SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„,,„ WATEW J This Evening. 11.83 HIUH WATER} To-morrow Morning, ' UN3KT.—This Evening. 6.1G ' U N RIBE.-TO-MOITOW Morning, 5.41 M UN'S AGK.-Lnst Quarter, 22nd, 7.9 a.m,

ARRIVALS.

SATURDAY HVKNINO. Waitokl, 8.8., Krtio, from Whangaroi

YESTERDAY. Sovereign, schoonor. Hooper, from Russoll Reliance, ketch. 1 awson, from Whangipona Ansdoll, barque, Charlcsworth, from Nowcastlo

TO-DAY. Jessie, schooner, Doughty, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

SATURDAY. Mary King, schooner, Uao, for Kaipara

TO-DAY. Kriemhllda. s.s.. Bathurst, for Whangaroa Isabella Pratt, schooner. Cross, for Oamaru Enterprise, brlgantine, Graham, for Kaipara lono, s.s , Stophenson, for Russoll Waitaki, s.s., Edie, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Dondon-Dunloo, loading ; Loch Urr. to follow Taurauga-Gleuelg. Wednesday; Waltakl,Mon-

day „ . Russell-lona, Monday . Sydnoy-Arawata, Wednesday; City of Isow York, March Ist Melbourne, viA Sonth—Albion, 1 bursday , Whangare nnd Russoll-Waitaki. Wednesday Now Plymouth and south-Wnnaka, Tuesday Whangorel-Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitaki, Friday Friendly Islands-Myrtlo Islands—Coronet Samoa, Flirt „ . Lyttolton. A. C. do Froitaa Timaru—Margaret Galbraith

VESSELS EXPECTED

Albion, s.s„ from Southern Ports, to-night Arawata, s.s.. from Sydnoy, to-morrow Wolverine, H.M.S., from Sydney, shortly Meropo, Bhip, from London Oxfoitl, ship, (M.T.L.3.) from London; Balled

Sydenham, barquo (J.M.F.Q.). from London sailed November 27th t-«««w Avona. barquo, from London; to eo.ll January

15 Chile barouo, from London ; loading Orient. bOTlttb, from London ; to sail Fobruary 8 Peru, barquo, from London: loading Loch Dee. barquo, from Lmion; sailed Decem- Sdpotlo" barqao, from New York; sailed Caba?fe°idh r, barqtm (S.Q.M. J.l. from Hongkong Himalaya, barque (V.T.K.M), from London. (Jrwoll. brigantino, from tho Islands Roderick Dhu. brigantine, from Dunedin Detlanoo, briuantine, from Port Chalmers Kthel, brigantino, from Dunedin Ryno, brigantine, from Rotumah Look Out,' brigantino. from Sydney Knorgy. schooner, from Noumea Kate McGregor, schooner, from Timaru Falcon, threo masted schooner, from Molbourno, sailed 3Ut Mazeppa, schooner, from Rarotongi Marion, schooner, from Noumea Policeman, schoonor, from Noumea Julia Prico, schooner, from Noumea Dayspring, mission sohooner (W.N.8.M.), from the Islanda Gael, schooner, from Levuka Agnes Donald, schooner, from Rarotonga Sybil, schooner, from Society Islands Transit, schoonor, from Rarotonga Atotehau. schooner, from Karotonga Pirate, schooner, from Penryhn Island Pearl, ketch, from Karotonga Speedwell, ketch, from Norfolk Island

Tho s.s. Albion is exported from tho South shortly after midnight.

The schooner Isabella Pratt ca Is at Tairua in order to load with timber for Oamaru.

The barque Ansdell left Nowoastlo on Feb ruary Rh. Had S rt.E. winds and line weather and strong northerly gale with heiivy sea and constant rain for three days. Thenco till round ing North Cape on tho 16th hnd N.E. and N. winds. Southerly and northerly winds down the coast till arrival.

The schoocer Sea Breeze arrived at Kalapol from the Thames with a cargo of timber on the 13th inst.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS,

Owake, schooner, Pardy, from Greymouth Wanaka, s.s., McGlllivray. from South Lalla Rookh, p.s., Campbell, from Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Atlantic, schooner, for the South

IMPORTS.

Per Owake, from Greymouth : 87 tens coal. Per Lal'a Rookh, from 'Waitara: 113 sacks gras3 seed. 11 bales fungus. Por Rowena, from Waitara: 23 head oattle.

The s.s. Wanaka, from the Sonth, brought the following raesengara :—Mrs Burford. Mrs Hiogston and child, Mrs Barnard, Mr Frahon, Mrs Clark, Mr Mottram, Mr and Miss Riddiford Mr Foung, Dr and Mrs Bennett. MiS3 Grey, Mr Woodruff, Mr and Mra Ryan, Mr Albertson. Mrs HiDebinker and son, Mr Perrott, Mr and Mrs Arvora. Mrs Purka, Mrs Ransfleld, Messrs England (3), Rev. Mr Fraser, Mr I«tt, Mr Ihnngarland. Captsln Corbett, Mr Cohen, Mr Eanford, Mr Bacheldor, Mrs Fish and child, Mr Titchner. Mr Davis, Mrs Doby. Mr Nan carrow. Misses Bodggood. Cleghorn,. and Brewer, Messrs Lincoln, Penett, and Johnston, and 29 in tho steerage.

COMMERCIAL.

ffivsNiNO Star Olllco, Monday.

Mr G. Sibbin sold 13-61tbs cf the topsail schooner Gael at his mart to-day. Mr McQuarrio was the purchaser, the price being &>OS.

Mr Arthur sold at his mart to-day, on behal t Mr James Rao. pawnbroker, a number of cold and silver watches, alberta, brooches, earrings, &c„ as well as a large quantity of clothing of various description. There was a large attendance, and bidding proved er ceptionally spirited. Mr G. Lewis held a largo salo of new and second hand furniture to day when a great qnantlty of goods wero disposed of at reason able returns.

Messrs S. Cochrane & Son sold at thalr Mart. to-day, the following blocks of land -.-Allotment 161 and north portion lot 158, parish of Mahu rangi, containing 280 acres, with all improve ments, as new occupied by Mr David M»y. 3s por acre. Onehung».-Lot G, subdivision lots 1 nnd 3, section 21, having a frontage of 30 feet to Church-street, £80. Hunua.-North-eastportion lot 71. containing 40 acres. 3b per aero. Whanga marlno (Banks' Co. ).-Lot 101, containing 80 acres 4s per aoro. Komakorau (Banks Co.).—Lot 113, containing 50 acres, 6s 64 per acre. Wa takerei. -South-west portion lot bi, containing 10 acres. Is per acre. Tokatoka- cot 23, containing 10 acres, 2o 6d per aore. ____________

Mail Notice.

Mails will Cr.osn as Under.— This Day. For Russoll, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, por lona, at 4 p.m. For Samoa, per Flirt, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, por \\ altakl, at

For Port Fitsroy. por Waterllly, at 1.30 p.m For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Hntorprlso, at o.SD p.m.

Tuksoay, 22nd instant. For Waiwera, Kuwait, Omaha, and Matakana,

per Roso Casey, at 10 a.m. For Waitara, por Lalla Rookh, nt 10,5 a.m. For Wangaroa, per Start, at 11 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern porta, per Wanaka,

ntHa.m. For Hokianga, por Howouo, nt 11 a,iii. For Whangarol Heads, Waipu, Whangarol, and Mangapai. per Argylo, at I p.m. ForThamos, por Rotomahana, at 5.30 p.m.

Wednesday. 23rd Instant. For Coromandol, por Coromandel. at 11.30 a.m. For Russoll, Kawakawa, aud Australian Colonies, per Arawata, at 5 p,m. Thursday, 21th Instant. For Gisborno, Napier, Southern ports, and Australian Colonios, por Albion, at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Ist March.

Per b.b. City of Now York, aa follows :— For Sandwloh Islauds, Onltod States of Amorloa, Canada, Ilritlsh Columbia, Contral and South Amorloa. and British and Foreign Wort lndlos, at 5 p.m. For United Kingdom and Contlnont Of Kurope, at 5 p.m. For money ordors, registered lottors, and nowspapors, nt 1 p.m. Lato lottors bearing an extra feo of slxponoo. In addition to tho postage, will bo reoolvod by tho Mall Agent on board tho Btoamor up to the timo of Bailing. This mall wilt bo duo in London on Tuesday, April 12.

