SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKK-j To . mon . ow Morning, 6.27 ! UNBKT.—ThIB Evening, 6.16 «■ lINKIBK.—To-Morrow Morning, 0.3 MOON'S AGB,—Full Moon. 16th, 10.10 a.m.

ARRIVALS. LAST EVENING.

Arfrylo, 8.8., Crawford, from VVhangarel

TO-DAY,

Kricmhllda, Bchooncr, Bnthurat, from Whanga-

roa Reliance ketch, Lawson, from Whingnpoua Mcdorn, sob., Ngaru, from \wanui JulU Prico, sohoonor, Edwards from Norfolk Island, Mariaor, sohooner, Qucon, from Russo'l.

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING.

Waitakl, p.s., Hdio, fnr Tauranga lona, 8.6., Stophcnson, Cor Kuasoll Glenelsr, a a , Farquhar, for Tauranga Iloro, as., Logan, for Melbourne

TO-DAY. Opotiki, schooner, Callings, forTnirnn. Fany Koily, Williams, for Whangaroa.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Loch Urr, londinar Tuuranga — GlonolK, VVednosilay; Waitakl, Thursday Raasoll—lonn, Monday Whangaroi nnd Huaseil-Waitikl, Wednesday Now Plymouth and South—Vcngnln, Tuesday Whangorot—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitakl. Friday Lovnka—southern Cro?s, Sth Friondlrlslandß-Myrtlo Islands-Coronet

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Wolvorino, H.M.S., from Sydney, shortly Moropo, ship, from London Oxford, ship, (M.T.L.S.) from London; sailed

Sydenham, barquo (J.M.F.Q), from London Bailed November 27th Avon a, barquo, from London; to eail January

15 Chile, barquo, from London; loading Orient, barque, from Now York; to sail I<eb-

runry 8 Peru, barquo, from London ; sailed Jan. 12 Loch Doe, barque, from Lcnlon; sailed Dccenv

ber2s Snperior. barque, from Now York; sailed

Ootobar 23 Cabarfoldh, barquo (S.Q.M.J.), from Hongkong Orwell brigantino, from tho Islands Deflaooe, brienntme. from Dunedin Kthol, brigantino, from Dunodin Ryno, brlganlino, from Rotumah Look Oat, brigantlno. from Sydney Knergy, schooner, from Noumoa Heron, schooner, from Sydney Mazeppa, schooner, from Harotongi Marion, schooner, from Noumea Policeman, schooner, from Noumea Julia Prico, schoonor, from Noumea Dayspring, mission schooner (W.N.8.M.), from tho Islands Gaol, schoonor, from LevukaJ ;j

EXPORTS.

Per Hero, for Melbourne-11 bapr; gum. For Greymouth —12 bottles quicksilver. For Hokitika—2 cases drapory.

Inwards Coastwise. — Medora, from Awanui, with 51 bags gum, 3 hides, 1 bae wool; Kriemhilda, from Whangaroa, with 23.300 feet sawn timber; Reliance, from Russell, with 94 tonBcoal; Whangarei, from Whangarei, with 52 tons coal; Morning Light, from Tainm, with 800 foet ship timbers.

Outwabds Coastwise —Morning Light, for Cabbago Bay; Lizzie Guy, for Thames.

Tho barque Loch Urr cleared at tho Cus toms to-day for London with n cargo comprising 1867 cases gum, 332 bales wool, 47 casks tallow, 233 tons and G2I ba?s copra, 111 cases pearlstiell, 182 tons manganese, and a large quantity of sundry merchandize.

The schooner Griffin ontflrcd out at tho Cus toms to-day for Admiralty Island in ballast.

Tho contractor for repairs to the Pilot schooner Vlndex has completed his job, and the Harbour Pilot boys were busily engaged in scraping her top-sides to-day. She will now present a much better appearance.

The schooners, Julia Price, and Mariner, are coming np the harbour as we go to press.

Tho ketch Speedwell, from Russell, was passed by the Hclianco, off tho Hen and Chickens, this morning.

HTho s.s. Albion, from Southern ports had not been signalled np to tho hoar at which we go to preas. The s.s., Hero took her departure for Grey mouth, Hokitika, and Melbourne about mid night. Passengers:—For HokitiUa—Mr Graham. For Melbourne: Mr and Mrs Mailer and two boys, ivlesdanieß Sheath and Gray.

Tho 8,8. Arjryle arrived from Whangarei last evening with 30 Backs gum, 3S cases fruit, 1 ton Bundries, and tho following pissengers: Miss McLeod, Mesdamcs Staff and Pratt, Messrs Johns, Buller, t-inciair. Fordo, McDonald, Rev. Mr Adelair, and 32 steerage.

The following of H.Ms ships were on the Aus tralian station on February 2Sth:—Wolverine, 17 guns. Commodore Wilson, at Hobart; Emorald, 12 gans, Captain W. H. Maxwell, at Sydney; Danae, 12guns, Captain J. C. Purves, sailed for England via Hobarc; Cormorant, 6 guns. Commander James Bruce, at Sydney; Alacrity, 1 gun, Lieutenant-Commander W. M. Moore, on a surveying cruise; Conflict, 1 gun, Lieutenant-Commandfr Isez, sailed for Hobart ; Sandfly, 1 gun, at Hobart; Kenard, 1 nun, Lieutenant-Commander G. K. Richards, at Sydney; Beagle, 1 gun, Lieutenant-Commander T. De Hoghton, sailed for Hobart; Miranda, at Melbourne; Alert, it guns, Captain Macloar, at Sydney.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Rowena, s.e., AmoJeo, from Waitara DEPARTURES. Wanaka, s.s.. MoGillivray, lor South BXPOHTS. Per Wanaka, for New Plymouth: 1 case, 1 kit flab, 1 caslt, i packages. For Nelson: 1 case. 9 baskets, 11 trandleß, Backs, 2 largo wheolß. For Ploton: 8 packages, 2 casks. For ■Wellington: 1 box fruit, 18 drums stables, 4 packages. For Wanßanul: 1 truss. For Lyttelton : 1 caao, 1 parcel.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Arrived: lona, from Auckland, at 10. 30. a.m. TACRAtiGA, this day. Arrived: Glenelg at 11 a.m., and vVaitakl at 7 a.m., both fro m Auckland. Hokitiki, this day. Arrived: Wollabl, s.e., from Westport at 8 a,m. Greymouth, this day. Arrived : GraftOD, from Westport, at 9 a.m. Westport, this day. Failed: Wallace, for Hokitiki, with 'Fri co mail at 6 a.m. Wellington, yesterday. Sailed: Ha wen, for i'icton and Nelson; Arawata, for Melbourne via 3onth; Oretl. 3,8., for South.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Ci.osic as Undku.— Thih Day. For Whangaroi Heads, Wnipu, Whangarei, nnd Miuigapal. ner Argylo, at 1 p.m. For Wliaiißuivi Heaila and Wlianguril, per Albion, at 5 p.m. Wkonksday, ltftli instant. For Coromandol, por Coronmiulol. at 11.30 n.in. For Thames, per Kotoinalmna, at 12.150 p.m. For Wangiiron, pjr Krlemhildii, at 1 p.m. For Whangaroi Heads. Whangarol, ituasull, and Kawaknwn, per WellinKton. at I p.m. For Thames, per Hntorpriso, at 5.30 p.m. Thuhsbay, 17th Instant. For Gisborne, Napier, roiithorn rorto, and Australian Colonies, per Albion, at 9 a.m. i For Waiworn, To Kapa, Cralgiolmrn, and Warkwortli, per Rose Cusoy, at 10 a.m. FRIDAY, ISth instant For Lorukn, por Tavlnui,at 11 am. Monday, 21st Instant. For Friendly Islands nnd Samoa, por Myrtle Tuesday, 29th instant. Por B.s. Zoalandia, as follows :— For Sandwloh Islands, United States tf America. Canada, Hrltish Columbia, Central and South Amorloa. and British and Foreign Wost Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Knrope, at 1 p.m. For monoy ordors, roßiatorod lottors, nnd nowßiiapors. at 11.30 a.m. Lato lottura bonrlng an oxtra foo of Blxponco. In addition to tho postago, will bo rooolved by tho Mall Agent on board tho stoamor up to the timo of sailing. Tula mail will bo duo In London on Tuesday, April 12. S. U. 8139, Chiof Postmaster. Chlof Post-ofllco. Aucklnnd.

Meeting, Entertainments, Etc.

March 150 i, 1881. Theatro Royal — Thoinpeon'rt Confodenvto Diorama of tho Atuorican War, S p m. Ixirne-atrect Hall —Dr. Blmma' Illustratod Lecture on Physiognomy, S p.m. Wollesloy-Btreot Baptist Ohuroh — Spoi-lal Services, conduotod by Airs llampsonmul Mr Hmnus, 7.30 p.m. Scottbh Company—Monthly Inspoction, 7 3J p.m. Ponsonby Wcsloyan Church—Annual Soiroo, Addresses and Musical Selections, 7 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents

Mus Macintosh, Newmarket.—Your letter should como in iho fora of an advertisement.

