SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„. nn w,.TTn.l Thia Evening, ?.2I HIGH WATER ] To. morrow Morning, 8.37 ! UNSET.—This Evening. CM «UNRIBK.—To-Morrow Morning 5_30 MOON'S AGE.-Last Quatter, 2_n.l, 7.9 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAT. Btag, barque, Shaw, Thow, from Xcwcastle Waitakl, 5.3., Edie. from Tauratiga

LAST EYINOG.

DEPARTURES.

YESTKRDAY. Ooldsn Isle, schooner, Watts, for Russell TJ-DAT. Waitakl. s,s„ Kdie, for Eu_s.ll

PROJECTED DKPARTUKRS. London-Dunloe, loading ; Loch Urr, to follow Now York—Beatrice Havener, at once Taurang3—Glenelg. Monday: * aitaki. Monday Russell-lona. Monday; Rotomahana. Monday Melbourne, via South—RonmahaDa, Thursday Whangarei and _.us_ell-Wait*kl, Wednesday New Plymouth and Sonth-Hawea, Tuesday .. hangßi-ei—Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitakl, Fridiy Friendly Islands-Myrtle Tonga and Samoa-Caltdon-'a. Patu- day Cook's Islands—Boreals; loading Wanda—Coronet

VESSELS EXPECTED. Wolverme. H.M.S., from Sydney, shortly Meropo, ship, from Lonrion Oxford, ship, (M.T.L S.) from London ; sailed

Dec 1 Sydenham, barque (J.M.F.Q), from London sailed November 27th ivona. barque, from London; to tail January

Chile, barque, from London -, loading Orient, barque, from London ; to sail February 8 Pern, barque, from London : loading Loch Dee, barque, from L.n_on ; sailed Decem-

ber2l Superior, barque, from New York; sailed October J3 Cabarfoidh, barque (S.Q.M.J.), from Hongkong Himalaya, barque (V.T.K.M), from Londor; Stag, barque, from Newcastle; sail- d Orwell, brigantine, from tho Islands Roderick Dhu. brigantine, from Duncdin Defiance, brigantine, from Port Chalmers Kthel, brigantine, from Dunedln Ryno, brigantine, from Rotumsh Look Out, brigantine. from Sydney Energy, schooner, from Noumea Kate McGregor, schooner, from Timam Falcon, three masted schooner, from Melbourne; Bailed 31st Mazeppa, schooner, from Rarotongj Marion, schooner, from Noumea Policeman, schooner, from Noumea Jnlla Price, Bchooner, from Noumea. Dayspring. mission Bchooner (VV.N.B.M.), from the Islands Gael, schooner, from Lcvuka Agne3 Donald, schooner, from Rarotonga Sybil, schooner, from Society Islsnd3 Tranßit, schooner, from Rarotonga Atotehau. schooner, from harotonga Pirate, schooaer, from Penryhn Island

IMPORT S.

Per Stag, from7\de!aide: 72 tons bark, 1 tireshing machine. From Newcastle: 352 tons CJal.

ISWARD3 Coastwisf.—Sunbeam for Menaia •with 12,000 feet timber; Gem from Tararua with 21,001 eet timber.

Outwards Coastwise.—Sunbeam Manaia; Gem for Tararua.

The barque Loongana cleared at the Customs to-day for Hobart in ballast.

The brigantine Clansman will be taken over to Freeman's Bay to-morrow in order to havo her bottom scrnbbsd. She will subsequently proceed to Newcastle, and load there with coals for Tlmaru.

The ba'que Stsg arrived from Adelside and Newcastle this momma:, Captain Thow reports hiving left the latter port on the 2t":h January, hid N.E. wind 3 till makicpr the Three Kines last Saturday, and E, and S.B. winds along the coast

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Wallabi, s 3 , Leys, from Wnneanui Kowena, 5.3 , Amodeo, from Waitara Bte!la, s.s., Grey, from North

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Hokianga, yesterday. Arrived: Eliza. Mary, brigantine, from One hungs

Lyttelton, yesterday. Siiled: Emperor, for Newcastle. Arrived Roaa, from Kaipara.

Port Chalmers, yesterday. Arrived: Natal Queen, from Hobart.

COMMERCIAL.

KVBNiso Star Office, Wednesday,

Messrs Cochrane and Son Eold 50 share 3in Coromandel Steam Boat Company, at lOiter share. The Kaipara Navigation shires were passed.

Messrs B. Tonks and Co. offered to-day, the prlvilegesof the cricket grour.d, but only Nos. 1 and - hooths were Bold at £10 and £7. Mr John Glllander was tho purchaser. The re maining privileges were passed, but aro open for private sale.

AUCKLAND SHARE MARKET.

February 16th, 1831. Bank of N.Z.-£22 15s; buyerc, £.2 I2s Gd; Bellera, £2215s N.Z. Insurance—Buyers, 703 8.8. Insurance—Sellers, 59s National Insurance—Buyers. 27s 61 Union Insurance—Borers, 19s Colonial Insurance—Buyers Us Aucaland Gas—£lo 2s 6d ; bnyers, £10 U.S. _X Door Company—Buyers £5 N.Z Loan and Mercantile—Sellers. £5 10s Moanatairi—Buyers, 255; sellers, 26s Alburnlv-Selierß, 26s Caledonian—Buyers, 129 6d New North Devon—Sellers, 15s Tokatea—3s 6*l; buyers, 3s Queen of Beauty—Sellers, 6s 31 Southern Cross—Buyers, 3s 6d National Mortgage—Buyers, 27s Gd JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

Mail Notice,

Mails will Close as Under.—

Tina Day.

For Whangarei Heads, Whangarei. Russell, and Kawakawa. per H'aitaki. at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Knterprlso, at 5.30 p.ui.

Thursday, 17th instant. For Waitara, per Lalla Rookh, at G a.m. For Waiwera,' To Kapa, Cralgtebum, and Warkworth, per Rose Caaoy, atlOa.m. For Glsborno, Napier, Southern ports, and Australian Colonies, per Rotomahana, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Itotomahana, at 3 30 p.m.

Friday, 18th instant.

For WhiJangt, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotikl

per Glenelg, at I p.m. For Waihoko and Coronmndel, per Coro-

mandcl, at 2.30 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parui, Walpu, Whan garei, and Tangihua, per Argyle, at 1 p.m.

Tuesday. Ut March

Per s.s. City of Now York, a-i follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 5 p.m.

For United Kingdom and Contlnont of Europe, at o p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at I p.m. Latel utere bearing an extra fee of sixpence, In addition to the postage, will be received by the Moil Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of sailing. Tnis mall will bo duo In London on Tuesday, April 12.

N.B.—A Post-ofllco has teen opened at Opaheke. near Ramarama. Malls will cloae at this oftlce every Friday at 7 p.m. Return mails will be received every Saturday at 9.15 a.m. S. B. 81-.3, Chief Poetmastor. Chief Pcstofllce. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

February 16th. JSBI,

Theatre Royal — p.m. Tramway Polling—V.M.C. A. Rooms. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Excelsior Lodge — Franklin Road, special meeting, 7.30 p.m.

"Tho Irish Detective," a

Birth.

CALDKf'.-On February Hth, at S. Petcr'a Parsonage, the wife of tho Rev. W. Colder, of a son.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1881.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that r.eeds resistance For the future in the distance, And the i-cod that we can do

We hereby certify the issue of the Auckland Evening Star Jar the week ending February VZth, ISBI, to have been as under: — Monday, Feb. 7 6,374 Tuesday, „ 8 6,427 Wednesday, „ 9 6,406 Thursday, „10 6,380 Friday, „ 11 6,270 Saturday, „12 6,506 Total issue for week... 38,363 GEOROS FRASER) Public Account [■ ant and T. LEI"U WHITE -City Audlt.rs.

