SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

~..„ M r«mirnJ'llhlß Kvonlne. 9.29 HIGH WATER •i To . morrow Morn bag, 0.12 SUN3KT.-Thls Kvenlng, G 10 SUNRIBK.-To-Morrow Mornln-r. 5.3.S MOON'S AQK.-Laat Quarter, 22nd, 7.i) a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVHNIXCI. Argyle, b.p., Crawford, from Whangarei

TO-DAY. ■Waitaki, 8.3., Kdlo, from Whanga.ei

DEPARTURES.

t.;-bat. Argylo. s.s, Crawford, for Whangarei Reward, echoorer, Anderson, for W hansaroi Tokerau, cutter, Clt.nnmon. for Mercury liay Glonolg, S.S., FarquUar, for Tauran^a

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Lonrton-Dnnloe, loading : Loch Urr, to follow Tauranga—Uler.elg, Wednesday; Waitaki, Alon-

day Russoll—lona, Monday . Melbourne via South-Albion, Ihnraday Whangarei and llussoll—wmtakt, VVprtncsiiay New Plymouth and Bonth-Wanaka, Tuojday Whangorei—Argyle, Tuesdays and lUiaaia Waitaki, Friday Friendly Islands— Myrtlo Islauds-t'oronot, Flirt

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Wolverine, H.M.S., from Sydney, shorty W^ftfcWft* London; sailed Sya?n ehim, barque (J.M F.Q.). from London AvoCKeTxrom London; to uil January Peru baruuo, from London : loading Loch'Dee!barquo, from Union; sailed Doeem-> Saportor! barquo, from Now York: sailed Cabarfoldh! toirqoo (9.Q.M.J.), from Hongkong Himalaya! barque (vTt.K.M), from London; Orwell, brigantine, from tho Islands llodorick Dhu, brlgantine, from Diinedin Defiance, brigantino, from Port tlialmeia Kthel, brigantino, from Dunedin Ryno, brlganlino, from Rotumah Look Out, brigantino. from Sycney Knergy. schooner, from Noumea sailed 31st Mazeppa, schooner, from Rarotongi Marion, schooner, from Noumea Policeman, s:hooner, from Noumea Jalia Price, schooner, from Noumoa Dayspring, mission sahooner (W.N.8.M.), from tho Islands Gael, schooner, iron Levuka Aznoa Donald, schooner, frjm Rerotonga Sybil, schooner, from Society Isiunds Transit, schooner, from Rarotoaßa Atotehau, schooner, from Karotonga Pirate, schooner, fVom Peuryhn Island Foarl. ketch, from Rarotongi Spiedwel), ketch, from Norfo.k Island

InWAHES CoAR-nvisE.-Gho.-t, f roni Coroman dol, witli 25,000 feet timber; St. CUir, from Cape Colvillo, With 3S tons firewood ; Makarau, from Cipo Barrier, with S.OOOfoettimber; Pukupuka, rrom Mahurangl, with GO tons firewood. OuiWAnrs Coastwise—Wave, for Ngun enru ; Opotiki, for Tairua ; Putapupa, for Mahurangi; Mariner, for RusseU ; Gipsy, for TauraDga, with 14,000 brick?. ThebarqneDunloois completing her loadinjj fir London, and the la expect'-d to sail next wvek. The new three-masted Fchooner Handa Isle, ■was docked to-dr.y for tho purposj ot beinK coppered. The 5.9. Arsyle, which arrived last evenini? from Whans;arei broiwhtSOsacks gum, 60ca?es fruit. 10 boxes cues, and sundries. Pr.ssenßer.s- Mepdames Jones. Uent, Francis, Miss Bowrme Major Withers. Professor Fraser, llessrs \\ il liams, MoUonpell, Mcl.eod. White, Walker, four others, and seven steerage. Tho brigantino Clansman will b9 brought round to-nißht from Freeman's Ray. where she has been cleaned and repainted. £he sails to morrow for Nowcastlc.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

Tho brifjantme Gtorge Thornton has cleared at tho Cuatoma for Kaipara. where tho losds With timber for Melbourne. The s.s. Wallabi anchored at tho Ileaua today, windbound.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wexlikoton, yesterday. Sailed: Wanaka, for North. Passengers:- Ms* Ridditord, Jlesdamos Barnard, Clark, and Riddiford, Messrs Nancarrow, Urookflsld, Jones, Perrott, fookos, Riddiford, and Jlr and Mrs Bennett. L?TTEtTON. yesterday. Clearod: West Riding, for London, with a fall cargo of grain and produce. Sydney, February 17. Sailed : Arawata, s.s , for Auckland. Adilaidb, February 17. THE ACONCAGUA. Arrived: The Orient Company's gtcimship Aconcagua, from Plymoutb. GISBORNE, this day. Arrived: Rotomahana, from Auckland, at noon. Russell, this day. Sailed; lona for Auckland, 2 p.m.

COMMERCIAL.

Evikiso Star Cfßce, Friday. Mr ?, Cochrane and Sin held a largo sale of furniture and Bundiie3 to-day, when fair prices were realised. Mr Sibbin held a clearing-cut sale of grcceis stock &t his mart this fcrenooD. Thoro wa3 a largo attendance and tho price 3 realised woro good. At Mr W. Dowden's usual weekly Bale of prodnoe to-day, potatoes brought from 2s 6d to 38 3d; bran, is 6d to is Bd Ihe bag: maize, 3s per bushel; cheese, Id to 3d per lb.; apples, ljd. A large quantity of general merchandise was also disposed of at good prices.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MB ALFRED BUCKLAND'B WKEKLY REPORT.

At tho Haymarket, on Friday last, fodder maintained bis -previous wsek'3 values, best oaten sheaves reaching 3g 6d per cwt. Horse stock offered were mostly of a small and medinm ola-s. For medinm draught, pricoa ranged from £11 to £20; interior horses, from £1 to *10 ca On*Tueaday, hides broueht from 2*d to 3Jd the lb • fnll-woolled sheensklDS, 6s; celts, from Jd to'is 2d each. Wool iin bale 3, CJd to 8d tho IS. Tallow, 20s 6d to 22i the owt. At Polceno, on Monday, there was a larger muster of cattle than uausl. For young ami growing cattle there was a fair inquiry, bat cows were more dull of sale. Several pons of sheep sold freely. At Drury, on Wednesday, there was a fu'l muster of stock of all descriptions, with a corresponding comand. Price 3 were higher from 5s to 10s per head than for seroral weeks, with'a steady demand throughout tho sale. Attßemuera, on Thursday, dairy cows were ia moderate supply and at late values, fctoro cattle in better Inquiry than last week. Fat cattle In full number and of choice quality, but prices were irregular ; plump cattle, light weight ranged from 23s to 255, but heavy cattle were from 18s to 21s the lOOlbs. A fall market of fat theep met with a slow sale, prices ranging from 13d to 2d the )b. Lambs were plentiful, but in good inquiry, best quality brought from 93 to Us each, and porkers wereingood domanlat full prices.

MESSRS HUNTEB AND NOLAN'S WKKKLT REPOBT.