Birth.

GOSSET.—On tho 11th March, at Wood-streot, Ponsonby, the wife of W. M. Gossot of a son.

Death.

BRYA.NT.—On Tuesday, March loth, at tho residenco of her parents, Parnell, near Bath street, Kthel May Bryant, tho beloved dutigii terof W. K. U. and JVlarglna Bryant; aged S months. The funeral will loavo hor paronts' residonco at 3 30 To-morrow. HUNTER.—On March 15th. at her parent's ro sidence, Vincent Lano, Alary Isabel, Infant daughter of A. K. Huntor; aged 11 months. SIMPS iN.-On March 11th, at hor lato resi dence, Kingsland Koad, Mount Albert, Mary tho beloved wife of Mr James Siiuveon ; aged 47 years. Tho funeral will tako plnco on Wednesday, tho 16th, at 2 o'clock. Friends ploaso accopt this invitation.

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

TUESDAY. MARCH 15, 1881.

For th * aus that acks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the ?ooJ that we can do

We hereby certify the issue of the Auckland Evening Stab Jot the week ending March \2th, ISBI, to have been as under: — Monday, Mar. 7 6,474 Tuesday, „ S 6,490 Wednesday „ 9 6,561 Thursday, „ 10 6,483 Friday, „ 11 6,465 Saturday, „ 12 6,498

Total issue for week... 38,971 GEORGK FRASERU'ubIio Account > ant and T. LKIGH WHITB I City Audltm.

The disclosures made in connection with the Home for Neglected and Destitute Chil dren must lead to a radical change in the system adopted in dealing with the unfor tunate and criminal elemeuts iv our juvenile population. The letter of Mr Stickley, the late master, published in our last issue, declares that the wholesale im moralities which have recently been brought to light are unpreventible in a Home cousti tuted as this Home is, and while excusing himself for not having proved the existence of such practices, he claims credit for having informed the Committee on various occa sions of his suspicions that immoral prac tices, if not already existing, would inevit ably arisa unless better means for the classi fication and separation of the children were adopted, and those of known disreputable reputation wore kept out altogether, We cannot accept Mr Stickley'a letter as at all a satisfactory explanation of his admini stration If the irregularities which have been discovered were few ; if they were confined to a brief period, and were cleverly concealed, there might have been something like an excuse for his ignorance of their existence; but the wide prevalence of the demoralisation, the long time during which it had existed in the Home, and the ap parently little attempt to conceal it ou the part of the children when at all piesscd ou the subject, argue, we think, that if Mr Stickley was ignorant, his ignorance implies a looseness in the supervision and discipline not at all complimentary to his manage ment. If he had shown to the committee what hasnow been proved, the reform which he professes to have had bo much at heart could not have been delayed. The ilagrancy of the evil mußt have compelled the attention both of the committee and the Government. Moreover, when Mr Stickley condemns the imprudence of bringing children of notorious bad character in contact with those who arc presumably innocent, he surely forgets his own responai bility for the presence of the boy JBreen in the Home, against whom the most eerious accusations arc made. | If Mr Stickley, however, has failed to vindicate his own management, he certainly gives confirmation to the now settled con viction that this Institution, which ha«, we believe, done good work in the city, has reached the limit of its usefulness under the preseDt method of organisation, and the question arises, what form shall the changes which must follow take? The representation by the Com mittee to the Government, which was re solved on at the last meeting, appears to contemplate the continued aggregation of the children in one building. Do not the recent discoveries rather point to a totally different policy—in short to (ho system of dispersion by boarding out ? We may learn by the experience of others, and tho experience of Victoria, as well as our own, points unmistakably to the fact that "Home," as applied to these gigantic establishments for herdiDg children to gether, is a misnomer, and that we have proceeded on a wrong principle. Children sf charitable institutions have the brand of pauperism stamped upon them. They are iressed in a species of uniform, are brought up in an unnatural way, and are developed by processes that must make them teel ;hcir isolation from the rest of their kind. I'ho boarding-out system obviates all this. [t attempts to have the children of mis ortune educated and trained exactly as ither children of their class would >c trained. In Victoria, where both ays ems have been tried, " boarding-out'' has >y unanimous testimony been declared far .nd away the best. There, children thrown :pon tho State tor support, from the time hey are weaned until they can earn their wn livelihood, are boai ded with industrious eopie of good character. The rate of re mneratiou paid for their maintenance is ye shillings a week, and voluntary com-

ruittces, puch as work in our own Home, arc found willing to undertake the benevo lent ollico of periodical visitation. The visitors Sbiid in regular reports to.the Indus trial School Department. In Melbourne this system has created a class of people who regularly lay thomselves out for the duties of foster parent?. Tho report of the Key. Mr Habcns, who examined the system specially with a view to its adoption in New Zcaland,wns most cmphaticnlly favourable, mid we think the timo and tho circum stances are suitable now for its adoption in Auckland. The children brought up by foster parents in State pay will not be pro digies over which our local Jellabien may gush ; they may not present those interest me features which attract mere buaybodie* who affect an ostentatious philanthropy ; but they will experience moro fiennino comfort, and be better prepared for the business of everyday life than the inmates of the best-managed Orphanages of the old school. The children will bo trained to iborty, and thcroforo able to use It judici ously, Attending the ordinary public schools they will become accustomed to as sociation on equal terms with those whom they will have afterwards to meet in tho Int'tlu of life ; and they will havo the addi tioMi.l assurance, which all children have not, that their guardians shall possess the qualification of diameter, their at tendance at school and religious service shall bo strictly looked after, while they thomsolvo 0 arc objects of kindly solicitude on the part of earnest and woll-moanim; people above their own station in the social HCillO.

Messrs ifrasorana Wuite, City Auditor and Public Accountants, certify that tho issue of the EvttNlNCt STAR last week was 38,971.

Tho members of tlio Koyal Black I'rceop lory, No. 119, after their usual monthly meet ing lust uijjlit, did a graceful and pleasing net, in presenting to their Kcgiairar, Mr Homy Barton, a bilvev box, as a token of tho esteem in which ho in held by tho brethren, and as a recognition of tho vnluo of tho services which ho lias rendered the ['receptor for over two years. On tho lid of tlie box was enslaved : —" Presented In Mr Henry Barton, as a token of osteoiu by members of the Koyal Itllick Piccoptnry, 141), 18th March, 1881." 1 hero wiis a very liberal collation spread in the latga room of the Kising Sun, to which 'implo justice was done. After the cloth woa cleurod, tho usual loyal tonsts woio heartily given, and speeches delivered by tho W.M., Brother Ncilson, P.M., Brother Sherson, 1). M., Brother Scott, aud Brothers A. H. Grillitha and Power. A very plonsant evening was spent, and many congratula tions wore expressed at tho harmony and unity which characterised the meetings of the l'receptory.

The regular weekly meeting of St. James' Mutual Improvement Association was un usually well-attended last evening. The programmo prescribed, "Extemporaneous speeches" as the special form of "mutuiil improvement" which .should bo engaged in, but the transaction of some private business monopolised all tho available time. Tho principal subject was tho discussion of a proposed amendment in the syllabus to which the Committee objected, and by which they resolved to stand or full. The result of a division was that three voted for the nlteration aud litleen against it. Messrs Thco. Cooper, J. D. Davis, Edwin Carr, Thos. Locdhani, A. Alderman, W. Eady, I). S. Chambers, and C. Brown were elected members of tho Association, ar.d Messrs S. McCoskrie, G. Thwaitcs, V. Burton, and W. Wallace were nominated as candidates for election. Next Monday evening tho first debate of the .session will be taken up, tho subject being " Were the French Government Justified in Dispersing tho Religious Orders?' Mr 11. S. Il'. Pcltzcr, an enthusiastic French Radical, "native" and to the manner borne, will defend this part of tho l)e I'Vcycuiet-ctnn- Ferry policy, while Mr Thco. Cooper will lead the opposing forces. A most interest ing and animated discussion is anticipated.

Considerable doubt prevails as to whether or not there will be another New .Zealand Rifle Association meeting at Ncleoii. The want ot funds from which the Association is suffering and its exceedingly languishing condition give promise of a very early demise. The opinion amongst a large portion of tho mom herd is that nothing tliort of a huge grant will cave it. Many of the representatives are dissatisfied wiiii the present Association, and it is con sidered more than probable that a timilur Association will be formed duiiug tho present year in Auckland, Tho matter has already been talked over, anil thoTaranaki representatives are paid to havu exprosaod a unanimous willingness to coma to Auck land instead of Nelson next year. Some of tho Thames menjiavc agreed to co-operuto to make the necessary arraußomoutH. Oho very strong argument in favour ot having an Association at Auckland is the fact that expenses of tho representatives would be comparatively lipht hero to what they arc at Nelson. Considerable dissatisfaction prevailed in regard to tho enormous charges made during the recent meeting, and somo of the Auckland men thought themselves exceedingly fortunate to get into a very average hotel at a weekly charge of about £3 Is. This is not as it should be, and it is hardly creditable that volunteers during their short stay there should be so disgrace fully lleeccd. The men also complain that tlie shortness of tlie funds complained of is in a large measure due to tho fact that an almost unnecessary stall' of heavily paid ollicers ii maintained. The formation of an association in Auckland lms therefore been proposed, and it is tlu intention of the promoters to bring the matter before the volunteers, and if considered feasible, to send circulars to Southern districts inviting co-operation.

