SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

hioh WATKR.I Thla Kvenlnt?, 10.55 BUNBKT.-Thla Evening, 1.53 BU N KISK.—To-Morrow Mornins:. 6.68 MOON'S AGE.-Lnst Quarter, 21st, 2.48 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Loongana, barque, Klehor, from Hobart Christina, schooner, Smith, from Russell Saxon, schooner, McKenzlo. from Lyttolton Bpeodwoll, ketch, MeLiver, from Kuaaoll

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Arawata, 8.5., Sinclair, for Sydney Stag, barque, Thow, for Kaipara

TO-DAY. Rotorua, 3.8,, Tozer, for tho South Marion, schooner. Cleverley, for Suva

PROJECTED DEPARTURES

San Francisco-Australia, P.M. 8.8., Tuesday London—Looh Deo and Peru, early Sydney—Te Anau, 31st Melbourne via South—Albion, Thursday 26th. Russell and Northern ports—lona. Monday Whangarei and Mangapai—Argyls, Tussday and Friday Taoranga—Glone'ig, Tuesday and Thursday Mangawai- Fin gal, Thursday Mercury Bay—Fingal, Monday

IMPORTS.

Per B,s. Arawata—l2 buahols of " Devonshire Kvorgreen," ryo grass for the Trustees of Domain Cricket Ground.

Per Saxon, from Lyttelton—3so sacks wheat, 100 sacks flour.

Por Loongana, from Hobart-4196 rails, 960 bags bark. 17 pieces stone, 5 bales hops, 13,000 palings, 2662 cases fruit, 26 cases preserved fruit, 1256 cases jam, 9 sacks seed, 9 saoks potatoes, 12 bags peas.

EXPORTS.

Per Marion, for Suva: 4,378 pieces timber, 45,000 feet sawn do, 12 pair casomenta.

Per Wild Wave, for Melbourne (shipped at Kaipara)-- 10,1GB pieces sawn timber.

Per Ar&wata. for Sydney: 97 casks limejuico, 97 kegp butter, 77 bales tow. 53 bales flax, 1 pack ago gum, 1 bale and 4 baga ragß, 1 case and 2 brace pheasants, 1 case game, 1 case plants, 39 packages, parcele, and cases Bundry merchan dize.

Per Rotorua, for Poverty Bay—l 2 bags oysters, 3 pkga doors and Bashes, 3 horses, 10 sacks flour, 8 cases kerosine, 1 paokage piping, 1 bundle trees, 1 range, 54 sundry packages. For Napier— 168 drain pipes. 20 empty casks, 44 packages architraves, 20 cases bread, 12 caee9 biscuits, 12 trunks, 1 bundle brooms, 2 bags brushes, 20 boxes candles, 20 bags oilcake, 5 cases oranges, 3 bags oysters. 31 packages, par oels. cases, &c. For Wollington-250 boxes candles, 7 sacks oysters, 2 cases lamps, 10 bags oysters, 2 bags seed, 23 sackß, 16 cases and parcels. For Lyttelton—67 bundles bags, 150 doors, 4 bales leather, 1 canvas fadge, 2J Backs oysters, 3 cases sundries. For Dunedin— 5 cases sauce, 1 case boots, 1 bar silver, 3 cases ale, 3 boxes and 1 bundle. For Oamarn—l case. For Melbourne—229 casks lime-juice, 32 ingois duo.

ISWARD9 Coastwise -Whangarel. from Whangarei,wlthißtonscoal; Speedwell, from Russell, with 55 tons coal; Christina, from Russell, with 86 tons coal; Mary Ann, from Mahurangi, with 500 bushels lime; Dolphin, from Thames.

Outwards Coastwike.—Mary Ann, for Mahurangi, with 500 feet timber.

The brigantine Defiance left Port Chalmers for Auckland yesterday. 1*

The schooner Julia Price left Noumea for tho Ish of Pines on April 22. She will, when there, complete her loading and proceed to Auckland.

The schooner Gael was expected to leave on a recruiting voyage, via Suva on April 26th.

The barquentine George Noble arrived at Timaru from Newcastle, with 415 tons coal, on tho 11th instant.

The topsail schooner Clyde sailed from Tau ranga for the North on Sunday last to load potatoes probably for this port.

Captain Fisher of the Loongana reports passing a brig*ntine bound South, and two fore and-afters. a ketch, and a barque bound North when off the North Cape last Saturday.

The brig Wild Wave cleared at the Cußtoms to-day for Melbourne with her original cargo rom Kaipara, leas 1,000 pieces timber thrown overboard.

The barque Thames was berthed alongside the outer western tee of the Queen-stroet Wharf this morning and commenced loading kauri sum, with which she proceeds to New York direct. She is expected to take in about 3000 cases gam.

The ship WesUand sailed from Timaru for London on the 11th instant, with a cargo com prising 11,136 Backs wheat, 103 Racks flour, 128 bales wool.

The p.b. Glenelg arrived from 1 auranga this forenoon with ioO sacks wheat, 6 bags potatoes, 100 cases fruit, 25 pigs, about 6 tons sundries, and the following passengers:—Mr and Mies Partridge. Mrs Gilmour. Mrs Phillips, Mrs Hunt, Miss Dixon, Messrs Whitelaw, Breat, Wrigley, Young, Gould, Brimblecomb. Feme. Gould, Smith, Hayter, Healey, Kennedy, Campion, Jamison and Witehorn

• The " Fiii Argus " of April 22nd has the follow ing:—"The H.M.S.S. Gunga arrived in the harbour about 10 o'clock on the night of Wed nesday last, having left Sydney on the 12th inst. She towed into Port the schooner Jessie Kelly, which was picked up totally dismantled off the Island of Kadavu, haviDg encountered the severe gale on the 6thinstant off Norfolk Island which was reported by Captain Martin, oC the John Hunt."

The s. s. Rotorua left for Melbourne and Southern port] about! noon to-day taking the following passengers :—Judge Brookfleld, Judge Pucker. Mesdamns Harkairs and Cook, Captain and Mrs Helender. four children, and 2 servants. Messrs a. Norton, W. Young, G. Gray, H. N. Abbott, A. Mitchell.

Tha barque Loongana arrived from Hobart this morning. Captain Fisher reports as follows: Left the whart at Hobart on May 7th, and cleared the river on the aftotnoon of the Bth. .Experienced fresh S. and S.W. winds until making CaDe Maria Van Dieman last Satnrday at noon. Since then fresh S. and B.S.K. winds until yesterday, when light variable winds pre vailed. Anchored outside the Nor'h Head at 11 o'clock last evening. Got underway early this morning and came up the harbour at 10 a.m

The brigantino Arat&pu, from this port, when on the -voyage from X aipara to LyHelton ex perienced some terrible weather. From infor mation through a private source we learn that during a heavy gale the decks were occasion ally flooded, one of the boats washed overboard, and the galley stove in. One of the men had his arm broken and the cook sufferd some slight iniurlea through being knocked down by the force of tbe water. The Aratapu arrived at Lyttei ton on the 12th inst.. and returns to Kaipara upon dis charge of her present cargo.

The schooner Saxon arrivrd in harbour last evening, and came alongside the wharf this morning. Captain McKenzie reports: Left Lyttelton on Sunday, the Bth, with light S.W. wind, which lasted until Cape Pallber waa reachod. Thence to Kast Cape, freah N.W. winds, and then southerly winds until reaching Tauranga on the morning of the 15th. Dis charged a quantity of cargo—32o sacks oats, 30 sacks bran, 70 sacks potatoes, and 3 cases bacon —and left for Auckland on the 16th. Light variables were experienced during the re mainder of the passage up.

The B.S. Arawata left for Sydney at 9,30, p.m. lastevening. Passengers :—Mesdnmes Sorensen and two children, Jbruce and three children, Leddle, Grant, General and Mrs Mitchell. Mr and Mrs Were, Mr and Mrs Faulkner and three children, Mr and Mrs Sdow, Mr and Mrs Stanier, Shiekal, Haaad, Major Keogh, Pro fessor Roloaux, Dr Sealhorst, Messrs J. Wood, Q. . w cram well, G. Seramwell. G. Green, Nelson, T. J. Wilkinson, Bailward, G. R. Pearson. W. Kimber, Thomas Kaye, Kimberley. Lees, Anson (2). W. Holmes, Hammond, R. Cook, J. Aahuri. A. Dowd, W. Knight, G. McMire, T. Callaghan, T. Gibson, J. ThornhiJl, Pennieton. Ledingham, T. Knocking. J. Watson, J. Miller, Dunne, Burrows, Hamsori, Freer, Girtin, Wilson, H. H. Love R. M. Cross. Svmonds

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

IMPORTS.

Per Lalla Rookh. from Waitara : 99 sheep, 21 head cattle, 8 cases and 21 keaa butter, 3 pack ages Bundrles.

