SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

..„-,__, -~ .rvrr-oS This Evening, 6.9 HIGH WATER-J To . morrow Morning, 0.27 ! UNSET.-Thls Evening, 0.10 ' ON RISE.—To-Morrow Morning, 6.3 M JON'S AGE,-Full Moon. 16th, 10,10 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

SATURDAY KV«NINO. Waitaki, sb„ Edlo. from Whangarol Gertrude, ketch, from Hokianga TO-DAY. Hero, s.s., Logan, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

SATURDAY KVBNINO. Argylo, s.s,, Crawford, for Whangarol Handa Isle, schoonor, Davie?, for Now York i hrißtinn, schoonor, Smith, for Russell Ruby, schooner, Lambert, for Russoll Minnio Haro, BOhooner, Skinnor, for Gisborno Rona, schoonor, McKenzlo, for Tairua Adah, kotch, Jonos, for Thamos

YESTERDAY. Fnirllo, sohoonor, MoDermid, for Whangaroa Kstello, schoonor, Millor, for Nowesßtlo

TO-DAY. Jossio, schooner, Doughy, for Russoll

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Looh Urr, loading _ .. ~ Tauranga - Glonelg. Wodnosilay; Waitaki,

Thursday Rasßoll—lona, Monday _ . , Whaugarol and Husßoll-Waltakl, Wednesday Now Plymouth and South—Penguin, Tiio.duy Whangnroi—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitaki, Fridoy

VESSELS EXPECTED.

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

Dec. 4 Sydenham, barquo (J.M.F.Q), from London sailod Novembor 27th

IMPORTS.

Per Hero for Sydnoy and Melbourno-Gl ingots tin, 20 cases acid, 39 oasos soda, 1 bag, 200 bags rice, 63 p>ck(igeß tobacco, SO cases oil. 1860 packages sugar, 18 half chest* und boxen tea. 13 casJS, 20 oasks, 20 boxoi silver coin, 5 qr.-casks, 5 qr.-caikß, 100 bags rice, 10 halt-chests toa, 10 casos, 5 qr.-e*sks, 5 cases, 13S bags guano. 131 bags guano. 1G trunks, 2 cases. SO kegs lead, 20 casos, 5 marblo slabs, 10 balss ropo, 2s packages. 27 cases tin, 80 bags bonodusi, ICO bus bone dust, 17 oases meats, 331 packagos various.

Inwards Coastwlsc— Fanny Thornton, for Hokianga.

Outwards Coastwise.—Fanny Kolly, from Whangaroa, with 28 bags potatoes, 2! bags chaff 10 bags bran, 10 bags (lour, ond 5 packages sundrios; Wave, for Mercury Bay ; Opotlki, for Tairua. with 12 cases and 1 cask castor oil, 23 bags potatoes, 8 casks boof, S sundry paokages.

Tho cutter Champion, ownod by Mr M. Hogan, which loft.thlg port for Monganui by way of Whangaroa about two weeks ago, struck upon tho bank of tho river at tho former place whilst coming out on Tuesday last; but little damage was done andßho will probably be got off easily.

Mr Jno. Waymouth, boatbullder, will launch from his Bhop to-morrow, al6 feet opon co-tro board Bailing boat, built to tho order of two Ponsonby gontlomen to compoto in tho forth coming regatta, The crafr. is slightly 16 feet in length, 6 feot beam, and 17' inch's dcop, some thing after tho Company's Olga and Imp.

The p.s. Enterprise is announced to leavo for tho Thames this evening at 9 p.m., roturning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Mr Wm. Farquhar takes tho open failing boat, Madgo, belonging to Mr J. Bigolow, jun„ by the s.«. Glonelg to Tauranga to-morrow, to compote in tho races thcro.

Tho s.B. Waitaki from Whangarei on Satur day evoning brought tho following passengers : —Miss Shoddan, Miss Davis, Mrs Fox, Messrs J. MoCowan, Tinno, Ronde, and 2 natives.

Tho Bchooner Fairlie for Sydney, via Whan garoa, took ono passenger—Mr Jno. Grant.

The BOhooner Tavinni entered out at tho Cus toms to-day for Levuka and the Myrtle for Friendly Islands.

The ketch Gertrude (lato Fanny Thornton), from Hokianga, brought 23 totara piloc, 90 bags and 11 cases gum, 23,871 feet sawn tirnoer. 10 hides, 5 oasks copra, and a quantity of sundrios.

Tho schooner Sea Bird from Lyttelton for this port has on board cargo comprising 680 bags flour, 220 sacks wheat, 70 sacks bran, 50 sacta wheat, 70 sacks bran, 50 Backs oatmeal, 16 sacks flour, 20 cases oheese, and 5 cases bacon.

The Nelson cutter Three Brothers whilst sailing down the bay of that port on Saturday mlsßed stays, and wont ashore on the Boulder Bank. There is but litt1 c prospect of getting oil, as a heavy sea had boon running and the wind blowing hard, and sho is likely to become a total wreok. We boliove sho is insured.