N.B.—A Post-ofllco has boon opened at Opoheko, noar Ramarama. Malls will closo at tbis ofllco overy Friday at 7 p.m. Rottirn malls will bo roceived overy Saturday at 9.15 a.m. S. B. DISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief I'ost-ofllco. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Fkbruaky 21st, 18S1. Theatre Royal-" Shin Fano,"a p.m. Newton Hast School — Mooting! of House keepers for olection of committeo, 7.30 p.m. Auokland Instituto—Annual mooting, 7.30. Working Men's Club—Adjournod mooting for olection of otllcors, 8 p.m. Nowmarket Truo Blues—District Hall. 8 p.m.

Birth

LODDER.—At Remuera, on tho 20th Instant, tho wifo of Mr William Loddor of a daughter. M AINLAN D.-On Fobruary 12, at hor rosldonco, Norman's Hill, Onehunga, tho wi'o of Arthur Mainland of a dkUrfhtor.

Death.

WARD.-On Fobrnary 20, Mabel, tho daughter of W. R. B. Ward; aged 12 months.

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1881

For the cans that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the ood that we can do

The success of the experiments with the shipments of meat from Australia to England has] been deemed sufficient to warrant the issuo of a prospectus for the formation ot a company with a capital of £300,000. This undertaking was announced in London tiinlor tho auspices of a directory comprising Sir Bobert Torrens, C.M.G., as Chairman, Sir Charles Clifford, K.B. of New Zealand, Chairman of tho Now '^oaland Trust and Loan Company, antl n number of other loading linancial " big guns" connected witli tho various colonies. Tho process which it was proposed to adopt was tho Bell-Cole man Refrigerator Company's machine, commonly used in carrying fresh meat cargoes from tho United States. It was stated in the prospectus that tlio Company wero making arrangements with tho P. and O. Company, for a certain space to be reserved in each steamer for moat ship ments, thus securing a regular fortnightly supply. In proof of tho market for these shipments and the profitable character of the trade, the prospectus set forth that" tlio whole sale price of beef and mutton now ruling in New South Wales, where tho increase in the number of stock during the last year has been 8,000,000 head, is Id to l£d per lb. Thero has been a serious decreaso of stock raised in the United Kingdom, amounting in 1879, according to statistics, to the total of 1,322,805 head. And arrangements havo been made with leading meat salesmen in London for tho immediate salo of the meat on arrival of tho largest quantity tho Company is likely to import, at pricea ranging from s£d to Gd per lb., whilst freight and all other expenses aro not expected to ex ceed 2d per lb." In a word, therefore, the Company considered they were justified in holding out a prospect of twenty per cent, to investors. This couleur de rose prospectus did not escape adverse criticism. The "Times" commented on it unfavour ably, and said that it was yet to be proved that meat could bo conveyed fresh from Australia at a price that would leave a profit. On behalf of the Company, Mr W. H, Mitchel son, secretary, took up the cudgels in the following letter : —

"Sir, —In your notice of this company in ' The Times " of to-day you query, ' Has it beon proved that tho meat can be landed in this country in marketable condition ?' We reply, 'Yes.' Sco article in 'The Times' of February 9, 1880.—'The shipment per the Strathleven not only was a perfect success, but realised a handsome profit.' "

The " Times ' retorted as follows :—

" We have merely to say that nothing appeared in our columns in support of the thesis that dead meat can be brought from Australia in good condition beyond the mere report of the results of a trip perfor med by a single ship. What we should like to know is whether any further cargoes have been successfully brought here ; also, whether the meat was frozen or not ? We understand that when meat is frozen it is apt to becomo rotten tho moment it thaws. The distance from this country to Australia is so great that scepticism ioonlypmdent,apd we are decidedly of opinion that success has not in this instance been solproved as to warrant people in putting money into the business to the extent of £300,000. Success may, and we hopo will, bo attained, but the matter is still in the purely experimental stage." Another letter appeared in the " Times " of November 30 on the un profitable nature of fresh meat impor tation companies in general, and the one tlie writer had invested in in parti cular, and Mr Mitchelson has again written to protest against tho judgment of the " Times," and dilate on the pros pects of the now trade, Since this correspondence was 'published the 'Protos' cargo has I arrived in good condition and sold well, and no doubt the success will do a good deal to help the projected Company. Notwithstanding.the unfavourable criti cism of the "Times," the scheme was well thought of in England, and it only required that the doubts respecting the feasibility of profit able shipments should be removed to attract a large amount of capital in

developing the business. The under taking is ono which tho colonies will watch with deep interest, for its success means a permanent in crease in the value of all our grazing lands. And it cannot be it matter of doubt that unless access to the Homo market steadies the price of stock, it must suffer hero, as in Now South Wales, n fall tlint may be very disastrous to our firming interests.

Mr Justice Gillies leaves for the South on Thursday. Wc have received other letters tor and nguinst the uightsoil carts being allowed to stand in the city. Somo deprecate very strongly anything that would embarrass tho contractor, who is effecting a very large saving to the citizens, while others think the permission given by the Council will be most dangerous to public health, and speci ally to the children attending City West school. The best course for the residents in the vicinity to adopt is to bring the matter under the attention of the Sanitary Inspec tor should any offensive Btnoll or nuisance he created.

The following motion will bo moved by Councillor Montuguc at tho next meeting of the City Council, viz : "That the rate payers of the city having aHirmed by their recent votes at a poll taken to ascertain their views concerning the desirability of establisning stieet tramways, the matter be referred to ti sub-comtnittec for the purpose of drawing up full conditions, advertise ments, &C., for approval nnd adoption at the next Council meeting."

AVo learn that a paragraph in the "Herald" stating that Mr J. Lamb was giving -Is Od n bushel for wheat misled many farmers who camo in and found that although Mr Lamb had purchased Mr Wallace's wheat at that price, ho had stocked sufficient for prosont requirements. The prico generally offered by the millers is only Is GA, A walking match botween Sinclair and Harper, for i-'HO a sido, camo off at the Whau on Saturday afternoon, Harper allowing his opponent 20 yards stall. Sin clair got well away at tho start, and kept the distance easily until the finish, coming in several yards ahead.

We (" Thames Advertiser") understand that the result of the miscroscopic examination by Drs. Huxtable and Kilgour of Iho blood stuius on tho clothes of John Prokotli, who is in custody on the charge of muidciiii!/ lliniiona Macro, at To Aroha last week, is that bath gentlemen agree they nro stains of human blood.

Tho Nowmarket Primitive Methodist anniversary services wero held yesterday, and suitable sermons preached by Revs. T. W. Dunn, and J. Long. The collections were in aid of the school funds, The an nual soiree will bo held to-morrow evening, Mr Thomas 11. Smith iv tho chair. Tea will bo provided at 0.'.i0. The public meet ing will be opened at 7.30., when addresses will ho given by Revs. Messrs Dunn, Smith, I.oug, and Mr llriimo.

On dit that ono of the local Spirittulistic circles have succeeded in developing a heeling medium whoso powers it is fondly hoped will; equal if thoy do not ttnnscend those of Mr Milucr Stephen, of Sydney.Thciiame nas notyotbeendivulgedd, but it is stated that tho medium bus now n difficult case in hand, and that upon the result of his treatment will depend iho con fidence and support of his fellow-believers in " the newest religion."

A noteworthy case affecting accident in surance has come before the English Court of Appeal. In the case ol Wiuspcar v. tho Accident Insuranco Company, tho defen dants appealed Irom a judgment by the late Lord Chief Harrm ami Mr Baron Huddle ston. The plaintiff's husband, who had in sured his life for £1,000 was crossing a shallow stream, when, being seized with a fit, he fell into tho water and was drowned. The company refused to pay on the ground that death wns not occasiincd by personal injury i;nu«ed by accident, but the judges of the Exchequer Division gave judgment for the plaintiff, and from this decision the company now appealed. They contended that the insured was drowned because he could not raise his head above water from exhaustion caused by the lit, and that therefore the company wns exempted from liability nnder the provisions of their policies made to meet such cases. The Court, however, affirmed Iho decision of ths Court below, Lord Coleridga said death resulted from an accident which was drown-

ing. A correspondent of tho New York " Churchman " makes some very pertinent observations upon tho shameless and systc- Hint it* injustice of the United States Govern ment towards tho Indian?. "Itis a known fact," he says, "that nine hundred treaties have been made with tho Indians, all of which havo been brokon hy the Govern ment." This is a grand total of infamy, greater than was ever beforo imputed to any people on the face of the earth. No bar barism since the days of Adam has been guilty of such monstrous bad faith as that here charged upon us, and the worst of it is that the facts nro undeniable. We turn the pages of history in vain for one that is not stained with national perfidy in our dealings with tho Indians. Our soldiers know it better and feci it more deeply than any other class of our citizens. Gen. Crooke, probably the most successful of our Indian campaigners, is reported to have said that he had never fought In n just Indian war. They have always been lirst deceived, then robbed, then slaughtered. — " New York Sun."

