SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

incju wATirnJ Tnlß Kvoninc;, 0.11 MlflH W ATKU{ To . morrnw Morning, 0.47 ! UNSrcT.-Thls Kvoninß, 0.21 ' UMUSIC—To-Morrow Morninff, 6.57 MOON'S AGK.-Firat Quarter, Bth, 7.11 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVKNING. Argyle, e.s., Crawford, from Whangarei TO-DAY. Lizzie Guy, schooner, Steptions, from Oamaiu Glouelg. P.s„ Farquhar, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING.

Waitaki, a.?., Kitie, for Tauranga lona, 5.8., Stopheiuon, for Russell Stalin, b.b., Hakcr. for Taunuign Klsinoro, schooner, Siophcna, for Tainm Atalanta, schooner, Uonovan, (or Whangivroa Gpm, schoonor, Poar.c for Tairua

TO-PAT. Opollkl, sell., Colllngs, for Talma

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Looh Urr, loading Tauninga — Glenelx, Wodne3ilay; Waltakl, Thursday Hnssoll—lona, Monday Whangarol nnd Kussoll-WaiUkl. Wodnesilay Now Plymouth and South—Fenguin, Tuesday W.'inngnrol—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays

Waitaki, Friday Lovuka—Southern Cror-s, Slh Friondly Islands-Myrtle Mauds-Coronet

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of Sydnoy, from San Francisco, 9th Wolvenno, 11.M.5., from Sydney, shortly Mcropo, ship, from London Oxford, ship, (JI.T.L.S.) from London; Bailed

Dec. 1 Sydonham, barquo (J.M.F.Q), from London

sailed November 27th Avona, barquo, from London; to fail January

15 Chile, barque, from London ; loailino; Orient, barque, from New York; to sail Feb ruary 8 Peru, barquo, from London ; Bailed Jan. 12 Loch Deo, barquo, from Linion; sailed Dcconv

bor2s Suporior, barquo, from New York; sailed Ootober 23 Uabarfoldh, barquo (S.Q.M.J.), from Hongkong Orwell, brigantino, from tho Islands Defiance, britcantino. from Duncdlu Kthol, brigantino, from Dunodin Ryno, brlgantino, from Rolumnh Look Out, brigantlne. from Sydney Know, schooner, from Noumea Heron, schooner, from Sydnoy Mazoppa, schoonor, from Unrotongi Marion, sohoonor, from Noumoa Policeman, sohoonor, from Noumea Julia Price, schooner, from Noumoa Dayspring, mission sohoouer (W.N.8.M.), from the Isliuuls Gael, schooner, froii Lovuka Agno3 Donald, schooner, from Rarotonga Sybil, schooner, from Society Islands Transit, sohoonor, from itarotoiiKii Atotohan, sohoonor, from liarotonea Pirate, schooner, from I'cnryhn Jslunil

IMPORTS.

Per Liz/.io, from Oamaru-300 sacks bran, lil sacks polla.d. 150 sacks chuff. 20 s&cks. 80 half nacka, and 2SO quarter sacks Hour, 191 sacks wheat. 10 sacks oatmeal.

EXPORTS.

SPer To Anan, for Sydney—l 32 doors, 10 cases paucp, 10 bundles zinc, 0 casks old glass, G bundles muntjs metal 51 ba'cs fungus, 1 box jowellory, "I bales, IGS bales /I-ix, 200 sacks wheat, 1 portmanteau and 3 parcels, 300 sacks bran.

Inwards Coistwist.—Pnrseycmnco, from Waiheke, with 200 bushels sand ; Z Uih, from ThKmes, with 23,000 fcut timbo-.

Outwards Coastwisk.—Porsovorance, for Waiheke ; Zillah, for Thames, with 10 bundles hay, 1 tons potatoes, 2 tons soap, 7 tons nnd 2(i bags salt, 2 tons flsur, JOcwt. Biuar.

Thebrigantino Myrtlo ha 3 haulod alongsido tho Qneen-strcot wharf and commoncod her loading for Tonga and Samoa, for which ports sha will sail about a fortnight honce.

Captain Hdio has rosumnd command of the s.s. WaitaH, which left for Tanraßga at 5 pm. yestorday.

Tho Defiance, Atlantic, Rachel Cohen and Roderick Dhu aro loading atDuuoJin for Au:k limd.

Tho schooner Lizzie Guy arrived from Oamara, thi3 morning. Left that port on 25th February, at I a.m., and experienced 1/gbt t-'.B. and variable winds until passing tho Kaikora on tho 27th. Passed Portland oa Tuesday morn ing at 3 o'clock, wind aqua ly, wltb showers. Arrived at Taiuangawharfon theSrd, and dis charged a quamity of breadstufi's. Left for Auckland on Saturday morning with light breeze, and arrived In harbour at i 30 tlii> morn ing. Sho brings about S)0 tons flour.

The s.B..Argyle, from Whangwel, brought a largo number of passengors and tho following cargo :—l2 h'des, 2 bales, 10 sa ks gnm, IS cases fruit, 8 sacks fungus, 2 boxo3 fowls, 2 packages.

Tho s.s. Glenelg, frem Tauranga, brought 11 bags gum, 3 bans hides, 2 bales sheepskins, and 1 ton sundries. Passengers:—Messrs Cousins, D Oouk, Winter, Sergeant White and prisoner, and a lady passenger.

The pilot scnooner Vinrtox has boen docked by Mr C. Bailey, and undorgono considerable repairs. Sho has been stripped and newly coppered, &c, and supplied with a new fure mußt.

Tho barquentine Kstollo, having completed har discharge, took in a quantity oC ballast, and hauled into tho stream today. She proceeds to Newcastle to load for Oamaiu.

Tho 8.8. Taupo i 3 now lying opposite Maketu Mound, and is drawing 21 feot water. The barques Clara Hargreavos and Martha aro etill alongside. MrD. Gonk took a number of car psnters down In the Glenelsr lust trip, and they have since been engajrod in stopping up any holos in her bottom by tho moans of old sails. The work of repairing the vessel is necessarily slow, as the men can work but one hour a day. The two barques are expected fr> be towed up to Auckland very shortly.

Tho schooner Norval entered out at tho Customs to-day for and Norfolk Island, pnl -will eail a few dajs hence.

On the last voyage of tho Ros9 Casoy from tho Hot Springs, and when about Tiritlri, one of the pipo3 connecting with tho opnino burst and the water ran out. Seam was immediatelf shut off and the seamer brought to an anchor. Steps were taken to repair tho damage and in tho space of thrco houra the steamer was enabled to get again underway. There were a largo num of passengers on board, among ■a-hom were Mr Mancarrol, Government Engineer, and Mr Stewart, late District Enginoor, and durin? the time ocoapied in effecting repairs tboy amused themselves with flshinc; etc. Tbo Koee Casey reached the wharf at 9 p.m.

DEPARTURE OF THE TE ANAU-

Tho s.s. Ta Anau is announced to leave atG p.m. Tho following pas3ongera have been booked:—Mr and Mrs Hadden, Mr and Mrs Burt, Mr and MraH orn, Mra Handerson, Miss Dixon, Mis 3 Wilton, Mw (Bu ford. Miss Cleanio, Mrs Gray, Mm Tyler and family, Messrs Harris, Howlett, Harrop (2), McFlindy, Munday, Dunsofa, Sing'eton, Hedderley, KlkiagtOD. HattersleF. Worthington, Rattray. Caddon, stillwell, Mr Jono«, Miss Hnrley, Mra Cook, An YVairns.fnurso, and I children. Air and Mrslsblsterand family, Mr and Mrs Lainona, Mr and Mrs Chamboiv, Dr. and Mrs Eeonett, Messrs Nairno, Loddor, Hansden, Tnrnball, Nealcott, Rev. Boulhorne, Mr Chambers, Sir Francis Murphy, Howard, DougaU, Steele, Wil son Cardwell, Elles, Bnrsliam. Clenton, Bur ford, Corn«ll, Hale, Rynleum, Waller, Perrott, andMillericg.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Rowena, s.s., Amodeo, for Hokianga Oreti, s.e., Freser, for South

The brteantine Darcy Pratt which arrived yesterday brought a cargo 0C122 tons of coalfrom Greymoutb.

