul (tk), 100 to 5 against any other. Hurdle Rack.—Abolition won by two lengths. Clarence, Gazollo, Kangatira, Stella, Grey Momus, Hardy, and Penelopo also ran.

Time, 4mins. 44Jsecs. Hutting was in favour of Momus, and Claronce Wanganui.

Deriiy, of lOOsovs. Itockot, Ist; Saunteier, 2nd; My Droam, 3rd, Time, 2mius. 50£3eos.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before W. J. Hurst, Esq.) DRUNKENNESS. Two drunkards were disposed of in the the usual way. VAGRANCY, D. M. Ambrose was charged with being a vagrant. Ou the application of Sub-Inspector Purdy, the case was adjourned for medical examination, to be at 11.30 to-day. 'J his was all the business.

The monthly inspection of the Aucklaud Naval Brigade will be held at 7.30 to-mor row evening.

A meeting of the membera of the Loyal Star of Aucklaud Lodge of Oddfellows, American constitution, will be held this evening in the Insurance Buildings, for the consideration of the by-laws.

A newly invented instrument called the ephygmophone transmutos the movements of the aiterial pulse iuto loud telephonic BOUudfi,

ARRIVAL OF THE P.M. CO.'S 'ZEALANDIA' WITH THE English and American Mails.

English Summary.

LONDON, February IG.

Samuel H. Plimsoll, Liberal member from Derby, introduced a bill requiring where more than one-third of a ship s cargo consists of grain or nuts, it must De put in bags, sacks, or barrels. Iv the House of Commons, Thursday, Gourley (Liberal), merchant and ship owner, will ask ihe Chancellor of the Exchequer if the claim of the United States for §103,000 for damages by New foundland fishermen to the Fortune Bay (Massachusetts) fishing fleet has been amicably arranged.

The election for Member of Parliament at Barnstable to-day resulted as follows : — Lord Lymington, Liberal, 817 ; Sir Kobert Carden, Conservative, 721. The steamer Constance, coal laden, from Cardiff for Malta, foundered in a gale on Monday last off Lands End. All the crew were drowned except two men, who were rescued by a steamer believed to be bound for America.

In the House of Commons Whcelhouse (Conservative) moved a select committee to consider the commercial relations between England and foreign nations, especially with reference to the importation of manu factured goods from abroad and the effect of free trade. He said that America had beaten England in coMou cloths, and that the great manufacturing mills which were once working here were now only to be found in America. After a short debate the motion was rejected. In the House of Lords to-day Earl Gran viile asked whether Lord Beaconafield by his recent statements meant that no decision had been arrived at regarding Herat. Lord Beaconslield said it would only lead to mis conception if we went beyond the absolute statement that Her Majesty's Government had not released Persia from her engage ment not to occupy Herat. The " North German Gazette," in an article on British politics, expresses the opinion that in the next general election in Great Britain the Liberals will pay dearly for leaguing with the Irish. The Gibraltar " Guardian" says : The Moors at Fez, Morocco, have attacked the Jews, wounding several. They covered an old man over 70 yeare of age with petroleum, and burned him alive amidst shouts of joy. Two of the wounded Jews are French sub jects. John Locke, Liberal member of Parlia ment for Southwark, is dead, aged 75. The steamer Betigole, coal laden from Penarth for Gibraltar, foundered when two days from port. Thirteen of the crew were drowned and six saved.

A violent storm has raged in the Mediter ranean for two days past. Five professional roughs, the ringleaders and organisers of the bread riots in Cork, have been sentenced to six weeks' imprison ment.

Burnley operatives give notice of a strike on the 25th, uuloss there is a compromise. Twenty-live mills are idle. The French steamer Valentine, from CardifF for Dieppe, has foundered. Sixteen persons weie drowned. Henry M. Stanley has established the lirst Helgiau trading station in Congo, near Yallala.

Walters, one of tbe principles in the great turf frauds, in connection with which Hen son, Kerr, and three detectives—Micklo john, Druacovitch, and Palmer, — were con victed in 1878, has been arrested.

The Theatre Royal, Dublin, is completely destroyed. The fire was occasioned by ignition of the curtains of their state box. One woman and seven men were killed, and thirteen workmen and firemen seriously wounded. Everything in tlie building was consumed, including a large and costly wardrobe. Manager Egerton lost his life by remaining too long in the building. Director Gould, of the National Observa tory at Cordova, Argentine Kepubhc, tele graphs that a great comet is parsing the sun in a northward direction.