British seamen (say tho Homo Nows) have formed a "Protection Society," and aro taking steps to obtain from the Board of 1 rade somo regulations by which no seaman shall be rated an " A,B" beforo he has passed a compulsory examination in practical seamanship—ameasure which, if rigidly carried out. would, as thoy say, go furthor towards tho safety of lite and property at sea than any legislation yet at tempted.

Since tbo collision between the s.s. Albion and the schooner Isabella Pratt much sympathy has been expressed by ship ownors. masters, and others, at the severe blow experienced by Captain Cross on tbe loss of his vessol, and all his worldly possessions, whloh latter were the result of great perseverance, and were much prized by him. Captain Cross is very well known in Auckland as a careful and ex perienced man, and a per.'on who took great pride in keeping his vessel in tho bost trim and. a oredit to her owners. Several gnntlomon took his caso in hand, and decided lo draw up an address to Captain Cross to whioh they would endeavour to hive affixed tho signatures of most of the ship owners, masters, merchants and oilier?. This was duly carried out. and the artdress is now lying at Mr Malcolm Niccol's office, A largo number of names havo already been subscribed, and we havo no doubt many other gontlemeu will be most happy lo swell the list. The ad dress is as follow*:—" Wo, tho undersigned shipmasters, shipowners, and others, desire to express our sincere sympathy for you in your present unfortunate position, and beg to assure you o( our strong conviction that in tho clrourn stanees attending tho collision between the Albion and the Isabella Pratt, which resulted iv the total loss of the latter vessel, you acted in accordance wi'h the rules laid down for tho guidance of shipmasters ia such cases, and that, therefore, so far as jou wero concerned, the collision was quite unavoid able. Although the wreck of your vessel i3. we are aware, a heavy blow to you, and entails a severe poouniary loss on you and your ownors, we regard the decision of the Court of Inquiry as a greater calamity, as it casts undeserved censure on you, and isoalculatod to deprive you of the good namo and reputation you have ever onjoyed, which we beliova you value above overy other possession. We trust, therefore, that the assurance of our unshaken confidence in your skill and judgment as a seaman will not bo unacceptable." Here follow th. signatures.

ARRIVAL OF THE HERO.

The s.s. Hero arrived shortly after 1 o'clock this afternoon. We aro indebted to tho purser for tiles, fto„ and the following report:—The U.S.S. Company's ss. Hero, Captain T. Logan, left tho Sandridge Railway Pier at 11 a.m. on tbe sth inst, experienced Btrongnortherly winds and reached Sydney at 6 a.m. on the Bth, left again at 1.30 a.m. on the 9th, passed the Threo Kings on 13th, was abreast of the North Cape at 6 p.m. Sunday, passed Cape Brett at 1 a.m. on tho Uth and made Auckland Ha-bour at 1 p.m., having experienced light north-west winds nnd heavy head sea the whole way across. Pas sengers for Auckland—Mr Mrs and Master Selgin. Mis 3 WatsoD, Mrs Self, Mrs and Miss Fisko. Messrs Witson, Mark, Wrirbt and 11 in the steerage. For Groj month—Mr Jough, Mrß Slour, and 16 Chinamen. For Hokitika—Mrs Leamont, Mr and Mrs Gummind, Mr Pnyctt, Mr Nicholson, Mr Keller, and 7 in the steerage,

FORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Sampson, p.s,, Harvey, from the South Lalla Rookh, 5.8., Campbell, from Waitara Wanaka, s.s., MoGillivray. from the South

IMPORTS.

Per Sampson, from So ith-10horses, 300 sacks grass seed, II packages.

Per Wanaka, from South—l 7 hides, 61 kegs and 31 cases buttor, 6 bales hops, 2 cases oheese, 23 paokages sundries.

Per Lalla Rookh, from Waitara—2sß sacks grass seed, 30 kegs buttor.

The p.s. Sampson, from the South, brought the following passengers :—Mr and Mrß McLol lan, Messrs Frazer, Wilson, Thompson, Good son, fonr natives, and six steerage.

The s.s, Wanaka is announced to leave for Southern ports to-morrow. The following passengers have been booked to-day :—For New Plymouth—The Howardo Troup, Mrs PhiJson, Miss Howards, Mr Philson, Mr M. Hirst. For Wellington-Mr J. A. Walker. For Lyttelton- Dr. Pollen.

The s.s. Wanaka arrived from Southern ports Shortly before 8 o'olock yesterday morning. Port Chalmers waß left on the 7th at 1.15 p.m., and Lyttelton reached next day at 11 a.m. Loft at 7.30 p m., and arrived at Wellington on the 9th, at 3.30 p.m. I_eft for Picton on the 10th at 1 p.m., arrived at 6.30 p.m. same day. Beached Nelson on the 11th, Tauranga on the 12tb, and Manukau Harbour as above. Passengers:— Captain Wildman, Me>srs Gordon, Thomas, Parslow, Cameron, Harris, Armstrong, Lawry, Johnstone, Mr and Mrs Hilderne, Miss Hamer, Messrs Cooper and Hay, Bergeant Taylor, Messrs Fraser, Wynne, Gill, Kellrr, Haßlett, Brownlow, Downie, weir, Woolley, Corporal Bloxsome. Messrs Greenfield and C. Z. Fell, Miss Cowlett, and Mies Baird, Messrs Lumsden, Kendall. K. Rowo, Payne, Mrs Blundell, Messrs Cora well, Grosse, Samuels. Scott, Ford, GOBSOtt, Miss Niovell, and 11 steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Whangarei, this day. Sailed : Argnll, s.s„ for Auckland at 8 a.m.

