SHIPPING INIELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKR^ hJm«rw n§o 9 rning,9.3o ! UNBKT.—This Evening, 5.10 Morning. 8.20 MOON'S AQK,—First Quartar, 7th, 3.33 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY.

Marlnor, Bchooner, Qoecn, from Russell Oxford, ship. Braddick. from London lona. 8.5., Stephenson, from Russell Bdith, schooner, Hughoß, from Friendly Islands

DEPARTURES.

LAST BVKNINO.

Glenelg, s.s., Favquhar, for ■ auranga Argylo, 8.5., Crawford, for Whungarei TO-DAY. Helena, brigantine, James, for Oaraaru Aratapn, brigantine. Bowor, for Itaipara Julia Price, echooner, Edwards, for riorloiK Island

IMPORTS.

Per Oxford, from London:— . Plain cottons, £1270; colourod cottoos, £89U . printed cottons, £530; woollens and worßtcas, £300; flannels, £710; linen in bales, £110; linen in csso, £270 ; cottons and woollens, £710; silk a™ cottons. £20 ; waterproof and indiorubbor goods, £110; Bilks and volvcts, £330 ; ribbons, £10 , millinery, £100 ; stays. £10 ; holsf"". **f< haberdashory, £1010; umbrellas, £180 ; cotton, handkerchiefs, £30 ; cotton and HneD Bhlrtß, £60; apparel. £3780; blankots, £2GO carrots and^ iuks, £120; straw hats, £10; tolt hats and caps, £350: dressed loathor, £150; wrought leather, £200; saddlery. £380; floor cloth, £180; cowing maohines, £30; agricultural implements, £30; agricultural machinery, £10; rails and general machinery, £18iO; books, £630; paper, 233 cwt; stationery, £U0; horachft'r and Beating, £20; upholstery, £150; iron bed steads, £10: pla'ed and pap*r macho goods. 56130; toys, £H0; flro arras, £30; pianos, ,£ioo ; porfumory £50; jowellory, £50; printing materials, £40 ; agricultural and gardon seeds, £180; clay pipes, £10; othor sorts. £120; iron tanks. £?0; lead Bhot, 1 ton; hardware ana cutlery, £550; rod and bar iron, 1 ton; galva nized iron, 2 tons; yellow metal, i tonsi; iron nails, 10 tiDS; zino, 32 tons; Unseed oil. 210 gals; whiting, 12 tons; paint colours, £80; Hint glass, £170; window glass, £85; china and earthenware. £550; bran and flour bags, £140; canvas, £10 ; cordage, £320 ; lines and twines, £10; cement, lt)50 barrels; fnufl, 1031ba.; brandy, in bulk, 20Ogals; brandy, in caeo, 116 gallons.; rum, 1900 gallons; geneva, 100 gals; British. Bpirits in bulk, 1,810 gals; British BDirita in case, I,oßft gals; white wine, £50: bulk beer, 31 gals; beor in glass, 81 sals ; malt, 31 qrs ; preserved not rated. £350; assortod oilmen's store*. £163 ; mineral water, £8; vinegar, 220 gals; foreign salad oil, 210 gals; pepoor and spice, 11 owt; coacoa, 54 cwt;; mustard, £66 ; starch, £230; split peas, 40 owt;whito Bait, 175 tons: crystals, 20 tons; bisoQits,2o owt; candles, British and Joreign, 513 owt;dates,2o owt; ralßins.92 owt; curr»nt3,l7o owt; French plumn,2B owt; flgs.l owt; carraway Bocds, 13 cwt; liquorico juico, 0 owt; gißßor, b cwt; refined ginger, 20 ewt; glucose and saccarum, £64; treaclo, 19 owt; confectionery and peel, £207; not described. 35 cases; apothe cary ware, £150; saltpetre, 10 cwt; tart, acid, 8 owt; cream tartar, 23 cwt; condensed milk. *214; cornflour, £60; canary seed, 15 cwt. 'lotu declared value of cargo, £28,000.

Per Oxford, from London-C casea linoleum, 7 cases floor-cloth, 8 cases iron bedsteads, 2 hhds toilet ware.—Winks and Hall.

Per Defiance, from Duncdin—22olsacks bran, john Reid and Co. Pcs Bdith, from Friendly Islands—sl sacks, 1 thrap, and 2 bales wool.

EXPORTS.

Per Julia Price, for Norfolk Island-8 mats sugar. 1 ha!sehest tea, 3 cases brandy, 2 cases ale 181 sacks potatoes tl sack barley, 2Obags and 2 sacks flonr, 5 biwdles sacks, 1 horsa collar, 1 cask crockery, 2 sicks bone-flour, 3t sheets cor rugated irOD,. 72 cheeses, 13 bags onions, 32 pieces timber, 16 sides bacon, 1 package sad dlery, 20 cases and paokagss Bundries,;

Inwards Coastwise. — Rangatira, from Barrier, with 50 tona firewood; Start, from Whsngarei, with 50 tons coal - r Lizzie, from Whangcfrotta; with 500 feat timber; Sissy, from Napier. OutwabdS Coastwise. - Rangatira. for Omaha; Rowatf. for Whangarei, with 200 sacks wheat, 1000 feet timber; Start, forWhangaroa ; Morning Light, tot Cabbage Bay.

The brigantine ATBSaptt' left for Kaipara in ballast at an early houT IMb morning. She will when there probably VoaA timber for an Australian port.

The brig Fawn cleared at tn» Customs to-day Newcastle in ballast, She take* cne passenger for that port—Mr F. Withrington,

The schooner Julia Prio9 cleared *S the Cus tomß lor Norfolk Island to-day with a> large general cargo and 2 passengers—Messrs F, Homes and Y. Buffett.

The water-police wore to-day busily engaged distributing consus papers amongst the vessels in harbour,

The sohooncr Heron will probably sail for Sydney this evening. Ihe barque Glimpse will sail for Paget Sound about a week hence. She is at present under going Borne necessary repairs at the hands o£ Messrs Henderson and Spraggon.

While at Russell the B.s. lona conveyed a quantity of whale oil from tho wrecked whaler Janus to that port. The schooners Medora and Vixen were also loaded with oil, and it is ex pected that everything will bo savod Bhould the weather remain favourable.

The s.s. lona left Russell at 3 p.m. and cilled at Wangaruru and Ninuha and arrived at Auckland at 7.30 a.m. this morning.. Had calm wcathor with an easterly sea during passage. Passengers :-Mesdamea Kemp, Clifford. Leßhe, Nelder, Miss Nelder, Messrs R. F. Chatfieid, H. Davey, Jaa. Reid, J. Wigmore, O. Kelly, W. Wright, J. H. Salmon, J. Olaoa, S. P. Greenleaf, J, Severs, Constable Hutchinson, 20 steerage, crew o£ whaling barque James, 1 prisoner, 2 natives. Cargo :-138 sacks gum, 10 sacks oyeters, 67 hides, 2 bales sheep skins, 6 coxes fruit, 8 boxes, 15 parcels. The schooner Kdith arrived from a cruise through the Friendly Islands early this morning. Captain Hughes reporta that during his cruise among the islands rather rough weather was experienced. Kwoa waa left on the loth mat., with a cargo of wool for Auckland, and strong S.K. and S.S.B;. winds were experienced until Wednesday the 30th inßt, when a strong Bouth east gale sprung up and carried away a quantity ol cSnvas. Put into Whangarei ior repairs and left for Auckland yesterday with a light north-east wind, arriving in harbour shortly after 3 o'clock this morning.

ARRIVAL OF THE OXFORD.