Mr Seymour George, the energetic mem ber for the Rodney electorate, has con ceived the idea of an aunual County Agricultural Show, aud, having ascertained that the thing is perfectly feasible, he is doing his utmost to nnder it an accom plished fact, Last week he brought the matter under tho notico of tho Mahurangi people on the occasion of tho Agricultural Society's dinner, nnd this week he un folded and advocated it at Port Albert. Willi a great deal of force, he pointed out that, whereas the petty local shows which are held now, have only a slight interest outside the particular districts in which they take place, ami, that while the know ledge which the settlers possess of each other's intentious with regard to exhibiting, tends to paralyse competi tion, v County Show would acquire an importance of a provincial character, and consequently would attract large num bers of visitors. The promoters of it would be in a position to oiler prizos which could hardly fail to provoke a keen and most denirable rivalry among tho settlers. As a further means of inducing a large nnd varied display of products and stock, Mr George suggested that each year the locale of the next annual show should be decided in favour of the district which sent iv the largest number of exhibits. This would bG a great incentive for the various soctions of the County to secure for themselves the fullest possible representation. The scheme is an eminently practical one, and our country friends would do well to give it a fair trial. Tho remit can hardly be other than most successful

Dr Decalsne, fho celebrated French phy- Bician and scientist, has made a communi cation to the French Anii.als of Public Medicino'-the result of seventeen years' experiments to ascertain the eli'ects pro duced on the heart by tho uso of tobacco. His report is to the effect that the abuse of tobacco produces in certain subjects a state which may be called nicotism of the heart, and which is translated by intermittence in the beating of the heart and the pulsation of the radical artery. Even the restricted uso of tobacco in children leads often to n change in the blood, and sometimes to chlo rotic amends, paleness of the face, emacia tion, morbid sounds in the carotid arteries, palpitation and intermittence of the heart, diminution of the normal quantity of the blood corpuscles, difficulty of digestion, &c. Young persons who smoko generally show sluggishness of intelligence, and a more or less pronounced taste for strong drinks.

After the taste givA for nstronomy by Mr Proctor's visit, our readers may be in terested by the following paragraph from the " New York Sun" on the astronomical events of 1881:-" The sky will not present such a brilliant pageant again this century as it does during tbe present year. Among the phenomena are a remarkable series ot conjunctions, and doublo and triple con: junctions. The most interesting of these is the great twenty-year conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in April. As this con junction occurs in the sign Taurus, which astrologers say rules Turkey and Ireland, they feel safe, on account of recent occur rences, in predicting very momentous effects in thoso countries from the con junction. There will also be conjunc tions of Jupiter and Mars, Venus and Jupiter, Saturn and Venus, and the far away giants Uranus and Neptune will play a part in this remarkable planetary levee. Venus will reach her greatest brightness, and'her delicflte crescent should be a favorite object in theamateur astronomer s telescope. Saturn opens wider its wonderful rings and Jup tor >B remarkably brilliant. Mars will begin to brighten in tho latter part of tlie year, and then his. snowy poles and shadowy continents will again become the admiration of those who gaze through tele, scopes. In short, there will bo no end of attractions in the starry heavens, and a the prognostications of the soothsayers will , not be able to darken the sky of 1881.

The sailing race on Saturday afternoon between the Madge and Observer resulted in a victory for tho ionner boat with less than half a minute to spare. Tho Madge led all the way, aud rounded tbe Hangitoto buoy Ii minutes ahead of her opponent. The Observer gained on the run homo. The wind was very iluky unci unsatisfactory, and prevented a fail test of the sailing capabilities of the two boats.

Captain Win. Kean, an old citizen, died ou Saturday at his late residence in Albert street tit the ago of G5. Deceased was a native of Forfarshire, and came to Auck land from Molbourno iv 185G, and subsequently in command of the brigantine Erin aud other trading vessels. Captain Kean was a member of the St. Andrew's Lodge of Freemasons, and bis remains were conveyed to tho grave this afternoon at tended by the brethren of the order and other friends as a final tokeu of respect for the departed.

In discussing the two most notable cy clones which have visited the Bay of Bengal during tho last few years, Mr Elliott, the official meteorologist in that region, states that tho average daily evaporation registered by the Rengal instruments iv October is two inches, und the amount of heat absorbed by the conversion of this amount of water daily over ho large an urea lis the Bay is ouormous. Roughly estimated, says Mr Elliott, it is equal to the continuous working power of .'IOO,OOO steam engines of 1,000 horse-power; and a simple calculation will show tlint it snlliccs to raiio aloft not leas than 45,000 cubic feet of water in twenty-four hours from every square milo of tho bosom of tho bay, and transport it to the clouds which overhang it. '1 ho cyclonic forces arc, in n word, tremendous.

To the Editor : Sir,—The letter by " One of tho Lost Tribe," drawing iittontiou to the muiiuer the City Council's servants try how not to keep tho streetH in order is perfectly true, nnd is in no way exag gerated. 1 havo seen it over and over again, and worse, lor months nud years past. Why 1 thoso men nro worse than a parcel of old women; thoy spend half their timo in gossiping, and lighting, and Hinokiug their pipes? Ry all means put some old women or children upon tho work and fit would bo more expeditiously und bettor done. Rut all Iho labour spout upon picking up loose stonos would bo unnecessary, if, when motal is spread upon tho streets, Hiitno binding material such as clay or line scoria ash were spread ovor the metal, besides being at the sumo tune much safer to tho poor horses which nro obliged to travel over tho fresh laid down motal. — Vouis, Sec, anti-Waste.

Somo little amusement wits caused In tho vicinity of lowor Albert-street yesterday by the eccentric action of a drunken Maori, who wus undor tho impression that he wns tho proprietor of a cortaiti block of land. He staggered up to a lady and gentleman who were walking ou tho verandah of a cottage near tho coiner ol Albert and West Queen streets, und, shaking his IWI at them, told them to quit directly or ho would make them, ,-is tbo grouud belonged to him, After listening to a great deal of bounce from the native and administoiing a little cbnll", both quietly walked insido and locked tho door, whereupon tho native looked disguuted ami "made tracks" up the street, probably with Iho intention of cluimii g somo other block.

A lecture iv aid of the Pukekoho East public library was delivered by the Rev. T. W. Dunn in the l'likekohe Kust church on tlio evening of Thursday, February 17. The subject was, " Tho Influence of Infi delity, or the Lives of its Chief Advocates." The chair w.is occupied by tbo Rev. T. it. Forbes, who said ho hud great pleasure iv introducing tlio lecturer, whom ho hnd known in the old country. The lecturer then described the lives o"f Voltaire, Roa scan, Shelly, Bjron, Tom Payne, nnd other famous infidels, mid said that as their lives wero scenes of the grossest wickedness, no ray of hope cheered their dying hours. Several hymns from Sankey's collection were sung by the choir during the CTOuing, and unanimous voles of thanks given to the lecturer, chairman, and choir. The pro ceeds of the lecture amounted to £2 ISs GA. Tho singing of the New Zealand National Anthem brought the meeting to a close.

The anniversary services of the United l-'reo Methodist Church were fully attended yesterday, and especially the evoning service, it having been announced that the Iter. K. Taylor would deliver his farewell sermon previous to bis departure for a now sphere of duty in tho South Island. The morning service was 'conducted by Key J. Robertson, who preached from Corinthian', ll Kpistlo.chnp.fl, v.15. In tlicevcningthc chapel was crowded by persons anxious to hear, possibly, Iho la.it words of thepastor in thu placo where Mr Taylor bus honestly laboured during tlio past four years. Mr Taylor's text wus appropriate to the occasion, taken from l*t I'hillippiuns, v. 27, "Only let your conversation be ns becometh Ihe Gospel of Christ, that whether 1 come and see you, or else bo üb'ent, may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one miud striving together for the faith of the Gospel." The preacher said in his opening remarks that farewell sermons were too frequently subjects of solf-huula tion. He was not, however, about to speak of himself in a Uudatory manner. His chief aim and de.«ire, during the four years of his pastorate, had been to preach a free and full Go-pel to the people to the best of the ability which God had given 10 him, and in accordance with tho teachings of Scripture. He sincerely regretted that he had not been as successful in his ministerial capacity as he had wished. Mr Taylor then proceeded to elucidate his text, dwelling upon its several points, ex horting his bearers to bo of good conver sation, maintaining a general Christian deportment in the world, to stand fust in the faith, to be of one spirit, striving together in one mind for the realization and diffusion of the true faith. The discourse throughout (was clearly enunciatod ; tho stylo modest and unassuming, and tho lessons illustrated and en forced from history, and the experiences of Mclancthon, Dr. Adam Clarke, nnd others. Tho collection wo learn amounted to £25. The tea and public meeting will be held to morrow evening, when addresses will be delivered by the chairman, and Revs. J. Robertson, "Win. Morloy, and John Nixon.