Horses.—Tho supply has been up to tho average. About an average numbjM wero entered for disposal on Friday, at tho Durham Ya'ds and, though at first bidding was Blow, most In were disposed either ut the hammer or privately after the sale. We quote :-Hacks, £6 to JSlslss; medium draught, £18 to «26 103 ; heavy draught, £35103. Cattle.—At Newmarket, on Tuesday, the yards were weU filled. Dairy cattle were slightly lower in value, though well-bred cows, at their profit sold well. Calves were plentiful, and sold at an advance on last week's quotations Fat cattle in full number, though small in size, and sold a Bhade lower than the previous week's quotation?. Sheep—A large number were brought for ward for sale. Good fat wethers sold freely, but fat ewes receded slightly in value. We emote -—Wethers. 113 tolls 9d; ewe?, 93 to 12; ---iambs were in short supply, and consequently "pj^Few yarded, with an Jinquiry for good porkers. AUCKLAND PRQOUCS? MARKETS. •Wholesale. Ketall. . b. d. s.d. s d. b. d. Buttm.fs.lb 0 8-0 0 Milk, quart 0 4-0 0 Best Dairies 0 10-0 0 Butter, fa, lb 10 0-1 0 Batter, sit, lbO 0-0 0 Butter, salt 0 10-0 0 Cheese (new) 0 5-0 0 Cheese (col.) 0 8-0 0 Do., Cant. 0 G-0 0 Kggs.doz... 1 3-0 0 Bgga.doz. 1 0-0 0 Lard.lb .. 0 0-0 10 Lard lb (tins) 0 7-0 8 Fowls, each 2 6-3 0 Bacon and Hams, Ducks, each HO Provincial 0 7—o 10 Geese, each 5 o—7 0 Canterbury Hams Turkeys .. 5 0-? 0 and Bacon (in Bacon, 18.. 0 10-1 0 cloth) .. 0 10J-1 0 Hams.lb .. 10-13 Bread, ii to 4}d per 2lb loaf Jams, per case, 5 doz, 32s 6d. to 353 First-class butter is scarce; eggs are well sup- Pll6a' BUTCHER'S MEATi I Retail. a. d. a. d. Boasting Beef 0 ftoO 7 Boiling Beef 0 4-0 5 Mutton, hind-quarter .. .. -09- oih „ fore-quarter OZJ— 0 6 Lamb, fore-quarter ) 0 0 — 06 „ hind-quarter / " " " " Pork and Veal 0 G-0 7 Steaks - 0 £-?. I Chops and Sausages .. .. •• 05— 0 v Tallow beat (wholesale)-inutton, 303; mixed, 0 °3' Flour Market. Wholesale. S, B. d. Superfine Flour, silk dressed, per ton.. 13 0 0 Fine Flour, ditto, household .. ..800 Sharps, per ton i«inl 11 n n Adelaide, per ton .. .. £1310s-HO 0 Oamaru, per ton .. .. ~ .. 1} W U Dunedin, per ton 11 0 0 Canterbury, per ton .. .. .. .. 11 0 0 Bran per ton (sacks included) .. .. 50 0 Cabin Bread 18 0 0 Oatmeal 11 0 0 Pearl Barley 18 0 0 Hay and Corn Market. Wholesale. s. d. s. d. Re. &s. Maize (Syd.) none Hay, me'dow (CaL) none ton pressed 5 o—o 0 „ (Fijn.) 0 0-3 0 Lucerne, do None „ (Coast) 0 0-3 3 Btraw (load) 0 18-1 10 Oats .. .. 2 o—2 3 Chaff .. .. i 10—5 0 Wheat (fowli 3 6—4 0 Hay (oaten) 5 10—6 0 Potatoes, £3 10a to £1. Retail. b. a. s. d. s. d. s. d. Maize,bushel3 6-0 0 Lucerne, cwt.7 6-8 0 Oats, ditto ..2 3—2 9 Oaten, ditto 6 0-7 0 Bran, lOOlbs 0 0-5 6 Straw, ditto 3 o—l 0 Wheat (fowl) 3 3-3 6 I Chaff, ditto 5 6-6 0 Hay, cwt. ..5 6-0 01 Fotat'es.ditto 1 3—l 6 Fijian Maize 3 6-0 0 Seeds.—Retail. B. d. b. d. s. d. s. d. Ryoeross ..5 OS 0 Cocksfoot.bl.o 0-7 6 Italiln.do. ..7 6-8 0 Trefoil, lb. 0 !)-0 0 Rod Clover,lbo 9—o 0 Katstoil, lb. 1 6-0 0 White Clover 1 1-1 3 Timothy, lb. 0 7-0 0 Alsyke,lb ..12 0 0 Lucerne,lb. 1 6-0 0 CowgrasH, lbl 0-1 i Itape, lb ..0500 Woolpaoks in quantity, 3s 3d to 33 fid each corn sacks, 8s to 9s 6d per dozen. Fencing wlro No»ili,7 nnd 8, assorted, 31610s to £17 por ton *■

Coal and Firewood Market. Coal.—Nowcastlo (ship's side), cargo 31s per ton • yard, JOa to 455. Bay of Islands, at yards, 2uß 6d • screened, 28s Od; ditto at tho mino, 12s; ship 8 side, 23s Gd. Waikato, at mino, 5s ;in Auokland 17s 8d to 22s ; Taupini, at mines, 63 6d to 12s ; at yard, 18s to 21s: delivered, 253 to 28a. Wangarol, at mino, 8a Gd; yard (stoum), 17s; household, Ils. Miranda, at yard (hojsohold), 18s; steam, 18a. Kamo (housohold), 28?, 30s deli verod ; Bteam, 2.!a. Firewood.—Uncut, at wharf (cargo), 8s to 9j per ton; delivered, 12s ; out, lla to lbs. Kauri Gum and Flax Market. Gum unchanged. Tho following sales havo boon effected since last Friday :-Good ordinary Kuipara and Wliangaroi at £31 to £Jb, VVai kato. £23 to £30. Kast Coast, i-110 to £11; receipts for February, so far, Z\o tons. FLAX.-Kinest quality £l?-£22 por ton Tow - •« ~ 6 — 8 n Vtnrom " 4W.perlb Building Matbuials. TiMnER.-Boardnanfl Scantling, 100 ft,, best 12s Gd : second class, 83 0d ; best planed, tongnod ami grooved, 13s (3d ; second-class dit o. la fid. Mills: Cargo, best,Bs6d; sec-class, Is6d. BauiK, Zotfand Palings, sft (s:.p\ 10a; sft (heart) 13s; Gft, 13i Tl-troo Kails, £3 10s per 100; 1 -uriri Posts. £6; Shingles, Us prr 1,000; Hnbart Town Palings, sft, 17s; 6ft, 19s; llobart 'lown Rails, 90s, selling quotations. li'.icK-s (at WEau,l 40a per 1,000; Town Yards. £2 15a: delivered. £2 103. Drain pipes, por 100, G inches bore), 30a; 4 tnclieg. Us; .inches 9s 2 inches, £2 10s per 1,000 socket glazed pipes, 18 inches 2jG(l per foot; 15 inches, 2s per too-; Vi inches, Is Gd per foot; 9 Inches, Is per foot; b inches, Gd por foot; 1 inches", 4d por root. Lime, Blaokod. Is por bushel; quick limo in sack, Is Gd to 2a.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Ci.osk as Under.— This Day. For Thamoi. per liotonmhunn, at 1 p.m. ror Whl.iangl, Tairuil, Taurunga, and (Jpotlkl, per GlonolK. at I p.m. ~„ For Whanßiirol Honda, Parun, Wnlpu, Whan carol, and Taiitfihua, per Argylc. at 1 p.m. For Waugarei Hernia, \\'auj?aroi, and Manga pai, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Kntorpriao, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday. 19th instant. For Waiwera, Muhuraniti, Mutukana, Manga wal, etc, per Hoao Casoy, at 10 a.m. For London direct, per Uunlou, at 3 p.m. For Thames, per Hotomahana, at 1 p.m. Monday, 2rat Instant. For Waittvra, per Lalla Kookh, at U n.m. For Coromandol, por Coromandjl. at 11.30 a.m tfor Russell, Kawakawa, WmiKtiroa, and AtODßonul. por lona, at 4 p.m. For Samoa, per Flirt, at 3 p.m. For TauruDKU and Opoiikl, per Waitaki, at i p.m. TUESDAY, 'J2nd instant. For Taranaki and Southern port 3, pe-r A'anako, at 11 a.m. Wkdnesday, 23rd instant. For Russell, Kawakawa, and Australian Colonies, por Arawatu, at 5 p.m. Tuksday. Ist March. Por R.s. City of Now York, as follows :- For Sandwich Inlands, United Stateß of Amorica. Canada, British Columbia. Contra! and youth Ainorlcia. and British uud Foreign West lndtoa, at S P.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Kuropo, at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered lottors, and newspapers, at 1 p.m. Late lottors boarini? fin «xtrn fee of sixpence in addition to tlio postage, will bo received by tho Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of sailing. Tnis mail will bo duo In London on Tuesday, April 12.

N D.—A Poßt-ofllen has be«n opened at Opaheke, noar Ranianinv\. Mails will clobo at this ofllco every Friday at 7 p.m. Return mails will bo received every Saturday at 1) io a.m. S. B. H133, Chief Foatmaster. Chiof Post-oilice. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Fkhruahy 18th. ISSI. Thoatro Royal — "Yankeo Former," and " Handy Andy," » p.m. Temperance Hall—Hand of Hopo Union meet ing. 7.30 p.m. MeetinK of Friendly Societies' Delegates, In the Young Men's Kooms, at 7.30.

Birth

HUMPHREYS.—On tho 19th inst.. at May town Kpsom, tho wifo of Owen Humphreys of a daughter.

Death.

ALWIXGEH.-On February 17, 18S0, John J, Alwing?r; aged 30 years. Tho funeral will leavo tho Provlncml llos pital to-morrow, 10th instant, at 3 p.m. Friends are invited to attend.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1881

For ihe cause that Licks assistance, For llie wrung that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the rood that we can do