Shortly after Bix o'clock this morning, the signal staff shewed a ship outside Tintirl and which was altered to " inside Xiritiri about 7*30 the vessel's numbers being hoisted about tf a.m., shewing the ship to be the Oxford from London, which has been daily expected for several weeks. The Oxford is a vessel of 1,383 tons, owned by Messrs Shaw, Baville & Co., and on the present voyage under command or Captain Braddock. To this gentleman we are indebted for the following report, written by a passenger during tho voyage:-'"!he ship Oxford, left the Downs on December 5, under the command O- Captain Braddock, a gentleman well-known in New Zealand. The pilot was landed at Portland on tho 9th, and we got clear of the Channel in very grand style. From thenoe to the Equator, light winds and variables prevailed, ihe N.K. trades being apparently suspended. A short but severe gale was encou&tared off the Capo Verdo Islands, which blew urith hurricane fores for 5 hours, on the night of January 1, the ship being hove-to. She rode it through in admirable style, and without furtiler accident. Tho Equator was crossed on the 23rd January, the average speed from Portland being 65 miles per day, shortly after leaving1 the S.E. trades, Messrs Guin'sK Co 's ship Lo>'d Wendln, bound from Melbourne to London, -was sighted, having made a so far exceedingly long passage of 57 days. Afte-a visit had been made to her by Mr Stevens, surgeon of the Oxford, and lettere posted, the vessels parted company. When in view of the Three Kings, the westerly winds which had been blowing for so long, ceased and came from the eastward, with light fine weather. The Three Kings wero sighted last Monday, and in spite of the unfavourable winds the Oxford made a Bmart run to Cape Brett, and the wind hauling to tho northward towards evening a straight course was Bteered for Auckland. At 10.30 a.m. this morning dropped anchor in Auckland harbour, being 120 days out from the Downs. Too much cannot b8 said in favour of the conduct of Captain Brad dock during the long and tedious passage. In spite oJ oalma, light winds, and variables meet ing him at every turn throughout the whole voyage he maintained the same cheerful de meanour, and was universally courteous and kind alike to passengers and subordinates. The following is a complete list of the Oxfords pasaengere, all of whom arrive in perfecthealih. Saloon—Mrs M. Hingston, Mits Amy Kingston, Thomas Hingaton. Annie Hingston, Frederick Hingsion, Edith Hingaton, Miss M. Trenohard, Hugh Trenchard, William N. Ley, Alan Bell, Samuel S. Osborne, Mrs E. E. Osborne, Dr. Stevens, Mrs atevens, H. C. Skiifington, Mrs BkifflDgton, H. C. Skiifington, Lionel H. Claudet. D. W. Northcott, W. A. Hunt, Mrs J Hunt Jessie Hunt, Vvillie Hunt. Bertie Hunt, Kthel Hunt, E. Powell, John Affleck, C. & Pretyman, and T. P. Wayte. Second Cabin —Alexander Davidson, Charlotte Woodward, John Hartwell, Mary Hartwell, J. Hartwell, J Hartwell, E. Hartwell, M. Hartwell, C. Hart well, E. Hartwell, Wm. B. Lambe, Philip Hocquard, MrsHocquard, Ann E. Hocquard, MiBB J. Hoaking, Charles a. Blakely, Elizabeth Bcott George H: Scott, Edward Scott, Wm. James Scott, and W. H. Hmith. Steerage leabella Uordon, Sarah Gordon, Lizzie Gordon, James Gordon, James Gordon, Robt. H. C. Henry Wa'son, Martha WatsoD, Mury J. Watson, John Henry Watson, Robert Watson, Margaret Wataon, M. Thomas Watson, Mre Canning, Charles Canning, Annie Canning, Mr B. Danid, Mrs J. Daniel, it. Todd, Cora Skillern, Clarence Bkillern, John Skillern, Mary Ann Hkillern, Frederick Skillorn, Henry Skiliern, Kllza Fleet, S X Fleet, Joel Fleet, John Fleet, Quinto Curta Joan Curta, H. JBivans, William Best, John Tim? Ann Stubb?, J. W. Stubbs, J. P. Hodges James Conghay, James Uonghay, junr., X H Bhoard, Gcorga William Atty, J. Spenco, Henrietta Spenoo, Fred. Spence, Joseph Spence, Bmlly Spenco, and It. T. Rutherford.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Lalla Kookb, a.s., Campbell, for Waitara EXPORTS. Per Lalla Rookh, for Waitara—lsG pieces and naokages joinery, 20 gunnies and 10 mats sugar, 8 boxes tea, 22 bars iron, 1 cask whiting. 10 cases geneva, 3 ploughs, 5 harrows, 133 sheets corru gated iron, 9 bundles spouting, 1 case metal, 21 packages sashes, 79 doors. 25 bundlea moulding, and packages sundries. The b.b. Lalla Rookh for Waitara took tho following passengers: — Mrs Hardy, Messrs McNamara, Wetere, Tarehana, Tearahan and Aroha.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

TAtiJUNOA, this day. Arrived: Glenolg, s.s., from Auckland, atß a.m. Timaru, yesterday. Arrived : Taiaroo, s.P., from Dunedin. Littelton, yeßterday. Arrived: Elizabeth Graham, from the United States. poet Chalmbbs, yesterday. Arrived l Penguin, s.s,, from Northern ports; Sailed- Te Anau, 8.c., for Melbourne, via HobartTown. RrjsSßLr, this day. The windbound colliers have sailed, also Gem. The wnaleahip Horatio, Captain Grant, ar rived last night. She reports taking 350 barrels of whale oil, 200 barrels sperm, and 3,200 lbs I bone, since leaving here, nine months ago. i

COMMERCIAL.

Kvbninq Stab Offloe, Saturday. Mr Walter Dowdon's mart was well attended to-day, and goods generally weie quitted at fair average prices. Potatoos brought 3s to 3s 6d por cwt.; oatß, 2a per bushel; maize, 3s Id to 3a sd; bacon, 7}d; onions, 3d. Mouws Coohrane and sons sold a number of Becond-hand books in good condition, also, a considerable quantity o( fanoy and household goods at reasonable flßuros. Mr Qeo. "W.Blnney sold 50 tons of bonodust at £5 Its per ton. Mr K. Arthur's general provision salo was not completed as wo wont to press. Fowls sold for ?, Sd nor owt.; carrota, 3s 6d to Ja 3d per cwt.; onions «d told perl b.; maize. 3s 6d per bushel; oaU 28 3<l per bushel; whcaU* id por bushel; lb° butter, 2Jd to 7d per lb.; boot, 2Jd per b. BUKar.33dto«dporlb.: candlos. 9W per b. liM Vi 6d Dor owt.; -whito lead, 4Jd per lb- , b« Sifllfi to 21s p'orbos; Macmts 6d to <Ud: : soap. 163 por cwt.; apples, Id to3*d Porlb., pea?s 3d to 13d per lb : quinces, lid to 1| P« tb • Krapas, OJd per lb.: lomons, Is Jd to woa pcVdown; cornflour, 7id per lb.; mustard, Dd per lb. __^___ __,

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as Under.— Monday, lth instant. For Taranaki and Southorn Porta, per Waoaka, at 8 a.m. For Tryphena, per South Carolina, at 9 a.m. For Taranaki, Wanganui, and South, per Samson, at 11 a.m. ITor Noumea, por Knergy, at 1 p.m. For RusßOll, Eawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at i p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Wellington, at t p.m. For Coromandel, por Coromandol.at 5.30 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Tuesday, sth instant. For Waitara, &c, por Lalla Kookh, at 8 a.m. For Norfolk Island, per M.S. Southern Cross, at 9 v. in. For Waiworo, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Levuka. Tonga, and Samoa, por Southorn Cross, at 3 p.m. For Whangaroi Heads. Waipa, Whangarei, and Mangapai, per Argylo, at i p.m. For Australian Colonies. India China Modi terranean Ports, Continent of Europe and United Kingdom, via Brindi&l, for lettors specially co prepaid and addressed, per s.s. Australia, immediatsly after her arrival from Honolulu. N.B.—The following are tho datos for tho P. and O. and Orient lino of stoamers leaving Mel bourne :— P. AliD O. STEAMERS. Maroh 30, April 13, April 27, May 11, May 25, June 7, June 21, and July sth. ORIENT STEAMKRH. March 29, April 12, April 2G, May 10, May 2i, June 6, June 20, and July 21. Mails for Continent of Ktiiopo and United Kingdom, via Brindisi and via Naples and Plymouth, will be made up at InvercarglU to arrive at Melbourne by the abovo dates. S. B. BIdS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

April 2nd, 1881. Theatre Royal—"Streets of New York,"B p.m. V.M.C, A.—Prayer Meeting, and Address by Rev. C. M. Pym, 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

BIRND3.—On March 27th, at tho Ulster Bakery, Great North Road, the wife of John Blrnio, of aeon. MOWBRAY.—At St. George's Bay Road, Par nell. on the 2nd instant, Mrs. John Mowbruy of a daughter.

Marriage.

GILMORE-MaCALLUM.-AtSt.John'sWood, London, at tho residence of the bride, by special license. Rev. G. Gilmore to Florence McCallum, oldest daughter of the lato Duncan MoUallurn. K.M., and sister to Mias Hollings worth MoCallnm of this city, who lately came into her fortune.

Death.

BARBER.—On April I, at Epaom, Caroline Manzles, the beloved wife of Joseph Arthur Barber, in her 70tn year. The funeral will leave her late residence to morrow (Sunday), at 2 p.m. CORNISH.—On tho 2nd Instant, of laryngitis, Selina Pasko, fourth daughter of J. H. and Elizabeth Cornish. The funeral will leave her parents' resi dence, Napier-street, To-morrow (Sunday), at i.30 p.m. CARSON.—On the Ist April, at Otabuhu, after a lingering illness, Thomas Carson, Into of Bolfiißt, Ireland; aged 31 years. The funeral will take place at Otahuhu, To morrow (Sunday), at 12.30 p.m. Friends will please accept this intimation. EVANS.—On Maroh 13, at Sydney, Frederick Horatio Evans, younger brother of T. Seddon Evans, of Ponsonljy, Auckland.

Notice to Correspondents.