Upon the active aid ot women In the Nihilist conspiracies in Russia, a writer says :—" I have often heard men say : 'The Nihilists dare so much and accomplish so much only because they always have wonion by their side, encouraging aud cheering them on,' And indeed women are tound everywhere, side by side with the initio revolutionists—in the ollico of the clandestine journal, in tho BPcret labora tory, in the factories among tho woiking people, in the garb of the peasant woman, and in that of tbe Sister of the Red Cross, in the Nihilist mines, and, alas, In those of Siberia aud Sagbnlien. In the Czar's coun try woman is refused ouly ono thing—the gibbet! Before we saw tho Nihilist women, pistol in hand, firing at tho police, or pasting tho revolutionary proclama tion on the walls in tho crowded streets. Now wc have fcen FOme new types : Mile, I-ebedeff in a watch house on a railroad, sitting on a box filled with dyna mito, chatting pleasantly with the switch men and mending a ragged cloak ; a beauti ful young lady of 22. Mile. Figner, nicely dressed, sitting in a handsome parlour and playing on a piano for hours and Jionrs, trying her best to drown tho noise made by the printing prcßS working in tho adjoining room, and giving to her horrible krujok iho countenance of an artistic family ; an Ex cellency's daughter, Mile. Pcrovsky, day by day watohing the approaoh of overy stran ger to the placo where the Mosoow inino was uudor way, and pulling the under ground boll, thus warning the miners to stop work as often as she suspected danger. All theso women, well educated aud highly connected, leave society in the prime of life for the gloomy mines, the dark forests, and the deep and eternal snows of Siberia ; their vacant places will be filled by new recruits. Such aro tho Nihilist women. And the men 1 These, too, in spite of all prosecu tions, banishments, and executions, con tinue at their work. Their watchword is " Death for death, execution for execution, terror for terror !" "

It appears as if the governors of St. John's College were at last waking up to the necessity of doing something to rescue tho institution from its present unsatisfac tory position. When Dr. Kinder resigned the Principalship some months ago he was requegted to remain at the College until some arrangement should bo como to re* specting a successor. He acoeded to the request on the condition that ho should re ceive full and sufficient notice. Within the last few days, however, he has suddenly received a fortnight's notico to vacate the College premises, which he naturally com plains is insufficient, and is, moreover, a breach of the understanding entered into by the authorities. Tho reason of the short notice appears to be the appointment of a Warden, or some such official, whoso duty it will be to watch over the students now about to bid adieu to their bachelorising in and around Parnell in order to return to tho College. We hear that a Warden, or what ever he is to be called, has been found i|l the person of the Rev, Mr Burrows, Whpther new teaching power has been secured wc cannot say, but this wo are certain ot, everything that is needed in this direotion to make the Collogo a complete success is to be found at this moment in Auckland, and that to go to England or Australia for it would be, to say tho least, a needless expense and waste of time.

Tho police have in their possession a I silver-plated folding latch-key nnd two) living fowls, for which owners are wanted. .

Ratepayers who are desirous of securing tho retention of their names upon tho burgess list should at once pay up their arrears, as otherwise they may find out at the noxt election that they huve been dis franchised.

Her Majesty tho Queen, with her usual disregard tor the inclemency of the season, remained longer than was originally in tended nt Balmoral this winter, thus sur rounded by some three feet of snow. The Premier summoned a Cabiuet Couucil for Windsor, und only found out the night before that it must be held at Balmoral. It may be hoped the Ministers appreciated tho beauties of a snowy journey as highly us Her Majesty is supposed to do.

Mr 11. G. Wade, architect, received the followiug tenders on Saturday laßt for tho erection of a store in High-street:—Wm. Gill, £370 (accepted); G. Rhodes, £389; G. S. Wright, £393; J. J. Holland, £394; T. Constable, £395; W. A. Probeit, £399; W. Rosser, £299 8s; J. Harvey, £401 ;A. Muguire, £414 ; J. Malcolm, £417 ; R. Kay, £437 10s ; R. Kayjuu., £444; W. Blewdin, £480; 11. Shailed, £490; 11. T. Jones, £497 ; Goddurd and Porter, £498.

The Auckland twenty-two in their trial match oil Saturday did tairly well, making a total Bcore of 122 runs for twenty wickets, hut they will have to look well to them selves ou Tuesday, or a defeat is certainly in storo. Doublo figures wore reached by five men only, aud then it must bo remem bered, that although somo good] bowling was exhibited on Saturday, It is not to be compared to what may bo expected at the hands of tho Australians. The lidd ing on Snturday wns remarkably good, and with a littio practico we havo no doubt that our team would givo their opponents somo very hard work in this direction. Arniel played very nicely for 13, aud was lookod upon as good for a much larger score, when he was nicely caught hy Robinson, much to tho disappointment of many. Bowden (11), Bucklaud (15), Mum ford (17), aud Kobiuson (17), all played well, but sjvoral of the othoru wero far behind what we anticipated to sco. However, ll it were possible to have another practice to gether wo would feel more confident of their success, but as it is we hope every man will do his best to sustain tho Jiouour of Auck laud, as regards erkkot.

To the Editor : Sir,—ls thero no law to punish the young scoundrels who descciuto tho graves (if tho dead by breaking and des troying the willows, flowers, nnd other ornaments that tho Iriends nud relations of the deceased places over and around tho graves ? This, Mr Kditor, Is an everyday occurrence. In the Catholic cemetery on Friday evening last 1 saw from twelve to fourteen of those ncouudrels destroying everything they could lay hands on, It ii a ciuol sliamo. None of those vagabonds belong to the Catholic church. I jumped out of my cart with my whip iv my band to punish them, but they were too uuick for inc. Thoy run by the man's door—Walsh - that should protect the cemetery where bo has got a living for himself and family this twenty-five or thirty years, lie let them puss, and took no notice. 1 pans here every evening und morning lv the week, and the same thing occurs constantly. Where are those stalking ornaments, the police, that one of them cannot ho seen in that neigh bourhood; aud why do not WuUh and his sou protect the grave-yard from pillage. — I mn, &c, J.C., A Roman Catholic.

The servico at All Saints, Pousonby, was yesterday morning conducted by the Key. Win. Lambert, B.A. His text was "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness." The lino of argument pur sued wus briefly this :—lt is no valid objec tion to urge against revealed religion that it contains many mysteries, things which it is impossible to understand ; for the same ob jection would apply to nature. The mys teries iv the revolutiou of Chriitianity are exactly analogous to thoso met with evtry day iv the natural world. The latter no man in his senses would attempt to deny, although he does not comprehend them. On tho other hand, Mr Lambert did not argue that because there are mysteries in Chriitianity therefore it must be true. The icverend gentlemen went ou to point out that even the deep things of religion have a side on which tho linite mind cm approach them, nnd know something of them, that something lining enough to satisfy its needs. Iv this connection he quoted the saying of Augustine, that the Scriptures roseniblcd n mighty river, in which an elephant could swim, and at the name time, a man might walk. Tho discourse throughout wns characterised with great learning; and it wav one bucli iui Is seldom heard in our churches.

Mr E. 11. Dickson reporlß on the weather for tho week endiug 19th February :— " Barometer high, but falling through tho week ; weather hot and dry, with littio rain ; wind mostly light. Barometer highest ou Saturday night (12th) .10 193, then falling steadily to 29.903 ou morning of 18th ; since then rising last. Mean of all tradings ,'IO.OSI, being much above the 17 year's average of 29 919. Mean temperature, C 8.9 ; nearly li degree below that ol last week, but almost one degree (0.9) above the February average. Hottest day, Tuesday, 15th ; both in fhade (79.8) and in sun (91.8); the day was very cloudy, but with bursts of very bright sunshine. Warmest nights, those of Sunday and Monday (G5.2). Coolest night F'idny, 58.4 in shade, and 51.4 ou grass. Light showers on Tuesday and •Wednesday, and one (very faiut) on Thursday night -. tola! fall, 0.305 -, or rather less than" one-third of an inch. Much cloud on most mornings, but never dense. NS md mostly light; ooly ou one day (Thursday 17th) strong from S.S.W., averaging nearly 18 miles per hour.