Gisborne this day. Sailed: Albion, s,s„ for Auokland, at 10 a.m,

Napier, yesterday. Arrived: Arawata, s,s., from Gisborne.

Wellington, yesterday. Arrived: Hawoa, s.s., from the South,

COMMERCIAL.

Evening star Office, Monday,

Mr Greenwood offered to-day a number of allotments situat.d in the Great South Road, Btoke's Point, and In the suburbs of Auckland. Th esale was woll attended but the biddings did not reaoh tho reserve prices. £10 10s nor acre was offered for tho laud at Kauri Gulley; £1210s being the prico required. The properties wore withdrawn but are open for private sale.

Messrs B. Tonks and Co. sold to-day the Brynderwen Kstate, Wairau Creek, Maungatu rotb, consisting of 3223 acros, upwards of 1000 acres of which are a rioh alluvia! flat and tbe remainder undulating, for the sum of £5,800. Mr R. K. Davies was the purchaser. Tho allotment at Hamilton Kast fetched £17; the other properties were withdrawn.

BANKS AND COS WEEKLY REPORT.

At Parawai on Thursday the supply of fat cattle was not, quite up to late numbers, owing to one lot ha.ving strayed during the drive. Gould Bros, again supplied a draft Bteers and heifers, which though of rather light weights, were just tho quality that makes tho bighost price per lb, and tho lot were sold without difficulty at a slight advance upon late ratos. Sheep wero plentiful, being a draft from our spirited importer Mr Alley, all wethers of splen did quality. Bidding at first was rather slow, : but eventually the pens cleared at from 13s 6d to 1 13s 9d each. A few lambs made 10s 9d to lis 3d. Best beef 21b to 25s per lOOlbs. Nothing Inferior I Offered, . time wethor mutton 2. per ib. i

or -31 Fkks GIFTS I—Tho Proprietors el Wolitk's Aromatic sohudam schnapps, to lnauco tbo destruction and prevent the im proper uso of thoir wrappers and labels, and thus furthor protoot tho Publlo against fraifl and deception, hnvo onclosod In tho wrappors, or undor tho label on tho quart bottlos, since Ist Octobor, 1878, and coutlnuo toonoloso in EVHKY day's packing tuuoughout tub YK.UI THREE £1 O R D X R S, which aro drawn upon tho undorslgnod, and whloh will be cashed by thorn on presentation. To secure these Gifts, tno Publio must bo oaroful to ask for, and accopt nothing but, tho GKNUINK UDOI PKO Wnl-KK B SonNAPI'S, with our namo upon tho top label, M. MOSB & Co Wynyard Lano, Sydnoy.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Ci.osk as Undeu.— This Bay. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonul, por lona, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga and Dunedin, por Waitaki, ot 1 p.m. For Tauranga nnd Opotlki, por Glonelg, at i p.m For Breymou-h, tlokitlka, and Australian oolonios, por lloro, at 5 p.m. For London (direot), per Loch Urr. at 5 p.m. For Thames, por Hntorprlso, at 5.30 p.m. Tuesday, Uth instant. For Taranaki and Southern Forts, per Wanaka, at 5.30 a.m. For Waiwera, Kawuu, Omaha, and Matakaua, per Boso Casey, at 10 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at noon For Whangarei Heads, Waipu, Whangaroi, and Mangapai, per Argyle, at 1 p.m. Wednesday, 16th instant. For Coromandel, por Coromandel. at 11.30 a.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster, Chief Post-oillce. Auokland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

March Uth, 1881. Thoatro Boyal — Thompson's Confodorate Dloruuia of tho Amorioun War, 8 p.m. A.O.F. Court City of Auckland—Fortnightly Meeting, 730 p.m. Aloxandra-ptroot—Juvonllo Tomperanoa En tertainment, 7.30 p.m. St. James's Association — Extomporanoous Speeches, 8 p.m. Meeting of Dologites—Youog Men's Booms, 7.30 p.m. Union-street Wosloyan Chapel — liOoturo : " Tongs—lt. King and Pooplo," by Key. f. W. Baker, 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

RKi rVOLDS.-On 10th Maroh, at tho rosfdonco of hor father (Captain Stoelo), Mrs, Monry Reynolds of a daughter. Grandfather delighted. THOMSON.—On March 9th, at Ponsonby, the wife of H. Thomson of a son.

Marriage.