The s.s. Lalla Rookh, from Waitara yo-terday morning, brought the following passengers :— Mr and Mrs Weston and assistants (3), Messrs Moss and liowon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Sydney, May 18. Sailed lost night, the Union Company's steam- Blilp Hero, for New Zealand.

Wellington, yesterday. Arrived: Hawea, s.s., from Picton and Nelson, Sailed: Hawea, s.s., for tho South.

Lyttelton, yesterday. Arrived: Saucy Lass, from Wellington.

Port Chalmers, yesterday. Arrived: Rotomahana, from the North; In vercargill, ship, from London. Sailed : Albion, 8.a., for Northern ports. Passenger for Auck land—Miss Anderson,

Waitar4, this day. Sailed: Samson,p.s.,forOnehunga. Russell, this day. Arrived: Arawata, b.b., from Auckland, at 9 B,m« Nelson, yesterday. Arrived: Taiaroa, from New Plymouth.

COMMERCIAL.

Evbnino Star Office, Thursday.

Messrs B. Tonka and Co. held a sale of 82 paintings to-day, chiefly by American artists. The pictures represented cottages, waterfalls, and landscape scenery, and were all sold, but, considering their merits, at very low prices. One hundred csuses of Tauranga apples brought Ss to 11s per case. Messrs E. and A. Isaacs sold largo quantities of ships store?, from tbe British-ship Oxford, embracing groceries, spirits, and general pro visions, which were quitted at satisfactory prices. The attendance was large and the bidding brisk.

No Good Friday performance of the " Messiah" was sanctioned in any of tho town-halls or public institutions within the jurisdiction of the Middlesex bench of magistrate?.

They were sitting together in the twilight. " I do hate people that are torever talking about their neighbour," said the with the peaked hat. "So do I," coincided her companion in the Cashmere shawl. ''There's Mis' Green," continued Peaked Hat, " continually a-carryin' things back and forth. Think she'd better look to home. Goodness knows she and her hus band live a regular cat'and-doglife." " Yes, indeed," said Cashmere, " and her daughter Sarah isn't half cared for. I was tellin1 Mis' Jones only yes- that the w.iy Mis' Green neglected that girl was a cryin* shame. Oh! by the way, did you hear that story about Tilda Smith ?"' "No I What is it ?" exclaimed peaked hat, turning half around in her seat in her eagerness, her eyes sparkling in anticipation of the coming treat. But, gentle reader, never mind what it was. Neither you nor I care anything about it. We hate tattling just aa bad as peaked hat and Cashmere did.

(W £1 Free Gifts I—Tne Proprietors ol Wolfe's Aromatic Schikdam Schnapps, to Induce tho deßtruotion and prevent tho im propor ÜBe of their wrappers and labete, and thus further protect the Public against fraud and deoeption, have enclosed in the wrappers, or under he label on the quart bottles, ainue Ist October, 1878, and continue toenoloso in kvkuy. DAY'S PACKING! THKUUGHOUT THK YKAK T H R E X £1 ORDERS, which aro drawn upon the underslgnou, and which will be cashed by them on presentation. To secure theso Gifts, the Publio mußt bo careful to ask for, and acoopt nothing but, tho Genuine Udolpho Wolfe's Schnapps, with our name upon tho top laboU M. Moss & Co Wynyard Lane, Sydnov.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as Under.— This Day. For Mangawal, por Fingal, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per Wellington, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Kototnahana, at 4.30 p.m. Friday, 20th instant For Now Plymouth, Wanganul, and South, per Samson, at 8 a.m. For Waltara, &c, per Rowena, at 11 a.m. ForWaihekeand Coromandel, perCoromandel, at 12.30 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parua, Walpu, Whan carei, and Tangihua, por Argyle, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at.5.30 p.m. Saturday, 21st instant For Walwera, Mahurangl, Matakana, Manga wai, Slc, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. Monday, 22nd instant. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Monfronui, per lona, at i p.m. Tuesday. 23rd instant. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Penguin, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, 24th Instant. Per B.s. Australia, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South Amorioa. and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. Late lottors bearing an extra feo of sixpence, In addition to the postage, will be reoeived by the Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of salllne. This mail will be due in London on Tuesday, July 5, 1881, S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc .

May 19th, 1881. V.M.C.A.—Devotional, 7.30 p.m. Theatre Royal—" Hamlet." 8 p.m. Albert Hall—Waxwork Exhibition, 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Masonio Hall, Newton—General Meeting cf Court Nil Desperandum, A.0.F., A.D., 8 p.m.

Drill-shed-Monthly Inßpeotlon of the Battery and Band of the Now Zealand Reglmont of Artillery, 7.30 p.m.

St. Andrew's Mutual Improvement Society. Lecture by Mr E. W. Barton—'.' Our Ancestors as seen by Ciosnr," 730.

Marriage.

SYIKKS-BUSLIET.-On Wednesday, May llti), at tho Registry Offlco; both of this city. —Thames papers pleaso copy.

Death.

CARGO.—At the residence 01 Mr Spry, Pon sonby, Kliza lane, infant daughter of J. Cargo and his late wife; eged twelvo weeks. GRAINGKR—On the 19th May, at Norfolk- Btreet, Ponsonby, Oila Alfred Uasil, tho be loved son of A. 11. and E. A. Grainger; aged Hi months.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1881.

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

We hereby certify the issue of the Auckland Evening Stab Jor the week ending May Uth, 1881, to have been as under: — Monday, May 9 6,318 Tuesday, „ 10 6,283 Wednesday,, 11 6,459 Thursday, „ 12 6,306 Friday, „ 13 6,319 Saturday, „ 14 6,403 Total issue for week ... 38,088 GEORGB *FRASER)Pnb!Io Account s' ants and T. LEIGH WHTTK I City Auditors.

A COERESPOMDENT signing himself " M sends ua a long letter, published elsewhere, la answer to our article in Monday's issue on the present condition 0! religion and the shortcomings of religious teachers. "M " evinces a strange sensitiveness to criticism, and accuses us of uncharitableness, diutor tortion and mis-statement of the facts of the case, irony, sarcasm, and other faults more or less grave. The want of charity we emphatically disclaim; as we distinctly stated, we said severe things not out of spite or mere wantonness, but with a genuinely practical aim. As to the irony, we could justly retort on our corres pondent "Tv quoque amice." The alleged distortion of the truth we Jconsider "M" has not proved; as we will endeavour in the coucisest manner to show.

"M" can Dot understand why such a subject was discussed in the columns of the Stab, a purely secular journal. But why should not a religious topic be handled there ? Religion is not a matter confined to a special class, such a notion we thought was scattered to the four winds long since; it is something which immediately concerns one and all, the richest with the poorest, the layman as much as the minister. Laymen have accomplished many works of the first im portance in the domain of theology us "M" must know; and there are in JNew Zealand now numbers of thinking men who occupy as large a proportion of their time in meditating and reading on moral and religious questions as many clergymen do. And if such subjects must be excluded from newspapers like the STAE, where are they 'to be discussed ? The pulpit, we again assert, confines itself to perfectly "safe" topics; and one despairs of hearing the burning questions of the day—fiom which we singled one—fairly met and argued there. Religious journals arc equally conservative; plain Bpeaking of the kind we refer to is "declined with thanks." The lecturer in like manner would, ten chances to one, fail to attract an audience; and thus every place seems barred to free discussion on religious subjects, except perhaps tap rooms and pothouses; where it is not likely that a respectful and decorous hearing will be accorded. Hence if these matters are to be brought prominently before the public as they ought to be, secular newspapers are compelled to take them up. It is a little singular, and incon sistent besides, that "M." while objecting to such articles as ours of Monday, yet would not be displeased if we confined ourselves to denouncing the " millinery" tendency of of certain sections of the church. This is very much like saying, "attack anybody else's ' doxy' so long as you let mine alone," "M" would "compound for sins he is inclined to by damning those he has no mind to."