In 1871 the whole German empire was found to contain a population of 41,058,792. During the next tcini of four yeais the na tional procroalivo power was certain to ex perience a shrinkage corresponding to the loss of adult males in the Franco-German war. For at least two years of the same period theie was nl«o a great drainago through emigration to America. Neverthe less, iv 1875 the number of inhabitants had rcach«d42,727,3G0. Iv the interval between the last and the present enumerations tbe Germau Buicau of Statistics has kept a careful record of births and deaths, as well ns of emigration, with a view of determining tbo net gaiu at tho end of eyery twelve month. It was deduced from these investi gations that the regular yearly incremont of the population in not less than 650,000 souls. This inforenco is confirmed hy the census (nkon threo weoksago ; for although the details arc not compiled, the broad re «ult Is known, namely, that the Gorman empire now comprises from forty-fivo and a half to forty-six millions of inhabitants.

HThe second annual report of the City of Glasgow Bank is published, It is neither vory favourahlo nor very ditappointing, but conies up to tho expectations of the liquida tors. The solvent shareholders' committee aro determined that the New Zc»l»nd land assets Bhall not he sold immediately, but kept till the market is better. No further call will bo required.Q 'ZZ7ZZZ

Mr E, Hartley received to-day the follow ing tenders for the erection of Mr Williams' shop, in Victoria-street :—J. Pooley, £450 ; J. Malcolum, £479 ; Stewart and Pooley, £512 j W. J. Sommcrville, £525; 11. T. Jones, £525 ; J. Constable, £527 ; G. Mar shall, £548 ; J. Cnrrie, £549 ; Bavldon and Co., £552 ; P. Kay, £584 : C Rhodes, £(145.

At a repent meeting of tho Baths Com mittee of tho City Council, a number of applicants for the position of bath koeper woro brought beforo the city fathers, closely questioned as to their qunlilications, character, etc., and requested to state what they would do in various cases of emergency, such as drowning, etc. Eventually, Messrs Soutar] and Strong wero selected ns hoing equally good, and as a means of deciding between them, it was resolved to have ocular proof of their respective natatory powers. On Saturday lost the trial came off at the Baths in the presence of the Mayor and Councillors. The result, however, is not yet known.

To the Editor: Sir,—Permit me to state that remarks on my conduct published iv Saturday's STAR arc a deliberate lie on the part of the person who supplied tho infor mation.—Patrick Gunning.

Caution to youthful quidnuncs of au amatol y disposition, A young would-be Don Juan of this city, it appears, at one time went to school with the daughter pf a certain famous citijen of one of our rising suburbs. An alarming dogrco of intimacy has, sinco those swcot days ot childhood, existed bclwoen then, much to tho chagrin of the "horrified parients." Tho young fellow, thercfore,|finds it difficult to with stand the stinging effects of Cupid's arrows (this is something for our local lady archers). Yesterday, we aro told, tho gay gallant was observed waiting for the young lady outside one of the churches in the vicinity of Shortland-street. Service ovor, ho boldly stepped forward and invited her to take a walk. She accepted his invitation conditionally. They had not proceeded far when the young mtvn was ruthlessly seized by thp collar and threatened to bo quietly "run in" if ho did'nt at once go about " his business." An altercation ensued in which the young swain suffered considerably. Although tho oruel parient collared the young man in a very rougli way, etc., he now thinks that the youth should not be let loose "without a collar," and therefore intends taking active measures to prevent future designs.

The Churchwardens beg to acknowledge (with thanks), the sum of Five Pounds, kindlycontributcd by|Archdencon Maunsell, per Mrs Hall, towards All Saints' Church debt. __ Tenders were opened today at Mr Hammond's office for additions to a two storey villa with tho following result:-A. Keyes, £410; J. Rosser, £420; J. Curie, £439; W. Rosser, £449; C. Wilkinson, £469; J. Malcolm, £473; W. Colwell, £481; Upton and Reid, £5G4. Mr Keyes tender was accepted.

The property in Baker-street advertised to to bo sold by auotion by Mr R. C Green wood to-morrow Is withdrawn from Bale, it having beon disposed of privately. Mr P Doran's talented troupe of minstrels and vocalists aro pushing thoir way northward and making friends by thoir unique and varied entertainments. The programmo for the im mediate future gives dates of entertainmentsi ta prospoot as follows t-HollonsylUo. Wednesday, !>:)rd instant; To Ropura, 24th; Aratapu, 25th ; Dargavillo, 20th; and during tho race wee*. Wo hope Mr Doran's ontorprizo will Drovo a pocuniary success. Novoltios in Furnishing Qoods.-The " Royal Axmlnster" Carpet with handsomo border just landed, rich lv appearance, and as soft as a Turkey Carpet: tho " Worccstor" Stair Carpet the pile is entirely made of horsehair, pr.ttily shaded border, and Is tho mo.t durablp oarpet for stairs ever made, and at a. lowor price than Brussels; Handsomo Coverings for Drawing room Suites just oponedby Garilok and Cran woll; theso Coverings are proof against moths and Uvo a pretty uround-work of sUrer,.old gold colour, etc., etc.: Handsomo Half-Tester Bedsteads now on. view. The greatest variety of Bodßtoads in Auokland to select from. All kinds of Household rurnlturo at very low urlces, ond 5 per cent, discount allowod for cash at tl.> eof purchase. This Arm carry on their Drapery and clothing business on the Compara tive Cash System, marking th.ir goods at a vory small advanco on coßt trusting toa large turnover to make It remunerative. *»"»»" your Houso from tho City Hall Arcade, IGar llck nnd Cranwoll, Proprietors.—lAdvtl

THE STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY.

(HY TULKOKAPH, OWN COIUUS3PONDKNT.

DUNEDIN, this day, Although tho balance-sheet of the Standard Imuarnco Company presents somo unfavourable features the loss being very considerable, this partly arises from the directors having como to a deter mination to wipe out every possible loss at once, and start afresh under now manage ment. Tho 10-shy defalcations amounts to £109 18s 4d; unpaid losses, £7,500; lud debts, £19G 19s lOd ; while premiums received during tho half year only ex ceeded by £1,600 the amount paid for losses.

SCINTTLLAIIONS.

" 110 brlet; lor it is wtn words as with sun beams : tho moro thoy aro condensod tho deeper thoy burn."—BoUTlittV.

A good way to curb a wild young man is to bridul him. A mull never vanta to laugh when a fly lights on his noso, but he ia greatly tickled. Por a man who hasuothiug to lose there's no profession like philuutbrophy. lv Franco, when persons arc troubled with cold feet, thoy put powdered mustard in their stockings. It is dillicult to decide which has tho most taking manner—a practised lliit or a practised burglar. A powerful electric battery is a veiy shocking ull'uir. When is au actor's eye like a lucifer match?— When it lights upon au empty box.

Would it bo quite corroct to call a greedy man a ghost because you saw him n-goblin '! If your foot is asleep, wake it up quickly, for thu poet tells us that the solo is dead that sluinben>.

A three-masted schooner, sugar laden, grounded while being towed into Dunedin haibour yesterday, but was got off. The Standard Insurance Company has had another bad half-year.

'Ihe "Kvening Star," Dunedin, has erected magnificent premisos on tho old uiie in Bond-street.

Tbe house of a railway [employe named liurko at Hamilton has been burned. Burkes loss is £50.

Au English governess in Paris has been lined 100 francs, aud expelled from the couutry for exclaiming " les liiches ' whon she saw the gens d'nrmes insulting somo evicted priest 3. The private opiniou of tho Radicals Is that the real struggle of tho English coming session will be on the continued existence of the House of Lords, otborwise "House of Laudlords."

Mr Vesey Stewart left, aa his agont in England, Mr 11. I'loct, of the Now Zealand Corporation Company, to dilate on the beauties of Te l'uko to intending settler* with inquiring minds. 1 he French, it seems, have not got Tahiti freo, gratis, nud tor nothing. Queen I'omaro and some other distinguished savages arc to receive haudsomo equiva lents for tbeir dignities.

Tho temperauce peoplo of Cambridgo West are again agitating against the granting ol the hcenso refused by the Bench before Mr Clements.

Thoro was a younff lady wh"so err Was: " I'll have a small waist or i','l dlo; 1 With many kard pinches, Sho roduood lo twelve inches, Then ended her life with a sigh.

Sergeant Mattin has reported nineteen more of tho wharf wails to the City School Committee, This crusade is a good one.

Ernest C. Wilkinson, Rccoiver of I and Revenue and Clerk of the Court at Hawera, has been arrested on a charge of embezzling £16 13s.