The non-success of tho Auckland men at t the recent New Zealand Rifle Association meeting has again caused a growl of dis coutent in reference to the "pot-metal" ? carbines with which they are armed. It U 3 undoubtedly unfair that tiie Thames and , Southern men should bo armed with steel 1 barrel guns while the volunteers of Auck » ' land, notwithstanding their peculiar claims ■ en the Government, should be compelled to . use the old iron-barrel weapons. The dill'ercnce between the two classes of weapons is very great. The former, being 3 of steel, are very true and accurate, while a the bores in the latter are worn completely a away, and the marksman lias in every ciise j to allow considerably for fall. One volun teer states that lie uses the 400 yards sight ' at 300 yards, while another, whose veracity 3 we do not feel called upon to vouch for, 3 aflirras solemnly that he has not the slightest ' chance of striking the target unless ho ' takes aim at a point half way up the moun ' tain. It is true that the representatives r were allowed the use of steel-barrel car -3 bines from the Auckland armoury durinc j the time they were at Nelson, but the regu . lations provide that they must not be , served out until the departure of the men, [ and must be given back immediately on r their return. The consequence wag that j the Auckland representatives were at con . siderable disadvantage by having to fire ' with weapons which they were wholly , unaccustomed to, and which they had not used before. The volunteers of Auckland are entitled to have weapons similar to | those served out to their more fortunate: I brethren in the South, and the matter is [ one to which the attention of the Govern . ment should be attracted by the proper ; authorities. A pleasant Juvenile Templar entertain ment was held last evening in the Lodge • room, Alexandra-street, Mr D. Goldio in i the chair. The young templars occupied i the back of the platform in regaliu, and their costume and happy faces reflected i additional interest to the scene. The pro ceedings opened with the well-known temperance ode. Mr Goldie made a few i appropriate introductory remarks in favour iof a life of sobriety and virtue, which wore pleasantly received by the young people. The Fiith family (Mr Frith and 5 children) Hans' "Agitation," "Merry Hoys," and Choruses, with much effect. Mr iihodes, a hard worker in the cause, prescutcd his choir of boys, who gave "The Crystal Spriug," and "Victory." Several Jadics sang, viz., Miss Gillingham, " Fairy liells ;" Mrs Willcox, " Comiu'Through tho Ityc" (Burns); and Mrs Camp, "The Murmur of the Shell." Mr Gco. Carter was in his best mood, and gave an admirable rendering of "TomBowliog" (Dibdin), and subsequently "The Old Squire of 72," in character, causing nvuch amusement among the lads, whose enthusiasm was only quelled on being informed by the chairman that the building was in danger. An exceedingly laughable dialogue " Across the Fields of Barley," was skilfully given by Mrs and Miss Anderson. We must not omit the name ot Mr Schofield, as that gentleman sang "Do They Miss Me at llome," iv good style. This little song was full of tho poetry of feeling, and sung iv a proper spirit. Mi3S Goodacrc, with her usual : ability, presided at the pianoforte and per formed several choice selections of music, i Recitations from Longfellow, and other l favourite authors were given by Misses ' Ftoude, Goodacrc, and others. Iv the i course of Mr Goldie's remarks, he referred { to the library of the Henry Havelock t Adult Lodge, and said the members had ; spent about £40 on books, including tho i £12 10s tor recent additions, which we ; understood included a line edition of the n complete works of Thackeray. The mc6t- ( ing closed in. the usual way. i

Tho Key. S. AY. Baker re-delivered his interesting lecture on "Tonga—lts King and People" at the Union-street Chapel last evening. The lecture was listened to with much pleasure throughout and at the tho close, the rev. gentleman was loudly applauded.

Captain Lc Roy was the only ollicer who wont to OnelniDga in uniform on Sunday to meet the volunteer representatives.

Dr. Simms will deliver a free lecture on physiognomy at Lome-street Hull at S o'clock. This is the lirst of a course of six illustiated lectures the doctor delivers at the same place. To-night it will be necessary to «o early to secure a seat.

On Thursday, the 10th March, a young man was endeavouring to dislodge * some gum from a kauri tree, having climbed a dend tree near to it, and fell to the ground, a distance of about 14 feet, lie had at tached a bill-hook to a pole, which, tailing upon his head, laid it bare to the bone, some inches in length, and blood flowed copiously. The sullerer managed to walk to Mr liashford's, were I'ifbrta were .success fully n ailo to staunch the blodin«. Next morning he was taken by a Maori named Martin to HeUnsville, with a note, re questing Mr McLeod to obtain medical assistance for him. It is hoped the injury will not prove very serious.

A case of real distress has just come under our notice. A gentleman just out from England is ill with the prevailing epidemic, two of the children are millet i:>g from the .same complaint, whilst the wife has unhappily .succumbed to it, leaving eight children, the youngest a baby only two months old. Neighbours liavo been render ing active assistance, but the requirements of tho case are great and urgent. Tin tullost particular may be obtained from the incumbent or churchwardens of St. Matthew's, who will thankfully receive any contributions which inuy ho forwarded to them or left at our ollico.

Tho member.-) of tho Thames Scottish Company and Naval Brigade, with their band, marched down Uralianmtown whorl limt evening to receive Armstrong, tho car bine champion, mid his cnmnuli'H nil their return from the New Zealand liillo Ahro datum's meeting at Nelson. Tho champion wan carried up the wharl on the shoulder* of I wo stalwart seamen of the Nuval Bri gade, thi! hand meanwhile playing "See the Conquering Hero Comas." Tho oll'iccm present were Captain Watson, Lieutenant Coney, Adjutant Scholleld, and Quarter- Master Symington, of tlio Scottish Com pany ; and Lieutenants Lawless, (iavin, and lleion, of the Naval Brigade, The bill given in honour of tho representatives takes place on the evening of Thursday next.

Our London correspondent writes : — '"The Irish trials commenced, as appointed, on Tuesday, December 28th, Even to the lust minute an adjournment seemed immi nent, So many juryman preferred lining to Boycotting. The twelve consist of eight Catholics, throe Protestants, and a Quaker, all Dublin mon of the shopkeeping clus*. The retirement of Chief Justice May from the Bench, though unexpected, and open to criticism, was bis only possible course after the effect produced by his indiscreet icin.irks when refusing an adjournment of tho trial. As the ' Standard' says, he has lessened the dignity of the Irish Bench by allowing the possibility of partiality. Mr Parncll and his brother "conspirators' aud ' in timidatoic,' for such are the charges against them, t«ok matters very coolly, only smiling when the Attorney-General quoted some more than usually cutting passages from their speeches."

An inquest was held at the Hospital late yesterday afternoon beloro Dr. Goldsbro' ivnil a jury—of whom Mr Win. Ellison was chosen foreman—on the body of William Watson, who died from injuries received oil board the.s.s lluwcn. Dr. Philsou deposed to attending the deceased on his admission to the Hospital. Ho was in n state o£ col lapse, but sensible and collected. Tho In juries were described by witness, who f-tatcd that deceased only lived fifty six hourd alter bis adinlssiou. De ceased stated that lie hail been employed in Rhuttillg oil" some stopcocks in connection with the ongino when the niachinery was Hot in motion, mid before he could extricate himself ho was jammed between Hid eccentric wheel and the condenser, He further stated that be ought not to have been where he wav, nnd that no one was to blame hut himself, lie stated to Mr Bryce, tho Head nurse, that he had £200 in one of tho banks, and a watch and chain on the Hawon. Evidence was nl'.o given in reference to the condition ol deceased immediately after the accident by Dr. Scott and Air James Mclntyre. Eventually, thu inquest wiismljournod to tho 2!)ih mat., pending the return of the Hivwea from tho South.