The s.s. Oreti left for Sonthern ports at 3,30 p.m. yesterday with i cases for Taranaki, 2 bales, 1 truss leather, and 15 packages sundry merchandise for Wanganui, and passengers as follows:—Mr and Mrs Green, Miss Dargon, Messrs Gilmer, Ro3e, Chorott, Bloom, Youog, Brown, Jones, Labis, J. Donnelly and son.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Rcssell, this day. Arrival: lona, s.s., from Auckland, at 9.30 a.m. Arrivals: Golden Isle, Spitfire. Speedwell and Iona; also, whale ship Robert Morrison, Capt. Mo'ser, with 110 barrels sperm. Tho Arawata has not arrived. Tauranoa. this day. "Waitaki, s.s., from Auckland, 6.15 a.m. Port Chalmers, yesterday. Sailed: Wanaka, s.s., for tho North. Wellihgtow, yeateiday. Sailed: Penguin, s.s., for Picton and Nelson. Lyttelton, yesterday. Arrived: Elizabeth Graham, 121 days out, from London, with 13 passengers; Torea, schooner, from Kaipara.

THE WEATHER.

A3 OBSERVED AT TELEGRAPH STATIONS. MAKCn 8, 1881. Wind. d £ '. v V n g ■" - o Stato of Sea, Station. a g ax. a Bar, § g I c I or Ravers. a B H r< IS Manukau.... N.K. L. 29.50 52 0, barcloarbrk Thames 3.W. F.B 30.36 72 B. Tauranga.... s.B. UB 30.38 70 C. seamod.sw). Napier.. C. - 30.5155 0, Taranaki.... O. — 30.29 Gi O.G sea smooth Wot)ganul...N.E. ': 30.3085 D. Well&Ptton., S.E. L. 30.30 65 B.C Nelson.. M ,.. N.W. h. 30.JC63C. Qroymouth.. 3.X. L. 30.48 -C. C smooth Lyttelton....N.E. L. 30.29Gl 8.0 Timaru — — 30.35 62 B. sea smooth Oamaru N.K. h. 30 15GIB. aeasmooth Vt. Chalmers N.E. U 30.52 -B. Bluff- W. h. 30.3051 B, "C—Calm F.'Br.—Freihrßreeze li.-Light St.-Stormy Br.—Breeze G.—Gilo (2.) ANEROID BAROMETER, , (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS B.—Bloo sky, be theat- O.—Overcast,the whole mosphoro clear or sky covored with heavy thick clouds C. — Clouds, pasßinß P.—Passin? ehowors clouds Q.—Squally D.—Drizzling rain R. — iiatn, continued F.—Foggy rain G. — Gloomy, dark S.—Snow weather T.—Thunder H.—Hail U.— Ugly, threatening L,—Lightning appearanco

mr £1 Fbeis guts I—The Proprietors ol Wolfe's Aromatic Schiedam Schnapps, to Induce the destruction and prevent the im proper use of their wrappers and Übsls, and thus further protect the Public against fraud and deception, have enclosed in the wrappers, or undor the label on the quart bottles, since Ist October, 1878, and continue to enclose m every DAY'S PACKING THKUDGnOUT THE YEAR THREE! £1 O R D fi R 9, which aro drawn upon the undersigned, and which will bo cashed by them on presentation. To secure these Gifts, tlio Publio must be careful to rblc for, and accept nothing but, the Genuine Udoipho Wolfe's Schnapps, with our Dame upon the top label, M. Moss & Co. Wynyard Lane, Sydney. I

Mad Notice.

Mails will Ci.osk as U.vdiob.— Tiiih Day. For Whangarol Hoada, Walpu, Whangaroi, and Mangapal, nor Argylo, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 5.30 p.m. Wkdnksdav, 9th instant. ForTaranaki and Southern porta, por Hawoa, For Now York, por Handa Islo, at 11 n.m. For ICapanga, per Coromnndol, at U. 30 a.m. For W altar*, por Lalla Hookh, at 1 p.m. For Lovuka, Tonga, and Samoa, per Southern Cross, at 3 p.m. For Whanxarol Heads, Whangaroi, Russoll, and Kawakawa, por Waitaki, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Kntorprlso, at 5.30 p.m. THUiiSiUY. 10th inßtant. For Waiwora, To ICapa, Craigioburn, nnd Warkworth, per Hoso Oasoy, at 10 a.m. For Whiiiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Glonelg, at 1 p.m. Friday, 11th instant. For Norfolk Island and Noumoa, por Norvn), at 2 p.m. Monday, 21st instant. For Friendly Islands, per Myrtle, at — For Australian Colonies, per City of Sydnoy, immediately aftor her arrival S. D. HISS, Chiof Postmaster. Chlof Poßtolllco. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Maucii Bth, ISSI,

Thontro Hoyal —'I hompson'a Confudorato Diorama of tho Amorican Yvar, 8 p m.

St. Androw's Mntunl Improvement Associa tlon—lnaugural Address by Kov. A, Carrick, 8 p.m.

Kxcolslor Crlokot Clul>—Waddlnglmin and Laing's Shop, Nowton, 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

OTWAY.—On 7th Maroh, nt Domain-atrool, Grafton Road, tho wito of ffiilmund W, Otway of a bom.

Death.

GILHKRD.—On March 7, at tho rcsldi'iico of .Tamos Saundorj, Graham-street, William Foalo Gilberd, in his 21st yo»r. '1 ho funeral will lonvo tho übovo residence to-morrow I Wednesday),ut3o'olock. Friends are respectfully invitoa. RUSH.—On Maroh Bth, nfc Gundry-Btreot, Now ton, Walter James Hush, dKort 15 months, tho beloved child of James and Mify Hush. Tho funeral will leave at 2 p.m. on YVoduos day.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1881.

For til aus that acks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do

Our cablegrams to-tlay announce that the Land Leaguo in Ireland continues the anti-rent agitation with im diiniiiiskeil activity, notwithstanding the Coercion Act; and another dastardly murder has occurred. This misguided conduct will doubtless farther embarass the Government in carrying their amended Land Act for Ireland,if it docs not render legisla tion for the redress of Irish griovaucos wholly impracticable until order is restored in the country. From Trans vaal, wo learn that General Sir Evelyn Wood has had an interview with the Commander of the Boer forces, and has arranged for a week's armistice. It would be unfortunate if England closed the campaign without re-asserting her lost prestige, and yet,admitting that the Boers have been unjustly treated, and that the English Government intends as it undoubtedly does, to confer upon them local Government, it would be cruel to prosecute an objectless war if an honouiable agreement is possible Of the final subjugation of the Boers there could, of course, be no shadow of doubt. The whole Boer population of Transvaal is only 50,000, and certainly not moro than 20,000 men, capable of bearing'arms, could be got together by a levy en masse. They must givo Way ultimately before superior equipment and inexhaustible power ; but is the achievement one vorth the cost and the attondant wrong 1 We think not.

MR. BARSTOW, R.M., AND THE GOVERNMENT.

ARE MINISTERS GUILTY OF GROSS

CORRUPTION ?

