SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER^^Evenlng. o M n|?isi2a BUNSST.-Thlfl Evening. 1.59 SUMtISK.—To-Morrow Morning, 6.52 MOON'S AGE.-FuU Moon, 11th, 10.3 a.n).

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Zlllah, ketch, Jones, from Thames

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING.

Oamaru, brigantine, Short, for Whangaroa Eliza Mary, brigantine, Bern, for Hokianga Argylo, 8.8., Crawford, for Whangarei

TO-DAY. Oxford, Bhlp, Braddock, for Lyttolton

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Loch Dee and Peru, early Sydney—Arawata, May 17 »«.„_.,«„„ Melbourne via south-Rotomahana, Thursday

Russell and Northern ports-lona. Monday Whangarei and MaDgapal-Glenelg, Tuesday

Taoranga-Wellington, Tuesday and Thursday Mercury Bay—Kingal, Saturday Mangawai- Fingal, Thursday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Meropo, ship, from London »„„„„ Halcione. ship (J.N.M.S.), from London; to sail

March 1 . Loch Doon, ship (L.H.G.V.), from London; to

sail March 2 ~ . _ . Avona. barque (W.Q.J.N.I, from London ; sailed Fobruary 3 „ , Orient, barque (R.C.J.N.), from New York; sailed February U Coronilla, barque (K.8.V.Q.), from London ;

sailed Feb. 15 ', .. Donkeld. barque, from London ; loading Cabarfeidh, barqoo IS.Q.M J.), from Sydney Camille, brig, from New York; eaded April 2 Fawn, brig, from Newcastle, loading Wave, brig, from Newcastle, Bailed April IS Thomas and Henry, brig, from Dunedin via

Kaipara „ - Vision, biig. from Melbourne, sailed April VJ Orwell, brigantine, from tho Islands Darcy Pratt, brigantino, from Timaru Myrtle, brigantine, from Friendly Islands Ethel, brigantine, from Dunedin Ryno, brigantine, from Rotumah Borealis, brigantino, from Lyttelton Flirt, brigantine. from Samoa Calodonia, Bchooner, from Samoa Mazeppa, schooner, from Rarotonga Agues Donald, schooner, from Rarotonga Coronet, schoonor, from Aitutaki Clyde, Bchooner, from Lyttelton Gael, schooner, from Levuka Saxon, schooner, from Lyttelton Tores, schooner, from Lyttelton Winifred, schooner, from Now Hebrides Taviuni, schooner, from Levuka Atotehau, schooner, from Rarotonga Annie Wilson, schooner, from Dunedin Belle Brandon, schooner, from Samoa Norval, BChoonor, from Norfolk Island George Noble, barquentine, from Newcastle Oceola, brigantine, from New York

Lnwahds CoASTWiSK.-ZUlab. for Tbamcs with 21,060 feet of timber; Blanche, from Puhoi with 8000 shingles, 20 bags coal; Janet, from Whangarei Heads with 800 bushels lime.

Ootward3 Coastwise.—Blanche, for Wade; Magic, for Whangaroa; Adah, for Thames with 35 tons coal, and 50 boxes candles; Half-caste, for Tairua; Janet, for Whanga-ei Hoads.

The brigantine Annie Bow entered out at the Customs to-day for Newcastle.

The brigantine Eliza Mary sailed for Hokla nga this afternoon in ballast. From thence she Proceeds to T Imarti.

The Bchooner Marlon has entered out at the Customs for Suva.

The schooner Oamaru cleared at the Customs for Whangaroa, in ballast, yesterday.

The S.S. Argylo has attain taken over tho Wha ngarei running, and left for that port laat evening.

The ahip Oiford sailed for Lyttelton in ballast early this morning. She there loads gram for London.

The 8.8. Hero leaves Melbourne for Sydney and Auckland on the 11th inst., and, arriving here on the 22nd, will leave for Greymouth, Hokitika, Newcastle, and Melbourne, on the following day.

The "Australian Shipping News" under stands that arrangements have been entered into for trie supply of a small fleet of Bteam colliers to develop tho coal trado between Westport, Greymouth, and Wellington, and to render New Zealand independent, it possible, of Newcastle.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURE 3. Hawea, b,Sm Kennedy, for the South

EXPORTS.

Per Hawea, for Southern ports—lß sacks oysters, I boss glass, 1 gun. i rolls felt, 10 boxes soap, 20 gunnies augar, i kegs ahot, 88 parcels and oaaee sundry merchandise.

The b.b. Hawea left for Southern ports this forenoon. Passengers:-For New Plymouth— Messrs Hakihi. R. Maoon and Richards. For Lyttelton—Miss Cox, Messrs R. C. Matthews end Healop. For Wellington—Mr D. Loftua. For Nelson—Mr Carrie. For Greymouth—Mr John Walsh. For Melbourne—Mr C. Hawks.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, yesterday, Arrived: Hawk. Sailed: Glimpse.

Russell, this day.

Arrived: Rotomahana, from Auckland. Bailed: Ocean Qaeerj. Mariner, also the Roto mahana, which takei the following passengers: —Messrs Fairburo, Connor and a prisoner.

Tauranga, this day. Arrived: Wellington, from Auckland, 6 a.m. Ly-TEL-ON, yesterday. Sailed: Ringarooma, s.s, for Dunedin. f^H Port Chaimbbs, yesterday. ."Sailed: Taiaroa tor No-theni porta.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Wednesday.

Messrs Cochrane & Son held a sale of tobacco and white ahlrts to-day. The 7 boxes of tobacco realised 7_d. and severalidozen shirts brought fair average prices. Messrs B. Tonks & Co. cold 5 cases of suspend ing lamps and globes, at highly satiafactory prices. They were all sold. Mr W. Dowden had a fair attendance at his sale rooms to day. Tbe sale consisted of boots and articles of furniture, and the results were equal to expectations.

Trade Mark, Waltham, Mass.—The American Watch Company, of Waltham, Massachusetts, U.S.A., hereby give notice that their Trade Mark, " Waltham, Mass.," ia now registered in the Australian Colonies of Victoria, New South Wales, and New Zealand. Proceed ings will bo taken against any person copying or imitating same, or any vendors Belling or offering for sale watches bearing colourable Imitations or in any way infringing our rights —American Watch Company, Waltham, Mass.

Why women an so soon. Is an interrogatory that answora itself in our knowiedgo of their natural proclivity to neglect the meara of build ing up their frames. Kntering Into tho married Btate, or habituated to domestic laboura, they trudge and toil, and exhauating their powers, grow callous to tho results, and fall Into sedentary habits. Unußed to bullet with the world, they have nothing to call their activities into play, savo within tho narrow limits of home, little recking that a persistant and judiciouß uso of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps will tone their ayatoros and fp. them for evon higher enterprises than they are wont to eapouso

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as Under.—

Thib Day. For Whitiangi, por Waratah, at 1 p.m. For Thames, ter Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

TnURSDAY, 12th instant. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Craigieburn. and Warkwortb, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 10.30 a.m. For Gißborno, Napier, Southern porta, and Aus-

tralian Coloniea, per Rotomahana, at 11 a.m. For Waitara, ani Wanganui, por Oretl, at 11

a.m. For Tryphena, per Sovereign of tho Seas, nt

2 p.m. Fori Tauranga. Ohinemutu, and Opotlkl. per Wellington, at 1 p.m.

