SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

H.mh watkhJ Thls Evening, 7.53 : ! H'HH WAIH-'tiTo-mcrrow Morning, 8.15 1; FUN SKT.-Thls Evening, 6.39 ' i RUN RISH.—To-Monow Morning,s.47 i MOON'S AGE.-Last Quartos, 10.15 a m. :

ARRIVALS.

Wanaka. s s.. McGillivray, frcm-Rua'c 1 Mary Mildred, barque, Brown, from Newcaatle Anno Milbauk, p.s. Anderson, f norn Whangarei

TO-DAY.

Stracathro, ba-quo Millar, from london '• ararua, s s., Mulr, from Melbourne , Hero s.s. Logan from Sydney and 3_el.onr._e. | Activo, brigantine, irom Sydney.

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Wnnako, as., McGillivray, for tho South. YESTERDAY. Transit, schooner, Garrnwny, for Tahiti.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Tauranga—Glenelg, MonLay For New Plymouth ar_l' Southern PorU , — Wellington, Wednesday For Russell—lona, Monday; Wanaka, Moni lay For Tauranga and Southern Ports'-Waua ka, Monday Whangarei—Argyle, Tuesdays' and* Friaa{ fa ; Anne Milbank, Mcndays and Thursdays, Lyttelton.—British Empire. New Caledonia—Mary Anderson, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Caledonia, schooner, from Tonga. Mazeppa, schooner, from Rarotonga. Sovereign of the Seas, cutter, from NiWUile donia. Rona, schooner, from Timara. Bismarck, H.LG.M.s., from Samoa Earl Granville, ship, from London; sailed .No vember 29

IMPORTS.

Per Sti acathro,* from London :— . , 1 case West's solitaires, 1 bi>x ivory tooth combs, 1 case G.B.D. briars, 1 do P. and W. pouchos, 3 do concertinas and han_ioni vms, l cic. E.P. forks nnd spoons, 1 box silver thimbles, 1. do pocket compasseH. 1 case P.M. goods. _ do jet good., 1 do rtdelaidecorkscrews, lbalestraw basketf, I case olastio bandp, 1 do Rerun wool, slippers, and cusions, 1 do Johnsons cutlery, 1 do hair brushes, 2 do Japanesque stationery, l do leather und stoel alberts, 1 do power flasks, Jo'shoL pouches arid belts, 1 do assorted bi ilaaces, 1 do lead pencils, 7 do sundry fancy goo.is.— ju. Levy and Co. 1 package new music—Auckland Music Warehouse. 16 bales printing pap.-ii.—Evening Star. Per S.racathro from London:—Plain cottons, £1.680; coloured cotton?, £280; printed cottons, £110: woo'ens and worstcdo, £1,210; flanneiS, £1,070 ; linen in bales, £-10; linen ia ca3e, fhO ; co ton nnd woolens, £1,370; si Ss and cottons, £10; waterproof and indiarubl-er goods, £210 ; silk and velvets, £70; shawls and mantles, £o20; ■ niillinory, £130; ho iery, £1,160; haberdasher.-, £1,970,- umbrellas. £220, apparel. £3,080 f blankets £300 ; carpsts and rugi<, £930 ; straw hats, £30, felt hats and caps, £770; drcssea leather; £lsu. wrought leather, £220; saddlery, £alO>'floor cloth, £10; agricultural implement?, £100; agricultural machinery, £00; rails and genorel machinery, £1,000; bo;ks, £550; paper, 22cwt*. stationery. £50; paperhangings, £18); horns hair and Ecating, £30 ; upholster/, £010 ; iron Bedsteads, £10; brush ware, _.U0; plated and papier mache goods, £160; toys, £i 0; firearms, £2GO; p'anos, £350; closks and watches, £10; perfumery, £10; jewellery, £50 ; agricultural and garden s6Cd,;> £3SO : iron tanks, £39; chain and anchors, 19 tons; hardwaro and cutlery, £2,970; bar and rod iron, 31 tons; plate Iron, 5 tons; pig irov. 3*» fobs; galvanized iron, 11 tons; sheet leao, ;» tons'; tin plates, 11 boxes; iron nails, IS toiis ; wire and wiro ropo, 24 tons; zinc, 4 tons; lin seed oil, 1,415 gallons; rape oil, 919 gallons; cod oil, 60*1 gallons; wbitl'.g, 11 tons; paint colours. £110; ITtnt glass, £70; window glass, £11; foreign window glass, 393 cases: china and earthenware, £180: cordage, £25; lines and twines, £151; marble, £15; snuff, 2U_ lbs ; brandy In caso, 912 proof gallons ; rum, 1,192 .proof gallons; geneva, -lU_- proof gallons; British spirits In bulk, 2,021 proof gallons; British spirits in case, 331 proct gallons ; por fumed spirits, 21 gallons; red wine, 32 gallons ; white wino, 51 gallons; beer, bullc, 20 bar/els of 36 gallons each; beer glass, 60 barrels of 36 gallons each; preserved ilsh, not rated. £19; salt flsb, £15; assorted oilmen s stores, £395; foreign salad oil. 100 gallons; pep per nnd spicoa, 9 cwt; cocoa,7 cwt; mustard, £39; pearl barloy, GI cwt; split peas, 30 cwt; white eait, SO tons; Boda crystals, 20 tons; can- Blio B-~da, 10 tons; silicate of soda, 3 tons; Dritl.h onl foibign candles, 127 cwt; soap, 10 cwt; raisins, 21 cwt; currants. 59 cwt; ilgs. o cwt; confectionery1 a_id poel, £171; chomicals not described, 10 cases; apothecary ware, £280; tutnric acid. 7 cwt; crcau of tartar, a cwt: condensed milk, £31. The declared value of cargo £36,200. Per Mary Mildred from Newsastle—2s9 head eatt'o Par Hero, from Melbourne :— 1,938' packages sugar, 25 kegs end 20 ca3ks tteao'e,'6l ce-b<_3 and 1 hhd. wine, 1. 7 packages tea 41 bundles wire, 6G ovens, 131 bars and bnndlea iron, 4 cases lobacco, 1 gas stoves, 4 bags-plments, 200 bags bonedusf, 17 packages sewing machines, 2 casCS gratings, 1 case-ftooks, 1 crate blacking, 1 cass an* 5 drums varnieb^O cases casror oil, 1 case and. 1 bag. leather. 1 fcxnc staples, 2 cases printing material. 1 beg hai-o- Ware, 102 packages merohandizo. From Sydney : 2 501 raokagea sugar. 5 hhds. aud 10- quarter* casks- runt,- 25 cases whiskey, 16 coils rope, 17 bags bacon, 25 enses'acid, 15 half-chests-tea, 7 casks fuso, 135 packaged naval stores, 3 waggons, 2 bulls, 21 cases and packages sundries. Per Active from Sidney—l 792 bags bore dust, 200 cases dynamite, 100 bundles brooms, 20 cases preserved mads, and 1 case drapery.

EXPORTS.

Per Wanaka—For Gishorne: 12 drums sheop clip ;12 mats sugar; 10 sacks flour; 1 b*le corn sacks, 70 package. For Napier: 1 halo leather; 14 packages, 13 cases. For Wellington: J! box, 2paicels. For Lyttelton: 3 cißks oil, 1 -tick. For Duncdin : 1 cask oil; 5 empty hh__n 1 parcel; 1 case. P<s_. Kate McSregor for Timaru: 50,000 lot. timber.

Inwards Coastwise.—Wanaka from Russell with 160 tons coal, 43 eacks kauri gum, 7 bags hones ; Sea Hreeze. from' Thames, with SOOOfeet timber ; Zillah, from Thames, with 20,000 feet timber.

Outwakds Coastwise.—Kat. McGregor, for Whangapoua; Three Brothers. £o_ 1 ryphona; Sea Breeze, for KuEßell; Zillah, lo? Thames, with 25 head of cattle.

Thn schooner Kate McGregor, clearer, to-day for WhangaDoua. where she wiU load with timber for Timaru.

Tho ss. -.rpyle will arrive to-niglit Iron* WhaDgarei and Mangapai. She returns to the same ports tomorrow afternoon.

Tho poliooner Albatross and cutter Fannio aro advertised for sale.

Tho topsail schooner Transit resumed her voyuge to Tahiti last evening.

The s.e. Wanaka left for tho South this after noon with tho following passon^ors :—For 'I au ranga-Mr and Mrs C. ■•. Wilson, Mrs S'.odart, Miss Ansley, M. Ansloy, and sorvanr. Dor Glsborne—Messrs Davy and Sobers. Foe Wel lington—Mr and Mrs Ulossop, Mr Jameson. For Lyttelton—Mr llamoiond. For Duneiiu— Mr J. Baggaloy. . The three-masted schooner Sophia is open for freight or charter.

The P.M. ss. Australia may bo oxpocted lo arrive from Sydney about daylight to-in.-rrow morning. She will leavo for Honolulu and San Francisco with tho outward Unglish mails to morrow afternoon.