Mr Barstow, K.M., mada a Btatcmcat yesterday at the Poasonby Assessment Court which is equivalent to a charge ot the grossest corruption of the Press by the Go vernment. The matter arose in this way: Mr John Graham, Relieving Officer, appeared to object to the valuation of his property. It was pleaded us a bur thai/ he had not given notice of his intention to appeal, and Mr Graham retorted very properly, that tho sitting of tho Court had not been properly advertised. No notice of the intention to hold it had appeared in the Star, the paper which he took aud which circulated most widely in the district, and, therefore, he had not received any proper notice. Mr Graham's objection was a perfectly sound and legitimate one, and he is not alone in making it. Only last week Mr C. Atkin, Chairman of the Eden Terrace District, I discovered for the first time by the report of some of theso Courts that they were being held, and he came to this office and spent a considerable time searching in vain for the notice. He made the same complaint as Mr Graham urged yesterday. These Courts affect private property very seriously, and the public have a right to be fully notified of their sittius. We do not hesi tate to characterise them as being conducted this year in a thoroughly hole-and-corner way, and whoever is responsible for it hcu been guilty of a gross derilection of duty towards the public. Mr Barstow himself remarked yesterday on the extraordinarily few appeals which have been scut in at ail the Courts. The fact is that the ratepayers have been cheated out of the right of appeal which the Legislature gave them under the "Baling Act." The sittings of the Couit have been a perfect sham, and it is the duty of the Government to cause them to be held over again in order that ratepayers like Mr Graham, who have been legally swindled by excessive valuations without the right of being heard in opposition, may have a chance of obtaining justice. Mr Graham had a real grievance, and the tone !in which he appears to have been addressed iby the presiding Judge was unwarrantable. What Mr Graham asserted yesterday we repeat with double empba'is-that Mr Barstow has not complied with the spirit of ' the Eating Act in publishing the notices of those Courts. We undertake to prove that the star ciiculates four copies in Ponsonby for every one circulated by the medium which Mr Barstow chose for notifying the Court, and |that notice, therefore, did not receive the publicity contemplated in the Act. But this is not the only serious matter which arises out of this affair. Mr Barstow ' made a statement in explaining why he had 1 not advertised in this journal, which f amounts to a charge of gross corruption of >■ the press by Ministera. He is reported in l: the "Herald" as haviog said that "the d ' Herald' was the journal appointed by a Government for such notifications, aud so P well was that known now, that nobody ever t> asked him for an .advertisement." Mr tl Harstow is the principal Magistrate iv the 1£ city, and he ought to know the law. He I&'

was administering tho Katiug Act, and should be acquainted with the clear and explicit clause which provides for the notices of the holding of these Courts, as well »s notices respecting valuation, nnd other highway business. That there may be no mistake on tho matter we quote the clause iv its entirety from tho Act: — " When a thing is required to be " pub lished " or " publicly notilied" or whon " public notice " of anything is to be given, it is meant that notico thereof shall be published in somo newspaper circulated in the district, in which such thing arises or to which it relates."

Now if the Government liavo issued secret instructions to their ollicers to advertise only in certain papers—and this is what Mr Barstow virtually Bays —thoy liavo been guilty of a dcliborato nnd scandalous attempt to corrupt tlio press. Lot tliis mattoi' bis made perfectly clear. If Mr liarstow mount it to bo understood or im plied that tlie "Herald" had been openly or ollieially appointed as the special medium for such notices, lie states that which is absolutely false. Wo know that gome of our contemporary's advertising touts have attempted to create that impression in the minds of highway bonrdn, corporations, and County Council.-!, by professing that the " Herald" was in some special way a Gazette for theso notices. If Mr Borstow'n utterances yesterday were intended to help that pretence—though wo should bo sorry to suppose they were—the bench was used to propagate and sustain a wilful fraud. Tho " Herald," it is truo, has obtained the contract tendered for by tho Government annually for the publication of two or three notices iv year, which, under old Provincial Acts, woro required to he inserted bij the Government in the " Provincial Govern ment Gazette.1' Whon the " Provincial Gazette" was abolished, it became uQcessiiry, to meet tho wording ot aevoial Provincial Act* in which publica tion of certain Government notices in tho "Provincial Government Gazette" wtis required, to supply something in its stead Jor these purposes only, and by a clause in tho Abolition Act the power to proclaim a paper in each Provincial Distiiot a temporary tmb»tituto wn.s provided. This arrangement is now virtually obaolotu by the rcpoal of nearly all tho old Provincial Acts and the substitution of Colonial Acts, in which tho clause wo have <[iroted from the Hating Act is uniformly insortcd. Thoro statutes |i uvide for tlie publication of all notices nllcctiug county conncilH, munici palities, and highway districts in such local newspapers as secure the widest circulation in their district, and nny such notico is made a "legal notice" under these Aclh. The GoTcrnment have, therefore, no power to "appoint" mediums for the purposes they have never done so, and if they had attempted anything of the kind they would have violated the law as well as grossly misused their position in order to oiler a money bribo to paper* ready to jjivo them support in return for such contemptible considerations. They might, however, have instructed ollieora under their control only to ndvcrtiso in cer tain papers, ami if they liavo done this, and Mr linrstow has incautiously let the "cnt out «.f the big," we shall probably hear more of it duriui; the next session of Parlia ment. This is not the only occasion on which we have had to take action in this matter. Some time ago tho Ouchiingii lioroiiijh Council had to advertise a public mooting about a certain reeervo which was bjing transferred from the General Government to tho Uoroii^h, The notice was inserted in the tJTAII only, be cause the Couucillois were hilly aware that this journal most completely ful filled tho requirements of the Act by circulating in the district nt least four copies for every ono circulated by any other journal. Clio of the Under secretaries, with tlie usual ollicial habit of throwing ns many obstacles as |ios*ible in the way of tho local bodies, replied inform ing the Council that the meeting with re ference to the'roservo had been insutliciently notilied by publication in tho STAR. AYe resolved to test the matter by trying an action for damages iv the Supreme Court against the Under Secretary, but the lirst intimation of the preliminary steps in the case had the effect of bringing forth a with drawal of the objection to tho legal validity of the notice in tho STAB, and a courteous telegram from the Premier regretting that the objection had been niiidc in error.

The whole position mny be stated in a few words : It Mr Baralow is correctly re ported iv saying t lint "the "Herald" ia the journal appointed by Government for euch notifications," and ho moans it to bo understood by that, legally or publicly ap pointed—he has stated what was absolutely untrue. No such appointment has ever been publicly announced, and it could have no legal authority if it had, Notices through the STAR with reference to County Council?, highway districts, and munici palities, are legal notices in accordance with the statute law of the colony, for nil districts where the Stak circulates. These notices of the Asscsnicnt Courts ought, ii order to carry, out tho intention of the Rating Acr, to have been published iv the Star, us the paper circulating most largely in tho districts allectcd, Mr Graham was quite right in objecting that he had not received proper notice of the Court, iv con sequcuce of the failure to pub'iih the notice in the journal, which it was well known would briny the matter under attention of the ratepayer!* If, on the other hand, Mr Burstow means ouly that private inatruc ii"iii have boon sent to him by the Govern ment to advertise in tho " Herald,:' then the Ministry have been guilty of a gro.s? abuse of patronage, mid a wilful attempt to bribe and tamper with the freedom of the press by employing public monoy to corrupt it. Fortunately we can afford, owing to a liberal support from the public, to treat such a proceeding with indifference. But we cannot nilord that the thousands of people who read the STAR, and the Stak only, shall bo put to inconvenience and loss cither through the lavouri'wm of Mr Baratow or the corrup tion of the Government. And, therefore, this atFair slmll not pass without the ex posure which it demands. It is a matter of no consequence to us whether the Itesident Magistrate or the Cabinet ia the culpable party ; the elfect is the same, nml we leave them to settle the responsibility among themselves.

At the Eden Terrace Assessment (Jour

held to-day the only objector was Mr Stokes, ami his valuation was reduced from £2 to £1 per year. It. C Uarstow, Esq., was the judge, and Mr C. A. Atldu ap peared for the Board. Mr Braithwaitc was also present as valuer. In our List evening's issue it wai stated that tho lad Golding, who died ironi in juries received through the breech strap of Mr Sandall's horse giving way, had died in the hospital. This is a, mistake. He was [ removed to his parents' house when the accident occurred, and remained there under the medical care of i)r Moore up to the time of his death. It is understood that Mr Blacket.t, Engineer-in-Chief, and Mr Hales, who succeeded Mr Stewart as District Engineer, arc now preparing for the continuation of the Thames Valley Railway as far as Morrinsville, within 14 miles of tho Thames Hiver at To Aroha, and that Mr Hales will afterwards survey the Cambridge line, The St. Andrew's Mutual Improvement Association will open Its new session this evening with an inaugural address from tho President, tho Rev. A. Carriek. The pro gramme for the quarter promises a number of essays on a variety of subjects, to wit, "The Duke of Wellington," the " Atmos phere,"''The History of Steam," " Crom well," and others. Two lectures, ouo on " Rhetoric," and the other on " The Mor mons." Four evenings will be devoted to debates on popular questions, and three to extemporaneous speaking and elocution, The Ansociation is patronised by members of St. Andrew's Church, and bids fair to take a respectableplacoamong young men's institutions. The Theatre Royal was again crowded last evening by persons desirous of witnes sing the American War Diorama Exhibi tion. During the interval preceding the distribution of prizes Lieutenant Herman introduced his figures, and treated the audience to a display of his veatriloquistic abilities. A large number of prizes were distributed, and the suite of furniture was won by Miss Shera, of Bay Road, Painell. Three hundred presents, including another handsome suite of furniture, are to bo given away to-night. Tho Dean testimonial and ball promises to ba eminently satisfactory in the truest sense of the word. Every possible prepara tion has been made to give eclat to the occasion on the evening of Thursday next, in the Choral Hall. Mr Jobson, of Pon sonby, will make three trip* to tho Hall between seven and eight o'clock, for the accommodation of settlers in that chaste suburb, returning at the close of the festive scene. Mr Smith, of Mount Eden, will also make a special trip with his 'bus. The ' No. 3, Hobsoa and Naval bands will march ' from different parts of the city to the hall. ' At the request of a large number of con- ' undrumists. the time for receiving conum- • drums has been extended until Thursday ] at noon, but not so in tho matter of the r poems, which, owing to the number, would t be more than the adjudicators could get I s through in tho time. Conundrums may be v left at Mear's, bookseller, Queen-street, 1 1 addressed to the secretary. I*'