The "rant made by tlio Government towards school buildings in Auckland has deeply grieved the patriotic spirits of the Otago Board of Education. Ever since the Act ciuno into force, Otago, which was before well-provided with schools through the munificence of the Provincial Government, has managed to get hold of tho lion's share of the grant for buildings, but tins year the claims of Auckland obtained some slight recognition, and several meetings of the Otago Education Board have been spent since in wild denunciations of what certain members are pleased to term the undue favouritism and extrava gance of Auckland in the apportion ment of the education vote. By our Dunedin telegrams today we learn that Mr Fulton has read his threatened essay on the subject, and has proved by figures to his own satisfaction, and apparently to that of his colleagues who were easily persuaded, that the Auck land Education District id exceptionally well used and Otago very badly troatecrj It is a pity that persons occupying the positions hold by those gentlemen will not act honestly in dealing with a public question, for we charge them distinctly with dis honest manipulation of the information which must have been at their com mand, in order to make out a case against Auckland. Leaving outside the question of education reserves— and Auckland has 41,i)74 acres against 502,448 acres in Otago—we assert most emphatically that it is capable of absolute proof that Auckland has been much worse treated in the matter of education than Otago. Taking from the last report of the Minister of Education the figures relating to Auckland and Otago, which Mr Fulton also professes to have consulted, what do we find? In 1879 Auckland had 204 little schools to support, scattered over a very sparsely ami irregu larly settled country, with an at tendance of 10,688 children ; Otago, which is more compact in its mode of settlement, had much fewer schools, with a larger attendance—the number of schools was 14G, the total average attendance, 14,G37. The Auckland Education Board received from all sources £77,522 18s Id; the Otago Education Board, £112,318 17s 8d! Poor ill-used Otago!! Mr Fultou says the Auckland manage ment is extravagant. Now-we admit that the cost of the stuff of the Central Board in Auckland was £2,3G!) against £1,895 for Otago, and that the excess in our case appears to be unnecessary. We desire—un ike Mr Fulton—to discuss the subject honestly, and wo admit that here tho case does not appear to the advantage of Auckland. But that is a mere bagatelle, and Mr Fulton bases his charge on the cost of managing the schools. Here we join issue with him. The position of the Auckland Board is exceptional and extremely embarrass ing. A large number of small schools must be kept open, or tho children of settlers will be utterly cat off from all educational advantages, because settle ment in Auckland has not spread along the sides of railways and trunk roads in connected order, but has taken root in isolated valleys, on the rivers, and deeply intended bays of the Province. The lump sum paid to the respective Board?, as we have just proved, is very much larger, in proportion to the schools and attendance,' in Otago than in Auck and; yet the Auckland Board have a great deal more to do with their money. How nave they kept their <

204 littlo schools open 1 The answer! given by tlio oilicial returns is plain—' by Btrtrving'the teachers. Auckland has 387 teachera of all grades—and i\w.y are paid, in all, .£33,011 for salaries and travelling allowance, or less than an average of £$5 10s each; Otago has 359 teachers, and pays them £17,345. or about £132 per head. Truly Auckland is dread fully extravagant, and Otago very economical! But we havo not shown the full depth of the dreadful injustice inflicted on poor Otago,and the aflluenoc of tho Auokland .Department. According to the Lust report of the Minister of Education, thoro wore 131 teachers; residences to the 140 schools in Otago; in Auckland there were 70 residences to, 204 schools—wliilo in short Iho teachers in Otago all recoivo houses besides their £i'd'2 a year, the bloated teachers of Auckland with their £80 10s are without residences. Again we ex claim poor Otago ! It would naturally: he inferred from tha howl ol Mr Fulton and his colleagues that the (!o-, vci'uuient had been .shamed into some action calculated to ameliorate! the absolute hndshiip of the condition of a large proportion ot' the Auckland teachers, and that tlio Otago Board, being unaware how much such a step was needed, had been stag gered by some very largo building vote to Auckland. Instead of that however, we Jind that Otago, with its teachers' house to every school, actually received £44,522 against £28,7-18, granted to Auckland on building account iv 187' J. These figures, which must bo

known to Mr Fulton and his co-members and which aro available to every journalist in the country who chooses to turn tT) tho report of the Minister of Education laid before Parliament last session roqniro no further com ment. Wo charge the Otago Ho ml with gross misrepresentation, and wil|, a wilful attempt to create a sunselc, ss outcry, for which they ought to |, 0 thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

It is still a deplorable fact that 55,20 per cent, of the deaths which declined in the colony last mouth were children under live years of age. JN'egk'ct and ignorance would account for a large proportion of this dread ful tn;us:icrc of the lunoecutu,

We are rcr[iic!ited to t-t-.du Unit variou.s articles of clothin; and luisiery, supposed to havo been ptulcn Irom cluthen lines, nrc in the posecsnioH o£ the police, and may be Been at the station. Aniouf; the anicles are several pniraof Indies'stoekiufjii murkett A, with red cotton, l'ersonn who have hnt such articles will do well to c.ill and inspect them with a view of hientilicalion.

Beliefs, the man who was represented to have received gomo very Eovcre injuries in the Uiimain last week, is now walking about town, and iuforina us that the case was not so seiious as was at liist supposed. Hollers was not iv tha Militia (as cr roucously slated), but acted as adjutant in the lmpeial service for about l(j year.-).

The number ot fever cases at the hospital seem to iucrcasc as each week rot\s by, and to-day theio arc under treatment no les* than twelve cases of typhoid and one c.isc of scarlet fever, tlio latter a patient fmm the Wade While we do not wish to frighten sensitive persona rcgnrdiuj; iho increase of these fever cases iii our midst, wu feel it our duty to recommend all due c.iution as legards bad drainajfe, and other like objec tionable I'illuvin. The public would iil.io do well to be cautious in partaking of any tiling in tho shape of decayed or unwhole some fruit, with which the market U now glutted.

We would n^'.uu remind our renders of the niculiiijj to bo held tlfn ovcuiiig ill the TcroperancuJlall, Albert-street,tcformation of tho Hand of Hope Union, and it is hoped that aomo practical work will be accom plished.

Two captious individuals were ovcrhoaul the other day discussing the relative »pwd ot the well-known railway engine " Flying Dutchman" with those of America and other parts of Hi-) world. One argued that nothing could bent tho the speed of the Flying Dutchman, which had been known to do its 80 miles au hour ; while the other contended that he had seen endues go at a much greater speed than that, and, as a proof of bia assertion, proceeded to give an instance, which was as follows :—" 1 had occasion to make a journey into the country with a friend. We were going at a terrible speed, when my friend, who was looking out of the window, exclaimed, ' Do you see that toothcomb!"1 No! [replied. "After an explanation, 1 at once saw that we wete poing along with such velocity that the telegraph pole.s appeared so close together that they resembled a toothcomb. That takes it out of your Flying Dutchman.''

An interesting model of the niiiis of Porchestcr Castle has bren presented to the Auckland Museum by Mr Briustead. These ruins stand at tho head of a neck of land jutting out towards the middle of Ports mouth harbour, in the English County of Hampshire. Mr Brinstcad has furnished a brief, descriptive tkctch of the castle which has stood for more than two thousand years. Persons who know the Southern Coast of England, with its many historic landmarks will (md the model faithful to the original, and gener ally attractive. The mini and surrounding land, are the property of Mr Thistlewnite, of Southwick Park. From the dilapidated tuwer tit the castle, a splendid panoramic view of the surrounding country may be had, embracing Portsmouth harbour, S|>it head, Isle of Wight, and the distant spire of Chichester Cathedral. A portion of the enclosure, occupying altogether eight acres, ia preserved for cricket; and in an adjacent corner stands Porchcster Church, of Ncnnau origin, originally in the form of a cross, with a low tower at the intersection. The fortress at one time was used as a prison for foreigners, and during tire revolutionary war willi France, there were nearly 0,000 French prisoners confined within its walls. The model gives a very good idea of the castle in its present state, ami it not highly artis tic, it does the modeller credit, and ia a promise of better things to come. .

According to the last four weekly railway returns, the Kamo lino is the best paying in the colony (Greymouthexcepted), its expenditure being only DO'94 percent, to the receipts, flo wonder, when such an extortionate charge is made for the carriage of coal, the expenditure on the Kaipara line is 8948 percent. ; on the Waikato line, GV-Z1; the Wellington line, 85 51 per cent.; and the New Plymouth railway, 8452. The Wcstport railway is worked at a less, its expenditure to receipts being 10024; Nelson, 78 08 ; and Picton, SO 71. The returns are so made up as to conceal losses on the political branch line of Otago and Canterbury by clumping them a'l together under the term Amberley-Kingston, thus making tho profitable Canterbury lines cover the deficiencies on the political rail railways.

Two very delicate surgical operations have been [performed by D( Philioa at the Hos pital this week. In one instance a man named William Strauaway had his arm fractured about fourteen weeks ago, and the arm was then bound up,and till a few days seemed to be progressing favourably towards discovery. When the bandages were re moved, however, it was found that the ho/ie had not united, thus leaving very doubtful questions whether he would ever have the use of his arm again. Dr Pnilson hos had some considerable experience in the treat-, menf. of such cases and proceeded to put a "aeeton" which causes inflammation, and produces matter. The second operation wag performed on a little girl named Eliza Hewitt, who was suffering from the existemo of decayed bono below the kr.ee. The child was put under chloroform, and the decayed particles removed, and she is ■ow in a lair way towards recovery, although iv a rather weakly state.

The ypung man, Henry Jones, who con fessed to several cases of obtaining money under false pretences, was well connected and well educated. He was a native of Outton, a small village .about four miles from Epsom, in Surrey, and Was, we under stand, the lessee of a tavern in that place. He came direct to this country about two years a£o, for the purpose of taking the benefit of the healing waters of the Waiwera Hot Seringa, having Buffered much from rheumatic fever. He was in receipt of remittances regularly from the old country. Having had considerable experience at the bar, he was entrusted with the management of the liquor department at Waiwera. His income, according to his own statement, failed in coming to hand, and consequently he became reduced m cir cumstances, and, instead ot turning his bauds to honest work, Henry Jones was tempted to commit errors which have landed him iv Mount Eden.

The hospital overseer cxpreafiC3 his thanks to the response to a request mado for old books, paper?, &c, through our columns, and would feel grateful for any supplies of old linen which he says will be particularly acceptable at present.