The P. and 0. mail contract entered into by Mr Berry on behalf of Victoria has turned out a very bad bargain, The manner of negotiating the con tract was very keenly criticised at the time, and was a palpable job ; it is therefora only a kind of retributive justice to find Mr Berry in a dilemma now how to dispose of his bantling. From a memorandum by the Post master-General of Victoria, laid before the Intercolonial Conference, it appears that Victoria is paying 0£2f,000 fi-year over and above receipts, for the luxury of the P. and 0. steamers, while the Orient Company maintain regular steam communication with the colony without subsidy at all. This is not even the worst view of the bargain, however, because the colony does not even obtain for its money the best possible servico; and to this fact its failure is in no small measure due. The memorandum laid before the Conference stated that a large pro portion of the homewafrd corres pondence from New Zealand, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia goes via Southampton and by the Orient steamers, and is thus diverted from the Galle contract : steamers, to the loss of Victoria Sir Graham Berry complains that he calculated on all the colonies following the example of Victoria in reducing the postage upon correspondence via Brin disi to sixpence, but all his representa tions on this subject had met with adverse replies from the various colo nies, and hence the unfavourable balance against Victoria. Truly it is very hard that the Geelong autocrat who has set up as dictator to all the colonies in the matter of mail ser vices should now be compelled to pipe so lustily to a deaf audience ; but the colonies would scarcely be war ranted in incurring any further loss upon this Suez service merely to save Victoria from a very bad bargain. New Zealand loses moro than two pence upon every letter sent via Brindisi under the Bd-a-letter postage, and though, as the Postmaster-General of Victoria says, "it is a matter of great importance to Victoria that, as anticipated when the contract was entered into, the bulk of tho mails from the neighbouring colonies should bo forwarded via Galle and Brindisi," he can hardly consider that a very forcible argument to place before the other colonies.

Apart from the cost of the service to Victoria, which is £24,000 as against -£13,500 under the previous contract, the delivery is a week longer than it should be. A late cable despatch an nounces that the Orient Company have despatched the 'Aconcagua' on her outward voyage via Suez instead of by the Cape. This step, it is said, has been taken to shew the difference be tween a direct service and the Suez fork service via Galle, for which the Victorian Government paj- a subsidy of £86,000 a year. The Aconcagua I will, it is anticipated, bring English [ news via Naples to the. 14th of January, 1 and as her arrival in Melbourne may be looked for about 16th February, she will forestall the ordinary letters via Brindisi by the contract mail steamer by at least four or five days. If the P. and O. steamer only delivers her mails at contract time, the saving by the Orient line will be more like

a week. With such achievements by unaided enterpvize before tho other colonies, Sir Graham Berry has a very pool- chance of winning them over to his views. Tt is to the interests of this colony, unquestionably, to culti vate the Pacific trade, and the cavaliei' treatment which our service has received at tho hands of the Premier of Victoria is a very good reason, if there were no other, why we should leave him in tho exclusive en joyment of the P. and O. service, which he has fought so hard to secure.

Messrs l'ra.cr ana Wnitc, City Audito . add Public Accountants, certify that the issue of the Ev_-.i_.c_ .Star last week

was 3S,;>t>3,

By notice in another column it is intimated that tho garden party, at tho Tower, Remucrn, for which invitations have been issued by his Worship the Mayor, has been postponed until to-morrow (Thursday) at 4 o'clock.

Our attention has been drawn to the tact that in the fust telegrams sent us relative to the Te Aroha murder, the following sentence appeared :—"Meantime the police have arrested the brothers Katrine and the Russian. At present suspicion points to the Russian as the pcrpctntor of the deed." This report wits published in the Waikato papers, and .vni wired to us from Cambridge by our correspondent. As sub sequent telegrams have shown, the only arrest made was that of the Russian, mid ' the police never entertained the slightest suspicion or intention to make any other arr.it. As the telegram lias been taken us casting a reflection on certain well-know,, and highly respected miuets on the I'nld, wc ate exceedingly sorry that it appeared, and although the facts of tho Russian's ar rest are well known, wo take the first op portunity of obliterating any impression, should any remain adverse to any oilier pet-Otis, The Registrar of the Supreme Court (Mi ll. Williamson) sat in uuiikiuptcy this morning, iilr Armstrong made application on behalf of Angus Nicholson (contractor) tor an order of discharge from bankruptcy, and as no opposition was offered it was granted. This was ibe only business. Wo have inspected a large number of water-colour sketches of New Zealand

pcei.ery executed by H. Grant Lloyd, a

Tnsniauinn artist recently settled at Mas terton, iu"\r Wellington. Many of the sketches, though rough, showed great skill, and if Mr Lloyd can finish a picture n-> truthfully as he can commence one, he is

an artist of no menu attainments, Wc were particularly struck with views of the Manawntu Gorge, of Tauianga, and one or two of Auckland and the neighbourhood.

There was a noticeable boldness and ami racy about them such as we have scldon seen in the works of colonial artists.

The past thirty years liuve witnessed more improvements in and around London than in any previous period. A bill will lie in troduced this year to enable the Metropoli tan Board of Works and any vestry or parochial authority to purchase open space within the limits of the metropolis, to devote them to public recreation, and to apply funds, rates, or revenue to their pur chase.

Conmderablo interest la being evinced in the approaching match between the Austra lian cricketing eleven and the Auckland

twenty-two, which commences next Tues

day, but it appears that up to the present time no steps have been taken towards having a public holiday proclaimed. To ensure the success of the match, it is ncce. sary that there should be a huge attendance of the general public, and a lion I representation of b-ith sexes can o ly be obtained by tbe declaration of a half-holiday at lcn.«t. The Management Committee should take action in tbe matter at one.-, and wait 011 the May* r for Ihc pur pose of securing the object in question, Ihc match will be one of the mot interesting yet played 111 Auckland, and it would be a mutter of regret if, through the want ot foresight on tho pait of the Committee, the crcit majority ol the public were debarred from witnessing it. To the Editor: Sir, —Will you kindly inform me what power the City Councillors have to grant permission to tbe contractor for the removal of night soil, to commit a most dangerous nuisance, by allowing him to bring his savory smelling chariots into the very heart of the city during the day time, and this to at a time when fever of almost every type is so very preveluut in our midst. It seems lo mo tiiat the said Councillors must have taken leave of their senses, when they study the convenience of one individual st risk ot tbe lives of half the inhabitants of the town. — Vouis, Ac.— Anti-Fever.

The treasurer of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children acknowledges with thanks the receipt of £5 from the Union Company, being one-third of the proceeds of the Te Anau's trip to Motutapu.

To tho Editor: Sir, —In looking over your valuable paper I have come across a paragraph signed " One that Heard and Saw. Will that gentleman be kind enough to give his nimc, that I may reply to him ? If a big bully committed himself, why was he not brought to justice? They were afraid to do so, for fear some startling reve lations might c ome out, as they were the aggressors, and not the icspectable man tlicy try to villify. You will litid on enquiry that the man is one of the mo3t respectable men in Newton.—Yours, &c, A SUBSCKIIi-R.

The arrival in Paris of Louise Michel from New Caledonia was the occasion of a most gushing scene. M. Rochefort and M. Clemenceau received aud kissed iter affectionately, and wom.n threw themselves on her neck and wept. We can only de scribe the affair as most thoroughly French. Louise Michel was transported on the resto ration of order after the reign of the Com munists for endeavouring to save some "potroleuses." Great sympathy was felt for her at the time. She was then twenty seven, and a beautiful woman. She is now much aeed and worn, mid has an expression of unconquerable melancholy.

The annual soiree in connection with the Otahuhu Baptist Church was held in tho Public Hall last uighf. The tables were set out in good style, aud presided over by I Mesdames Absolurn, Andrews, Main, ; Clark, Huxtablc, Lambert, Vulgar, Muir, i and Garner. After tea a public meeting was held, the Rev. Allen Webb presiding. The chairman gave a short and interesting address on Sunday-school work, showing the progress of tho Sabbath-school during the past year. Tho attendance of both teachers and scholars had been good, and a fine harmonium had been purchased for tho use of the congregation. The church choir rendered several suitable selections during the evening, and Miss Hirst sang two solos in her usual pleasing style. Short addresses were also delivered by the Rev. J. Macky, and Messrs Morgan, Cutler, Acock, Brame, Smith, and Driver. Voles of thanks were passed to the ladies, the choir, and the chairman, after which the chairman closed the meeting with prayer.