Danitb.—Brigham Young, the Mormon prophet, was born in 1801, and died in 1877. He was succeeded by John Tayor. Ignis Fatuus.—A Will-o'-the-Wisp is a kind of fiery vapour which dancoo by night in marshy districts. It is entirely delusive, and has tho appearance of a lighted candle in the distance. The Will-o'-the-Wlsp is very common in the Lincolnshire fens, and is termed "Juck-o'- Lantern " by tho peasantry. Consistknot.— Every man has a right to exer cise his private judgment In such a matter. Your letter would bear the Btigma of a meddlesome interference with other poople'fl business.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1881. THE CENSUS TO-MORROW.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distan c, And the ood that we can do .

It ia expedient to remind our readers tba t they will subject themselves to <-, penalty of £25 if they wilfully neglect or refuse to fill up the census paper which has been left at each house during the last week or two. ( The Government have provided in this document a Chinese puzzle which will, we fear, seriously mar the peace and serenity of the Day of Kest, and contribute to the national profanity. What are our Sabbatarians about that they have not proteated? However, with the pains

and ponalties of tho law looming ahead, and a twenty-five poundo fine as the climax, thero is nothing for it but to go straight at the paper, fleeing from tho certainty of the one punishment to the uncertainty of tho I other. Those who wish to escape both risks will leave the census paper till Monday ; and this is, perhaps, the safer plan, because the return must represent all the persons who slept ou the premises on Sunday night, a fact which caunot be ascertained with cer tainty until after the night has passed. The present census ia to be a remarkable one. Tho 3rd of April baa been chosen as a numbering of all the people iv that Empire upon which the sun never sets. An edict has gone forth from England, and has been willingly obeyed, to make up the sum total of the inhabitants of every country which still owns the British flag. On the bleak wastes of British North America ; on the burning plains of India and Africa ; iv tho island gems of tho West Indies, the jungles of Burmnh, among the orange groves of (ho Fijis, and through the progressive settlements of Australia and New Zealand, tho roll will bo called. Such aii enumeration has no precedent iv history, and the breast of the Englishman may well swell with prido when he reflects" that throughout this wide expanse- of territory, the national flag is a guarantee of perfect freedom.

Referring to the method of filling up the return, it will be judicious for the house holder to read carefully the elaborate in structions given on tho paper itsolf before commencing operation'). At the bottom of these instructions there is an example form, filled up by au imaginary householder, Notwithstanding the formidable appearance of the document on lirst glanco, therefore, it will be easy enough to manage the lank if a littlo attention is yiven to the direc tions. And one neighbour will readily assist another who is in doub', Tlic Census Act provides exemption for " any peiHons who, from conscientious scruples, shall omit to state the religious denomina tion, or sect to which ho may belong, and the proof of such conscientious seiuplo shall be the filling up of the column sot apart tor that purpose, with tlio word, ' object.'" The other columns of tho form must be filled iv according to instructions,

Mr Speight's roview ot tho session last night, though travelling over very old ground, gave an interesting outline of many of the bills brought down by tho Govern ment, and which are likely to form the subjects of discussion in the approaching parliament. The roport of his speech, therefore, published iv another column, will repay attentive perusal.

A gentleman who has arrived in town from tho Tiki goldfield, Coromandel, in forms us that two reefs have been dis covered iv McCormick's lease, adjoining Barrett's and the Maories.

Constable McGovcrn brought a prisoner in from Kussell named David Lusco, who was conimittcdjlo Mount Edon for three months, under tho Vagrant Act, for drunken and disorderly conduct.

Mr George A. Brown has issued tho fourth number of the "Bible Standard," which contains a series of readable articles, explanatory of Mr Brown's theological views in relation to the teachings of scripture. We uotico that Mr Berry Caes, formerly of Auckland, but now of Christchurch, is a contributor to the "Standard." Several of the articles eviuco streugth of thought and perspicuity of style.

The Rev. James Gray, the newly appointed minister of the Franklin ltoiul Chapel, started to-day from the South for Auckland, and is expected on the sth inst. He will commence his duties ou the follow ing Sunday. Mr Gray is represented as a young man of good abilities as a preacher.

Constables Law aud Stapletou returned to Grahamstowii from Whangamata, whither they were dispatched on Tuesday to sieze any cattle they found there belong ing to John Rosa, who wan lined £20 and costs on Saturday for permitting alcoholic liquor to be sold on his unlicensed premises. The constables succeeded iv getting several head, which they drove down to town, and which will be Bold to defray the line aud costs, Koes having refused to pay.— " Advertiser."

Sunday services are duly announced in another column. The anniversary services of the Dovonport Weslevnn church will he held, preachers, Revs Win. Mnrley aud J. Berry. Special services at St Sepulchre's ; preacher, Revs, B. T. Dudley and C. M. Pym. Temperance Hull, Mr George A. Brown, evening lecture Future Punish ments. The evening service at the Theatre Royal at tho usual hour.

The Paris "Patrio" states that an old soldier named Cantin, aged ono hundred and seven years, was found dead in an attic in the Faubourg St Germain. A piece of paper on the table bore the following: — l Mil no longer get out; I lmvo nothing j I die of hunger." The poor veteran fought in the Egyptian and Itussiau campaigns uudcr Napoleon 1., and had the medal of St. Helena.

The following tenders were received by the Board of Education for tlio erection of an additional school building at Newton East :-Wm. Colwell, £1114 ; J Connvell, £1387; 11. T. Jones, £I.'M4; A. Kcyes, £1303 ; G. Marshall, £1357 ; Nowson and MclCemish, £1324; Smith and Wooller, £14C3j Scott and Coombe, £1477; A. Wi'.tson, £1500. Messis Newson and McKcmish's tender was accepted.

Mr Speight related a good story at the Lome street fiall last night. Referring to the continued dropping and adjourning of various measures by the Government, he said that on one occasion when Mr Hut chinaon the member for Wellington got up and plaintively enquired after all the strangled Bills, he answered the lion, gentleman hy stating that it was no use bothering about them as they had been dishonored. Mr Sheehan was stretched out dozing upon a bench at the time, but hear ing this sally popped up his head and said, " Oh no, not dishonored, only referred back to the drawers." The House readily ap plauded the Hash of wit, and the electors of City East last night enjoyed the reproduc tion of it.

A pension of £200 a year from the civil list has been conferred upon Mr Alfred Russel Wallace, the eminent writer on biology. Mr Wallace, it must be remem bered, shares the honour with Mr Darwin of being the disoverer ot the theory of evolution. He departs from Oarwiu, how ever, so far as be believc3 that in the nature and structure of man there are evidences of miraculous and exceptional creation. Mr Wallace is an ardent Spiritualist, and made a confession of faith in Spiritualism at the Glasgow meeting of the British Association. No works show a more observant eye than his books, or are more picturesque and attractive.

Upon "Writing in Public Schools," "Parent" says :—" Sir,—l am not aware if the attention of many others has been in any way directed to the method and im provement made by the pupils in writing in our Public Schools, Speaking as one having several children attending a city school, i most certainly think sufficient importance is not extended to this important branch of education. I observe the children sit very awkwardly, and hold their pens decidedly in a wrong manner. Whether it is the large number of children to be taught in a given time does not enable the teachers to pay sufficient attention, or that mechanical tuition of this description is one that can be easily laid to the fault of the pupil, and not to the want of instruction from the teacher, it is certainly a matter that requires con sideration—whether the time given is sufficient to ensure the improvement of pupils—my own impression is that sufficient time is not given to teaching the children this useful and important art, and the subject is worthy of consideration by the School Committee."

Some pleasant illustrations of the extra ordinary glamour which attends historic titles anil hereditaty rank occurred to the Duke of Manchester during his reccut wanderings in Queensland. At a banquet given in his honour in an up-country town ship the mayor, who presided, introduced the guest of the evening as " his Grace the Duke of Edinburgh." Contiguity to a duke had so flustered the civic magnate that his tongue refused to do its oilice. During the eveniug the duke related an. incident hardly so flattering to his vanity. It seems that his Grace has formed the ambition of be coming a Queensland squatter, and has been riding through the back districts on the Took out for "country." He said: He admired the country to such an extent that he had determined, if possible, to become one of themsolves—(great applause) —in fact, to bo a squatter. By the by, talking of squatters reminded him of an incident that occurred whilst he was riding between Jimbour and Curakillcnbah. Mr Punch told the story, though not quite correctly. He stopped for a drink of water at the house of a man named M'Fie, who asked if the duke was not coming by with Mr Bell. On being assured that he was the duke, M'Fie shook his head dubiously, and said, •' Go on, you're only joking;" and despite all hia (the duke's) protestations, M'Fie would not he convinced, until Mr Bell arrived and certified to his identity; ■whereupon M'Fie walked round him, and 'said in despair, "Blest if you couldn't go all the way to the Barcoo and they would take you for nothing else but a b bush man." This excited his ambition, aud ho felt that though he could not hope to be a bushmau, he would like to be a squatter.— (Great laughter and cheers.)

The collection at the several Anglican Churches to-morrow will go to the Home Mission Fund in accordance with a resolu tion to that effect by the Synod.

Mr Grigs, who has been a pretty regular attendant at the Auckland Police Court for nearly a quarter of a century, has been provided with a substantial arm chair and a crinihon covered cushion, through the kindness oE Mr Barstow, the Resident Magistrate.