Tho Tc Arohn, correspondent of the "Advertiser" writes :—" There is nothing fresh re the murder. Farrell is busily engaged hunting up further particulars about the crime, and has, I believe, suc ceeded in obtaining additional evidence agai.ist I'roeolli. Sergeant-Major O'Grndy arrived here this afternoon, for the purpose (if assisting him. The witnesses fur the prosecution will probably leavo for the Thames by the Vivid on Saturday."

SCINTILLAITONS.

"Ho brief; for ie mw tn tvorda ac with cim beums: tlio mom tlioy uro conduuwd tui dcupur they buru,"-SOUTHKV.

Some "Goliath" plum?, grown in the orchard nf Mr A. A. Fautham, Gwynnolautl, Ua in bridge, have boon shewn by Mr Gwynne in Uamilbn. They are a.H lurgo as a peach and of delicious flavour. Sawn timber ban been rniied one shilling per 100 ft. The Union Sash and Door circular now quotes 12s fid. Mr A. Wallace, of Mangero, has sold to Mr John Lamb a parcel of new season wheat, weighing C3Jlbs. a bushel, Between two and three hundred citizens were present at the Garden Party t;iven by the Mayor and Mayoress yesterday at the Tower, Kimueia. Favoured by fine wciitlier, the k'utherinp; was v very pleasant one, and the host and hostess were inde fatigable in iniuistetiu^ to Iho enjoyment of their f,'iio.«t-\ Mr West expects to commence operations in a week nt his chair factory at tlio Thames, for which the machinery is being erected. The Ligiuidii bees uro voted a uui?aucc in Canterbury because they attack the hives of the common bees nnd cany oil' the honey by force. The Clnitdchurcli "Star " says the Tram way (Joiupauy'H stfttcmout was made to appear unduly favourable, and that the four por cent dividend is a blind. A littles (jii I named Moore has been de coyed away from her home in Chlistcliurch. The Leeds Gas Committee have reduced the price of fins from Us l>d por I,oooft. to Is lOd. About 8n (id per ],()00 cubic feet is about tliu London price for 16-cnndlu gnu. Sulviiii, the Italian tragodinu, has been ongu^cd for an American tour at £100 a week and a share in the gro.Hn profit". Seven plays constitute bis Ainericuu reper toire, of which " Hamlet," " Othello," anil " Macbeth," are three. Mr Pliiusoll hui taken up the cudgels on boltulf of tin; Miners of lingland. lie wants stiicter piei'aulioimenforced for their safety while working underground. Theio are "JO,OOO persons in Hio Janioro of Fronch birth, including 320 who left Alsaco-Lorraino rather tlian accept Gorman rule. The pen with which these emigrants signed their declaration to remain French citizens (etched .CMO ut auction, the pro ceeds going to tho wounded survivors (if the war.

SPECIAL WELLINGTON TELEGRAM.

(I!Y TBIiIGUAIUI, OWN COKRKSI'OMDKJJT)

WELLINGTON, this day. Sir G. M. U'Korko arrived to-day to attend tlic University Senate.

Mr Oliver telegraphs tint ho leaves Duncdiii on Monday, returning to Wel lington mi Wedncsdny.

Mr Holkstou telo.'inplis that the l'ari haka nioctiiif; ycsteiday passad oil' quietly. To Whiti reiterated Ilia exhortation to ncacful conduct and patient cinluring.

THEATRE ROYAL.-A NEW PIECE.

i Tiik "Irish Detcctivo" was produced for the fourth ami last time last evening, ami will be followed tonight by an entirely new ami most attractive double bill. Mr (! rat tan Ui^ns will nppour nt "The Yuukro Farmer," ami "Handy Andy." The "Yankee Fanner" whk chosen by Mr lligga for l)i-< benefit iiiglit in ChriHtuhurch and was favourably noticed by the local liress. The Christcliurcto "Stiir" says :— "Mr Kiu'k'-1 plivyud in Aintrican farmer

with tlmi thoroughness which mnik.t n'.l hm ir.ipoMOUutioiif, absolutely identifying !>im pelf with the lo'.e, and almost compelling all who saw him to foruet that Ilioy liad seen him in any other character. Tho piece, in tlic tir«t act, displays tlio ndventures of an un'ophutiuftUd tillor of (lie Hoil, wlion in tho streets and houaca ot a city; nnd, in the lu'coiul act, hliowj the simple-minded, k'ood-heurti.'d fellow in his own homo. Among his city advonturcH is \ hid falling in With 'I POOC girl who cunin n living l>y sweeping street cro»aing3, &c, wuobc father is v drunken scoundrel, anil whose mother is nt death,'* door. Tho kind-untured countryinau, not content with giving liberal nlms to the chiM, accompanies her to her miserable home, where he witnesses her niotht'i 'a denth. An lie knefhat the bed- Bide of the dead wonnu the cliild'd father enters in n rnnudlinstate, s'umblesovorthc knceliux visitor, who, in the excited state of his nerves, loosest not a moment in throwing him out of the window. An amuting epi'odo in thii net is a country dance, in which Joshua joina wi'h the eariiestnesfi he throws into everything. In iho kcoucl act, Mr Riggs displtyed Kreat drannitii: power in the emotion he showed, when suddenly told that hi? son was to be arrested on a charge of felony, of which his appearance. led his employers to be lieve him guilty. And not less striking was the revulsion of feeling evinced when the real culprit having been discovered the son is liberated. "The Yankee Farmer" is well suited to show the genuine qualities of Mr KigK'l aa an artist of the first, rauk, and is a, drama of unexceptionable tone, with plenty of actiou and excitement of a healthy moral kind." In tho well-known Irish piece which fol lows, Mr Uigus will have ample ccopo for the exhibition of tl.ose character imperson ations fur which he has already demon strated hil* qualification.".

CORRESPONDENCE.

NIGHT-CARTS.

(To the Editor.)

Slit, —Your correspondent " Pro Bono I'nblico" might, with very little difficulty, have found many more offensive nuisances to have written about than that of the night carts. Surely if these carts are cleansed properly, and it is, I suppose, the Inspector's duty to see that they are, there cannot be anything like the possibility of tiie difeiise being caused ijy them that is likely to ari«c from one of tbe boxes of which there are thousands connected with the various water-closets throughout, our city. If your correspondent would urge the use of dry earth and the necessity for tho Inspector of Nuisances compelling the building of proper brick ar.d cement ccsvpits in accordance with the by-law, in place of the mere holei sunk in the (•round, as is too often the ca«e at present, he would be doing far more for the prestr vution of health than he is likely to do by agitating for the removal of the night carts, which is beginning to look very much like [in attempt at petty prosecutiou of tho pre sent contractor, whose only fault Fcems to have been the breaking down of a monopoly, by charging 5d per box instead of Is, as charged by the late contractor (Faulder), thus paving the ratepayers some two or throe thousand pounds per annum.—l am, &c, Fair Play. (To tho Editor.) Sir,—On perusing your widely circulated journal of last overling's issue, I notice a brief and pithy letter under the noin do plume of " Pro Bono Publioo," witnicfor encc to lire night soil nuisance, and 1 may say that I entirely coincide with the writer's remarks, and as a resident of Nelson-street I most emphatically protest against the parading of these carts at a lato hour in the morning; also, !i<»ainst the contractor being allowed to keep these portable fovor accessories in his yard during the day, and I think that it would be studying public health and opinion if at their next meeting our respected Mayor will endeavour to have this permission rescinded.—l remain, &c, .Observer,

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

CHKISTCHUnCH, this day, FIRE.

The roof ot the kitchen of the Victoria Hotel caught iire this morning, but was fortunately extinguished before it had obtained a good hold.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

ltussici.L, thin dujr. Silled: Sovereign ; alno lomi.-PiißSoiigorß: Messrs Bo^oicl, Bishop, Thompson, Meat* mont, Freestone, Waiots, Mooros, |2),Hunt,Mo- Mura, and 1 others. Lyithxton, this day. Sailnd: West Hiding, buiiuo. for London, will! a cargo of grain. Cleared: Ship Waunato for LjnfloDi

SHOCKING ACCIDENT AT NORTHERN WAIROA.

An accident of a shockiug character has occurred at Tokatoka, Northern Wairoa. A number of telegraph poles belong ing to the Government had been placed on the top of a steep bank formed by the cutting of the public road. In stead of being laid with their ends to the bank Ihe poles-fi-ere stacked parallel to it. Several children were playing about, when one of the poles turned over, falling upon two children setting at the bottom of the bank. One of these, the daughter of Mr Siiniulcrs, three years old, was instantly kilicd, while the other little girl sustained severe injuries to her back. At the iuquest held subsequently the jury added a rider censuring the Government for the caieless stacking of the poles.

SPOUTING INTELLIGENCE.