A meeting of the Victoria Rilles was held last evening under the chairmanship of Captain Million, who stated the object for which they had met, namely, tho advis ability of takiDg Btcps to secure better representation at Nelson. 110 felt euro the Victoria men did not wish to be behind. After some discussion on the matter it was resolved that any reasonable number of members wishing to go to Nelson as repre sentatives be assisted to do so, no one member to receive mote than £10. Mem bers to send their names to Captain Mahon by Friday evening. The draft rules of a proposed Rifle Club in connection with the Company were read, and it was resolved that a Rille Club be so formed. Twenty members of the company were enrolled. Caplain Mahon was authorised to purchase a medal to be competed for by members of the company. It is expected that the Victoria Rifles will be represented at the Colonial Prize competition by not less than three members.

Our London correspondent writes :— " The new Lord Mayor of London, Alder man McArthur, must be well known to you through his extensive trade with Australia. " Punch " remarks on bis Irish accent and spectaclep, and says he had not the ' hue bow-wow style of the old 'tin,' Disrepu tation for charity is well known, and lie lias already opened a relief fund for the sufferers by the recent dreadful earthquake in Austria. His temperance principles and work in favour of the native population of the South Pacific islands and sympathy with the missionaries and the Aborigines' Protection Society arc alluded to in the skit that appeared last week."

"Though of dear gay Sir Wilfred's supporters, Thogayosr, yet still, now and then, I am held for (in serious quarters)

A " light anions? model young men." Ho the work in Fiji, spite tho jokern, I've always boen gauic for a share. Till my Christian fricndß, in white chokers, Have sighed, " Oh, lie must bo Loitl Mayor, That light must Hare up a Lord Mayor," That boy will become a Lord Mayor, etc."

The " Irish Detective " was produced for the second time nt the Theatre Royal last evening to a fair house. Mr Grattan Riggs sustained the principal characters, and the audience testified its appreciation of his clever impersonations by calls several before the curtain. The drama will be produced on two more occasions, and will be followed on Friday night by "'lhe Yankee Farmer" and "Handy Andy." The Irish play "Shin Jane" is underlined for Saturday night.

At a recent meeting of the Loudon School Board, Editor Grove of the "Schoolmaster " asserted that the system of government in the French schools was one of constant espionage, the cfl'ect being to destroy frank intercourse among the children and to make them sly ;u:d deceitful. This assertion having been brought to the notice of Am bassador CliallcmclLacour, he writes to the "Times "that Editor Giove doesn't know what ho is talking about. "If there is a fault Irotn which French schoolboys ate exempt," says the indignant Ambassador, "it is precisely the odious one of which Mr Grove so llippantly accuses them."

The chimney of a bakehouse in Parnell, occupied by a man named Stillweli, caught lire yesterday afternoon, and the premises had n narrow escape from being de«t nycd. The roof ignited in several places, but the Games were extinguished by a number of volunteers before much damage was done.

The only two English monastic estab lishments in France, the Benedictine Col lege at Douai iv the Department dtt Nord, and the PoS'ionlst Fathers in the Avenue de la Heine lloitcn.se iv Paris, have both been left unmolestul by the interference of .Sir Charles Dilkc, Under Secretary for Foreign Allah'-. The monastery ami church of the latter were built on a very extensive site, purchased chiclly by the contributions of the Princess Eug-ue nml some wealthy Americans.

By the last mail we learn thut the Queen's Christinas liounty was distributed in White hall to l|l(iy poor people of London and sonic country parishes. One thousand received 5s each, and the remaining portion, KiS, 13s each. The latter represented the ancient " Gate Alms." The ages of the recipients ranged from 80 to 96 year*. A pleasing and lauduhle act of kindness by Her Majesty is thus described : While riding in her carriage along the toad one wet day she observed a navvy working by the roadside. She saw that the man was without a coat and vest, working in the pelting rain, and, with her usual syiu pitlietic feeling, she at otico ordered a valuable rug which was in the carriage to be taken to the wonder-stricken navvy and placed on his hack to shelter him from the rain. This is only one of the many in stances of a like description in which her Majesty has performed such noble and ever to-be-remembered acts of charity.

At I he annual mceticg of householders in the North Wairoa district, which contains the Ukaliu, Whakaharn, and Toka Toko blocks, it was shown that until the begin ning of this year the tchoolmastcr itinerated, teaching in the houses of the residents, but now the Education Hoard have built an excellent school house and teacher's dwell ing about a mile from the river at Wliaka haia, and have promised to build a new half-time school fur the use of the tcsideul.s at Toka Toka. The meeting was held in ihe new school, Mr K. Richards iv the cluir. The repoit was read over and adopted. The statement of accounts were simple—£-11 lis Gd in hand, Expenditure, nil. The following committee were elected : —S-inmcl Webb (Chairman), ('has. Clark. Jabii. Eitnc-Ji, Jorcph Filncis, S. .Sills, M. McDonald, John Jones.

The annual ton meeting in connection with'.tlie Tuakau Wcsleyau Church wan held on Monday, the 1-ltll instant, aud proved the must successful 'gathering of the kind yet held. Through the liberality of many of the friends a really first-rate tea was provided, and the numbers that Hocked to the tables speedily ensured a liuadcial sucre-s. At half-past seven the public meeting commenced, Hichurd llolibs, Esq , kindly inking the chair, and a number of interesting speeches were delivered by niinislcrs and laymen interspersed with lilting muiic.l selections by the Tuakau choir. The Anniversary realised about £20. The Church is now free of debt.

The Jewish population of Jerusalem now numbers almit 15,000, which is 5,000 more than in 1573. This Is thought by some to bo an indication that the Jews are intending to return in a body to the Holy Land, Several prominent rabbis have recently stated their belief that this idea is without foundation. The prevalent opinion among leading scholars of Jewish faith is that their people are accomplishing the divine mis sion by being scattered throughout all the nations of tbe earth, and in each nation witnessing for the truth.

A very successful soiree in connection with the IlniitNt (,'hurch, Otillulitl, was hold in (lie Public Hall, last night. The tray.-' were presided over by Mcsdnnies Absoluit), Iluxtablc, Andrews, Main, Clark, Lambert, LJnrncr, Viiglnr, and Muir. At the after meeting which was presided over by the Kcv. A, W. Webb, a report was snbmittcd showing n very prosperous year in the .Suiidav school. Addresses

were

giicn by the Key. J. Macky, MesTs Brame, Urivcr. Morgan, Cutler, Smith, nnd Acock, and the choir rendered B-jme admirable music, while Miss Hirst sang two solos which were much appreciated. Votes of thanks to the contributors to the entertain ment, moved by Mr Sbaldcrs and seconded by Mr Gaze, met with hearty response.

AVo notice tha' the triends of total absti nence are about to make an effort towards a Band of Hope Uuion, in order to give pro minence to these useful gatherings of the young children of the city and suburbs. The committee appointed for carrying out the proposed Union have issued a circular to the following effect: —The necessity of more active Temperance Work amongst the young has recently b.cn brought very pro minently before the public, while many workers in our good cause have felt that the time has arrived when united action should he employed in sustaining the existing Bands of Hope, and establishing others in all parts of Auckland. A meeting will be held in the Temperance Hall on Friday, IStli hist., at 7.30 p in., to take into const deration the desirability of forming a Band of Hope Union, aud generally to forward the work of total abstinence among tho young,

The following notice appeared in the "Princeton Banner" under the heading "Information wanted:" "Stephen M. Littleton is said to have died at Princeton, July '-'.'l, 1871. If anyone can establish the fact of his death he will render not only comfort, but material assistance to his widowed mother."