A fresh announcement of the intention of Dean Stanley to allow a complete "tutue of Louis Napoleon to be erected in Westmin ster Abbjy occasions general surprise and regret. The " Pall Mall Gazctie" pub li-hes a long and powerful letter, declaring it a dcseciation of the noblest, national shrine. The Queen is reported to be re solved to insist on the monument's bein? erected in the Abbey, and nowhere else Spurgeon in a sermon said : Kuylaud's rulers were mnkng bloody wars aud op« pressing nations ; that they encouraged ami consoled themselves with tlierclleetion that " We arc a great people and, by jingo, do what we like, it will all come ri>;ht in the end," but they should remember that pride went before a fall.

Experts estimate the losses of farmers of the United Kingdom during 1579, at from £100,000,000 to £150,000,000.

The Marquis ot Anglesey, Liberal mem ber of the House of Poors, in dead : aged fifty-nine

Win. 11. Smith, fust Lord of the Admir alty, Liberal Conservative speaking in Weitmiuister last night, coudenined the disposition of certain Liberal politicians to coquette with the Home Rulers, evidently referring to the promise of Lord Ramsay to support an inquiry into the question of Home Hule in the Houso of Commons, in return for which Liverpool Home Kulers promised him their votes. The Lord Mayor of Dublin publishes a letter, saying that the Duke of Marlborough Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, hi refusing to attend the Mansion House dinner, descend ed from the position as representative of the tijiieen, to that ot a representative of a party.

American Summary.

SAN FRANCISCO, January 17.

Gorley will, at an early date, introduce an Act to provide for tlio equal taxation of assessable lands, ami to define their bound aries. It provides that the Boards of of each country, or city and couutry, within the State of California, shall cause all assessable lauds within tho country limits to be classified by sections, and gra ded according to the quality and value of such land*, regardless of the improvements thereon ; and all unanrvoyed laud shall be surveyed and scctionized for the purpose of arriving nt the assessable value thereof.

The Mongolian bill will enact that no person nor corporation holding or using any special privilcgo or valuable franchise from this State shall employ, in or about the business connected with or relating to suoh privilege or franchise, any Chinese or Mon golians. Violation of this Act is a misde meanor, punishable by forfeiture ot franch ise, audit fine of not more than a §1,000. The Act is to take effect thirty days after passage. The third bill provides that no corporation sli.ill hereafter bo formed unless its articles set forth that neither it nor its employees will einphiy Chinese, A goner.il disclmrgo of Chinamen appears to bo in progress throughout San Fran cisco.

C)u the 9th instant Captain Kuckcr, Ninth Cavalry, com maud ing one of the columns pursuing tho hostile Iddians, after following thorn two dojs with Ilia cutiio command in tha direction of B{\u Andvoas, came suddenly upon thorn willingly fortified iti a narrow aud rough canyon. The troops woro rcoeivod by a.heavy lire, under which several horses and men fell. Perceiving their advantage, the Indiaus charged the troops, who gave way and retreated pell mell. The ludians bacame the pursuers, and drove the troops across the rlvey. In tho retreat all rations and bedding were abaudoucd, which the Indians secured, A " Swn special from Washington says: There is good reason to bolieve that the Hayes Administration has engaged to buy or has already bought, part of a, naval and coaling station in Central America, and is negotiating for the entire region known as the Chiriqui Tract, with a view of holding the belt across the isthmus. It is also believed that a naval oxpodition rendez voused at t])o points indicated to tako possession of the land to establish stations. The two naval stations thus sought to be secured are on the opposite sides of the isthmus. One is Chiriqui Bay oa the Atlantic coast, the other the Gulf on Dulce, on the Pacilic.

Advices from Panama stale that good work has bojn don; in the surveys fora canal, w which much ami valuable assist ance has been rendered to the Commission by the American engineers Colonel Totten aud General Wright.

Frank Morris, ot No\y Yovl*, appeared before the lioiwe Select Committee an the fnteioceanie Ship Canal, aud urged the claims of the American, Atlantic, and Pacilic Canal Compauj to the exclusive right of constructing a ship canal by way of Lake Nicaragua.