PHILSON-WILLIAMSON.-On March 11, by the Itov. George Bond, James Pond Algornon, s»cond son of Thomas More Philson, Esq., M.D., of Auckland, to Flora, eldest daughter of the Hon. James Williamson, Tho Pab, Onehunga. STAINTON-GLADDING.—On tho 2nd Instant, at St. Mark's Uhuroh. Kemoera, by the Roy. Archdeacon Pritt, Isaiah, second son of Oeo. Stointon, of Kybor Pass Boad, to Alice Maude, youngest daughter of A, W. Gladding, Grooer, Mount Kden Road.—Tasman lan papers plosso oopy.

Death.

CORLEBS.-On tho 12th of March, 1881, at tho residence ot John 11. Mullins, Manukau Hoad, Parnell, John Corless. aged 71 years. Deeply rogrelted. Late master buildor, and a resi dent of Anokland 33 years. ROWBOTTOM.-On March 10th, at his resi dence. Pollen-street, Urahamstown, Joshua Rowbottom, M.R.C.S. Eng., L.S.A., London, in his "Ist year. RUS3ELU-On the 13th instant, at the resi dence of Mr. Thomas Rodda, KTliott-Btreot, Rose Lilian Russell, aged 7 months.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1881.

For th T aus that aclcs assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance. And the good that wo can do

After numerous failures, tbe Nihilists have accomplished their diabolical purpose, and tbo " Czar of All the Russias" has fallen a victim to the infernal plots of his enraged subjects. For tho last years of his life Emperor Alexander has been hunted by hun.au blood-hounds sworn to kill him. The proverb " Uneasy lies the head that wears a Crown," has had tenfold force in his caso. Whether travelling by rail, or walking in his own garden, or sitting in tho supposed security of his palaco, he was, it has been shown, never secure from the hand of the assassin. His escapes have been miraculous, and tho execution of erery con victed conspirator has raised up a dozen to succeed him. The cries of those in exile in

the wilds of Siberia have been wafted back

to the ears and the hearts of sorrowing relatives, and the concentrated liato thus excited has fallen upon tbe solitary head of the man in whom all tbe crimes nnd virtues of the Empire were personified. This is the fate ot an autocrat. His powor is equalled by bis peisonal responsibility. _No Parliament or Representative Ministry comes between him and his subjects, and for every wrong which they suffer the people hold the Czar—and him only accountable. What the Nihilists hope to gain politically by his deatb, which only brings another despot to the throne, is not clear in any of their manifestos. So far as there is any definite system in their machin ations, it is that they will be able to strike terror into the chief ruler, and by continual assassinations compel the Czar to re linquish his absolute authority to a Government based on representative principles. In executing their resolves the Nihilist leaders lind ready-made instruments in the thousands who, by them.elves or through their relatives, have suffered wrongs under au autocratic Government, and persons once drawn into the meshes spread far and wide by the ramifications of this secret and desperate society find uo eicape. There is death before and behind tbcm : At the hands of tho Government, if they arc discovered iv the execution of tbe deeds of violence entrusted to them; and from their own colleagues if they hesitato to carry out the dread decrees of the Coun cil. The fate of the Czar, after every means which ingenuity and limitless resources could devise to protect his person, and dis cover and crush his enemies, will have a startling effect, and may cause his son who succeeds him to seriously consider whether it is prudent to still attempt a form of Government in Russia which has been utterly overthrown in every other Nation of Europe. Emperor Alexander was bom April 29, 1818, and succeeded to the throne on the death of his father, Nicholas I, on the 2nd March, 1855, towards the close of the Crimean War. He was a man of a peac-eloving disposition, and initiated his reign by various liberal acts towards his subjects—the most con spicious being the emancipation of the serfs in 1861. Latterly, however, he had become more autocratic. His name was also associated in later years with loose habits of life, which together with the extreme anxieties of his position bad completely shattered his health. He is succeeded by

Alexander, the present Czarcwitch or Crown Frinco, who married tho Princess Dagmar, sister of the Princess of Wales. The Czarewitch was 36 years old on tho 10th inst.

In out report of the Grammar School in quiry it wns erroneously stated that ex ception was taken to it question put by the licv. C. M. Nelson, ns beiug similar to the one by Mr Macrae objected to nt a former sitting. Another member of tho Hoard, and not Mr Nelson, a eked tho obnoxious question. Mr Lanigan has finished plate-laying on the section of the line stretching towards Limcburnor's, and expects to pay oil' ull his men next Saturday. This section of railway is woll finished, and costs eonlo thousands of pounds, and ends in a locality similar to Mr Jingle's Hall—Nowbero " Northern Advocate." Mr Angelo Forrest, announces 'a grand i evening concert Jon Monday evening next, at tho Choral Hall. Programmo in a future issue, Tho Ponsonby Wesleyan anniversary services wero hold yesterday, nnd well attended. The Roy. 11. X, Dewsbury preached in tho morning, from Exodus, c, .'lll, v. 18, "And ho said, I beseech Thee, show mo Thy Glory." The Key. \Y. , Morloy preached in the evening trom Psalms, chap. 118, verses 24, 28, "This is the day which the Lord hath mado ; wc will rojoico ami bo glad in it, &c." The collections at the close of the services amounted to £5 7s. Tho Ponsonby Regatta, which takes place of Easter Monday, promises to bo a very successful one. '1 he programme, which is published in another column, comprises fourteen events. Thcro aro bovcii sailing and six rowing races, aud the day's sport will concludo with the amusing spectaclo of a tub race. The entries for tlio second and third class open cuiliuir boat contests aro expected to bo very numerous.