Friday, 13'h instant. For Suva, per Marion.lat 11 a.m. For Waihokoand Coromandcl, por Coromandcl, at 12.30 p.m. Tuesday, 17th ins'ant. For Russell, Kawakawa. and Australian Colonies, per Arawata, at 3 p.m. Tuesday, 2lt h instant. Per 8.8. AusUulii, a3 follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States Of America, Canada, British Columbia. Central and South Amorica. and British and Forolgn West Indies, at 1 p.m. Kor United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. Lato letters bearing an extra foe of slxponco. In addition to tho postage, villi bo rocolvod by the Mall Agent on board the stearnor up to tho time of sailing. I This mail will bo duo in London on Tuesday, July 5, 1831.

S. B. BIS 3, Chief Postmaster. Chief Poßt-ofnco. Auckland.

Birth.

MACL.EAN.-On May 10, at the residonco ot Dr Bayntun, Wollington-etrcot, tho wife of Geoffrey Maclean of a eon,

Marriage.

McGRATH-McMANU?.-(m May sth, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, by Very Rev Fathor Walter McDonald, P.P.. Patrick McGrath, Sergeant, Auckland Polico Force, to Sarah, eldest daughtor of C. McManos, Crown Hotel, Grey-street, and late of Keaduo County, Ros common, Ireland,

Death.

EVANS.—On May 11, Ellonor May, Infant daughter of Thomas Edward and Ellon Evans : aged 5 months. The funeral will loavo tho residonco of her paronts'. Victoria-street, To-morrow (Thurs day), at 2.15 p.m. SHARP.-On the 9th Instant, at hor parents' residonc., Pitt-street, Auckland, Annie, infant daughter of W. C. Sharp; aged 1 months. WHITE.-May 10, 1881, at Onohunga, Thomas S. W. White. Tho funeral will leave his lato rcsldenco To morrow tThureia.). tho 12th, at 3 p.m. Friends aro respectfully invited.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1881.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the Rood that we can do.

A MEETING of clergymen and others ha 3 been called for Thursday afternoon to devise means by which Bible reading in our public schools may be secured. We wish to suggest to these gentlemen a few practical questions for discussion at their meeting. But in tho first place it appears to us that the method they have chosen to secure their end is not altogether credit able. The meeting ia, to all iutents and purposes, a private one, and therefore any decision it may arrive at concerning our school system will be absolutely worthless as an expression or indication of the public mind. Why do not the promoters of the Rible movement arrange a series of public meetings in the city and suburbs to ascer tain whether or not they have the sympathy of the people with them . Why ? Because they have very good reason to fear that the verdict would be adverse. The circular itself en treats its recipients to "co-operate with us in our unpopular, arduous, but important undertaking." It is evident that they know they have not the public sympathy, hence their anxiety to adopt other means when they perceive that they cannot achieve their object in a fair, open, and manly manner. If they are not supported by the public, what right have they to attempt to tamper with a system which, despite faults of detail, is a most admirable ono, and one which the people at large repose perfect confidence in 1

Assuming, however, that these zealous clergymen and church members, who arc afraid to confront the public, arc successful in their attempts to destroy tbe secular character of our educational system, there are some curious and important problems which require solution. First—which trans lation of the Rible is to be read ? King James's the Douay, or the revised translation t The Roman Catholics would naturally object to the first on the ground that it is a Protestant text-book. The Pro testants would of course object to the second. Rut even supposing the Catholics did not object, there would still be the question, " Which Protestant translation ?" There are signs that orthodox people will cling with tenacity to the present authorised translation. If this be adopted, the chil dren will be compelled to listen day after day to words, verses, passages, almost chapters, which though long regarded as the utterances of God Himself, have been de monstrated to be forgeries and interpola tions. Second, —Ib the whole of the Rible to be read, chapter by chapter ? If this be the intention of these agitators, then it seems to us that in the interests of public decency and morality the movement should be suppressed, for the simple reason that there are in tlie Bible numerous passages which are quite unfit to be read before a public school. If the whole of the Bible is not to be read, then selections will be necessary. Who is to make them -the Government, the clergy, the Boards of Education, tbe school committees or the schoolmasters? There are objections to each. We have expur gated editions ol "Shakespere," "Tho Arabian Nights,' "Ovid," "Juvenal," and other works; but it this movement were successful — horrible as it may seem to some good people —an expurgated Bible would be equally- necessary. Lastly—There is an objection to the reading being performed by the teachers, which is part of the proposed programme. It does sometimes happen that the teacher is a man whom the children naturally and justly detest, because ot his favouritism, cruelty, and petty tyranny. Is the reading of the Bible by such a man calculated to do good or harm ? We suggest these points for the devout consideration of Thursday's meeting. We believe, however, I that the general opinion is that the pro jected movement is a mischevous and unwarranted one. If iv our public schools girls are taught to be modest, careful, chaste, and neat, and the hoys to be honest, manly, indastrious, respectful, and courteous, then the State will always have good citizens, and tbat is all that the State, as a State, has a right to expect from the people subject to its rule. The important work of teaching religion can most safely be left to the home and to those gigantic organisations which have been created by the piety and liberality of Christians of all denominations.

The family who have been detained in quarantine at Motuihi since tho arrival of the City of New York were released yestcr. day upon the order of Dr. Philaon, Health Officer, all danger of further infec tion being considered at an end. The Hod, F, Whitaker leaves for Wel lington in the Rotomahana, on Thursday, to consult with the Cabinet upon sessional bills. Mr Barstow made some remarks to-day on the employment of temale labour. His Worship said that in several instances em ployers had neglected to carry out the pro visions of the Employment of Females' Act, but it was not intended to prosecute in those cases, but allow a fortnight in order that employers might study the Act and make themselves acquainted with its clauses and requirements. Should any person need further information, he would he assisted by the Clerk of the Court.

A meeting of Wesleyans is convened for 7.15 this evening, in the upper school-room, Pitt-street, for the purpose of taking the necessary steps to co-operate with those of the denomination in the South who have started a subscription fund for the benefit of tbe families of the Revs. J. B. Richard son and J. Armilage, who were lost in the ill-fated Tararua. A large representation of the communion is expected,

important question affecting the pro perty tax has been raised in Wellington in a suit against Greahrca and Sons, Ihe point is " had the defendant a rmht to set off all debts due by the liim in Wellington to the firm in London, the members in that firm being the same ? After a long dis cussion, His Worship took until Tuesday next to consider the question."

Intelligence received from Te Aroha goldfield states that the Morning Star and Smile of Fortune claims have called for tenders for carting fifty loads of stuff to the battery. It is confidently expected to go half-an-ounce to the ton. The directors of the Prospectors' Company contemplate letting on tribute. Considerable expecta tion has been raised by a rich discovery made by Hone. The adveut of the Warden is looked for eagerly, many men being ready to peg out as soou as the Warden arrives, and Hone has disclosed the locality of the new find.

The first of the storm warnings arranged at the Inter-colonial Conference, Melbourne, was received by Or. Hector yesterday. Tlie message, which was from the Government Astronomer of Victoria, stated that a depression was passing Tasmania. The inference from this statement was that a storm is approaching New Zealand, It i* estimated that it takes about a day nnd a half for tbe depression to travel fiom Tasmania to the Bluff.

A capital entertainment will be given this evening in the Otnhuhu Public Hall in aid of the funds for re-shingling and renovating the Holy Tiiuity Church. Several Auck land professionals will assist, aud, as a large number of tickets arc in circulation, a good audience is anticipated.

Ihe greater part of the day at tho Police Court yesterday was taken up by frivolous cases, chiefly quarrels among children, in which their parents were sympathetically drawn by a kind of maguetic influence. The story of the Parnell bubbles was told iv our last, but as the romance of Turners and Smiths, of Newmarket, wns not con cluded until near five o'clock, the result, or last chapter, did uot appear in our last issue. Tlie weight of evidence weighed down the Smiths, aud Charlotte Smith was fined 20s with the privilege of paying £3 2s. Ellen, Louisa aud Frank were also found guilty, and ordered to pay Court costs.