Some of tho details of ELM. Emerald's retaliation on the Soloman Islaudcrs arc rather repulsive to an Englishman's sense of humanity. There is one extract from the account of the exploits at Brookes' island : —" The landing party went in three boats, and numbered thirty blue-jackets and marines, and were under the charge of Lieutenants Clarke and Hay. The bush was scoured for tome distance inlnnd, but no natives were found. Returned to the beach, and destroyed three villages and several plantations. During this time the Emerald fired a few shells at a village situated on tho top of a mountain, 1000 feet above the sea. One shot was a capital one, and burst in the village. The boats returned to the ship, and as soon as the landing party had had their dinner 'he boats were again manned, and visited several outlyiogislands, destroying villages nnd plantations. Several canoes were observed escaping to adjacent island.. 1 hey were chased by the Emerald's boats, one being fired into. The leading nalive was shot dead, and fell over board. The other natives immediately took to the water, and tiring ceased. On the Emerald's boats ncariug the natives in the water they were found to comprise one man, two women, and three children. Otic of the females received a ball in her thigh, The wound was attended to after all the party wore taken out of tho water. The wounded woman was landed on the island, find the man was re tained as piisoner." At another is land we arc told :—" Lieutenant Clarice preserved and ultimately came across a small village which the seamen set fire to. The nalive guide was induced to climb a tree and indicate the direction of the vil lage. On the road, the natives fired a signal gun, and when the Emerald's party got to the village, a search for natives was 1 being made, when the guide saw something movitig uuder some planks, and he toraa hawked the object, Mr Haddock, on hear ing screams, entered the hut, and found a person holding a spear as if in self-defence. Mr Haddock ordered one of the seamen to haul (he spear out, _tnd in doing so he dragged a woniau from under the boards, S'lie yelled loudly. The circumstance was reported to Captain Maxwell, who ordered the woman to be brought outside, when it was found she had received a cut on the cheek bone which severed the jaw. All the houses having been set fire to, the woman was carried to a hut some distance away, clear of the burning village, Dr. Marsh at-

tended to and dressed the wounds, but the woman tore oil' th. bandages. Finding nothing could further could bo done, she was left until her people returned, Dr. Marsh did not consider her injuries mortal. The native who inflected the wound, on being questioned by Mr Haddock at Cap tain Maxwell's desire, stated that he was not aware that it was a woman he had struck,"

The best evidence of the value of direct steam communication is shewn in the fact that while in the last three months of 1879 Auckland imported from Fiji only £5,710 worth of produce and cxported£l,7Go worth; in the last three months of 1880 we imported £7,901 worth of produce and exported i_17,655 worth of goods to those islands,

The final meeting of creditors in the e-tate of Collingwcod Hope Morris (clerk), took place this morning, when, the trustees being favourable, a resolution was passed recommending the debtor's discharge.

Messrs F. and W. Fowler, plumbers, gas- I Utters, etc., hare now incoutse of erection a handsome three-storied brick building at the corner of Elliott and Victoria streets, and opposite the Royal Mail Hotel. The build ing has n deep and capacious cellar 9 feet C inches below the footpath, where the machinery is to be placed. On the ground floor there will be a shop and show-room, with workshop behind, while the topmost story will comprise general house accommo dation. The shop will have an open front with splaid entrance, lowerand upper cor nices willi rusticated pilasters on cither side, surmounted by blocking, comic, piers, caps, and balustradlng, the centre containing a segmental entablcture for the reception of the name of the linn, etc. There will also be a trap-door connecting the different floors. The walls are of brick ISin. and Win. thick, aud rest on a footing of concrete 18in. thick, Tho new scoria ground mortcr has been exclusively used, and is found much more tenacious than the i ordinary kinds. The cellar is lighted by ventilated area basement windows. Mr George llhodea is tho contractor, and undertook the work for a sum of £1050. Mr Heron has a sub-contract for the wood work, and altogether the building reflects great credit on nil concerned.

'I ho twenty-fourth nniiivorsnry meeting of tho Auckland lienevolcnt Soeloty will be held tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon in tho l»ri;e room of the Yount? Men's ChrJßtian Association, his Worship the Mayor in the choir.

By advertisement it will bo seen that the Now Zealand Acclaont '.Insurance Company novo extended their wookly compensation to aeaured. to £0' for proportionate premiums.

The adjourned meeting of the Bench of Maulstratia having the administration of tho Sliillghtor-houso Act, 1877, will be hold on Friday next, tho 18th Inst., in tho Court-houso, High street, at 12 o'clock noon.

The annual social gathering of the con- RroK'itlon of St. Luke's Church, Mount Albert, will bo held to-morrow (Thursday) evcniw* ; tea on table, ot C.IIO. concert at 8 p.m. Omnibuses will leave th« Union Bank cornor for tho sceno of merrlino* t at 5 and 0 o'clock for tho conve nience of visitors. A capital programme has been prepared for the auspicious ovont.

Novoltios in Furnishing Ooods.-Tho ~ Royal Axmlr.stor" Carpot with handsomo border Just landed, rich In appoarance, and as noft as a Turkey Carpet; tho " Worcester''Stair Carpet the pile Is entirely made of horsehair, pr.ttily shad-d border, and is tho moat durable carpot for Btalrs over made, and at a lower price than Ilruesels: Handsomo Covering:- for Drawing room Hultesjust opened by Garllck and Cran well ;thoso Coverings aro proof aicalnst mothn and have a pre'.t? uround-work of s;lver, old Kohl colour, etc., etc.: Ilandßomo Half-Tester Bedsteads now on view. Tho groatcst variety of Bedsteads in Auckland to. select from. All kinds of Household furniture at vory low prices, and 5 per cent, diicount allowed for cash at tl.i.e of purchase. Thin firm carry on tbclr Drapery and I'loUiinf. bunlnesa on the Co-opera tive C»bli System, marking their Koods at a very small advance on cost trimtlng to a large turnover to make it reniuner»tlvi». Famish your House from the City Hall Arcade, Oar lick and Cranwcll, Proprietora.-|Ai»vil

SCIN ILLATIONS.

" I!o brief; for It is win words as with sun beams: the moro they aro condensed, tho doeper they burn."— EOUTHKT.

The tenders for 100 tons of Portland cement manufactured in the colony close at Wellington on the 31st march.

The telegraph revenue in lhe December quarter of 1879 was £011 less than that taken in the cones- onding quarter of ISBO.

The South Sea island t ade is looking ut>. Our imports for the last three months ot ISSO wcro £25,882 against £10,185 in the correipondinc period of 1879. The steamer Delta on her iiip to the Waikato Heads took about thirty excur oioni-ta from Cambridge, Hamilton, and Ngatu.'twahia. Mr U. N. Abbot's ten shilling sweep on the Waikato Turf Club Handicap will be drawn to-night.

Mr Ewington's mountain was in labour and brought forth a very ridiculous mouse I

Lottie Church, of Sandy Lane, Ala., prayed that John Moran, who bad deserted her, might be punished by instant death, and at.that very moment he was killed by a falling tree. Lottie is crazy with remorse, believing his death was iv ai. .er to her prayer. A diamond ring lay on a m.'.rble slab in Cambridge, Mass., where n lady had placed it before washing her hands. An hour afterwards if. mouse was seen to run across the room with the ring around its body, having crawled into it as it was standing on its edge. The mouse was afterwards caught and the ring recovered.

The harbour question is agitating Oamaru. Public feeling is strongly opposed to a propos.il to limit the originally in tended size of the harbour which is beiug coii'tructed.