The s.s. Wanaka arrived from Russell yoster day morning with cargo and tho following pas sengers :-Mrs Kelly, Miss Smith, Messrs Uoran, Dickson, Edwards, Bold, Colls and Masters Elder (2.

The Auckland b iganiino Oceola left Adelaide for Algoa Bay on the 12th ult.

The schooner Queen of Auckland was pa«s3d by the boro between Cape Mana Van Dieruan, and the North Cape. She was bound South.

The baTquo Cabarfeldh, for Newcastle, dropped down to Orakcl, this afternoon, butshe had not sailed when we wont to proßs.

As -willbo eeon on reference to our olographic columns, tho s.s. Kotorua arrived at Kuessll from Sydney to day. Sho may ba expected hero to-morrow, and sho will leave for the South on Thursday, at 10 a.m.

The barquo Mary M>ldred arrived yesterday from Newcastle, uftcr a lengthy passage of twenty-live di-ys. Kho brought a cargo of cattle, and her suitability for this trade was illustrated by tho fact tint only nine out of 2bß wero lost on the passage across. Captain Brown renurts having left Newcastle on t_o-thult., with light caat- rly wind. When 300 miles from tho land oncounterod a gai o of wind from the eastward, whloh lusted eight days. The vessel •was hove to for forty hours. Then had a calm for the next 12 hours. This was followed on the sumo night by nnothor fresh, eastery gale, -which continued till off Capo Brett, on Thurs day night—tho vessel having been compelled to beat ail tho -way. Light weuthcr was ex norionccd down tho coam till arrival yo3torday morning. The Mary Mildred brinns tho folio .v ---ingpassoEgers: Mrs Brown and three children, Messrs 11. B. Munufiorn and Henry Watson. On tho discharge of her cargo she will re urn to Sydney, to load with cat'le for Japan.

ARRIVAL OF THE HERO.

The regular trading steamship Hero arrived shortly after one o'clock this afternoon from Sydney and Melbourne. Wc «re indebted lo tho purser for lute files,"&e., and the following report of tho passage :-Thc s.s. Horo left Mel bourne on 20th, at 1.15 p.m., arriving at Sydnoy at 10.30 p.m. on 22iid, takicg her departure thence for Auckltnd at 1 p.m. on 2lth ; cleured Sydney Heeds at 1 15 p.m.; pas cd the Three Kings at 1 p.m. on 29:h ; roundod North Capo at 5 ''Op m. on same dute, and reached c, uckland at 130 p.m. on Ist instan-. lladm.derateeasterly winds and fine weatbor throughout the voyage. The Hero b'ings a largo general cargo, and tho following bassengers .-Saloon: Fram Mel bourne—Mr G. Black, Messrs Ormerod, H. Harrison, G. Waterhous-. From Sydney- Mi-3 Homo. M'ss Butterfleld, Miss Gip Guoy, Mr and Mrs J. H. Millett, M'ss Ilarnot Mlllett, Miss Lilo Millett, Miss Alice Mlllett, Mies Lavlnia Millett, Mi-s Flor noo Millett, Master James Millett, Master William Millett, Mr ItubortoD, Mr A. Hiding and Mr Overton.

ARRIVAL OF THE STRACATHRO.

The New .Zealand Shipping: Company's cluir tired barque Stracutbro arrived from London this morning with a caivto of general merchan dise nnd a number of passengers. Tlio vosa 1 h*i. made a good passage ot 93 days from Start Pjint, and do days from G.avesend. With the oxoep'ionofas'rong gu.le at the commencement Of tic voyag-, th) weathoi li»s bona moderately good. Tho otracatlu-jis a fiao iron hi* que o' ]15_ tons register, end sho is comma ided by Captain Molar. She lift the Docks at noon o November 20, and towed down to Grave end. Lett there on tbo morning if the 27th. and was oil Start I'ouit on lhe 29Ch. Variable winds wore experienc ._ till December ith 'J hen en countered s rong and furious squalls of hurri cane force, theihip bti-ylng her lee rail. uad<-r the water. Tho weather moderated at midnight of that day. Variable wind., with lino woatber. wero expeiiehc d till crossing tho Kquator, on December 29th, in longlitude 29 0 west. I.iuht and unstondy winds till January 23, In lat.J-i'3GSouthawllotig,l7'l9Enßt, when another strong gale with hign sei was experienced Tho lower main too^ail was split and niu<_ water shipped. Tbe gale continued till th'-* In tier partof the followin-.; d*iy. Light variable winds aud foggy we it her for several days, acd th.*n btrung breezes and squally wentlie '. Across from Tasmania lo the ' hreo Kings moderate and unsteady winds. The Kings were sighted on the 26th, North Capo rounded on 27Ui, Capo Brett passed on the 28lh, and lien and Ch ckcus on the 2_)t!i. Variable winds wero csperii need down the coast till arrival this morning. Slnrt'y after leaving Gi-.ive-,cnd, ono of the -...auieau, a Swede named Moburg, fell from tho mizen- , must head and broke bis wrist and tlugg. Ho ha*) now rocovered from tho injuries Airs Mason, a pasuonger, died about live weeks ago fi-om diarrhoea. The Siraeatiiro brought a I

cargo of general merchandize, valued at £3G,200. The following are the passengers:—Saloon: MrL. Tunny, Mr I .ichard Stumor, Mr Ambrose Main, Mr Arthur Main. Miss Elizabeth Main, Mr Alfred Main, Mr William Main, Mr John Main, I -Mrs Main, Miss Marg_ret. Master Robert Main. Miss Mary Main, Miss ICa'o Main, Mr Edward •Jeffreys, Mrs Jeffreys, Mr Sfdney D. Plaw Mr Mr K. Charles Mr John Rhode?, Mr Frederick 9_£iodes, Mr Hart, Edward Seller, Mr James ■:Oross, Mrs Cross, Mr Jame3 H. Cress, Mr ■G-iarles W. Goodson. Mrs Goodson, Master William Goodson, Misi Mizaboth Goodson, ""Miss Edith Goodson, Master Charles Goodson, i Miss Nellie Goodson, Master Arthur Goodson, Master Frederick Goodson, Miss Bcssio Goodson, Master Hrn»st Goodson, Eliza Bourne Mr Henry S. Waldon, Airs Walden, Mr Arthur Walden, Miss Beatrice Walden, Miss Clara Walden, Mist Dora Walden, Mr Wi 11am Smith, Mrs Smith, and Mr James McLean. Stoeiage: if. Sowter, Fanny Sowter, Annie harry, Ernest Parry, John Dennis, Charler. Stewart, Mrs Stewart, Arthur Stewart, Esther Stewart, Basil Stewart, Edwarl Stewart. Helen Stewart, Joseph Grindrod, Macia Grlndrod, Allen Grindrod, Albert Grindrorl, Amiio Grltd rod, George <«rindrod, Charles Grindrod, Amy Grindrod, Percy Gtindrod, .Herbert Smith, Francis Smith. Horaoa Bowgen, Richard Blbby, Thomas Fletcher, George Moor, Thomas O'Don noll. Peter Hutchineon. AnnE.Hutchinson, Geo. Hutchinson, William D. Hutchinson, Frodorick Hutchinson. Nel'lo Hutohluson, Alfred Arm strong, Jane Armstrong, John Aimstrong, Thomas Armstrong, Florence Armstrong, Ethel Armstrong, Thomas Armstrong, James Best ford, William Mason, l_oah Mason. Sarah Mason, Ernest Mason, Miohael J. Quigley, Alfred Big gins, Jane A. Biggins, John K. Bi. gins, Hannah Higgins, Peter Mulvancy, Hannah Nattrass, George G. Nattrass, Joseph Fleming, M. W. Cheviton, Joseph Hill, Joseph Heatbcote, Joseph Forall. Theophilus Berry, John Monk, and Charles Stewart,

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Rowena, as. Amodeo, from Waitara Wanganui. s.s., Bayldon, from the South

The S.s. Talaroa will arrive in the Manukau from tbe South to-morrow morning with the late portion of the outward 'Frisco mail.

Tho s.p. Wanganui arrived from tho South on Saturday a'ternoon. She left Dunodin on 22nd February at midnight, and arrived at Oamaru on the 23rd at 8 a.m.; left same day at 4 p.m., arriving at Lytte ton at 9 a.m on the 21th ; left same day at 4 p.m., arriving at Wellington at noon on the 25th; left same day at 5 p.m , arri ving at Wanganui at 10 a.m. on the 26th; left .same day at 10 p m., arriving at New Plymouth at 1 p.m. on the 27th ; loft samo d-iy at 3.30 p.m., a.nd arrived at Onehunga at 10 30 a.m on tho 28th. Passengers: Messrs Bryant ani Cook, and six in the steerage. Fine weather was experienced during the passage. We aro ind*bted to Mr J. Enkhoff, purssr, for files and report.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, Saturday.

Antlved—Hannah Brouifiold, lrom Hoklanga, with timber ; To Anau, from Auckland, via tho coast; Hawea, from tho South. Sailed—Talaroa, for tho Manukau.