The work of compiling the population returns of tho province has been temporarily suspended, in order that the agricultural statistics may be tabulated and issued with the least possible delay. So far as the population is concerned, howover, it may be stated that there arc stroug grounds for believing that the approximate estimates which have been given the public are, with one exception, tinder tbo mark. The exception is City East, tho correct returns of which are expected to shew a slight decrease upon the approximate calculations. The census enumerator (Mr John King) baa fully a month's labour yet before him, as the information sought for and obtained is exceptionally voluminous.

We have been assured on good authority that there ia not the slightest foundation for the statement of our morning contemporary that the ollice of Crown Solicitor had been offered firstly to Mr Tole. who declined it, and subsequently to Mr Lusk, who had it under consideration. It is a mere canard. No such offer has been made to either gentlemen, and it is expected that in con ferring the appointment, ths Government will pursue tho course dictated by courtesy —of offering it in the first instance '.o the senior members of the profession resident in Auckland, viz., Messrs E. Iloskcth and Tyler. The matter will be determined at a Cabinet Council

A correspondent, who was a tellow-pns senger with the perpetrator of the Riverhead outrago and his victim, writes giving Simms the very highest character, and the girl the reverse. He also describes the persounl sacrifices which Simms had made for the girl, and the heartless manner in which he was jilted. While judicial pro ceedings are pending, it would be obviously wrong to publish our correspondent's com munication, which is very strongly worded. We may say, however, that all who have known Simms appear to speak of hini with the greatest respect, and lament that in the frenzy of the moment he should have been led to commit such a serious offence as that with which he now stands charged.

A very pleasant social gathering took place last evening in the Parnell Hall, un der the astute and able manaeement of Messrs Brooks and Tait. The proceed iug.s commenced at S o'clock with rinking, which was considerably indulged in by the ladies, who, by tbe bye, as usual,predominated. If wc might venture a suggestion, we think that if ono or two ropes with handles attached were suspended from the ceiling in the centre of the hall, ladies would be greatly assisted in learmngtheart of skating. The system is adopted in all the rinks at Home. After about an hour-and-a-half's skating, the company tripped the light fantastic until 11.30, when they separated, each being pleased with the evening's entertainment.

The "Waikato Timea" says:—"So much of the results of the late ccnuis as wc have been able to gather has shown us that Waikato has by no means paused in that onward march, which, spite of difficulties, disappointments, and some danger, has been kept up during these dozen years or more. The " King " party are even giving their attention to the question of settlement: and there can be little doubt that it will be ono of the principal subjects brought on for discussion at the meeting just commenced at lliku rangi. How the debate may end we can not with certainty conjecture, but it will have done this much—it will have broached a subject, the importance of which will grow day by day. As to individual opinions on this matter, we have it on very good authority that one chiet has given a very practical expression ot his by offering to lease 2000 acres of excellent land owned by him in the Upper Waba.

Some excavations commenced at the dis tance of about a kilometre from the walls of Pompeii, with a view of ascertainine the nature of the surroundings of the city, have led ;to the discovery, within an area of but a few square metres, of thirty skeletons, ten of which were huddled together in one room of a small suburban villa, and among and upon the bones were found bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other objects of the kind.

The principal London Gas Company has nine millions and a half capital. For coke, tar, and residual products it receives about £600,000 a year, and for gas nearly two millions sterling. It paid last half year £20,000 compensation for the Tottenham court road explosion ; it charges its con sumers 3s 2d per 1000 ft, and declares divi dends at tbe rate of 11 per cent per annum. Just as you get stout or two ales in your own jug, so the London Company gives you superfine canncl gas at 3s lid, as against ordinary at the lower prico named abovo. This of course would mean double sets of mains.

" Stolen Kisses " did not draw with the Liugards in San Francisco. The "Morning Call "says: "The comedy of tbe second week, notwithstanding the song says, "Stolen Kisses Sweetest Are," did not prove popular in the same degree ; and, therefore, what at the outset looked like a big Lingard engagement, may be considered only a good average. How uncertain is human judgment—especially the judgment of an actor I Lhgard placed more store by "Stolen Kisses-' than by anything else on his list, but on production it was found de cidedly week in spots. While Dawkins, the tutor, is altogether in his way, the spiritless Tom sits not well on him. Tom is pathetic, and when it comes to pathos, William Horace cannot make an impression. Mr?. Lingard looked admirable as Jenny Temple, the rich heiress, playing the part in a light, easy way, and dressing it with such exquisite taste, that the ladies com pared notes as to the beauty of the cos tume, and evidently forgot all about the play."

At a meeting of the Cambridge Former's CJub, the secretary submitted to a series of suggestions to popularise the club, and get it out of its difficulties. The principal of these recommendations were to provide business, reading, and smoking rooniß, and to invite owners of property in the districts adjoining, to pledge themselves to con tribute at the rate of 6d in the £on the ratable value of their property on the basis of the Highway Board Assessment (at the end of the present financial year, 31st October); annual subscriptions to be £2 2s. The suggestions were adopted, and it was agreed on the motion of MrFantbam, " That in the event of the rating proposition not being agreed to by the members not now present, and failing the amount ot the Club's debt not b_i_g forthcoming within two mouths from date, that the Club house and land be sold, and that the Club he wound up ; notice of tho above to be i _ent to every member."

Mr T. W. Gudgeon haa published an admirable cbatt shewing the geographical relations of New Zealand to other countries, more especially in its bearings on th; several ocean routes. The track followed by the San Fiancisco mail steamers, the route via the Cape of Good Hope, that vift the Suez Canal, by Cape Horn, and also along the route usually followed by sailing ships. The distances are carefully laid down. The time-tables ot tbe San Francisco and Suez mails are also published, also tlie fares, and a calendar for ISSI. The chart will be found a very useful guide by persons homeward bound, and, as it is offered at a low price, we have no deubt it will meet with au extensive sale.

Professor Haselmayer is expected in Auckland shortly. Referring to his skill the " Hawkes Bay Herald" says: — Professor Haselmayer, the wonderful ex ponent of " puostigaV rather astonished a native at the Tumaganui Hotel recently. Tbe simple aborigiual tied hia horse up to oue of the posts at the edge of the foot path, aud the professor immediately comm enced to admire the animal, but, whilst feeling its points he somehow touched the saddle-flaps when shillings unaccountably fell into his outstretched palms. The native noticing the silver torrent, and thinking he had been defrauded of some hidden wealth he had never been aware he possessed, rose to the occasion, aud jumping around, let loose the girth and battered the saddle against the post, but couldn't raise evena jiugle. Dismay wus depicted oa his bronzed and dark-com plexioned face, and as he hurriedly rode away, he exclaimed " tipo."

The census returns, which, however, are only approximate, for Waikato district, which includes Waipa, Piako, Raglan, and Kawhia, are set down at 8000. The Borough of Hamilton does not appear to have pro gressed, as the return set down (2000) is the same as that of IS7S. In the year 2871 the population of the Waikato was 3274, so that in the space of ten years there have been added about 300 por cent, to the European population of the place—nearly doubling its numbers in the space of six years and nine months. Auckland has advauc-d iv the Bitine ratio as is given for the Colony as a whole. Otago litis rather outstepped the average. Canterbury has doubled its population iv about nine years nnd Wellington in a little over eight, Ilawko's Bay bus been more rapid, and Taratiaki is not much behind it. Nelson, and Westlaud, on the other hand,have remained nearly stationary, tho oue have added about 3000 and tbe other 1000 during the entire decennial period. The whole Provincial District of Auckland is set down nt 95,000. In addition there arc 28,500 half-castes and Maoris iv the district, vvhich makes up the total population to 123,500. The popula tion of Otago, which includes the annexed province of Southland, is not much more than 7000, compared with tho last available returns, in excess of Auckland. Compared with Canterbury, the excess is 20,000 iv favour of Auckland, and something like 60,000 as regards Wellington.—" Thames Advertiser."