[UV TELEGRAPH, OWN COKRESPOHDENT.J

DUJNEDIN, this day. " PEGASUS' " TIPS ON THE CUP. " Pkgasus," in his review of tho Cup horses, says ; For two years it may be said that Volunteer's record is almost a blank, lor his last appearance, among anything but tho best company, simply served to show ho was sound, and could gallop with out letting us loam what ho can manage when competing with cracks. Judging from what he has done when comparatively green, he is gifted with rare tuniH of speed, and as he looks a stayer all over he must bo treated with respect if ho turns tip here lit and well. The stable have another .string to their bow in HandwicK, but ut present I fancy Volunteer represents them. AVhilo not agreeing with one of those who look on Sir Modrcd as unduly favoured in tho race. 1 thinlc ho has a good show, but it must bo reinomberud no thrto year old with nioro than 7»t 2lbs over ran first, second, or third, for the Dunedin Cup, so bow much better than his predecessors must Sir Modreil be to carry it oil. Longlauda will uot run this season, but \ii said to be doing good work at Christchurch. On tlis whole 1 havo no great fancy for him unless he should prove to be in exceptionally good condition, when his weight should bo well within hia powers. Nornenniu has cut a poor hliow. Titauia had a foal this season, an in tliatof JSTG-'J, and this was at first looked upon as certain to put her out of tho race, but since being put into work again she has come on splendidly, and may bo clawed among the dangerous ones, if >hu, iimtead of Le I.oup or bylvauus, should re present the stable. Virginia Water meets Sir Mocked, now on only 2 lbs, better terms than in Christchurch Derby, and this, I think, scarcely ouflicicnt to euable her to turn the tables, wbilo during the past few weeks nho had been betraying symp turns of lameness, and may consequently uot come to the post in (he best nick. If ishc turns up fit undjwell, 1 shall expect tosee her mini dcKperaterace in the Cup, und|(iiin second or thiul place. On Dit, during the last few days, haa rushed up in the betlhu, c|iiito displacing her stable companion, Grip, who temporarily looked like netting knocked out. On Dit must be respected for his very light weight for a four-year-old, and if he is relied on by the siablcs will pro bably run very forward. I learn that tJrip liim been a bit lame lately. Lady Ennui is in the race, 131b«. below weight for age, and, if in the same trim as when in land, her birth must take a lot <if beating, but of that I have my doubts, nudjdojaot at prcseutestimate her chance very highly. Sylvanua was never mentioned in connection with the Cup until a day or two ngo. when he shaped to well in the trial with his stable companions that a good deal or money was put on him at long oddc. The rumours concerning tlie time in which he covered the Cup distance arc bo contra dictory, however—varying from'lo' seconds— that I shall wait until 1 sco or hear of something reliable. lkforo concluding, Sylvanus will be the stable 'representative, 1 do not fancy any nf tho others arc good enough for tlio company.

This Morning's Gallop.

Longlauds was scratched for the Cup this iiiurnint'' H >« i" °ft day, *n<* nothing special was done. All business is transacted on tin; tau. (ioodmau appeared with his string—consisting, Lo Loup, Sylvauus, Titania, mid l'lay Boy. Tit iit went by herself twice round. .She aop .> 1 to be as good as ever she was. Sylva ' aud l'lay Hoy went together, the two i line form and went well. Swede wen: tho ioutid slowly Ihreo timcH with ru^/i ou. Cotton and Ja«per went round the tau by himself. Then he sent Sunbeam, Mana, and Jingle twice round. They went strong. Lady Emma went round, and was then joined by Legerdemain. Dodson'a three, CflhtaDCt filly, Mist) King colt, and tho Envy filly, "went twice round, Castanet leading. Native Cat, with Goodman's, trotted three times round with sweaters on. Sailor Boy went round twice aud took tho hurdles twice.

WAIKATO TURF CLUB.

SUMMER MEETING.

TELEGRAPH, OWN COUUESPOJiDEXT.)

HAMILTON, Thursday. Tiik race-course to-day was fairly patron ised, the committee managing everything satisfactorily. For the Hurdle Race, Lone Hand and Tempest were scratched, only live cominc to the post. Harry Mount was ridden by Potter, winning by a length from Te Whetu ; Williams, .second ; and Sports man and Wilson, third. Harold, Goodman, lilink Bonny, and Sidewell also ran. but were outplaced. The betting was even on Mount; 0" to 4 against Sportsman; G to 1 agiiust trie rest. MAIDKN PLATE. Only three started, C to 4 being laid on Kerrilworth, which was ridden by Laiog, who won very easily by four lengths; Hosarina, second (Howe). The only other starter, Hose e>f Sherwcll, breaking down . very badly, Thorpe Im-ius; to dismount, WAIKATO TUKF CI-UI) HANDICAP. Yatapa, first (Dawson) ; Kenilworth, Becond (Luiug); King Quail, third (Car ringlou). Also started, Lone Hand (Thorpe), Hippocampus (Taylor), Golden Crown (Byer.«.) At tho fifth attempt the lot were sent away. Kouilworth, Hippocampus ami Lone Hand together, King Quail bringing up the rear. After going c mile Yatapa and King Quail went up to llippo- Lono Hand retiring, Golden Crown also improving his position. Coming round into the straight the issue was left between Yatapa and Kcnilworth, who ran a grand race home, the former winning by one length and a-half. Two lengths behind came King Quail, then Lono Hand. Betting was even, King Quail two to one against Lnne Hand ; five to one Yatapa and Kcnilworth ; eight to one Golden Crown. President's Stakes. This race was won. eaßily by Maori, ridden by Clarke ; Lone Hand (Thorpe), beating l{atcatcher (Laing), by |a head for second place. Saunterer and Slander, filly, ' also started. Betting even on Maori : six to four against Katcatchcr.

To-day's Races.

HAMILTON, this day. I The following weights havo been declared for to-d.iy :— Handicap Hurdle Race.—Lone Hand, 13st 71hs ; Harry Mount, list 71bs ; Te Whetu, list 31bs; Sportßman, list lib; I Harold, Tempest, aud Blink iiouuy, lOst I each. HANDICAP.—Maori, 9stslbs: Lone Haud Bst lib ; Yatapa, Bst; Katcatchcr, 7st 121bs; King Quail, 7*"t Sib?; Hippocampus, 7st 31bs ; Kenilworth, 7st lib; Golden Crown, Gst 41bs; Stanley, Saunterer, and Dew. drop, Cst each, ltosarina and Shcrwill, sst 12lbs each. The Hurdle Sweep Calcutta.—Value, £27-rcsultcd: Lono Hand, £9; Harry Mount, £7 ; Sportsman, £4 10s; Te Whetu, .C 4 ; Blink Bony, £1 10s; Tempest and Harold passed in. Handicap.—Value, £31—resulted :King Quail, £7 ; Yatapa, £6 ; Kenilworth, £5 15s; Golden Crown, £3; Hippocampus, Lone Hand and ltatcatcher, £1 each; Maori passed in. For the Hurdles T fancy Harry Mount; for tbo Handicap, Yatapa or Kcm'lwortb. The weather is fine. The second day's racing took place to day, and resulted as follows :— HUKDLES. To Whetu 1 Sportsman 2 Fivo started. Harry Mount fell. Lone Hand ran oil. Betting : Even on Lone Hand, 2 to 1 Harry Mount, 5 to 1 To Whetu aud Sportsman, 10 to 1 otbe;s. DEKUV. Rifleman ... .„ 1 Moonstone 2 Two ran. Won by six lougths. Betting j 6' to 4 on Moonstone. !

DUNEDIN BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

A Singular Bequest.

(BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT).

DUNEDIN, this day. At the Education Board to-day a) letter was read from the Bible in Schools Associa tion, asking the Board to grant facilities for obtaining an expression of op'iiion from parents, guardians, and children attending the schools on the subject of the introduc tion of the Bib'e. Mr Begg explained the purpose of the Association in applying. They thought the only way of getting a general expression of opinion from parents was through the teachers to send by the children to their parents one or two ques tions printed on slip paper.*. These parents to be asked to sigu and send buck _to the teachers to be forwarded to Association. Mr Fergus did not think tho Board ought to let their teachers do anything ot the sort, because it would mean that the Board were working for an outside Associa tion, and thero would bo nothing to pre vent the Free Thought Association or any other body coming to the Board and pre ferring a similar request. Mr Clark said the Association should be left to act as it pleases, without assistance from tho Board. . . Mr Elder said an immense majority of tho Board were in favor of the re-introduc tion of the Bible, Mr Fulton remarked that the Board would actually be working as much in the intercuts of the Free Thought Association as of the Bible in schools body, fur the questions put would simply bo such as — "Are you or aro you not in favor of the introduction of the Bible in schools?"

Mr Kamsay thought the request was one which the Board might very well grant. The Chairman protested against such a coursi-, which was only a step towards an amendment of the Education Act, aud if it was carried out, wo should see during the next Session a line iv the estimates apportioning part of the education vote to Roman Catholics, upon which all other denominations would demand their Bhare, and have an equal right to get it. The Board should take no part in an action of Unit kind. Indeed much applications should not be sent to them.

Mr Fulton said he would regret if it went fortli that the request was acceded to by only n bare majority of the Board. Rather than that, ho would suggest that the asso ciation who had the matter m much at heart should exert themselves on their own uccount to carry out their object. After tin; moving of several resolutions, the fol lowing wus carried:—"That tho Board will oiler no objection to the Association's communicating directly with the teachers in the district for the purpose of getting the information desired."