Tho acceptances for the Amateur Athletic Club spoils closed last evening, when all accepted with the exception of Stewart, for tho 120 yards hurdlo*. F. E. Williams, 27 yards, was added to the competitors for the 220 yards hurdles, and 11. 11. Davy, 8 yards, to the quarter mile,

A privnte fishing party procceeded to Hangitoto Uccf in the stc.itu launch Planet last Saturday, bport was plentiful, and tho number of liah caught exceeded two hundred.

On last Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 1G72 persons used the city baths. The contractor for tho erection of keeper's olliccs and residence (which will thoroughly screen the baths and bathers from public view) commenced work yesterday, the whole to be complete within six weeks, so that annoyauco to persons whose residences overlook the baths, or who use telescopes, will coase in a few days. Considering the dilliculties and the principal class of lads he has to deal -with, wo think the keeper is doing his best (when there from daylight to dusk except Sundays) to keep order. No doubt, when ho is residing on the spot, and the buildiujzs prevent tho intrusion of on-lookera, he will be able to prevent it becoming any annoyance to the neigh bourhood.

Tho Mount Eden Assessment Court Hat this aftornoon, \\. C. liarstow, Fsq., Judge presiding. Mossrs James Monison,£22, and Houlihan, £34 and £8, appealed against the valuation on their property. The ovidencc of Mr F. Cherry, valuer, having been taken, tho Court decided not to make any reduc tion. Mr Howard had sent in an objection on the grouud that his property had been sold, but he did not appear iv support. Ob jactionH nguinst the valuations wcro also received from John Tlioiimh Skelton, £27 ; Goacomo Testa, and Uiichaimn, £24 ; but as there was no appearance on tho part of tho applicants, tlio valuations wcro sustained, Mr T. Thompson appeared for the Mount Eden Highway Hoard.

Mr Pomona informs us that in response to tho invitation sent him by the Grammar School Hoard of Governors, ho attended at the Education Hoard ollicen at seven o'clock last cvciiing for tho purpose of giving ovidenco at the enquiry, but find ing no member of the Board present, nnd learning that the Kov. Mr Gulliver was to bo examined ho wont away. When he rolurncd the Board had adjourned. Instead of summoning a number of witnossoa to attend at the same hour for examination, and thus keeping a number of thorn in enforced idlonesi, tho Hoard might so airange the hours of attendance as to acciimmodato all. They Miould certainly study the couvenience of thoso whom they expect to five evidence.

The Grafton Hoad AsHciuminnt Court tor tho present year was held this morning, before It. C. Barstow, Esq., Judgo, Mr Ashton, son., was present as valuer, and Mr Ashton, jun., ns clerk. The only con tested enso was that of Mrs Green ivay, and after hearing cvidenco on both Hides, Mr ISnrßtow reduced the valuation from £30 to £28. The lollowing other reductions wcro made by consent of the Hoard :— Or \V'ine'n property fiom £15 to £40 ; Mr Moond's, £25 to £20 ; Mr Fielder's, £2S to £25 ; and Mr Kobort Robertson, £30 to £28

John Irwin, an old offender, wnH brought from Tauninga to-day in the s.s. Glcnclg under the care of Sergeant White and eon veil by the prison van to Mount Edon to undergo a four-months' sentence with hard labour, Tho prisoner was committed by Mr Brabant on clear evidence for stealing a saddle, value £5, the property of Mr John Mcnzies, formerly of tlie Auckland Hotel.

Several boys belonging to the Naval Training School stole n M-feet punt on Saturday, short Hush decks fore and aft, the property of Mr George lirettell, of Comiucst Place, Pnrnell, who is prepared to j;ive a suitable reward to any person who will furnish satisfactory information concerning her. Tho value of the punt is £li, and tlie loss has put Mr Brottoll to serious inconvenience. The police are on the look-out for the missing boys.

Dukes may ho interesting, but they aro not often amusing ; porhnpj the .sublimity ot their rank oppresses tliiMii. Keeou'lv, how ever, much amusement was caused by a dead Duko at the expense of a live one. Tho lute Euke and Duchem of Somerset were pcoplo of fashion, who drufsed almost as handsomely as tho characters in " Endymiou." The present Duke not bciiif; inclined to wear his parents' old garments sent them to nn auctioneer tor sale, but the lute owner's name was not to bo mentioned in the transaction. Tho press, alaa lit everywhere, nnd a Ducal Coronet »ur mminting an !S must mean tomothiug, nnd there it wns, plain to be seen, on no less than seven dozen pocket handkerchiefs. Coronation robes, pccrV robes of tho Garter wuiit for six and nevrn guineas n piece to enterprising Americans or oheep • driving cilonists ; and worse still were held up to public Raze along with the paste jewellery of snmo impecunious members of the demi-monde. ,Tue vendors slate that they hare exceptional advan tages for the disposal of things of this sort in the colonies, and the further they go tho better the present Duko will ho pleased, as ho will not soon hear the hint of his mother's old clothes. Moral. —Ladies of New Zeo laDd beware, and look out for a ducal coronet over an S.

The first meeting for the current session of St. James1 Mutual ImproToiucnt Association took place Intt night, when Mr J. D. Davis deliveroc! an admirable lecture upon " Marcus Aurelius—the Emperor- Philosopher." After a few remarks ot a general character upon tho good which moderns might derive from a study of his hero's character and literary remains, Mr Davis gave, in a very conci»e form arid with great clearness, a narrative of the Emperor's career, whence he went on to sum up his character anil to discuss the leading merits of his writings. He indicated the high mornl standard at which tho man aimed, referred to the love approaching almost to idolatry with which his people regarded him, ex patiated con amoro upon the severe ethical rules by which he was accustomed to regu late his life, and by choice extracts from the "Meditationn " showed that he was given to daily introspection and to a rigid cross-examination of his thoughts and acts. To use Mr Davis' own words, Marcus Aurelius was the high-water mark of heathen moral philosophy. Some passages were quoted with the view of exhibiting his religious opinions, as for instance his ideas of tho perfect man, one of whose characteristics should bo tho loading of a life of morality regardless of consequence, unmoved by tbo threat of punishment in tho future, and unbribed by the expectancy of eternal bliss. The criticisms passed upon the lecture were of a highly compli mentary character. The visitors wore in vited to speak, and several of them (notably the Key. W. Lambert) responded to ihe invitation. Ten gentlemen were nominated for election. Monday evening next will be devoted to extemporaneous speaking.