A "Tribune" Leavonworth (Kansas) special says : A ctive preparations making at Fort Leavenworth to. concentrate large bodies of troops and great stores of supplies on the frontier, strengthened by the oalief of officers, indicate that a general Indian outbreak is anticipated among the Utes o Colorado and the Southwestern tribes,

A congressman irom Georgia—Mr Spear uaß introduced a bill prohibiting the bands of the army from playing on Sunday. A bill is before Congress to secure a re duction of the duty on steel rails of foreign manufacture from $28 dollars to §10 per ton. The fugitive Governor of Lower California arrived at San Diego a day or two ago, and complained of having been driven from power and position by an envious rival at the head of an army of fifty men. The select committee of the House upon the alcoholic liquor traffic instructed Repre sentative Brewer to report a bill to the Howe providing for the appointment^ of a commission of ten members to investigate the nibject, to serve without pay, and to be selected irrespective of their views on the liquor traffic. rJbe bill also appropriates §10 000 for the expenses of the Commission. A quarrel having occurred between two editors named Carlton and Brummet, the latter having charged the former with theft, Carlton met his accuser,* young man of 21, and shot him dead. A despatch from Kio de Janeiro, by way of Lisbon, regarding the recent riots says : In consequence of public opposition to the levying of a tax of twenty reis per passenger on street car traffic, the mob destroyed the cars and tracks, attacked the conductors and stoned and fired on the troop?. The latter charged on and dispersed the mob. Three persons were killed and thirty wounded, including some soldiers and policemen. Order was finally restored and tramway traffic resumed. Thegovernmeut, replying to a deputation, refused to remove the impost. Cauca valley, Panama, was devastated by recent floods. The rivtr inundated the country for about three miles, sweeping away villages, crops, cattie, goats, and horses. The farmers had to go armed to protect themselves against the immense snakes which had been driven down the valley by the torrent. The recent earthquake left all public buildings and most private hoHses, except those of wood, in San Cristobal, in a heap of luinK. In the Vuelta Abajo sulphurous eruptions took place. Ten Chinamen were burnt to death in San Francisco while stupliied with opium.

Bret Harte is reported to be on the point of resigning his German Consulate ou account of ill health. The truth of tho matter probably is that he finds it difficult to exist on the meagie salary connected with the position. At a late bour on February 15th a fire broke out iv the Etnpfre warehouse, Chicago. The loss on the building is $50,000. The treaty between the United States and France, signed at Washington on the 15th of January, for the settlement of the claims of French citizens, resulting from the war of the rebellion, has been published here. It provides that a Commission of three member.-*, one appointed by France, one by the United States, and a third by the Kmperor of Brazil, shall meet six months alter the exchange of ratifications, to sit in arbitration on the claims of French subjects, and on any counter-claims of American citizens who sustained losses under like circumstances. The United States Govern ment having absolutely refused to accept responsibility for the acts of the Confeder ates, or for any loss arising from the loss or emancipation of slave*. The report of an International Scientific Commission of Engineers for verification of the survey of the Pauatna Canal recom mends than an artificial lake shall be made iv (he valley of the Upper Chargres, to gether with a large dam with sluices, to be built at Cruces, near Matachin. The total expense of tho work is estimated by the Commission at §170,000,000. It is to oc cupy eight years. A cjurier from Spotted Tail Agency re ports the savages in consternation over the ravages of the smallpox. None have been known to recover. Many die in a few hours after being stricken. Mormon Elder Thatcher returned to the United States from Mexico, somewhat die* appoiuted iv his mission. The Mexican Government will protect Mormons in their worship, but not in polygamy. Late advices from Mexico state that the insurrection in Lower California has been about subdued by the Mexican regulars. On the 27 January information was received at Mazatlan, from La Paz, that Marquez had left for the frontior and that but twenty five of his troops remained in the city. On the 29th the Mexican fleet, consisting of one gunboat, two stearatugs, and four sailing vessels, wilh six hundred men, left Mazat lan to recapturo La Paz. 'Ihe English man-of-war Penguin arived at Mazatlan on the 22nd., and after coaling, proceed to La Paz, where she had been ordered to pro tect the interests of the English residents. The sedition at Mazatlan has b;en entirely suppressed. Thirty men have surrendered at Copala and the balance has disappeared.

