SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HtnH WATKRJ| Tomorrow Morning, C.23 ' UN*BKT.-Thiß Kvenlng.7.ll i'IINPISK -To-Morrow Mornins;, 5.17 MUOSW AQK.-New Moon, 30th, 0.27 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING.

Linda Weber, briganthw.Cameron, from Napier

TO-DAY,

Magic, cutter, Sloane, from Suwarrow

Inwahdb Co*ST\TiBK.-Coralie, from Tairua, cattle, and 35 long firewood. B The s.s. Argyle arrived from ™g«ei and Mangapal l""t "veniDß with a argo ny passonneraandacttrßO ojrislsting vi. fruit, 20 saoks gum, stele 3 wt)o ' this oveninK.

IMPORTS.

100.10031 flour, U cases chicory.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Kowona,s.s.,Amodeo,rromWaitara

DEPARTURE.

Lalla BooUi. s.s , Campbell, for Rag* a n

IMPORTS.

tjutter

The s.s. Lalla Bo°^'a^ing to-day, lcavina

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Melbourne, January 27. Hailed: The BteMMbip Arowata, lor the Bluff, yesterday

Russell, yesterday, Arrived: GoldenlaloandMariner.^^ SS-'ZIZ, yesterday, here

Gretmouth, this day Arrived: Hero, s.s.. from Auckland, at 5 a.m

COMMERCIAL.

Kvening Star Office, Friday. „ o Arthur sold a numter of allotments Bituatednear ttie to . aioosa : No , 5 £20; AUotments Putthwea oy q j No-?! £ 3; "fnr £10- and iSos. 7 and 8, to Mr Mr Carter, for £.10, 103 respectively. Allot- Faulkner, at^»° a t t;' (lo vernme»t township ments 53 ana 54 in the Go fQr m StanSSato lid; apples. Id to 2id; pean, Id to2J.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MR ALFRED BUCKLASD'3 WEEKL V R«?O

At the Haymarket, on Friday last, fodde r maintained its proviona values; the agricultural toXments sold were at low prices; treble Crow Plough, £S; double plough, £3; potato raiser £5 combined plough and potato raiser, iin Grubbers and oihor double lurrows with- Hrft'wn £7 eaoh required for them. Toe bone dusf £517* 6d to £ti 7s Gd the ton; light and medium drancjht stock were in good damand, and brought from £12 to £27 303; heavy draught, from £<0 to £ii, each with an unsatisfied enouir/ The sale of hides, skin 3 and wool, on Tuesday was less in quantity than usual, but prices were fully uuitalned. The cattle salo at Papakura, on Wednesday, was ful'y att-nded, and all yarded found ready buyers; several horses were a.so s aid. At Reaiuera on Thursday, dsti-c catt'ewere in good inquiry, and brought irom £S to £9 each Store c.tttle in usual number met with a Eooddematdot improved r<*« s. i-nt cattle in less than aver»ge numbers, 103 head yarded, laat week's ralue3 were fully sustained; old cows and coarse cattle were 20g but good steers were steady throughout the salo at 22a Gd the lOOlbs sheep wore unnsuallv plentiful, aad some "remained unsold ; at first, last week's values were sustained, but prices fell fully 2s ncr head aa the sale proceeded, and ranged from 2M to lid the lb. Fat lambs were i" moderate supply, and maintained , their value ; shorn lambs brought 8s; In their wool. 9a to 13a 6d; wethers, 9s 64 to 12s 9d each. Fat calves were in good enquiry, but pigs, although in limited numbers, were 10-yer in price.

MESSRS HUNTER AND NOLAN'S WiEBKLY RBPOBT.

Horses—There has scarcely been so much activity in the market aa on the previous week, although about the same number were disposed of by auction. The bid 'ing was steady at the UurLm Yards on Friday. About the usual number were submitted, and, with very few exceptionf, sales were effected. We quote hacks from £6153 to £1710s; medium draught, Ml to «27; heavy drauaht, £36. Cattle.-A vory lawe number nave been brought forward. For fat beasts there has Deenaslowdemana.but for other desciiptions there has been a slkht improvement in value. On Tuesday, Newmarket was well supplied. Dairy and store stocks wero steadily competed for and, although expectations of vendors were difficult too Main, there was a steady demand at current rates. There wasa large muster at Waiuku on Wednesday. The d.mand waß in excess of the supply, and consequently an ad varjee on jvewmarketDrices was given. BheeD.—Tho Newmarket yards wero com pletely crammed on Tuesday. The stores sub mitted were principally ewea of an inferior de- BoriDtion, and were!consequently looked upon wM disfavour by graziers. There was a large musterof fat sheep, and tho demand was steady, consequently there was no noteworthy decline invUue. Lambs were plentifuLand of inferior descriptions, and consequently Buttered. Prices ranged from 5a 9d to 13s, Pigs.—None were yarded.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Wholesale. Eetail. s. d. s. d. 8 d. s. a. Huttei.&.lb 0 7-0 8 Mi!k, quart 0 4-0 0 Best Dairies » 9-0 0 Butter, fs,lb 9 0-1 0 Butter, Bit, lbO 0-0 0 Butter, salt 0 10-0 0 Cheese (new) 0 5-0 G Cbeeae(ool.) 0 8-0 0 Do., Cant. 0 fi-0 0 Kggs.doz... 1 6-00 Eeei.doz. 13-0 0 Lard.lb .. 0 0-0 10 Lara lb(tins)o 7-0 8 Fowls.each 2 6-3 0 Bacon and Hams, Ducks, each 2 6-3 0 Provincial 0 7-010 Geese, each 5 0-7 0 Canterbury Hams Turkeys.. 5 0-7 0 and Bacon (in Bscon.lb.. 0 10-1 0 cloth) .. 0 10J-1 0 Hams, lb .. 10-13 Bread, Id to 4id per 21b loaf Jams, per caee, 5 doz, 32s 6d. to 35a Buttsr is not so plemtiful. Eggs are better BUDnliefl, ani hare a downward tendency. BUTCHKR'S MBar. Retail. 8. d. 8. d. Roasting Beef .. 0 stoO 7 Boiling Beef J '-J . Mutton, hind-quoxter .. .. -00- oii „ fore-quarter 02*— 0 i Lamb, fore-quarter \ ..00 — 06 „ hind-quarter /" " PorkandVeal n r~n i Steaks - 0 0-0 8 Chops and Sausages .. .. ■• oa— »}> Tollow beßt (wholesale)—mutton, 30s; mixed, to 258. Flouh Market. Wholesale. S, b. d. i«our FKn^X d>pe! ton:: 118 8 ffl& :. :. muS 8 8 Oamaru, per ton .. .. >. .. 12 0 0 Dunedin.perton £11-12 0 0 Canterbury, per ton .. .. £11-12 0 0 Bran per ton (sacks included .. S 0 0 Cabin Bread .. .. - •• •■ }» 0 0 Oatmeal J J J Pearl Barley .. 18 0 0 Hay and Corn Market. Wholesale. s. d. 8. d. &0. & s. Maize (Syd.) none Hay, me'dow (CaL) none tonpreßsed 5 o—o 0 (Fijn.) 2 3—2 6 Lucerne, do None " (Coast) 2 6—2 9 Straw doact) 0 18—1 10 Oats 2 0-2 3 Chaff .. ..4 10-5 0 Wheat (fowl! 3 6-i 0 Hay (oaten) 5 10-6 0 Potatoes, £5. Retail. B. a. s. d. b. d. b. d. Maize,lnshel3 0-3 6 Luoerne, cwt.7 6—B 0 Oats, dii.to ..! 3^-2 9 Oaten, ditto 8 o—7 0 Bran, lOOlbs 0 0-5 6 Stmw, ditto 3 0-4 0 Wheat (fowl) 3 3-3 B Chaff, ditto 5 6-(i 0 Hay, cwt. ..6 0-6 6 Potat'es.dittol i-i 6 JTijian Maize 2 6-3 8 SeEDS.—Eetail. s. d. s. d. 8. d. a. d. Ryegrass .. 5 o—6 0 Cocksfoot, bl. 6 o—B 0 Italian.do. ..8 0-0 0 Trefoil, lb. 0 9-0 0 Red Ulover.lbO 9-0 0 Ratatail, lb. 1 6-0 0 WhiteCloverl 2—o 0 Timotny.lb. 0 6-0 Alayke,lb ..1 2-0 0 Lucerne,lb. 1 6-0 0 Cowgraas, lbl 0-0 0 Rape, lb ..0 5 0 0 Woolpacks in quantity, 3s 3d to 3s Sd each corn aaoks, 8s to 9s 6d per dozen. Fencing wire Nos. 6,7 and 8, assorted, £1610s to £17 per ton Coal and Fibkwood Market. „ CoAt.—Newcastle (ship's side), cargo 3!g per ton • yard, 40s to iss. Bay of Islands, at yards, 25s Bd • screened, 283 Od; ditto at the mine, 12s: ship's side, 23s 6d. Waikato, at mine, 5s ;in Auckland 17s 6d to 225; Taupiri, at mines, 6s 6d to 12a ;at yari? 18s to 21s; delivered, 25s to 28s. Wangarei, at mine, 8s 6d ;iyard (steam), 17s; household, 225, Miranda, at yard (hcaaehold), 18s; steam, 18a. Kamo (household), 28s, 30s delivered; steam, 235. Fihewood.—Uncut, at wharf (cargo), 8s to 83 per ton j delivered, 13s; out, Us to 16s. Kacbi Gum and Flax Market. Gum unchanged. Tie following Bales have been effected sfcee last Friday :-Good ordinary K&para and Whangarei at £32 to £35. Wai kato, £28 to £30. East Coast. £40 to £14; receipts for January, so far, 320 tons. FLAX.-Fineat quality £20-£23 per ton Tow „ 10 —12 „ Fraaus 4W.perlb.