Bluff, this day. The s.s. Arawnta arrived from Melbourne ■with tho Suez mail at 12.10 p.m to-day.

Port Chalmers, this day. Hailed: Waitaki, for Northern ports. Russell, this day.

ARRIVAL OF THE ROTORUA

Arrived: S.s. Rotorua, J. Mcintosh master. She left Sydney on Fobruary 25, at 5 p.m , and arrived here to-day. Saloon passeDgors for Auckland: Mr and Mrs Aboil and family, Messrs Newberry, Glasgow, Smith, Wnymeuth, Holingengeff, Mrs Howard; 16 steerage; 104 tons cargo.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— This Day. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotlki.per Glenelg.at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads. and( Wangarei, per Anno Milbank, at 1 p.m. For Thames, por Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Tuesday, 2nd March. For Walwora, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, at 11 a.m. Per s.s. Australians follows :— For Sandwioh Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, Japan, and China, including Hongkong, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at lp.m. For money orders, and registered lettorj, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra foe of slxponco, In addition to the postage, will be reoolvod by tho Mail Agont on board tho steamer up to tho time of sailing. For Russell, Kawakawa, and Australian Colonies, per Tararua, at 3 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, por Argyle, at 4 p.m For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 4.30 p.m. Wednesday, 3rd March. Por s.s. Talaroa as follows :— For India, China, Japan, Modltoranotin Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 7 am. For Taranakl, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, at 8 a.m. For United Kingdom, via BrindUl, at 8 a.m. Late lettors for Sonthorn Provinces and Molboumo at at 8.25 a.m. For newspapers, at 7 a.m. For monoy orders, and registered lo'.ters, the previous evening ot 4 o'olook. 3. B- HISH. Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

CLAYrON.-On Wednesday, 25th inßtant, a Tauranga, IWlllle, son of Mr Honry Clayton aged eight years and six months.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1880.

For tho cans. that locks assistance, For the wrong .that need, resistance, For.the future in the distance, And the Kood that we can do.

The inaction of the Government with reference to the introduction of pleuro pneumonia is perfectly marvellous. Upou the first rumour of so fatal a diseaso threatening the hords of the colony, skilled professional inspectors ought to have beon appointed to examine the suspected herds, and a system of quarantine should have been estab lished. Tho complaint is one that is developed slowly, and two means of detection are imperative—first, a long quarantine, and second, a thoroughly efficient inspection, which shall secure tho detection of the disease in its incipient stages. But tho Government have simply done nothing. All exer tions in the past to discover and stamp out the disorder have been carried on by private enterprise, and at consider able pecuniary expense. We believe that vigilance will be wel 1 repaid to stock owners who anxiously watch their cattle just now, for if the scourge were once firmly planted it would carry des truction far and wide. There are men to-day in this province, once in comfortable circumstances, who are now poor because of the losses*they suffered during the last visitation of pleuro many years ago. The Government havo only, by their negligence, to allow this des troyer of horned cattle free access, in order to deal a death-blow to agriculture in Auckland for ten years to come, and

ruin the pastoral interests. The mattei

is not one in which even speculation is allowable—tho most ill-founded rumour should have been officially probed to the

bottom and set at rest in absolute cer*

tainty. But the circumstances which gave rise to the first alarm were no mere speculations. The repeated tests applied by Mr Naden,

M.R.0.V.5.L., with Mr Ireland's cattle

wero so effectual as to carry conviction to every unbiassed mind. Any subse quent experiments affecting other cattle have no bearing whatever on those original tests, which amounted to abso lute proof. And in the face of them it is worse than folly to imitate the ostrich in shutting out danger ; we aro bound to meet it. Tho occasion is one calling for promptness and energy, and no

private interests can be allowed to weigh in prescribing the necessary pre cautions. We are not prepared to say that at present the absolute prohibition of cattle importation from Australia is called for, but a strict and prolonged quarantine of imported stock must be insisted on. The farmers, if they gauge aright the terrors of this dread disease, will pound away .it

tho doors of the Government offices until they obtain that protection. From our Christchureh telegrams on Saturday, we observed that cattle

landed there, from Australia, were put iv quarantine. Similar precautions aro taken in Australia against stock brought from New Zealand, and it is simply madness for us to risk our im portant agricultural interests on so

nccrtaii?. a chance as the so-called

inspection aboard ship. The interests suspended in the balance are too momentous. If through a stupid callousness tho diseaso should become prevalent in the province, everlasting disgrace will rest upon all in authority.

So rigorously is pleura dealt with in England that the law gives the police charge of the various country districts,, and when cases of pleuro-pneunioniS"' break out, officers, accompanied by a veterinary siirgcon, at once proceed to the spot, and if they find thalt the cattle are infected, they shoot not only those that are infected but also those beasts that have been in the company of the diseased animals. All farmers are cautioned by printed bills circulated far and wide of the plague spot, so as to givo them timely warning, and a farmer having tho disease among his cattle is fined from 10s to £2 for failing to report the case to the authorities. After the infection has been stamped out the cattle sheds are thoroughly fumigated. These are the precautions suggested by bitter experience. If we are wisely governed, the losses that have produced such laws in Great Britain will not be needed as a stimulus to the enforcGmeut of effectual pre ventive measures.

The recent rumours of rupture between England and Russia are fully accounted for by the cable dispatch in to-day's issue setting out the Indian policy in re lation to Afghanistan, Persia and Cen tral Asia. The proposals of the Govern ment are framed from beginning to end as a checkmate to what are supposed to be Russian designs in Central Asia, and the publication of the programme would doubtless create a perfect storm of indignation in St. Petersburg, Eng land, for tho last thirty years, ha stood in tho way of Persian schemes of aggrandisement, particularly tho. c that looked Southward, Sbe declared war rather than permit the Shah to occupy Herat. Her policy in this respect was perhaps not alto gether wise, for a friendly powor was thus driven into friendship with Russia, an old hereditary enemy. The now programme is a reversal of the former one. Afghanistan has been shattered and reduced to a condition of weakness and anarchy; some form of Government must be found, and Eng land thinks to conciliate Persia by en couraging her ambition in relation to Herat, and oxtonding tho Shah's authority as Sultan, joiutly with that of the British, as far as Merv in Central Asia. It is a bold, if not a reckless scheme, anticipating tbesupposed danger of the gradual approach of Russian conquered territory to the confines of North India, by throwing down the gauntlet at the southern gate of tlio Musoovito Empire, with the warning cry, " Thus far shnlt thou go and no farther." In Central Asia, as in Asia Minor, England is to mako her self responsible for tho independence of countries over whose government she has not tbe .lightest control. Under tho Anglo-Turkish Convention it was made a casws* belli with England for Russia to invade Asiatic Turkey. It is now proposed that tlio samo aegis shall bo thrown over the decaying semblance of settled Government at Merv. Now, where is Merv .—lt is a city in a desert, about 300 miles south east of Khiva, tho terminus of the last Russian conquest in Central Asia. It was onco one of the capitals of tho Sultan of Persia, forming part of tho dominion of Khornstm, but after it h.ul boon, pillaged by tho wild Central Asian tribes it became independent under a Khan. Persia, therefore, has old ties which givo her some right to speak in tho ooncorns of Merv, but why should England undertake a responsibility involving such grave risks for what gives her no

immediate benefits. Merv is more than six hundred miloa as the crow flies, from Peshawar, the most northern town in North India. But Peshawar will no longer bo a border town. The programme contemiilates tlio annexation of a large portion of South Afghanistan, tho remainder to bceomo a more dependency. It remains to be scon wliotlier Russia will possess its soul in pationce under this new slap in the faco, or will bring matters to an open rupture. This, however, wo believo, if Earl Beacons field were to dissolve Parliament and go to the country, tho verdict would be emphatically against engagements so large, costly and fanciful as thoso which have dis tinguished his foreign policy during tlio last few years.

Re-action has como iv Victoria, and Mr Berry, who has held a powerful majority in the Legislative Assembly will come back, if he meets the House at all, with only a shadow of his former party. The defeat was heralded before the dissolution by a complete split in the Liberal Party, the difference being so great that the Premier failed to get a constitutional majority for his Reform Bill. The Melbourne "Ago" went violently against him, and now the re actionary movement has culminated iv a defoat »o decisive that it cannot be con coaled. Sir Bryan O'Loughliu, the Attorney-General, lost his seat for one of tho suburban constituencies of Melbourno, aud tho Opposition majority is already estimated at nine, with ten more seats to contest. Mr Service, who has just been elected again for Maldon, will probably be the coming man. Ho has a programme of reform, including a modified scheme for dealing with the Upper House ; aud tho policy of the new Govctnnicn t willstill he one professedly Liberal. -ho Protectionist policy of the colony, howevo -, is not likely to undergo any change, all parties and interests being too strongly pledged to it for any sweeping fiscal reform to bo attempted, whatever set of men hold tho reins of power.