We are glad to welcome by the Tc Anau, Mr Angello Forrest, a musici.au of vary great talent, who lias como to nettle in this city. Speaking of the farewell pianotorte recital givcu by this gentleman in Welling, ton, the " Now Zealand Time« " says :—" A better selection than the programme could hardly have been made, and they served to show Mr Forrest's skill in the interpretation aud instrumentations of different classes of music in a manner which not even an hypercritic could find fault with. We have so often reiterated our view as to Mr Forrest'tt genius and skill as a musician and pianist, that detailed comment upon the rendering of the pieces above stated would be Buperflous. All were played aB he alone of pianists in the city— and many believe in the colony—could play them, and they evoked in the audience a mingled feeling—pleasure at the beautiful music to which they were listening, and regret on reflecting that they wore hearing Mr Forrest for the last time. One cannot help envying Auckland's fortune in securing Mr Forrest, more especially when it is known that the Northern City already possesses several pianists of great ability— though by no means to be compared with their new acquisition—while Wellington, which has for a few months boasted a pianist of the iirst order, is about to lose what all hoped would be a permanent poßsession. In the short time he has been here, Mr Forrest has won the esteem and goodwill of everyone in the city who takes any interest iv music, and his departure is re garded with the keenest regret, the proba bility being that his place here will not be supplied for many years to come. Mr Forrest is qualified to take rank among the highest in his profession, and though possibly some of the loudly-trumpeted 'star' pianists who pass through the city may be more adapt in ' brilliant' playing, none can surpass, and few can equal, Mr Forrest in exciting the varying emotions of his hearers. No one who has played in Wellington of late years is a greater master of expression than Mr Forrest is. Perhaps the best proof of that is an expression once used by a listener of small musical acquire ments, that ' Yon can always tell what his theme is without looking at the programme,' Iv parting with Mr Forrest, his many ad mirers will be reminded of Moore's assertion, that whatever we grow to greatly like is soonest taken from us. Wellington's loss will be Auckland's gain, and in settling in the Northern city, half the adult popula tion of this will give him their best wishes.

Tho large brick premises at the corner of Lower Albert-street which are being built for Mr T. Ingles, ship's blacksmith, are rapidly approaching completion, and will be ready for occupancy very shortly. They are very commodious, and will b3 much more convenient than the old premises at the opposite corner, which Mr Ingles has occupied for a number of years.

Volunteer Officers of all Corps are reminded iv our advertising columns ot the adjourned meeting to-morrow night, with respect to riile musketry instruction for volunteers. If, as averred, there is no instructions given to volunteers in this direction, it appears to us that such a state of things requires alteration ; for of what use would a volunteer be in the field if he could not use his riile with eilect -merely proving rilles at the targets, with a measured and known distance, is not musketry—and as is well-known, inoic than half of the volunteers cannot cveu do that. We therefore say " wako up."

The Nelson "Evening Mail'1 says hop picking is now in full swing both in town and country, nnd tho various gordons present a busy ami pictareequo scene, and one, moreover, that speaks of a considerable amount of money beiug put into circulation, the number of pickers employed being very large. Wo regret to learn that tlio dreadtd red spider has put in an appeaianco, in con sequence it is presumed, of.the long drought. This tiny insect, which is scarcely percepti ble except under a powerful magnifying f-laes, is the teiror of hop-growers, as small though it in, it comes in such enormous numbers that its ravages are most disas trous.

The nnnunl gcnoral mcctiiiKol tho Auck land Joalluiatlsatlon Scoloty will bo held tu morrow afternoon In tho Museum Buildings, Prlnoes-Blrcot, at I! p.m.

The Loyal United Frionds will holda ball iv I ho Maaonlo Hall, Newton, on tho ovoning of St. I'atrlok'H (lay.

Tho members of the H.A. Catholic Honoflb Socloty (Juvonllo Contingent) will lioUl a Konoral lmelnoHß meeting to-morrow ovonliiK In tit. Patrick's Hall.

Noxt Friday's OnSßnvicii will Contain No. 1 Coupon fur tho Now Scries of Prizes, which In clude : A beautiful Gold Wutch In a morocco caao, a vahmblo and ho»vy Albort Chain of sterling sllvor with loolcot nnd a dog-wldatlo attacliod, n net of Uold Simla, K''»t'""iini'H or lailluH, at) tlio winner chooßOß, CatßoU'B Ma« anlnofor IKBO (Jllit published), Parisian Clock and Alnrmn, n Leather Writing Honk proporly IHtctl with stationery »n 1 all csßontlal», Pair of Vaaun for mantolploco, Six Pots of Prnuurvon, Throo Novels by eminent authors, a beautifully inlaid Curd Hox.-lA.dvt.]

SCINTILLATIONS.

" ISo i)ii«r; tor it is witn words as with min bcumu: tho morn thoy nro condensed tho doonor they burn."—Houtiiky.

A lire at tho Albion Hotel, Napier, destroyed a stable and store-room containing £300 worth of goods wholly uninsured.

Sioiouscn's opera troupe continue to draw crowded houses at Wellington. Tlie Governor was present on Saturday night.

Payment of tho Property Tax, amounting to £2.01)0, was received at the Wellington olliee yesterday.

Mr John MniHliall has given a hnndhouiely claiHcd live-guinea cup ro tho Athletic Chili for compelition at the sport*.

Mr Kobert Simnon, the sheep inspector, while working nhocj) down in Uonnic Glen, near Wau^anui, met with an accident by which his .■boulder blado was knocked out of joint.

Mr F. Marshall linn not, it appears, [gone lo Kngland yet. He is negotiating with Mi De Lias to come here in June or July.

Simonson's Opera Company, which is doing n good business in Wellington, opens in Auckland early next month.

Some of tho Mount Albrrtrcpidcntsintcnd petitioning against the license applied for by Mr Pago. They fay tho building wu< erected as >i library and reading room to im prove the moral atmosphere of the Mount, and they object to tho proposed change.

The settlers of Foxlon have recently experienced several severe fronts covering the fields as witli a white sheet, and which diil much damage to the root-crops iv the district.

llerr lUndmanu is quarrelling with the newspßuotH in Chrlstchurch and ban refused to admit the representative of one of the morning papers It is a bad sij;ii when an actor has to resort to euch measures to stop criticism.

FIRE AT TE AWAMUTU.

(IIV TtCLKORAPH, OWN CORURSI'ONDKNT.)

TKAWAMUTU, this day. LEWIS'S Central Waikato Hotel has been much damaged by lire, which was dis covered »t three o'clock this morning. Countable Gillies nnd other* succeeded in subduing the flames, Tho whole of the bar and a large quantity of .spirits were des troyed. The lire had obtained a urnat hold on the building, and it is supposed that had the coun'er not been covered with zinc the wlude building would have been con sumed.

BRUTAL ILL-TREATMENT OF A CHILD.

(11Y TKLKCiKAI'H, OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DUNEDIN, tliiadny. A SAD ease occupied the City Court yester day. Patrick Kussell was charged with a'Siuiting Catherine Russell, aged nine years. The child, who presented a dread ful aspect, its face and head being a mass of bruises nud scars, stated : —On Friday night last, ray father bnat me. The man in the box is ruy father who beat mo with a ttick. I was in tho yard at school, and he came there and n«kcd for me. I went to him, and he caught me by tho hair of the head and hit mo with the stick on my face making the markz I have. He took me home and beat mo again. I have only been able to sco with oue eye since. The next niorniiighe beat me again with a stick. Win. lUncUll Mckay, duly qualifhd medical practioner, stated that lie exauiinod the little girl on Saturday, and found her face and head covered with bruises, and her eyes wcrofso closed up that he could not examine the eye balls. The body was iilmoct entirely covered with bruises. The excoriations on the arms, shoulders, loinn, nnd back were alike contucod. The excoriations of blows appear to havo been produced by a stick, lie hud known casci of lesser injuries prove fatal through inflammation setting in, but he did not think she is now in any danger. He had not yet been able tojexamine her eyes.

The neighbours gave evidence of hearing the child screaming terribly. Her father was beating her unmercifully. One witness fiworc he beat her an hour and a quarter nt on« time. It wns stated that accused's wife, who w an invalid, resides in Auck land. The accused in defence said he hail lost all control over tho child, who stopped out at night Mr Wntt, K.M., fined him £10, or in default, two months'and t),bo bound over for twelve months.

EMBEZZLEMENT FROM THE STANDARD COMPANY.

(UV TKLEGRAriI, OWN (J3HHKSPONDENT.)

DUiNEDIiV, Monday. At the adjourned hearing of the charges against Maiitzou some sensation was caused by tho discovery that since tho case was last before the Court, two leaves had been cut out of one of the books.

During the middle of the proceedings Mr Stout picked up one of the cush-boxes, anil opening it at a certain date exclaimed : " I have to bring under Your Worship's notice two leaves cut out of this book since last adjournment of the case. Mr Kettle : Whom do you accuse of doing it ? Mr Stout : The persons who had it in their custody, whoever they are.