"M" is of opinion that the hearer must not look for originality in the matter of the clergyman's sermons, but only in the composition, arrangement, and the like. We are by no means sure of this. Is it really the fact that no new matter can be found, that no fresh discoveries ia theology can be made ? Was there nothing original in that thoughtful scholarly book "Ecce Homo"? It seems to us that the writer of that work, whoever he was, had much that was startlingiy new to set forth concerning the life and ministry of Christ. If "M" does not think so, it is. a pity he did not anticipate the unknown author. But even admitting "M's" contention, do we find " that beauty and polish of language, that excellence and aptness of illustration, that freshnesa and pith of simile," with which it is possible for the clergyman to make his discourses more attractive? From a tolerably wide knowledge of the pulpit utterances of this city, we at one reply in the negative. We are convinced that the ordinary sermon is all that we descibed it to be. There are the same subjects, the same metaphors, the same illustrations, the same intolerant dogmatism, the same life leea stereotyped expressions, the same

ancient arrangement, which have been heard any timo these fifty years. We want to sec the teachers of religion get out of their rut, and lead the thought of the age. They fail to understand the times, they fall behind, they get isolated, if they could only perceive it, the eyes of this generation arc looking in a certain direction, their hands arc pointing to it, but the clergy hold back and refuse to gn. There are exceptions, notable exception.", but they simply prove the rule. It is not necessary to be always lecturing on* science and its relations to religion in the pulpit; but there might with great advantage be more science and less harping upon merely mental states. We will undertake to say that every Sunday nine out of every ten sermons are occupied with discussing mental conditions, as applicable to the real needs of the auditory as to tho inhabitants of the moon. The reason why we have so little science in the pulpit seems to be because the occupants cf the pulpit are not competent to discuss it. And the same rensou holds good for a number of other topics which thinking men want some in formation upon, but which are debated any where but at church. 'I here is one sentence in " M's " letter touching on tho question of science which we are somewhat surprised to see. He says, " though the discoveries of science may seem sometimes at variance with the recognised and orthodox inter pretations of tho Bible, it will finally bo found that they harmonise in every point." Wo are incliued to consider this as a proof of our statements immediately preceding, but "M" might put us down aa lacking in charity. We would however remind our correspondent that the Bible and Galileo's discovery for example, hnvo not been reconciled yet. But we cannot enter such a wide field for argument, as this, and pass on with the remark that we looked, for greater breadtli ot view from "M." Draper's "Conflict of Keligion and Science" would prove instructive reading to him we doubt not.

Wo regret to observe the way in which "M." has coupled Mr Gulliver's name with want of courage. This was quite un called for. So far as wo can gather, our correspondent thinks Mr Gulliver's dis course was not entitled to the epithet we applied to it, viz., "fearless," simply because its statements were uot quite so strong and sweeping as ours. Surely " M." will recognise the difference between a place of worship with all its calm, devotional, and sacred associations and the columns of a newspaper. Church-goers have been so long trained to expect the dull, antiquated, and soporifcrous that it is virtually impossible to iutroduce tho very opposite all at once. They require 301110 training iirst. Mr Gulliver showed himself a courageous candid clergyman last Sunday as well as :i thinker, and despite all that tins been said to the contrary, we believe his conduct to be exceptional enough to warrant special notice. Mr Gulliver, we may remark, is a perfect stranger to us, and, so far as we know, may even now be quite ignorant that his discourse was commented on in these columns. Hence it will be perceived that the gratuitous innuendo in one part of "M's" letter is altogether beside the mark!

" M " is greatly exercised ia his mind by our allegations respecting the neglect of the poor, and the clergy's dereliction of duty therein. Our answer is very short. If the lower orders are as well looked after as " M " declares them to be, it is an extra ordinary circumstance that one so seldom sees them at a place of worship. Every class appears to assemble there except the poor. We might also very pertinently enquire, if the spiritual needs of the lower orders are so emciently provided for, why ia their moral state so backward as it is ?

It is assumed by our correspondent that what wo said about "lavender gloves," " tassels," etc., was intended in a figurative sense only. We beg to assuro him, what is known to hundreds of our readers, that our words were meant in a strictly literal sense. We certainly do not wish to see the clergy for ever dressed in dismal black ; but when their attire approaches that fop pishness which is usually supposed to accom pany the frivolous disposition and shallow mind, thero are assuredly some groundl) f"r censure. Nor do we desire to deprive the minister of religion of attendance at cou certs and parties ; it is only the abuse of them that cills for complaint. Let them go to as many as they please, so long as the time so occupied is not withdrawn from reading and meditation ; and does not interfere with their paramount duty of preaching the gospel to the poor, That Ilia clergy, as a rule, notwithstanding " M's " assertion to the contrary, have accustomed their thoughts to run exclusively in one narrow, fixed groove, until they have fallen behind the culture and progress of the age, we consider plainly evidenced by their sermon?. Till they have mastered the latest thoughts ul the best minds, we not unnaturally put down most of the time spent at places of amusement as wasted.

Finally, we take the opportunity of assuring "M" thnt we shall neither attempt to "Jinterfere with the religious con victions of our readers," nor "dictate what they are to believe," in tho future any more than we have in the past; but we reserve the right of leaving " the domain of the secular "as often as occasion seems to require, to discuss topics the exclusive property of no one class in particular. When the people of New Zealand or any other country stop talking theology it will be because they have got a Pope to teach them.

THE SCARLET FEVER EPI DEMIC.

IT s high time that some prompt and effective meau3 were taken to stay the pro gress of the scarlatina epidemic in the city. The disease has been amougstusfor several weeks past, and instead of dyiug out it ap pears to be extending rapidly as well as increasing in virulence. This unfortu nate result must be ascribed in great part to the ignorance or indifference of parents who permit children exposed to contagious difcase of this character to continue their attendance at school. We have been assured on good medical au thority that scarlatina is speading through our schools, and that so gro:-s is the un concern or want of vigilance shewn by both parents and teachers in the matter that pupils have been found in these insti tutions manifesting unmistakable symptoms of the infectious malady in the stage of disclamation, when the danger of infection is perhaps at its worst. Were it generally known that scarlatina, or scarlet fever, as it is variously called, is one of the most infectious and one o£ the most dangerous o£ juvenile ailments, we are convinced that there. would, be no necessity for a public journal to reproach parents for carelessness or to censure teachers for inaction in the matter. Now that the danger has been indicated, how ever, we hope that the most complete means will be resorted to for its removal. So far the disease has scarcely passed beyond the initiatory mild stage, but with a little farther encouragement of the kind we have adverted to it will speedily attain its most malignant and deadly form. No one surely will be heedless or inhuman enough to neglect the ordinary precautions which lie so ready to the hand. The symptoms of the complaint arc well marked. In its milder form it is distinguished by a rash with a moderate degree of fever andelight sore throat. Therasli first exhibits itself in numerous red points over the neck and face, and they quickly extend thence over tho entire surface of the body. In its more pronounced forms the febrile symp toms are severer at the commencement. There is also a sensation of stiffness or pain in moving the neck, and the throat feels rough, while the act of deglutition becomes very painful. We have chosen to address our remarks to those most immediately con cerned in the welfare of the children, but if no good effect is produced thereby it will become the duty of the Central Board of Health to interpose. In any case perhaps its intervention will bo necessary.

Messrs Eraser ana Wnite, City Auditors and Public Accountants, certify that the issue of the Evening Star last week was 38,088.

A steamer has arrived at North Queens land with another 850 Chinese, most of whom are en route for Now Zealand. Can nothing be done to stay the threatened plague?

A very serious accident happened at Mercury Bay several days -ago to a young half«caste named George Bennet. He was crossing a plank when part of it broke. He fell and completely smashed his knee cap. The injury was of such a serious character that it was considered advisable to bring him up to town, and he came on with the Fingal.

Two oil paintings which have been pre pared for the forthcoming exbibition at Dunediu by Mr C. Blomrield are now on view at Mrs Leech's shop, Shortland-street. One is a view of Parahaka Creek, showing the rugged character of some of our timber creek?. Kauri logs are scattered about awaiting the next frosb. The other is the edge of the bush at Waitakerei Kanges. In the foreground are seen a settlers home, aud clearing, cattle, &c, while in the distance the Waitakarei Ranges roll away.

Excellent samples of mangold wurzel, | turnips and carrots from the farm of Mr A. Isaacs at Remuera are on view in the phop of Mr Layers, seedsman, Queen-street, from seeds purchased at that store. The specimens do credit to Mr Isaacs as a farmer, and favourably compare with any productions of a similar kind which have been previously brought into Auckland. The mangolds average 121bs. in weight, turnips libs,, aud the carrots 18 inches iv length.

It is astonishing to what Bimple causes may be attributed many of the serious accidents that take place from time to time. An instauce of this was brought under our notice yesterday. William Palmer, a boy of about 15 or 16 years of age, wa3 brought up from the Naval Training School at Kohimarama suffering from a broken arm. He waa taken to the Hospital for treatmtn t as the fracture waa a rather serious one. In reply to questions concerning the cause of1 the accident, the lad said be was throw ing a stone when the sudden jerk snapped the bone. The arm broken, is the left one, but this is explained by the fact that he is what is called " left-handed."

We are desired to correct the statement in our report of the Harbour Board meeting Hint tho letter of Mr Geo. Aickin, C.E., re the proposed dock, was " ordered to be sent to the archives." It was decided not to re ceive the communication, and in pursuance of this decision it has been returned to its author.

Return of sick treated at the Provincial District Hospital for the week ending Sat urday, May 14th, 1881. Remained last return, 107 ; admitted since, 17; discharged, 13; died, 4 ; remaining, 107 ; males, 84 ; females, 23. Arrangement of cases : zymo tic, constitutional, local, developmental, violent. Four deaths occurred, viz.: J. 0., a»ed 39 years, male, on Bth inst., of phthisis pulmoualis; W.T., aged 39 years, raa'o, on 11th inst., of phthisis pulmoualis; J.H., aged 35 years, male, on 12th inst., of acci dental injury ; L.C., aged 43 year.*, female, on 14th inst., ot phthisis pulmonalin.