In the Hamilton pigeon match on Satur day, Mr W. M. Hay scored 6; Mr Kennedy Hill, 10; and Messrs Gaudin and Cusscn, each a ducks-egi<. In a match between Messrs Hay aud Kennedy afterwards, three birds oach. Mr Hay scored four aud Mr Hill oue, Mr Cussen beat Mr Gaudin in another match.

ATuru of the Scale.— Husband (seriously); " Christmas is here, aud I lind my books balanco on tho wrong side.'" Wife (dubiously): " But if you turned them over would thay balance on the right t"

A little boy about four years old was fouud wandering about iv Queen-street this afternoon. A gcntloman took him to tho Polioo Station, where his parents or guardlaus will find him. The sooner the poor little fellow is got to his home the better.

Tho Irish landlord's song :— Whene'er I take my waits abroad My tenantry I too. And each haa got a blunderbuss, A looking ont for me.

Miss Amelia B. Edwards' novel, " Lord Binckenbury," has already reached its third edition in England; n great success. Novel writing is Miss Edwards'strong point; her recreation, Egyptology. Mr Bradlaugh is at present devoting his superfluous energies towards the abolition of perpetual pension*—a neat revenge on young Lord Randolph Churchill for agita ting against his admission to Parliament. The Marlborough family will find it diffi cult to keep up Blenheim without their pension. Tho Christmas number of tho " Graphic," containing a sciioa of pictures by Caluicott, and Millar's charming " Cherry Ripe " as coloured illustrations, was completely Bold out early in January. The first edition consisted of 400,000 copies.

At the mooting of the Institution of Civil Enginoors on November 23, Mr J. P. Max well read a paper ou "Tho New Zealand Government Railways," embodying views he has already ventilated in the "Engi neer." Iv the extensive railway system now made or making in Japan, they employ English rails and American locomotives.

There is nothing so beautiful in a house as a variety of potted plants, filling all the windows, mantels, brackota, and available space. An np-town gontleman, on retiring last night, could find no placo to deposit his shoes but directly under the much beloved and well-tended plant stand, in the bay window. Now, the careful woman that his wife was never omits to water that plant stand by the rising of tho sun. Result, ahoes half full of water, and—imagination will havo to supply the rest.

Let past ills be forgotten, IjSt malice lose its sway, And foes unite in friendship On this, our Now Year's day; Lot heart to heart bo knitted To work ono glorious end, The world's wide-stretching welfare, While love and truth extend. Thon let our hopes bo fervent, And honour bo our crest; Then all shall join in chorus, " Lot tho Now Year bo our best" S. Tuorp. The following littio story comes from a quiet township on the Wainiate Plains :— Last Monday a wedding took place here— tho daughter of quo hotel-keeper married the proprietor of the othor hotel. The event proved to much, for a groat part of the in habitants and tho whole of Maoris were loafing about, and general inebriation prevailed. Tho happy pair proceeded to New Plymouth, intending to havo a trip to i Auckland, but the fates wero unkind. The man-cook of tho bridegroom's hotel became i gloriously drunk, and being put to bod, , resented tho indignity nnd threw up his ' situation at a moment's warning. Tho result was that bride and bridegroom wero telegraphed to return, which they did ou ■ Wednesday morning.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

A VBKY serious and painful accident befel a son of Mr John Gardiner of Parnell on Saturday afternoon. As far as wc can learn it happened after this wise :-When Wm. Mossop, the well-known carrier was return ing home by way of Gibralter Terrace, with his trap kden with a quantity of firewood and other timber he was met by Henry Gardiner, a lad about 6 years of age, who, as was his usual custom, requested to be allowed to ride. Mr Mossop, having a heavier load thau ordinarily, considered that there was no room for the boy, and tbat it would, moreover, bo unsafe to allow him to get in, refused his request, and drove on. 1< urther on the driver had occasion to stop in trout of Mr Neville's residence to drop two bags ot coal, and it appears that while absent irom the trap the boy Gardiner must have come np quietly and taken a seat on the trout step! 'lhis, however, was not discovered by Mr Mossop, who, having delivered the coal, got into the cart and Btarted tho horse. This had the effect of jerk ing the boy oil', and he fell in front of the wheel, which passed over his stomach. Mr Mossop on becoming aware of the acci dent rendered all possible assistance, and conveyed the lad to his home, after which the attendance of Dr. Goldsborough was secured. At first littio or no hope was entertained for his recovery, as he presented a really pitiful spectacle, being fearfully crushed about the body. Dr. Goldsborough has been iv almost constant attendance since. Dr. Wright has also considered his cape. After careful examination by both gentle men it was found that there were no ribs broken; neither was the spine injured. At one o'clock yesterday Dr Goldsborough saw the boy and gave some hope of his recovery, which, however, he remarked as very doubtful; and expressed his wonder that ho should have made such rapid^ pro gross. On a subsequent visit Dr Golds borough found the lad so far recovered as to be able to sit up, and now entertains great hope that ho will recover, although he regards it as almost marvellous.

ARCHERY.

At tho wiekly gathering of the Saturday Afternoon liccreatiou Club on Saturday the third archery match of the series was engaged fn, and will Ij3 completed next Saturday, about eight or nine ladies and gentlemen having yet lo shoot The weather was exceptionally favourable for archery, and the competition, therefore, proved both keen 4nd animated. A larger number of contestants shot together than on auy previous occasion, and the erection of the additional target assisted greatly to expedite the match. Ihe ranges were 50, GO, and 70 yards, and from the last named di«tauce tbe ladies fouud it ex tremely difficult to reach the target, all their arrows dropping short, although well aimed. Miis Lainburn made the highest score on the ladies' side, and Miss Gledhill tbo second highest, but the iir.t three positions in the aggregete arc btill held by Misses Mackay, Prime and Pcdce, Mr F. Shaw tcored the greatest number of points on tho gentlemen's side, ond now leads in tlio aggregato by six points ; Messrs A. C. Steelo and J. M. Goddis tie for second place, and Messrs 11. Haslett and C. Bowring (one point behind), arcalßoatie; the latter, however, having some arrows yet to shoot. Croquet, rounders, and an air pistol match formed the remaining items on the programme of the afternoon, and they weie pleasantly carried out,

THEATRE ROYAL.- "SHIN FANE."

"Shin Fane," or the "Shamrock Green," was produced to a good house on Saturday night, nnd proved eminently successful in its mirth provoking features. As in all pre vious pieces Mr Urattau Kiggs is the centro of attraction, and in every word and action 'gives evidence of his ability to pourtray tho character of the genuine Irishman. In "Shin Pano" Mr Grattan Kiggs prcssnts himself In four distinct characters, viz., Suil Gar (a representative Irish peasant); Con (ihe Simpleton, aud not such a fool either); Mrs Hanbury (a New York boarding-house keeeper); and Mr McUuire (a ready-mado citizen). In each of these lOles he played with such success tbat he had to come before the curtain at the close of each act, and recelvod rounds of applause. ! Messrs Musgrave and Steele performed thoir respective parts with considerable merit, although of the former we remarked that he greatly improved as the play pro ceeded, and the same might be said of Miss Wilton (Ellen Curran) who, towards tbe cud, seemed to get into the spirit of the play, and quite carried the audience with her. The most amusing character, excepting the principal, was undoubtedly that of Molly Sullivan (an Irish diamond) by Miss G. Follando, who seemed specially adapted for the r6le and caused bursts of laughter on several occasion*, by her coquettish behaviour, when making love to "Suil Gar." The other characters were generally well represented and contributed largely to the success of the whole, but require no special mention. " Shin Fane " will bo put on again this evening and deserves to be greeted by a crowded audience.

KAIPARA RAILWAY EM PLOYEES' PICNIC.

In our issue of Saturday wc gave a few of tho results of the athletic sports, held in connection with the above picnic. The remainder are as follow : —

Kaipara S.S. Company's Employees' Race.—Goldwater, Ist; Winter, 2ud.

Whcxlbarrow Hurdle Race. — Nightingale Ist; Robertson, 2nd Throwing the Hammer.—Naughton, Ist; Parsons, 2nd.

Vaulting with Pole.—Rimmer, Ist; Parsons, 2nd. Hop, Step, and Jump.—Robertson, Ist; Rimmer, 2nd.

Consolation Race.—Knife, Ist; Rous sell, 2nd. A greasy polo had been erected, and a prize of 10s set apnrt lor tho person who should scale it first. It was anticipated that the Maoris (of whom there were a con siderable number prosent) would have gone in for this part of the pvograminc, but noue of them attempted the ascent. Expectation was rife when a noble savage was seen ap proaching the pole with an intorestcd look on his classic features, but after scanning the wealth of tallow on the spar, and looking down at his well-washed pants (shades of Captain Cook) he turned and walked away whistling " Dear Little Buttercup." The programme was brought to a closo by a tace for Maori wahints. This was by far the moi-t amus ing event of the day, Four started; and though tho "poetry of motion" may luve been absent, there was an evident desire on the part of each competitor to be th 6 first to breast the judge's tape. Lizzie Paul (of Woodhill), was the wiuncr, aud she gonoroufly shared the prizo with hor less fortunate sisters.