A remarkable instance, as showing tho extraordinary feats of strength that can be accomplished by persons living in high altitudes, is given by 'Ecbevin,' who writes: "Your notice on "High Livers," which appeared in your issue of yesterday, was au instructive one, aud must havo proved interesting to your readers. With your permission, 1 would like to confirm the authenticity of it, having lived at an altitude of 10,000 feet myself. During my two years' sojourn (1878-7'J) in the llinia layau Ranges, I frequently noticed that, on account of the extreme rarity of the atmosphere, persons who resorted thither from the plains, suffering from chest aud lung diseases, in almost every instance, died after a short stay, as they were not able to inhale and breath freely the extremely ratified air. On the other hand, it was somewhat surprising to notice what enormous feats of Btrengtli hill tiibes (Gboorkas and many others) inhabit ing those huge mountain ranges were in the habit of performing. Although their food consists simply of graiu, rice, and other simi lar edibles, these men are able to carry ou ' their backs' up steep bills heavy weights varying from 4_ cwt. to 5| cwt., sometimes more, without feeling in the least degree exhausted. I have frequently seen them carry these heavy weights—huge boxes, etc. —for miles. It has been often observed by Europeans, when speaking of these men, that they must have ' heart-strings of steel.' Yet, in spite of all this it is a remarkable fact tbat they are not able to live on the plains. When once they descend into tlie eternities below, aud coaie to iuhale the pure air of tho Himalaya-, they die very quickly."

The teachers, officers, and friends of the Ponsonby Wislcyan Sabbath School held a special gathering last cveoinsr. The object df the meeting was to recognise the services of Mr John Banbury, who was superinten dent of the school for some years. Mr Ban bury is now removing to Napier to conduct Messrs McAithur and Co.'s large business there. His resignation as conductor of ihe school was a great loss as he was eminently enthusiastic in his christian work. The gathering numbered about GO. A social hour of a most pleasant nature was spent at tea and conversation. The presentation was in the shape of a capitally executed shield of the teachers who number 24. Tho shield was executed by Mrßedfcrn. Mrß. Giltos presented the gift in a speech full cf feeling. Mr Banbury responded, and as would be expected, felt keenly his giving up the school.with which he had been identified from its lirst days. A handsome volume was nbo presented to Miss Tilly Banbury Precog nition of her'gratuitous services as organist at the Sunday-school. Songs were given by Mesdames Bettany and Goodison, anthems by the choir, and addresses by Mesus J. Gittos, Bnrrell, Jcssop, Rosscr, and Staunton. Votes of thanks were passed to the choir and to the ladies who provided the tea. The meeting was a most happy one. The shield is on view at Messrs Wavte and Cos.

A writer in the "Mark Lane Express" gives the following history of the most valuable family of Shorthorns. He says : " As tbe Duche-s tribe ia so famous, and sells at enormous prices, I may here give a few particulars regarding it. The lirst of the fa'iiily wo hear of was bought by Charles Colling from the Duke of Northum berland's agent at Stanwix, a mas sive, short legged cow, of a yellowish red, with the breast near the ground. Hhe bad a wido back and was a great grower. Colling called her Duchess, aud had often described her to Bates as a very supf rior animal particularly in her handling, and told him he considered her the best cow he had ever seen but that he could never breed so good a one from her. She was descended from the old stock of Sir Henry Smithson, of Stanwix. Thomas Bates bought of Colling one of the descendants of this cow, in ISOS, for 100 guineas, being a fine dairy animal; and be bought another at Colling's sale in 1819. For the latter he paid 183 guineas From her all of the present family descended, Bates says he was induced to select this tiibe from having found they are great growers and quick feeders, with fino quality of meat, consuming little food in proportion to their growth, and also finding that they are great milkers.

The complimentary benefit to Mrs Glover (Miss Jessie Raymond) was very fairly patronised, considering tbe raininess of the weather, and generally the songs and pieces were satisfactorily rendered ; but in consequence of the non-appcaranco of Mr Howe and Mason, the farce of " Nan, the Good-for-nothing," was abandoned, although our morning contemporary gives Mrs Glover the credit of sustaining the character of the heroine. Mr C. Hill, also disappointed, but Mr Hill was excused as he had a "sore throat." The Artillery Band, under Mr Hunter, rendered efficient service by their instrumental selections, and the "Rustic Queen." Mr O'Biernes played the clarionet solo, "The Trouble some Pat," which was not applauded, Several of the Havelock Lodge members assisted with several ballads. Miss May Hastings, Mis Cottingham, and Miss Lawrence rendered vocal service, and were pleasantly received. Mr Marson un doubtedly did his best in a couple of time honoured ballads of a nautical and pathetic type; Mr John Edwards gave " Killarney," and another, in his own mellow style; Mr Tom Margctts, however, in his comic specialities, was the hero of the evening— his song, '• The Girl that I Adore," and "One Story is Good till the other is Told," created a storm of applause. ;Mr A. Campbell gave "My Old Friend John" and Howe's elegiac song of the " Wreck of the Tararua " in a masterly and feeliDg manner. Tom Wil liams repeated his " Never Again " in a natural strain. Mr Worrall saug well; he has a fine full voice, and his several songs told upon the judgment of the audience. Mrs Glover gave several recitations from Macaulay and other authors. Her recital of "Jessie of Lucknow," was exquisite, aud tbe poem by her late husband attracted profound attention. At the close of the programme, Mr Margettscame forward and i thanked the friends on behalf of Mrs Glover, making particular mention of Mr Hunter and bis band, and tbe talented ladies who had given assistance, adding : Including oar journal, the Evknino Stab, , Which never refuses tho player a par.

An entertaining and agreeable concert in aid of the Library of St. Barnabas' Sunday School, was given in the Mount Eden Schoolroom on Friday evening, the per formers being nearly all members either of St. Sepulchre's choir or congregation. Mr V. E. Rice acted as conductor, and the various items on the programme—glees, vocal aDd instrumental solos, and concerted pieces—were effectively rendered. The singing of the National Anthem by the whole company, brought the affair to a close at a reasonable hour.

Dr. Tanner has been out-starved by the fasting women of Ohio. A telegram from that city under date, April 6th, says :— " HattieDcull completed her forty-two days in her effort at suicidal starvation to-day. The City Medical Society have resolved that it views with the deepest regret the unseemly and disgusting exhibition of the misfortunes of ihe human beine, and those who abet tho prolonged suicide of au insane individual should be held respon sible, according to the principals of common law. Dr. Aylworth, her brother-in-law, will reply to-morrow. It is believed tbat the Commissioners of Insanity will be forced to take charge, and if possible to restore her by injectiugfood,"

Mr James Ilaslctt will deliver his lecture to-morrow evening, iv the St. Andrew's school-room, on "The Mormons; A Visit to the Salt Lake City. This lecture will be specially interesting, as it will consist of the lecturer's own impressions of the city, and the religion, occupations, aud habits, of the saints.