Building Materials.

Ti»inEß.-Boarilsan'l Snantlinp. 100 ft., best 11s d ; second class, 7a Cd ; best planed, tongued and grooved, 13s Gd ; second-class ditto. 9s 6d' Mills: Cargo, best, 8b0d; sec-class, l 3 6d. Baulk, 5s Gil to 03 (id. New Zenland Palinua, sft (sap), 10a; sft (heart) 13s: 6ft, 13s Tl-troo Rails, £3 10s per 100; Puriri Posts, £fi: Shingles, Us per 1,000; Hobart Town Palfufts, sft, 17s; 6ft, 19s; Hobart Town Bails, 90s, selling quotations. Bricks (at Whau.t 40s per 1,000; Town Yards, £2 13s: delivernd, £2 10a. Drain pipes, por 100, 6 inches bore), 30s ; I inches, lis; 3 Inches is 2 inches, £210s per 1,000 socket glazed pipeß, is inches 2s6d per foot; 15 inches., 2s per foot; 12 inches, Is 6d per foot; 9 inohos, Is per foot; 0 inches, Gd per foot; i inches, id per foot. Limk, Blacked. Is por bushel; quiok limo in sack, Is 6d to 2s.

ntßinfrotantsare Kood, in thoir way. They nentralizo contouion and dissipate noxious odois that invado tho atmosphere. But they oonnot destroy mlaema, norcan they render tho human frame proof agaiußt their mopnitic inlluoncos. To euaril aSaiust these requires internal remedies. Something that will have a ropollant tendency, and will so operate on the tn"ne«s to randor it impervious, as it wero, to those pdaonoisoxhalationg. The beat internal diain foetant;is Udolpho v. ilfe'a Schiodam Aromatic Schnapps. •

Mail Notice.

Mails witt Close as Unijhk i

This Day. . P"or Norfolk Island, por speedwell, at 4 p.m. For Now Caledonia, por Pollconiuu, at 1 p.m,

Saturday. 29th iiißtant. For Waiwera, Mfthurangi, Matnkiuia, Manga wal, etc , per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. Kor Tnirua, por Roso, at 1 p.m. For Whitiiingi, per «Varatah, at 4 p.m. For Whungaroi Uciuis and Whangarei,! per

Argyle, at, I r.m. For Coromandol, por Coromandal, at 5..50 p.m. Kor Thames, per itotoinahana. at 5.30 p.m.

Monday, 31st Instant,

For Waitara and Now Plymouth, per Lnlla

Itookli, At 8 a.m. For Tauranga aud Opotlkl, por Waitakl, at

i P.m. For Rußoell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, por lona, at 1 p.m.

Tuesday. lnt February. For Timinuki and Southern porto, uor Wanukn,

ut S a.m. Per b.s. Australia aa lollowa :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America. Canadn, British Columbia. Control and South Amerioa. and Britioh and Foreign VVost Indlos, atl p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Knrope, at 1 p.m. , For money ordorn, registered lottorß, ana nowspapcra, ntll.lt!) v.m. Lato letters buiiriug «« «xtra foe of sixpence. In addition to (lie postage, will be reoelved by the Mail Auont on board tho steamer up to the limo of sailing. Tnls iirn.il will bo duo in London on Tuesday, March 15. Thursday, ">rd February. Per B.c. To Anau aa follows:- For India, Chinn.Japan,Mfidltoranean Ports, and Continent of Kuropo, at 8 a.m. For Giuborno, Napier, Southern Ports, Australian Colonies, and Unitod Kingdom, via Hrindial, for lottora specially bo prepaid and addressed, at U iv.m. For money ordera, and registered letters, tho previous ovoninp; at 1 o'clock. This mill will bo duo in London on Thursday, tho 31st Maroh. S. B. 8138, Chief Postmaster. Chief Poat-ofllce, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Jaiwaky 28th. ISSI,

Thentro Royal- Kotton's Plunofotto Recital, S p.m. Albert Hall-Brown's Art Union Drawing, 7 p.m.

Carlton Acadomy IJanoing Class—Opening night, 8 p.m Delegntes United Friendly Societies re De monstration—Young Men's Kooiuh, 7.45.

Marriage.

SHARP-LMNG.-On Januwr 25, at Little Muddy Creek, by tho Rev. 11. Hommei-vlllo. Humphrey Hwing, youußest aon of Mr John ' Sharp, of WaikouiUi. and formerly of Kose neath, Dumbartonshiro. Scotland. toMarjinrot, ulrtoet daughter of Mr Qeorgo J.aliiff. of Llttlu Muddy CreeK, and formerly of Paisley, acot lund.

Death

RYDKR.-On January 27th, Charles Day Ryder, Into of Selby, Yorkshire; broil 35 years. Tho funeral will leave hln late reslilonco, corner u£ llobaon mid Wort Quoon streets, ou Sunday, at 3 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Constant Reader.—Theio appears to bo somo little doubt on the subjeoc, bui you are quite safe in treating haroa as not game.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1881.