The return train left Helensville at 4 p.m., amidst ringing cheers from the Helons ville-ites (or Holeusvillains) which were lustily responded to by those on the traiu. Tho cheering was renewed ns the City of Cork left Kiverhead with the Auck land visitors. Evoryone expressed himself or herself woll satisfied wiih the day's amusement. The next anniversary will be a joint all'air between the Auckland and Kaipara operatives, as by that time the two lines will be connected.

THE BARMAID QUESTION.

A VERY singular case occurred a short timo back at the City of London Court, in which Elizabeth Cobb, a barmaid, sued a Mr Evenden, lately her employer, for a week's wages, in lieu of a week's notice. Mr Evenden pleaded that it was part of the bar gain that there should be no "counter courtship," and that Miss Cobb, by paying too much attention to one customer, had broken her engagement. However, the lucky swain was not called in evidence, and judgment was given to the plaintiff, Miss Cobb thus carrying off the honours. Had Mr Evendon heon a Christchurch Boniface, (remarks tho "Globe") it is little likely that he would havo at tempted to mako a bargain of such a nature with the fair Miss Cobb. Tho load-stone of the "gilded youth".of this city is not accustomed to be shaclded by such absurd restrictions. " Counter Court ship " of a harmless and ephemeral nature is the soul of the barmaid business, the more accomplished professors in the noble art counting tho scalps, or rather the hearts, that they have socured by the score. A. scientilio barmaid in full war paint, ia, like Fits James, unappalled by numbers. Placing her back against the pile of bottles at the back of the bar—as the warrier abovo mentioned did against the rock that was so conveniently at hand—she may be pictured as exclaiming :— 1 " Come one, come all, this bar shall fly ! From Its Arm base as soon as I."

CABLEGRAMS.

[ItEUTKK'S TKLKGBAMg.

EUROPEAN.

LONDON, Feb, 19, RUSSIAN CORRESPONDENCE.

It is now further announced, in connec tion with the explanation made by the Russian Government regarding the papers discovered by General Roberts at Cabul, that the Czar had ordered General Kauff niann not to correspond even in a formal manner with the Amir Shere Ali.

CAPE TOWN, February 19.

MORE TROOPS AGAINST BOERS.

Telegrams to hand to-day from Natal announce that Sir Evelyn Wood has left General Colley's camp at the Ingoes and is now returning to Dietorsmaritsburg to ex pedite the despatch of further reinforce ments to the front.

FENIAN CONSPIRACIES AGAINSf THE QUEEN.

LONDON, February 19. Fears of a Fenian attempt to blow up the Castle having been dispelled, Her Majesty the Queen has now returned to Wind sor. Parnell has returned to London from Paris, and has resumed his attendance at the House of Commons. The Speaker of the Houso of Commons has now somewhat modilicd the ruleß which he has lately mado for the repression of dis order in the House. Several of tho Home rulers have seceded from Parnell's leadership, be;ause of his action in " coquetting " with the Commu nists during his recent visit to Paris, SKOBELOFF RETURNING TO RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, February 18. It is. announced that General Skobelofl, commander of the expedition against the Tekke-Turkomans, is returning to Russia. The communications which he has recently made to the Government fully confirm the reports previously received, that tho Turko mans now show a disposition to conclude peace. AFGHAN AFFAIRS. CALCUTTA, February 18. News lias been received here that the Amir of. Afghanistan has left Kabul on a spceial mission to Peshawur, and will shortly come on a. visit to this city. Telegrams are to hand containing the re port that an army corps organised by the Ainirhas left Kabul for Ghuzni, but the object of the movement is not known, RUSSIAN INTRIGUE. LONDON, February 19. In reference to the recently published papers regarding the discoveries made by General Roberts in Kabul, it is now offi. cially aunounced that the Russian Govern, ment has explained to England that General Stolietoff prolonged his intrigues in Afghan istan because ho was ignorant of the fact that the Betlin Treaty had been signed by the Rowers. It is further stated by the Russian Government that the Amir Shere All proposed an offensive and defensive Treaty of Alliance; but that the proposal was rejected by the Russian GeneiaL

LAYCOCK RETURNING. The Orient Company's steamihip Lusitania left Plymouth yesterday for Australia. Laycocic. the Auitralian sculler, is a passenger by her for Sydnsy. LONDON WOOL MARKET. LONDON, February 18. At the wool sale to day 10,500 bale* were catalogued. Tbe tone of the sale was firm. February 19. At the wool auction to-day 6,700 balw were offered, and there was a good demand. LONDON MAKKETS. LONDON, February 18. The total quantity of wheat afloat for the United Kingdom is 2,200,000 quarters. Adelaide flour ex warehouse is 33a. New Zealand wheat ex ship is 445. Tbe live p«r cent. New Zealand Loan Is 105. Tho five per cent. New Zealand 1889 Loan is 110. Consols aro unchanged at 99f. BURIAL OF THOMAS CARLYLE. LONDON, February 10. The remains of tbe late Thomas Carlyla havo been interred at his native village, Ecclefcchan, in Dumfrieshire. POhTBAIT OF THB QUEEN. Tho Queen and Prince of Wales intend permitting their pictures now on view in I the Melbourne Exhibition, to be exhibited in Adelaide during the proposed South Australian Exhibition.

RUSSO-DESIGNS IN CENTRAL ASIA. Further diplomatic levelations hare been made in connection with Russian desigis in Central Asia in 1876. The correspondence shows that Russia was prepared to divida Central Asia with England on certain conditions. THE BASUTOS SUBDUED. LONDON, February 12. The Baßutos have been effectually sub* dued, and are now appealing for an armistice.

AUSTRALIAN.

MELBOURNE, Monday. THE REFORM BILL.

Tho probability of a Conference of the two Houses of Parliament being held to agree if possible to a compromise on tho Reform question is stated to be increasing, but nothing official on the subject liaa yet been announced.

PEDESTRIANISM.

A six days' pedestrian contest was com menced at midnight last night. There aro fifteen competitors, including Swan, of New Zealand.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

THE DUNEDIN RACES.-TRAININtt

NOTES.

(DV telegraph, own correspohdknt.)

DUNEDIN, this day. There was but little work at Forbury on Saturday. Cbaafe commenced operations by sending Atlantic and Nautilus for a canter, once round. Baughleen Dhoun and Hip» pona wero at tho same time doing walk* ing exercise. Cutts had his string out and sent Sir Modred (with elothlng on) j twice round at a moderate pace. Adalium colt and Semnus wero dispatched for a two mile spin, finishing fast. Hilarious, {sir Garnet (the latter in clothing) had a pip* opener twice round, and pulled up very fresh. Lo Lonp cantered half-a-mile by himself. Sylvanus and Play Boy had a regular duster, the colt having all tha bare of it. The Cat trotted three miles in «rand form. Milo and a three-year-old of Dodson's had a sharp spin of two mile*. Tho former appeared to be goi"| rather gingerly, but conld still hold his compauion cheap. Fishhook, who looks the very picture of health, only can tered, but apparently retains sufficient of his old form to make it warm for some of the high flyers. Lady Emma and I*gat^?; main did walking exercise, as also did Dodson's lot, SALE OF MATA. Prince has received a cablegram stating that Haines sold Mata, for India, for 500 guineas. THE CUP RACE. The Cup candidates are breaking down right and left. Sir Modred continuesto harden in price, while a quotation about tho others is still asked for and has also shortened considirably. Volunteer, who was undor a cloud tor a week or two, was in demand on Saturday, but in the evening receded again, and his stable companion, Randwick, passed him. In the betting for tho Champagne Stakes, nothing at present goes down except Idalium and Amulet, but doubles and trebles are indulged in at prices ranging from 100 to 10 to 1. Tho quotations for I the Cup are : Even against Sir Modrsd; 6 to 1, On Ditj 6 to 2, Sylvanns; 7 to 1, Lo Loup; 8 to 1, Band wick; Bto 1, Titania; 10 to 1, Volnn tecr; 100 to 8, Fishhook ; 100 to 6, Lady Emma; 100 to 6, The Governor; 100 to 5, Mischief; 100 to 5, Miss Domet. Champagne Stakes.—2 to 1-against Idalium ;3to 1, Juliet; sto 1 tha test. BCRATCHINGS. Grip and Virginia Water ore scratched for all engagements.