De Lesseps has eight working parties aud over 130 men surveying the Isthmus for the Intcr-Oceauic Canal,

On the 2Sth of January some Uncapapa Indians raided a tirosventre camp and captured a herd of ponies. The next day a war party of Grosventres, after riding forty miles, attneked the marauders and joined battle, which was fierce and bloody, fifty men being killed aud the stook recap tured. The ao-callod General Libano Sanches has been routed at Manacas Cuba, and insurgent Colonel Aguilera is closely pur sued. Lieutenant Colonel Keiuosos' coni maud surprised the enemy's camp, burning six hundred tents. The so-called General Peraltz surrendered, aud he and Kis entire command were pardoned, 'I he jurisdiction of liaracoa seems to be ontiroly pacified.

Foreign and Continental.

France

It is announced from Paris that the total loss aud expense to Franco iv consequence of the war with Germany foots up a sum equal to !?2,5q0,000,000. Pt re Ilyacintho hits asked the Prefect of tha Seine to grant him the use of the Church of the Assumption, Hue St. Kouore, occur pied by the Polish fraternity. Pere liyacin the pleads that his present church is un suitable, being too small and too high a rental.

The train from Paris which loft Lazare station at G o'clock for Argmiteuil, came into collision in a deu.'O fug with a traiu of the Circular Railroad at Olichy. The ongi ncer lost bath lo«s, nnd his stoker was killed on the spot. Of the passcngors, seven were killed outright, and over t rty injured. Sixty houses have been burned at Ayet, near Foix. The people are iv great dis tress.

Spain.

Madrid, February 16,

A railway traiu from Andalusia for Madrid, carrying a government treasure chest under charge of five gendarmes, was stopped an Sunday by sixteen brigauds, between Alcazar and Argamasilla. Marshal Serrano, happeniug to be a passenger on the train, took coinmind of the gendarmes aud fired on tiie bandits, who il:d. One gendarme was wounded.

Otlicial dispatches »yo received giving further details of the recent hurricane iv the Philippine Islands. Twenty-live ye sels of various olasw 9 wcrewicckcd, iucludiii |four foreign frigates. A large number of other vessels were damaged. Forty-six lCisqas weio drowned.

A rich laiul-ownor near Baicalona his Wife, three daughters, stun, awl two, women servants wore :<\\ found niun'ecd in their beds, l |\o deed, wat appa>cuLly ,j,, ne w j t j, 0, liatoitut, The home was ransadfcq I. A swineherd aud his two sons have Uocn ay» rested.

Russia.

A despatch from St. Petersburg says • "It Js stated on good authority that no measures for reorganising the political ad ministration are to be Expected on the twcnty.nfth anniversary of the Caar's accession to the three. All mmqura re lative to contemplated new financial measures are cle.lared, m Uu-rXnned circles, to ba unfounded « t Ai a mooting of tho English residents of bt. 1 etershurg it was unanimously resolved Wr'Z n . a con^?tulatory address to the Uai on the occasion of the twenty-fifth "So^ to the throne. Gcno.al SkobelolT will only command the inn nnV*^' 01? if tbeffeeo *cc ** ««<!at 100 000, winch the Minister of War has mtherto refuse 1 to accede i,™C^ ha£i, fon ™>atetl reforms to be inaugurated on the twe^ty-fifth anniversary of hu accession. Tho Jews are to be placed thoJM •' p° h- aVe Privil°ges similar td tjhoso ot other Russian provinces, . „.. Kuss»an police haviug proved bo very the S- 1" the,P rolQa 2ed «*WWBIe with the n ihUiste, fl Jarge number of German VQlloe have been summoned from the Baltic provinces of the empire.

ti an ,NewYi.rk, January 30th. itxe Graphic ' publishes «dispatch from UUessa cootaiuiug a rumour that a Russian transport vessel, with two thousand troops aboard, has beeo lost in the Caspian sea and that most, it not all, the soldiers perished,

A new revolutionary proclamation is being circulated by students of the Hidi Schools. Tho students draw a terrible P«ture of their condition, and dccl t , e will faght the great Moloch called the Rn& S»f»\ fVe^° nt tO- the end > evea though :he best of them perish. :t Theproclaraatioa.

is considered important, as showing th formation of a new party against tho Government. "° General Turgukasoff has gone to Tiflio+A participate in the council of war to deeM whether the Turcoman campaign shall \ defensive or offeDsive. The Mos " Courier " says : It is believed a maiorit" ot the officers composing the mim " council at Tillis think it is irapoSl? take the offensive in consequence of scarp-* of beasts ot burden. ra"? The Nihilists have 'issued another niw gramme in favour of permanent popular I presentation with full power over all cc ral State questions ; a wide liberty of 1! i self •government the independence of ruS Committees ; the principle that land is ti property of the people ; the transfer of *« works and factories to the working m complete liberty of speech, conecienrV press, public meetings and association, and electoral agitation and replacement I the stauding army by a territorial army The internal condition of Russia i*\ coming daily more critical. A number nf officers high iv command have become dia affected, while those not promoted after th late war with Turkey have, with few excfcn tions, joined the Revolutionists. ■»■

Germany.