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

For low scnrnlous abuse we have never seen the article in this morning's " Herald " on Judge Fenton's motion :it the Grammar School Board excelled even in the lowest class of gutter journals. The writer lias evidently graduated in all the polite courtesies of Chancery-street, and his place this morning should have been with con genial spirits on tho daily muster roll of offenders against decency in tho Police Court dock. Argument there is none frcm end to end, and the palpable malevolence breathed in every line robs the attack of such sting as there may be in the vulgar tirades of foul mouthed defamation. To suppose that such an article came from the peu of any member of the " Herald's " staff would be to libel the establish ment. The wonder is that such an effusion should liave passed the ordeal of even a superficial revision, and have found its way into the leading columns of a presum ably respectable journal. I i would bo futile to measure swords in Billings gate with such an adept in the art as the writer of the " Herald " article has proved himself, but certain deliberate mis-statements in the only matters of fact whick are touched upon should not be allowed to pass unchallenged. The " Herald" repeats an assertion pre viously made in its columns that the bill increasing the number of members of the Board of Governors waa got through in " a furtive way." The bill drafted by Mr Fenton was before Parliament two sessions, and on each occasion it passed the House of Repre sentatives—the first time with a large majority, and the second time by a unanimous vote of the Auckland mem bers. As a private bill,public notice of its intended introduction had to be adver tised in the local press. Such notice was duly given, and copies of the Bill were sent to the Board of Governors. That a majority of the Board did not approve of the Bill is besido the question—their constituency, the Auckland members in the Houso, were of a different opinion, and in opposing the Bill members of the Board directly mis represented their constituents. It was thoroughly within the province cf any gentleman, whether one of the school Governors or not, to move in the direction of what he considered an important public reform; and to charge Judge Fenton, therefore, with doing something underhand, merely because he was not in harmony with a small majority of the Governors, is simply ridiculous. A measure, moreover, which added three such men as Mr Brookfield, the Eev. C. M. Nelson and Mr Tole to the governing body, cannot have been a very bad one. These gentlemen, as representing the Senate of the New- Zealand University, voted strictly in accordance with their duty towards that body, whose opinion was virtually submitted to the Board for review in the report of the Koyal Commission. The second mis-statement which the " Herald " reiterates is the assertion <&at Mr Fenton's motion was carried by the casting vote of the chairman. Tkkt is untrue; the Chairman was nevef called on to exercise his casting vote. The numbers were :—For Judge Fentotr!s motion (5) : Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Judge Fenton, Mr Brookfield, the Rev €•• M. Nelson, and Mr Tole. Against ((&)i Messrs J. M. Clark, Dar gaville, Haultain, and Hesketh. We should be so»ry to say that the latter gentlemen allowed private personal friendship and nei.ghbourliness to un| duly influence them in their discharge of a public duty, y& it is more natural to assume Me, than to suppose that the gasmen who voted with Mr Fenton—and px>t only them, but the Royal Commission tf-Jiose report they approved—were all actuated in doing an exceedingly unpleasant/ public duty, by some secret, unex plained "grudge." It is deplorable that the pursuit of a pnb/ic duty should expose men of unimpeackabZe honour to the grossest insinuations of personal infamy, and that the columns flf the press are accessible to such scandalous attacks. Public life is thus rendered j almost intolerable to earnest, conscien-'.

tious men. Nevertheless, it is consol ing to kuow that such a wretched exhibition as that made in. our conj temporary's columns to-dny will do more damage to tho cause which it has taken under its wing, than the fiercest on slaught of tho worst enemy of the Gram mar School regime. Tho charges against tho inefficiency of the school, demar.d inquiry and full and fair discussion, not offensive black guardly personalities. If tho school is sound, it should not merely stand criticism, but court it; and if the " Herald" strikes tho true- key of the defence, wo aro satisfied that it is too discordant v note to charm the ear oven of tho veriest dolt who is thick skulled enough to bo misled by the old dodge of übusing tho attorney for the plaintiff in default of v good case and i'omblo arguments.

A SPLENDID example of public-spirited imminence was announced by the Mayor at the meeting of the City Council last night. The first instalments of Hi* Worship's £250 honorarium have -already beeu dis tributed between deserviug local charities, and Mr Clark yesterday notified his intention to apply the the whole of the remaining £200 to the pur chase of books for the Free Public Library. Such ii course throws upon the Mayor's own private purse the many heavy public expenses pertaining to the office. The manner of the gift and its application could not have been more appropriate. If the Free Public Library is to be developed into a grout institution, it must be done by such acts of liberality as have now been initiated by Mr Clark. It is not of course always within the power of a public man to become a philanthropist, and what the Mayor h»s done, others less favourably circumstanced might perhaps have had tho will without possessing tho means to carry out. Nevertheless, Mr Clttl'ic, by his action, lias dealt a severe and well merited reprimand to that sorniduens iv public life which makes even the highest honours in the gift of tho people a scramble for the loaves and fishes ? How very little have our public institutions gained from tho philanthropy of men who have won wealth and honour iv tho colony 1 Tho number is so few that they are not diliicult to tot up, Prominent among them stands tho Museum, which baa been rendered a credit to the city by v succession of liberal donations. J.I1 berality, like some of the lessor virtues, and vices too, is infectious, and let us hope that His Worship having thus, by a noble act, turned public attention oncu more to our Free Public Library, others will find it in their hearts to "go and do likewise."

Tho Bishop of Auckland will kindly diitributc the prizes awarded to tho successful saholara of the Northcotoschool this evening. Key. Joseph Bute?, of Trinity Cburcli,conductod the examinations of tho scholars at Christmas. Thore will bo an entertainment, consisting of music and addresses in connection with the awards, and a pleasant evening is fairly anticipated. A steamer will leave tho wharf at 5 p.m. for the accommodation of Auckland friends.

We are requested to remind all persons desiring to forward letters or communica tions for the City Council meetings that such must bo left nt tho Town Clerk's ollico the day prior to the ordinary Council meetings, which, at present, are each al ternate Thursday.

The ladies attending the Hobson Corps picnic are requested to take uoto of the numbers'of their tickets, as a prize has been presented by one of the ollicers of the Com pany to bo drawn for by the ladies on tho Art Uuion principle. The City Band have been engaged, and will attend tho picnic to morrow by the Rotomaliana. Kvory arrangement has been made to make the picnic most agreeable.

Two young bachelors of Whnngarei, for the want of a bosom friend and h'reaide enjoyments, were over indulgent the other evening. Taking a common sense notion, they mutually agreed they would not par take of the exhilirating cap for the next twelve mouths, and would have a better hnlf to aid them und keep them out of temptation in tho path of virtue's pleasant ness and peace, under the forfeiture of ten pounds for non-fulfilment.

To-morrow evening Mr Tom Williams, the well-known comedian, will be tho recipient of a benefit, tendered by the mem bers of the profession nt present resident in Auckland. A most attractive and varied programmo has been prepared, and tliis fact, coupled with tho popularity of the beneficiare, should ensure a good house. Mr Cha?. Overtou of tlie Lingard troupe, will recite his great hit, "Shumus O'Brien." Mr O. Westford will appear in German specialties. Mr Tom Marietta will go 'through his capital qtage business, and Mr Arthur Campbell, tue baritone, will sing many other effective itama, and popular names are licurcd on the programme. 2lh° entertainment takes place in the Lorne-strcct Hnll.

A new trouble is 3»id to be brewing over the notorious Patetere block. The "Waikato Mail" says :—" Now that all restrictions have been removed from the sale of the Patetere block, and purchasers are ready with their cash, the native owners have become seriously concerned aa to their respective interests 'lhero ftre two tribes whoacknowledgedly own the land, the Ngatiraukawa and the Ngati To Kan»i, but they cannot agree as to their respective boundaries. Tho consequence has been that two sets of surveyors have laid out the land claimed by each, and at various points these overlap, both parties clainiiu-r their surveyors lines as correct. The near approach of the Lands Court has brought matters to a crisis, and a native came in yesterday and informed a person in the town tliat the disputants had been shooting at one another for three days. In answer to a question, he said that no one was either killed or wounded after the three days' engagement. The fact is that each party has been wasting a nnmbur of re volver cartridges in tiring at no one in par ticular, but apparently discharging their arms as a mode of intimidation, without the least possible intention of using them with any murderous inteut. We suppose the claims of these tribes will be settled by the court before the block as a whole is passed through.

The crops in the King country are un favourable. The Alexandra correspondent of the " Waikato Times " writes :—" I have only just returned from a trip up the King CDUntry, and fouud the crops of all kinds are very poor indeed, and general appre hensions are expressed as to where they would get tood during the winter for their subsistence. At Hikurangi especially, where the H'lk of their potato crop has been planter!, a great proportion of the crop is rotten in the ground, caused, they cay, by the unusually wet summer we have ex perienced. At Koupa reaping has com menced, and exceedingly light crops are only to be seen. Asa rule, the natives here generally go in for better living than usual at harvest time, by additions of European food, purchased at the stores, to their usual rations. But this season there is nothing of the kind, as they have no money amongst them. This state of affairs is opening the eyes, however, of the great majority of them to the loss they are sustaining through thcirjinsolating'thetnselves from the pakeha. There is a growing feeling amongst tbe land-owners that if it ia right for a chief Manga (Kewi) to take money tor land from the Europeans, it would be well for them to do likewise. Tawhiao's consent to the Messrs Toles' occupation of their block at Puniu is doubtless the thin edge of the wedge, and ere long the whole of the tine country couth of this place will be in European occupation."