Captain Braddook, of the ship Oxford, during his stay iv port lias miidc many friends, and was regarded by all who knew biin as a kind-hearted, jolly skipper, and a most agreeable companion. The Oxford ia the second ship which he has safely piloted to this port, having been here a number of years ago in the Countess of Kiutore. On nil occasions, he has turned las cargo out in the best order, aud to the satisfaction of the shippers, and performed hia other duties in a most business-like manner. We only rogrct that he could not conform to the wish expressed by many merchants of the city and load up at this pott instead of proceeding South. While in Auckland Captain Braddock has been put to much in convenience aud expense through tbe pro secution of a number of seamen for broach ing cargo during tlie voyage out, and his action iv the matter was certainly praise worthy. Broaching cargo is becoming far too common amongst seamen, and con signees are continually fluttering loss and aunoyauce. Captain Braddock has ex pressed his disapprobation in a most practical manner, and although tlie prosecu tion has cost him about £200, he has taught the sailors that he is determined to prevent loss to consignees from this cause on board his vessel.

To the Editor: Sir, -1 have sometimes thought you rather severe on the editor of the "Herald." The old lady, however, is correctly named after all—she is otic of that uuhappy sort that express a horror of babies because they possess none of their own. The Btibleadcr of this morning is a mixture ot gross ignorance and pappy non sense. She professes to be iguorant of the extent to which the Education Act has been violated hero, in the matter of admis sion of children under five years of age. It will be, perhaps, comforting to know that none are admitted under that ago, and if tho old dame will take up her spectacles and read the Rules and Regulutious of the Hoard sho may discover that teachers are not encouraged in the winking process, The old lady is also Bomewhat mixed over the capitation grant. It does no follow that because a capitation allowance is paid to lloatds that the same systom extendi to the teachers. Since none are admitted under live in Auckland, it is false that oliler children arc turned away in order to admit infants under age.—Yours, &C , Truth

'1 ho boating season has now practically terminated, but the racing excitement ap pears to be as strong as ever. Tlie contest for Stanford's Cup last Saturday was not very satisfactory to the owners of the majority of the competing craft. The Ob server's mast carried away at a time she was behaving splendidly, and bad a good chanco of taking the prize. It was apparent too that the Madges sails did not set as well as they might, and wilful blankctting is also complained of. At the conclusion of last Saturday's race, a sweepstake contest was spoken of, and it was understood that all the boats would enter. The owners of the Madge, Observer, Hattie May, aud, wc believe, the Agues, have expressed their willingness to compete, but only on the understanding that tbe Imp foims one of the number. It is openly asserted that tho Imp's victory last Saturday was mainly attributable to ballast shifting. The umpire's decision overruled the protect entered on that ground, aud therefore it is scarcely fair to make such charges. In future racei, however, it would be wise to see that only those whose impartiality will not be questioned arc placed on board tbe competing boats as fair ploy men. This course wou'd be more satisfactory to all parties, aud would be the means of preventing almost interminable disputes. The race will take place on Saturday should tbe owners of the Imp be willing to enter her. Should they decide not to do so, the con. test will fall through.

To the Editor: Sir,—ls there no means of puttin_ a stop to the practice of selling drink in hotels on Sunday. I have been a waiter in hotels for some years and I know the way they do it. The way is to ask the applicants in the bar parlour and cloi-e the door after them ;it is impossible for the police to see them drinking when the doors arc closed. I do not say it is done in all the hotels, but it is done in some of them. I know of one corner hotel situated in a very open place where the above practice is carried out. If the law could reach these offenders li know there arc many families that would he benefitted by it and many a dinner enjoyed that is not so at present. I am not looking at it in the light of Sabbath breaking, but when there is a law in force to prohibit the sale of drink on Sundays, it ought to be strictly carried out. I wish some of the publicans would como out and contradict my statement. I publicly challenge the hotelkeepers to prove that they do not sell spirituous liquors on Sun days.-! am, &c, T.B.H.

We yesterday gave an account of the fatal tramway accident at Dunedin. From the local papers we learn that another accident has occurred since, which appears to point to some inherent defect in the Roslyn tram way, as similar linc3 up steep hills, worked by a continuous wire, have long beeu in successful use iv San Francisco. The fol lowing is the report of the second accideut. " It appears that about ten yesterday morn ing tbe gripper of one of the open cars lost its hold on the ropo whilst descending Hattray-strect near the top. The brakes were immediately put on, but, owing to the wet, or probably, as is stated, to the sand box failing to act, and allow the sand to drip on the rails, they failed to stop the car. It rapidly increased in velocity, and al though the driver did all he could, it was not until it had nearly reached tbe foot of the street that its headlong course was checked. From the bottom of the line to about 50 yards up thore was a good deal of sand on tbe rails, and to this, as also to tho fact of tho two front wheels getting off the line, may be ascribed the fortunate stoppage of the car. The only persons on the car were Mr George Duncan (ono of the engineers of the line) Thomas W. Munro, of Roslyn, and the conductor. Tho conductor threw himself off the car near the Catholic Church, whilst Mr Munro was thrown off at the corner of Smith-street. The injuries sustained by Mr Duncan and thedriyer were but Blight, Those of Mr Munro comprised a cut on the head aud a bruise on the left arm. He was taken to the Shamrock Hotel and attended to by Dr. Macdonald, after which he went home."

Mr Andrew's Dancing Class will meet this ovoning nt 8, at the Temperance Hall, Albert-street.

The members of the Auckland Garrick Club aro about to make a new dramatic effort In tho cause of benevolence, with th1? popular drama of "Our Boya," and, judging from tin ir several rehearsals, their exertions promt o tob3 moro Bucceasf ul than any of their prfviousper formances. "Onrßoys"will, moreovor, give fuller scopo for tho varied abilities of members. The committee, undor the direction ot Mr Alex ander Smith, purpose producing tho play in Auckland shortly, for the benefit of one or other o£ our charitable institutions. They hove nleoarranged for Ha performance at Grohams town, on tho evening of Her Majesty's birthday, in aid of the Ladies' Benevolent Society of tho Thames.

'1 he programme of the sacred ccucert to be given on Friday evening at Ft. Luke's Pres byterian Chnroh. Kemuera, Is of a choice and specially attractive character, and well do serving the patronage of residents who lovo to listen to music of a high and effective order. Tho committee have strenuously endeavoured, by doing all in their power, to make this concert acceptable and financially successf al. A power ful choir will asaist with soveral sacred anthems. The quartettes, full of the language of poetry, will include: " There is a Green Hill Far Away," 'God ia a. Spirit," and "Cast Thy Burden," Which will bo sung by MeedarmsHtanier and Stevens and Messrs Rhodes _nd Dixon. Mr Gordon Gooch will sing the beautiful solo, '■ Foaming Billowa." and the ever-charming and spirit-elevating "Considor iho Lillles." Solos will also bo sung by Mesdames Stanier and Stevens, and a Polish duet by tho Misses ladder. Mlsb Woilenough will perform piano forte selections; two sacred songs will be sung by Mr Morgan, and the flno bolo, " Comfort ye My Peoplo," by Mr Dixon. Should thiß concert be but partially attended, it will bo a reproach to the musical taste of the good people of 1 Romuera.

THE TARARUA DISASTER.

j [BY TELEORAPII. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

FIFTY-EIGHT BODIES IN ALL RECOVERED.

INVERCAKGILL, Tuesday. Mk Stewart, of Cargills, Gibbs and Co.,

returned from Otara to-day. He reports that, up to 2 p.m. on Monday, fifty-eight bodies in all had been recovered—fifty-four of these having been found on the Otara beach, two at Waikawa, and two recovcied at sea and taken to Dunedin. Captain Garrard was buried at Otara on Monday

forenoon.

THE OFFICIAL INQUIRY.