Tho annual meeting of the Catholic Institute will be held on Monday evening when, in addition to the regular business, a paper on " Civilisation " will be read. The meeting will be opened ot 8 o'clock.

At the meeting of the Board of Education after we went to press yesterday, several matters of slight importance came up for consideration. The question of making Te Aroha a school district was referred to the warden. A complaint from the teacher of Stokes' Point school that the furniture was repeatedly being dirtied during entertain ments given at tho school, was referred buck to tho Committee. It was agreed that tanks, spouting, &c, be provided for Te Kahu school, and that the school at Waipu Cove be extended. The considera- I lion of an application for a new building at Waipu was deterred.

It appears says the " Thames Star," that none of the solicitors iv Auckland would take up the case of Piocoili under a fee of £50, whilo the Government only offered £10 to accused to be expended in his defence. Kor the prosecution we understand Messrs Brookiield and Cooper will be engaged but it is yet uncertain who will defend the prisoner; probably it will bo left to the judgo to assign council. Procolli has written to Mr Biussoy asking him to defend him, or at all events, help him in his defence. The letter, we boliovo, has been sent iv to the Crown Prosecutor.

The liring for the Company's medals on Saturday by a number of the members of the Engineer Corps, assembled nt the Mount Eden Range, produced results as follows :- Captain ' White, 70; Sapper Woolley, 70 : Sapper Stirling. 67 : Supper Shaw, GO" ; Corporal Allen, CO' ; Corporal Kiidy, G5 ; Lieut. Shaw, 50 ; Limit, Twinoham, 58; Corporal MclCvoy, 50"; Sapper Hondry, C 4; Sappor Buddily, 52; Sapper O'Connor, 47 ; Tho ranges were 200, •100, and COO yards ; soven shots at each range. Tho gold medal fell to Sapper Woolley and the Hilvor medal to Sappor Stirling, who was privileged to claim the medal as hia own property, ho having won it twico iv succession.

The April number of the "Church of England Gazette," in addition to the usual number of pages, contains a minute and carefully prepared roport of tho Melanesiau mission for the past year, also Mr Dudley's report of nuance, shewing balances amount ing to £491 5s 2d ; the receipts from various home and colonial resources being £(i,240 5s 2d, aud the necessary expenditure £5,740. The literary aud general portion of tlio gazette is of the average quality, including friendly reminiscences of the lute Sir Win. Martin, who honourably held the high posi tion of chief of the colony in other yours, and who is still remembered for his virtues, his scholarly attainments, and as n Chris tian gentleman. The diocesan section of the giizotte abounds iv encouraging para graphs, and sunny joy-glintiugs from tlio travelling portfolio of tho Kcv. Edward J. Phillips, of St. Thomns' Church, Auckland. A list of tho Bishop's prizes gives the names of successful scholars from all the Auckland Sunday-schools in this city and suburbs, excepting St. Paul's and All Saints'. Tho remaining pages are devoted to Sunday lessous for teachers, and extracts.

The following tenders were received by Mr E. Bartley, architect, for Franklin Road Church parsonage :—A. Keys, £345 15s ; J, Currio, £345 ; J. Graham, £330 ; Smith and Wooler, £329 ; W. Rosser, £319 ; W. Colwell, £319; E. Salt, £310; (}. Marshall, £301 ; T. S. Ilaynos, £299; 11. B.iker, £288 ; J. Mays, £254 ; J. Poolcy, £243.

In connection with the trial at Kolaporc of the twenty-seven persons charged with levying war against the Empress it came out in evidence that boiiio of the Brahmins implicated were to work certain charms in the temples, and, upon orders given by tho leaders, v body of men wore to attack the Europeans while attending service in the church. The plans of the ringleaders were a strange medley, sensible in some respects, but curiously foolish in many of the details. They had arranged to cut the telegraph wires and to protect irom loot some buried treasure which tho Brahmins expected to find by means of their charms. A man was obtained to porsouulo the deposed Raja on his alleged roturii from exile. As the incantations to find tho buried treasure failed, dacoitica were mibititutcd in order to raise money. There is no leader of inaik ou',Mged in the ftllair.

To the Editor: Sir,—A paragraph ap pears in yesterday's issue of your paper. implying that tho rules of tho l'ousonby Regatta Club were altered purposely to excludo Mr Halstead's boat, llattio M»y. Will you allow me to correct you 7 When the Committee wero preparing the pio gramme for the approaching regatta, several members inquired if IS feet measurement would admit tho Hattie May, as they would object to any alteration that would exclude any baat tlmt competed in the second class raco last year. Upon referring to the entries (among which is the follow ing : —" Ponsonby, 19 feet 10 indies, G feet G inches, 2 feet 3 inches ") it was found that all the boats were under ihc proposed measurement; it was therefore adopted. Mr llalstead has sinco informed me that his boat is 20 feet lung, G feet 7i inches in beam, aud 2 foot 6' inches deep to lower edgo of rabbit of keel; allowing 2 inches keel would make the the depth 2 feel S inches. This worked out by the rule gives 17 13-20 feet measurement. If tho dimen sions of the Hnttio May aro larccr than the above, I certainly think Mr Halstead has only himself to blame for not getting cor rect measurement in the first instance.—l am, etc., T. A. JoNKS, hon. secretary, Ponsouby Regatta Club.

An interesting gathering took place at the New North Road Wesleyan school. Teachers, scholars, and friends assembled for tho double purpose of bidding farewell to Miss Hirat, and presenting her with a few tokens of their esteem and regard Miss Hirat haa been, conucctcd with the above school for many years, and during that time has succeeded in winning the love of her scholars and the respect of the teachers with whom she has laboured. Although her work as teacher has been confined to her own class, yet she has exerted her influence on behalf of the whole school to such au extent that the success of the latter may be attributed in a great measure to hsr individual efforts. The superintendent, Mr Joseph Burton, in speaking on behalf of the teachers and scholars, made reference to the above fact, and expressed regret that circumstances should so have compelled Miss Hirst's departure. At the conclusion of his speech he presented her with a work-box and work-basket, together with eorao valuable articles of tableware. Miss Hirst then replied. She thanked her friends heartily for the presents, and gave expression to her own feelings at her removal. She stated that she would always look back witli pleasure upon the time during which she was connected with the New JNorth Road school, and whorever she should bo in the future her scholars with whom she had been associated so long would always occupy a place iv her heart. Mr Castle made an excellent speech eulogising Miss Hirst's merits as a teacher and co-worker, after which the meeting dispersed.

In the Queen's Speech in some form or another the peoplo are usually addressed as "subjects" of her Majesty. It is about lime that this "noun" ceased to be used. Subjects are the people of a conquered race. If history does not lip, Henry VII, was an elected monarch. We have repeated the process of election. We have even ejected a king aud tried another, and beheaded him aa one amenable to the laws of the Common wealth. It docs, thoreforo, seem out of place for a monarch sitting by virtue of election to address the people of the coun try in terms suggestive of conquest. In our dictionaries the word " sub ject" is defined as ''one who owes I allegiance to a sovereign and is governed {by his luws." The sovereign equally owes allegiance to the laws, and the word " sub ject "is a misnomer. It is about tini6 that these words ceased to be used in public documents. It is as absurd as terms used in expressing titles of King George 111. as King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. We have outgrown these feudal terms, and the present Government should set an ex ample of their disuse. It is equally absurd for a soldier to swear alle giance to the Crown. He is a ser vaut of the nation, and his oath, (if such a form is to be continued) should bind him to loyalty to the Jaws decreed by a free Parliament. . The terms, " Her Majesty's Navy." "H.M. Ship?," are equally offensivo to the people of a free nation. It is a national navy. It is the Navy of Great Britain, of the Parliament, 1 and people of Great Britain. Similar offensive terms are used as to Commissions in force throughout the Commonwealth, which have no force in Jaw unless sanc tioned Jjy Parliament. The Queen should be recognised only in her ofiicial capacity, and the nation and its Parliament always stand in the front rank.

Mr Bettany met with a rather serious accident last Thursday, which will prevent him from attending to liis usual business for some weeks. He was descending tho steps ot a house in Freeman's Bay at the time, when he fell and broke his leg close to his ancle. He was taken to the hospital, where he is now undergoing treatment-.

A mere baby of about eighteen or nine teen months old, belonging to Mr and Mrs HelTrin, of Chapel-street, strayed from its homo this morning, and up till this afternoon had not been heard of. The parents are almost distracted in conse quence. Any information touching the little truant should be left at Mr McEwen's, baker, of Chapel-street.

We have much pleasure in acknowledging receipt of a sum of £10 9s for Mr9 Smyth, being tho amount collected for her amongst the workmen employed upon the Wai takorci railway contract.

The threatened re-opening of the Ashan tree disturbance is connected with the im prisonment of the ex-King of Dinjurb who has been conveyed from Accra to Lagos, where ho is to undergo a ten years' exile. He was accompanied by two of his wive 3, his daughter, and three men servant?. The Kins? was taken to the Senegal in a cutter belonging to 11.M.5. Dido, with two other cutters aud two gigs in attendance. The boats were manned by marines and blue jackets all fully armed, as it was thought that some resistance might be ofiered by the Fantce population of Accra, who were iv favour of the ox-King. A large number of people assembled on the beach, but there was no demonstration. Tho ex-King was in charge of a Houssa ollicor and live men, and ii guard was kept on him during the passage to Lagos.