Another case showing one ot the risks of cauned fish, etc., has been brought before our notice. A lady residing in Karanga liape Roud, JNewton, who la kuown to hnvo liiul a penchant for tinned am dines, wins taken suddenly ill a few days ago. It ap pears she had purtaken rather freely of her favourite dish. A short timo afterwards she was seized with violent pains, which became ro acute that, after who had managed ■with the greatest difficulty to get to the house of a neighbour for relief, her life was almost despaired of. When asked by a friend what she thought was the cause of her illness she affirmed that on opening tho tin sho observed what appeared to be small streuks in tho oil, which apparently came trom tho lumps of solder that were subse quently found in tbo tin after the iish hud been taken out.

A parcel of Devonshire ovcrgrcen rye grass seed arrived yesterday per s.s. Anuvata for the trustees of the Domain Cricket Ground, Repented trials on the best cricket grounds botli in Australia and Chrislchurch have proved that this variety of rye grass is specially ndupted for forming ;i close green sward and for resisting the long periods of dry weather po often ex perienced in the colonies. Ttie toed was obtained through the well-Unown seed merchants of Christchurch, Messrs Duncan and Son, aud tUo trustees of the cricket ground desire to thauk the courteous local manager of the Union s.s. Company, Mr Thomas llendcisoa, for a considerable reduction nude by him on the usual charges for freight, &c. JKcforring to tho statement made yesterday that tho cricketers had spout £300 on tlie ground we (md that they have laid out that amount this year alone. l!y the time the season ia over it will be at least £340.

The following anecdote of Mr Gladstone is now printed for tlie iirst time :—" This great statesman had delivered an impor tant speech ia London, und in a report of the 3ame in tho ' Morning Chronicle,1 a wrong word was printed—only one —but which nave a contrary significance to what tlie speaker intended. Tlie error was passed by the reader. The proprietor was augry, a»d the mistake was traced to a young com positor in the establishment, who was ordered either to quit his position on the paper or take uu apology to Mr Gladstone aud wait for a repl.y. Tho young mnu tremulously preferred the latter course, and went to Curltou Terrace with a letter. He knocked, and on hearing footßteps approach ing, thought lie should have dropped at the Premier's feet. He gave in the letter, and preseutly was asked to walk in and speak tor himsolf. Mr Gladstone looked at him rather sternly, and asked him how he came to mako such a terriblo blunder. The answer was, "It wns veiy lato, and I was so sleepy that I could scarcely keep my eyes open." Mr Gladstone, handing liim a half-sovereign, replied, " You should always keep your eyes open when you have important business to perform."

The occupation of a chimney sweep, although of a dark complexion, is not to be despised. A sweep may be an honest man, and not a "sweep,' in the vulgar acceptation of the term. We have pcreral respectable men in this particular line of business who never appear in the prisoner's box in the Police Court. No less than six persons were lined by the Bench yesterday for " permitting their chimneys to got on (ire ;" which being interpreted means, neglecting to employ a sweep. Several pleas were put in, but, justly, each individual was fined 2s 6d and coats. The most laughable plea was that of a woman, who said ihnt she was frying some potatoes for the children, when the pan turned over, the fat went into the lire, and the soot caught, and verily there was a mighty blaze ; but it was not her business to see that the chimney was clean, hut her laud lord's look out. The Bench, however, brushed the supcrstitutiou from her mind, and let in the light of responsibility. Wo would advise every tenant to avoid a disastrous lire by regulatly employing a sweep, and preventing a sweeping con flagration.

Messrs Uamlin and Harris, members for Franklyn, addressed a large meeting of their constituents, on the night of the 17th inst, in the Tuakau school-room. Mr Perry being voted to the chair, briefly introduced the speakers, and first called upon the Mayor for an account of his political stewardship. The honourable member gave a long and minute narrative of the pioceedings of the past Parliamen tary session, of the part the Opposition, to ■which he belonged, had taken, &c Ho severely censured the manner in which public money had been distributed by the Minister of Works during the recess, and thought that power to do such things should not be piven to any minister. He would support the present system of public education iutact, but would wish to see the expenditure on it less, without impairing its eflicieucy. After satisfactorily replying to a number of questions from Mr Buck* land, he resumed bin seat amidst applause. Mr Hamlin, although somewhat indis posed, entered into a long sketch of native matters, found fault with the presence of Mr Fox ou the Native Commission, from his former bad relations with the Maoris, was in favour of the Local Option Bill, and of the continuance of the present education Boards, lie thought that Te Whiti had no notion, at any time, of fighting, and that the one Parliament was not all able, at Wellington, to transact properly or satisfac torily, the public business of the country, and concluded amidst cheers.—[A Corres pondent.]

A correspondent informs us that the pleasant Scotch settlement of 'NA airoa (south) is steadily processing in ■\\oalth and importance. The large now school is well attended, a number of respectable resi liences have recently been erectod, and agriculture iB going-a-head. Mr Martin's Hotel is completed, and is much more com modious than the previous building, which was destroyed by fire. This hotel possesses every convenience aud comfort for wayfarers and others who may visit this pleasant locality, and being built on an airy eminence, it commands fine views of the country around for many miles. On the 12th inst., the long-talked-of preliminary meeting was held at Martin's Hotel, for the purpose of discussing the advisability of having a ploughing match at no distant period. Mr C. W. Stephens occupied the chair, and Mr G. Forbes and Mr D. McNicol spoko at some length upon the subject, and it was the general wish of the farmers that the Wairoa people should have a ploughing match, as they believed that the district could boast of many good ploughmen who could turn as straight a furrow as any man in any colo nial district. Subscriptions had alroady been gathered for prizes amounting to £17. The following resolutions were then car ried ;—On the motion of Mr James Bell, seconded by Mr George Forbes, it was resolved " That a ploughing match take place in the Wairoa district" ; also, on the motion of Mr Wm. Moore, seconded by Mr James Graham, "That Messrs C. W. Stephens, G. Hoye, D. McNicol, James Bell, G. Forbes, J. S. Wilson, and D. Crawford be the committee to carry out the details of the ploughing match"; also, "That Mr Wm. Moore do hon. secretary, and Mr C. W. Stephens be hon. treasurerto the committee." The next meeting of the committee will be hold at Martin's hotel on the evening ot the 21st inst., when the date of the projected match wi'l be fixed, and other arrangements made as to the field of contest, prizes, &c. '

We have received 10a for Mrs Hedley, from "Nemo."

Tho following cases are set down for hearing at the next sitting ot the District Court, which takes place on Monday next : —Ellison v. Elliott; Randerson v. Carwell; Somertield aud Leek v. English; Heather v. Riddle ; Gleesoa v. Sheehan; Brown, Barrett and Co. v. Callaghan; Eus bcll v. Trayes; Russell v. Craig. Defended : —Lamb v. Bern ; Cash v. Kelly ; Fulton v. Baillie ; Niccol v. Cochrane ; Owen and Co. v. Bartley ; Johnston v. Smith.

Mr M. A. Moss, agent for Professor Haselmayer, has arrived in Auckland, aud made arrangements fortlie wizard's opening in the Lome-street Hall on the 26th inst. The Professor brines an entirely new enter tainment. His illusions are described as the most remarkable he has yet submitted, and judging by the success which has at tended his performances in the South, we have no doubt he will have a good season here.

The Kuccoss mine is again shewing up with good stone. The following telegram was received from Mr Peter Reid, mine manager, this forenoon : —" Obtained a few stones with heavy blotches gold from intermediate level. West End. The crushing shapes tor from l^oz. to 2ozs. per ton." The intermediate level where this patch waa obtained is about 200 feet below the surface and 50 or CO feet below where the richest gold was got.

One ot the hands employed in loading the s.s. Rotorua met with [a, slight accident this morning. He was stationed below, and a large beam which was being lowored down the hold suddordy canted and one end struck him a blow over the left eye, in flicting a nasty cut. lie considered the ac cident very trifling, and after the mate had bound a handkerchief over the wound, re. turned to work.

It is now announced that tho cricketing team for Australia will includo Alfred Shaw, Arthur Shrewsbury, and James Lillywhito. They will play five of six matches in Americn, about us many in New Zealand, and then sail for Melbourne, where they expect to arrive next Hoxing Day, and will play as much cricket in Australia and Tas mania as they can, to get homo again by May Day, 1882.—" Kuropean Mail."

A middloaged man, seemingly nnxious to know what tho s.s. Arawata looked like below water lino, quietly stepped down botwooii tho wharf and that vessel last evening, much to the dismay of one of the hands, who was standing by. The man went down very gently and reached the water without encountering any obstacle, sank without a murmur, came up to the top to breathe and a man having been sen t down to his assistance, he was carefully landed on board aud despatched homeward, apparently little tho worse for his expori encc.