Berlin, February lea, The "Germania," the Ultramontane organ, calls on the Reichstag to denianH from Priuce Bismarck explanations regard ing the relations of Germany with Austria and other Governments. a

A Berlin dispatch says : The object of the bill presented in the Bundesrath h» Prussia, prohibiting foreign vessels from engaging in the coasting trade of Germany except where the right is acquired by treaty or by special permission, is to enable the Government to take reprisals against Piii««i, and the United States. US3la

The session of the Reichstag was opened on February 12th. The speech fiom the throne states that the relations ot tjc Q o vernment with all tho foreign Powers ate peaceful and friendly, and confidence is felt in the maintenance of peace through the labours of the Berlin Congress. The pri n ! cipal measures for legislation announced in the speech are: A bill for establishing biennial budgets; new military law ; p ro . longation of the law against Socialists and for a commercial treaty with the South Sea Islands. The speech justified military law as a measure of security, made necessary by the increased armaments of neighbour. ing countries. In regard to miliiary l aw ' the Emperor says he is confident that the whole German nation will demand the protection of the national welfare againtt danger, with the same firmness as Federal Governments. He declares that the anti. Socialist law has kept Socialists within certain bounds, but has not succeeded in altogether preventing them. The attaiu. ment of this end is impossible without the law. The speech wa3 read by Count Yon Stolberg Wernigerode, who opened the session in the name of the Emperor. The "North German Gazette" gays; Germany's army is her weapon of defence," and not of attack. We would be very glad* if the same could be said with certainty of the armies of our neighbours.

Semi-officially, the " North German Gazette," referring to the warlike interpre. tation by French newspapers of the German Array Bill, says :—The French army esli. mates for for 1870 were barely 500,000,000 francs, while they now exceed 900,000,00 ft franc?. The French army is better armed and numerically stronger than the German army. The Russian army has 'also been considerably increased.

In the Iteichstag to-day Count Yon Aruini BoytKubaru was elected President of the Chamber, reoeiying 154 out. of 244 votes.

It ia reported on fair authority here that a Special alliance is about to be calculated between England, Germany, and Austria.

It is announced thatf the Government in. tends to propose a tax ou all persons exempt from military service.

A " Times " Berlin correspondent asserts that a complete understanding has bsea arrived at ou all important questions regard, ing the home and foreign policy between: Prince Bismarck aud Emperor William. The same correspondent says the rumour that the Crown Prince has been commissioned to visit the Pope, to come to an understanding on the church struggle, is unfounded! Prince Bismarck ha 3 resumed his functions with all his old energy. 6 The strength of the German army on a peace footing, as shown by the military bod> get of 1880-81, is 17,227 officers and 401,659 men. This does not include the projected in orease, which the Cologne " Gazette "says is chiefly destined to reinforce 'Alsace Lorraine garrisons. The new lieldjutuW regiment ia to be stationed at Metz, »ii . heavy artillery to bo divided'amongst fon - tresses of Alsace-Lorraine. ' ;-*

A fire damp explosion occurred in a collery at Meissen, Saxony. Ten dead and! wounded have been taken out of the pit It is believed there are five corpses still in in the pit.

Turkey.

Constantinople, Fob. 16.

The neglect of the military authorities to provide proper io.od and pay for the troops at Janinn, led to an outbreak, which might have resulted very seriously. ,; Arrange-, raeuts were being made here to send a forw to suppress the outbreak, but it is HOT: stated that the men have received some1 pay, and better commissariat arrangements have been made.

The elections for the Bulgariam Assembly terminated in the re-election of most of the Liberal members. It is thought that Prince Alexander will again dissolve the Assem bly. ; ft

Montenegro has ordered 4,000,000 cart." ridges from an Austrian manufacturer, a portion of which have been already delivered.

A Constantinople dispatch.;asserts that great distress prevails ir»_ ; Adrianopta Fifteen persons were trsuiid dead from hunger there in one day. In some cases pieces of wood wero found in the mouths of the corpses. A correspondent at Constantinople saja the people and press of that city arc vety virulent against England, on accouut of th» German missionary incident.