Tho Wellington " Post " is greatly agita ted because Auckland merchants arc ativing the Wellington bagmen out of the districts bordering upon Wnitnatc Plains Taking Time by the Forelock : Gwendo line—Uncle George says every woman ought to have a profession, and I think he's quite light.— Mamma— Indeed ! And what pro fession do you mean to choose ? Gwendo line—l mean to be a professional beauty ! Messrs Graham, of Xamahere, offered a good site for an Anglican Church, which would be available for the services of all denominations. £100 have already been subscribed for the purpose of erecting the building Some English sparrows built their nests in a box that had a mirror back, and nearly exhausted themselves fighting their own reflections. Failing to get satisfaction, they have re-ottcd to largo pieces of gravel, which they take in their bills and beat forcibly against the mirror. Mr Collet, purser of the Tui, drew Libeller in North's £-1,000 sweep, so that his loss by the sporting barber's bolt is £5-10. Before marriage, Willi wondrous caro, Phe seeks tho mirror, And bangs her hair. After marriage, With angry gUre, tho grabs her slipper And bangs her hair.

FATAL COLLIERY ACCIDENT

(BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

VVESTFORT, this day. A MAN named Stewart, aged 24, was killed in the Colliery Compauy's initio yesterday by a block of coal, which he was hewing out, falling on him. The body was not dis covered for some hours after tho accident

happened

THE TE AROHA MURDER.

By TELEGRAm, Own Correspondent.]

GRAIIAMSTOWN, this day. Pineiia, the chief of Ngatihako tribe, came down the river to-day, and informs G. T. Wilkinson, native agent, that Hiniiona's

fiends do not intend to take any action re satisfaction for the murder until it is seen whether the Government will punish eotne ouo.

WELLINGTON, this day.

Tho Government havo sent urgent in structions to the Northern.police authorities to use every possible effort to discover and bring to justice the Te Arohamurderer. All practicable use to be made of detectives, and no pains spared to procure the arrest and conviction of the real criminal.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES

FIRE AT KIKIWHAKERERE,

The six-roomed house of Mr Calloway at Kildwhakercre was burned to tho ground on Monday morning. Not a vestage of anything in the shape of clothing or furni ture was saved from this destructive ele ment, which means a heavy loss to Mr Cal loway. Tho caus3 of the fire is not known. FIRE "AT TOKATEA. The dwelling-house of Mr Rlack and mate, situated on tho Tokatea range, has been burned to the ground, and, as in the former case, everything was lost, Mr Black and mate were out in tho bush for the day prospecting, and upon their return found nothing but the charred remains of their former castle. 'X heir loss is a severe otic, not only to themselves, but probably to the whole district. Having saved about £40 to £50 from their daily earnings it was the intention of tho party to expend this in prospecting the Waikoro miko district during the next six months. There is no knowing what might have been the result to the distiict in qucstiou had not this accident happened which deprived these men of this sum of money. «

FIRE AT NELSON.

[BY TELEGRAPH, PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

NELSON, this day. A FIRE broke out this morning in tho shop ocflupied by Mr C, Webb, bootmaker, Hardj -street. The flames had a good hold when they were discovered, and the building was destroyed. It was tn-ureil in the South British for £150.

CHAMPION SCULLING RACE

[I.EUTER'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAM.]

LONDON, February 14. The sculling races between Edward Hanlan and Elias Laycock, for £500 a-side, and the Chsmpionship of Eng land, and the Sportsman Challenge Cup, took place to-day over the usual course on the Thames, between Putney and Mortlake, The weather was good and water smooth, and the banks of the river were lined with spec tators throughout the course. Betting wa« 4 to 1 on Hanlan. A good start was effected. Hanlan commenced with 35, and Laycock with 38 strokes a minute. Hanlan at once took the lead, and was a a length or more ahead at Simons' yard, and two lengths ahead at the Mile Point. At this point Laycock made a splendid Bpurt, and Hainan's lead was for a time materially decreased, but the latter again rapidly drew ahead, and was four lengths in advance of Laycock at Barnes' Bridge. He continued to increaso the lead, and reached the winning-post several lengths ahead, hiving led from the start to the finish, and completed tho distance in 25 minutes and 41 seconds.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before Messrs. Martelli and E. Isaacs, Justices of tbe Peace.) AN ALARMING EVENT.

Mrs Maria McGuinncss was charged with assaulting Ellen Freestone, by rushing un invited into her house and knocking over an inkstand, in consequence of which conduct Ellen Frccstenc swooned.

Defendant denied the charge.

Mr Pardy said he understood that there was a little row about some private matters, which might have been arranged among themselves.

Margaret McCarthy deposed that Bhe knew Ellen I'Vecstouc, and was in the act ot putting the baby to bed, when Mrs McGuinuesi came in, and atked how the "kid" was. Did not know what she meant by "kid"; might have been the baby. Mr Pardy said the girl Freestone, a mere child, had been recently confined, and Mrs McGuiuness' son, it was said, was the father of the child.

Mrs McGuiuness said she went to the house quietly-, with tho view of seeing if there was any likeness of the McGuiuncss' family in its face, and if she was satisfied it was her grandchild, she would take it and keep it. Jaue Allen gavo evidence. Mrs Mc- Guinness was anxious to see her son's baby, and because she was not allowed she kicked up a row and threatened to blacken her with the ink bottle.

To Mrs McGuinnes■: Did not say that Professor Swallow was tho father of the child. (Laughter.) Did not call you "Granny."

The llcnch said the evidence was against the accused, and she must lind two sureties In £10 each, to keep the peace for six months.

BREACHES OF KYE-LAWS,

William Falkuer pleaded guilty to not keeping a proper light on his hackney car riage, in Victoria-street, on the 19th Jan., and was lined lis and costs.

John Cutler was charged with a similar offence in Welleslcy-street, 011 lGth Jan.

Inspector Goldio explained tho circum stances. Fined 2s and costs.

James Uutchcr was charged with being the owner of a waggon plying for hire, on the 3rd in*t_, without having a registered number on the same.

Mr Edward Cooper appeared for tho de fendant, and pleaded not guilty, and took exception to tho information, as no offence was charged.

Mr Pardy said that there might be a technical error, but Mr Cooper's objection, if successful, would only necessitate the bringing the case again in nn amended

form.

Mr Cooper said Mr Butcher wished to try the case on its merits.

Mr Pardy objected, and tho case was withdrawn.

THROWING STO_.ES,

John Thorogood, Fred Canhani, and George Gee, three boys, were charged with throwing stones 011 the Ist instant, to the danger of Robert Keal. _\fr Edward Cooper appeared for tho boys, and pleaded guilty ; out it was a very trivial offence.

Mr Pardy said Mr Neal had frequently been annoyed by boys, but lie was not willing to punish them. The parents had promised to repair any damage. Mr fcal said lie would not claim damage although two holes had been made in the tilt.

The boys were discharged with a caution,

A GREEN AFFAIR,

Maria Green was charged with assaulting James Green at Paruell on Sunday laßt, by pulling him violently by the car and whiskers.

James Green was charged with assault ing Maria Green, by catching her by the throat, pinching her in the arm, and finally knocking her down.

Mr and Mrs Green, with the aid ef Ser geant Jackson, retired to settle their differ ences, and as they did not return during the sitting of the Court, the case was con sidered settled out of Court.

STRIKING AN OLD MAN

Thomas Fenton was charged with striking and threatening the life of John Jeffrey on the 11th Inst.

Mr George appeared for complainant, and described this as a very bad case.

John Jeffrey, residing in Newton ; knew Thomas Fenton, Went into a house in Dublin-street, of which lie was lessee, to ascertain what repairs were necessary. A ticket was in the window stating that the house was to let. While looking round, Fenton came in and told him he had no business in hisjhouse ; took him by the collar, struck him, nnd put him out of the house. He had been insulted previously by Jeffrey, who was in the habit of stealing Ids (complainant's) timber. He felt his life was in danger, and wished for protection. Defendant denied that he assaulted com plainant. He held the house under an agent—Mr Worms. Had not given up the house, and complainant had no business in the house.

Martha Ann Jeffery, wife of Thomas Jcf fcry, deposed that she saw all (hat hap pened, excepting the blow. Saw Fenton shake tho old man. Considered that her father-in-law was unsafe, and that defen dant should be bound over to keep the peace.

_ Elizabeth Fenton, 13, deposed that she was in the kitchen at the time; heard her father tell Jeffery that he must go out; he would not go, but called her father a ''rogue and vagabond;" did not sec her father push the old man.