Tho prizes recently won at tho Auckland Bide A.sociatiou Meeting this year, will be distributed by His Worship the Mayor to morrow, at 8 p.m. in the Drill Shed.

A communication liaß been received from the Colonel commanding tlio New Zealand Kegimont of Artillery forwarding copies of the dress regulations to Major Burns. They are the .same as worn by the Imperial Artillery, with the exception of silver facings iv lieu of gold. Helmets ns a head dress, are discarded, tho busby aud plume to bo adhered too.

Mrs Ilampson occupied tho Rev. Mr Webb's pulpit last ovening at tho Wellesley street Baptist Chapol. iVe need scarcely add that tho chapel was crowded hy listeucrs. Boy, Mr Webb assisted at tho service. Mrs Ilampson preached from Galatians vi., 9—" And let us not ho weary iv well doing : for in due season we shall reap, it wo faint not." At the closo of the service, numerous enquirers adjourned to the school-room for spiritual advise aud assistance.

We understand that the prizes won at the recent meeting of tho Auckland Rillo Asso ciation are to ho presented by His Worwliip the Mayor, J. M, Clark, Esq., after the usual monthly inspection of tho Rillo Bat talion, to be held to-morrow oveniug. This should bo the menus of securing a good attendance, which is really nccossary if our Volunteers wish to mako any bliow at the proposed reviow to be held at To Awamutu on Easter Monday. Tho second deposit of £10 per side was left with Mr R. E. Ellis on Saturday evcuing for the match for £25, por side, between Messrs W, Mettam and E. Underwood, making in all £15, per side down. Tho balance £10, to go down on 26th inst. At tho weekly meeting nf St, James' Association this evening, cxtempornnoous speeches will be delivered on subjects selected at random, A mei-tiug of creditors in tho estate of Morris Evans, carpenter, of Ponsonby, was held this morning, when Mr Thomas Macflarlano was elected I trustee. The assets are stated at .CGI Is, and the liabili ties at £395 15s sd. The Recroation Club's weekly *' outing" on Saturday afternoon was well attended, despite the rather unsettled state of the weather, and the hours allotted to pleasure were agreeably spout. Thoso members shot iv the fourth match who had failed to do so on the previous Saturday, but no noteworthy scores were made. Some practice wns indulged in

subsequently, when Miss Glcdliill succeeded in getting the highest number of marks yet scored with five nrrowH at the 30 yards range. Although now only tying with throe othor Indies for (ho fifth plnco it is confidently expected that she will ad vance to the front in the Cnal match and carry oil first honours, Mr Haslctt is the favourite for the leading prizo amongst tha gentlonien. He now heads the list and is likely to maintain the position. The con cluding match of the series will be com menced next Saturday and liuishod on the following Saturday, the ranges being 30, 50, and 80 yards. The season will bo brought to a closo with a conversazione and ball, at which the prizes will bo pre sented.

The good folks of the quiet suburban dis trict ot the Whau, dissatisfied with the insane associations that cluster around tho name, are trying to chongo it to that of Riversdale; but it is more easily resolved upon than accomplished. None of the local public institutions seem to caro to try the proposed name, for all the advertise ments in the papers and all tbo placards that adorn the walls, trees, and telegraph posts take the name of Whau. The latest are placards announcing the anuiversary soiree of the Presbyterian Church in Whau Hall to-morrow night. Thoso interested should take a run out by the special soiree 'bus which leaves the Union Bank corner to-morrow night at six o'clock, and by scanning the distance between the populous asylum, which is in the Newton district, and the quiet little village with its intelli gent and hospitable people, they will learn how groundless is the popular belief that Whau is a synonym for lunatic asylum.

Sir William Gull, one of the most eminent of English physicians, having been interrogated on the subject of " leav ing off drinking," saya : "With regard to leaving off drinking, I think that wc could, a3 a rule, stop the supply of alcohol at once without injury. As to the existence of cases in which the brain had entirely gone from leaving drink off suddenly, is not that fallacious 1 May not their brains have gone from thoir previous habits? As to the alleged case in which a man left oft drink suddenly, and ho bore tho abstinonce tor a year, but was then obliged to go back again. I should say that he felt a desire to go back to it again. I do not see any good in breaking off drinking habits by degrees. If you are taking poison into the blood, I do not sec the advantage of diminishing the degrees of it from day to day. The point has been frequently put to me by medical men, but my reply has been: If your putient was poisoned by arsenic, would you still go on putting in arsenic ? Iv reference to a person who carries a groat deal of drink and doos not get druuk, he may be even more damaged than a man who does get drunk, becauso he may bo able ' to carry his sytem of daily drinking for a long time, whereas, the other man, who was incapable of drinking so much, would be obliged to discontinue the practice.