Tho half-yearly meeting of the l'rido of Tokntca Gold Mining Company lapsed to day tor want of a quorum. The report which bad been prepared for submission to the shareholders showed inter alio that the mine had been worked by six Iributors, and that the yieid of gold bad amounted to £837, the company's portion of which hud been £107. Tho tribute™ appeared to bo satisfied with their prospects, and intended to continue operations.

The barque Mary Mildred, from New castle, with a car^o of ca'.tlc for tho Pinko Swamp Compauy, arrived off Kobimarama yesterday. Mr Bust proceeded down to the vessel, aud inspected the cattle during the afternoon. He was quite satisfied with their appearance, and he found no symptoms of pleuio-pneumonia. He expressed the opinion that there was no disease amongst the consignment. The landing of the cattle will commenco to-morrow.

The remainder of tbe British Empire's passengers were brought up from tho Quarantine Station, by the Customs Launch tbis afternoon.

Musical societies, says the writer of " Passing Notes," in tho " Otago Witness," are famed for disagreements. Their end and existence is to bring about concords of sweet sounds, but too often they strive after it through a succession of discords aud most unmusical jars. They may and do sing, with all manner of shakes and quavers, crescendo and diminuendo, about "love, and peace, and har-mo-ncc," but those three pleasing qualities arc generally quite foreign to their organisation. Like all the neatest patterns in a tailor's shop, they're " not in stock," or like tbe best dishes at a cafe, " they're oil." It has always been a wonder to me how, if musical professionals are like amateurs, an opera company is ever kept to gether. One of the latest disturbances in the amateur singing world of Duuediii has resulted in the resignation of a conductor, whose diabolical oflencc was conducting without his coat! The ladies couldn't stand that kind of thing, and so their husbands hinted to the offending individual. Next meeting night the weather was warmer, and oft came the coat again ; but, horror upon horror, things didn't stop there, lor the non-repentant one actually rolled up his sleeves. This was accepted, as perhaps it was meant, as declaration of war-r-r. The battle was fought; the coat less conductor resigned his baton ; and now the musical world is on pins and needles over threatening ruptures and rivalries to follow.

The Government have published a useful pamphlet cutitled the " Crown JLauds Guide," containing a map showing the lands open for occupation in tho colony, and giving a synopsis of the land laws iv force in each Province, the blocks available_ for selection, aud other useful information. The book is procurable at the city stationers, price sixpence. We are indebted to Messrs Champtaloup aud Cooper for a copy.

The shipwrights of Auckland will hold a social gathering in the Cook-street Hall,'on the evening of March sth, which will be of an interesting character, combining music, song, and dance.

The anniversary soiree and public meeting of the Bcresford-strect Church will be held to-morrow evenitig, when addresses will bo delivered by Revs. J. Robertson, G. Bond, D. W. Rumanian, R. Taylor, and A. Riding.

A cable message in another column states that Fergusson, by : which is probably meant Sir James Fergusson, Bart formerly Governor of New Zealand, has been appointed Governor of Bombay. If our surmise should prove correct, Sir Janics Fergusson has dropped in a very good thing. The pre.-ent Governor is Sir Richard Temple, Bart., Sir James Fergusson has been known to have much influence with the Beacons field Government, and his promotion is therefore not improbable.

We would advise persons in the districts of Freeman's Bay, Ponsonby, and City West, who possess little or big dogs without collars, to apply to Constablo 11. Jones, at the I'olice Station, Napier-street, for collars at once, iv order to avoid future trouble.

To the Editor: Sir,—ln your very able report of your own special survey of the silting up of tho harbour, you overlooked the fact that that worthy J. D. Maxwell, D.E., save the mark, has sin.ply acted on instructions from the Engineer-in-Chargc, North Island. For you see that in one of those celestial days, when heaven and earth meet and adorn each other, aud when the natural and unnatural silting up shall have Idled the entire harbour, aud it be practic able to run a railway acioss that narrow neck of land, North Shore Peninsula (labor omnia vincit) to what is called Rangitoto Channel, and have a splendid hat hour, no matter about currents, tides, etc. O, ye gods, it seems a poverty that wo can only spend life onco—wo wish for a thousand heads, a thousand bodies, that we might celebrate its immense beauty! And in scribe to Stewart, D.E., as to Cheops ot old, "You build an everlasting monument! I For surely nothing could bo greater unlets a railway to (lie moon. -Yours, &C, IM PROMPTU.

Njw on view, in the shop-window of_ Mr DoCourcy, of Queen-street, is an exquisite specimen of woolwork, representing the surrender of Mary Queen of Scots, worked by Mi-s Wcndcl, of Grey-street, _ The picture itself covers a space of sft, Situ, by 4ft, and including tho framework, which has been furnished by Mr DoCourcy, oceupys a space of about 7ft. by sft. The scene brings forth a very large number of .inures, in as many different attitudes, aud with as diverse expressions of countenance all showing iv a huge degroe good taste and clever and persovering workmanship. The most prominent character in tlio picture, of course, is Mary Queen of Scots, represented as seated ova white charger, attended by her faithful nobles aud a few devoted adherent?. Altogether, tho picture i. a splendid piece.of tasteful handiwork, and reflects great credit on tho .young lady, who wo believe has boot' occupied in iisconstruc tion .om. thing over twelve months. The pioturo is not tor salo, but Mr DcCourcy, who is well acquainted with the worth of such work, estimates its value at over £100. During Saturday evening, a largo number of poisons inspected tho picture, and ex pressed their admiration of the workman ship, aud as it will most likely remain on exhibition for a short time, those who have not yet scon it will have an opportunity of doing so during the present week.

A Masonic dinner was given at Middelton* Masonic Hotel, Kawakawa, to Mr Join Gibson, on his departure for America. Pro W. J. Driukwater occupied the chair, inu Bro. A. E. Farr, vice-chair.

Thcro is a terrible commotion among the bakers of Duiieilin. It seems that some titncagoMr 11. Hudson, a well-known miller, baker, and confectioner, invented a sort of self-raising Hour which has the advantage, without yeast or any other ingredient, of enabling any housewife to manufacture wholesome bread or buns Jwith case and Certainty. The self-raising Hour has ob tained a wide circulation in Duncdiu, and is beginning to bo regarded as a household necessity, and the result is a sad falling oil' in the consumption of ycast-mndc bread. A few days ago, the muster bakers, intent on revenge, convened a meeting for the purpose of considering tho prospectus of a joint stock confectionery company and of course Hudson was not itivited. He secured ono of their circulats, however, aud on the following day quite a sensation was created by tho Appear ance in the window of Abraham's cigar divan, of a sketch cf three donkeys in solemn con clave braying at each other, the central head bearing a wonderful resemblance to the convener of tho bakers' meeting, while above all was the legend " Hudson's self-raising Hour." The c is great indignation among the manufacturers < f dough, but the confec tionery plot is not likely to be a success.

The Otahuhu Rillo Volunteers wore inspected on Friday ovening list in the district Public Hall, by Col. Lockio about 40 members wero present, including Capt. Gordon, Lieut. Bush, and Sub Lieut, Jones, Major Withers accompanied Col. Lcckio. The men looked well and went tbioiigh the mniniel platoon, and sword exercises in a satisfactory manner. At the close ot tho exercises Col. Lcckio delivered a practical address, with some valuable suggestions for their future use, which would tend to greater ollicicncy and to make their immediate duties less irksome.

The Baptist ministers of New York had an exciting discussion the other day on the point whether they should admit reporters to their meetings or not, ill the course of which Dr. D. li. Miller exclaimed, " I want the good things said hero to bo voiced outside. I thank God for news papers and for reporters." The power of tho newspapers for good was acknowledged, only three voting for the exclusion of tho members of the press.

Tho annual entertainment given by St. James' Mutual Improvement Association takes place this evening in the Lonic-strect Hall, aud tho promoters of it ratiguincly anticipate a successful result. The pro gramme appears in another part of this impression.

Tho weather roport by Mr E. li. Dickson for tho month of February shews that the average of the barometer was 30*139, day temperature, 77*35, night, G2 S, sun, Ss'ls, velocity of wind, 231 '5 miles, total rainfall, 0.7-loin, The weather was unusually warm, with persistently high barometric pressure, high wind," and voiy little rain. The ap proximate mean temperature was moro thuu two degrees in excess of the average if tbe jirevious sixteen years, the sun's neat higher iv average and extreme, and the radiation also much higher. The rain fall was very small.