Our Whangarei correspondent writes :— " The error, (I suppose of the poor |printer), in printing in the Telegraphic News, " Pearson's Store at Whangarei burnt to the ground," instead of as sent from here, if Pearson's store at Whanjrarei burnt, &c, has caused a great deal of trouble particu larly as Mr Pearson himself, and others who own property adjacent to him in Whangarei, were in town, where probably the first intimation of the fire would reach them through your columns. The person, Mr Bell, who usually has the care of the store now burnt, left Whangarei about 8 o'clock on Monday moruiufr| and the lire was seen about half-past eleven or twelve at night. No information has been received in reference to it at present. Constable Hammond returned late last evening. Whangarei has teen fairly crowded with people the last few weeks, and some have procured reasonable apartments at a very reasonable price at Kamo, with Mrs John sqp whose advertisement appears in your ■ issvie. H. H. Smith, of oven and kitchen | i fame',>j(8 < {).ijtj'iri>:r usavisit. and lost evening exhibited* V,n« I'v'lst Hitorrainmentin the hall to a weli^ed house. A meeting of the parishioners of ,thfl Church of England, was held to-day in Mr Thomson's auction mart at noon, for the purpose of electing churchwardens and' vestry men for the ensuing year, particulars' of 'which ( J will forward at no distant date.

Some very rich specimens from the Tiki were on view at Mr Morpeth's oflico, Insurance Buildings, to-day. They are from Tierney's claim.

A match, Eleven v. Twenty-two, will be played in the Cricket Ground to-morrow, commenchg at 10.30 o'clock. All players whose names were set down for practice for the Australian Eleven and any others who may wish to take p-rl, arc requested to be on the ground punctually, as the twenty two who are to play against the Australians will be chosen sliortly after this match.

The subscribers to Mr Brown's Art' Union two reminded elsewhere that the drawing is fto he commenced at 7 o'clock this evening in the Albert Hal.

Me.ism Taylor and Danaher, contractors for the Waitakerei Tunnel, were gratified yesteruuy by a stream of daylight coming through a small aperture in tho face of the tunnel. With a commendable desire to celebrate this important epoch in their con tract, they have to-day, invited a number of friends to Waitukerci. There is a hole formed, which ii thought to bo large enough to admit the body of a man of genteel proportions. It was arranged that Mr Stewart, C.E., should be rammed through the aperture, his appenrance on tho other side being the signal for the uucorking ot tli* champagne.

To tho Editor : Sir,—Can anyone inform your readers whether tiio drapers generally aro contemplating breaking anniversary day which has been duly noticed by all trades for many years past. And if so we would like very much to known to whom we may placo the credit, that our future purchases may not wrong the innocent. Anyone who would rob from his assistants one day from six, out of 300, that cut torn has allowed him, and still expect to be conscientiously served, must indeed sin, or lose by sucll transaction. To bo served conscieiuioualy follows conscientious ruling, as truly as tho feather follows the arrow.—Yours, &c, CIIAIUTY.

A correspondent on tho East Oast sends the following interpretation of To Whiti's oracular uttoranco. He Hivys ho was present when the reply was given, and immediately afterwards inquired itß moaning, when ho received tho tollowhiff interpretation, which may be takbn bh authoritatively netting tho matter nt lent: -"The potato in cooked. A cooked potato cnnnot be made into n raw one again. What in done i« done, mid enn r.o-. be undone. Tho land is gone, and can not be returned.

The Oxford, with tho remaining portion of Mr G, V. Stewart's No. ,'f party, luit London on Decomber 2 for the Bay of Plenty. There are in nil 801 statute adults, or 100 souls. The party would doubtless have been much larger could the departure of the vessel have been delayed until after Christmas, but just now, when the festive season W upon u», there is a disinclination on tin) part of Englishmen to leave their native homes. There is no doubt that, as soon as the New Your opens, another and a larger party will quickly bo got together to join those who are now on their wny to Mr Stewart's new settlement.—English paper.

Messrs 11, P. Gibbons & Co., grocers, of Hobaon-stroor, Inform tholr uußtornora tlmt they will keep open during KoKftttft day.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Ho brier; fur It mw in words as with tho beams: tho nior« they nro condensed, iho deopor thoy burn."—Houthkv.

More miners are abandoning To Aroha,

Tho tender of Mr H. McKenzic, of Duuediu, has been accepted for tho BJver tou-Gmvai bridge contract ou the Opawa branch extension railway.

The Wellington Seamen's Union have resolved to strike on thojtlat January unless tho eight hours moveinout is recognised on the articles.

Mr Frederick William Brookfield has been appointed Deputy-Commissioner of Stamps, and Registrar ofJJoiut Stock Com panies, at Wellington.

Mr llindlo who met with a horso accident, is unconscious from the kick he sustained on the frontal bone. Tho skull is not fractured, but the concussion of the brain is pronounced very severe.

Pike, formerly a Northern Wairoa gum digger, was missed from the steamer Albion on her passage from I ytteltou to Duuediu, and itis feared, from his previous ilemeuuour, he bus fallen iv or jumped overboard. He hud been drinking.

A literary lady, Madame Lottie Wilmot, is lecturing in Christchurch on Sunday evenings on "Startling Kevelatioun of Uhristcburuh."

Archdeacon Maunsell will preach n sermon on Sunday evening iv St. Mary's Church, Jfarucll, on "God's Word, an Outcast from our Schools."

Mr Gooilson, ot Queen-street, has received from London a lurwe importation of Valen tine gifts, calculated to ouperscde the silly and offensive effusions of the past.

Knidlaunh, it is said, refused to Tight the duel with tho French journalist for two rea sons. 110 was a member of the peace society, and, if shot in the encounter, his enemies might see through him,

Tho children of the Sunday-schools of St. Paul's, St. Matthew's, and St. Thomas' will take their summer treat in the Domain to-morrow, accompanied by their ministers, tcachcrß, aud friends.

At the Napier ram fair loukwools brought 50 aud 100 per cent over last year's prices. Imported rams were specially inquired after.

Mr Yautier, owner of the cargo of the Silver Cloud, wr«cked at Napier, was on the way to the insurance office to take out a policy, when, seeing the vessel coming round the Bluff, he unluckily abandoned his intention.

The Curistchurch Property Tax Re viewers have decided that buildiug soci eties must be taxed in tbe name proportion as any other public companies. Mr Tirey is promoting a movement for the establishment of a hydropathic institu tion in Cbristchurcu.

Favourable harvest reports come from Timaru.

The Oamaru County Council unites with the adjoining county in petitioning Parlia ment to muKc the Waste L'inds Boards elective, giving the counties a voice.

Constable McClellan's dog is well-trained, and on several occasions has proved of invaluable service.

Mr A. Thomson, farmer, of Tamaki West, met with a severe accident a few days since by falling from a load of straw and breaking his collar-bone.

FIRE AT KAIAPOI.

[liV THLKGRAPH, rRESS ASSOCIATION,]

FIVE BUILDINGS DESTROYED.

CHRISTCHURCEf. thu day. By a lire at Kaiapoi, the shopa and dwelling houses occupied by J, Hornby, jfl. P. Millson, Johnstoup, Acres Allen, and Isaac Wilson, were destroyed.

Tho insurances ore as follows : £1050 in tbe South British, £200 in the Northern, £70 in the National, and £GOO ( in tho INew Zealand. The estimated value of the pro perty destroyed ia £4470*

The orisin of the fire is unknown.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

(BY TBLEGKAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.

THE RACES.

Sir Tatton was scratched at 10 30 this morning for all engagements. The betting is completely paralysed by uncertainty as to whether JS'atator is coming or not.

MINING NEWS.

(by telegraph, own correspondent,)

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. Tub Decide tributers at Tairua have just finished a crushing of 45 tons for the return of lOoza retorted gold. This is nothing big, but as the peach season is in they will be able to hang out in hopes of better days. The Reward tributora are taking out some first-class rock, from which they expect a good return. A nice-lookin«| lode a foot thick was intersected in the lower drive of the Don Te Aroha, and oil washing a couple of pounds of the loose stuff to-day, I ob taiued a very good prospect proving that the reef is auriferous. It was cut 85 feet in from the mouth of the drive, and im mediately behind the one intersected a few days ago.