DUNEDIN, Tuesday,

The Court of Nautical Assessors ap pointed to inquire into the wreck of the s.s. Tararua, met this morning, tho members being Mr Simpson, R.M. ; Captain Thomp son, harbourmaster, Port Chalmers ; Cap tain McGowan, master of the ship Benvc nue.

Robert Lindsay, the first mate, deposed : I hold a master's certificate, No. 131 (pto duced). We left Port Chalmers at 5 p.m. ou the 20th. '1 lie steamer had five boats. They were all with the exception of the dingy on chocks in davits. The two fore most boats were uuder the bridge. They were both life-boats, with corks round the iuside. They were supposed to carry from 20 to 30 each. We hail two boats ot similar build before file alter gangway, aft of tbe other boats. These latter were life boats in build, but without corks. They would also carry from 20 to 30 each. Then there was the dingy. Going along tlie coast we carry her on the deck, and she was ho carried on tlie 28th, At 1.30 a.m., we were supposed to be off Long Point, and I called the captain and said the land was about four or live miles off, but could not observe the Point. I believca we we'c off Long Point because Bbc bad run the dis tance by log. We had run 15 miles from 12 o'clock. I saw nothing in tbe land itself to give my position. I simply judge it by the distance logged. There was a haze over the laud. When I called the captain at 1.30 he came on deck, looked at the position of the ship, and paid she was making a very good course I gave him tho order-book. Ho wrote down the course at W.S.W., and to call him at 3.45 a.m. Ho then went to his cabin. He was not undressed, but was ready for calling at any time. I steered the course then given until 3.45, and then called the captain. At that time I judged we were about Slope Poiut. I judged that by the time we had been running on the course given. I had nothing on the land to guide me. Tho log was not hauled after 1.30. When he came on deck he said, " Well, let her run ou this course until 4 o'clock, and then alter the course to west.' I continued the previous course until 4 o'clock. We were still going about ten knots. I went below at 4 o'clock, giving the order book to the second officer on the bridge. I saw the course altered to due west. At that period I only saw the haze on the land, and nothing ou shore to indicate where we were. Then I went below. Tbe log was not hauled after 1.30, aud we relied entirely for our position on the rate we had run. As far as I am aware, we made no allowance for tide or currents. I speak eutirely for myself. There ia a current marked on the chart of from one to two knots. Had wo run at four o'clock where we supposed we were, and continued steer ing due west until we sighted Dog Island liglit, we should have escaped the laud. The weather, at four o'clock a m,, was the same aa it had been all night—haze over the land. It was as clear as possible above head, and just a light haze over the land.

By the Court: 1 had not a table of the variation of the Tararua's compass. I knew the Standard compass waa correct according to the compass I had. I did not know the error of the Standard compass. The captain had the deviatiou table, and the adjustment card. The compasses had not been adjusted since I was in the Tararua. The course 1 had desctibed is to tbe best of my knowledge the course always kept by the Tararua at that point. Wc lost sight of the Nuggets at twenty minutes past one o'clock. We did not take bearings then. The ship only cairied two olhcers There was no other on the watch with me. I cannot say whether the error of the compasses was determined from time to time. During the voyage I never took an altitude. I cannot say whether the captain did. We often took four point bearings of a light as we passed, but we did not on the occasion of passing the Nuggets this time. The Cap tain usually put in the book to take four point bearings when passing a light. I did nothing except what was stated iv the book.

By Mr Dennison : The captain was on the "deck when she passed the Nuggets, and did not enquire the bearings. I was awakened by the shock of the vessel striking, I heard the captain's order as I was coming out of my rooom to call all hands to clear away the boats. We have no particular station to run to. As to the boats, I am aware of no directions on board the Tararua showing the positions of the men and officers taking charge of the boats in case of accident. 1 never saw boat-drill on board the Tararua, I went to the foremost boat, so as to take charge of my watch as they came on deck. I had received no orders to get that parti cular boat out. The captain was givin_ orders cooly and collectedly. At the first shock of striking there was a deal of screaming among the women. After tbe boats were swung out to the davit-heads, everything was quiet, and there was good order, and both passengers aud crew were cool. 1 saw all the four boats were slung out, clear of the ship's side ready for lower ing. That took, I think, about 20 minutes. I did not observcanything when I first came on deck, but the broken water round the ship. It was very dark. I was entirely oc cupied with getting out the boats, and at that time paid no attention to the position of the ship.

After the adjournment, the examination of the chief officer was resumed. He ! corrected a previous statement by saying that the aftermost boats of tbe Tararua were furnished with cork. Ho thcu con tinued, in answer to Mr Denniston : After the boats were got ready nothing more was done until daylight. It was dawn at about a quarter-past six. The vessel was distant about three-quarters of a mile from the shore. In my opinion a line could not have been taken from the vessel to the shore by the boat on account of the underdrift. We had no light lines of sufficient length to have reached the shore, so that a heavier line could not have been got upbore by means of a light line. I think the second mate's boat reached to about 400 feet from flic beach. When the boat came back six more passengers volunteered to go in the boat. The second mate on returning to the vessel informed the captain that he could get them ashore, but that they would have to swim.

By tho Court: When I got on shore, the sea was washing over the after part of the vcssol. The sea was not rough enough, although washing over the vessel, to do a great deal of damage. Between 11 and 12, no boat could get near the vessel. The sea had risen rapidly. When I left the vessel, I did not think she wos in any danger. Towards 1 and 2 o'clock p.m., I noticed the sea beginning to break over her, fore and aft. I then saw the passengers being washed of! the forecastle-head. I do not think that after half-past 11 in the morning any of the steamers or boats could have got near enough to render any assistance. When the steamer's lights were seen, the sea was running mountains high; making a clean breach over the ship, although it was calm overhead. After half-past 11, in my opinion, a boat could not go nearer the ship than a quarter of a mile. My opiniou is that it must have been the southerly swell that put the Tararua ashore.

By Mr Dcnniston :In my opinion all was done that could be done for the safety of the passengers after the vessel struck. The course pursued aftcrthewreckrccommended itself to my judgment. No steamor could have got near enough to do any good. Ido think if a vef sel had hove-to to windward of the wreck that she could have floated a small line down to her. The broken water round the ship was for about two ships' length. I cannot say how many passengers we had. We had six life-buoys on hoard. I do not know of any cork jackets. Two life-buoys were on the bridge, two hanging over the stern, aud one on each quarter. By the Court: I call it Waipapa where the vessel went ashore. We could not retermine our position with accuracy, when we altered our course from W.B.W. to W. A light on Waipapa Pointwould render navi gation between Port Chalmers and the Bluff safe, I know of two vessels that have gone ashore in the neighbourhood of Waipapa. Tho Gothenburg was said to have struck on Waipapa. That is the point on which a light should be placed. It is the great danger of the locality. By the Court: I gave the distance be tween Waipapa and Slope Point at fifteen miles, after measuring by the compasses on the chart. I now find it is only seven and a half miles. Measuring from the actual position of the wreck, we must have been only a mile and a half off Slope Point, and only half a mile clear of the foul

eround abreast of tho Point. I _X then at Slope Point hear tho roar of the breakers, slthough we were on y balf-a-mile away. It is not in. probaKhataa error may have sudden y happened to the Tararu.'s compasses about the time we altered the course to west. Some tol attraction might cause such an error. The conclusion I come to-now l that the vessel had not run her distance at [Kmelwent below. If that was so, the course was erroneously alteiej The Court adjourned at 5 p.m. till M to morrow. In all twenty witnesses are to be examined, and it is likely the inquiry will occupy six or Beven days.

THE INWARD SAN FRAN CISCO MAIL.