Tin; race for open failing boats under twenty feet at the I'onsonby Kcgattn is expected to be one of tho best and most numerously-contested that hut) yet taken place in the harbour, In addition to the well-known bouts which usually compete, there arc several others in cour.se of con struction, and it is probable that one or two others will he commenced. Tho Imp, which was built by Mr C. Bailey, and which won several rnces hm1, is now at Kiißscll, but it i.s expected that her owners will bring her down and give hci a chance against the Madge Mr Harrison, a well known Sydney and Melbourne builder, who lias recently commenced huainc-s at the Breakwater, is at present engaged in tho construction of a boat under twenty feet on .'peculation, and he intends to enter her. Another boat is being completed by Mr L. Garnaut for his own use, and he has also decided to place her amongst the list of competitors. Tho Pousonhy rules for measurement are so arranged that boats like the llattie May and l'atiiot are not excluded, and both of theae are expected to be entered, It is also anticipated that the entries will include the Madge, Observer, Witch, Hettie, Comet, and several others. With the prospect of such a splendid race before them, the ltegatta Committee should oiler a handsome prize in order to attract as largo a field as possible.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Par- Dell Borough Council took place last even ing, when there were present the Mayor (Mr J. T. Clark), and Councillors Winks, Wood, McKcuzin, Walker, and Mullin*. In compliance with a rt-queKt re drains in Portland-street, the Council decided that two box drains be provided. The consider ation of a letter re trumways]froiu the Town Clerk was postponed till next week. Mr JJlackett waited upon tho Council with re ference to the cutting of llutland street East. He said he could not be expected to go to every one of tho pro pi rty owners and ask them to contribute, but, as for himself, he would willingly con tribute one third were the work commenced at once. In reply to a question, the Town Clerk said tho Engineer's estimate for the work was £350, after wbicli there would be the cost of metalling. Alter some consider able discussion Mr Blackett paid he had made the concession of land for tho back streets. The information be had obtaiued from the Council was sufficient, and after thanking the members for granting him a hearing, retired. The ordinary accounts were ordered to be paid.

A meeting of the Wharehino ratepayers was held at the new school-room ou Satur day, March stb. On the motion of Mr Cutforth, seconded by Key. K. S. Brookes, Mr Withoford occupied tho chair, and an nounced the object for which tho settlers wore called together, namely, to consider a resolution, moved by Mr Shepherd, and passed by the Council at their late meeting, to the following cflect, viz. : " That the Wharehino Highway District be added to the Albert Hiding, and additional member given to it, to be taken from tho Tauhoa." Tho action of the worthy member for Port Albert in making such an extraordinary proposal without consulting the wishes of the Wharehino electors was severely com nicuted upon, and a resolution couched in strong terms was prepared by Mr G. H. Brookes, but withdrawn. Mr Stevenson lead what would have been to purpose as an amendment, bnt the meeting ultimately accepted Mr Thomas Mnrcroft's motion to the following effect, viz. :—"This special meeting oi the ratepayers of the Wharehino district strongly protests against the resolu tion proposed by Mr Shepherd and passed at the Council's last meeting, ' That Whare hino district be attached to Albert riding.' This meeting desires the Council to revoke the resolution referred to at their next sitting, leaviug Tauhoa and Wharehiue as hitherto.' Having been duly seconded by Mr 15 Blackburn, this was passed unani mously. Reference having been made to v clause in the Counties Act. which requires that notice should be given to members of the Council of extraordinary business being brought before them, Mr Buckton stated that ho had not such notice in tho ciicular calling the meeting. A resolution expressive of confidence in Messrs Cutforth and Buckton, and thanks for their services as members of the Council, was proposed by Mr D. H. Brookes, sec onded by Mr Wilcockson, and was passed unanimously. Mr Cutforth, in reply, spoke very highly of Mr Shepherd and of the unanimity always manifested in regard to general business. Mr Buckton was pleased to possess the confidence of his constituents, and would ever strive to advance the good of the public fairly, lie would like to have an opinion whether it was desirable to do it,way with County Councils. Thanks to tho Chairman terminated the business of the meeting.

Notwithstanding [the weithcr hao been somewhat cooler the last few daya, no less than 115G persona used tho city bnlhs on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

To the Editor: Sir,—Can you inform a poor unfortunate dog what the result will bo when the present registered plates on our collars have all falleu to pieces, as I find there are numbers beside myself who are losing pieces of their plates, the metal in use this year being quite rotten. Is this another dodge to get extra fees from our owners ?—I am, etc , A I'OOK Man's Dog.

The parishioners of All Saints' Church will make an excursion to tho beautiful islaud of Motuilii on Thursday next. The steamer will lie oil' Shelly Beach at 8.30 a.m., and will start at 9 o'clock sharp, calling at Queen-street wharf at 9.30 a m., and returning at 8 p.m. Tickets arc obtain able from the Committee or on board.

The election of a Chairman was the principle business at the inonthlymeeting of tho Domain Board. On the motion of Mr ,1. M, Clarke, seconded by Mr Kevan, Mr V, D. Fenlon was elected. In compliance with a request from the lessee of the Domain paddock it wps agreed that in future the carters bo requested to keep to tho proper road, and that these instructions bo forwarded to tho manager of the Acclimatization gardens.

The members of tho Excelsior Baud of llopo hold their monthly entertainment lust evening in the Newton Congregational schoolroom. In the aliseneo of tho re spected President, Mr Charles Atkin, Mr Cluuies Sprngg, hcii., was voted to the chair, anJ in a neat and appropriate ad dress opened tho mooting. Several musical selections wcro given by Messrs Houton and E. Wood, witli timto and skill. The Secretary, Mr Kcdfern, gave a recitation which met withafuvourablercccption. Some of tho younger members gave recitations in a highly crqditiiblo manner. The whole of the proceedings were most satisfactory, and the mooting cloacd with |a hymn ami tho benediction.

A preliminary mooting in Sydney to ar range for the reception of Laycock was largely attended.

A mooting of creditors in tho estate of William Wliito, publicm, was held this morning, whon Mr John Mowbray wan elected trunlei1. The liabilities uro Kit down at 1-107, and tho available assets at nil.

The first stom; of the now Hritish FJotcl, Queen-street, was laid at 4 o'clock yester day afternoon by John Robert Seeats, nt'id two years, youngoxt eon of the late Mr Jno, Scenth. A lingo dottle was placed under the stone- containing thfl particulars of the event wilh the names of (he Sceal.s' family as witnesses, and tho names of Jan. WriH- Iny, architect, and Win. I'hilcox, contractor, It. also continued copies ot the STAR and "Herald" newspapers, and current coins of tho realm from a penny to a sovmeign. 'lho liritisli Hotel was first opened in 1801 by tho lato Mr Seeatf, and held l>y him about ten years, until the liconso was transferred to Mr Owen Hum phrey, We niiiy add that the British is tho oldest hotel in Auckland, excepting ono, and the now one, according lo the contract, will be completed about the beginning of June. At tlie close of tho ceremony of laying the stone, a number of friends par took of Mrs Scouts' hospitality.

To tho Editor : Sir,—ln reply to your en-respondent " Daylight," allow mo to Hay that Mr S. S. Jakins ascertained the relative co«t of gas and water to be 11 for gas and (iO for water for rotary power. Whether or not your correspondent can find any one prepared to undortoko to keep up repairs in a water engine " for almost nothing for years" is perhaps doubtful, but it maybe lake" as a certainty that user* of power who hive adopted gas engines have nood reasons for thu expenditure of the very large amount of capital which is, your Correspondent says, necessary. I doubt if a water engine can be erected for much lees than double tho sum named by your correspondent ; nnd as to the j:as engine, it can be erected foi a considerable sum lefs than quoted. 1 know of two persons now u-fing gas engines who have had water engines on their premises—one, however, never could be got to go cfliciently—but I do not know of a gas engine being replaced by a water engine.—l am, tec., E. B, PAKSONS, Secretary, Auckland Gas Com pany.

Mr Justice Richmond sat in Chambers this morning, and disposed of a fair amount of business. L'robntc was granted in re John Julian Alwinger (deceased), and W. l\ Gray (deceased), while letters of admin, ist rat ion wero grunted to John Walker, jiui., over his father's properly. Mr Tlieo Coopei applied, on behalf ot Mr J, Lawford, munagor of tho Hunk of Australasia, for administration, duranto absentia, over tho New Zealand property of Mi«s I*. M. Long more. Uis Honor, in [-ranting the applica tion, remarked that the case was a very curious one. It was that of a num ber of muiden ladies icsidcnt in tho Tyrol, who had such'faitti'.and interest in New Zealand ns to invest largely in several of our joint stock companies notably the Now Zealand and South British Insurance Companies, and tho Gas Company. Mr lnwford's bond was ac cepted, and sureties are to be dispensed with. The issues were settled in the case of Fitzgerald v. White, and the hearing fixed to take place during the next sittings of the Circuit Court. In the matter of tho National Bank v. licdell, leave had been given tho defendant to amend the declara tion, and now, on the application ot Mr S. Hc-keth (plnintihV solicitor) it was decided that the necessary costs, instead of being paid in cash, should bo placed as a set-oil' against the costs owing by the defendant to the plaintiff.

The Devonpnrt District Board give notice in our advertising columrs that any person digging t removing soil from any of tho public ronds in that district, without permission ot tho Board, will bo prosecuted. Also, that all rnt"B unpaid of tor 21th itst, will be suol for without furthor notlco.