Messrs Green and Fergus dissented,

GRAND CONCERT AT MOUNT ALBERT.

YESTEBNIOHT the " favaac," together with tlicj orthodox coterie of this distiict of " trccH and fertile pat-In," thoroughly en joyed themselvesl, the occasion being a high tea, with a delicate profusion of choice fruit and appetising relays, and a concert of no menu ordor to follow. " Caliban," the ungainly, could huvo desired so butter a Huluicty tliuu in the lingo of Ofl'ct Lacii'» celebrated SOLg ftoin " Gencvievo de Bra* bant," — "To bless tho man who found out' tea!'" and quail' fragrant bohcu, amid a bevy of young mirandas. The adjacent villas, ])ceping hall-hidden, atween the tree*, were fur n space left to the gentry below stairs, iti iuuiatc* departing from the hnrcin, Ecverally to while away the hours in plea sure contributed to by the Rev. Mr Huselde", rhetoric from the Key. Mr Dudley, humorous side issues introduced by Mr Pierce, and a little "Bill" of the night, which iti this instance the amateurs graced bsyond measure, throwing into their vocalization that oft omitted vent peg, viz., tho poetry of emotional thought without which music, either vocal or instrumental, is as a "'tinkling cjruibal." Miss Baker has a fine touch when presiding at the piano forte, and will, one day, become sn authority. In the meantime her half-finished manipulations of lower notes should be carefully perfected. The Misses Blades achiored a decided success, the duet, " Happy Hunter," exhibiting a swing and go throughout, bell-like note?, which wero faultless ; " Meet me by Moonlight," and such mclodv ns " Uubliu Hay " obtaining full justice at the hands of these youmj ladies. A trio required a little more'life to be all that could he desired. Mr Pierce, who read of turnout Sir Kichard Grcrillc and those Spanish aenors and their neglected signorinas who wait in Vftin for them, recalled Bidcford, Kiogsley, and the repeated theme of his doings in " West ward Ho." Mr James had a dulcima for an accompanist, and «ang " The Village Blacksmith,' a complimentary encore com pelling a reappearance ; whilst Mr Shirley gave a nice rendering of " The Outlaw." " The Bay of Biscay ' is a very easy num ber, but for all that it requires rich body of voice and a studied absence of condolore. Mr Shirley h;n this, but he dragged it, though the vast audience en masse sang the last two lines, which so rouse the soul of all Englishmen. Mr Gilfillan did well when lie chose " The Midshipmite," and sang the score carefully ; but hero again, such a stirring, descriptive air lacked spirit, aud wauti tinging much quicker, aud well resonating the higher note. Jenny Grey (Miss Davies) was .soft and soothing. This lady and the Misses Blades were the heroines of the evening. Tho piano so kiudly lent by A. K. Trylor, Esq., served, duriug the performan:e, to perpetually keep that courteous gentleman in mind, and indeed nil concerned, Mr Haselden especially, showed by their urbane and gentlemanly bearing such good feeling that it was late ere the numerous visitors in crowded vehicles posted inta town.

LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of this excellent Society was held last evening in the room of jthe Young Men's Christian Association, Her. A. Garrick, of St. {Andrew's, in the chair. The Chairman briefly opened the proceedings, apologising for the absence of his Worship the Mayor, who was unable to till the position of Chairman, as previously announced. The Rev.. Allan VV. Webb then read the following report of the year's proceedings : — " In presenting the tweuty-fomth annual report to their subscribers and friends, the Committee of the Auckland Ladies' Bene volent Society feel themselves quite inca pable of affording any information except what is statistical. Year after year and month after mouth it is the same tale of woe ; there can be nothing now or strange in bereavement or poverty ;it may differ slightly in degree, but it is tho flame thing wherever found, and calls for help and alleviation from those to whom the Giver of all good has aiven abundautly. The Com mittoe would call the attention of the sub scribers to the fact that one-half of the cases relieved during the year have been widows, and that from 16 to 20 of the other cases have been women placed in a similar position by either the desertion or pro tracted illness of their husbands. In no case have the funds been expended upon families where there has been an able bodied man to work for them, unless life was likely to he endangered by the want of proper nursing and nourishment during sickness. The cases of confinement rank in this cla^s. The total number of cases relieved during the year has been '135: of these 67 were widows. 6 dfsertod by their husbands, and 13 assisted at the time of confinement. Some of these latter cases have been of a very sad nature, the bus bands having died before the time of trial. The rest of the cases are of a general kind ; several consumptive cases call for more than ordinary nourishment and care. The committee would take this opportunity of thanking many kind friends who have assisted them in various ways—the Com mittee of the Young Men's Christian Asso ciation for the use of their rooms; also, they [would tender then- thanks to some ladies at Kcmucra who, through Mrs Pritt, have supplied during the year several par cols of good, new, and strong articles of clothing which have been most valuable, and have been in every instance distributed by a member of the committee to the moat deserving and necessitous cases. They would also thank Mrs Heath, of the High School, for a valuable bap; of clothing pre pared by some of the youug ladies, and presented to tho committee to lend in cases of sickness where the supp.'y is inadequate for comfort and cleanliness. The committee fully expected that before the time for their present annual meeting arrived the Charitable Aid Bill would have been passed, and that the care of the poor would have devolved upon others. This has not been the case so far, and what arrangements may bo made during the next session of Parliament they do not know,

but until the Government or some other body assumes the entire responsibility of this duty, the committee of the Ladies Benevolent Society must go on with their work, and must still appeal to the charitable people of Auckland to aid them as they always have done with their money and sympathy. , , The balance-sheet was as follows :— Balarfco In hand, 20th of February. 1830 q ll i U ordinary donations and subscriptions 307 17 0 ])orp.tio.if.« U i his Worship thoMayor. rr j. McOpli Clark.. ... •• - '•> " " Iniinn Fiumno Fund and interest.. 110 7 0 Keceived on beha'l of inmates of Horre 21 5 0 Notpococdsof'ltlvalß"ontortalnm6nt per Mr Hammond _ Total.. .. - •• •• ««»Jt PiintinKreportand advertising.. .. 0 0 0 Kelier of Poor and Maintenunco of Old Women's House .. ■• •• ~iyf ""i Money at interest in Bank .. ■■]$~%,. 13alur.eein Bank .. n n U Balance in hand _____ Total «*»I3H M. A PniLSON, Acting Treasurer. Kate K. Cr-AiiK,) Auditors. M. KUSSKLL. j On the motion of Mr Thomas Buddie, seconded by Mr H. N. Warner, it was re solved, "that the report be piinteil and circulated under the direction of the Com mittee." . , , The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year: -President, Mrs Philson ; treasurer, Mrs Gillies ; secretary, Mrs Aickin. Committee : Mcsdames Aickin, Beveridge, Breo, Clark, Green, Gillies, Hay, Kenderdine, Morley, Macftarlane, McKo.nzie, Philson, Pritt, Purchas, Powell, Kussell, Warner, Webb, Kuociman, and Jevors. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the urocecdings to a close.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Bcforo K. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) BENDING TO CIRCUMSTANCES. An iigcd couple, Peter aud Ann I 1 inn, who were united in holy matrimony in May, 1838, in the city of Dublin, were charged with vagrancy, having been found together, smokiug their pipes of peace under the trees in Government House grounds, by Sergeant Fleming aud Constable Strathearu last night. Peter, who had spent 4 years and 7 months in Mount Edeu gaol, and Ann, who had passed 5 years and a few days over in the same dreamy solitude, chanted guilty in an audiblo voice. They were merely taking a smoke by the light ot the moon. Peter Eaid he was tempted by Aun to go

in. . Mr Pardy said the old couple were smok ing within a .short distance of a haystack. Peter said it was the old woman who wa-j smoking. He never smoked ; only drank whiskey. Mr Gillespie was prepared to give evidence. His Worship said ho would let the prisoners go, if they would promise not to be there again. • The prisoners promised, and wero liber ated. LARCENY OK FRUIT. James McDonnell, on remand, was again brought up, charged with stealing fruit, value 2d, the property of;MrsJMarks, on the Bth instaut. The prisoner was unable to plead. Mr Pardy said it was doubtful whether the prisoner was iv his light mind. He hnd been drinking heavily at the time. The prisoner, baring been in prison a week, was cautioned and discharged. CHARGES OF FRAUD AGAINST A DEBTOR. John Purccll, a young man, described as n contractor, was again placed ill the dock, charged with having committed the under mentioned breaches of the Fraudulent Debtors Act, and forging and uttering promissory uotcf, with intent to defraud. 1, He was charged with a breach of the Fraudulent Deb'ors' Act 1878, sec. 4, sub sec. 5, by fraudulently removing part of his property, to the value of £52, with intent to defraud, he, the said John Purcell, being a debtor within the meaning of the Act.

2. With removing Iproperty on the same day, to tho value of £10, with iuteut to defraud liis creditors.

3. With forging and uttsring a promissory note lor the sum of £300, purporting to be drawn by Messrs Wilson and Macdonald, on the 23rd October last, with intent, etc.