Mr E. B Dickson reports on the woa .her i for the week ending 12th March : -Dry and warm; strong wind; hardly any rain i falling, but fall impending; barometer high, but dropping rapidly. Barometer : rising from 30 126 (Saturday night, sth) to 30289 (Tuesday night, Bth), then dropping slowly to 29-961 (Saturday morning, 12th). Average, 30168, being considerably above the March mean of 17 years (30 024). Temperature abovo average, especially at night. Warmest day, Monday (7th), 78.1; warmest night, Friday (11th), 64*9; coolest | day, Wednesday (9th), 71 '5; and coolest night, Sunday (6th), 545. Highest in <■ sun, 86-8, on Sunday (6th). Approximate mean, 673, being above the March average oE 17 years (656). Wind strong from E. j and N.E. since Monday; highest on j Wednesday (9th), registering 468 miles, or lfy miles per hour. Slight local showors on the aiternoon and night of the Bth, amounting to a little less than one-twentieth of an inch (0045). Much cloud iv morning, mostly clearing by mid-day." The Eoyal Family assembled as usual, at Windsor, to celebrate the ninteenth auniversary of the late Priuce Consort's death. The following beautiful hymn was composed for the occasion : — Hymn. Kvening and Morning. Words by the Roy. Gregory Smith; music by Sir Herbert Oakley. " Hoaviucss may endure fo: a night; but joy cometh in the morning." " Comes, at times, a stillness as of even', " Steeping the soul in memories of love, "As when the glow Is fading out of heaven, "As whon the twilight deepens in the grove. ' " Comes, at length, a sound of many voices, " As when the waves break lightly on the shore; " as when at dawn the feathered choir rejoices, " Singing aloud because tho night is o er. " Comes, at times, a voice of days departed, " On the dying breath of ovoning borne. "Sinks then tho traveller, faint and weary " ' Long is the way,' it whispers,' and fo'orn.' " Comes, at list, a voice of thrilling gladness. " Borno on the breezes of tho rf'ing day: " Saying,' the Lord shad make an end of sad " Saying,' the Lord shall wipe all tears away.' :

An inquest on tho body of the unfortunate man Watson, who died through injuries re ceived on tho Hnwca last Tuesday, com menced at the Hospital before Dr Goldsbro' at threo o'clocK this afternoon,

Dr. J. Simms, physiognomist, of New York, will givo the first of a course of practical and scientific lectures to-morrow (Tuesday) evening in the Lorne-strcet Uall, freo of charge. The diorama of tho American war nt the Theatre Royal both in the afternoon and evening of Saturday was fully patronised. The children received presents in the after noon, and in the evening Mr Bout, of Auglesea-stioet, won the suit of furniture, this evening's gifts, accordiug to announce ment, will form the graudest display ever attempted in Auckland, A handicap mile race came offat Ellerslie ou Saturday afternoon, between Paddymclon and Kate, iv the presenco of a good numbci of spectators ; amongst whom wns a goodly sprinkling ol the tair sex. Paddymclon got off with the lead, hard held, and came home , an easy winner. A sailing raco took placo at St. George Bay on Saturday afternoon between the open boats Edinn, Lily, Wavo, Fipy, Dolly, and Amy. There was a very strong broezc 1 blowing, and the Wavo won with 4miu. 45sccs. to spare, the Lily being socond, and tho Dolly third. The Fipy fouled tho Edinn off tho Railway wharf, and carried away tho rudder compelling her to retire. Tho Wavo was sailed by Thomas Carmichaol, a youug man of about 10 summers. Miss Black's concert, which was post poned ou account of tho lady's ill health, will tako placo in the Choral Hull ou Wed nesday next, the 16th inst. Tho leading amateur and professional talent of Auck land will assist. A programmo of the concert will be published in a future issue.

Captain Mnhou and Captain Fay no went to Onehunga yesterday to welcomo the Auckland aud Thames representatives on their return by tho h.h, Wanaka, from Nelson. Ou her arrival in port sho was decorated with Hags, und the two Captuins went ou board und _nvo the representatives the right baud of fellowship. Tho Thames men left Auckland to-day by tho s.i. Kotomnhana.

The excellent goography ot Now Zealand by tho Key. l'eler Mason, 8.A., which we reviewed eomu time ago iv our columns, has been gazetted a class hook to he used iv the public school h. Tho proclamation ap pears in the "New Zealand Gazette," of March _trd.

The Demonstration Committeo have re ceived upwards of 70 entries for the various events at the Friendly Societies' Sports, which with tho post entries will _o far to mako tho matches very exciting. Tho Hop Bitter's Company have given a prizo in the shape of a handsomo cot for tho smallest baby over throe months old, iv addition to the prize for Member's Rare, ovor 40 years. The handicaps will ho declared to-morrow.