Mr W. H. Hazard, gunmaker, of Queen- Btroet, received notice yesterday of his special appointment as Kuninakcr to His Kxcolloncy Sir A. H. Gordon. Mr Hazird hia issued a useful circular showing tho dilloront kinds of guns commonly uaod and their valuo.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"no brlot; for it is with words as with eun boanis: tho more they aro condensed the deeper thoyburn."— Southky.

Mr J. Philson and his bride left for tho South in the Wanaka to-day on their honeymoon trip. Napier is crowded for the races, and beds cannot be obtained.

Mr Lodge, v.ho has occupied the position of District Court Clerk for twenty years, retires on his pension.

In accordance with the wish of the late Col. Nation, the funeral yesterday was made as private as possible. There were live carriages, the first containing Sir Maurice O'ltorkc (Speaker of the llousc of Representatives), Mr F, J. Mosi (M.H.K.), Mr"Kensington, and Dr Wright (who acted as chicf-mouruer). Several friends and ex comrades accompanied the funeral pro cession on foot.

The prize of £30 ottered by the German newspaper at Wangauui for the subscriber who ahould succeed in tipping the winner of the Wanganui 6takc», Flying Handicap, and Cup was not won by anybody, although C3G competed. Mr W. Kowe arrived from the South on Sunday and has gone back to tho '1 hames.

Of the thirtcou thousand bullocks in the transport service of the British army in Afghanistan, five thou»and are unfit for work, owing to the effects of General Robert's march last August, and tho hard work and approximate starvation ondured under Gcucral Phayre. ]t is proposed to substitute camels.

At a luncheon to tho Governor at Oamaru yesterday tho Hon. J. Hall said "That proper facilities for shipping produce will be the turning point iv the practicability of competing with America, and Mew Zealand farmers must see that they had these facilities."

Great preparations are being made for the monster Kin^ite meeting at Hikurangi. Seventy-two dray-loads of sharks and other savoury food passed through Alexandra yesterday.

Canada imported £10,000 worth of cheese 12 years ago, but now sue exports £2,000,000 worth a year. The quality of tho cheese has also greatly improved, and this is ascribed to the factory system. Canadian cheese carried off the first prize at the Centennial exhibition against tho world, and also at the International dairy fair in New V ork in 1579.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Reutkr's Telegrams.] A GOVERNMENT~PKOPOSAL CON DEMNED. LONDON, March 14. Sir Stafford Northcotc has issued a mani festo condemning the proposal of the Go vernment to demand " Urgency," to the consideration of Supply in Committee of ways and means. He declares that such a course would be subversive of the right aud privileges of the House of Commons. LA.ND LEAGUE MEETINGS. Large meetings, under the auspices of the Land League, were held yesterday at twenty different places in Ireland. All passed oil' without disturbance. SCULLING MATCH. LONL'ON, March 2. A sculling match took place on the Thames to-day between W. Smi'h (one of the competitors for the late Hop Bitters prizes) and a .sculler named Perkins. Smith won. LONDON, March 2. Tho Carrying of Arms Prevention Bill empowers the Lord Lieutenant to cause a search to Lc made of persons suspected of carrying amis without a license. The measure, if passed, will be in force uutil June, 1886. Mr Parncll has been written to by mem bers of the Home Kulo party, and urged to return to England and resume bis place in the House of Commons. He lias, however, vouchsafed no reply. LONDON, March 3. Sir Hercules h'obinsou, in a despatch to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, pro tests ill strong terms against those who have bo severely criticised the conduct of affairs in South Africa.

AUSTRALIAN.

ADELAIDE, Tuesday.

The neces.snry preliminary arrangements for holding an International Exhibition in this city have now been completed. Mr M ongaii, Premier, has modified bis mani festo of lust month. He now proposes to defer the intended reduction of duties except those on agricultural implimontp.

KKTUUN OP THE LATE AGENT

GKNKUAL,

SYDNEY, March 14th.

Mr William Poster, late Agent-General for Now South Wales in London, returned here to-daj, per P. audO. steamer Bokhara. lie met with ;i warm reception, aud was presented by the committee with a con gratulatory address.

SHIPPING,

SYDNEY, March 14,

Arrived: The Union Company's sh. To Anuu, from Wellington ; the Pacific mail Rtoamor City of Sydney, from San Frauchco, Till Auckland.

NATIVE LANDS COURT.

[ISY TKJJKinAPH, OWN COUUKSI'ONDENT.]

CAMBRIDGE, this day. At the Land Court to-day, the dispute between the Ngatitcraugi and Ngatikiuhika wns settled amicably. There were also settled, by consent of (he parties, blocks ,'t, 4, 5, fl, of Waitu-Kuianui j 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, of I'angaroa ; aud 2,' of Tautnata.

SPORTING.

TAHANAKI RACES,

NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday. FOX the chief eveut of the Taranaki Autumn Meeting the following weights were declared :—

Taranaki Jockey Cmjb Handicap.— Longlands, Ost. Gibs. ; Libeller, Sst, 12Ibs. ; Merlin, Sst. 12lbs. ; Opawa, Sst. 91bs ; Hilarious, Bst, 31bs. ; Dan, Sat. ; Redeemer, 7st. lOlbs ; Kesolution, 7st. lOlbs. ; King Quail, 7st. 51bg. j Kockct, 7»t. -libs. ; Hippo campus, 7st. 21b?. ; Astiouoiner, 7st. ; Con fident, 7st. ; Otawa, 7st. ; My Dream, Cst. l'Jlbs. ; Miss Emma, Gst. 121b1. ; Roweua, 6'st. lOlbs. : Maria Stuart, (Jst. 'Jibs. ; Mutail, Gst. 91bs. ; Harlequin, Cat. slbi. ; Harry, 6st. slbs, ; Venture, sst. lOlbs; Scotch Mist.

County: Handicap.—Resolution Ost. Gibs. ; Isaac Walton, o'»t. -libs. ; Confident, Bat. 121bs. ; Harlequin, 7st. 51bs. ; Kekerangi, 7st. ; Lary, O'st. 7lbs. ; Scotch Mist, (Jst. 51lw.

WANGANUI, this day

PRESENTATION,

The presentation of a testimonial to Freeman Jackson, Hon. Secretary of the Wangauui Jockey Club, was held last night. The testimonial consists of a very handsome silver epergue, side dish aud salt->, worth £200. The presentation was made by 11. Shafts Harrison, President of the club. Mr Jackson, in replying, traced the history of the club since his connection with it in 1575, and claims that in respect to the excellence of the course and comiiletnsss of the ar raugement it should be second to none in I the colony. Since 1575 over £3000 had been spent on permanent improvement, aud the Club had a credit balance at the bank. The services ot Mr Hatley, as hamiienppor, were refened to in complimentary tcrm°. THE SETTLING.1 The settling on the Wanganui Autumn Meeting is as follows :—C. H. Owen, £610 T. • o\v, £203 ; Mason and Vallance, £200: McDonald, £155 ; Walters, £132 ; D. Scott, £75 ;G. McLeod, £75; K. J. Keith, £95 ; Kenwood, £120 ; Hon. W. Robinson, £33 ; Chatham, £55 ; Willis, £2S; aud smaller amount*. Totals, £1,791.

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

[BY TELEGRAPH.— rRIiSS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, midnight. The Assembly met again to-day. Mr Frafcr's motions, " That the motion to make Wellington the permanent place of meeting be sent to tho Presbyteries," and " That Mr Bruce be appointed General Secretary of the schemes ot the Church," were carried. A deputation fiom the temperance societies waited on the Assembly, and a. motion was agreed to by the latter expressing gratifica tion at receiving the deputation, and hoping that through combined efforts the terrible vice of intemperance may be banished from the land. Tho case of Mr Kobb was re ferred to the Hawke's Bay Presbytery, with power to grant him license if they were satisfied. Mr Allsworth addressed the Assembly on the subject of Maori missions, urging increasing interest and effort iv this scheme.

MI NING NEWS.

Kuuanui Hill United.—Tcutonio section: Stoping has been continued on Barry'a lode as doscriuod in my lust week's report. Tho vein is still of tho vurinblo character previously dosorlbcd, and shows no improvement in valu«. Junction nnd All Nations Surface Workings:—Tho quartz (;ot during last week showed a littlo gold at overy broaking, and continues to look vory well. Wo have hero several months' prolltablo work for a limit/id number of mon. Poverty seotion:—Stoping and driving eastward is being continued by threo shiftß ot men. As yet, we have found no rich patches, but gold is now vory freoly soon, and tho stuff at the battory is shaping like four or flvo ounces to tho ton. Tho sinking ot the second winze is also being earned on by throe shifts, and we also see a little gold here On th s division cf the mine I navo lately had eighteen moD, and will oou tinuo to keep it fully manned.