TE AROHA

There is no need disguising the fact that the population is gradually dwindling away, and should the exodusjeontinue at> similar rate for the next month there will be very few people left. It is not likely such will be the case, as the majority of those gone are men who could not hold on any longer whilst those herd will stay at least for three! or four months longer, by which time the field will have received a thorough trial. 20 men left by coach and steamer this morning, and 9 or 10 will follow suit to-

morrow,

FIRE IN OTAGO.

(UY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

£6,000 INSUKANCE.

DDNEDIN, this day. Messks Dkuil and Davidson's (lour mill at Ottopopo, was burnad this morning. The insurance on tho stock was £800, and on the building, £3000 ; machinery, £1500. It is divided as follows : National, £1500 ; Union, £500; South British, £1500; United, £500 ; Victoria, .£SOO ; Standard, £500 ; New Zealand, £800.

EXCURSIONS TO-MORROW.

Loyal Good Intent Lodge ok Odd fellows.—The members of this progressive lodge, under their respective officers, have decided upon an excurtiou to-morrow to the Hot Springs by the s.s, lona, leaving the Queen-street Wharf at 9.30 a.m. A full aud ellicient band will be provided, and members will appear in uniform. Builders' PICNIO. — The Auckland Builders' and Contractors' Association will start by the steamer Comerang to-morrow from the wharf at 9 a.m. for Mr Buekland's farm, for the purpose o£ holdin^Ja picnic.

IIOBSON COBl'S,—The llobson corps will hold their annual picnic at the Tamaki to morrow, starting at 9 a.m. from tue wharf.

CITY SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The first meeting of the newly-elected City School Committee watt held last evening in tho Nelson-street School, when the follow iti-j; wore present :—Messrs W. CJorrie (iv the Chair), MsMaster, Wiicht. Woymonth, Hcwin, Schmidt, and Thwaitea.

Uankkks.—On tho motion of Mr Wright, it was agreed the Hunk of New Zealand should continue to be tho Bank at which tho school fund account bo kept, ami that Messrs Gorrio and Ilcwia sign cheques.

tjKCEKTAKY. —It was moved by Mr MoMiMter seconded by Mr Schmidt, and agreed to, tint1, the services of Mr Million as Secretary be retained.—lt was moved by Mr Tliwititcs, and tououded by Mr llewin that the salary I)b increased to £50.—Mr Wiiymouth moved that the amount be £45, and thut if the Btate of funds justified the increase, that it bu paid.—Mr Wright Kcconded the amend ment. Tin; incroaeo wan not Bought for by tho Secretary.—-Mr Me win supported the motion. £50 was not an extravagant salary. llu did not sco why the {secretary should icceive Ichs than the value of thonervice».— Mr ThwaitflH said £50 would not pay the Secretary for lii» trouble mid labour.— The ('haiimini supported tho increase, lie would not like to work for the amount proposed to be Riven, Mr Million, ho might .state, had informed him that lie was satisfied.—The amendment wuh eventually curried.—Mr Million expressed hia satis faction.

examination roil Standards.—'l ho Inspector of Schools reported that tho examination for xtandardH at Nelßon-htrect school had remitted as follows:-"On roll at time of examination, 211 males aud 187 females ; not presented for exmiiimtiou, 142 males aud 111 females.—Standard I.—Presented, 24 males aud 21 females ; passed, 18 males and 18 females; absent trom examination, 1 male. Standard ll.— presented, 28 males and 33 females ; passed, 18 males aud 2!) females; absent, 1 malr. Standard lll.—Presented, 8 male* and 14 females ; passed, 7 males and 9 females; ab»ent,2female». Standard IV.—Presented, 7 males and 7 females; passed, nil, Standard V.—Presented, 2 males and 1 female; passed, 1 nialo ; absent, 1 male. Standard Vl.— Nil. Total presented in all standards, G9 males, and7<> fomales; passed, 44 males, and !>U feimiloH ; abseut, 3 males, and 2 females. . Object Lesson —a syllabus of year's work, as required by regulations, has not been pre pared. Lessons, however,' appear to huve been given with some success to Standard 111, Standard I not satisfactory. Element ary scieuco only lately attempted, A few simple qucitions fairly answered. Laws of Health—the teaching of this subject has of late been discontinued. (Why1/) Drawing—elementary freehand. Children seem likely to make progress. Recitation--No proper syllabus prepared. One piece recited fairly in Standards 111., 11., and I, Needlework-taught regularly. Satisfactory. Discipline and drill good. Higher standards unsatisfactory. Cowposi tiou, grammar, of th'jso standards bad.— .Mr McMuster said tho Board had tkmn selves to thank. They hud asked for the removal of Mr Brnbazon, and they had been snubbed.—Mr Thwaitcs : It was tho con sequence of tho manner iv which they hud been treated in regard to children.—Tho Chairman said there were a very larye number of young children iv the Nelson street school.—Mr Thwaites said it was well known that when boys reached a fair ago they were removed to Wcllosley-street. —Mr Schmidt: Because thero is a better teacher.—On the motion ct Mr Wayinouth thediscussiou on the subject was (postponed until the returns from the other schools (respecting Bernsford-fctrect) be received.— The Chairman] said at the last meeting it had been reported that the water meter iv Nclson-strcet-school had been broken, and the matter was referred to tho police. A report had been received ou the subject.— Constable Jones sent in a list of names of boys under six years who were impli cated in the offence. The statements made by them were so conflicting that the real offenders could not be deliuitely ascertained, Tho parents of the children named had been cautioned.—lt was agreed on the motion of Mr Hewin that a notice board offering a reward of £5 tor information which would lead to the conviction of offenders be affixed to the Nelson-street school.

Teachers.—Mr Wright moved .-—"That the Board be requested to furnish x list of the teachers in the citr schools, and of probationers in work."—Carried. School Committees.—Mr McMaster moved, and it was carried:—" That circulars be printed and sent to all school committees inviting them to a conference to be held at the Wcllesley-strect City East School-room on Friday evening, tho 11th March, to take into consideration the working of the Ant between the Central Board of Education and committees, and any other matters,"

Visiting Schools—Messrs Hewin, Schmidt, and Wright were appointed school visitors for the ensuing quarter.

Noticss of Motion.—Mr Wright gave notice that he should move at the next meeting of tho Committee-1. That the Board of Education be requested to alter their regulations empowering head-tetchers to supply books at the retail prices to scholars, and to charge a small sum for stationery, &c, so as to give tho power into the bauds of school committees. 2. That the regular meetings of the committee be held on Wednesday evenings. The Com mittee thon adjourned until Thursday evening, Feb. 10.

THEATRE ROYAL.

The programme of the fourth recital which was given lost night, contained many attractive features, «Ir Ketten began with a, sonata of his own composition, ot which the first movement allegro assai may be noticed as especially good. After a charm ing "Novelette" by Schuman, the air with variations " Harmonious Blacksmith " was given. We regret that the simplicity of this old favourite waa marred, first by excessive rapidity in someof the variations, and secondly, by a slight break in the tempo, interrupting the unerriug regularity ot the fall of the blacksmith's hammer on the anvil, which the music is intended to represent. The magnificent execution of Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriccioso >yas loudly applauded, the opeed at which it was played was simply marvellous. A nocturne by Chopin was followed by a Grande Polonaise by the same composer, and the performance of these two pieces was, in our opinion, second to none on the programme. Mendelssohn's Capriccio iv B Minor was grandly played. A variation on a familiar air from Mozart's opera, "Don Giovanni" (arranged by Mr Ketten) found especial favour with the audience, and was encored. Bach's Fugue in C. Minor was rendered with astonishing speed, and was chiefly remarkable for the introduction of a double shake in octaves at the finish, Three short pieces by Mr Ketten were well received, particularly a charming ballade, full of graceful melody. The progtamme ended witha fantasia on airs from " Somnambula."