We have been favoured with the quarterly report and half-yearly financial statements of tho lodges in tho Auckland district of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Man chester Unify. The report is neatly printed in pamphlet form, and contains about 20 pages of useful statistical and general information, which will be found of special interest to members of the order. Tho Oddfellows of tho Manchester Unity have been in existence nearly a century, and arc represented by lodges in all parts of tbo civilhied world, as leaders of the " Odd fellows Quarterly Magazine " may know on referring to its pages. Tlio report of tho Auckland dictrict was presented and ap proved at the quarterly meeting held in the Oook-strcet hall on tho 3-ith ult. Tho notices issued to the Auckland and Waikato lodges no doubt were essentially necessary for tho duo performance of busi ness in keeping officers up to thoir work in collecting the funds, and making periodical returns. Tho following sub section 2, of section 7, of tho Friondly Societios' Act, is pressed upon tho attentive members, "No transfer shall ho [ made of tho moneys of any one Benefit Fund to meet the liabilities of any other fuuil, nor .hall such moneys, or interest accruing therefrom, bo iv any manner ap plied for tbo use whether temporary or per manent of any fund save the timtl to which thoy properly belong. The quarterly balance-sheets show clearly the receipts, expenditure, and bd_ lances of the district, viz , cash account, funeral management, and benevolent funds, with tho items of of each department simply stated ; also, an equally clear accouut of funds invest ments and interest received on such investments at 8 per cent. Iv this page wo notice that the lodges under the management have invested £2,805, the interest received thereoa for the half year amounting to £158 103 8d ; while they have £10 in bank, and money iv Treasurer's hands for the immediate purposes of the benevolent management and funeral fuuds to the amount of £182. Oddfellowship, therefore, is in a healthy condition in the Auckland district, and "it is to be hoped that tho negligence of the oilicers of the Waikato lodges, of which tho chief officers have had to complain, will gradually dis appear in the light of progress.

To the Editor : Sir,—Can the winner of a "sweep" claim the amount due to him in a Court of law ?—Yours, &c, WINNER. [No ; but he could institute proceedings against the promoter of the sweep.— Ed. E.S.]

Rev Allan Webb, of Wcllesley street announced yesterday that he would preach a sermon on Sunday next on " The Sabbath was made for man.".

To the Editor: Sir,—To prevent the odium of the ratepayers in the vicinity of Nelson-street on the City Council. I would invite their attention to the dreadful stench that remains in the earth table drain, bet ween Victoria and Wcllesley-streets. There are now two or three casc3 of fever in this vicinity, and, if prompt measures are not taken "to construct a stone drain, tho evil will increase. The path requires repairs, in some places it is only three feet wide. I feel confident that a visit from our worthy Engineer, Mr Anderson, will cause the remedy of the evil.—Yours, &c, RATE PAYER.

"The regular meeting of the Domain Board, which should ha\c been held this morning, lapsed for want of a quorum.

To the Editor : Sir,—l rend with some surprise in your issue of the 25th February, the highly coloured account of the plucky rescue ot a drowning man. Your corres pondent was in the position to obtain a correct account without txaggerating and making offensive and pergonal remarks. I beg to suggi-st to him that he could learn from boi.'.cr men than himself that to state the truth would he more to his credit, even though the report should in consequence lack some of its sensational character, —Youis, &c, A. 11. Wiiitehouse, Cambridge.

A service oE song in connection with the Hospital Fruit Mission was held yesterday afte.-noon on the lawn in front of the hos pital. About 200 persons were present aud a choir of about 30 vocalists from the choirs oft St. Paul's, Newton Congregational, Pitt sneet Woslcyan, United Methodist's, and ...crcsford-street Congregationalist, under t le conductoi-ship of Mr Ryan ; Mr Pater son presiding at the harmonium. Dr Ken derdinc opened with the Lord's Prayer. Mr Lincoln delivered a brief address on the special object of tho mission ; namely to minister to the poor inmates of the three in stitutions byaservico of sou}?, the blcndiogof the sweet voices under the blue skies in the presence of the beautiful, and by presenting each with a parcel of fruit. He would pro ceed lo cull upon the singers who would sing some of the choicest of Moody and Eimkcy's hymns. There would be a break in the service wheu a collection towards the mission would be made, and at the close 2001 bs of summer apples were dis tributed. The committee desired him to thank the choir and contributors, and to say that ou the next and last occasion of the HCasoti a service of song would bo given by Uio "Newton nightingales." About 18 melodies from S.nkcy'a collection were sung including " Brightly beams," iSweet by-and bye," "Scatter seeds of kiudnefs," "The old,old story," "Joy iv sonow/'and others; tho singing was very ellcctive and pleasiug. Tho fruit was thou distributed to the patients of the hospital, auxiliary, and old peoples Refuge. About £4 was collected,

A liiont interesting entertainment took place ut the distribution of prize* on Friday evening at North.ote. A number of visitors attended including many from Auckland. The prizes consisted of hooka and articles for needle work. At half-past seven the room presented a spirited appearance, and Major Benton introduced the subjects of the programme. Mrs Ronton distributed the prizes, and Mr Hammond spuko upon the advantages of public education, and con gratulated the inhabitants on having such a superior school, and urged the children to a strict observance to discipline ami applica tion, ami a veneration for those who were placed over them, especially honouring their parents which they would find the brightest melius towards the foundation of good characters. After this Mr Dennis exhibited his new double-lens lime-light instrument, and displayed some very interesting scenes much lo the gratification of those present, and all'unling many who hail never beeu out of New Zealand an idea as to tlio magnitude of .countries and {their buildings through out tho world. Ah a pleasant accom paniment Mr Uee, of Auckland, with his choir, numbering twenty-live members, gave somo appropriate pieces of music. At the conclusion Mr Hammond and Major Benton tendered the thanks of the School Committee, also of those present, to Mr Dennis and the choir, which were responded to by Mr Dennis. The National Anthem concluded one of tho best ami well-ordered evening's entertainments, and the company dispersed to their various homes, nnd soon could be seen merry people in carts and on foot streaming along in all directions for the country, and some to meet the late bout for Auckland, aud singing generally was to be heard as a tone of rejoicing and of light hearts refreshing themselves for their duties again.

To the Editor : Sir, —" Looker-on " com plains of the extinguisher being used, so 1 must nxo his pardon for not seeing any thing in his letter worth answering, also 1 being in poifect ignorance of bis being a " Travel led Looker-on," Moreover, i had never seen tbe sea (proper) till I camo to New Zealand, at a cost of nearly £100 to my.self; and not having beeu a mile from the cow's tail, had lived where it was commonly understood that a man going on bis travels meant having bis passage paid for him. Such mishaps do ar'iso when sailing uudcr false colours. At the same time, "Looker on" is not altogether blameless for per. vorscly reading my reference to being on the water or diggings being unfavourable for sanitary studios, for it is a well-known fact that two men travelled from Temple Uar to Hyde Park corner, aud one saw nothing and nobody, the other saw hundreds of persons, places asd tilings proving that there are such things as eyes and no eyes. There arc thoso who use coloured glus«cs, who having tender reputation, jealously iniagin they are pointed at. Now, it was not for want of seeing the animus displayed iv his reply to the "IJIot," &c, Feb. 24, and also in hist Saturday's Star, that I did not answer as ho wished. You sir, will under stand what I mean when I say I do not want to be utilised re wator works. Nevertheless, " Looker On's " letters are useful as form ing a load for sounding tbo depth of his knowledge in sanitary matters, and I find Hint with nil his travelled experience, " Looker On " will not set tno Thames on fire, so his contractor (of whose doughtiness ho is so proud aud justly so, seeing few would like to oppose him) will not bo likely to have tho job, though ho has got a place for the ashes.—l am, &c, E.C.S.i

If you undcrtako to hire a] man to be honest, yu will hay to raize hiz wages every morning aud watch him dredphull cluss besides.

Colonial Prize Firing.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

Rifle Camp, Nelson, this day. Tim members of the Rillo Association, together with nil the local Companies, mustered for Church parade yesterday, and i Itendctl the Cathedral Church. This morn ing all the members arrived in camp at about ton o'clock, and the morning lias been occupied in tho men getting into quarters. At two o'clock they will parade, and at half-past three the First Mutch will bo commenced. The arrangements for tbe tiring aro completed, the ranges being almost the same as last year; but it is probable a longer timo will be taken in mat king tha shots, on account of altering the butts, with a view of increasing the pro toction of the marker. Colonel Packn is in command; Major Loan is camp adjutant; whilst Captain Webb is acting as secretary, Mr Stevens being utitiblo to attend. One of the Auckland carbine nieu is sick and will not bo able to compete in the First Match. All the Auckland nieu arc com fortably iixed up in camp.

Cricket Matches.

WEST END v. EPSOM,

Tins selected eleven of the Wesi End and Epsom clubs played their return match on Saturday in the Domain, resulting in a draw in favour of. tho West End. Tho most successful members of the West End, wero Lynch, 21 ; Macky, 21 ; King, 29 ; Cooko, 10; Waymouth, 9; scoring alto gether with extras 136. Epsom, usually successful, were considerably behind on this occasion. Aitken scored 25, eight others scored 11, extras 2, making a total of 38. As the case seemed hopeless, the last two nieu did not take the bat but threw up in favour of the West End. NORTH SHORE v. PARNELL. The North Shore and Parnell Cricket Clubs met on the Domain cricket ground on Saturday afternoon, and played a very spirited game. This was the first time these Clubs had ever played ; and both having a good name, aud being splendidly matched, exerted themselves to their utmost to gain a victory. The bowling was iirst rate on both sides. The batting of Swansou for the North Shore was very good, he scored 19. Aud Sadler made a good stand aud got 17 for Parnell. These were the only double figures obtained. The total scores aro North Shore, 53, and two men to bat j Parnell, 73.