Cross-examined by Mr George. Tho Bench reviewed the case, and con sidering that both parties, perhaps, had acted indiscreetly, dismissed the case ; costs, 4s each.

COMPLIMENTARY ENTER TAINMENT.

A gratifying cutcrtainmeut was given last evening in the Alexandra-street-school room, chiefly by the members of the Have lock Lodge of Good Templars, as a kind of compliment to Miss Gillingham, the Lodge pianist, who has been indisposed for some time past. Mr Brown, senior member of the Lodge, occupied the chair. Mr McCotnish's band kindly proffered their gratuitous ser vices for the occasion, and performed a number of lively airs ouUide the building. A number of fresh singers took part, which gave additional eclat to tho entertainment. The following pro gramme was creditably performed and and in several instances the vocalists were encored, Miss Grifliths, pianoforte solo, " Waves of the Ocean ;" Mr Warrell, "Strangers Yet," accoinpanyist, Miss Harding ; Mr Havord, song ; ]\frs Wilcock, " When Sparrows Build " (Tennyson); Mr Carter, "Flowers of the Forest" and "Merry Bells ;" Mr Forder, "Four Jolly Smiths;" Miss Peace, "A Million all in Gold ;" Miss Marson, "Song of the Star ;" Mr Alexander Smith, "Comic Irish Reci tation ;" the Frith family (5), "Here wo Stand;" a volunteer, "Events of the Week," a comic rhyme ; Mr Leedham, " A Warrior Bold;" Miss Goodacre, " A Little Help," recitation; gecllcmcn i amateurs, duet, "Army and Navy," (encore); Mr Marsden, "In Happy Moments;" Miss Griffith, "Step into Tea," comic, (encore). The young lady responded with "Riding on a Load ot Hay." Misses Griffith and Smith, Piano forte duet. Frith family, "Temperance Girls and Boys," which brought the enter tainment to a satisfactory close.

CABLEGRAMS.

IKKTJTBR'S TKLf-OBAMS,

EUROPEAN.

THE COERCION BILL,

LONDON, February 14.

The House of Commons decided in Com mittee that the Irish Coercion Bill shall be retrospective in operation, and shall _-ive the Viccrovof Ireland power to make ar rests for offences committed prior to October Ist, last year. _. l'aroell has been absent from the House of Commons tor a week, and it is believed that he is visiting in Paris. _ The Ladies' League in Ireland is daily extending its operations, and increasing the agitation in regard to the land question. FLOODS AT WASHINGTON.

NEW YORK, February 15,

The weather during the last few days has been very severe throughout the Northern States. The greater part of the city of Washington is inundated, and much loss ot property is being caused. DESTRUCTIVE SNOW STORM IN AMERICA.

NEW YORK, February 15,

Very heavy snow storms have been ex perienced in the West, and the railroads in many places are blocked, and the traffic completely suspended.

IRISH-AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS

FOR TRANSVAAL.

Telegrams are to hand containing a rumour that live hundred Irish-Americans have left the States for the Transvaal to give their services against the Boers.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE REFORM BILL.

MELBOURNE, Wednesday.

In the Legislative Assembly .last nijiht Sir Graham Berry, in the course of his speech in moving the second reading of the Reform Bill, said that the ratepayers' roll fur the Assembly was Axed, on the basis of that for tlis Legislative Council. He saw no Democratic objection to the JS'oi wegian scheme of holding a jiiut sitting of the two Houses for the settlement of the Reform question. Arrived :Te Auau, from Bluff. Sailed : Tararua, for Bind.

A SPLENDID TOWN HALL.

SYDNEY, Febrnaiy 15,

It it announced that the municipal authorities will shortly invite tenders for de bentures to the value of £75,000 for the completion of the Town Hall.

SPECIAL WELLINGTON TELEGRAMS.

[BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT,j

THE ASYLUM INQUIRY,

WELLINGTON, this day. The Governor signed the Royal Com mission to-day to Mr Shaw, R.M., Mr Woodward, J.P., and Mr Waring ,'laylor, J.P., to hold an enquiry into charges against Mount View Lunatic Asylum, with power to compel the attendance of witnesses and take evidence on oath. They ate required to report in three weeks. The Shareholders of the Trust and Loan Company, of which Mr Woodward is appointed Manager, when retired on pension from the Public trusteeship, object to hii acting as a Commissioner, it being probable that the inquiry will last over n fortnight He appears, however, to intend to act. Mr Whitelaws, Superintendent of the Asylum, summoned three female attendants yester day for cruelty to a patient, but the magis trate adjourned the case, refusing to hear it pending the enquiry. It seems these prose cutions were ordered by Dr Skae, with the approval of the Government, some time ago, and the sudden action just now excites much strong comment. Most sensational reports are afloat regarding the conduct of the asylums, some apparently not without foundation.

DISTRIBUTION OF FRIZES.

Our report of the proceedings In connection With the distribution of prizes at the Gram mar Schoool yesterday afternoon was neces sarily abridged in consequence of the lateness of the hour at which the ceremony was commenced. We now give some further details -. —

Mr Peacock (who presided) after account ing for the absence of all his colleagues oxcept the Rev Mr Nelson, and expressing a hope for the continued progress of the Bchool,| went on to say that in order to make the institution the success which it was hoped it would prove, it was necessary that the pupils should apply themselves with diligence to their studies, and that the teachers should faithfully and zealously carry their course of instruction into effect. The prizes to be given that day had been awarded on the basis of total marks for every subject. This was a depar ture to some extent from the procedure of previous years, when special prizes were given for special subjects. It whs not to be understood that the Governors, in making this change, had any intention of adhering permanently to it as a rule, or that they had any desire to ignore the aptitude or capacity of particular boys for the study of special subjects. It was possible that some boys might be placed at a disadvantage by the alteration, in not receiving as many marks as if special subjects had been taken. But boys who might feci that they were thus placed at a disadvantage, because they had greater difficulties in competing'on some other subjects, ought not to be disheartened. They should recollect that by plodding in dustry and constant application to work, they would in a great measure make up for any disparity there may be in them with respect to their natural powers. As a member of the Board of Governors he could say that it was the desire of that body to make the school second to none in the colony for the impart ing of higher education—(Applause)—and he hoped that their effort, in that direc tion would bo attended with success. At any rate, if the parents, the Board of Governors, the teachers, and the pupils did their respective psrts it might safely be predicted that the work of the year would be stamped by true progress and genuine success. (Applause.)

The prizes were then presented to the pupils whose names were given in our last issue.

The following extra prizes for singing, provided by Mr Gooch, were also awarded, viz : Ist prize, Joseph Sykes ; 2nd, Herbert Maunsell, 3rd ; Jobn Sloane, L. J. Brown ; and 4th, Hugh Owen. The remaining awards were as follow :—Certificates of Pro ficiency :„ Joseph Harry 11. Pounds and Cyril Horace Bits. Open Scholarships : Horaco William Colebrook, R, M. Reyburn, and J. M, French.

The Rev. C. M. Nelson then addressed the assemblage. He commenced by ex plaining the reasons for the absence of all the members of the Boaid ot Governors ex cept Mr Peacock and himself, and then went on to speak of the receut changes In the membership of the Board and in the staff of the school. lie paid a meed of praise to the recent English master (Mr McMaster), and spoke in laudatory terms of bis successor (Rev. Mr Gulliver). The speaker concluded by exhorting the unsuccessful pupils to strive hard for the honours next year, and by. wi-hiDg the successful ones further successes.