Mr Kettle : Then they were Mr Look's clerks.

Mr Stout: Mr Chas. Reid instructs me that not a single clerk in the oftice has had even an inspection of the book.

Mr Kettle: No one has seen them for us, except in the presence of the Clerk of the Court.

Mr Stout: I ask Your Worship that tho strictest inquiry be held iuto this matter, and also ask that no exhibit be allowed to be inspected by a single soul until tho cases are concluded.

His Worship: I shall have the exhibits strictly locked up, and I shallscnd round to Mr Stoney, Clerk to the Court, in whose cbarga the book was, to explain.

Mr Kettle : I have sent round for Mr Stoney.

Mr Stout: I shull put the accused in the box, on his oath, and someone else. Also, the clerks in the Standard oilice who swore positively they had never haudlod the book in question. The accused said he never saw the book except in the pretence of the clerk. A Police Court enquiry is to be held. Maritzon was committed tor trial on two more charges.

CABLEGRAMS.

[REV TUB'S TKIiKUBAMS,]

Land Agitation in Ireland.

Another Agrarian Murder

LONDON, March 7. Notwithstanding the powcw vested in tho Viceroy under tho Coercion Act, the Land League continues an active agitation, and several meetings under its auspices were held yesterday in Ireland.

News has come to hand to-day that an Agrarian murder of a dastardly character has been committed in County West Mcath, Ireland. Armistice, in Transvaal. LONDON, March 7. Tho "Daily News" to-day publishes a telegram from Natal stating that informa tiou has reached there that an inter- Yiow has taken place between Sir Evelyn Wood and Joubert, Commander of the Boer forces, which has resulted in a week's armibtice, that i«, until the 14th instant, beiug agreed to, No official confirmation of the statement has yet transpired. BAD WEATHER IN TRANSVAAL. CAFE TOWN, March 7. Intelligence has been received here from Natal that heavy floods in the Transvaal rivers prevent any observations by the British troops of the Boers in that country. DESTRUCTIVE EARTHQUAKE IN ITALY. NAPLES, March 7. A severe earthquake has occurred in the island of Iscliia, situated off tho Bay of Naples, and groat destruction to property iin(l loss of life Ikih been caused. Fully ono hundred persons have perished in the ruins of tho houses aud other buildings. MR BLAUNE APPOINTED U. S. SECRETARY. WASHINGTON, March 7. Mr Blainc, leader of the Republican Party, has been appointed American Secre tary ot Mate, and will be iv charge of foreign affairs. EFFECT OF THE COERCION BILL. LONDON, Feb. 23. Mr Parnoll has withdrawal! n portion of a speech he recently made, containing seditious matter. The Government nro watching for legal proofs to enable tliom to arrest him. Feb. 24. Mr Parnell has gone to Paris, lla has given this leadership of his pmly to Mr Justin MoCarthy. The time of his absence from England is uncurtain. He advises tho Irish people to abandon holdiug mcotingH for the proncnt. Parnell has had an interview with Cardi nal Guibert, Archbishop of Pariß. A Fenian named Dcvoncy has sent a cable messogo from America, threatening to kill Sir Vcruon Hurcourt, MANIFESTO BY THE POPE. Tho Popo has issued a manifesto, in which he nays that the Church is being attacked everywhere, and the new perils which assail her are serious, WAR BETWEEN PERU AND CHILI ENDED. It Is believed that tho sanguinary war that lias so long been waged between Chill and Peru has been brought to a close. Terms of peace, it is reported, have been arranged between tho belligerents.

AUSTRALIAN.

WRECK OF A LONDON BARQUE. MELBOURNE, Tuesday. Tho barque India, bound from London to Port Pirie, South Australia, has been wrecked at Cape (sic). All lives has becu saved. The following additional awards are published :—Fourth Order of Merit: Large and Townley, Napier, for a work table inlaid with New Zealand wooda; Mrs Maxwell, Fcrnhill, Wellington, fur curtains, New Zealand ferns in ink; T. Myers, Wellington, for picture frame. MELBOURNE, this day. Tho following further Exhibition awards arc announced :—Kir.'t order ot merit: Kitchen and t-'ons (Wellington), and Me- Lcod Bros. (Duucdin), for cindlcs ; E. H. ltnnks (ChriHtchurch)i and Cunningham and Co. (Christcburch), for peas ami bonus. Second order of merit: 6, B, Bernasoon. (Wellington), for inlaid table of New Zea land woods ; Outhiie. and Larnach's Com' pany (Dunedin), for hall door and frame of Now Zrnland woods r George King and Co. (Christchurch), for beaus; E. H. Banks (Ohristchurch), for pens. Third order of merit: W. \Yilkinson (Thames), for speci mens of printiug ; Uobert Burreit (Wclliug ton), and Government priuter (Wellington), for specimens of book-binding; proprietojn of the "Times" (Christcburch), for speci mens ot engraving; lergusaon and Mitchell (Dunodin), for account books ; Robert Burrett (Wellington), for engraving. Fifth order of merit. —Nichol son (Wellington), lor sideboard of New Zealand woods ; Patersou, Bourke and Co. (Dunedin), for Venetian blinds; Austin Kirk mid Co., Limited, (Christchurch), for pottery. Honorable mentions.—W, J. Grayling (Taranaki), for dyeing aud medical extract?; F. Dennett (Thames), for speci mens of hematite ; B. K. Edwards (Thames) for paints and miucral.o. THE AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN V. COMBINED TEAM. SYDNEY, March 7. The cricket match between the Aus tralians and eleven of New South Wales and Victoria was resumed to-day. The combined team continued their second inu ingi, and were all disposed of for 2SO runs. The Australians then required 332 towin the match, and were in for their second inn ings, and when play closed for the day had put together 10 runs for the loss of three wickets. SYDNEY, Tuesday. Tho cricket match between the Aus tralian and combined team will be coucludcd to-day. LATER FROM MAURITIUS. MAURITIUS, February 22. Engagements of Biigar comprise at date 1400 tons for Australia, CBS tons for Tas mania, aod none for New Zealand. The market here is dull.

SPECIAL WELLINGTON TELEGRAM.

[HY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

I Majou Atkinson's lamonoss is much better to-day, and ho was able to attend at the oflice. SALI3 OV THE WHAKF. The IlarboHr Board Jiavc decided at a private meeting to oiler the Corporation £64,000 for the Queen's Wharf-viz., £39,000 (its cost) and £25,000 for quod-will. The offer will probably be accepted. THE CHILD MUKDKR. The report about a girl boing arrested for child murder proves a canard.

MINING NEWS.

MINE MANAGER'S REPORT.

Kuiunui Hill United.—Teutonic pection •— Sinco Thursday wonk, when wo got good air no time hap teen loit in rising and stopirig above whoro tho specimens wore got in tho drivo The rico 1b up fourtton feet, and tbe stopos arc" boing carried both ways. In tho rise and stopea. Iwo find the reef extremoly variablo in Mzo at times being only two or three inches wide, and astnin suddenly opening out to ovor two foet of fino looking lode. Wo havo seen a few co'ours in tho rleo, but no specimen". Belpw our drive 1 ttirted to follow the loader at tho point whoro tho specimens were found, bat my men broko into old stopes boforo wo had sunk six feet. Junction : Tbo work on tho small surface veins is being carried on regularly, *a proviomly roportod, and with just similarroMi'K Poverty Under Poarco our winze has been sunk forty foot. At this depth I drovo in tho vein east ward, cisthteen foet, and havo blbo started a stopo from tho winze. Tho loader in both looks oven, bettor than in Pcarco's workings, but so far I havo not met any bunches of specimens. On Thursday 1 Bturted v socond winzo, forty feet farther eastward, and in both these placos I will keep a full party of men on to provo this block without any delay. Belfast: I havo lot a short contract to drive a most promising lode at a point in a direct lino, and mirt way between Pcarco's leader and tho veins in Tookoy gronnd on which tho Southern Cross are getting their gold. The quartz from this will be run through tho mill during tho prcsont crushing term. Battery : The stamps wore running constantly all lost wook. Ten head on Junction stuff, which is shaping on the plates rather undor former returns. Ton head are running on quartz being got on "Barry's" lodo, east of the crosscut, and ton head on that got west of ;ho cross-cut. Tho returns from this class of rock is got from bordans alone. Tho plates make no ahow. Last week's rnn showed that the weatward workings are not payable, and they are accordingly suspended. Tho yield from tho oast side ia poor enough, but very regular, being a shade over half an ounce per ton. If, however, I can trace this lodo nearer the surface, I expect a better avorago, and a larger quantity of payablo quartz.—J. W VV alkbr, Thames, Maron 7.