Japan.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES. On the 18tu of January three separate" fires took place m Tokio. One at Arai.and another at Matsamoto, were extinguished before much damage was done. That MM Mutsay ed a-cho had gained a strong hold bevr fore an effective alarm was given and 35!),; houses were destroyed. In addition to the; houses burnt, forty were pulled down to check the progress of the flames.

A report issued by the Tokio Fa st&t< a the total number of houses consumed^' the , terrible fire in Tokio on the 26th i^embcr ' to, be 10,430. Two public sel>' jO f g tw» bridges, aud six junks were ak«> destroyed; 35,950 people wero rende-r^) homeless, 23 lives were lost, anil 5Q po* o_s0 _ s tfere more or less serioualy Injured. s On the ?th Jauua.vy' ,it oE o , aka w3; - Visited by a ContW iation hicll broke out atbonozakj, A>, irt it soveW house. «« burned, hr,,, lust their lives, and many were \YOun0 e j On tho ' of Dncembor a lire broke oat * * \>* tillage of Shigehara, in the province °l .»:adzusa, containing about 500 hoasis, *v.'d only upon the destruction of the W ouildiug in the place did the liro'bura itscu out. ./■■ The movement iv Tokio for a loan to »b used in checking the ravages of fire in th»s city is likely to result in the subHcriutioa of a sum of 200,000 yen, which the com mittco propose to use in the ercciion ot largo fire-proof storehouses at suitabw. places within the limits of the late confla gration. Subscriptions in Tokio in aia« tbe sufferers by the great lire exceed 20,000 yon. The frequency of fires is likely to lead to the enactment of a more stringe"l law providing for the punishment of arson with death. WARLIKE PREPARATIONS.

The Japanese arsenals are sr.id to be en; gaged day aud night in the preparation ot war material; in which respect the neffs from China shows that equal activity £«• vails in the neighbouring Empire. T"8 comraanderd of the various garrieon* thioughout the Empire have been snm* moned to Tokio. The ol'ject is «H known. The Japauese Government has decidw upon the coustruction of a fort atKnno 11" saki, to command the entrance to the w of Yedo. The fort will fee armed w*; twelve cannon of thirty centimeters, 'iw uew Krupp of this calibre carries a shell»'.: nearly 800 pounds; and a charge' or am pounds of powder. The Shimoneseki en trance will also be protected byfortin»" tions. , According to a return issued "by f^ Japanese Central Board of Health, cholera cases from the beginning to the end of »» year numbers 168,314. Of these IW,«* proved fatal, 47.855 persons recovered, the remaindes were under treatment onWJ 27th December last. The exposes « cholera preventive measures excee". $1,000,000. - . ,^ ~„.:-! The Japan •'Mail"1 tfdlM#we ."'?„ that China would .he a'.wfcli w^ a military conflict, and characterises w» ,j Chinese'array «» "a loose coUecUoaW|

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1880.