At a meeting of the Sunday-school teachers of the Newton Primitives, in the Excelsior Hall ou Thursday, a handsome, illustrated family Bible was presented to Mrs iStaintou (late Miss Gladding) as a wedding present, and in recognition of her services in connection with the Sunday school of that place.

A curious custom is mentioned in an English paper in connection with tho ap pointment o£ the new Lord Lieut, of Ireland :—" Towards the end of this month Lord and Lady Cowpor move into Dublin Castle, tho lirut levo'o and drawing-room ot tho unison being announced for Feb. 1 and 2. Amongst tho other duties entailed on a now Viceroy by his lirst drawing-room is that of kissing the cheek, not only of each

fair debutante, but of every lady present

The severity of this duty may in many instances be tempered, yettlieadministering by many hundreds of courtly kisses In one evening must suggest the physiological fact that oven tlio most exquisite pleasures turn to pain from too frequent repetition." Tho members of the dramatic troupe which has been performing with such accep tance at tho Theatre during the week huvo tendered a complimentary benefit to Mr Thuo, Hamilton as a mark of their appreciation of his histrionic ability, and of his geniality as a friend and coadjutor. Mr Hamilton has signified his acquiescence with tho oiler, and tho performance will therefore take pluco on Monday evening. Tho bdue'licicr is so popular here, although only a com paratively recent arrival, that wo feel assured ho will bo greeted by a bumper house. Simonsen's Opera Company were to have opened at tho theatre on Monday, but through the detention of the Tararua the theatre has become available for Mr Hamilton's benefit. During the Frunco-Gcrmau Avar a man

named Teulo was captured by the Prussians and taken to Germany, but on the way he attempted to escape, and in doing so nearly killed a sentry and was condemned to be shot. By a mistake of the gaolers, how ever, Teulo was placed iv tho cell of a pri soner condemned to ten years' confinement in a fortress, and this latter was led out and shot iv error. When Teulc comprehended the mistake that had been made he resolved to leave the authorities in their error, and abstained fiom writing to his family in France, Meanwhile, his wifo and father made enquiries at the WarOllico, and were informed that Teulo had been shot for assaulting a Gcnuansentry. On the strength of this his wife married again, and has n child now four years old, Nothing was wanted to mukothe confusion complete, but tho return of Teulc to his native village, which took place a few days sinco aud he was of course, received by his wife as one returned from the grave. He had goue through the remainder of his ten years' con finement, and left Germany without aroiißiug suspicion of his identity.

Tlio members of the Auckland Navnl RrlKado will moot In tho morning at tho lire boll at 10.15 lor church parade

Tho Key. C. Dispbara will preach to morrow niornlnK nt St. Mary's, I'tirnoll. on be half of tho Homo Missions.

Tenders are required for shingling the Holy Trinity Church and school-room, Otuhuhu, uiul must bo Rent In by 7 p m. of I'ucßday, 12ih April. Hpooillcations canboseou at the storo of Mr John Hull, Otahnhu.

Tho Rev. Charles Melville Pym will give an address to-night at tho united mooting in tho YounK Men's Uhriatln.ii Association Koome. after which ho will preach in tho open air.

The Rev. Joseph Berry will givo the address at tho Sunday evening Thoatrci service Tho rev. gontlomon proceeds to Nolaon by Tuesday's Btoamcr.

The North Shore Wesleyan Church holds its anniversary sorvicos to-morrow. Tho ccrnion in tho morning will bo proachod by Hoy. W. Alorley; ovoning, by Hoy. Joseph Borry. Tho annual eoireo on Tuesday.

Messrs B. Touks and Company will offer for Balo nt their mart, on Monday next, tho valuable farms near Mantirowa, known as Mc- Coy's or Triblo'e farm; also Krußhka's, lately In tho occupation of the Hoy. John Maoky. Tho salo will bo commenced at twelve o'clock.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

An accident of a most serious nature hap pened to .a young mau named William Scott, iv Buckland's yard, this merniug. Ho was engaged in putting a halter on a hotse, when tvic animal turned round and kicked him in the thigh, causing a nasty wound, which bled very freely. I>r. Hooper attended him, and recommended his removal to \X\\ Hospital, which was done. The injury* Is of a rather dan gerous nature, being in the region of the femoral artery.

OUR SPECIAL WELLINGTON TELEGRAM.

(BY TKLEGRAriI, OWN CORRESPONDENT),

WELLINGTON, this day. MEETING OF PARLIAMENT. A RUMOUR was set afloat yesterday that Parliament would be called together for tho 27th May. There is not the slightest foun dation for this report. As I telegraphed long ago, Parliament will not meet earlier than June. At present it stands prorogued to tho 19th inst., but a proclamation will bo issued in a few days further proroguing it to the middle of next month, but not summon ing it then for despatch of business. The prorogation from that date to next month to which it is now about to be prorogued will be the final one, aud will definitely fix a dato iv June on which Parliament will meet for despatch of business.

THE OPERA SEASON.

It is so long since the lyric drama lias been adequately represented or found competent exponents in this city that the advent of an eliectivo Company, like that which Mr Simonsen brings with him, cannot fail to produce feelings of siuccrc satisfaction and pleasurable anticipation. The majority of tlio leading artistes such ns Mndamo Simonaeu, Miss Godfrey, and Siguori lliccardi and Paladini are well and favour ably kuown here, while the reputation of the Misses Martina and Leonora Simonsen has so long prececded them that wo arc guile an courant with, their successes, and ready to extol their merits as cantatrices. The Company (is provided with a well-stocked repertoire containing all the principal operas aud not a few new ones, too, which will be produced here lor the (list time during the season. It is to be hoped that the musical rcputo of the city will be suntained by a full and unstinted measure of patronage being accorded to the entrepreneur, whose very name is accepted throughout the colonies as a guarantee of excellence and enterprise. The season, in consequence of the unexpected detention of the steamer Tararua from the South, will not open until Tuesday evening, when the grand tragic opera. " Lucrezia Borgia," will be produced. 'Jho box offico for season tickets will, however, positively close on Monday night at 6 o'clock at Milner and Co.'a Auckland Musio Warehouse. Those who mean to take advantage of the lower rates offered in the season packages must not lose any more time.

Technical knowledge.—A two-foot rule was given to a labourer in a Clyde boatyard to measure an iron plate. The labourer, not being well up to the use of the rule, after spendins! iiconsiderable time, returned. " Noo, Mick," asked the plater, "what size is the plate ?" " Well," replied Mick, with a grin of satisfaction, "it's the length of your rule, and two thumbs over, with this piece of brick and tbe breadth o' my hand, and niy arm from here to there, bar a linger."

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brief; tot It is witn words aa with sun beams: tho moro they are oondensoa the deeper they burn."— Southky.

A band contest is on the tapis in connec tion with the Easter review at Oamaru. Happiness is forgetfulness of self. Write injuries in the dust, but kind acts on marble. One of the sublimest things in tho world is plain truth. The moat manifest sign of wisdom is con tinued cheerfulness. ICount that day loat whoso low-descending sun Viewa from thy hand no worthy action dono. The cook who can give sage advice docs not always put the ri^htherbs in the soup. A lady asked a publisher whether his prints would wash. Wo pious lady who has the slightest regard for a man's soul will ask him to guess how old she is. The more a woman's waist is shaped like an houi-glass the quicker tho sands of her life will run out. A. telegram passes over 13,C95 miles of wire between Melbourne aud London. The dog-tax is Paris alone produced last year 5,C27,085f. Tho number of dogs in Paris that are taxed is 1,727,448. The Shah of Persia is proprietor of tho largest collection of jewels in the world, the total being valued at from three to four millions sterling. The eggs of a turtle vary in number from GO or 70 up to 200 or more. They have no firm shell, but arc covered with a substance like damp parchment, and arc capital eatiug. The gloves mo3t in vogue in England at latest advice were very long ivory or straw kid, without buttons tho length of the arm, but witli four buttons at the wrist. The family that makes the longest and loudest prayers is not always the one which pays the highest prices to its washer woman.