Mr T. A. Gubb, of Port Albert, came to town by the Hose Casey last night, in charge of Dr Bobs, who is in a very enfeebled state of health,

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

INOOIIIY INTO DR. I'UUCIIAS' v CHARGES.

Tiu; Inquiry was resumed at 4 o'clock yes terday afternoon. Therewercprcscnt: Messrs J. M Clark (in the chair), F. 1). l'onton, I<\ M. P. Brookfield, E. Hesketh, J. A. Tole, T Peacock, Col. Haultain, and Rev. C. M. Nelson (Governors), and Mr F. M. Macrae (Headmaster), Mr J. Anderson (classical master), Dr. Purchas, and another gentle-

mau Tlic first matter for consideration was Mr Macrae's request for leave to employ couu sol Mr Urooklield moved that this and .all similar business should bo considered in Goinmittcc. After a short discussion the motion was put and lost on the Chairman's casting %°Dr Purchas said that he must express bis dissent to the proposed engagement "of local assistance. If it were granted to Mr Macrae it should bo granted to him alio, but lie was indisposed to giving the mquiry the character of a legal prosecution. The Chairman after stating his objections to the enquiry bciug made in the form of a judicial examination moved that the re quest should not be granted. The llev. C. M. Nelson, Mr Tole, Mr Brookfield. and Mr Fcnton spoke in favour of the motion, and Col. Maiiltam and Mr E. Hcskctu against it. It was carried. The Chairman said that it was compe tent for Mr Macrae to have counsel present in order to advise him,but not to speak. The following letter* were read :— " Auckland College and Grammar School, 7th March, 1881. To the Chairman of the Boaid of Governors,—l have the honour to request that the Board will allow me to make the following explanation relative to my examination ou Monday the 28th ult. I lind that a very different meaning has been given to the term "accord" to that which I mentally ascribed to it when under examination, and hence I may have misled the lioard by not previously defining it. When 1 stated that "accord" exists be tween the Headmaster and myself, I did not wbh it to bo understood that I apprved of the organisation and classification at present existing in the school, but that do difference of opinion on these matters prevented me from carrying out the instructions of the Headmaster in ilie best of ray ability.—l have, &0., John F. Si.oman, 8.A., Mathematical Master." "Auckland, March 7th, 1881 To the Secretary of the Auckland C. aud G. School, —Sir,—ln reply to yours of the sth, I beg to state that 1 must decline to allow my son to attend this evening .ia requested to give evidenco " re Piuchas charges " against the Headmaster of the school, neither do I think it a right proceeding to place lads in the position. If a bufiuefs Company had an incompetent servant (hay would dismiss him »nd replace him by one who they thought would be competent, without set ting the whole country by the curs aud causing unplcaiant feelings, which will tnke years to die away. Whatever feelings there are agaiust Mr Macrae as master, the boys respect him as a man and a gentleman. —1 have, &c, TIIOS. BTKADMAN," Mr teuton thought the letter conveyed a merited reproof. The Chairman demurred to this opinion. In the fir«t place Ihe analogy sought to be instituted between the Board and a busiuo-s Company was a false one, for the Governors did not occupy the positions of the mem bers of a firm. They were not on (lie spot, and therefore had no personal knowledge of what transpired in school or with what degrro of .success it was managed. Charges had been made on these heads, and as the readiest aud most satisfactory means of adjudicating upon them the Board was holding nn inquiry, to which all persons having relevant evidence to offer would be. inviteil. If Mr Steadman had any evi dence of value, cither for or against the accused, it was not right on his part to withhold it. Several membais expressed . their con currence with tlu« opinion. Mr Urooklield pointed out that with a view of facilitating the inquiry and of keep ing the evidence within well-deliucd limits, questions as to fact should only be asked, and not mere matters of opinion. He had been surprised to see in Ihe newspaper repoits questions of opinion put t) mere youths, The answers could be of no pos sible vulue, and therefore such interroga tions as he had referred to were a meie waste of time. After some further uiscusnou Mr S. B. liies, tho lirst witness, -was called in. He immediately took the opportunity of ex plaining that lie was not there as one of Dr. l'urcha.s' witnesses, but simply in response to the Board's invitation. He could ouly judge of the Cliammar School by results, and had no personal knowledge of the charges, The witness then, in answer to l>r. Purchas, said that he had two sods at the Grammar School, and that he had been dissatisfied with his elder sou's progress, He did not attribute tho cause to the lad, for he had been distinctly diligent with his lessons, while he had aleo been a prize-taker in his class, yet both of them were more ignorant than they bhould be. One of his sons had told him that his class wni frequently neglected by the master, and he kuew that the boy had boen greatly discouraged in conse quence. To Colonel Haultaiu :Be had no com plaint to make with regard to his younger job. He was in the lower school, aud had made very satisfactory progress. His elder son was 14 years of age. To Mr Brookfield : Punishment was in- Ilictcd someiimc3 with a leather strap aud sometimes by the boys being compiled to sit on tho floor. He had more thau once thought that the punishment was by no means a diguilied one so far as the masters wore cincerned. To Mr Neleou: The teachers of his younger son were Mr Robertson and Mr Tomlinsnn, He woulel rather see a boy souudly Hogged tuan obliged to sit ou the floor. He had been told of an in stance in which three or four boys were made by way of punishment to sit tor three or four hours in one of the passages. He had hail to complain of punishment beius inflicted by the boxiug of tho ears. To Mr Fenton :He had come reluctantly to the inquiry, for he regarded Mr Macrae as a personal friend, but still he could not allow his sous to grow up half-educated and wholly demoralised. There was gieat want of an intermediate school for lads too young to go to the Grammar School, lie had been obliged to keep his sons home occasionally, through severity of weather, etc. It would be a great convenience to have branch establishments in the suburbs. To Mr Tolo : What he meant by the term " wholly demoralised," was that there whs an absence of tone iv the school —of such a tone as there was in the Fni>li<h schools-while the boys appeared to have no proper feeling for their masters. Their manners iv the playground were those ofclarrikins. It was derogatory, for instance, on the part of the master to rub a chalky duster over a boy's face, as he believed Mr Macrae had on several occa sions to his son. To the Chairman: No offence in his opinion would justify a master in compel ling a boy to sit on the iloor for several hours by way of punishment. The instances ot neglect of class by the master he believed had mainly occurred last year. To Mr Macrae: The subjects in which his son (Cyril) had not made satisfactory progress were mostly those coming under the bead of Mathematics, and history ns well. He believed that three chapters ot Roman History had been done during nine mouths. The lad had progressed fairly in Latin, but he thought he should now be rending a higher book than Virgil. He thought the fact attributable to the re moval at stated periods of whole forms into the higher forms just above, thus lowering tho standard of the higher form. Colonel Haultaiu questioned this state in cut. Mr Biss theu qualified it by saying that he meant the majority of the boys in a form were thus promoted at regular periods iv the way referred to, which was practi cally consonant with his previous asser tion, To Mr Macrao :He did not attribute entirely to school causes his son Cyril's unsatisfactory progress. His son's school work during the last four years had been up to the average of his companions, and he was industrious in the preparation of his lessons at home-steady, not spasmodic. During the last two years his sou had beeii greatly discouraged by the want of that attention which he should have received aud by the knowledge that much of the' masters work was done iv a perfuuetory To Mr Peacock :He had heard nothiD" about masters being guilty of low jokes. Cyril Biss wa3 theu examined :He said in answer to the Chairman, that his a«e wis H years, and that he had beeu iv aitend ancc at tho Grammar School for five years He received tuition in classics from Mr ' Anderson, in mathematics from MrSlomao and m English from Mr McArthur-but timing the earlier part of last year from Mr M mC'. UnU» thia llltter Peii°d Mi- Mac ac had frequently neglected the class —Hilly ten or a dozen times-leaving the boys to prepare future lessons, etc , by way of iilliDg up the time. Ho hn.l £tUS

any of the masters make use of low or vulffn, jokes. °ar To Dr. Purchas : The subject which wa» neglected iv the way he had spo!<cu of IZ history—the text book being lime's Roman History. They got through three chant™, of it in eight months. He had been ercatlv discouraged by this neglect, and he bolievrrl that the feeling was general amongst the To Mr Macrae: He could remember instances when not more than a paraeranl of history was gone through in on hour and yet the hour fully occupied iv a way to profitably instruct the bo.y S . Mr Maciaa when teaching the history ecemed thoroughly interested in it, hut witness did not derive moie from it than tha mere farts of a school lesson. fl c j,,j read the whole book since, but he remembered the first part beat/and ha thought he would renumber it for a while He did not think the masters generally would speak of him an a steady and diliuont student. They had found fault with him tor want of attention, but the Headmaster not oflener than the rest. Mr Sloman had expressed dissatisfaction most frequently The boys would not fay that he was amongst the hardest workers, and neither ' would they place him amongst the least hard working.