Tho Bay of Islands Coal Company havo issued a pamphlet giving a number of testimonials to tho vuluo of tho coal for steam and other purposes. The testimonials are from the very best authority, and hear out what has long boon an established fact that the coal is of first-clats quality, both for Bteam and household purpose*. In an introductory chapter describing the opera tions at the mine, it is atated that the annual output is 50,000 tous, and this quulity will bo largely increased whon shipping facilities aro improved by the ext.ndcd railway. The seam iv the pit varies from 6' to 10 feot in thickness, and in parts of the field has n cover or roof upwards of 800 feet thick. It has no band of stone or shell interstiatificd with it. It burns freely and contains 93.20 por cent, of combustible matter. Its hulk is uo greater por ton woight than Austra lian coal. The hook gives instructions us to fire-bars in using the coal, which will be of comidorable service iv extending the uso of the product of this mine aud increasing the satisfaction of thoso who employ it.

Tho youug fireman, William Watson, who was seriously injured by the machiuoiy of the s.s. Hawea, on the Wed nesday betore| hor departure for tho south, died on Saturday afternoon alter suffering great pain, Tho medical authorities of tho hospital hold ont no hope ef the poor fel low's iccovciy from tho lirst. Dr. Phil sou randea "postmortem examination of tho body, and although the internal organs wero uninjured, considorod that the system had received a fatal shock, aud death resulted iv consequence of tho severity ot the crush.

Preparations aro being mado on an ex tensivo scale for the approaching Muni Parliament at Orakci. We learn that a hall is boiug erected of C 4 yards long by 40 feet wide and that Paul has spent £10 in knives and forks (best huckhoru handle.), china cups and niuccrs, &c. The Maoris at the Orakei Parliament have to find their own lodgings, board, and washing on the spot, and the principal expense will fall on Paul. That chief has made arraugoments for a liberal commissariat. He has ordered 200 loaves to ho supplied each alternate day, and has purchased for slaughter 3 bul locks, 20 sheep, 50 pigs, and 700 bags of potatoes. Thore are besides large quantities of kuninras, melons, and fruits. The opening will be on the 18th instant, and Mr De Thierry will act as tho iuterprotcr of the speeches.

" M." writes in reply to a " Resident ia the vicinity of the City Baths," and asks if there is any necessity for " our daughters " to witness nude men, &c. If they pur posely avoid doing so, the suggestion that the Bath-kcoper, who already stays in chargo at tho gate, without auy shelter, from 5 in the morning until 7 in the even ing, and on Suudays until 11 in the morn ing, should also stay all day Sunday, to say the least, shows very little considera tion for others. Could not a "Resident in the Vicinity" manage to keep her family from overlooking for a few days, as it is plainly observable the building for resi dence and ollico of the keoper now in course of erection, will, in a very short time, com pletely hide bathers from tho gaze of the curiou". Tho keeper has ondeavoured to keep the bathers as much as possible off the end platform, the only place they are soen from ; but he finds it difficult to be in two places at the same time, having to attend at the front gate to allow persons to enter and leave. With a littio patiouce all nusiances will be prevonted, aud oven a "Resident in the Vicinity" satisfied.

In tbe conrse of a vigorous and interest ing sermon delivered by him at St. James' Presbytorian church last night, the Rev, D. W. Runciman took occasion to refer to the important influence which scientific dis covory was having upon religious ideas and opinions. While fully recognising tho fact that many godly people viewed with alarm the positions taken up and established by scientists, he considered it but right to admit that the principles upon which modern scientific rrsearch was conducted were certainly true, and that the discoverers were in the main certainly correct. Hecon tended that there could be no antagonism between moral and roligiouH truth and scientific truth. The scieutists of tho day weie engaged in a groat work, and in the main they were doing it well. Prom them Christians had nothing to fear. Many peoplo were being perplexed by the ' teachings of modorn Biblical criticism, but here, again, the general movoment was in the right direction, although it was but too true that many unwarranted conclusions had been drawn, thus affording excuse for any porploxity that prevailod. Theio was only one dangor in the world which wiso men had any need to bo afraid of, and that was lest secioty should degenerate iuto such a state that those who despised good should not be despised in turn, aud that those should be honoured who did not honour and love the Lord. Tho preacher then weut on to refer to the life of Goethe (the German poet and philo sopher), and to the encomiums which had been lavished upon him. Yet, he pro ceeded, this was a bad man—one who led a shameless lifo and gloried in his shame. He lived as a heathen, as an enemy of God and of righteousness. The admiration of wicked men, such as this one, was the real: source of corruption and of danger. Those who could admire Goethe and Voltaire, Burns and Byron were not men who had given their hearts to the Lord Jesus. Mr Runciman concluded this portion of his dis course by saying that irrespective of creed or race people could admire and love the good, but thoy wero constrained to abhor and scorn the bad and wicked.

The annual soiree of the Ponsonby Woßleyan Church will be held to-morrow (Tues day) evening in tho Ponsonby Hall, when ad dresses will be deUvered by ministers nnd lay men, intersporsed by singing.

Applications are invited for the situation of canvasser on behalf of tho national Mutual Lifo Association of Australasia, to be for wardod, in writing, to Mr John Milns, distriot agent, Colonial Bank Buildings, Queen-street,

We notice that the Rev. S. W. Baker, of Tonga, who has been sojourning in Auckland for some months, will deliver his lecture this evening in Union-street, on "Tonga—its King and Its People." These who wish to know moro of the TonganeßO peop'e may spend a profitable hour in listening to Mr Bator's graphic and instructive skotch.