We have hitherto omitted to refer to one very commendable feature in these concerts—their moderate length. The time occupied is strictly limited to an hour and three quarters, inclusive of a short interval. Those who have any doubt on the subject may feel assured that there is nothing wearisome in listening to a programme from one person alone. Thore is the utmost variety in'tho choice of pieces, and each item in turn brings out some special charac teristic ot the artist's skill. No one who Reeks to be a pianist should miss the oppor tunity of hearing what effects can be achieved by such a thorough mastery over the instrument. The programme for this evening is particularly attractive, including Beethoven's " Moonlight Sonata." and Mendelssohn's "jWeddiug March."

TELEGRAMS.

(FROM OUK OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. Tho "Advertiser " object* to the proposal for handing over the Thames electors to Waikato and Coromandel, in the re-distri bution of representation, and suggests the following as a fair basis for division of the Thames district into three electorates. Ist •] Coromandel District to consist of the County of Coromandel and Hastings, and Waiotahi ridings of the Thames County, This would give Coromandel District a po pulation 0f3,541. 2nd: Thames District being the Borough population - 5,414; and, 3rd • Thames Country District being the ridings of Kauwertinga, Parawai, Ohiae rauri, and au extension of boundary from Wuhi to Katikati. This would give a po pulation of 3,701; or, a total population for the three districts of 12,606, being only 334 short of the population which on the basis of the Bill would be required for three such districts-13,000. The North Shore Ferry Company have telegraphed for the steamer To Aroha to leave at once for Auckland, as she is required in the AncklandJ harbour ou ticgatta Day.

[PKK I'iIESS AGBNCY

NEW PLYMOUTH, Thursday. DISTRESSING I''IKE AT PARIHAKA

Intelligence has just been received here that a bush iiro bad occurred inland of Parihaka, which has destroyed a great quantity of food. So excited were the natives that it was with difficulty many of them were prevented from rußhing into the flames and dying with the food which was being destroyed.

THE RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEETING.

WELLINGTON, Thursday,

A meeting of tho committed of the .New Zealand Killo .Association was hold this evening, to innko arrangements for the Nelson mooting. Lieutenant Ellis, of Nelson, was elected on the committee, vice Major Jones, deceased. The prospect for the meeting is considered good, und v lar^e attendance is anticipated. The Union Com many have agreed to convey tke members of the association to Nelson and back for a single fare.

Messrs Mobson and Company, of London, have presented a cup for competition. Owing to all the tents being ismicd for service in the North Island, the committee suggested Unit the teams coming from other places should bring their own tents to prevent dis appointment. Arrangements have been made for n full supply of targets, so to a»Biire tlie meeting being got over iv a shorter time than heretofore. An influential sub-committee have been appoiuted to can vass forj prizes. It is reported that Nelson citizens contemplate providing prizes for matches iv addition to those on tho pro gramme.

CHUISTCIIuKOII, Thursday, A MUNIFICENT GIFT.

The sons and daughters of the late Mr \V. Rhodes (who buiit the Cathedral tower at bin own expense) have generously offered to build the spire at a cont of £2120. The height of the tower U 97 feet, ground lino, and to the top of the spire will bs 210 feet. A complete view of the city will be obtained at a height of 170 feet.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before J. IS. Macdonald, Esq., K.M.)

DRUNK.

John Uaniblo was lined Gs, and Mary Lewis 10s and costs.

VAIiIUNCV

Nornh Williams was charged under the Vagrant Act, with beiug an habitual drunkurd, etc. Prisoner pleaded Kailty.

His Worship expressed regret at seeing sucti ft young woman in the dock, but being her sth oflence, ordered her to prisou for a mouth.

Edith Smith was committed for seven days', being her third oflence.

CRACKING A MAS'd nKAD,

Elizabeth Suttun was charged with com mitting a violent assault upon the person of William Know, on the iMth instauc, with a tumbler.

Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Sergeant Gamble detailed the circum stances. Knox had been living in Freeman's Bay, with a Mrs Baker, but in consequence of an altercation in the night, baker ran away, and Knox after her, when the alleged assault was, reported to have been committed.

William Ktiox, ii»h-curer, objected to Sergeant Gamble's remarks, and then staled that tie went to Mrs Sutton's for Betsy, when lie was attacked by prisoner who struck him severely with tha tumbler, calming the gash in the forehead; he believed he got his black eye by falling over the fence.

To Serjeant Gamble: Wo had been having a wee drop of brandy together out of the tumbler.

To His Worship: Mrs Baker is my housekeeper; nothing more I am sure; wont after her because she had some of my money iv bur possession.

John Thomas JLyou, seaman, deposed that he was a temporary lodger at Mrs Sut ton's. Was woke out of his sleep by hear ing Knox shout "By — 1 I'm murdered," Witness ran in and saw Knox bleeding. Hceaid, "Jack she did it with the tumbler." Saw a broken tea-cup (produced) but no tumbler. Washed Bill's face, and went for a constable.

Mary Ann Derrick, baker, was at priso ner's house. Knox came ■ after. .Began beating her when prisoner interfered, and she turned upon her and gave her Nome nasty " Knox.1 He then got a blow on the head.

Constable Bernard deposed, that he was called ia about 5 o'clock in the morning. Saw Kuox'a/ace bleediug; but saw nothing of the fray. He arrested the woman.

His Worship commented upon the case, and considered that prisoner hud no right to strike Kuox in the way ska hud done, and lined her 40s and costa,

STEALING PEACHES.

Francis Manning was brought up for stealing peaches, value Is, from tho garden of W. H. Hazard, on tho 28th inst.

On the application of isergeaut Gamble, the case was remanded until Moudav.

WALTER HKIGRTON'S CASK,

Walter Heighton again appeared on charges of using offensive language iv Karangahape Koid, and assaulting Charles Burley, on tho night of the 17th inst.

MrToleaskcd fora remand until Wednes day next, as the witness from the Waikato had not arrived, which was granted.

CHARGH AGAINST SERGEANT FLEMING. John Fleming was charged with assault ing Emma Littou on Sunday lost in Princes street.

Mr Laishley appeared in defence, and Mr Edward Cooper lor the prosecution.

Emma Litton, wile of John Litton, farmer, of Waitakoiie, deposed that on Suuday last she was occupying a portion of a house in Princes-street, Auckland. She held two rooms, and on Sunday last, at mid-day, her husband nud son were present with her. At 1 p.m., as persons were coming out of church, a knock came to the door. She opened it, when the Sergeant said, you are the woman that has taken these rooms under false pretences. He then attempted to come in, but she objected, when he moved her on one side. Ho continued : you profess to be a single woman, and I find two men here. (Herhusband andson were in the room), lie asked my husband for Ins name; he told him, John Litton j did not assault her beyond moving her on one side.

His Worship : There was no attempt to do bodily injury.

Mr Cooper : .Bodily injury is implied: the Sergeant had no right there at all.

His Worship said the Sergoant had evidently been misled, and a blunder had been committed, consequently this lady and her family had been subjected to an indignity.

Mr Cooper still contended that the Ser geant had exceeded his duty. His Worship said a mistake had been committed ; the constable thought he was about to discover a nest of disreputable characters, instead of which he got into the house of respectable persons.

Mr Cooper thought it not worth while pursuing the case further. Mrs Littou baid the sergeant had threatened her with the hand-cuffs.

His Worship : That is another matter,

Mr Laishley wished to know if Mr Cooper was inclined to withdraw the prosecution. He had conclusive evidence that no assault had been committed on Mrs Litton, on the testimony of three witnesses,

His Worship suggested that Mr Laishley should reserve that evidence in case o); a civil action.

Mr Laishley said that information had been given to the police that certain dia turbancea had taken placo of an improper character, and the police were instructed to see Mr Litton on the matter. The charge was iinally withdrawn; costs disallowed. (Before Dr. Goldsbro', J.P.) ■JEMPOHARY INSANITY. James Pugh was charged with drunken ness, and was suffering from delirium tremens. Remanded for eight days. This was all the business.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

IBEUTKB'S TKLKGRAMS,

EXPEDITION AGAINST THE BOERS.