Special Advertisements. TMTACINTOSH & "VY/'ATERPROOF /"IOATS. We are XOW SHOWING a Large Assort ment of NIC \V GOODS in VULCANITE & DOUBLE TEXTURES, from 16in. to oflin. in length, with ext a long fly at back, to open for riding. Thee goods are of superior quality, Rnd GUARANTEED WATERPROOF. SILK UMBRELLAS ALPACA UMHRKLLAS ZANKLIiA UMBRELLAS GINGHAM UMBRKLLAB In Great Variety. Agents for WERTIIEIM'S SEWING MACHINES, NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, QUEEN-STREET, OPPOSITE 'J lIE.VTRE ROYAL. J. BTTZ3IMONS, Manaoeb. [ESTABLISHED A.D. ]553.] T*T ILL [A M T> ATTR AY, DRAPER, CI OTBIEIi, SILK MERCER, AND MERCHANT TAILOR, 66, QUEEN-STEKET, A UCKLAND, tllas Just Kccciived a L^A R|G R [A !S S Ogil?T M X N T ov CALICOS, LINENS, TABLE DAMASKS, DAMASK TABLE CLOTHS AND NAPKINS, HUCKABACK & TURKISH TOWELS, COUNTERPANES, AND OTHER THIURNISHING T> KQUISITES, Which woro bought during the recent doprossion in English Trade, and will be offered at proportionately LOW PRICES. Note the Address— 6G, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND (Opposite the Bank of Now Zealand). 'Tl H 1 S L I X U M. 100 DOZEN 2-BUTTON KID G|LOVES (Quito sound), Only Is lid per pair, A Large' Stock ol FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY, COSTUMES, PINAFORES, DRESS GOODS, &c., f.&c. To bo Sold at NettJCaah, for a Short Timo only. DRESSMAKING ON THE PREMISES. Costumes made in 21 hours' notice. A. LINABURY & CO., 201 AND 206. QUKKN-STREKT. nAELICK & pRANWELL Have Just Added to their Stock rtpr casks OF "OKDSTKADSI Ex 'Loch Uer' and 'Stkacatiiro.' NOW ON VIEW THE LARGEST AND BEST ASSORTMENT OF Brass and Iron Bedsteads IN AUCKLAND. Oar Last Importations (JU3T OPENED) are Dikkct prom the Manufacturkrh, and Despatched to us before the Rise in the Frico of Iron. We shall SHLL this Shipment at OLD RATES Handsome Ilalf-toetor Bedstead sft. wide (extra lar^e) Handsome Half-toater Bedstead <ljft. , ~ 3Jft. , „ French „ allßizes,' np to fif t. wide COTS, with Open und Perforated Sidea CHILDHKN'S BKDSTKADS, SO. UPWARDS OF *?J»A BKDSTEADS TO SELECT FROM, VERY CHEAP. npiTRNisH -youß ttouse - FROM THE CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE. ; FURNITURE ■-'..■ S per ct. Discount for Cash CARPSTS .. „ 5 „ Discpunt „ LINOLEUM ..5 „ Discount „ OILCLOTHS ..5 „ Discount „ BEDDING „ .. o „ Discount „ BEDSTEADS '..5 „ Discount ~ TOILETWARE _ 5 „ Discount „ TOILET & PIER GLASSKS_ .. „ Discount „ FBNDEKS&IRONS 5 „ Discount „ Book catalogues £sbnt Free. DESIGNS AND ESTIMATES GIVEN, |~\ARLICK & nKAJHWELL, CITYIIIALL ARCADE, Auckland. aREAT OARGAINS R E A T JD A R H A I N S GREAT {BARGAINS ! GREAT BARGAINS I GREAT BARGAINS 1 JUST OPENED, A SPLENDID LINE j i;.V ",. OF |||EN'S rpWiEED gl/ITS, AT 27 s 6 D- Worth 45a, ONE OASK jyjEN'.S JTLAX gHIKTS, With Collars. AT 4 s 6D WORTH 63 6d. ONE BALE gUPER. JJLANKETS, 13 S 6 D' WoiiTir 20s. Inspection specially invited tc OUR OWN MAKE OF BOYS' PLAITED TUNIC SUITS, From 2 gSi t2T Note the Address— ■ •■' j J. B. ROBINS ON, •A UCKLAND pU)THINGr TjiACTORY, NEXT MESSRS TONKS & CO.'S auction mart., , , J ';; *



Special Adveruements. 7\ U R /^ RE A X eA L E o» MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, RATS, CAPS, AND SHIRTS, ICOJWMKNO|K|S THIS EVENJNU. Ali;the Now Shipments recently recoived will be sold at SALE T> R I C,E S. ALK 1 RICES. J. CO S G RAY E & CO. 7a n s a l IS, Kcarsloy's Combi&ed Reapers and Mower Mangold and Turnip Drills Turnip Slicora Oilcake Breakers Winnowing Machinea Lawn Mowers. Also, TO ARRIVE, PER 'INGLEWOOD,' Coulter's Corn, Mangold, Turnip, and ' Manure Drills, combined And Ploughs, doublo andis'ingle Harrows •tollers &c. &c. «o Tho'above goods aro imported diroctod rom tho manafaoturers, and will bo sold cheap to mako room ior furthor shipments. vV. J. HURST & CO., 181. Uaoen-street.



ihe fountain of perpetual youth does not spring exclusively within tho confines of classic story. Ita fresh and living waters flow to-day from other well-heads. The weak and tho de bilitated havo but to drink of Udolpho Wolfo's Sei'iertam Aromatic Sehuappj, and soon they Start to renewed vitality. Ie U the modern ro vivill r, t-jiiuluiig its eluslicity and strongth, the impuirod in nealth and the suffering with disease.