Belfast.— Tho lodo in this division (more fully referred to in my special report of the 7th iußtant) is looking very promising, and ths trial parcel now going through tho mill is showing a litt.la gold on tho plates. Tho indications aro all I can des're, and I am hopeful of touching something -jood at any time. Battery : All tho Tribute crushings will be finished by We ines day, and also tho parco's o£ company's quartz. With tho exception of Lo Manguia's, Pearce, and Jury's parties, nono of the tribtiters havo good returns. 360 teet level: In my report dated 28th Feb., I acquainted you|with tho reason for the toinporary stoppage at this level. 1 havo bean unablo to brirjg in sufficient wutcr for our sir forcer, and I think wo had better wait for next rainfall to holp m.—J. W. Walker, Thames, March 14.

Hopeful G.M.0.-Tho contractors have driven a distanco of 17 feet on the course of the cross-lode 'I he country is still tho same as reported in my previous letter. Tho men keep tapping more water in carrying on tho drive The prog_re?sof the drivo will bo greatly retarded by the air becoming thin. Tho country in tho rise started from the new level tunnel in main reef is tight for making much speed. I hroko down the lvof in tho came, and saw somo nioe splats ot gold in tho stone. The thickness of tho reef is about nine inchep. No. 2level: Tho winzo I am sinking is to iho eastward of the junction ot cross and (main lodes. It it down about 8 feet, but as yet I havo seen no gold in tho store There is no water to troublo mo in tho sinking. Tho country at pre sont is rathor tight. I have been tising on a small quartz leader on tho mundlcvein during the past weok. In breaking down the same, I obtained about sevon pounds of. good picked stone with gold showing in the top of tho samo. —K. Howsb, Maroh Htb.

Luck's All G.M.C.—No. 3 lovol: There is no ohango in tho reef einco my la=t. A littlo gold is taken o tat each breaking down. I have twenty pounds of picknd stone on hand. At prosont I am driving towards the slido, with the intention of rising on tho same to block oub No. 2 level I purposo clearing out tho drivo on tho Brown leader which is partly filled with mullock. I cannot boo tho face, hut think it Js near tho slido. I intend driving through tho iilido to pick up ilie Kopublic roof, which, according to its underline, must bo close to tho drive, on which I will bo ablo to rise, and sink to ventilate tho workings.—S. Gbibblb, March lltOa

ASSASSINATION OF THE CZAR.

Several of the Czar's Suite also Killed.

The Assassin Arrested.

Itotv the Deed was Perpetrated

ST. PETERSBURG, March 13. The following are (he particulars of the assassination of the Cz.ir :—

Accompanied by Ins suite, he was wit ncs.-ing a parade of troops in the city to day, when a bomb was suddenly thrown from among the spectators and fell close to where he was fl'auding, it exploded, but did no harm to liis Majesty. A second bomb was almost simultaneously thrown, and this shattered his legs arid otherwise mortally wounded him. His Majesty was at once conveyed to a house near at hand, but he died within two hours from loss of blood, though every effort was made by the doctor*, who were nt one; in attendance, to stop tho How. Great consternation was caused on the panule ground when the bombs were thrown, and when the effects of their ex plosion were seen. Several persona, including some mem bers of the Czar's suite, were killed, and many others were severely wounded. The assassin was arrested at the scene of ihc outrage before ho had lime to escape.

LATER DESPATCH.

All (Jicict At St. I'etershunjh

ST. PETEUSBUKG, March 14.

The assassination of the Emperor lias led to no disturbance in tins City. All are perfectly quiot. The Czarewitch has been received with shouts of acclamation by the people, Expressions of condolence and .sympathy with the Imperial family haye been received from all the Crown Heads in Europe.

DESTRUCTIVE FLOODS IN THE SOUTH.

[11V TEMCGSRAPII. PUKSS ASSOCIATION.]

HOKITIKA, Monday. The Hoods of Saturday and Sunday last have dona great damage, especially in the Waimca district. The Waimea water-race dam overflowed and burst its bands, cany ing' away about sixty feet of the Kapitea bridge. The Government will lose a con sidorable sum by the nursling of the dam. 1 he County Council will also be put to great expense in repairing the bridge, and the erection of many culverts, carried away. The Christchurch couch due on Saturday, only arrived this afternoon.

THE CEREBUS DISASTER.

Full Particulars,

MKLIiOUUNE, February G. A TERRIBLE catastrophe occurred at the Heads on Saturday evening. The turret ship Corebus had been experimenting with torpedo charges, and had exploded four electro-contact mines. A final display was about to be made by filling a cylindrical powder wise with about seventy pound of powder, which was to be exploded by means of a fulminate of mercury fuse. This was brought into the electric current by some means unexplained, and the torpedo exploded, blowing up a boat con tuining live men and an oilicer. Four of them were blown to pieces and one was injured slightly. It seems the experiments of the daj r had been satisfactorily con cluded, when it was decided as a last experiment to produce a sensational effect. A powder tin was put into the boat under the charge of Gunner Groves, who had considerable experience in torpedoa, and in order that the tin might sink slowly a piece of braid was placed under it. The gig was then less than 200 yards from the steamer, and was stem-on to her. One of the oar 3 was used to get away, and in doiim this, fouled the electric wire leading from the powder-tin to the Ceiebus. Groves leaned over the etern of the boat, and en deavoured to reKtase the wire, but the powder-tiu had by this time drifted under the boat. At this moment the tin ex ploded, and the boat and men were sent up into the air. The boat was thattered to splinters. The unfortunate men were frightfully mutilated. One man named Jasper, who was sitting in the bows of the boat at the time, escaped with flight injury, and was rescued by Lieutenant Houston, who jumped from tlie Cerebus after him. A boat was at once lowered, aud the bodies of Groves and Hunter were picked up. The latter died immediately after. The water around was covered with fragments of the boat aud the mutilated bodies. The Ccrrbus returned to Williamstown with the bodies.

The cause of the accident is at present unknown, as Mnrray, the electrican aboard the Cerebus, who had charge of the firiug apparatus, had not joined the wire from the mine to the firing key ; so there could be no electric current. Captain Mandeville was ashore at the lime of the accident.

James Jasper, the survivor, in his nar rative, says that all the insulated wire which was attached to the torpedo ex ploded, and it was fouled by one of the oars. He knows nothing about the explosion, but found himself struggling in the water amongst the splinters of the boat, until rescued by Mr Houston. He is progressing favourably. Murray thinks there must have been a small quautity of dynamite in the powder, and that the concussion with the boat exploded it. Later. It seems that Murray has stated posi tively that Groves, who was a careless mau, put a piece of dynamite iuto the ca^e with powder to make up, saving it would all blow up, and that the concussion was caused cither by the shaking ot the boat or the oar, and thus produced the explosion. narrative hy an eye-witness.

The following is the statement of an cyc witnoss:—The torpedo experiments had been quite successful during the afternoon, and it was decided to conclude them at 5 p in., by firing a somewhat larger charge than usual. For this purpose a tin canister, capable of holding 401bs, of rifle large grain gunpowder was prepared, and was nearly full of powder. Holes were made in the lid for the electric wire to pass through, and the detonating fuse, with its primer of gun cotton, was inserted and fitted by Mr Groves, who then placed tlic lid on the canister, and proceeded to make it water tight by binding the joint with the iudiarubbcr tube. Mr Engineer Rrcats then suggested that red lead would serve well to keep out the water, and with his assistance Mr Groves firmly bound a piece of canvas smeared with red lead round the joint between the canister and the IM. Great care was excercised during these operations, and Mr Grove 3 called the attention of those present to the danger of using anything metallic, for instance the blade of a penknife, to remove some of the grains of powder which had adhered to the tiu, and he himself removed thorn with his fingers. In the same way, care was taken whun the lid was removed from the canister to cover the contents carefully with a large mat, in case that possibly a spark fro7n the cook's gulley might pass by and cause the ignition of the gunpowder. The next operation was to affix a float to the mine, so that it would not siuk too deep, and for this purpose a wooden plank some four feet loug was attached to the canister by Mr Groves, assisted by one or two of the seamen. This done, the crew manned the gig, took the mine on board, and rowed away from the the ship to the place where they had decided to lay the mine. The cable (a light Hooper's core) was paid out to them from the ship as they went alono, ond it did not exceed ten yards in length The word being given that the cable was nearly all paid out, the men in the boat censed rowing, and prepared to throw the mine overboard. The next thing was the explosion. The boat, with its living freight was smashed to splinters, and only "me man, Jasper, is left alive to tellthe talc. •Jasper was seen siitiag towards the ship and crying lustily for help. A couple of minutes elapsed before a boat could be lowered, but two lifebuoys were thrown in the direction of Jasper; and Mr Houston, one of the topedo electricians, jumped into tue water, and swam to him with a wooden bench, on which Jasper supported himself till ho was picked up by one ot the Cerobus boats. Great praise is duo to Mr Houston for his prompt and plucky action, as it is extremely doubtful if Jasper Had strength remaining to enable him to reach the ship. Jaspor is progressing tavoui ably being only very slightly wounded in the leg. Ho is, as may bo expected, in tin extremely nervous condition from the *uuuk sustained. iJo states he was sittina u> the bow of the boat on the gunwale and in this way escaped the full eliect of the ex plosion, which probably knocked him into the water clear of the ddbris. »

THE KAMO RAILWAY EX TENSION.