Edwards, Malcolm, and Catton, long distance pods, have arrived in Adelaide from New Zealand to take part in the great champion walking match there. Mr Brogtlou, M.P., and Mr Lawson, his torrucr accountant and late Commissi nor of railways, are inspecting the harbuiir works at Tarauaki. The lamented author, Goorge Eliot, died, says tho "Lancet," from a chill caused by sitting iv «i draught at an afternoon concert. Mr Fantham, of Cambridge, has Bold his farm at £15 an acre to Mr Bush. Ilia re moval from tho district will be much regretted. Although the Kaipara railway is a com paratively new line, tho main bridge upon it—across tlio Kaipara river, has been condemned and is to be replaced. AVho is responsible for this disgraceful waste of public money ? The To (Jreoro natives (Wellington), fol lowing the example of tho Waitangi tribes intend to erect a stone to commemorate their agreement with the early settlers to be loyal to the Queen-a vow which they have kept. Tho Duncdin whaler Splendid has had a lucky cruise, capturing seven whales, which yielded 70 to 80 tons of oil which has been transhipped at the Ghathuma to tho Jessie Wiccol for Duncdin. A step towards tho abolition of betting on racecourses in Prussia has been taken by the Public Prosecutor, who has informed tho proprietors of tho grounds used for horserucing that tho presenco of book makers and betting is illegal. The schooner Richard aad Mary, owned by Mr Franzcn, of Nelson, has got ashore on the Boulder Bank, and is likely to be come a wreck, Mr Gladstone received a deputation from his constituents in Midlothian, asking him to present a petition, numer ously signed, in favour of legalising mar riage with a deceased wife's sister. Mr Gladstone promised to promote their ob ject. A fire in Mr Douglas' bush, Tamahere, is doing great destruction to valuable timber. Mr C. McDonald, a settler iv Piako, whs thrown from his horec while driving cattle and broke two of hia rib.°. He managed to ride into Hamilton, where Dr Edgelow at tended to his injuries. At the Central Criminal Conrt, ILondon, Sarah Norman, who killed her infant, at Keigate, l>y stabbing it in the head, and afterwards throw it on the lire, was found insane and ordered to be detained during her Majesty's pleasure. Iv cbargiug tho Grand Jury at the London Central Criminal Court, the Recorder, in referring to the number of murders and attempted murders, regretted that English. men appeared to be falling into tho fashion of carrying loaded revolvers, which greatly conduced to the commission ot crime. "Anti-Filth" complains of the atrocious stench from foul diainago in Dublin-street, Newton. The local Inspector should see to it.

Statues of Bishops Lonsdalo and Sclwyn have been placed in front of the stair turret of the south-west tower of Lichficld Cathe dral. At Bishop Lonsdalo's feet there is a representation of Eton, while to Bishop Selwyn there clings a Melanesian boy. In all twenty-seven figures have been placed iv their respective niches. The Hamilton burgesses pressed very strongly ou the Hon. Mr Rolleston the injustice of making the borough responsible for the cost of the railway traffic bridge, which was part of the main road, for the use of the whole country. Mr Kolleston pro mised consideration. The Hamilton- Wliatawhata road was also brought under his notice.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before K. G. Harstow, Esq., K.M.)

UNSTEADY GAITS AND STYLES.

John Lambournc was fined ss, and Margaret Wall 5s with costs. kllen's TONGUE.

Ellen Uyder again appeared on a charge of using obscene language on the 30th ult., in Abercrombie-street.

Mrs Hyder contended that she was a decent kind of woman, and not so bad as she seemed ; in fact, if there had not been a baby iv the way us she crossed by there would not have been any to-do. Tho con stable, too, might have closed his ears, and then he would not have heard what she said. Mr Pardy said that part of this case was heard yesterday, but at defendants request it was adjourned till today. Mrs Hyder : I only wanted to protect the child from the constable.

Michael Burke, general dealer, deposed that on vhc 23vd ult, as he was si'iting iv his room he saw the defendant in the street using fearful laDgungo which was stated. Here the defendant broke out and said she did call Burke a . She would not deny it. Ho was an iuformcr. Anne Bradford knew Constable Strathem, who called at her place in her absence. He asked tho little girl if she was iv; that was all. Her girl was 14. Margaret Bradford corroborated. He was civil. She never claimed protection trom defendant. Did not call her into her mother's house.

Here defendant broke ont into a torrent of words, which stopped the proceedings, and necessitated the active interference of Constable McClenuan.

Mrs Hyder clutched her fist?, showed Lor teeth, and growled at the Constable.

Mr Brown deposed to beiug in company with Constable Strathcrn, on tlic evening in question. They called at several houses for information. He wont in his capacity as interpreter. Saw nothing wrong on the part of the Constable. Defendant now confessed that she had called Mick a &0., &c, which he deserved. He was a fishy old informer, and she would like to roast him like a herrin', or skin him like an eel.

His Worship said he should impose a heavier fine on defendant than otherwise, partly inconsequence of her outrageous con duct in Court, viz., £5, with costs 13s, or six weeks' imprisonment with hard labour. Defendant: " I'll do the six weeks," and she went bouncing and murmuring out "of Court in the custody of Constablo McGilp. This was all the business.

IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES OF GOLD.

(BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. Hone Weraiuko, the Tc Aroha pros pector, informs the "Star " that ho has dis covered a now reef at Omahu, Te Aroha. It is 17 feet thick, has boon traced for a quarter of a mile, aud shows good gold. Hone believes it will eclipse anything yet found in the vicinity.

Hone Werahikd has received a pressing letter from Te Ngakau to attend the Kiogite meeting at Kopua on the 26th inst., with a view to hearing his proposal regarding the prospecting in the King country and Tuliua, where Moflat reported good gold.

Ailaiis generally are assuming a more hopeful aspect at Te Aroha. Two iron steamers have just been launched for the Thames river trade.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Reuters Telegrams.]

LORD BEACONSFIELD IMPROV ING.

LONDON, April 1,

The bulletin issued at midnight reports that Earl Beaconsfield's health was in a more favourable state.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN RUSSIA,

ST. PETE as BURG, March 31.

An imperial decree has been issued, an nouncing that a form of representative Municipal Government for this city will be forthwith iustituted.

MORE COLONIAL LOANS.

LONDON, April 1,

Loans for Tasmania for £300,000 at 4 pet cent., and for Fiji for £150,000 at 4^ per cent., have been issued in the Juondon market.

INCREASE IN BRITISH REVENUE. LONDON, April 1.

The rovenuo returns for the March quarter amount to £27,875,500, showing an increase of £750,000 as compared with the corresponding quarter of Jast year. The revenue for the year amounts to £84,002,000, showing an increase of £2,750,000 as com pared with last year.

COMMERCIAL,

LONDON, March 31

Consols continue at par. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bauk of England is £17,000,000. New Zealand 4J per cent. 1873-1904 loan is 97J. J3eßt Scctch pig iion, No. 1, free on board in the Clyde, is 50s.

AUSTRALIAN.

KARL BEACONSFIELD'S ILLNESS. - LATEST BULLETIN.

LONDON, April 1. The latest bulletin issued this morning, regarding the health of .Karl Beaconsfield, states that hia lordship is much weaker from the efl'ects of the relapse, but other wise has improved during the night. SYDNEY, April 1. THE £300 SCULLING MATCH. Hush, the oarsman, has announced his intention of entering for the sculling race for which a prize of £300 is offered by Messrs Mason Bros,, as agents for Walker's whisky, COMMERCIAL. Hennessey's brandy, in case, 37s Cd. Kerosene (diamond), per gallon, Is Od. Maize, per COlbu., 3s. Condles, D.R.J.S., perlb.,Sd. ADELAIDE, April 1. Wheat is quoted at 4s 5d to 4s Gd, with no business doing. Town flour, £10 5s to £1010a ; country flour, £9 7s 6d. Freights to London per steamer, 45s ; ditto per sail ing vessel, 42a Cd. Freights to United Kingdom from Adelaide, 52s Gd to 555 ; ditto from outports, 45s to 47s 6d.

SPOUTING.

THE TARANAKI RACES.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— I'KESS ASSOCIATION.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday. Adtumn Handicap of 120aovs. Distance, ljj mile. King Quail, 6st lOlbs 1 Opawa, 7st 41bs 2 Libeller, 7st lOlbs r: ... 3 Seven horses ran, KiDg Quail won with two-and-a-half lengths to spare. Ladies' Pouse. limilc and a distance, v Only three started. Billingsgate, list 1 Hailstorm, list 21bs , 2 Morning Star, list 2D>s 3 Billingsgate and Hailstorm entered the straight lißck-and-neck, and the former won by half a length, hard held. County Handicap, lj mile. Resolution 1 Confident 2 Scotch Mist 3 Consolation. 1 mile. Opawa, Bst lOlbs 1 Dan,B3t9lbs 2

Hippocampus, 7st lOlbs 3 IGI were in the totalisator, 3G on the ■\viuner.

ACCEPTANCES FOR C.J.C. AUTUMN HANDICAP.

CIIKISTCIIUKCII, Friday

The following are the acceptances for the Great Autumn Handicap, distance, H mile : — Natator, Oat 21bs ; Grip, Sst 131bs ; -Sir Modred, Sst lOlbs ; Kandwick, Sst 9!bs ; Libeller, Sst 21bs; Harkaway, 7st 71bs; The Joker, 7st 71 bs ; Prospero, 7st 71ba ; Luna, 7st 61bs; The Governor, Gst 8lbs; Lady Emma, sst 131bs ; Hilda, Sst 71bsu Laertes and Volunteer have been scratcbefl for all engagements at the Autumn Handi cap Meeting.

THEATRE ROYAL.