CABLE NEWS.

EUROPEAN.

[united press association.]

.Repressive Measures in .Russia. ST. PETERSBURG, February 27.

The Czar has issued an Imperial ukase, in which he decrees that a Supreme Execution Commission be ap pointed to preserve order in Russia. General Melikoff is appointed President of the Commission, and the powers vested in him are universal and despotic. Civil "War at Herat. The latest news from Afghanistan states that fighting is occurring between the Heratees and Cabulees at Herat. Sales of New Zealand. Wool- LONDON. February 28. One hundred and three bales of i Now Zealand wool were catalogued to day. Prices are firmer. British Eastern Policy. LONDON. February 28. The programme of tho policy of the Indian Government is that tho Shah of Persia is to rule Herat as Sultan. Merv to bo created into a State under Persian- British protection, and East and South Afghanistan to be dependencies under J'v'tish protection, Kilobit and Cash l no receiving territory, and England retaining Khoorum, X host, Kober and Jollalabad. African Confederation. LONDON. February 28. The British Government has appoin ted a delegate to proceed to Cape Town to discuss the proposed scheme for the federation of the South African Colonies. Governorship of Bombay. LONDON. February 28. Ferguson (Sir James Ferguson formerly Governor of New Zealand) has been appointed Governor of Bombay. New Zealand Wheat. LONDON. February 27. Now Zealand wheat 57s to DBs. The market is drooping.

[It BUT EIl'S SPECIAL CABLKGEAMS.]

The Wool Sales.

February 28,

At the wool sales to-day 10,300 bales were offered, making a total of 107,900 bales catalogued since the opening. The sale was firm. Combing wools show an advance of 2Jd as compared with the last scries. BERLIN. February 28. The appointment of Prince ITohenlohe as Foreign Secretary has been made iv con sequence »'f Prince Bismarck's slate of health, which is reported to be bad. The Iron Hand. LONDON. February 2S. Tho House of Commons to-day voted, on tho motion of Sir Stafford t^oitb cote, for the punishment of membeis who obstruct the business of the House by temporarily suspeniling them from the privilege ot fitting i i Parlia ment. Tbe Liberals supported Gorcm ment on this question and the debate lasted three days, patty feeling occasionally ran very high.

Commercial. LONDON. February 27. Thrce-por-cent consols 97 3-4 Adelaide wheat per 4%'lbs, ex warehouse, (iOs ; best Australian beef tallow, 36s ; best, Australian mutton tallow, 375. The Wool Sales. At the wool sale to-day, 11,300 bales were catalogued. Thcro is a firm and active demand, aud prices are advancing for combing. Vote of Confidence- In the House of Lords, a vote of con fidence in the Government has been carried. The German Cabinet. BERLIN. February 27. Prince Hoculohe has been appointed Foreign Secretary. British Policy in Afghanis tan. CALCUTTA. February 27. According to the Naval and Military " Gazette " of Lusoro, the Briti-h Govern ment retains Jallalabad, aud places to tbo south and cast of Afghanistan arc to go under tho ll_iti.li protectorate, Persia re ceiving Herat.

AUSTRALIAN.

(SI'.CIAL TO TRUSS ASSOCIATION.)

Victorian Elections —Op position Majority. MELBOURNE.

February 29

Tho results of tho election show that tho opposition have secured forty-two seats and tho Ministry thirty-four. The opposition aro almost certain to obtain half tho remaining ton scats— probably seven. Sir Bryan O'Longh iuu, Attorney-General, was defeated for West Melbourne Munro, loader of tlio cornor party, was defeated by Gardner, an unknown politician, aud popular captain of tho Carlton Football Club. No disturbances occurred at tho elections.

Resignatiot of Ministry BecoHnnended. MELBOURNE

March 1. Tho " Age " admits that the Ministr aro defeated, and recommends their iiu

mediate resignation aro sure of-18 or 11).

The Opposition

[li EUT ER S TELEGII ASI S.]

Juvenile Exhibition.

February 2S. The following exhibitors at the Mel bourne Juvenile Exhibition have been awarded silver medals : —A. P. McCarthy, Joseph Bcmely, F. Angc, Frederick Mc- Carthy, Magoil Armstrong, Eleanor 0. Spcrroy, residents of Uuucdin; Edward Barrand, Wanganui; Jlcury J. Biltou and 11. M. Doleson, of Christchureh ; Dennis O'Brien, of Wellington. The New Zealand exhibitors arc also awarded ten first-class certificates, live second, and eight third. MELBOURNE. February 28. Arrived : Steamship John Elder, Irom England, to-day. MELBOURNE. Monday. Arrived: Union Coy's s.s. Albion, from New Zealand. TJie Elections. In the election contest Sir Bryan O'Lough lan aud Mr Munro have boon defeated. Hon. Graham Berry tops the poll for Goclong by a small majority. Mr Service was returned for Maldon. The Opposition have gained all the scats in Melbourne suburbs. The excitement during the contest was very great. Seventy-five returns have been received from the out lying districts. '1 he Opposition now claim a majority of nine. Professor Pearson and the members of the Miuistry, except O'Loughlan, have been returned. Sir P. Casey, Dr. L. L. Smith and Mr Dixon have been defeated.

Defeat of the Liberals, The " Argus " to-d.iy states that the Opposition have a majo.ity of 10. The "Age" publishes returns showing a majority of 12 for tbe Oppositim. The latter journal, in a leading article in this morning's issue, referring to the election, blames Mr Berry tor the defeat of the Libera] party in Victoria.

TELEGRAPHIC.

[PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

GRAHAMSTOW*', this day .

THE ALBURNIA YIELD. ThcAlburnia cleaned up this morning for the month and obtained only 300ozs. Drcscoll summonses tbe Norwich Union Insusauce Company to-morrow for £50 insmancc on his hotel recently burnt down.

NELSON, this day.

An old Maori died at Wakapuaka said oe 110 years old. He was reported to be the original chief of the district, hut lost possession through conquest by another chief.

WELLINGTON, Sunday.

The Customs returns for this month show the revenue to be £11,062 8s Id, against £21,906 4s 8d for the corresponding month °fi ar£r, who drew Foul Play in the sweep on the Wellington Cup drew the same horse in the Dunedin Cup, thus winning £1000 within one month. A labourer named Alexander Browne, working at the Corporation Works at New ton, was killed this morning by a fall 01 earth. He was workiug under the incline, when a large mass of earth gave way com pletely burying him. He was extricated with difficulty, and removed to the hospital, but before reaching there expired. Browne was one of those lately taken on the works, and leaves a wife and two children totally destitute. Subscription for their relict. Au inquest will be held early. Sergeant McMahon, of the Wellington police force, leaves here on Monday to take charge of the Coromandel station. Mr McFarlane, who has resigned his ap pointment iv Government House, and is leaving for Auckland, was to-day presented with a valuable ring by his brother officers.

CHRISTCHURCH, this day.

At the bicyle contest on Saturday, tiic mile, hundred yards, and quarter mile events, were won by W. Cuttenof Duncdin, lime, first events 4mins 47.«cc3. Four mile handicap, E. W. Fox, time, 15mins 23 sees. Mile handicap, M. E. Dalton, time, 4min 23*ccs. Tlie prizes were presented in the evening at the Commercial Hotel, by E. J. Stevens, M.11.R., president of the club

GORED BY A BULLOCK.

A boy named W. 11. Miller, 7 years o; age, was badly gored by a bullock yester day morning at Spreydon. The boy ha< been teasing the beast, which rushed him inflicting a jr-trged wound in the neck foui inches long,' and breaking the collar-bone The result is not likely to prove fatal.

PLUCKY RESCUE.

Two boys, Frederick Oldham and Arthur Matthews were saved from drowning on Fri day evening, while bathing in the Waroa kariri river, by Herbert Johnston, son of the Kaipoi Postmaster. It was a plucky rescue, tho boy being only thirteen years of age. The births in Christchureh and surround ing districts during February, numbered 149; marriages, 40; 'deaths, 104. The figures for tho same month last year, was 159, 29, aud 91 respectively. In 29 diys 104 deaths were Jregisterer), being the high est number ever registered in the distict in that time.