The abaonco of tho two local Kesidont Magistrates from Auckland caused further inconvenience at the usual weekly sitting of the Court for tho recovery of debt claims to-day. Dr. Ilorne and Mr W. C. Daldy occupied tho Bench, but they had only power to dispose of thoso claims in which the amounts of tho liabilities were under £20. The consequence waa that a number of the principal cases were adjourned, and the timo of numerous witnesses and legal gentlemen wasted.

Fever now appears to be on the decreaso in Auckland and tho suburbs. During the last nine days only two cases of this disease have been received into the hospital, and although there are sevoral patients who had been admitted previously they are now all convalescent. Ono of tho cases at present under treatment is a boy ill with scarlet fever. He wns received several dajs ago, and so far the symptoms are not of an alarming nature The other patient is a ypung woman who was admitted yesterday with typhoid fever.

A test of Mr L. L. Smith's colonial cham pagne in Melbourne, made by competent judges, has declared tho liqour equal to the best European brands, At the Exhibition Mr L. L. Smith secured second awards, his winci being surpissod only by the famous Uocdcrer aud Cliquot brands, and ranked equal with such well-known productions as Moot and Krug. Mr Smith has a vineyard at Nun»wadinp, but he also obtains tho grapes from which the champagne is pro duced from other vineyards, great care be ing exercised in their selection.

A very singular case, wnicn fully illus trates the expense incurred through going to law with small debt claims, appeared on the cause list at the Kesident Magistrate's Court to-day. The plaintiff was Mr A. V, Mncdonnld, railway manager, and the defendant, Mr Alexander Watson. Surp rising m it may appear, the amount of the debt was Gd, incurred for wharfage. The case did not come beforo the Court, the defendant having previously paid the amount claimed, with the sum of !)s costs of proceedings taken. The expenses therefore were eighteen times as large as the claim itself.

As wo expected, the Waxworks exhibi tion, which waa opened yesterday afternoon in the Albert Hall, provod n good 1; draw " throughout the evening. The figures were generally admired, the most recent addi tions", of course, engaging the lion's share cf notice, and receiving the bulk of the praise. The proprietor of the sbow desires to inform our blundering contemporary that the group in the centre of the room is not representa tive of the conversion of England from Paganism, hut that it merely illustrates the judgment of Solomon. The "Herald's" Scriptural knowledge is at fault, strangely enough.

To the Edit>r: Sir,—Mr Lendrnm, in giving his cvideuco before the Bench yes terday in Witherby's case, is reported to have said that Witherby " had paid for his treatment at the hospital." I beg to state that though Witherby is a very frequent and heavy customer at the hospital he by never paid a single farthing for his main tenance and treatment there, but has suc ceeded in duping the collector (not once only) in a similar manner to Mr Ewington, who has brought the matter before the propor authority, and with the view of put ting a stop to such gross swindling, and am glad to say that instructions have been issued to that intent by the appointment of Major Withers as Certifying officer.—l am, &c, Collector.

■ Edwin Charles Shepherd, the Whata whata settler, who was charged with cruelly treating three children from the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children, has bceu committed for trial for alleged perjury during the hearing of the case. Accused deuicu at the first trial that he had tied the boy Muir to a dray and beat him with supplejacks. The boy and girl, upon their re-examination, stuck to their first state merit, and were supported by tho lad, Samuel Haycra, who assisted, by order, in the beating, and who had also run away from Shepherd's place on account of cruel treatment. Tho prisoner was allowed to bail himself in £400 aud two bondsmen of £250 each. The former sureties were dis qualified, being related to tho prisoner, and he has been locked up until other sureties are found.

" Not contont with showing up Trickott on the Thames" (says the "European Mail,") "Hanlan has been telling the Trans atlantic public what a profound contempt he entertains for bis abilities as a sculler. Hays tho Canadian, " He is a blow-hard, and much inferior to Laycock," All the time Hanlnn was training, so ho states, Trickett was chaffing him, as if the busi ness he had in hand was but a farco. "That," goes on the Torontonian, "was why I played with and finally gave him such a dressing. I could have had a com fortable nap on board my skiff, so little did I foar him catching me." Surely this seems like adding insult to injury. Honlan might have been satisfied with winning Trickett's money without running down his reputa tion.

The quantity of fish caught off the Queen street wliart during the last few da>s has beeu really wonderful. Boys and mon are fishinir all day and seem to realise quite handsome hauls, and it is seldom a person returns without at least six or seven, while within the small space of a couple of hours one man is know to have caught between twonty and thirty kawhia. These fish certainly are not regarded as particularly tempting morsels, but arc eagerly seized by many, and their appear ance in such largo numbers at the present time has undoubtedly served to appease the hunger of numerous families'. There is now no excuse for the unemployed, and •wo hope Mr Garrard will take the first op portunity to explain how easily they can in this manner eurn a Hvlichood and provide a substantial meal at least once in a while, for sixpence will sot a man up in all the necessary appliances and in a day he can catch enough fish to serve three or four large families.

The Sydney police made a successful raid upon a Chinese gambling den in Goulbum street, and arrested twenty-nine persons who were taking part in a game called "pakapu." It seems that the game has been recently introduced there. It is in reality a Chinese lottery which is carried on in a very ingenious way, and proves infinitely more advantageous to the managers or bankers than it does to those who take tickets in the concern, In order to fully understand the mischevioua effects of this kind of lottery, it is necessary to realise that it is prohibited in China, and that those who are found practising it in that country arc punished_ most severely generally by the Imposition, o a heavy fine.

A man named William Healy was arrested this afternoon on warrant by Cjnstable K. F. Dodd. The charge against him is one of using threatening language.

Among the officers killed in the Trans vaal war was Captain C. Greer, Royal Artillery, who served as Lieutenant in the New Zealand war, and was pr«sent at the attack on the Gate Pah, and at Maketu. A portrait of the deceased officer appears in the " Illustrated London Newa " of March 12th.

We have been requested to acknowledge subscriptious collected on behalf of the widow of the late Mr Hedley, who was killed while working on the Edinburgh Castle buildings. The subscriptions on the list forwarded include, £26' 10s funeral ex penses paid by Mr Gill, the deceaseds former employer; £1 Is from Cruickshank Miller and Company, and ten shillings each from A. M., J. M.,*K. and J., Messrs Dick son, Colbrook, Sutherland, Hawkeswood, H. J. Jones, FreDch, and J. Jones; Mr T. Chermside, 7s 6d; aud other amounts of sa, and under, totalling £4 15s 6d. Other lists are in circulation.

Mr F. M. P. Brookfield, who has been appointed a judge of the Native Lands Court, was entertained at dinner by the members of the Auckland Club last even ing, prior to his departure for the South. Sir G. M. O'Korke occupied the chair, and the usual toasts wero proposed and res ponded to, the gathering being a very sociable one. Mr Brooklield left for Wellington to-day by tbc s.s. Kotorua. He enters upon his official duties at Wairarapa in coDJunctian with Mr E. W. Puckey, who has also been appointed a judge by the Nativo Lands Court.

Visitors at Lake House for the week eud ing 15th May, 1881 :—Mr Chas. Cunlifle (England), Mr A. Wurmoll (Loudon), Mr George Harrison (London), Captain Me Arthur (Hobart), Mr E H. Bold (Napier), Professor T. Rculeux (Berlin), Dr. G. Sulli wardt (Nuremberg), Mr and Mrs Charles Gould (Piako), Miss Annie Gould (Piako), Mr F. Graham (Chriatchurcb), Mr A. Brown (Scotland), Mr M. Wagner Planen (Germany), Mr E. M. Ogg (London and Sydney), Mr T. Norman (Napier), Mr A. Is. Morrow (Auckland), Captain Morrow (Auckland), Key. R. W. Young Baswood (Sydney), Mr Ana S. Gould (Edinburgh), Mr W. Grace (Waikato), Mr Burtt (Wai. koto).

Mr Westen, an illusionist and prestidi gateur of somo note in Australia, arrived this morning at Onchunga from the Waitara, where he gave a series of very successful performances. He will open at Onehunga to-morrow, and after performing two nights there will come on to Auckland. Judging from the press notices which ho brings with him he must be very clever in tho particular line of stage business which he follows. The Melbourne "Age" says that his " handcuff trick is really wonderful, aud bailies detection," and the " Daily Telegraph " des cribes it as " a vast improve ment upon the trick of the Davenport IJrothors," while the " Herald " gives him credit for "sleight of hand, ropetying, etc., a la Davenport Hrothere, and other mys teries, whicii have not been attempted hitherto by any professor of necromancy or trickery on this sido of tho line." The public will have an opportunity of forming their own opinion, however.