TENDERS TO BE LKT AT ONCE,

We are glad to learn that immediately on the return of Mr. Blackett to Wellington the tender will he called for the extension of the Wlmngarei-Kamo railway to Lon» Reach. The last contract which has just been liui-hcd by Mr Lanigan ends in a swamp, and is utterly useless. Tho Government have therefore .agreed to con tinue tlie line to .Long Kcach and construct a wharf there, which will give 16 leet of water at high tide. It would have been better if the line had been canied a mile further where 23 feet of water could have been got, but this tho Govern ment are not disposed to carry out, and the Whangarei folk, therefore, must rest thank ful with half a loaf as better than none at all. The extension and new wharf will be a great boon to the distiict, and will givo peimancuce to the importmfc coal-mining operations now established at Kamo through tlie enterprise of Mr Joseph Bennett. It is a pity that the people of the district do not themselves display more foresight in the management of the affairs of the district. From what we can learn it appears likely that the harbour dues recently imposed will have the effect of driving away vessels which would otherwise visit the harbour for coal. If, however, these dues were ex pended in properly buoying the channel bo that steamers could come up safely by night or day, the shipping interests might be reconciled to them. At present, however, such is the inefliciency of the harbour management that steamers run a pood chance of getting on the mud in| makiDg their way up to tha loading ground, not withstanding that the depth of the water is ample and the channel a good one.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

INQUIRY INTO DX. I'URCHAS' CHAKGES.

The Enquiry was resumed yesterday after uoon sihoitly after four o'clock, thcto beinc present: Sir «. M. O'Korke (Chairman), Rev C. M. Nelson, Messrs J. M. Clark, T. Peacock-, F. D. Fenlon.

The following letter was read:—"Pitt, htieet, March 14, 1881.—The Secretary, Aucklaud College and Grammar School: Sir,—i was from home when your letter arrived, therefore could not reply at once. 1 regiet that I cannot jive an opinion as to the value of the remaining evidence." So far as I am concerned I am satisfied with the evidence which the Board has already obtained, and trust that it will prove suflicient to bring about such reforms as will make the school all that can be desired. —I am, etc, A. G. I'UKCHAS.

After :-ome discussion as to the mode of procedure which should bo pursued in future, Mr Brookfield moved, "That having in view the injurious effect un avoidably caused to the discipline and conduct of the school by the long duration of this enquiry, this Board determines to hit every day at 4 o'clock,"

The motion was supplemented with the words " except on Saturdays when it shall meet at 10 o'clock," and in this form passed. [A diort delay in consequence of the absence of Mr F. Macrae.] Aa soon as he arrived the Chairman announced to him that the Hoard was willing to hear what he had to say, or any evidence that he had to oiler.

Mr Macrae then decided that Dr. Purchas should be summoned to attend in order (o undergo examination, and after him Mr H. H, Lusk. Ho would also like to re examine all the masters. As many as 150 persons had come to him aud offered to give evidence, but he did not think that he would require so many witnesses. It was necessary to his case that Dr. Purcbaa and Mr Lusk should be examined first.

It was agreed to summon Dr. Purcbasfor to-morrow.

The enquiry was then adjourned,

THE SNOW STORMS AND GALE IN ENGLAND.

GRAPHIC ACCOONT OF THE

IKCIDENTS,

The London correspondent of the "Mel bourne Argus " sends a very graphic ac couut of the snow storms and gale in Eng land on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 18 and 19, which he Eays, " are never likely to be forgotten by the present generation." London and the entire country was visited by a gale and storm which for violence and extent of destruction arc without parallel during the past 30 years.

After describing the events connected with the heavy fall of snow in London and the wrecks on the coast, the writer con tinues : "Reports have been received from places on the coast of several gallant rescues of seamen who were in peril. Seven men from a wrecked Dutch steamer were brought ashore at Harwich, after being in the rigging four days and three nights; eight others were lost. The con dition of things ou the many railways on that dreadful Tuesday night may be under stood from what occurred on the North- Western lines. Half-a-dozen traius.crowded with passengers, which could get no further than the Willcsden Junction, by the aid of powerful engines, were brought back to Eustou. About this time telegraphic intelligence was received at Willesden that three passenger trains wore embedded in the snowdrift at Tiing Cutting; another express and goods at Blisworth, and that tliere was another serious block near Lynch Gold that could not be speedily extricated. Nothing could be done except provide the passengers with sustenance, and make them as comfortable as it was possible to do. The refreshments obtain able from the Junction were soon exhausted and all the bakers' shops in the neigbourhood cleared out. Thus provisioned, the snowed-up travellers patsed the night in the carriages, aud early next morning six powerful locomotivcu, linked together, and aimed with snow ploughs, were despatched trom Willesden to clear the rails from snow as far as possible in the direction of Rugby. They efiected their object, and at 10 o clock on Wednesday morning the ordinary Liverpool aud Manchester express, . carrying the previous night's mail, bags and a large number of belated passengers, , left Eustou, and got safely through to : Rugby. THE DEATH ROLL from the frost and snow swells daily, and when completed it will probably be found that the victims numbered 100 in the metropolis. There have been a large num ber of iuqucsts. Persons in all conditions of life succumbed to apoplexy, heart disease, and other ailments arising from exposure to the cold. Frequent deaths from exposure continue to be reported daily from different : parts of the country. Twenty-four fatal calamities occurred on Wiltshire Downs. Three men, with three horses attached to coal carts, were dug out of the snow near i Marlborough, all frozen to death. A boy/ with them was saved. Near Devizes a man :in charge of a waggon and fonr : horses was lost, but the horses were rescued alive. A shepherd was : found stending upright in the snow, ; but quite dead, with his hands over his : head. Another mau was frozen to death in an outhouse. A ilock of 400 sheep, with a shepherd and dog, were lost for 24 hours, aud afterwards found dead. A carter peiished on the roadside ; the horses beiDg loosed form the cart, were found embedded in the snow. Four deaths occurred on Salisbury Plain, including two shepherds. Another farmer lost 300 slieep iv the snow, which in some places was 20ft. deep. Three apprentices left Calne on Tuesday, and have not since beeu teard oi. Six persons were discovered dead in a snow drift. A labourer was frozen to death near Abingdon ; and a man, belonging to Derby, was found in a dying btate on the road near Burton-on-Trent, and suc cumbed to the cold. A man missing from Haddenham was found frozen to death in a ditch near the Thames. Another herdsman perished iv the fields in the snow, near Royston. An old woman was frozen

to death in a ditch near Biccster. A man, aged 70, was frozen to death while driving from Sbrivenham to Highworth. On Tues day night seven men who were missed from Tavistock were reported to be lost ou Dart moor, where the snow in places was 12 feet dee]). Two passengers who were snowed up in a train ou Tuesday night, between DowJais aud lthymey, succumbed to the exposure. A bargeiuan on the Thames was frozen to death. At Swiudon a man perished within a hundred yards of his cottage. Four men in charge of a traction engiue passed through Buckingham on Tuesday morning, and reached Dean shauner, where they were compelled to lenve the engine, and have uot siuce been hoard of. The driver cf Iho niailcart at Ashburn, with two assistants h:is perished, and four men have been found dead at i Leicester, A labourer near New Bury, a I fanner's .son near YPelshpool, and several other porsous, perished in the snow. It is lean d that the thaw will reveal many more fatalities, as abandoned vehicles are scat , tered about the country, aud many persons are still missing,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. TUESDAY. MARCH 15