The members of H.M.S. Cormorant's crew, belongiug to the Steel Lining Troupe, gave a very .successful entertainment in th* Oddfellows' Hall ou Saturday evening. Out of the proceeds £10 will be given to the Orphanage Treat Fund. The lecture recently given by the Rev. J. S. Smallcy, on Chiuiquy's character, will be published in a pamphlet form.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before 11. C. Barstow, E?q., R.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Five men and two women were lined 5s each, costs 2s, for this ofionce. Sarah Ann Shields, drunk on :-unday, was fined in the usual amount. Mary Brown (third offence) seven days imprisonment. DKUNK AND FOOLISH. William Morgan, was brought up on a charge of wilful indecent exposure inVulcan Latic, on Saturday last. Prisoner said he was drunk, and no doubt was guilty. Fined 5s for drunkenness and 20s for exposure, or 7 days. HADJEE IN TROUBLE. Patrick Gunning was charged with strik ing Hadjee, a Chinaman, on tho 27th instant. Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the circum stances ; Hadjee was drunk and at the " Occidental," up Vulcan Lane, he was met by Gunning, who aimed a violent blow at the Chinaman, discoloured his eye, and knocked him down. Mr Tyler appeared for defendant. Rebecca Wilson deposed that she was barmaid at the Occidental Hotel; the Chinaman came in, when Paddy asked the Chinaman for 5s cab hire ; which the China man refused to pay; Chinaman kicked Paddy, nnd Paddy struck back; shortly after Paddy went away. Sub-Inspector Pardy saiil that Miss Wil son told quite a different story on Saturday night, or he would not have takcu action ; she told bun that Paddy was the aggressor, that the blow was unprovoked, and that im. mediately ou striking his eye, Paddy ran away. Miss Wilson said that she was so confused on Saturday, that she did not know whal she did say ; she had since recalled the event-!, and was confident that the China man was the real offender. Win Ryan was a'so charged with taking Gunning's part, aud sinking the Chiua niaii. Defendant said that the Chinaman kicked him violently on the leg, and he gave him a push. Miss Wilson was iccallctl, nnd said she saw nothitigof this offence. Was uot in the bar at the time. Sub- Inspector Pardy srid this was strange, as Mis i Wilson had told him that she saw Ryan strike Hadjee. The Court discharged Gunning, and ordered Ryan, who pleaded guilty, to pay a fine of 20s nnd costs, or be imprisoned for seven days. DUCKS AND DRAKES. Wm. Burt and Ed. Morgan were charged with stealing ducks and fowls, value 16s, on the 12th inst, the property of Hugh McCrum of the North -Shore.

Burt pleaded guilty to bagging them, nnd was called on to state the case.

Wm. Burt then deposed that he, Edward Morgan, and Billy, started out with the view of stealing peaches, but finding the trees empty, they got into a boat and went to Duck's Creek. Billy said as they were disappointed in tho peaches, they would twist tho neck of McCiuin's ducks. Morgan did so, aud settled four ducks, three fowls, aud a hen. On seeing a constable after them he threw tho poultry overboard, Edward Morgan : You are a nice one, you were the ringleader ot the whole affair, and wrung the fowls aud ducks.

Hugh McCrum deposed to seeing tho boys with tho ducks and pursuing them. They immediately threw a bag overboard, got ashore, and ran away. He secured tbe bags, and found his ducks and fowls. Mr Matthews gave similar evidence. Detective Brcnnan took the boys into custody. They accused eich other. His Worship imposed a lino of 20s each, and 20s damages each with costs, or one month's imprisonment. REFRACTOR 7. A little boy of 13 named Brown, who was beyond his father's control, was committed lo the Naval Training School for 1 year aud 9 months, to be brought up in the'faith of the Church of England, the father to con tribute 4s a week. Two little girls named Buchaz, tho chil dren of a person in a destitute condition, weie ordered to the Industrial School for live years. WIPE DESERTION. James Hughes pleaded guilty to leaving bis wife aud seven young children iv a des titute condition. A second charge, that of beating his wife severely on receipt of the summons, was preferred agaiust tha prisoner, which he denied. At the request of prisoner tho cases were adjourned until Thursday afternoon.

1 ho new R C. S. system now being initiated by l_. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the puS »°; .i 1 has Docn a great suc-icss in Sydney and Melbourne, and when Btriotly carried ou the customer who buys at an establishment «Here the good-i are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gaine-. G. and C. -ell their d*ap<ry, millinery and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantage or a shareholder in a co-oporativoscict.y, with out tho loss should tho yoar's business prove un satisfactoi y. G. and C. will aim to retain the confidence which the publio have hitherto shown them, and are determined to giro tho pure cash system a fair ti iol; whether they gain or lose the Bret year. Country buyers on remitting cish with order will be supplied with goods ut co operative prices, ju&t the fame as though they bad made a peisonal selection. Furn'sMng goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedstead bedding, and generil house furniture, the larg est poit oi of which is tv nei out at our own factory, will be marked at tho lowest remunera tive prices, an*; a discount of five per cent, will oe allowed to those who pay at the time of p r chuse. Having roal zed tho entire value of the stock during the late cash sale, tho present stock le nkw and vwiT CHKAPI.Y BOUGHT. An in spection i« invited.-G4W.ioK _..C»__mL' AucklSd. KurniSMn S Arcade, Queen-street

Musical Notes.

LYSTER'S OPERA COMPANY.

So it is decided that we are m,t to have a visit from the above company. The manau ment tearing the consequence of dull trade have decided not to risk further loss by { trip Northward. They claim to have lo<*'t considerably, and do not wish to augment their losses. It is a great pity, as it is i lo i* often we have such a chance. The Lyster Italian and English Opera Company is. well known for the high state of efficiency po s . sessed by every member. It does not re flect at all creditably ou the inhabitants of this fair city, that the company should leave New Zealand shores, suyin*-' "It jo no use going to Auckland. People'there havo no taste for operatic music. Give them Moody and Sankey aud they think them ■ selves in Paradise !"

THEATRE ROYAL.

" The Man from America," a conception on the part of Mr J. J. Wallace, has beeu occupying the boards of the above theatre during the paat week. The houses generally have been fair. Mr Culiimore's new wallz was played by the band.

THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

The above society have been occupied of late in preparing themselves for giving an open rehearsal of Mendelssohn's "St. Paul." Great pains have been bestowed on this and it will no doubt be a success, '

COLONIAL.

CnKISTCHUKCH.

Mr A ngelio Forrest, ono. of Mr Charles Halld's numerouspupib,gave a grahd piano, forte recital on Thursday, the 19th instant in tlio Oddfellows' Hall. The recital was, both musically and financially a sttccess.Mr Forrest performed on one of Bechste'in's iron . ctni-grands ; and the programme in. eluded sonatas by Beethoven; nocturnes by Chopin ; andantes aud rondos by Mendel, ssohn ; Hungarischc Tausc, by Liszt; pt e ." hides and fugues by Bach; the "Harmonius Blacksmith"by Handel,besides many others 1 he selections were each accorded tbe ex quisite attention necessary to their correct petforraance. Mr Forrest will give a graud pianoforte recital in Auckland in a short time, and I have little doubt that he will be well received. His performances are a great treat, aud everyone laying claim to a taste, or liking for music, will look toward witli pleasure to Mr Forrest's promised eu. tcitainincnt.

Wellington.

Lyster's Opera Company have been gticces-fully playing iv the Theatre Koyal. Referring to their arrival, a local paper has the following somewhat amusing remarks :—"The arrival of the Opera Com" pany yesterday disturbed the monotony of the invariably dull. Wellington Sunday. The spectacle of fifty distinguished vocalists wandering about the streets iv search of' lodgings was a fearful and wonderful sight. Most of the hotels were full, and had not Mr Marshall, the ever courteous manager of the Theatre Royal, taken compassion oa the opera people and exerted himself to billet them, it is not improbable that some basso pr-ofundo or interesting soprano would at this very minute be emulating the'pei. formance of the Wandering Jew." The chief event has been their production of Verdi's II Trovatore. All the local papere are uuanimous in praising the efforts of the Company iv this opera. Signora Coy asLeonor.). was in splendid voice, and rendered the diliicult music with a distinct ness ot articulation, seldom heard' ia colonial opera troupes. Signor Verdi as II Compti di Luna was very success ful, and by the pathetic manner in which he sang " II Balen," fully sustained the reputation he has archieved for himself. Ferrando found an able repre seutative in Mr Templcton, as did Inez in Miss Royal. There were no bouquets thrown a wonder considering the time of year. Referring to the fact the same paper has the following : —" At this time of year, when flowers are to very plentiful, it seems a matter of regret thnt no bouquets were thrown. TLis custom still prevails in all theatres where operas are given, so much so that the artistes almost look for them; indeed, we fancied we could detect a shade of disappointment on the . face of Signora Coy when none -where thrown." Signor Zelman conducted.

INVERCARGILL

A grand benefit night was given to Mra Walter Hill, of the Theatre Koyal, Iriver. cargill. The affair was very snccessfnl, the house being crowded in every part. The piece chosen for the evening was "Borneo and Juliet," and the choice proved a judicious one. Mis Hill sustained the character of Romeo with taste and judgment. Her daughter Arathusa and Aiiss Besßie Vivian completed the prin cipals. At the conclusion of the perform ance Mrs Hill stepped before the curtain, and in a few well chosen phrases thanked the audience for the patronage tendered het during her stay in Invercargill. Dunedin. Mrs Hill and her company have arrived in Dunedin, and will shortly appear in one of the tragedies of Shakespeare. Wairarapa, The Carumliuis have been conccrtizing in ■ the above place. 'J hey have had middling house-'. Waimatk. P.ofessor Taylor aud Lillic, of skating renown, were performing here during last y week.