The Californian drama of the Danites was performed at the theatre last night with much success, the leading performers being equal to their several parts. The company will appear for the last time this evening in the " Streets of New York," one of the most successful of Boucicault's adaptations. The cast includes all the favourites of the Auckland stage. Mr Hamilton will appear as the retired Califoraiau, Mr Grattan Kiggs, as Putty the baker; Mr Wallace as " Dan", and Miss Maggie Knight will sustain the character of Alida. The great fire scene will be represented with its terrible associations. This drama is not new to playgoers, but we believe that to night's performance will eclipse preceding representations.

BROOD MARES FOR THE AUCKLAND COMPANY.

Three of the tborough-brcd mares pur chased by Sir H. Kobinson for the Auckland Stud Company may be expected by the llotomahana from Sydney next Wednesday. Curiously enough, though they came all the vay from London without the slightest mishap, on the short passage between Melbourne and Sydney they encountered such rough weather that they were thrown down and so much shaken that it was not thought advisable to send them on until they had recruited. They were, therefore, kept in Sydney for two or three weeks. It is gratifying to know that they had tot suffered any serious permaneut injury, aud their detention has given the Sydney people a chance ot seeing something of the stock which is to set its stamp on New Zealaud breeding. This opportunity has not been thrown away. The " Sydney Morning Herald " speaks most enthusiastically ot the lnarca. It says : The Sikh, steamer, brought a welcome addition to the New Zealaud Stud Company in the shape of three thorough bred marc?, selected by, and approved of by, Sir Hercules Robinson and Mr John Tait. They have been consigned to Messrs Briscoe, Drysdale, and Co., and are at present located at Fcnnelly's Bazaar, Pitt street, aud will remain there for a few days in order to recover from the effects of certain injuries which they sustained on their trip from Melbourne to this port. They are a well grown stately trio, and show more strength and quality than most of the brood mares that have been imported Ai Kennedy, a well-known steeplechase-rider, is in charge, and when he has taken them to their destination he will return for several stallions that havo becu pnrchased for the company.

Clytemncstra is by Blair At hoi from a mare by Birdcatcher from Mickleton Maid, by Velocipede, &c. Mersey is by Kuowsley from Clemauce, by Newmiustcr from Eulogy, by Euclid from Martha Lynn, by Mullatto, &c. Sister Agnes is by Rosicru cian from Penance, by Flying Dutchman from Rosary (sister of Surplice), by Touch stone from Crucifix, by Priam. Clytemn estra and Mersey are aged mares, aud the last named is in foal to Scottish Chief; and Sister Agnes is one of the handsomest three-year-olds tbat over set a hoof on our shores.

MR SPEIGHT'S ADDRESS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.

MR W. J. SPKiQllt addressed a meeting ol his constituents in the Lome-street Hall last evening. The building was rather more than half-full.

Captain McKenzie was appointed chair, man on the motion of Mr Thwaites, and he very briefly introduced tiie speaker of the eveniDg to his audience. Mr Speight was received with, general and cordial applause. He commenced his address by saying that a number of his frieuds had told him that it was quite un. necessary for him to meet his constituents at this time, as they took no interest in mattem political now that the craze was over. Still he bad felt it incumbent upon him to adhere to what he believed to be the bouudeu duty of all parliamentary repre sentatives, viz., to meet the electors at periodic intervals, and if a kind of political deadness did happen to lie upon the constituency at this particular period, then there was _ all the more reason tor the meeting in order to re-awaken the waning interest of the people. The session had been v long and wearisome one, and a vast amount of legislation had passed under consideration. It opened on the 28th of May, and lasted till the Ist of September. Of tho numerous bills introduced into the Lower House—l 24 he believed—6l were passed while of 19 others emanating from the Upper House, some passed also, Thirteen of those bills were sent up by a Statutes He vision Committee for the purpose of con. solidating the existing laws on various subjects, while there were also 16 Native Bills the most of them being the property of the Government and therefore, bound to be accepted or thrown out as an entirety. There were a few measures of Imperial magnitude, but the majority were of trifling import. Perhaps the most important Bill in the minds of those who had been paying up largely to the revenues of the country was the Froperty Assessment JBiil, which was dosjuned to make certain exemptions from the incidence of the property tax— exenip. tions which were not all wisely or judiciously selected. The result was that the order paper was flooded with exemption proposals, the one on which the Auckland members felt most strongly being that in favour of machinery. The Government, in conse quence of all this opposition, withdrew th 3 devoted Bill, and replaced it by a Property Assessment Bill No. 2, which was passed. The speaker then proceeded to discuss Major Atkinson's taxation proposals. In this connection be said that he voted against the Beer Tax because it was not consonant with his ideas of right that the liquor traffic should be established in the country and made to yield a revenue. He wished it put down. Theresas no difficulty in evading , such a tax. It only needed that a man should be true to himself and it would not

be necessary for him to pay a cent on it.

It was proposed to obtain £67,000 from this Baer Tax, in addition to the £260,000 which is said to bare been do rived from the Property Tax. The in crease in the Custom Duties had i defeated the object sought to be achieved by that increase, and the Colonial Treasurer bad admitted the other any at Carlyle that not a single stiver more than was yielded two vcars ago had been realised from this source, although he was careful to attribute it to greater habits of thrift on the parts of, the people. He (the speaker) waa glad to think bo, bat his opinion was strong that the reason rather was that many articles ot consumption upon which in creased duties had to be paid, had been choked off in consequence. It was not (he increaße of Customs' duties on the necessaries of life, the reduction of tele graph boys' and policemen's salaries, and the docking of poor old pensioners' pay ments that was going to lead the country from financial ruin to national prosper ity ; but its salvation would be accom plished by the correction of the many gross instances of extravagance, and the lopping away of the numberless excrescences which at present disfigured the civil body. The Government was a (shortsighted and badly balanced one. It comprised some men of undoubted, abilities and the utmost integrity, but, to his not altogether un tutored mind, it included also men of no ability whatever—men who would make very good under-secretaries ready to do what they were shewn—mere taxgatherers, butwbo were unfitted fcr holding a portfolio. A radical change was required in our system of government. Instead of Parlia mentary work continuing to be a mere struggle for the ousting of one Ministry, and the accession of another, the Govern ment should be minimised—decentralised— and public questions debated with a conscientious appreciation of their merits, and of the responsibility attaching to the determination of them. Two of the great local government measures which Ministers had introduced to the House with such a flourish of trumpets, were the Kating of Crown and Native Lands Bill, and the Local Public Works Bill. The effect of the former was to rate native and crown lands, but in reality the settlers

.paid. The Local Public Works Bill too was an admirably conceived mea-

sure, for it attempted to persuade the people tbat it was effecting a heeded reform, while in """reality it was leav ing things as they were. It meant simply that applications for assist' auce should be made to a Local Public Works Board, composed of the Minister and Engineer, 2nd the effect would be that the sturdiest beggar would get the most. He advised the people to have nothiug to do with the body which requested them to| sue hat in hand for pecuniary assistance, but rather raise the necessary money themselves. Either it was right or wrong to obtain grants for ex penditure on roads; and if right, the people had no need to crave or beg for them. Again, if the system of rating lands was a correct one, he would like to know why native lands should be assessed at half the amount at which other lands were assessed. And yet, according to the published utterances of those in office, these native lands were the pick of the country. The Financial Arrangements Bill was a measure which he looked upon with a great degree of pleasure ; for although it had been said that it did some injustice to the counties, yet it made reparation to the people at large by securing to the colony the remaining portion of the land fund, which oiight never to have been other than colonial revenue. But this Bill did more— it abolished the subsidies. He had never been in favour of the payment of subsidies, but seeing that they had been made the price for the abolition of the provinces the compact thus entered into should have been honourably observed, instead of beiDg coolly set aside, when the exigencies of the case did not really demand such a breach of faith. True a moiety of the sub sidies had been left, but it simply amounted to a compromise of 7s Gel in the £. The whole thing was a piece of financial rigt^ng, inasmuch as even this moiety was wholly ' drawn upon by the treasurer for the support of charitable institutions. After condemning as a waste of money the harbour works which have been commenced at New Plymouth and referring to the licensing laws of the country which, " en passant," he designated a boautiful piece of notch potch, Mr Speight went on to speak of the pro posed Charitable Aid Bill, which they had been told was to be a trump card in the next session. He thought the proper title of it should be The Legalisation of Paupers Bill. It sought to fasten upon localities the support ot the poor, the sick, the dis tressed, and the destitute, and it did some thing more—it created another local body as if we had not enough already. Every fifth man in the community was now a member of some governing body or other. At pre sent it was our pride aud boast that all such charitable institutions were mainly maintained by voluntary effort, but the Bill alluded to would strike a deadly blow at the continuance of this system, and reduce things here to the same undesirable state which they occupied at home. It forced all such existing institutions under the control of a body,whose members wouldbe in part nominated by the.Uovernmeut,and in part elected by the people. Tho Town Dis tricts Billwas another part of the Ministerial scheme of local self government for the management of places like Newmarket, which, being in a county, and yet not beiDg boroughs, would bear some resemblance to the latter body. These town districts would also have the glorious privilege of imposing taxes as well as the coun ties in which they were situated, He now came to a really important measure,viz., the Representation Bill, for the inequalities in parliamentary representation' which it was designed to remedy were very glaring. It started, however, with a wrong step—an increase in the number of representatives, making 90 white members for half a million of people. When he looked upon the many i anomalies associated with their attempts at governing and managing the country, he almost wished tbat they could have a Cromwell to step in and sweep the Parlia ment out of existence and reign as Dictator for a period of 25 years. He at least would go to the root of the matter and apply remedies strong but eftective. This Bill purposed to divide the colony into 89 electoral districts, each of which would return a single member except VVanganui, which was given two—why it would hardly 1 be right, of course, to enquire. Apart from

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. SATURDAY, APRIL 2.