Ladies who have not yet bought their Winter Jackots, Dresses and Millinery, aro re minded that T. MoManter, has now a largo and choice selection.—{Adtt.]

We draw tho attention of the public to the advertisement of If. 8. Burrowa and Co., of Chrlutchuroh. The " Pyramid Hair Producor "is said to bo iilmoftt marvollous in its efT..ot on tho human hair. It is a purely vegetable compound, und it is Kuarantecd to stop tho hair from fallliiK off by a singlo application, and also to produce luxuriant and flowing locks in a short time. Tho whole of tho Southern proas are lavish in its praiso and denlaro tho urent problem "Is lialdness Curablof is at last Bolved by H. Scott Burrow. That gentleman has appolntod Mr Afoken and Mr Kiiaon, both chomists of this city, as sale agonts for Auckland.

No. 36 of the "Observer," ready to morrow, contains etchings of Sims, tho Hlver liead Blubber, and bis victim, Miss Carlino; also Mr Arthur Nathan, "Chinesu Uordon,' Sir Wm. Tomplo, arjd Lord Granvllle. Tho reading mattnr includes:—Leaders of Society: No. 3, Mrs Edward Issaca; An KnterprMng Burglar, Carioatnres in the English N'owe papers, Tho Duchess's Notes on Mrs A.. K. Isaacs' Ball, nlso the Dresses thoreat; t-lr Geo. Groy's Spocch, A Barrister's Wlk, Mr R. C. Hareto w's Valedictory, Manslaughter (Chap. II.), Tho Auokland Stud Company (concluded), Brief Mention. About Town, Thinga Not Oene rally Known, Ourdoor Sports, and all tho usual features -4Advt.) Notice.— In order to cnablo those who have not beon able to completo their sets of Coupons for tlie Furniture Drawing to do bo, to-morrow's "Observer" will contain an an numborod Coupon, which may bo filled in with either 1, 2, 3, or i, as the purchaser choo3es.— (A.DVT.)

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Ho criot; lor it is with words as with sun beams : tho more they are condensed, tho deepor they burn."--Souths*.

Tho Cardcn Company have opened sue' ccssfully in Christchurch.

£1,000 a week is the income of the Irish Land Lengue. In the States, on Washington's birthday, the Democratic party organised, as a signal act, a national free trade movement.' Miss Emma Wangenheitn, the Australian prima donna, Is at Brisbane with a coir pany. The examination for Sir W. Fox's Tem perance prizes in the public schools takes place in December 1882. No further applications for relief have been made to the Tararua Relief Committee iv Dunedin.

Mr It. W. Maclvor writes from Mel bourne that the Sulphur Company for New Zealand will be formed.

The " Europeao Mail," "Belfast r*ews letter," and " Yorkshire Gazette " contain favourable notices of " Brett's Auckland Alumnae and Provincial Handbook."

On presenting a beautiful lace collar to his adored, he remarked, " Don't let any body rumple it." "No dear," she replied, " I'll take it off."

The death is announced of Mr Edmund Ashwortb, who was assoicated with Messrs. Cobden and Bright in founding the Anti- Corn Law League.

During seven days the Irish Land League has received altogether £3,500. This is the largest sum obtained in any one week since the League was established, Ashmead and the Baroness are just as happy as two sucking doves. Aunt writes us that he callvher ''Burdie," and she keeps her teeth in his shaving mug. Some passengers who have arrived in Newcastle, N.S Vr'.. by barques from Dunedin, report that they left there through dearth of employment.

The Property Tax Commissioned warns people wlio are liable to be taxed that before the.lsth June they must send in statements of any further property they have acquired. The unemployed are cryiDg out for Government works iv Otago. Mr Oliver has replied that they should distribute themselves over the country.

The Orange Slaughtering Company, N.S.W., "have on their books 20,000 sheep and 800 cattle for slaughter and freezing on squatters' accounts," for ship ment by Orient steamers. if you're a girl and put wedding-cake under your pillow youdrcain of your future husband. If you put it in your stomach it causes you to dream of, monsters. How ever, both mean the same thing.

Messrs Cass and Co., of Melbourne, have paid a fine of £1,500, imposed for at tempting to defraud the Customs on im portant silks. The goods were given up on tho receipt of .the duty, amounting to £200.

Mr W. Skoy, of tho Colonial Laboratory, has made a report on the quartz from the Brothers claim, iv which ho doscribes the quartz as genuiuc, and ,wheu treated by the mercury process, yielded at the rate of 3ozs sdwts llgrs per ton.

By the large majority of 398 to 32 the Senate of the University of Cambridge decided to admit women to examinations, to lectures, and decrees. The magnitude of the majority seemj to have takeu many persons in England by surprise.

A preliminary trial of the electric light was mado in Swanston-streefc, Melbourne. It is very brilliant, aud has the effect of lighting up the Town Hall, and streets, making gaslights appear as dirty pale yellow flames.

At a well-known debating society the other night a member in concluding his speech said, "Gentlemen can take these remarks for what they are worth," etc. A member passed the speaker a copper, re marking, " You needn't mind tho change." The orator was flabbergasted.

A lady writing upon the customs of the Salt Laka community says :—" One thing that struck me as strange was that all Brigbam's daughters are lovely and most pronounced blonde,with golden tinted hair, heavenly blue eyes, and cream and rose complexions, all tall, well built girls, while their various mothers were of all shapes, all sizes and complexions, and had every shade of hair and eyes.

Pastor Chiniquy continues to appeal to his Australian friends for contributions towards his "Converted Priests' Home." The "Sydney Mail" says:—"Far cows have long horns, and a Canadian object of charity has the enormous sentimental ad vantage of being a long way oft". Other wise its partial dependence on the contribu tions of Protestants In this colony is inex plicable. It is only fair to add that there is no " Converted Priests' Home" in Sydney; and there is not likely to be one."

CURIOUS SCANDAL IN DUNEDIN.

(BY TELEGRAPH,-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DUNEDIN, this day. WHAT promised to be a very exciting case has missed fire. The facts shortly are these: A lady who moves in the highest circles, surprised her husband in a very equivocal position with a servant. Unfortunately she made a mistake regarding the identity of the female, and spread among a number of fashionable acquaintances scandal con cerning an innocent woman —a nurse. The latter heard of the accusation when in a neighbouring district, from a lady in high position. Legal proceedings were imme diately instituted against the husbands ot six ladies in the beat position iv Dunedin, for defamation of character. They have settled matters by each paying the aggrieved party £50, or £301) in all.

REMARKABLE DIVORCE SUIT IN WELLINGTON.

[BY TELEORAPH. -PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The case Hill v. Hill was concluded in the Divorce Court, the judges unanimously granting a rule nisi. The Chief Justice, in giving thejdecisiou, said we are satisfied that the tale of the respondent is, from beginning to end, a tissue of falsehood. His conduct during his married life has been utterly degraded and unworthy of a man. Judge Johnston said the petitioner had told a plain and credible story, but the respondent was a man who had perjured himself. He was a bold liar, but evidently an experienced one, trying to avoid laying himself open to prosecution. Judjje Gillies said he eutirely concurred in the strong re marks made by his brother judges. The respondeut had attempted to set up a false case, and tried to bolster it up by a tissue of falsehood and perjury.

WELLINGTON, this day,

The Divorce Court concluded its business this morning, Decrees nisi were granted in the following cases: Hedley and Hedley. Wellington ; Wilson and Wilson, Welling ton ; Mudgway and Mudgway, Welling ton.

THE PARIHAKA MEETING.

(BY TBLEGBAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

WELLINGTON, this day. TOHU'S BLASPHEMY.

The Government have received a telegram re the Parihaka meeting. To Whiti'a and Tohu's speeches arc very pacific and moderate. All tho returned prisoners 256 in number wero present, and 2,500 other natives. Tohu announced that the Holy Trinity had ceased to be, and that he and Te Whiti had taken their place.

THE SUICIDE IN DUNEDIN.

An Extraordinary Letter.

(BY TKLEGKAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DIJNEDIN, Wednesday. Hodoe Kirk, expressman, committed suicide by hanging himself in London street at a late hour on Tuesday ui«ht or early this morning. The body was dis covered at 7.10. this morning by a lad. The deceased was hanging about the centre of the swing with his feet three feet from the ground. On being searched there was found on him a letter scrawled in pencil on the back of a receipt for the purchase of an express horse and harness, which shews that domestic unhappiness was the cause of the act. About a week ago the deceased was summoned by his wife for mainten ance. Ho also had a razor in his pocket, which seems strange as he was not in tho habit of shaving. The letter was as follows : " I love my wife, and my dear little Jamie and Bertie, but old mother Wilson has taken them from me, so that my Mary will be a servant to them. It's all through her advice that Mary left me. Instead of trying to mend matters, she always went between us. She tried to separate us before this, and has done so at last. Without my wife and children I can not live. I never intended to go to Mel bourne. I told Barr at tho Port what my Intentions were, I suppose the jury will bring in insanity, but I am not insane nor never was. As I write this I flee a polico man goiug into tho house, so I am oif- Good-bye."