Special Advertisements. XUST "DECEIVED. Ladies' and Girls FINE CASHMERE JERSEYS. BOYS' JERSEY SUITS. TAM O'SaANTJER HATS. JERSBY COLLAR 3, CORDS AND TASSEL 9, for Drosses. mother hubbard cloaks. Also in Stock, a. very large assortment OF Ladies' and Children's UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY LINEN. TkT I L N E ~&~ QHOYCE QUKEN-9TREBT. T\f ANTED KNO WN. MISS DELANEY DRESS AND MANTLE 38JAKKB (Late Forewoman ok Mr. W. Kattbay's), Begs to intimate to her Friends and Customers that she haa commenced Business in the NEW BUILDINGS, ALBERT-STREET, Next the Corner of Wycdtam-street. Prompt attention will bo given to all ordera she may be entrusted with. THE WEATHER. A8 OBSERVED AT TELEGRAPH STATIONS. March IS, 1881. "Wind. ri »rf a Bag State of Sea, Station. § g jjj ". ! Bar. 1 £ o ■*' * or Rivers. SJ o : fi "> a B H B H ? Manukau.... S.W.- F.B 29.32 61C. bar good 'fhames S.W. L. 29.86768. Trfuritnga.k.. C. — 30.20 (54 B. seaca'm Napier.. C. — 29.1662 B. sea smooth Taranaki.... — — — — — ■WanKOnul... S.W. li.B 30.1863 B.C Eel moderate -Welunßton.. N.W. - 29.98 64 B. NelsoaV. -~. 0. - 30.05 53 B.C Ureymouth.. KNS L. 3010—O, eoacon'rable Lyttelton.... N.K. -29.8779 G. Timara W' L. 29.8659 0. sea smooth Oamaru 0. — 29.86R0C. sea calm JPt. Chalmers wnw h. 29.79 oi B.C Pluff- N.W.L. 2975598.C - n _calm " If. Br.—Fresh Breeze Li-Light n'~nZ m Br.-Breeze G.-Gale (2.) ANEROID BAROMETER. (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS 8.-Blue sky, be the at- 0.-Overcast,the whole mosDhore clear or sky covered with | heavy thick olouds : O. — Clouds, passing P.—Passing; showers clouds Q.—Sqnally D.—nrlisziling rain R. — XtalD, continued ».—Foggy rain «• — Gloomy, dark S.-Bnow ■weather T.-Thnnder Sk ETuShtnlin. U—Ugly, threatening » ait—LOKiuuttg appearance v



Special Advertisements. a pURE pABH QYSTKM C /DRAPERY AND CLOTHING VAT CO-OPKRATIVE CABH PKICBB, AT THK Cut Hall. Arcade GAKLICK & CIUNWELL, Pfoprletors._ U3TRIAN BKNT-WOOD FUKNITiiRK.- A Largo Shipmont junt to hand, light and strong, stiltablo for Breakfast, bit ting, Dining, or Drawing-room (Black, Walnut, and L'ght Colours, GAHLICK & CUANWKLL, City Hall Furnishing Arcado, CJuoonstreor, Auckland, ?~IAItPKTS.—Tho Largest Stock in tho Hro- Kj vinco to scloctfrom—all kinds. Tnpostry, from 2i lid ; Hrusaols, from la lid; X id dermlnster, Folt, and Juto. Tho New Worocstor Stair Carpet, made of Hornohnir, just recoived—tho most durable Carpot over mndo. GAUI.ICK &..OKANWKLL. BKDUOOM FURNITUKK.-ANroa variety always ready for delivery, to suit all olnsses. Chests of Druwors, Wnshstnmlß, Toilot Tables and Wardrobes in various woods. Glasses and Toilotwnro. Heading of all kinds and sizes; Spring Maifoa.M. AX , jTOgfcOIUNWH!IjU EXHIBITION Designs in Iron Bedstoads.— Wo koop tho Greatest Variety of Iron Bodstoads in Town, and aro Importors direct from tho manufacturers. Hand somo Wood Bedsteads from our own Factory. GARLICK fc CKANWKLL. <Ti ARTJCK & OKANWELL kfop euch a XX Largo Assortment of General Household Furnlturo that you can Furnish a llouso throughout from thoir stock at a day's notice. DKAWING-KOOM SUITK3 in stock, suit abo for a Cottago or a Mansion, all upholstored by ourselves, and gunran tood. Suitoa for Dining nnd Sitting rooms in various styles. OA.RLICIC & OKANWKLL. NLY Warohouso In Town conduotod on tho London Systom, combining all depart ments of Furnishing, Drapery, and Clothing. CITY HALL ARCADH. FIViC Per Cont. Cash Discount on all klndo of Furniture, Carpcta, Matting, Floorcloths, ironmongery, Tollotwaro, nnd Brush- War°' GARLICK te CBANWELL. BIToTc CATALOGUES, post froo or on applE cation, to those intending to Furnish. Estimates and designs piron. Carpots made up. Linoleum and Oilcloths laid. Needlowork mounted. All kinds of Upholstery nnd Cabinot-work by llrat class workmen. ' INSPKCT OUR STOCK: ThK IjAUGEiT IN -A UCKLA.ND I GARLICK & CRANWELL, CITY HALL AKCiDE, Queen-stroet and Lorno-streot. Auckland. TIUESS /N 0 0 JDS. WIA.NTED KNOWN: pOOD TJSEFUL TJRKSS jyTATEKIALS ARE BEING SOLD AT HALF PRICE. RUSHBROOK & BKIDGMAN'S. Is Gd Materials for 9d. We havo bought a largo JOB LOT of tho above, and are giving our Customers the benellt. FANCY DRESS MATERIAL In Great Variety, (ts-at a heavy reductions off usual pricos to Clbak Out During Tiie Season. A Fresh Lot OS1 GOOD CHEAP TWEED GOOD CHEAP TWEKD for Boys' Wear I»\JUST TO HAND."S» 5% Discount (Is in the £) allowed off all CASH Purchases of 203 and Upwards. T3USHBROOK & T3RIDGMAN, sx o DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS lOpposite the Army and Navy Hotel], Upper Que kn-strket, Auckland



TmiRST /UAND OHOW OF PAKIS MILLINERY. FIRST GRAND SHOW O£ CHOICE NEW M&NTLKS FIRST GRAND SHOW Of HANDSOME COSTUMES FIRST GRAND SHOW Of AUTUMN DKBBS MATERIALS FIRST GRAND SHOW Of NEW SILKS and SATINS FIRST GRAND SHOW 01 VELVETS and PLUSHES FIKST GRAND SHOW Of MEW AUTUMN GOODS FIRST GRAND SHOW On TUESDAY, Maroh 22nd FIRST GRAND SHOW At NKW ZtCALAND HOUSE FIRST GRAND SHOW At 66, Queen-street, Auckland, JUST RECEIVED AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, With Plated Arms. Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quite New K. POUTER & CO., Qukbn and High streets 'W INKS & rXALL. HAVE REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THBIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY LL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET CUBING THEBE-BUILDING OF TKEIR WARE HOUSE IN SHOETLAND-STREET. GRANGERS AND TIiAYELLEKS Visltinf? Auckland will find the LARGEST OUTFITTING STOCK IN THE COLONY To Select from at THE NISW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Thousands of Cußtomers testify to the QUFERIOR f\V ALITY & TWITTING Of the Garments made by them. The Stock of SHIRT 3, TIES, HATS, and HOSIERY, is vory large, and includes a CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF NOVELTIES FOR THE : HOLIDAYS. j A Bpecial supply of PORTMANTEAUX < BAGS, BUGS, and all TraTolliDg Requisites ' for Tourists. AUCKLAND BRANCH: l Queen-street (opposite Theatre Royal), c And at Albert Btreet, Thames, \ J, FITZSIMONS, Majwseh jl;



T> A N X H OLID A V, Tho BANKS Will bo CIiO3ED on THUII3-; DAY, 17th instant (St. Patrlok's Day). mr &l Frkk Gifts I—Tho Proprietors ol WOLFK'S AItOMATIO 80HIKDAM SOHNAI'I'S, tO Innuco tho destrnotion nnd prevent tho im proper uso of their wrapper.! and kb:>ls, nnd thug further protect thn Pub'io awainst fraud and docoption, havo onclosod In Iho wrappers, or under tho labM on tho quart bottles, since Ist Ootobor, 1878, and continue toonclo^o in kvkuv day's packing TiiuiiuaiiauT thk vk.ak I' H U X X, £1 O It I) Hi It S, which aro drawn upon tho undersigned, nnd which will bo canned by thorn on presentation. To s euro thoso Gifts, tho Publin miiHt bo caroful to ask for, and accept no'hing but, tho Gknuink Unoti'iio Wni.KK'a doilNAl'l'3. with our name upon tho top lubol, M. Moss & Co Wynynrd Lano, Sydney.



Novelties in Furnishing Goorls.—Tho " Hoyal Axminster" Carpet with handsome bordor just landed, rich in appoaranco, and as soft as a Turkey Carpet; the " Worcester "Stair Carpet tho pile is entirely made of horsehair, prettily shaded bordor, and is tho most durable carpot for stairs over made, and at a lower price- than Brussels: Handsome- Coverings for DrawiDg room Suites just opened by Qarliokand Cran well; these Coverings aro proof against moths and have a protty ground-work of silver, old gold colour, etc., etc.: Handsome Half-Tostor Bedsteads now on. view. Tho greatost variety of Bedsteads in Auckland to select from. All kinds ol Housohold furniture at very low prices, and 5 por cent, discount allowed for caah at tl oof purchase. This firm carry on their Drapery and clothing business on the Co-apsra tivo (Jnßh System, marking th«ir goods at a vory Bmall advance on coat trusting to a laruo turnover to make it remunerative. Furnish your Houso from tho City Hall Arcade, !|Gar lick and Cranwell, Proprietors.—Fadvt