To Mr Fen ton :—By " want of attentioa" he incaDt that the matters had occasionally found him inattentive. • To Mr Nelson :—He had obtained a prize for English in the second diviuiou of thei2ud class, 2nd prize in the Cth class, and 3rd prize in the 3rd class, and this, too, not. withstanding the fact that he was a lazy boy. He had been punished with the strap lime's Koman History was a book of about 200 pages, and while the first 63 pages were done iv eight mouths, the remaining part was gone through iv three months under Mr McArthur. The first part was the legendary portion of the history, with explanations, but the latter part was far more important. He did not remember Mr McArthur to have taught without the book, and it was not the habit of the masters generally to teacli without a book. To Mr Tole : He had heard that there was a want of harmony between the masters, but he had seen no instances of it lie had been twice boxed on the cars by Mr Macrae, and he had seen boys punished by being made to sit for two or "three hounoti the wooden floor of the fechool, their offenco being unruliness in the playground. Ag a whole he did his work as well as the rest of the boy?. He had had his face chalked with the duster by Mr Macrae while up witli his class at lessons. It was done in a playful way, and the boys all laughed at it. Mr Macrae laughed himself, He had seen the master do the same thing with other boys.

Upon resuming, the Key. Mr Gulliver whs called, and in answer to the Chairman, lit; said he was English master iv the Auck land Grammar School, and I.ad been such for the last four weeks. To Dr I'urchaa ; He had seven years' experience es English master in other school.'. It was the custom of the Head matter in other schools •where he had been lo take charge of the principal English classes. The methods adopted in English scliool-i were different lo the arrangements here, lie believed the Auckland Grammar Schcol wan greatly inferior to those iv. England. From what he had seen ot the Auckland Grammar School ke believed it was rather below the English National schools, 110 thought the classes iv the upper division were too large. There were one-hundred-aud-thiity-six boys in four classes. Jn Englith schools the upper classes never exceeded 25 boys. Comparing the school with English ones, lie could not say the standard was high. Again he had had much more diffculty in managing the lower school than he had ever had iv England. Ho did not agree with the piiuciple on which the school was.conducted. In Engliih schools, each boy had his individual place, but here this system was not adopted. His impression of the school so far as he had been able to observe, was not favourable. There was no lack of intelligence ou the part of the boys. They were quiet equal to the average. In the upper classes there appeared to be a desire to learn. In the Auckland school he found boys classed together who should be separated. The result of this was that some boys kept others back. He might say in explanation that the classes had not yet settled. The usual time taken for this in England was live or six weeke. To Colonel Haultain :—He thouglit a better arrangement could be made with the same number of teachers. In English schools there were r»rcly more boys than fifteen iv the sixth or highest form, and the lower classes each bad more boys, increas ing as they went down. Each form had its own master, who taught the class Euglish, classics, and all other subjects. Tbero were very few exceptions to tbis rule. To Mr Hesketh :—ln the Auckland school, every master had a class for each hour, and there were certain things to be wiitten on slates, &c. There wcro no desks for the slates, and this had the effect of wearying the boys. The Upper School was much larger than the Lower School. He thought some of the boys in the Upper School should not be there. Iv the event of reorganization, lie thought they mi^htlie drafted into the Lower School, and if tho Headmaster took Ihe first clas?, the reor ganization might be effected without the appointment of additional masters. To Mr Tolc : The method adopted in the Auckland College and Grammar School was more like that in vogvein the English National schools than in the Grammar school?. Ho thought the system used by the latter would give more satisfactory results than the former. To Mr Kelson: Ho thought a school such as tho Auckland College and Grammar school should be able to prepare at least ten scholars for the matriculation examination each year. He had prepared boys fur matriculation at Oxford and Cambridge. He did not know anything of the classical attainments of the boys iv the Auckland school, and therefore" he could not say whether they would be likely to obtain honours if they went to the Enslifh Uni versities without further preparation. He had been connected with the college at Lahore. From a school with 130 boys, ages varying from 17 to 21, eight or ten used to be sent up for matriculation in India. Eight or ten would always be ready for the Koorkee examination. This was the Engineering College of India. The entrance was a higher standard than even the matriculation examination. Witness was acquainted with St. Bee's, and other English schools of highest repute. Jn some of these schools boys would go in mathematics as high as the differential calculus, trigonometry, conic sections, the whole of Euclid, and classics, including nearly all the best known authors. He did not think there was anything at Calcutta similar to tho New Zealand Senior and Junior Scholarships Examination. Their school was rather above the c!a?s of similar institutions in India. To Mr Fcnton : The Engli.-h National School was n State school similar to tho elementary public, school in New Zea land. At the Berry school in Lan cashire there were about 130 boyf, all of whom paid. The endowment wss about £800 or £900. Another school in England where the witness had becu for seven years as a boy, had an upper class and a lower school, aud each master had his own boys for all subjects. Hi? own opiuion was that if a master was a thoroughly educated man, he would bo able to conduct the studies of the boys iv his class. To Mr Clark : He was iv favour of the form system. To Colonel Haultain: At Calcutta University, boys matriculated at the age of fifteen or sixteen. To Mr Hesketh: At the school near Manchester, they had live regular masters in addition to French, music, draw ing, etc. The arrangements of th« school were iv his opiuion ineffective, inas much as the classes required re-arrange mcut, aud the form system should bn adopted. He thought these alterations.

To Mr Urookiicld : He did not take the same interest iv his studies now as he did at first, and last year at any rate the reason was principally the slight attention paid to him, He had been complained of for in attention during tho last three years.

They were usually punished by imposi tions for ignorance of lessons, and he bad been punished three or tour times for this offence. All the masters had complained of his inattention. There were a large num. ber of boys in the school who had not received punishment. He believed that bo deeerved the punishments that he had received.

To Col. Haultain • All the lads wfco wero in the 2nd class last year were now, with the exception of those who had left, in class la. He believed that he was the youngCßt boy in his class. At the last quarterly ex amination, lie was bslow the average, and, therefore, the majority of his class-mates had done better than him.

To Col. liaultaiu : He competed for tho open scholarships at the end of last year, aud the result was that he secured fourth place—highest of the unsuccessful com petitors. 1 here were six candidates, the two lower than him being elder boys.

To the Chairman : The practice each year was to advance nearly all the boys of a claBS a form higher.

At tills stage the Board adjourned for an hour.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. TUESDAY MARCH 8



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Special Advertisements. J^KW QOODS A. LINABUKY & CO. Aro Now Showing tholr NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS. Wo hold tho Largost and Host Stock of COSTUMES, MILLINERY FANCiT GOODS, DRESS GOODS FLOWKRS, FEATHERS, &a, &c. Spooial Lino of Plain Dross Silks, only 3a lid por yard; worth 5s Gd. fi.OOO Straw Hath, all now shapes. A Largo Stook of Ladlos' and Children's Under olothing. Dross and Mendo-making on tho promleos Costumos mads inJ2l hours'notice, A. LINAI! Ult V & CO. 201 AND 200, UUKHN-BTItBHT