At the inquest on the body to-day the jury returned a verdict of temporary insanity.

OUR SPECIAL WELLINGTON TELEGRAMS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

WELLINGTON, this day. THE EXPECTED RESIGNATION OF

MB OLIVER. I have good reason to think that the Minister for Public Works is actually on the eve of resiguing. This has been so long a subject of utterly unfounded canards that my present statement may possibly seem a? unreliable as those to the same effect which I have so often had to contradict, but 1 really believe that this time Mr Oliver is really going to resign. As a matter of course his colleagues will notfurnisha word of infor mation until the mattei is settled,but I know it was before the Cabinet last night, and under serious consideration. I hear some difficulty even was experienced in persuad ing Mr Oliver to attend a Cabinet meeing on Tuesday evening, as he was actively engaged in setting his house in order preparatoiy to resignation, and when at length he did attend, after bein(» visited successively by all his colleagues, he only remained a few minutes. I fully expect to chronicle his resignation this afternoon If so, the sole reaßon will be the urgent necessity forced on him of at tending to private affairs owing to the death of his nephew, Mr Eva, who was manager of the business, and who was drowned in the Tararua. He will leave on the best possible terms with his colleagues, who will express the utmost regret to lose him, and he will heartily support them' while he remains in Parliament. This is, I of course, supposing he cannot be induced to alter his determination, which at present certainly is to resign forthwith. MR WHHELAW'S SUCCESSOR. Dr. Neill, formerly surgeon to the 16th llogimcnt and now practising in Dunedin, has now been appointed Medical Superin tendent of the Wellington Lunatic Asylum. Dr. Neill has recently been home to study medical disease, as a specialist is considered in every respect suitable for the post.

THE AUCKLAND SKATING CLUB.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Skating Club was held in the Choral Hall last evening, a large number of the members being prosent. Mrs E. Isaacs was voted to the chair. Mr J. M. Clark read the balance-sheet, which was as follows: -

.Receipts: Members' subscriptions, £10S 14s; visitors' tickets, £22 17s; sale of ball ticket?, £107 7s Gd ; gallery tickets, £15 13s 6d. Total, £254 12s. Disburtements: Rent of Choral Hall, £45 ; gas, &c, £17 10s; band, doorkeeper, &c, £46 10s; sundries, £2 10s Cd ; arrears for year 1879, £5 6s lOd ; ball expenditure, £121 18s Id. Total : £239 15s sd. Credit balance, £14 16s 7d. The balance-sheet was adopted and the following ladies and gentlemen elected office-bearers for the current year, viz. : President, Mrs J. M. Clark ; Hon. Sec. and Treasurer, Mr R, E. Isaacs; Committee : Mesdames Fairburn, E. Isaacs, ' Chamberlain, and A. K. Taylor, and Messrs J. M. Clark, A. K. Taylor, E. K. Tyler, W. Shera, Denni«ton, and Ridings. A vote of thanks was passed to the outgoiug officers who wtro certainly entitled to such a recognition of faithful service. As Secre tary and Treasurer Mrs Clark was unspar ing of eithei time or trouble in the effort to render the meeting as agreeable as possi ble and her endeavours were cordially set condod by the Committee. The success o the season from a financial point of view will bo admitted when it is stated that arrears were wiped oft, exceptionnl expenses liquidated, and a substantial balance left for the inauguration of the present season. We are requested to state that old members can procure their tickets from the door keeper.

Captain Garrard being an excellent swira mer, surprise is expressed by bis frieuda that be did not swim ashore. It transpirte now from the position in which the body was found, etc., that he evidently did try to swim, but was apparently caught in the kelp.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Keuter's Telegrams.]

THE MUBDEBEB OF THE

EX-SULTAN.

Midhat Pasha to be Arrested.

CONSTANTINOPLE, May 17. AN inquiry has been held into the confes sion of the four domestics of Tchefaziu Palace, that they were concerned in the murder of Sultan Abdul Aziz, in 1876. The evidence adduced has led to tho ac cusation of Midhat Paaha (who was Grand Vizier at the time of the Sultan's death), of complicity in the crime. An Imperial decree has accordingly been issued, depos ing Midhat Pasha from the position he oc cupied a* Governer of Smyrna, and order ing his immediate arrest. News has, how ever, since been received from Smyrna to the effect that Midhat Pasha has lied from the city.

CONSTANTINOPLE, May 17.

Later intelligence has been received by the Government from Smyrna that Midhat Pasha has not, as at first stated, fled from the city, but has taken refuge in the French Consulate, and has appealed to the French and other foreign consuls for protection from arrest by the Turkish authorities.

MB GLADSTONE'S HEALTH,

LONDON, May 17,

Right Hon. W. E. Gludstone is again suffering from indisposition, and has been ordered by his physicians to take rest from his duties in Parliament.

TUKKEY RETRACTS.

CONSTANTINOPLE, May 17.

Owing to the representations made by the Ambassadors of the Powers, the Porte has withdrawn the conditions it had placed upon the proposed cession of terri tory to Greece, and a convention between the Greek and Turkish Governments in final settlement of the frontier difficulty will, it is now understood, be signed with out delay.

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON, May 17.

Consols remain at 102g. The market rate of discount has been reduced to ljj. The bank rate remains at 2J per cent. New Zealand securities are unchanged. Adelaido and New Zealand breadstuffs and Australian tallow arc without quotable change. At the wool auction to-day 11,800 bales were offered, making a total of 64,500 bales catalogued since the opening. More demand was experienced at a slight Im provement in prices generally.

AUSTRALIAN.

COOKTOWN, Thursday. 850 Chinese for New Zealand.

The steamship Glaiuis Castle arrived here from Hongkong. She brings 850 Chinese, most of whom are en route for New Zea land. THE KEY. J. CHALMERS ON KETALIATION. SYDNEY, May 18. The Rev. James Chalmers has written a letter with reference to the murders which have recently been committed by the natives of New Guinea, recommending that the Queensland Government should den patch a body of native troopers to punish the perpetrators ot these outrages. H.M.S. BACCHANTE EEPAIKING. ALBANY, May 18. H.M.p, Bacchante will be detained here several days to effect her repairs, and will, therefore, be unable to rendezvous with the squadron at Cape Otway as arranged.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before Ur, Kenderdine and Mr F. L. Prime, Justices of the Peace.) CITY RATES. Eleven persons were on the list of city rate defaulters in various sums, but which were all settled outside. JOHN KNOX. ■This stray boy from the Industrial School, who has been convicted of similar offences a number of times, was brought up on two charges, (1) with absconding from the School, and (2) with stealing a cigar holder, value Is, the property of Miss May Haines, of Queen-street. The boy pleaded guilty to both charges. Mr Pardy said the boy was continually running away from the School. He walkea into Miss flames1 shop in her absence and took the holder. Hearing someone in the shop, she hastened back. Saw the boy leaving. She called on him, when he asked for a penny cigarette. Forty-eight hours at the police-station, and then to be sent back to the School for a whipping. STEALING A LADY'S ULSTER.

Ann Thomas again appeared in answer to a charge of stealing an ulster coat, value £1 12s 6d the property of Frederick James Soraerfield, of Queen-street, on the 17th inst. Mr Tyler, on behalf of prisoner, pleaded not guilty. Mr Pardy stated particulars. Anna Cousins deposed that on the day in question, she was standing near Mr SomerSeld's shop, -waiting for a bag ; she saw prisoner take the ulster down and con sidered that she had taken it down to inspect it. She next threw it-over her arm and walked away. She informed the shop man of the circumstances.

Cross-examined by Mr Tyler. John Henry Hannah, shopman, deposed that, the last witness called his attention to the circumstance. He put on his hat and followed prisoner some distance; but seeing that the woman was apparently a respect able person he lifted the cloak which hung across her arm and saw the ticket of the firm, with the private mark upon it. He then spoke to prisoner, who refused to re turn with witness to the shop. To Mr Pardy: The cloak must have been pulled down from the peg. To Mr Tyler : Had known cloak? to fall on a windy day. She said she had picked it up. Constable MeGilp deposed that he had learned that prisoner's name was Winter, but she cave the name of Ann Thomas.

To Mr Tyler: Her name niig'at be Ann Thomas Winter.

Mr Somerneld informed the Bench that the prisoner was a person in respectable circumstances, and who bad always born a. good character. He hoped, therefore, that Ihe Bench would treat the offence as lightly as possible, believing there was no intention to defraud.

Mr Tyler ruade a defence for the pri soner, arguing that there was no attempt at concealment. She had been in the employ of Mr and Mrs Jones for a long time, and they had the. greatest confidence in her; but unhappily the prisoner, who was a married woman, was subject to tits which affected her brain, and at times she was scarcely responsible for her. actions. Mr Tyler further informed the Court that similar cases were common, and instanced that of Mr Samuel iSrown.