The Rev. W. E. Mulgau (who had ex amined the boys in Greek, Latin, French, and Geography) was then called upon to speak. Having pointed out the method of examination adopted in England he pro ceeded to give his opinions of the result of the recent examination of the school. In geography, the answering of the boys here, he considered, would bear comparison with that of any boys of the same class that he had known at home. (Applause.) With respect to French, he could say the same thing. (Applause.) It was a most useful language to learn, and he thought great attention should be paid to it, Latin and Greek were also well worth learning, aud if they were worth learning they were worth learning well. Those who paid due attention to the Latin and Greek they were taught at school would never regret it. There were no languages that he knew of more capable of educating, that is, train ing and developing the minds of boys.— After counselling the boys to give close attention to grammar, Mr Mulgan concluded by saying that if a good foundation were laid he had not the slightest doubt in his mind that Auckland, which he was sorry to say was behind the towns of the Southern parts of New Zealand, would take its place beside them. For his part, he should be proud to see the time arrive when Auckland boys would not only take their place beside the boys of the South, but „o ahead of them. (Applause.) This concluded the proceeding.

Mr Johu Mills has been elected to Duncdin Harbour Board.

ARREST OF MR W. H. ROWE , LATE M.H.R.

CHARGE OF PETTY THEFT.

[BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDBST.I

WELLINGTON, this day. Mr W. H. Rowe, late member for tho Thames, has bicn aire.ted this morning early on a charge of stealing monies from the till of the Theatre Royal Hotel.

Later Despatch.

SENTENCED TO 48 HOURS

AND CAUTIONED.

At the Police Court this morning, tyro Rowe, formeily Member of the Horn, of Representatives for the Thames, was charged with having, about 5 o'clock this morniug, stolen 2s from the till of the Theatre Royal Hotel, where he wag ] o dg. ing. From (he evidence it appeared that money had been missed previously under similar circumstances, and suspicion fell upon Rowe, A policeman waa accordingly placed in ambush this morning, and money marked. The policeman saw Rowe take the 'money out and then lie on the sofa pretending to read the paper. On being searched £1 15a Gd was found on him amongst it being the two marked still' lings. Mr Gully, who appeared for prisoner, ad mitted the theft, but urged that Rowe had been drinking heavily, and did not know what he was doing. It was evident he was not ia want. He urged that the Magistrate should exercise his discretionary power and dismiss the case as trivial, and as probably do felony was intended. His Worship, in passing judgment, said he would be glad to be able to discharge the prisoner, but could not help feeling that if he were to do so he would be drawing a ; distinction in his favour against those whose , education and circumstances had not been 'as good as the prisoner's. As a public officer, having a duty to the public to per form, he was unable to do that. He was unwilling, however, to sentence prisoner to any lengthened teim of imprisonment, but would sentence him to a sufficient term to show him that a well-educated person like the prisoner, who had held a public position, could not do these things with impunity. He sentenced Rowe to 48 hours' imprison ment.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

J (IIV TELEGRAPH,' PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

BLENHEIM, this day. BLENHEIM RACES.

Tub races came off to-day. The wtather is fine, and there is a good attendance. Handicap Hurdle*..—Gray Momus, 1; Dick, 2.

Maiden Plate.-Greyhound, 1; Wheel of Fortune, 2 ; Starboard Watch, 3. Selling MACE.—Liability, 1; Blenheim 2.

THE CITY COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The conference arranged between a sub committee of the School Committee and the Executive of the Board of Education was held this morning, and terminated in an amicable settlement of all differences. The Board conceded the points urged by the City Committee, and it was finally arranged that the masters of the public school and of the Practising Committee shall neither have authority over the other. The City Committee also reserve the right of termina ting the arrangement if they find it operates t-> detiiment the public school.

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

A special meeting of this Presbytery wag held in St. Audrcw's Church, to-day. " Sederunt" Revs. J. Macky (moderator), T Norrie, R. McKinney, A, Carrick, W. Evan, A. Thompson, T. R. Forbes, End R, F. Macnicol; Mr Barton, Elder.

The minutes relative to the apDointment of this meetiug having been read, the con sideration of the call of the united congre gations of Onehunga and Mangere, to tLe Rev. James Bruce of Waikato West, was taken up. The citations having beenreturned duly signed, and the deputies from Onehunga and Mangere having been heard, and a letter from Rev Jas. Bruce announcing his acceptance of the call, it was moved by Mr Norrie, seconded by Mr McKinney, that the Presbytery agree to translate the Rev J. Bruce from the charge of |Waikato [West to the united charge) of Unehunga aad Mangere. It was agreed that the Presby tery meet for the induction of Mr Bruce in the church at Onehunga on Wednesday, 2nd Match, at 3 p.m.—Mr Rnnciman to preside and induct, Mr Thompson to preach, and Mr Muuro to address minister and; people. Mr Norrie moved, and Mr Carrick Beconded, that the edict be served at One hunga and Mangere on Sabbath first, by the Rev J. Macky, and on Sabbath follow ing by the officiating minister. It "was agreed, on the motion of Mr Norrie, seconded by Mr Carrick, that Mr Evans be appointed to preach to the charge of Waikato West, Tacant, on Sabbath, 6th March, and that he act as moderator of cession duriug the vacancy, and that the matter of supply for that charge be remitted to him and to the |sesion there. Mr Macnicol laid on the table the Com mission of Mr Thomas Kennedy, elder ap poin'-ied by the Session of St. James,' Auck land, to represent them in the Presbytery. Mr Carrick moved and Mr Nome seconded that the Presbytery, in accord, ancc with the rule of Assembly, make ap* plication at next Assembly tor permission to license Mr Dunn, student, as a preacher of the Gospel, on the condition that the Examining Board be satisfied with Mr Dunn's attainments.

This beiug all Jtbe business, the meeting was closed by the Moderator| pronouncing the benediction.

WAITEMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

A meeting of this Council was held at noon, in the offices of Mr James, Shortland street. Present:—Messrs J. W. Waller (chairman), E. W. Alison, E. Bond, W. B. Cantwell, J. Lamb, A. Dilworth, M. Shea, R. Sinclair, and J. Seaman (collector).

Minutes.—The minutes ofjthe last meet ing were read and confirmed. ALTERA HON OF BOUNDARIES. — The Chsirman moved, and it was carried, "That the following alterations, as to the Till rangi and Manukau Ridings, be made in accordance with a memorial which has been received from a number of ratepayers with in the several Ridings. That in lieu of the Titirangi Riding, conjoining as before the Titirangi and Waikomiti Highway districts and the Manukau Riding.comprisingas here, tofore the Waitakerei South and Manukau district, the following be the Ridings in lieu thereof. 1. The Waikomiti Riding shall comprise the Waikomiti and Waitakerei South districts.—2. The Manukau Riding shall comprise the Titirangi Highway Dis trict, and Muddy Creek and Manukau out lying districts, in accordance with the last gazetted boundaries. Slaughter-house Act.—lt was re solvsd that the Slaughter-house Act be brought into operation iv the County of Waitemata.

Tenders.— The following tenders were received for improvements to the Titirangl Road :—Thos. S. Armstroug, £25; R. Hill, £62 ; and J. Crown, £43 7s 6d.—The Chair man moved—" That the tender of Mr Arm strong be accepted."—Carried.

(Left sitting).

MINING NEWS.

Old Caledonian.—The Mine Manager reports that during the past week No. 1 level has been driven 11 feet in splendid country, and that the leader mentioned in last report has opened out to nine inches in width, and is heavily charged with anti mony, muudic, ruby, silver, and copper, and he should not be surprised to sec good gold in it at any moment.

kkcben Parr,—The Mine Manager re ports up to the 14th instant that 23 feet has been driven on the line of reef. The reef in the face is two feet wide, of promising looking quartz, carrying good minerals, and has a favourable appearance. Hopeful.—The manager reports that gold has been come upon in the new level tunnel, which he believes is the same iun of gold as was worked on the No. 2 level some years ago. Although not very rich as yet, each breaking down shows colours with nice Utile splats of gold in the solid stone. Luck's All—The manager repot ts hav ing forwarded a trial parcel of two loads of quarlz to the battery for trealment from tbe veiu junctioning with the Republic reef at back of the level. In No. 3 level the cross, cut in the slide has been extended eight feet during the past week, and a small leadoc crossing the face has been struck, containing some very nice mineral, which he thinks is probably a portion of Luck's All leader.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 16.