Tub; steamship ' Zealandia,' with the in ward San Francisco mail, left San Francisco on Sunday last, the Bth instant, one day after time-table date.

FREE METHODIST SOIREE.

THE anniversary soir.a of the Pitt-street Free Methodist Church took place last eveniii", aud was largely attended, not withstanding tbe inclemency of the weather. The tea-tables were presided over by the following ladies :—Mesdames Waterhouse, Johnso_, and Trigg, and Misses Spare, Hayes, Yates, Piatt, and Bartley. After tea" the company adjourned from the school room to the church, where Mr Tattersall assumed the chair and opened the proceed ings. The secretary then presented the annual report which was of a rather dis cursive character. With regard to the school it stated that the past year had been one of earnest, steady work on tbe part of the officers. These consisted of one superinten dent, one secretary, one treasurer, one treasurer, one librarian, one visitor, two registrars, eleven male, and ten female teachers. There were on the school register at present 22S scholars—ll9 males and 109 females-being an increase of 35 on last year. The average attendance had been 110 in the morning, and 10S iv the afternoon. There was great necessity for increased ac commodation, and a building fund had theretote been started, to which £418 was already contributed. There were 337 books in the library, and the issues during the year had numbered 653. The report also dealt with the branch schools, and made regretful allusion to the death of Mrs French, who had been one of their oldest and most zealous teachers. The treasurer's accounts showed the receipts for the year to have been £46 8s Bd, and the expenditure the same, less £2 16a 4d in hand. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, Bcv. Mr Hodgson and Mr G. Hemue, and others, after which the usual complimentary votes were passed. The meeting was closed with prayer.

COLONIAL INSURANCE COM PANY.

(BY TELEGKAI'H.—rit-SS ASSOCIATION.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The third annual report of the Colonial Insurunce Company to be submitted on the 18th instant states :—The income from premiums is £07,3918s Id (being an increase upon tbat of last year of £SGIS 3a Id); from interest on investments, £___- 0s 4d (being au increase upon that of last year of £731 Is lid), and from transfer fees, &c, £25-1 19s Id (being au increase upon thut of last year of £151 13s sd). The year's report has been marked by vast losses all over the world on both fire and marine branches, more especially the letter, and our company has had to bear its full share in these losses. Nevertheless, after deduc ing these, which amount to £23,241 4s 2d ; reinsurances, discount, etc., £23,339 11b lOd ; and general expenses, £14,964 143 3d —there remains a sum of £11,234 Is lid, out of which the directors have placed £5000 to the reserve fund, thus increasing it to £15,000, aud they recommend the payment of a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent., which will absorb £5000, and leave £1234 17s lid to be carried forward to the profit and loss new account. In February last year the general manager proceeded to London, which branch he haa reorganised, and on bis wiy out availed himself of the opportunity to visit and inspect the Indian and Australian branches of the company. The directors are of opinion that the results of his visit will be highly favourable to the future progress of the company. The seats at the Board of Messrs C. J. Pharazyn and E. W. Mills having become vacant, Messis. J. B. Harcourt and W. H. Levin were ap pointed directors in their places.

THE NATIVE MEETING AT HIKURANGI.

ALEXANDRA, Monday. THERE is now a large assembly of natives here with continual fresh arrivals; it is now estimated to be quite as numerous as the attendance at Sir .George Grey's meeting held here some years siace. An immense pile of food was divided on Saturday, con sisting principally of dried fish, sharks, preserved pork, &c. Potatoes are the only exception, all else being repugnant to European tastes; the smell itself being more than sufficient to satisfy the strongest stomachs. No cattle or pigs have as yet been killed. The names of the following tribes, witb their numerous hapus, were called out in the division of the food :—Rarawa, Nga puhi, Ngatiwatia, Nairentuaha, Tauranga ; Ngaiterangi, Rotorua. Ngaterakawau, Wanganui, Patihaka, West Coast tribes Lower Waikatos, Ngatimaniapoto and othirs. The West Coast tribes only were unable to divide their share without a scramble, which was most amusing; the pork fat being plastered over the eyes. Tawhiao on welcoming the arrival of Lower Waikatcs, said he had frequently called them to come and reside at Hikurangi; now they must make up their minds. Te Wheoro jumped up and said " Here is Waikato, you can now have us all with you." Tawhiao keeps very secluded, only Te Wheoro, Wahanui, Hauaurau, and Ngakau being allowed into his quarters. There will be little done to-day as they are not all settled down yet. Te Kooti's crowd is here, and keeping very quiet. Rewi has not arrived, Fand I believe he is not ex pected.—" Waikato Times."

MINING NEWS.

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS.

Success G.M.C.—Since my last report, there has been no material change in the reef which is a little broken at present. We aro carrying good prospects, and a little gold is seen in the stone. lam in hopes that when the reef conies together there will be something good met witb. I have put two more men on, which will enable me to get ahead much quicker. In No. 2 level, the contractors have h_d the ground a little hard this week, but there is a change for the better today. The reef is getting larger, and the ground easier, and little gold in prospecting.—Peter Reid, Coromandel, May 9.

Old Golden Calf.—The wagesmen are still employed driving on the reef at No. 2 level. The ground being so weighty, the reef has been lying almost flat, so that we have not yet reached the footwall. The ground to-day gives indications of improving, and the reef of resuming its usual dip, when tho footwall will soon be reached. The portion of the reef wc have been able to take carries nice dabs of gold all the way along. The men at No 3 are still rising on the lode, and although the stone looks as promising as ever, we have not seen much gold for the last four shifts. I expect to start crushing in a day or two, and when finished I will at once acquaint you with the result. — Thomas H. Crawford, Grahamstown, May 10.

New Goldem Pah.—The mine manager reports: -The quartz on hand will be carted to the battery to-morrow, aud crushed at once. I expect a fair yield. Bottom level: I have started a cross-cut to strike the leader from which I got good prospects in the bottom of the shaft. I have put four men two shifts, to cross cut for the leader. —W. G. Martin.— Ceromaudel, May 10.

Pawnbrokers have never been described as the pioneers of progress, although it must be admitted that they are always ready to make an advance.

Tho prettiest Rocking unair ior any class ot room is that known as tho Austrian Hont Wood. Thia style of furniture is well adapted for this climate. It Is light-looking and yet very strong; It ia suitable for either Bitting, dining or drawing-room. Garlick and Cranwell wero the linst to introduce it to the Auckland public, and i hey have now a large assortment at lower prices than when first offered for salo just landed ex Oxford and previous shipments in Black and Walnut principally. Arm and Side Chairs, Ladies' and Gont9' Rocking Chairs, Shop and Piano High Chairs, Childrens'Table Chaire Ohildrens' Low and Arm Chairs, Settees, etc. Our stock of House Furniture and Carpets is well worth inspecting. New-comers especially should visit tho City Hall Arcade. Residents end those about to marry will be aided by eon suiting onr Book Catalogue, and will find in our -.took such a variety that will enable them to famish their house in a few hours, and at tho cheapest rates. Five per cent, discount is allowed for all cash payments on furnishing orders. Not. the address—City Hall Arcade, Q'.ueen-stroot, * uokland—Garlick and Cranwell. Proprietora,—adv..

MacKENZIE'S "LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT."

[By G. W. Griffin, U.S. Consul, Auckland.]