Mrs Margaret Jones, wife of Hugh Robert Jones, of the Army and Nary Hotel, spoke in favour of prisoner. She never had a better servant. Considered hor trustworthy. She was well circumstanced, and had no occasion to be dishonest.

To Dr. Kenderdine: Did not know the nature of the fits. She was sometimes un* conscious.

, The Bench considered that prisoner had acted very wrong in not taking the coat into I the shop if it had fallen down as had been represented. But as she had borne an ex cellent character hitherto, and had never been convicted before, the Bench would not i scud her to prison, but the conviction would ibe recorded against her. She was tben discharged. ALLEGED ROBBERY. John Archibald Elliott was charged with breaking and entering the premises of George Foster, and stealing therefrom shoes, &c, on the 17th inst. Mr E. Cooper, for the accused, asked for a remand, and as Mr Pardy offered no objection as the property had not been traced, tho case was remanded until Mon day next, and accused admitted to bail, himself in £100, and two sureties in £60 each.

.This was all the business,

The Boyton Brothers, who while in England were exceedingly popular, have been singularly unfortunate. Michael is in prison, and the Captain, who was the pioneer of Channel swimming, is known to Save been killed in the war between Chili and Peru.

Her Majesty has conferred a medal with clasps for service in Afghanistan. The medal will be given to all who have served, irrespective of rank, but only those who took part in the following actions will be outitled to the clasp :—Ali Musjid. Peiwai Kotal, Charsiab, Kabul, Ahmed Khel, and Kandahar. For the march from Kabul to Kandahar with General Roberta a special bronze-decoration will be given,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, THURSDAY. MAY 19



Special Advertisements. -jyr r. H I C X S O N, "^ SURVEYOR & LAND BROKER, Boga to notify that he has REMOVED From the South British Chambers to more com modious offices In tho premises just vacated by Messrs. Hoffmann & Sons, and that his address for tho future will bo as under: THE GREAT NORTHERN LAND AGENCY CORNER OF QUEKN AND VICTOBIA STREETS, AUCKLAKD. THE "COKOMANDEL MAIL" contains the Latkbt and Mobt Reliable Information Respecting the TIKI and COROMANDKL GOLDFIKLD3. Pirties desirous of securing copies of tho above Bhould Rive in their names at onco to tho Auckland A Rent—Mr. X, Way to. Bookseller, Queen-street. Arrangomonta are now complete for a regular elivery overy Saturday morning. QPECIAL NOTICE. W. H. FENTON IS NOW OPENING NBW GOODS, as under:— Waterproof Coats—the Patent Ventilating, Chesterfield, and UUter, for -walking or riding The Now Cyprian Shirt in Coloured and White Patent Spring and Fur-top Gloves Scarves and Bow 3 in all tho New Colours Silk Half-hose, Pants and Undor-shirts New Braces, Collars, and Mufflers Knitted Polo and Football Caps New Felt and Cloth Hata in endless variety Umbrellas, Rogs, and Gladstone Bags. W. H. F ENTON> GENTLEMEN'S HATTER & MEIiCER, 78, QUEEN-STREET (Opfositk "Herald" Office). TI^NCOURAGE LOUAL INDUSTRY, J2J WILLIAM RATTRAY Begs to draw theja Mention of the public to his Large Stock of ROSLYN FLANNELS ROSLYN BLANKETS MOSGfEL TWEEDS LAIAPOI TWEEDS. The above Goods are made in the Colony from Wool grown in New Zealand, and are of Superior Quality to Imported Goods at ihe same prices. All, therefore, who have the interests of Local Industries at heart, should purchase them at TyiLLIAM jDATTRAY'S Dkapeby, Clothing, Millinery and Mantle Establishment, New Zealand Hodbb, 62, QUEEN-STREKT, AUCKLAND, (Opposite the Bank of New Zealand.) W I N X t> & IT ALL Wholesale and Retail cabinktmakkrß and upholsterers, and carpet warkhousembn, shortland-stre kt, Beg to inform the Public that they have Opkned their New Warehouse WITH A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT FURNITURE, The Latest Novelties, and The Imkwkst Designs. Their stock of CARPETS, for Variety, Quality, and Price has never been surpassed in Auckland. A large assortment of LINOLEUM and FLOOR CLOTHS in all widths. MATTINGS, MATS, and RUGS in great variety. Tho Newest and Latest Patterns in Crietonnes and Trimmings. Silk and Worsted Reps, Coteleines, Tapestry, and Damask Coverings. Cloth and Tapestry Table Covers. Lace. Net, and Muslin Curtains. A large and well-assorted Stock of all the fewest Patterns in Toiletware. The Largest Stock of Brass and Iron BED : STKADS and COTS in New Zealand to choose from. A choice assortment of Dolly Varden Down , Quilts, Blankets, Bed and Table Linen, Towels, Toilet Covers, &c, &c Agents for the Iron Venetian Blinds—"The Blind of the Period." These are the only perfect blinds made. Inspection Invited. WINK S &~ HALL, SHORTLA.ND-STRKET. rpHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Auckland Branch, THE Supply a Single Gar- NEW ZEALAND ment at the Whole- CLOTHING FACTORY sale Price. THE Have Branch Ketab- NEW ZEALAND lishments in every CLOTHING FACTORY town In New Zealand mTTi, Are now displaying ■wwrar twat ATjn NeW Manufactures CLOtMfAOTORY ffUf'™" "* ' THE Variety of dtyles pro- NEW ZEALAND nouoced Unequalled CLOTHING FACTORY in the Market. wrw T 7Hb:ai a NT) Competition defleiFit CLOTHING%ACTORY wnalto *■**«• THR Wear-resisting Tweedß NEW ZEALAND in every variety of CLOTHING FACTORY Garment. • THE Daily increasing trade NKW ZEALAND proves the exoeUence CLOTHING FACTORY of Manufacture. THK Produce and dispose of NEW ZEALAND Thousands of Gar- CLOTHING FACTORY roenta Weekly. NEWZKALAND »«[••* SeU for Caßh CLOTHING FACTORY only- ThK ■Are therefore patron NEW ZEALAND J? ei^H° tr? l? Sm f CLOTHING FACTORY w^ **»*<»»»- THE Is the Premier Estab- NEW ZEALAND lishmentinNewZea- CLOTHING FACTORY land. *\rOTE THE BRANCH ADDRESS- J3I QUE^N-STREET, AUCKLAND. J. FITZSIMONS, Branch Manager. And at Albert-street, .Thames. MEMO. TO THE PUBLIC. City Hall Arcade, Queen-street, Auckland. Twelve months ago we initiated the Co operative Cash System, and our customers dnring that time have reaped the ad van tages of a Co-operative Society without taking any risk themselves. GARLICK & CRANWELL. MEMO. We thank you for the earnest support during the past year, and your unmistakable ver dict that you appreciate our endeavours to give the Cash buyer a considerable advantage over the Credit purchaser. GARLICK & CRANWELL. MEMO. Our percentage of profit on Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, and Fancy Goods has been very small indeed, and had not our Returns been greatly increased, it would have proved a loss. GARLICK & CRANWELL. MEMO. WINTER, 1881.1 Wehavetthe pleasure to inform you our Autumn and winter Stock is now open, containing numerous Novelties. Special attention has been patd to the selection of Dress Goods with Trimmings to match. We assure you we have the greatest variety and cheapest lines in Dresses to be found in Auckland, and the Fanoy Department bristles with French, English, and Foreign Articles of beautiful texture and delicate finish. Kindly inspect our Stook and judge (' for yourselves. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Enumeration of Some of the Lines in Various Departments— IN DRKSSKS : The "Handkerchief Costume to one that will be a favourite ; the material is ex cellent, colours good, and is both Useful and Stylish. " Velveteens " will command attention Velveteens—Plain, Stamped, and Pompa- : dour, in all the fashionable colours, . Silk Plushes, will be used for Trimmings. We have these in Various Qualities and ' all the Leading shades. '< Silk and Cashmere Pompadours, for Trim- ( ming Costumes. 1 Parisian Costumes Princess Cloths . Alexandra Cords Cyprus Cords , French Estamines Repps and Poplins ' French Merinos Cashmeres i Carmalites, Beiges, Screes (all wool) , Persian Cords Russell Cords , y\ We shall rigidly adhero to the Co- 1 / \ operative Cain System for another ' /p \ year, and refuse, as hitherto, c / CS \to open any nbw accounts for ( < _' /Drapery and Clothing Goods. \a.O./ GABLICK & CRANWELL, . \ / CITY HALL ARCADE, ? V Queen-street, Auckland. i >■



Special Advertisements. A MERICAN WALTHAM WATCHES. AWARDED THE ONLY TWO FIRST PRIZES, MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. 1880. Higher Award than anybother exhibitor received.