The Court of Petty Sessions will be com menced at eleven o'clock to-morrow (Tues day) morning, in consequence of the coa» tinued illness of tlie chairman, Col. Nation.

We are told "the evening wore on," bnt we are never told what the evening wore on thai occasion. Was it the close of a sum mer's day. What is tho difference between nn Eng lishman resident in India and a tootman f— Ono -wears out his liver, and the othpx wears out his liver-y.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21



Special Advertisements. TTT INKS & CTALL, HAVE REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY WILL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THE RE-BUILDING OF THEIR WARE HOUSE IN SHORTLAND -STREET. mELEGRAPH LINK OF COACHES. HAMILTON TO TE AROHA. W. K. Carter's COACHES will run Dally to the Goldfields. Booking Office: GWynne's Hotel, Hamilton. W. K. CARTER. ITY FIToUR MILLS AND BISCUIT MANUFACTORY. Auckland, November 1,1880. We beg to advise you that our Prioas from this dato are as under : gacka _ m^ £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Anchor Flour, ton.. 12 0 0 12 0 0 13 0 0 Baker's Kxtra. ton.. 13 0 0 - - Sharps, per ton .. & " " Bran, per ton .. 50 0 - Cabin Bread, ton ..^H^ Rogn .. 2s 6d 2s Ska. Is We are yours truly, J. BYCROFT & CO. miiORNTOJV, SMITH, ANU FIRTH'S JL PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Subject to alter^wlthon^notlce.^^ OZSig"*^. if 0 • 13£10- fif TfiS£- °aT..^! 12 0 0 12 10 0 13 0 0 Sharps, por ton .. 6XO 0 foWhoT:: ;: sleVVbishei. - The above prices Include sacks and bagf; sacks ■* and bßga not returnable Terms : Cash. T^TEMATA FLOUR MILLS PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Subject to altsration without notice. Hacks. loo's. n so's. c «. d. £a. A. £ 8. &. Fine Flour, per ton 13 0 0 MM 0 U 0 0 3, L. Flour, per ton 12 0 0 12 10 0 Si 0 v A. Flour, per ton 12 0 0 - - Wheat Meal .. 13 g \ Sharp*, per ton .. ft 10 o - Bran, per ton .. 910 v — The above prices Inclode sacKS and bags. Sacks and bags iot returnable. Cabin Biscuits, mjetmV cases, ,* 6deach. Also, » large assortment of Fancy Biscuits, Price List on application' TERMS: CASH. OSIos i Lower Qneen-street, Auckland. Ist November. 1880. , OHN LAMft h



Special Advertisements. ~JT pURE riASH QYSTEM. / 2^l 1 AND CLOTHING \ / CO-OPICRATIVE TCASH PRICES, V at the City Hall Arcade, Garlick & Cranwell, Proprlotors._ TnsTRITirBKNT-WOOD FURNITURE.- A A largo Shipment just to hand light and stromr, suitablo for Breakfast, Sit ting Dining, or Drawing-room (Black, Walnut, and Light Colours, GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Quoon-Btroot, A}lg*S?iL-- TTatPßT'sPrho Largest StocFin tho l'ro- C vlncotoaoloctfrom-allkinds, napo.try. from 24 lid ; Brussels, from 18 lid; X lil dormtnater. Felt, and Jute. „„_,.. Tho Now Worcester Stair Carpet, mado of Horsehair, just received-tho most durablo Caruot over m»do. GARLICK & CRANWELL., KUKOOM FURNITURK.-A Great Variety always ready for delivery to suit all classes. Cheats of n™wew. Washstends, Toilot Tebles and Wardrobes in various woods. Glasses and Toiletware. Bedding of all kinds and sizos; Spring MattrOS9C3. xTrcwi T GARUCK & CRANWELL. XHIMTION Designs in Iron Bedsteads.- Vo keep tho Groatest Variety of Iron Bedatoads in Town, and nro Importers direct from tho manufacturers. Hand somo Wood Bedsteads from our own Factory. GARLICK & cR ANWB LL. G~ARLICK &" CRANWELL keep Buch a linrgo Assortment of General Household Furniture that you cau Furnish a Houso throughout from their stock at a day a notice. - KAWINGhKOOM SUITES in stock, suit able for a Cottago or a Mansion, aU upholstered by ourselves, and Ruaran teod. Suites (or Dining and Sittiug rooms in varioui Btyles. „.„„, T GARLICK fe CRANWELL. NLY WarohoiißO in Town conducted on the London System, combining aU depart ments of Furnishing, Drapery, aud Cubing. CITYHALL AROADE.^ FIVE Per Cent. Cash Discount on all kinds of Furniture, Carpets, Matting, Flooroloths, Ironmongery, Toiletware, and Brush- Waro" GARLICK ft CRANWELL B~OOK CATALOGUES, post free oronapplij cation, to thoso intending to Furnish. Estimates and designs given- Carpets made up. Linoleum and Oi clothei laid. Needlework mounted. All kinds or Upholstery nnd Cabinet-work by flrst olass workmen. inspect our stock: The Largest in Auckland ! GARLICK & CRANWELL, CITY HALL AROADE, Quoon-stroet and Lorno-strcet, Auckland. TUST RECEIVED, AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, With Plated Arms. Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quite New. E, PORTER & C 0., Queen and High streets. STRANGERS AND TRAVELLERS I Visiting Auckland will And tho LARGEST OUTFITTING [STOCK IN THE COLONY To Select from at THE NKW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Thousands of Customers testify to tho CUPKBIOR QUALITY & TWITTING Of the Garments mado by them. The Stock of SHIRT 3, TIBS, HATS, and HOSIERY, Is very largo, and includes a CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF NOVELTJIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS. A special supply of PORTMANTEAUX BAGS, RUGS, and all TravelUng Requisites j for Tourlßte. I AUCKLAND BRANCH: Queon-streot (opposite Theatre Royal), And at Albert-street, Thames. J, FITZSIMONS. Manaokb jn-EW (NOOD S YEW QOODSI A. LINABURY & CO. Are Now Showing their NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS. We hold the Largest and Bost Stock of COSTUMES, MILLINERY FANCY GOODS, DRESS GOOD 3 FLOWERS, FEATHERS, Sec, Sea. Special Line of Plain Dress Silks, only 3s lid per yard ; worth 5s 6d. 5,000 Straw HATS, all new shapes. A Largo Stook of Ladies' and Children's Under clothing. Dress and Mancle-maklng 'on the premises Costumes madß in 21 hours'notice. A. LINABURY & CO. 201 AND 20G. QUEEN-STREET



QUK ANNUAL SALE i WILL COMMENCE ON MONDAY, 20TH INST. THE GOOD 3 WILL BE OFFERED AT pOST "pRICEI FOR A FEW WEEKS ONLY I In Order to clear Heavy Stocks T pOSGRAYK & riO„ Importers of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. %N.B.—No Goods will be entered durinz the Sale, TkRESS hoods, wanted known: q.ood "(jseful j)rkss j^aterials ARE BEING SOLD AT HALF PRICE. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S. Is Gd Materials for 9d. We havo bought a large JOB LOT of the above, and are giving our Customers the benefit. FANCY DRESS MATERIAL In Great Variety. 43-AT A HEAVY REDUCTIONS off usual prices to Clear Out During Thb Smson. A Fresh Lot of GOOD CHEAP TWEED ! GOOD OHEAP TWEED for Boys' Wear WJust To Hand.-W 5% Discount (is In the £) allowed off all CASH Purohases of 20s and Upwards. •OUSHBROOK & "ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS [Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel], Upper Queen-street, Auckland



TNSURANCE COMPANIES ASSOCIATION. Tho INSURANCE OFFICES will CLOSE on TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, at 1 o'clook. HENRY WORSP, Seoretary. «r £1 Free Gifts I—The Proprietors of Wolfk's Aromatic Schikdam Schnapps, to lnoiico tho destruction and prevent tho im proper uso of their wrappers and labels, and thus further protect the Public against frau-i and deception, havo enclosed In tho wrappers, or undor the labul on tho quart bottles, slnco Ist Ootobor, 1878, and continue to enclose IN evkry day's packing throughout the year •" H R E E £1 O R D B R S, which aro drawn upon the undersigned, and which will bo cashed by thorn on presentation. To si'curo thoso Gifts, tho Publio must ho careful to nsk for, nnd accopt nothing hut, tho gknuinu Uuoi p.io Wolfe's schnapps, with our name upon tho top label, M. Moss & Co. VVynyard Lane, Sydney.