OTRANGERS AND TRAVELLERS Visiting Auckland will find tho LAKGE3T OUTFITTING STOCK IN THE COLON ST To Select from at THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Thousands of Customers testify to the CUPEBIOB /"VITALITY & T^ITTINO Of the Garments made by them. The Stock of SHIRTS, TIES, HAT 3, acd HOSIERY, is very large, and Includes a CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF NOVELT.IES FOR THE HOLIDAYS. A special supply of PORTMANTEAUX BAGS, RUGS, and all Travelling Requisites for Tourists. AUCKLAND BRANCH: Queen-street (opposite Theatre Royal), And at Albert street, Thames. J. FIIZSIMONS. Manager lyr IL N E & pjH 0Y C E ARE NOW SELLING, AT REDUCED RATES, THE BALANCE of thbir SUMMER MILLINERY, FIOHUS, MANTLES, L-DIES' AND CHILDREN'S COSTUMES, BOYS' S0 IT S, &c. Special attention is drawn to the very complete Stock Of CHILDREN^ AND LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, BABY-LINEN, HOSIERY, &c. MILNE & CHOYCE.



QTOCK-TAKING OARGAINS. In preparation for Stock-taking, WILLIAM RATTRAY has] REDUCED THE PRIDES OF HIS LARdE AND WULL-ASSORT-D STOCK OF CUMMER pOSTUME., Tl/TANTLES, AND ~X/T ILLINERY, In order to effect a clearance. COSTUMES at 12s 6d Reduced to 9s 6d COSTUMES at 19s 6d Reduced to 153 COSTUMES at 25s Reduced to 19a 6d COSTUMES at 30s Reduced to 25b COSTUMES at 358 Reduced to 28a 6d COSTUMES at 15s Reduced to 37s 6d MANTLES and MILLINEKY are Reduced in Bimilar proportions, AT TiriLLIAM TOATTRAY'S Costume, Mantle, Millinery, & General J Di.apk.iy Establishment, NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, I 66, (.UJEEN-STKEET, AUCKLAND. {



Special Advertisements. JTEW T\ R E S S nooDS, WANTED KNOWN: nOOD TJ3EFUL JJRKSS *^r ATKKIAL3 ABE BEING SOLD AT HALF PRICE. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, Is Gd Materials for 9d. Wo hivo bought a large JOB LOT of tho above, and are giving our Cu.tomers tho benefit, FANCY DRESS MATERIAL In Great Variety. jSTAT A HEAVY REDUCTIONta off usual prices to Clbar Our During The Si;son-. A Fresh Lot of GOOD CHEAP TWEED GOOD CHEAP TWEED for Boys' Wear •rtJust To Hand. "Ci



s'. Discount (Is in tho £) allowed off all CA3H Purchases of 20s and Upwatds. T3USHBROOK & "DRIDGMAN, DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS lOppo3ito tho Army and Navy Hotel], Upper Queen-street, Auckland a puRE p-vsn OYSTEM. ( ___!. yoRAPERY'AND CLOTHING \ G.C. / AT \ / CO-OPICRATIVE CASH PRICKS, V AT THK Cut Hall Arcade, ■ Garlick & Ckanwell, I Proprietors. ; AUSTRIAN BENT-WOOD FURNITURK.- A Large Shipment just to band, light and strong, suitable for Breakfast, Sit ting, Dining, or Drawing-room (Black, Walnut, and L'ght Colours, GARLICK & CRANWELI, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queen-streei. Auckland. CARPRTS.— The Largest Stock in the Pro vince to select from—all kind?. 1 apeetry, from23lid; Brussels, from islld; Kid derminster, Felt, and Jute. The New Worcester Stair Carpet, made of Horsehair, just received—the most durable Carpet ever made. GARLICK & CR AN WELL. BEDROOM FURNITCRK.-AUreat Variety always ready for delivery, to suit all rlasscs. Chests of Drawers. Washstands, Toilet Tables and Wardrobes in various woods, Glasses and Toiletware, Bc-iding of all kinds and sizes; Spring Mattrasscs. GARUCK g CRANWKLL. EXHIBITION Designs in Iron Bedsteads.- Wo keep tho Greatest Variety of Iron Bedsteads in Town, and aro Importers direct from tho manufacturers. Hand some Wood Bedsteads from our own Factory. GARLICK Se CRANWKLL. GARLICK & CKANWELL keep such a Large Assortment of General Household Furniture that you can Furnish a House throughout from their stock at a day's notice. RAWING-ROOM SUITES In stcck. Buy able for a Cottage or a .Mansion, all upholstered by ourselves, and guaran teed. Suites for Dining and Sitting rooms in various styles. GARLICK Se CRANWKLL. ONLY Warehouse in Town conducted on the London System, combining all depart ments of furnishing, Lrapery, and Clothing. CITY HALL ARCADE. FIVE Per Cent. Cash Discount on all kinds of Furniture, Carpets, Matting, Floorcloths, Ironmongery, Toiletware, and Brush ware. G4.RLICK Se CRANWELL. BOOK CATALOGUES, past freo or on appli ca'ion, to those intending to Furnish. Estimates and designs given. Carpets made up. Linoleum and Oilcloths laid. Needlework mounted. All kinds of Upholstery and Cabinet-work by flrst class workmen.



inspect our stock: This -Large-it in Auckland ! GARLICK & CftANWELL, CITY HALL ARCADE, Queen-street and Lome-street. Auckland. ! XTf INKS& DTALL. 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 LONOEP., TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY WILL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THE RE-BUILDING OF THEIR WARE HOUSE IN SnORTL AND-STREET.



QUR ANNUAL CHP.ISTMAS SALE WILL COMMENCE ON MONDAY, 20TH INST. THE GOODS WILL BE OFFERED AT riOSI "Di-ICE! I FOR A FEW WEEKS ONLY 1 In Okdee to Clear Heavy Stocks T pOBGRAVE Si ft 0„ Importers of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, QUEEN-STREET. I Auckland. N,B,—No Goods will be entered'during the Sale, j^-EW Q0 0 D S -|U*EW pOODS! A. LINABURY & CO. Are Now Showing their I NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS. i We hold the Largest and Best Stock of COSTUMES, MILLINERY FANCY GOODS, DRESS GOOD 3 FLOWERS, FEATHERS, &o„ Sec. i Special Line of Plain Dress Silks, only 3s lid per yard; worthss6d, 5,000 Straw Hats, all new shspes. A Large Stock of Ladies' and Children's Under clothing. Dress and Monde-making on tho premises Costumes madß in 21 hours'notice. A. LINABURY & CO. 201 AND 206, QUEEN-STREET fTIELEGRAPH LIJNK OF COACHES. HAMILTON TO TE AROHA. W. K. CARTER'S COACHES will run Daily to ;he Goldflelds. I Booking Office: Gwynno's Hotel, HamlltoD. W. K. CARTER. j



Special Advertisements. JUST RECEIVED, AMEKICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, With Plated Arm*. Als-O, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quito Now. K. PORTE R & C 0., Q I'EEN A-.D HIOH bTI.KETS,



<sr £1 Frkk Oikts I—The Proprietor of j Wolfs- Aromatic Scuisdam schnapps, to lmuco tho destruction and provent tho im proper uso of their wrappers and l»b;ls, and thus further protwt the Pubic against frau-i aed deception, haVe enclosed In 'ho wrapper?, or under tho lab-l on tho quart bottles, since Ist October, IS7B, ard continuo to enclose i.v kvehy DAY'S PACKING TIIKoVQIIOUT THK YKAR THREE £1 0 R D __ R S, which aro drawn upon the undersigned, and I which will bo caahtd by thorn on presentation. To s:curo theso Gifts, ti.o Publio must bo careful to ask for, ami accept nothing but, tho Gesi-ine UDOirao Wolves Sciixapps, with ourlnamo upon tho top label, M. Moss & Co. Wynyard Lano, Sydney.