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne. Baker nnd Farrou wl>" ceattd such a sensation in Auckland, have been playing in Melbourne up to a few weeks ago, They left for England by the s.s. Orient. A great crowd accompanied them to the steamer, and their departure was a signal for the rot.lids of cheers, and freely expressed good wishes of tho populace for. _heir Bucce*s. They wi'l probably return in. about two yean time In St. George's Hall, the chief attracliott is the interesting dances and songs,of .s crowd of Maori men an d women. The 6how is a good one, but does not recti. 6 mach patronage. Chiariui's Circus opened here on the 6th Feb. The pavilion is erected at the junction of St. Kilda, aud Sandiidge roads. It is seven years since Chiariui last visited Melbourne.

Sydney.

Nothing of interest has occurred here lately. The piano recitals have beeu only a repetition of fotincr cutcrtaiuments, and no new pieces havo beeu presented.^ Mr- Saurct has been the principal objecS ot attraction. Ersi-O-V

AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUBS SPORTS.

The following entries were received on Saturday evening at the Club Komi. Thames Hotel, for the various events at the forthcoming meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Clubou March 13th. JM entries are very large and the me^j n? promises to be one of'tho best tins CluD has held:— . w 100 YARDS.—H. Cooke, V. E Hew., SS E. M ear*, J. M. Sibbin, J. Sims, J. PM D. la.hi', W. Sibbin, C. K. Wb __3m Fairs, W. Block, 11. Pierce, W; \V. KOMI son, W. Tonks, A. S.iuudor.-, A. U. Cotter, A. Christian. ™ 250 Yar. s.— H. Cook, D. Watson, m Ryan, R. H. Reid, A. J. Mears, J.* «• Sibbin, A. Burgess, T. G Sibbin, T.IM" cox, J. Sims, J. Spry, D. Talbot; W.Baker, W. Sibbin, C. E. White, W. Black, J. ft Fairs, A. H. Cotter, VV. Tonks, 6. Chrisliau. , A 440 YAED3.-1). Watson, J. 0. o.ibbs> J. Meats, P. Pilcox, T. G. Sibbin, A. Hitf. gess, C. E. McOormick, 11. Culpau, J-?1" I J. Spry, U. Talbot, C. E. White, N^FWffl W. .lack, D. Waters, A. H. Cotter, a. Christian.' , t HAI.K-MIIJB.--H. D. Morpeth, A. J- Mears., T. F. Lec_, G. Brown, A. BurßCi, n . T. Philcox, C. E. McCorinick, B. Culpao. W. Baker, N. McKay, I). Waters, C.*.-| Butler, E. N. Burgess, T n Mile.-H. 11. Davy, G. ____m.-&__ Gibbs, H. D. Morpeth, T. F. Lees, $■ -J Clayton, If. Culpan, C. Burgess, N.MchW S. McGcchie, D. Waters. Hurdles.-M. Gallagher, H. H.. om R. 11. Reed, W. E. Mears, J. M.Si?M Philcox, J. .""pry, W. Sibbin, A. H. Cotter, C. E. White, J. B. Fairs, A. Saunders, >»• W. Robinson. __jf nr Entries will be received on the groan 4 »• the Siamese and Public School Boy _ Wm The handicappers. Mess... T. Hendeng and W. W. Robinson, intend to puWiM their handicaps on Thursday, March «d.

To tbe Editor: Sir, - Observing WJfjL paper the other evening a local e°^ ei n an arithmetical question, I thinK >ou ~ t error. £4,473,924 5s 3|d is not the am. fa paid for the horse, but £2,236,962 2s Sd,tn cost of the last nail.—Yours, S. W. Climatioinfluences are fertile s°u";" s £[bu- ease. Malaria is a sure, swift destroy" g man life. Hut if the system »?fo™™J&£ ot »?* I bulwark of defence against the assaui j niosphericpoi-on. To strengthen tnesj^ to tooify the part-., and stimulate,?°f g/tjedsm of the functions. Udolpho Wolfe % j Aromatic aobnapps producesi tneae ou r „S diffuses a gentle glow that Perma^ substance of tbe cellular tissues. Duiuw r QUt organic structure, and thus im»< , defiance to zymotic operation?•

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1880.



Special Advertisements. T FEW G OOD REASONS1 FOR MAKING YOUR PURCHASES AT TUB TO-EW .-' fVKALANO /"ILOTHING piAOTORY. Tho Materials are manufactured in Now Zealand. The Glannonts aro mado In Now Zealand. The Money Is expended in Now Zoaland. Tho Stock to eelO"t from Is tho largest In New Zealand. Tho Cut and Trimmings are equal to j bespoke. Tho P»cos, considering the_cuiaUty and finish, aro lower than thoso of any other house in Now Zealand. And notwithstanding tho extra tariff Just Imposed in New Zealand, thoro Is &r NO ADVANCE IN PRICEBI i You can still purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE FROM THE New Zealand Clothing Factory. Auckland Retail Branch : QUEEN-STREET. Opposite Theatre Royal. nO-OPERiTIVE |PRICES. FOR CASH. .CO-OPERATIVE . P R|l C E S AND QUICK SALE. iC 0-0 P E RATIVE PRICES j A PUBLIC BENEBTT.



; Wo are Selling tho Cheapest DRESS GOODS We are Selling PRINTS and CALICOS at a Small Advance on Cost. MANCHESTER GOOD 3 MILLINERY - UNDERCLOTHING ' Mon's and Boys' Clothing At Co-operative Pricss. . FOR CASH ONLY. ' JUSTOPENE A lot of New •.POMPADOUR . PRINTS. IV is* &• We havo adopted tho Pure Cash Syßtem for the ; following reasons :— 1 I.—lt is fairest to both buyer and sollor, be : cause, by avoiding bad debts, our Cash 1 Customers will not havo to mako good tho losses occasioned by defaulters, and tho Quick Cash Returns will enable us, as Seders, to buy more extonsivoly, and take full advantage of cash discounts, in i which gain our customers will parti- I cipatc. 2. Tho increasod business which must follow consequent on selling Roods at a small advance on cost, will givo our cußtomora tho samo a. vantago as though thoy wore shareholders In a Co-oporatlve Society. 3, Our patrons will always have a large, fresh, and well-assorted Stock to select from. BUY YOUR DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FROM GrAELICK & Oil AN WELL, CITY HALL ARCADE, QUE UN STREET AND LORME STREET. GREAT PAHGAIHS BEAT JO A R G A I N S GREAT BARGAINS! GREAT BARGAINS 1 GREAT BARGAINS I JUST OPENED, A SPLENDID LINE OF ]y[EN'S rpWEED gl/ITS, AT 27 s 6 U' Worth 453. ONE CASK jy^EN'S Jj^LAX gHIRXS, With Collars, , AT 4s 6 D- *. Worth Cs 6d. i ONE BALE WHITE gUPER. J^l-ANKETS, ] 13 S (5 D> j Worth 20s. Inspection specially Invited tc t OUR OWN MAKE 1 OF • £ BOYS' PLAITED TUNIC SUITS, I From 1 oS. — g .13° Notk the Address— .. J. B. ROBINSON, c A UCKLAMD /CLOTHING TjiACTORY, j. NEXT MESSRS TONKS & CO.'S j AUCTION MART. < a



Special Advertisments. THORNTON SMITH, AND FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesaub) Suhjootto alteration without notloe. Sacks. 100's. Wb_ Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £s. d. perton 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury , „ „ Flour J3 0 0 13 10 0 14 0 0 Sharps, per ton 8 0 0 .. .. Bran, perton .... 6 0 0 .... Fowl Wheat .. . 40. Od. per bushel. he above prices __iolude sacks and bagf—saobs and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland, 23rd February, 1880. /~K N SALE, Kearsley's Combined Reapers and Mower Mangold and Turnip Drills Turnip Sllcers Oilcake Breakers Winnowing Machines Lawn Mowers. _ Also, TO ARRIVE, PER 'INGLEWOOD,* Coulter's Corn, Mangold, Turnip, and Manure Drills, combined And Ploughs, double andfslngle Harrows Rollers &c. &c. etc Tho'abovo goods aro imported directod rom tho manufacturers, and will be sold cheap to make room for furthor shipments. W. J. HURST & CO., 181, Queen-street.



"Throw pliyslo to tho dog*, I'll none of it:" and if all tho world's Maoboths would act In this regard, as orlcd out the " Thnne of Cawdor," thoy would " live" like " prosporous gentlemen." Medicine makes often as much sioknoss as it cures. But what Thomas Fuller, who llvod and wrot'i two centuries ago, called " cordial to tho soul," is ns muoh that which exhilarates the body, tones tho system, lulls the nerves, and vitalizes tho organism with gentle qulckenlngH. llko Udolpho Wolff's Sohlodam Aromatio Schnapps, as that which touches our on_.otloxml or nioro sentient nnttu-e.



TOWN EDITION. PUBLISHED AT 1.30