Dr. Robert Shelton Mackenzie, of Philadelphia, has been so kind as to send me a copy of his "Life of Sir Walter Scott." It contains, I think, by far the most succinct and intelligible account of the great poet and novelist ever given to the public The author deservedly stands in tbe front rank of biographers. He has done nothing for the mere purpose of effect, or for start ling and bewildering the reader. Whatever he has treasured up in history and tradition, and in the varied experience of his own life, he brings forth with wonderiul clearness, beauty and naturalness. He seems to have readily made himself master ot all the knowledge that is to be prized in other*. He bandies with equal grace the sternest facts, and the merest playthings of fancy, He has breathed over the entire work, from the beginning to the close, a spirit as sweet and gentle as that which animates S:;r Walter's own creations. The author's personal relations with Scott form not the least valuable part of the volume. In 1828, when Mackenzie was seventeen years of age, Sir Walter visited Fermoy, Ireland, Mackenzie happened to be standing in front of his residence, when he saw a carriage, in which were seated Sir Walter Scott, his daughter and Miss Edgeworth, dash suddenly along Cork Hill. He rushed to the King's Arms Hotel, where Scott was to stop. The driver halted without notiemga large ditch, about ten feet deep, on the left side of the carriage. Sir Walter, in attempting to get out, came very near falling into the pit, and would have done so if, Mackenzie had not pushed him back ■vith such force as to throw him into the carriage. When Sir Walter aliehted from the other and safer side, he looked at the pit with a shiver, and, press ing Mackenzie warmly by the hand, thanked him very kindly for Baying him from a dreadful accident. fccott never forgot the incident, and remained his stead fast friend to the last. Among the interest ing facts in Mackenzie's volume, we learn tbat Scott wrote the oft quoted lines des criptive of Melrose Abbey by moonlight, without ever having seen Melrose save by the lightsome day : —

"If thou wouldst view fair Melrose aright, Go vißit it by the pale moonlight; For the gay beama of lightsome day Gild, but to float, tbe ruina gray. When the brtken arches are black in nigh And each shafted oriel glimmers white; When the cold light, uncertain Bhower Streams on the ruined central tower; When buttress and buttress, alternately, Seem framed of ebon and ivory; When Bilver edges the imagery. And the scrolls that teach tbee to live and die ; When distant Tweed is heard to rave, Igrave,— And the owlet to hoot o'er the dead man's Then go,—but go alone the while,— Then view St. David's mined pile; And, heme returning, soothly swear, Waa never ecer.e so sad and fair." Mackenzie says tbat while Miss Edge worth was visiting Ahbotsford, she pro posed one bright moonlight night that Sir Walter should take her to see Melrose Abbey, and at the same time quoted tho above lines. Scott replied, "By nil means let us go, for I, myself, have never seen Melrose by moonlight." There is another story about Melrose, which I will relate : A lady once asked Scott to copy the oft quoted lines for her album, which he did, and instead of the proper endiog gave the following variation :—

" Then go _nd modltate with awe, On scenes tho author never saw, Who never wandered by the moon To see what could bo seen b noon."

No inconsiderable portion of the book ia devoted to Scott's early life. There appears to be no doubt that Sir Walter was a dull boy at school. It is well known that even late in life he could not spell correctly. While I was Consul at Copenhagen a gen tleman connected with the Royal Library there showed me some of Scott's auto graphic letters, and at the same time pointed tut to me a number of mispellcd words in them, This slight failing, how ever, may well he pardoned, in the contem plation of the splendour of Sir Walter's genius. At school he was called the Greek blockhead. It is cer tain that he could not master the Greek language, and had to quit the University witbont .raduating. In after years when he became the most honoured man of letters of his time, he said : " I would, at this moment, give half the reputation I have had the good fortune to acquire if by doing so I could rest the remaining part upon a sound foundation of learning and science." HealwaysdeploredhisignoranceoftbeGreek language. He took this misfortune, I think, too much to heart. A knowledge ol Greek is all very well, but it is much more im portant to he able to master the English, If we wish to study our mother tongue, we should study that, and not the mother tongue of somebody else, Goethe's aphorism, " He who is acquainted with no foreign language knows nothing of his own,'' will not bear analysis or criticism, for it is 1 through a knowledge of our own tongue that -we become acquainted "with another. Sir Walter in his youth was very fond of chess, but soon gave it up, saying it was a sad waste of brains. " Baclcgammon," he says, "is to he preferred to chess, for if a man gets beaten at that game, he can always throw the cause of his defeat on the dice." Sir Walter draws an image from this game in a letter to a friend about hia little and then only grandchild. "An only child," he says, "is like a blot at back gammon, and fate is apt to hit it." Scott was passionately fond of children and dogs, and both had access to his study at all times. He said to a friend who admired the manli ness of his eldest son, " Like the Persians, I have taught him three things—to tell the truth, to shoot, and to ride." Mackenzie tells us that " The Lord of the Isle " closed Scott's poetical career. The poem did not meet with the success it de served. Scott said to James Ballan tyne, who was the first to inform him of its failure, " Well, well, James, so be it; but you know we must not droop, for we can't affoid to give over. Since one line ba. failed we must jast stick to something else.'' He now turned his attention to novel writing, in which he won even a higher distinction than he attained as a poet. It would be difficult to find anyone who has not read the Waverley novels. Many read them simply for the historical facts they contain, but it is not always safe to do so. The author, not unfreqnently, turns history upside down. For instance, in Kenilworth he quotes passages from Shakespeare tbat were not written at the date of the story. Elizabeth paid the memorable visit to Kenilworth in 1575, and at that time Wayland Smith is represented as singing a stave from a comedy which was then new, meaning the "Tempest," but that play was not acted until 1614. So Sir Walter Raleigh is mado to quote the lines to the Queen: "Fair vestal throned by the west." from " Mid-summer's Night Dream," which was not written until 1595, thirty years later. This blunder is not so bad as that ot the German poet Schiller, who brings Mary and Elizabeth together at Fotheringay. The truth is, they never met Scott repre sents Elizabeth as being incensed at the marriage of the Earl of Leicester to Amy Robsart. The noble Earl was married to Amy when he was only eighteen years of age, and this was not his only marriage before he aspired to the hands of the Queen. There is truth in tbe story tha he tried to poison Amy, and, f_fl« ing in the attempt, sent her to Cumnor ; place and had her put to death by Anthony Forster, and tbat accomplished villian Sir Richard Varney. The Earl, to judge from the number of his amours was what |Artemus Ward would call "A muchly .married man." After the death of Amy Robsart, Leicester was married to Douglar, daughter of AVilliam Howard, first Lord Effingham. This lady was the widow cf Lord Sheffield, and there is evidence that the Earl put the husband out of tbe way with poison. This was the marriage that so incensed Elizabeth. Indeed her feel ings were bo hurt that she threw him in prison, but soon afterwards ordered his release. She wrote a number of silly love letters to him and wished to make him vice-regent of her kingdom and would have done so if his death had not prevented this stupendous piece of folly. If Sir Walter does not confine himself strictly to histori cal facts, he certainly illustrates historical truths in general, He has been blamed for not marrying the Knight of Ivanhoe to tbe beautiful Jewess, Rebecca. The truth is that in Great Britain at that time, and for ceuturics afterward, a Christian knight would not be allowed to marry a Jewess. In Mackenzie's pages nearly oil the exquisite creations of the Waverley novels seem to live and breath again. We got something more than a meie glimpse of Robin Hood, Catherine Seyton, the bold Douglas Dandy Diumont, with bis terrier pack, Meg Merrilies, who wished to be buried with her head to the east, Jamie Deans, and that sweet faded flower, Effie, the ill-fated Lucy Ashton, Helen Mac- Gregor.thc young and beautiful Di'Vernon, the fawning Claverhouse, the woman sitting on the stone to warn Burleigh that there is a lion iv his pith, and the fair Edith, who could not give her heart to another when her lover was in the deep, deep sea.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY. MAY 11



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