Special Advertisements. He" "COROMANDEL MAIL" CONTAINS TUB liATBBT AND MOST RELIABLE INFOBMATION Kespootlng tho TIKI and OOROMANDKL UOLDFIELD3. Parties deßirous of securing copies of tho nbove should «ivo in thoir nnmca at onco to tho Auckland Agent-Mr. K. Wayto. Bookseller, Queen-street. Arrangornants mo now completo for a reguHa delivery oyory Saturday morning. J. H. WITHEFOED. Coromanael, Mar 23, 1831. HANDSOME WINTER COSTUMES. NEW PARIS MILLINERY. CHOICE AND FASHIONABLE MANTLE?. CASHMERES. CKAPE CLOTHS., And Other Faßhionablo DitEss Materials gg- In All The New Shades. "S» BLACK AND "COLOURED SILKS And SATINS, of Sufjskb Quality. Plain and Fancy VELVKT3 AND VELVETEENS. CHENILLE FRINGE and DRE3S BUTTONS. In all tho Fashionable Shades. Plush, Silk, and Satin Ribbons, op Superior Quality, at Low Prices REAL INDIAN EMBROIDERY. Combining Handsome Patterns and Durability. LADIES' and CHILDREN'S HOSIERY In all the New Shades, ol Unequalled Quality* AT W ILUAM Eattray's Drapery, Clothino, Hosiery, Mantle, and Millinery Esfablishmbnt, New Zealand House, 60, QUEEN-STREKT, AUCKLAND, lOppositb The Bank Ov New Zbaland],



a. pUR X pASH OYSTBM / CS\ —1 ALL t— < — /DRAPERY AND CLOTHING VAT CO-OPKRATIVK CASH PRICKS, AT THE City Hall Arcade, | Garlick & Cranwell, Proprietors. AUSTRIAN BENT-WOOD FURNITURE.— A Largo Shipment just to hand, light and strong, suitable for Breakfast, Sit ting, Dining, or Drawing-room (Black, Wtlnut, ana Light Colours, GARLICK & CKANWELL, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queen-Btreei, Auckland. T^tARPKTS.—The Largest Stock in the Pro \S yin se to selectfrom—all kinds. Tapestry, from 2a lid; Brussels, from is lid; Kid derminster, Felt, and Jute. . The New Worcester Stair Carpet, made of Horsehair, just received—the most durable Carpet ever made. QARUOK & CRANWELL. KDROOM FURNITURE.—A Grea Variety always ready for delivery, to suit all olasaos. Chests of Drawers. Washstandß, Toilet Tables and Wardrobes in various woods. Glasses and Toiletware Bedding of all kinds and sizes; Spring Mattrassca. GARLICK & CRANWKLL. EXHIBITION Designs in Iron Bedsteads.— We keep tho Greatest Variety of Iron Bedsteads in Town, and aro Importers direct from the manufacturers. Haud some Wood Bedsteads from our own Factory, GARLICK & CRANWELL. /"IARLICK & D KAN WELL keep such a VX Largo Assortment of General Housnhold Furniture that you can Furnißh a House throughout from their stock at a day's notice. RAWING-ROOM SUITES in stock, suit able for a Cottage or a Mansion, all upholstered by ourselves, and gnaran teod. Suites fmCTDlning and Sitting rooms in various styles. OA.RUICK. & CRANWKLX. ONLY Warehouse in Town conducted on the London Syßtem, combining all depart ments of Furnishing, Drapery, and Clothing. CITY HALL ARCADK. F~ rVB Per Cent. Cash Discount on all kinds of Furniture, Carpets, Matting, Floorcloths, Ironmongery, Toiletware, and Brush- WarC' GARLICK fc CRANWELL. i OOK CATALOGUES, post free or on appUJ cation, to those intending to Furnish. Estimates and designs given. Carpets made up. Linoleum and Oilcloths laid. Needlework mounted. All kinds of Upholatery and Cabinet-work by ilrst- class workmen. INSPECT OUR STOCK: The Largest in Auckland ! GAELICK & CRANWELL, CITY HALL ARCADE, Qneen-street and Lome-street. Auckland. TT)RES hoods. wlanted known: Q.OOD -[J SEFUIi J)RWS3 MATERIALS ABE BEING SOLD AT HALF TRICE. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S. Is 6d Materials toe 9d. We liavo bought a large JOB L.O" of the above, and are giving our Customers the benefit. FANCY DRESS MATERIAL In Great Variety. eS-AT A HEAVY REDUCTION'S* oil' usual pricoß to Clear Out Dubino The Sbason. A Fresh Lot OF GOOD CHEAP TWEED GOOD CHEAP TWEKD for Boys' Wear tar Just To Hand."®* 5% Discount (Is in the £) allowed off all CASH Purchases of 20a and Upwards. T3USHBROOK & "ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS [Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel], Upper Que en-strket, Auckland. TUST RECEIVED AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, With Plated Arms. Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quite New E. PORTER & CO,, Queen and High 6tkeets np W. HICK SO N, LICENSED SURVEYOR AND LAND BROKER, UNDER LAND TBANEFEB AOT, South British Chambers, Auckland.



mt £1 Free Gifts !—The Proprietors oi Wolfe's Aromatic Schiedam Schnapps, to induce the destruction and prevent the im proper use oi their wrappers and labels, and thus further protect the Publio against fraud and deception, have enclosed in the wrappers, or under the label on the quart bottles, since Ist October, 1878, and continue to enclose in eveby DAIS PACKING THROUGHOUT THB TEAR THREK £1 ORDERS, which are drawn upon the undersigned, and which will be cashed by them on presentation. To secure these Gifts, the Publio mußt be careful to ask for, and accept nothing but, the Genuine Udoipho Wolfe's Schnapps, with our name upon the top label, M. Moss & Co Wynyard Lane, Sydney. J



Special Advertisements. jUSX T?" ECEIVED, Ladies' and Girls , fine cashmere jerseys. BOYS' JBBSKY SUITS. TAM O'SHANTBR HATS. JTKBBSY CELLARS, j COKD3 AND TASSELS, tor Deobsob. mother uubbaho cloaks. Also in Stock, fi. VKItY LARGE ASSORTMENT OP JjAPIES' AND CHILDREN'S UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY LINEN. TIT IL N E & £i\K 0Y C E OITKKN■S T R X X T. W INKS & p|- A Lh. HAVE I 11EMOVEP I F»OW SIIOBTLAND-STREET TO TEMPOItAIIY PREMISES IN FOkT STREET, OPPOSITE GOCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THBIR.. C H Vf A P SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK, THEY WILL EEMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THKEE-BUILDING OK THKIIt WARK. HOUSE IH SHOBTLAND-STKEET.



THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. NEW WINTER CLOTDIVG. Tho Winter Stock just opened at tho N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. ' Encourago Colonial Industry and buy at tho N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. Nowost Styles and Superior Quality at the N. Z, CLOTHING FACTORY. Kvory Article gives satisfaction bought at tho N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. New Zealand Tweeds only aro uaod at tho N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. New Zealand Labour only employed at tho N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. All Clothing superior fitting, good quality, and thoroughly shrunk. Auckland Branch: QUEEN-STKEET (Opposite Theatre Royal), AND AT Albert-street, Thames. j. fitzsimons, Manager.



Noveltios In Furnishing UooJb.—The " Royal Axminster" Carpet with handsome border just landed, rich in appoarance, and as soft ns a Turkey Carpet; the " Worcester" Stair Carpet the pile is entirely made of horsehair, prettily shaded border, and is the most durable carpet for stairs ever made, and at a lower price than Brussels: Handsome Covorings for Drawing room Suites just opened by Garlickand Cran well; these Coverings are proof against moths and have a pretty Rround-work o£ silror old gold colour, etc, etc.: Handsome Half-Tester Bedsteads now od. view. The greatest varioty of Bedsteads in Auckland to select from. AH kinds of Household Kurnituro at very low prices, and 5 per cent, discount allowed for cash nt tl eof purchase. This firm carry on their Drapery and ' lothing business on the Co-spsra tive Cash System, marking thuir goods at a very small advance on cost trusting to a large turnover to make it remunerative. Furnish your House from the City Hall Arcade Gar lick and Cranwell, Proprietors.—f Advt