4. With forging and uttering a promissory note for £15, purporting to be drawn by Ueorpc Thomson, on the 4th December, with intent, etc. Mr William Tborno appeared for the Trustees, aud Mr B. Browning for the prisoner. The second charge of removing propeity to the amount of £10 was first taken.

Mr Thome opened the case at some lenKtU before calling evidence. George William Basloy, Deputy-Benistrai in the Supreme Court ot Auckland, pro duced certuiu documents nece9S»ry lo the proceedings, namely, 73 of the " Gazette " deliaing the bankruptcy district of Auck land ; the rule 3 made by the judges uuder the Act ot 1876; tub order of adjudication by which John Purcell was »djudg»d a bankrupt, on the 21st of December, 1SSO; also, an account of the first meeting of creditors in bankrupt's estate on the 4'h of January, 18S0 ; with copies of the Star and "Herald" con taining advertisements relatingto the tame. These several documents were con secutively marked, and put in evidence. Mr Basely to Mr Thome : The bankrupt has not filed a statement of his liabilities and assets as required by the 40th section of the Act of 1876. Thomas Wells Marsh doposcd that he was a grocer,|and now res-idinc in Auckland. Knew John Purcell, and since the let of December last, he lent money by cheque, £200, to John Purcell. It was drawn in Pur-cell's favour on the 20th December, aud his account at the bank had been debited with that amount. No part of that sum had been refunded. To Mr Browning ; Advanced the mouey on a bill ot sale, due on the 21st December. The amount of the bill of sale was £502.

Mr Marsh here gate particulars of numerous transactions with prisoner, con sisting of promisiory notes discouuted, sums advanced, and other items ; accommodated him with £100 for thres months, for which he gave him £120 ; and in the same month, October, advanced him £50 for a £G0 bill. In several instances ho got nothing, as in the case of Thomson, of Drake-street, who could not be found, aud in the case of Wilson and Macdonald. The amount of Purcoll's liability to him (Marsh) ou the 19th December, amounted to £236 4s, not including £4 4s paid to Messrs Hughes and George on bthaltof Purcell. Don'tremember haring any convertation with pruoner about his bankruptcy. Did not gay •' let me put you through ; I'll shew you how to proceed." Did|uot say to Purcell, " I'll be .-^creditor for £700, and to do that, we'll have to pass £470 through the bank." The bill of sale was pre pared in Mr George's office); it might have beeu in Mr Thome's office; was not quite sure about it ; it|\vas in September ; sub sequently released that bill of sale. The bill of sale ou the 20th December wa* affected in Mr George's ollice for £502; gate prisoner a cheque for £200; gavo him £420 in two cheques. The £220 cheque was by way of mortgage on a piece of land belonging to Purcell, which he said was worth £2,000. A mort gaao deed was partly completed, but as it was not final he as'kcd Purcell for the cheques, which he returned on the same day. The bank also was closed. He lent the £420 on condition that if he (Purcell) became a bankrupt he (witness) was to have the cheques back to pay PnrcelPs creditors, and save his interest iv some land

Mr Browning : Then they wero " bogus " cheques. Mr Marsh: 1 don't like that word " bogus;" it is not appropriate to the case. The £200 cheque was cashed on the 24th Dec. Waited for him outside the bank, but did not fee l'urccll conic out. He misled him, Did not give him the other cheque tben, because ilia balance at the bank was not sufficient to need it. Some of the £200 found its way back iuto the bank for the purpose of making up the amount for the secoud cheque. Could not say that he always chased Purcell. He went with Pnrceli to the bank. Might have stood between the two doors. Wotchcd him prcttv closely, becau*e Purcell was to give him" the money. Bid not remember asking Purcell to wait until a few people were in tho bank, as he wished it done !>s unobserved as possible. Ilia Worship: What bank was it? Mr Browning : The National Bank oE New Zealand. Witness contiuued : Kept a sharp eve on Purcell. He might have skedaddled. (Laughter.) His Worship : You mean he might have departed, I presume. Mr Marsh : Exactly so, Your Worship. To Mr Browning : [Vext saw him at the Cottage of Content a fortnight after, a small hotel in Victoria-street. Asked him tor tho money. Purcell replied, "All right; it is "at home." Did not claim it as his own. It was to be [ advanced, as already stated, on certain con ditions, 1 iirccll was about to go through the Court, and the amounts of the cheques would have satisfied Purcell's creditors, and he (Marsh) should le amply secured in (lie land. Did not threaten to cbargc Pur cell with obtaining money under fake pre tences. Some time after tho interview at the Cottage of Content, a mau named Nicholson Landed him a letter, in which ;

Purcell promised to call with the money at <1 o'clock in the evening, Purcell did m* call. He tried to get aw*y. He then laid an information against Purcell, charehw him with |obtaining money under false D r« tences. '"" His Woi ship: We had batter have the date. Mr Ma-.su : It was on the 24th Janus™ and the sum was £400. y> II is Worship could not understand how under the circumstances, the prisoner could have heen charg d with obtaining £400 when lie never received so much. To Mr March : Then the difference wast made up of true love and affection (Laughter.) Witness made no reply. Witness : Knew Puicell was a, bankrupt on tJie 24th December, when the £200 ouX to have been given to him. There would have been sufficient to pay his creditors 20s iv the £1. Did not hand the £220 which lie got to Mr Macffarlane. Paid himself .with that. His Woiship said if there was sufficient to pay the creditors 20s, as indicated by witness, there wa-> m necessity for Purcell to go through the Bankruptcy Court. Mr Marsh had stated that Buch was the c»se and he was to be secured in the Jand. ' Witness: The land, he feared, was little better tnan bush land, and might not havi> realised £200. c To Mr Thome : When he knew that Purcell was a bankrupt, ho returned the cheque to him, believing he had good security for the amount represented by the cheque. He was desirous that the creditors should be paid, and did cot think the money safe in Puroell's hands. Purcell might have skedaddled, and appropriated the money to other purposes, Arthur Cash, proprietor of a firewood yard in Victoria-street, deposed that he saw the bankruptcy notice in the Star the next morningl after ,it was published He bought the business off Purcell at noon" on the day publication. Was not aware" tbat Purcell had filed. Be paid for it Gave £100 for the business. Pnrcell took the cheque. The cheque was cashed. Saw the money in Piucell's possession, tut could not say tbat he had the whole of it. Did not search him. To Mr Browning: The money was paid through Messrs Hughes _ George. Here. fused to answer whether or not it was hh own cheque. His Worship : We are not going to fnl up with this fencing. If you do not answer you will go to gaol. Witness: Well, it was not ray cheque. Mr Brownins : You said it was. Whose cheque was it ? Did you sign it ? Witneis :It was not my signature. The cheque was for £49, and was Mr John Abbott's cheque. Purcell took the cheque and went to the Colonial Bank, He followed him and saw him go into the bank from the corner of Shortland-street. It was before Christmas. Could not name the date. Don't know what he did with the money. The cheque was my property, but signed by John Abbott. Horace Cash, son of the preceding witness, deposed to seeing John Purcell ia his father's hotel on the Monday of lie rsoes. Asked him to cash a £20 note. He had no change. Could not accomodate him. Only saw the back of the note. Purcell had other notes in bis pocket book. To Mr Browning : Defendant was sober, his father kept the "Brickiayers Arms": the note was green, believed all £20 notes were green, it was on the 3rd January. The note was tendered in payment for drinks; the drinks were scored up. Do not thinkhe oll'errd the £20 note merely in chaff. Francis Corbett, teller in tha Nations Bank of New Zealand, deposed that he paid the cheque for £200 on the 24th December in two £50 and five £20 notes. He believed he paid the notes to the prisoner but could not positively swear to him. After further evidence, the depositions w ;rc then read over, and prisoner fully com; taitted for trial, Mr Thome said he would not go on with the other case. Mr Pardy said the two forgery cases won i tike a long time. It was decided to lake these on Monday morning.

OTAGO V. CANTERBURY.

[BY TELEGRAPH, OWN COBItgSPONDENT.]

DUNEDIN, this day. The Otago Provincial Team, in the match against Canterbury, has been constituted as follows :—Paramour, Collinson, Harris, 0, Haskell, W. Crawshaw, W. Parker, G. Millingtoi), J. Hume, J. Pring, H. '&• Morrison aud W. Mirrison (Dipton), with John Leith emergency.

THE TE AROHA MURDER

(BY TBLEGIIAPH, OWN OORKESPOSPE^r.}

COROMANDEL, this day.

Constable Hobson returned on Thursday from bis trip to tbe Tiki, whither he bad gone after the To Aroha miner whe made some assertions bearing on the Te Aroha murder case, which, though scarcely credi ted by the police, they were obliged to in vestigate. Inquiry, however, proved the statements unworthy of notice. The Thames authorities have been very' much pestered with this gratuitous tort of infer, mation, which puts the police to much un necessary trouble.

SAILING RACE.

A sailing match for £10 a side has been arranged to take place in the harbour to morrow afternoon between tbe open boats Madge, built and owned by Mr Bigelev, and the Observer, built by Mr Waymoath and owned by Mr J. Graham. The honr fixed for the start is 2 p.m. The course has not yet been decided upon, but it is under stood that it will bo made so as to giw a beat one way. The Madge has been twice successful in defeating the Obterver, and she is a strong favourite. Mr Halstead, the owner of the Hattie May, was willing to enter his boat and make the race a sweep stakes one, but this was objected to by the Observer people. It hat therefore been apreed that the Hattie May shall race the winner on the following Saturday.