CAPE TOWN, January 26. News has been received to-day from Natal that the Governor-General, Sir Geo. Colley, who recently Jeft Newcastle with a force of 1000 strong, has crossed into the Transvaal, and has arrived at the Ingogo. Bodies of the Boers have already been seen, and an early engagement with the enemy is expected. TROOPS SENT TO LANCASHIRE. ONDO N, January 27,

Tho riots which have arisen over the miners' strike in Lancashire continue to occur in various places, and the disturbances arc spreading. The military and police in the district are not strong enough to pre serve order, and further reinforcements of troops arc being despatched.

MR GLADSTONE DECLINES A PEERAGE.

LONDON, January 27.

The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone has communicated to the Jfress a denial of the report which has been generally current, to the efl'ect that he intends to take a peerage. LONDON, January 27.

It is announced that the United States Government will in future pay to New South Wales and New Zealand one-half the cost oi the overland transport of mails via San Francisco.

THE TROUBLE IN IRELAND

LONDON, January 27.

After twenty-two hours' sitting of the House of Commons, Mr Gladstone's motion, " That the. consideration of the Coercion for Ireland Bill should take precedence of all other business " was linally adopted by the

House. Great alarm exists throughout England at renewed rumours of intended Fenian attacks, and the authorities continue to take precautionary measures. Parts of the Tower of London, which have hitherto been open to the public, are now entirely closed, and strong guards arc daily told off at various barracks in England in case of attacks,

LONDON, January 27.

News ia being received from Central Asia that the Kutsians have at last been com pletely successful ovor the Jekke Turco mans at tieok Tope, and have captured that town. Desperate lighting again took place between the two Powers before the capture was made by the Russians. The Tekkes are now in full retreat from the place.

MELBOURNE BUTTJEK IN ENG LAND.

LONDON, January 26.

The butter brought in the refrigerating room of the steamship Protos, with fresh meat from Melbourne, has arrived in excel lent condition, and the doubts which at first existed as to its freshness have therefore been dispelled.

HAMBURG, January 26.

It is announced that the Cataina, the pioneer of the Gorman lino of steamships between Hamburg and Australia, will leave this port for Adelaide, Melbourne, nnd Sydney via the (Jape of Good Hope on the lSth March next.

FEARFUL STORM.

Thousands Driven from Home

[BY CABLEGRAM.]

LONDON, January 18. A HURRICANE and snowstorm of unprece dented fury sweat over the greater part of England, causing incalculable destruction to property and involving, it is feared, great loss of life. Tho storm raged during Tues day night with appalling force, sweeping everything before it. Within the recollec tion of no one living has snch a calamity visited any part of the United Kingdom. On the western coast tho hurricane raged most furiously, and traffic on the railway lines with London was abandoned through damage done to the lines' rolling stock. The condition of thousands of homeless people is pitiful in the extreme. Tho Thames over flowed and submerged large areas of hind. At Woolwich the pier was entirely demo lished, and everywhere disasters and devas tation arc incalculable. The shipping loss in the Thames is very serious.

January 19. The weather still continues most incle ment, and generally of ;i severe character. Violent snowstorms of long duration have again occurred in Europe and America. January 20.

The Thames Icebound,

Owing to the continual severity of the weather the Thames continues icebound. The race between Haitian und Laycock is utterly impossible for many days, and it has been decided that all bets on the race shall be declared off after Sunday next.

January 22. lllivers Overflow.—3,ooo People

Houseless.

Over 3,000 of the inhabitants of Cariing ton, in Lincolnshire, have deserted their homes in consequence of the frightful storms causing the overflow of rivers and destruc tion ot homes and property. The people have taken refuge in Lincoln and adjacent towns and villages.

Russian Fighting in Central Asia.

The Russian forces under Skobeloff still maintain the seige of Gock Tape. The Turcomans made several vigorous sorties, and were repulsed with much loss.

Marriage in High Life.

Sir Leopold .Rothschild was married to day, the bride being the Countess Perugia- The ceremony was very imposing in charac. ter. The Prince of Wales and Lord Roseby were among the guests.

OBSTRUCTION BY IRISH MEMBERS.

The British Government are exasperated by the continued obstruction of the Irish members. The Speaker suggested the ap pointment of a committee to search for a president as to the extent of his powers in the case of ruliug of the chair being ignored, it is considered probable that decided steps will be taken by the Ministry immediately, unless the liisli Members abandon the course they pursued—of which there is scarcely any hope. The debate, notwith standing the vote on the motion for amend ment to the address, has been re-opened in various ways, and the tactics of obstruction vigorously pursued.

A series of amendments have been moved on address. ISo sooner is one negatived than another is proposed. Mr Gladstone threat ens strong measures.

FRIGHTFUL BOILER ACCIDENT, f A frightful accident occurred at Batley, West Riding, Yorkshire, by a boiler in a factory exploding. Over thirty persons were killed and wounded.

DEATH OF A JOURNALIST.

Mr C. J. Poole, well-known journalist, long connected with Metropolitan press, is dead. -

AUSTRALIAN.

THE CONFERENCE OVER,

SYDNEY, January 27,

The final sitting of the Conference was held to-day. The business transacted con sisted principally of the formal completion of resolutions previously agreed upon, The Conference has now broken up.

In the Supreme Court of Victoria the appeal case Tempest and Deb'ander v. Gold sborough was decided by the Privy Council, and the appeal discharged.

THE OUTWARD MAIL.1

SYDNEY, January 27. Sailed: The Pacific Mail steamship Australia, for Auckland, to-day, at 2.

NATIVE NEWS, TARANAKI.

(BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, this day.

The " Herald's" Maori .correspondent writes:—" The natives are released from Dunedin gaol. They have the same faith iv Te Whiti as ever, and say that shortly all the land from Te Whiti Cliff to Waitara will some back to them. The natives who have come back from Parihaka say that when the Governor arrives in Tarauaki he will pay Te Whiti a visit. The native prisooers who were taken on to Auckland and released, in the Waikato, have made their way back here. They arrived at nine yesterday, and will join their released comrades to-day. The natives are busy cutting their wheat so as to be free for Te- Whiti's meeting, on tho 17th February." The Arawa Volunteers are disbanding owing to the Government compelling them to parade for inspection jof arms once a month. TheJ men are willing to parade onjy once a quarter owiDg to the districe being a Dative one. The policy of Goverat mont in taking arms from men who hav been soldiers is condemned.

The natives from Molcau say that] the steamer Hanna Mokau has beea seventeen miles up the river, which is live more than any vessel has ever been. News respecting coal and opening up of the country is satis factory.

ST. PAUL'S PARISHIONERS.

SUSPENSION OF ORGANIST,

The annual meeting of the parishioners of St Paul's was' held last evening iv the Cathedral, the incumbent (Rev C. M. Nelson) presiding. Not more than twenty persons were present when the proceedings were commenced,

The Chairman stated that the minutes of the last annual and a subsequent special meeting had already been conlirmed, but in order that the memories of those present might he refreshed regarding them he would have them read again.

This was accordingly done. ANNUAL KEPOET,

The secretary (Mr Ashtoii) then sub. milted the following report • —

The Vestry, in furtlshiug their annual report to tho parishioners, desire to bring under their notice tho following matters :—

McCain's and JCxi'BNDiTonE. — The total receipts for the yoar 1880, including a balanrn from 1879 of £35 17« lid. nave amounted to £102519s 2d, and the total cxpendituio to £1874 0s 'Id, leaving a balance in hand of £51 9a 10a. Tub LiAisir.iTiKS ol the parish at the close of the year, including a balance of £565 due to the Melancßian trust on acoount of the new parson age, amounted to £035 7s 3d. The assota are estimated at £158 9s lOd. Particulars with respect to these amounts will bo found in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Ofimm'GHlkb and seat Rents.—Thegeneral oll'ortories have produced £174 7s 2d. a sum which gives a weekly average of £10 6a 3d on the occasions when the offertory was applied to general puruoses. showing an increase of 163 3d in excess of last year, and in the beßt average, obtained since the year 1871. The special oifertorieß have amounted to £117 18s Bd. The »eat rents are also in excess of those of 1879, but as in usually the case, a large amount remains due as arrears.