CRICKET MATCHES TO MORROW.

Alpha v. Young Auokt,»nt.—On Surry Hill ground between tho Ist Elevens ot the aw>»« clubs at 230 p.m. sharp. Young Anokland: Eerry, Millt, Secston, Pritohard, Ooljrm (2), Dean, Savaxo, Kioharde, Wbeeler, Hotaoa. Alpha: Cooper (Captain), MoDermott, KilM* rick, Cutler, Hay, Kdmiston, Wild, Crouch, Doevan, Frost, and K. White. 1 The return match between the Onennnw U.C.C. |2nd Kleven) and the Newmarket U. 0.0. will bo played at Nowmarket to-morrow alto roon, play to commonce at two oolocfc Tee following will represent Onehmwa: — B«ycB, Bearers, T. Mahoney, C. Rissot, Cullen, Jems?, Dore, Leahy, D. Brown, Mooney, Jackson, »a Barr (emergency). ... Tho following i» the Carlton te»m iathenmnu against West Knd :-Cooke. Creek, Walker. wblteside, Riplcy, Cromwell, Gatiand, wad dingham, Hcllingham, Moers, Moglnct. Tho Civil Servloe First JUoten will WV astainst the North Shore on Saturday. Tf« following will play for ttse Service :-Paim Roach, Ellis, Hamlin, Irvln«, WMlunson, Cole brook, Hoighway, Mltford, Thomas, aod Mo- Kellar.

AUSTRALIANS V. NAPIER.

[BY TKLEGKArH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.

JSAPIER, Friday. The scores at the close of the match were ns follows :— AUSTHALIAKS.— FIEST INNINGS. Spouorth 2 Pulmcr, b Praia 13 Murdoch, c Clue, b Mounticr... 27 MacDonnell, bLiddlo 66 Slight, b Mounlier 4 Jarvie, b Edwards 16 Groube, rim out " Boyle, c Kendall, b Edwards ... 11 Alexander (not out) " White (runout) " Byes, i\ leg byes, 2 ° Total 154 lIAWKES' BAY.—SECOND INNISOS Martin, bPalmer ... ■•■ 1 Craven, not out •> Dowts, b Palmer ■. " Tanner, b Palmer " Bostock, c Murdoch, b Spofforth 3 Gilberd, bPalmer ... ••• •} Atherton, c JSpotlbrtb, b Palmer 0 Fulton, runout •■• *• Murray, b Spofforth jj Dixon, b Spoflforth ... ••• " Byes H> Total 30 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Rons. >¥«»• Spoilbrth ... 3S 4 11 \ , Palmer ... 3G 3 0 » Liddlo ... 15G 17 56 \ Edwards ... 131 13 8 f Piain o'4 8 19 \ Mouutier ... 7b' 11 17 , Luke 16 1 8. ° "~NAPIEIt, this day. "ho Australians match Avill not be ; resumed uutil 2.30,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FBIOAg, FEBRUARY 18



Special Advertisements. ¥Two o d s -%XK\V QUODS1 A. LINABUKY & CO. Are Now Showing their NEW SPIUNG AND SUMMER GOODS, Wo hold tho largest and Boat Stock ot COSTUMES, MILLINERY FANCY GOODS, DRKSS GOOD 3 FLOWERS, FKATHKHS, &0., &C. Special Lino of Plain Dresa Silks, only 3s lid por yard; worth as Gd, 5,000 Straw Hats, all now shapes. A Largo Stock of Ladios" and Cbildron's Under clothing. Dress and Mande-making on Iho promises Costumes mado in 21 hours' notico, A. LINAB Ull V & C). 201 AND 206, UIJKKtf-STRKKT ANNUAL SALE WILL COMMKNUK ON MONDAY, 20TH INST. THE GOODS WILL BJC OFFKIIKD AT POST T> li IC E I \j Jl FOll A FEW WEEKS ONLY 1 In Order to Clear Heavy Stocks J.TSO3GIIAVK & 00., o V./ V IMFOIUERS OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, queen street. Auckland. N.B.—N'o Goods will bi entered durint the Sale, IVTEW ZEALAND TIMBER COM- J3( PANY (LIMITiCU). Office, Saw-mill, and Timbor Yard, Custom house-street West .Auckland. Saw-mill, Whangapoua, East Coast. Tho above Company having a Vkry Laboe Stock of LOGS and SAWN 'I I JIBE X on hand are prepared to take orders at Lowest Rates. C. A. HARRIS. Jon,. Manager.



y\ pURE /~IASH QYSTEM. / CS \ 1 ALL f — < _ /DRAPERY AND CLOTHING \o.C./ AT \ / CO-OPKKATIVE CASIi PitICKS, V AT THE ; CivY Hall Arcade-, Garliok & Cbanwell, Proprietois._ U3TRIAN BKNT-WOOD FURNITURK.- A Large Shipment just to hand, light and strong, suitable for Breakfast, Sit ting, Dining, or Drawing-room (Black, Walnut, and Light Colours, 6ARLICK & CKANWELL, ' City Hall Furnishing Arcade, > Queen-stree', Auckland. [ /"IARPHTS.—The Largest Stock in the Pro \ \j vince to select from—all kinds. Tapoßtry, ' from 1% lid ; Brussels, from la lid ; Kid derminster. Felt, and Jute. The New Worcester Stair Carpet, ' mada of Horsehair, just received—the most durable Carpet ever made. . GARLICK & CRANWKLL. i T)EDKOOM FURNITURB.-AOreat Variety t _L> always ready for delivery, to suit all ! classes. Chests of Drawers. Washstandß, Toilet Tables and Wardrobes in various 1 woods. Glasses and Toiletware, i Bedding of all kinds and sizes; Spring ■ Mattrasses. , GARUCK & CRANWKLL. EXHIBITION Designs in Iron Bodsteads.— : Jul Wo koep the Greatest Variety of Iron Bedsteads In Town, and arc Importers direct from tho manufacturers. Hand some Wood Bedsteads from our own 1 Factory. GARLICK & CRANWELL. ; rrARLfCK~&~ CKAN~WELL keep such a i\X Largo Assortment of General Household i Furnituro that you can Furnish a House throughout fxom their stock at a day's notice. KAW ING-ROOM SUITES in stcck, BUif ab'o for a Cottage or a Mansion, all i upholstered by ourselves, and guaran teed. Suites for Dining and SlttiDg rooms in varif js styles, BARLICIC fc CRANWBI.L. NLY Warehouse in Town conducted on tho London System, combining all depart ments of furnishing, Drapery, and 1 Clothing. 1 CITY HALL ARCADE. FIVE Per Cent. Cash Discount on all kinds of Furnitnre, Carpets, Matting, Floorcloths, Ironmongery, Toiletware, and Brußh waro. G \RLICK fc CRANWELL. T>OOK CATALOGUES, pest free oronapplij Xj ca'ion, to those intending to Furnish. Estimates and designs Riven. Carpets made up. Linoleum and Oilcloths laid. Needlework mounted. All kinds of Upholstery and Cabinet-work by flrst class workmen. inspect our stock: Thk Jjakgest in Auckland ! GARLICK & CRANWELL, CITY HALTj AKCADK, Qaeon-stroet and Lome-street. Auckland. \¥T INKb & pfl- A L L. HAVE REMOVED EROM SHOKTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MAET, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY WILL EEMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THE RE-BUILDING OF TEEIR WARE HOUSE IN SHOBTLAND-STKEET. p-IREEMAH'S BAY STEAM AND FLOUR MILLS. JAMES SOPPET AND CO. Have on hand at their Mills and Store, No. 8 Lower Queen-street:— Fine Flour and Household (quality guaranteed, Also, Bran, Sharps, l'ig Moal Maize, Oats, Wheat, and Barley, Cracked and Whole , , AH excellent quality, at vory low rato .



Special Advertisements. TUST RECEIVED, AMERICAN LAWN-SPKINKLERS, With Platod Arniß, Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quito Now. K. 1 J O X T E R & C 0., Qukkn and High btukets.



err Ri Frbb Uiktsl—Tha l'roprioto'-H of Wolkk's Aromatic Bohi«dam hohnai'M, t>> inonco tho di'Struotion and prevent tho im proper uso of their wrnpnei'3 and lilwls, and tlius further ju-jtcct th'i Pubiio against frair atd docoption, have enclosed In tho wrappers, or under tlio lab 1 on tho quart bottles, slnco Ist October, 1878, and continuo to endow in BVKttV 1)AV"(3 I'iUlilNO TIIUOUCIHOUT TUB VKAR T 11 H X X £1 O H I) R It S, which aro drawn upon the undorslgno-1, and which will bo cashed by thorn on presentation. To s;curo theao Gifts, tlio Publin must bo caroful to nak for, and accent noiiing but, the GKNUINIS UDOITiIO Wol.l'KS SCHNAPPS, With ourjuamo npou tho top labul, M, Moss & Co. Wyuyard Lano, Sydnoy.