Chukch Debts.— The chnrch debts are £565 with interest, about £8, making £571 dueto the Melanesian trust on account of the new parsonage, and about £64 due for architect's commission, flttinija to parsonage, etc.

Pahsonauk.—The vestry in accordance with a resolution passed at the last annual meeting of parishioners, took utepa with a view to the alteration and improvement of the old par tionago; plane and specifications were prepared, and tenders called for the work, but tliey proved to be bo much in excess of the sum voted for ihe purpose that it wag decided to hold a (special parish nice ing to consider the matter. At this meeting, ;which was held on 22nd March, it was resolved to erect a new building, and power was giveri to borrow a sum not exceeding £700 for the accomplishment of tne work. The vestry borrowed £000 from the Melanesian trust on favourable terms, and a suitablo and convenient hou6e has been built at a total cost of about £763 lUs (ill. A sum of £100 'it bas been receiyeo a3 donations in aid of this object. The paiiehioners are to be con gratulated on Having at length what wag 80 long wanted, a parsonage worthy of the churoh and paristi,

Oroanist and Choirmaster.—Tho gentle man wlio was appointed to thes-) posts, entered upon his duties at tho beginning of Lho year, in the room of Mr Swallow, who had resigned, and occupied the position for two mouths, at the end or which time it was thouvht dedrable by tho vestry to make a change. The gentleman in question received three months salary in lieu of notice. Tho vacancy thus caused was fill.d by the re-appointment of Mr Swallow, who, at an advanced fcalary of £100 per annum, and the Btipulaiion that a cho rmaater nhoiiid be ap pointed, undertook the work. la consequence of this, .Mr H. Gordon Hooch, R.A.M.. was ap pointed choirmaster in terms of faction i7, btatute No. 4, Diocesan Synod (manaßeicent of choi1), for the period from tho 13th June, 18fff, to tho 80th June, 1881, at a salary ac the rate ot £50 bterling per annum, payable quarterly, one member o£ the vestry holding himself respon sible for £10 per quarter for such salary, the engagement to be terminated by three months' notioe on either bide within ttie above period,

Sunday— ciiool.— The incumbent teports to the vestry an increased attendance in Sunday school, the number being the largest during the pant ten years, with the exception of 1878. The utnir of teachers is larger In number than at ai.y time during the ministry ot the present incumbent, wno would', however, welcome into tho ranks of the teachers two or three gentle men who arc willing and qualified to take charge of boys' classes. Owing to inoreaeed and increasing expenditure, the funds of tho Sun day-school are rather low.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL TE4CUERB AND CHOIR.—The thanks of tho parishioners are due co those ladies and gcmlcninn who|have voluntarily discharged the duties of thoso positions respectively.

ACCOUNTS,

The Churchwarden's statement of ac» count*, the table of assets and liabilities, and the Sunday-school accounts were also presented. The Churchwarden's statement may be summarised as follows : —Receipts : Balance from last year, £35 17s lid; general offertories and alms box, £474 7s 2d; special ditto, £117 18s Sd; donations

and subscriptions to Orphan Home, £85 3s Gd; parochial endowment interest (with General Nugent's gift of £10), £114 4s 2d ; subscriptions to new parsonage, £106 3s; seat rents, £276 7s; trustees' new organ fund, £52 7s 9d; Bale of old parsonage building, £41 ; Melanesian trust loan for new parsonage, £G0O; subscriptions to wards choir-master's salary, £22 10s : total, £1,925 19s 2d. Expenditure : Special offertories, £117 18s 8d , Orphan Home, as per contra, £85 3s Gd; alms, £13 lls ; standing Committee, balance gallery loan and interest, £52 Is 8d ; new organ, balance to builder, £50; Mel aneiian trust, £59 ; Incumbent's stipend, £400 ; salaries, etc., £257 10a lOd ; Parißh magazine, £5 ; Sunday-school, £10 ; new parsouage, £703 ISs; architect's commis sion, £15; miscellaneous, £114 15s 8d; balance to credit, £51 9a lOd : Total, £1.925 19s 2d.

Statement of assets and liabilities:— Assets : Balance in bauk, £51 9s lOd ; seat rents, about £50; parochial endow ment interest, about £57: Total, £158 9s lOd. Liabilities: Received C. M. Nelson, cash paid by him for fittings for parsonage, £23 7s 6d; balance due architect, £35 4s 6d; printing, £3; repairs, £2 15s 3d ; loan on parsonage, £571 : Total, £635 7s 3d.

Sunday-school Accounts : — Receipts : Gsneral account, £62 12s 8d ; Melanesian mission, £21 9s; library, £419s lOd : Total, £89 Is 6d. Expenditure : General account, £62 12s Sd; Melaueaian Mission £21 9a; library, £4 19s 10 : Total, £89 Is 6d.

Mr Tyler enquired if the £2210s paid the choirmaster was paid for services rendered up to the present time from the period of his engagement? And whether the money came from church funds or from private subscriptions ?

The Secretary replied that the choir master had been paid £28 Gs for services rendered up to the present time, and that of this amount £22 6s had been raised by pii vate subscriptions.

Mr Sawkina proposed, and Mr C. Burton seconded, that tne report of statement of accounts should be adopted.

The motiou was passed nern con. APPOINTMEHT OF CHURCHWARDENS.

The incumbent said that the gentleman whom he had to appoint as his church warden was a stranger, but that he came so highly recommended both to the Bishop and himself that he could not over look him. He felt that he was par ticularly privileged in being able to appoint such a gentleman. He referred to Mr Austen Henry Gardiner, vow of Grafton Road, but soon to be of Wellesley street East, lie would have been muoh pleased to have followed the usual custom of appointing the outgoing people's Church wardens as his Churchwarden, but unfortu nately Mr Willcocks had changed his residence, and he was now a non parishioner, and therefore ineligible for the office.

Mr E. Dufaur proposed Mr Henry Sawkina as the people's Churchwarden. Mr Judd seconded. Mr Hatswell proposed Mr Judd, but this gentleman declined.

The Chairman, therefore, in a -compli* mentnry Bpeech, declared Mr Kawkins duly elected.

ALLEGED MISCONDUCT OF OHGANIST.

The parishioners vrere alout to proceed to the election of a vestry, when Mr jfi. JJufaur rose and said : Before soinc; on. to the • election of a vestry, ana before resigning our stewardship, I, as a member of the out going vestry, have a matter to bring for ward as unpleasant to myself and brother vestrymen as it mu9t be to other people. I wish this meeting had been convened for some other place than this house, for the matter I allude to is of such a character that it is better it should be discussed out side if it is to be discussed at all, and not upon these premises. What I refer to are the statements which have appeared in the puhlic newspapers about the organist, Mr Swallow. I do not stand here as his judge, nor do I wish to condemn him. But the statements which have been published ' are such that it behoved us as vestry-men —and I think I speak the mind of every vestryman present (cries of "aye.")—to take the earliest opportunity of bringing the matter before the parishioners by whom we were entrusted with the care of the church, which I suppose embraces to some extent the morals of the officers of the church. Serious aspersions have been cast upon Mr Swallow, and I wish therefore to i move either that he be suspended from office or requested to take such steps as may be necessary for clearing himself from the vile imputations—if they be no more—that have been cast upon him. He cannot re main organist of the church if all that is implied against him be allowed to stand un challenged. We cannot disguise from our selves the fact that there are statements made aeamst Mr Swallow which compel notice—that in a letter signed by a person named Wilson there is contained the most serious charge that can be,brought against a man. 1 will not allude to it ,any more beyond saying that we have taken the first opportunity ot bringing the matter forward, and that therefore we hope the parishioners will acquit «a of any blame in connection with, it.' I therefore move, " That Mr Swallow be either suspended or that he clear himselt by bringing an action for libel against the EVENiNCt STAR news paper,"

The Chairman : The course which, as n meeting of parishioners, we should take, is to instruct the Vestry on the matter. At a

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FBI DA ST. JANUARY 38.



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