Messrs Turner and Buddie, of Tauranga, sell on Wednesday noxt a number of valuablo Buburban allotments of that rlning township. Thoy are situated within oaay distance of the business centre, on high ground commanding extensivo charming and land sea views, and aro eminently suited for the resideuces of gentlemen engaged during tho day in business. Their proximity to Tauranga must of itself oiuse them to increase rapidly in value. Particulars will bo found in an advertisement in another column.

CZAR MURDERED AT LAST.

(PER REUTERS TELEGUAM.)

ST. PETERSBURG, March 13,

The Czar of Russia was murdered to-

day by the explosion of a bomb.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brief; tor v is witn wOrds as with Bnn beams: tho more thoy aro condensed tho doopor thoy burn."—Soutiiev.

A conference of the goldfields local bodies is to be held at Coromandel next Friday.

Everybody wishes to be well off, includ ing the man ova vicious liorßC. The Wcstland Judicial District has boen assigned to Mr Justico Gillies. A recreation resorvo at Opotiki is gnzotted. A new scale of fees under " Imprison ment for Debt Abolition Act" is gazetted.

When a very thirsty man requires somo beer, what musical instrument will he call tor ?—The Bass soon I

Tho last general Government Gazette contains a proclamation authorising who Hobson County Council to build v wharf at Matakoho.

When a man is informed Hint his wife wishos to f-pcak to him, what articlo on his study table docs he mention in reply? — Lctter-woight. On a farm at Mosgiel tlii yield of whout was 00 bushels per acre. A meat export company has boen doii nitidy formed at Dunedin. Whangaroa Rogatta comes off on Wed nesday tho lGth inst. " Bonnie Doon"comp!imonts tho Pokeno bcliool couimittco on their harmonious working under their present chairman. Tho namo of tho owner of the miniature ship was erroneously giveu in ou .Saturday's issue. It is Bridge water, S tepa aro being taken to bring about tho amalgamation of the Waikato Turf Club and tho Cambridge Jockey Clubs. I ago says : " lie who steals my purse, steals trash." lugo must havo hud a lot of Peruvian money. The bootmakers now claim to be able to add an inch if not a cubit to a man's Htaturo by judiciously padding tho inside of his boots.

Mr Howe, blacksmith of Hamilton West, fell into a deep hole and sustHined severe injury to the spiue. Dr Edgelow is attend, ing him. Tho funniest part of a dog's tall is the wag," and the only funny thing about the erysipelas is tho humor. A Philadelphia clergyman who is a groat athlete and lover of sports forgot himself ouco nnd said; " Here ouded iho first innings-let us pruy." One of tho noblo.t young men oxponded ovor £20 in presents for his girl, only to be given the Hack tho following evening. He la now hunting with a club for nu indivi dual who will maintain that it is better to givo than to receive. The Government aro atill retrenching. They havo proposed to tho postmaster at Whangaroa to combine the Custom-houso with his postal and telegraphic duties. A little girl, roading the "History of England " with her mother, nnd coming to the statement that Henry I. nover laughod after the death of his sou, looked up, and said, " What did he do when ho waa tickled !"

Mr Vickery has loasod tho Hikurangi Sawmill and is taking a uew boiler and engino thore, with which he expects to bo able to cut GO,OOO feet of timber a week. It is said that theMaorics have deposited £3000 in the Auckland bauks to cover the cost of the Waitangi Treaty Hall, and to send a dolegnto to England to lay bofore the tjucon tho grievance, which will be dis cussed at the approaching mooting.

A correspondent draws attontion to the practice of somo religious enthusiast who buys cheap Bibles, tears them into several parts, and throws|them, tied together in a roll, at people's doors. lie want's to know whether this is not doaecratiog God's Word.

A Philadelphia judge has decided that " au assertion of sobriety is ono of tho delu sions of intoxication, and reasoning tho thing logically, when a man insists that he is sober, it is protty good ovidenco that ho is drunk."

Carving isn't fun. A young ninn was invited to carve a turkoy st dinner, recently, and before the knife wa« finally taken from him ho had upsot a glass of water, wronched hia shoulder, shot tho bird across tho table into a lady's lap, and nearly jabbed a mau's eye out, and it wasn't a tough bird cither. Mr Koefoed, of the Thames, has already 600 dozen pints of tomato Banco, and in tends to increaso tho quantity to 1,625 dozen within the next month.

Mr Lawrie, accountant at the Bank of New Zealand, at the Thames, baa boen tiansfcrred to the Tauranga branch, and is succeeded by Mr A. J. Hay.

In preparing the Christmas numbor of the London " Graphic," tho work of artist", engravers, and authors cost £3,000, the papor £5,000, and the printing and nlectro typing, £G,OOO. The gross weight of paper used for the number was upwards of 120 tona, and 400,000 was the number of copies issued. Net profit, £25,000.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. E. Macdonald, Esq., R.M.)

DRUNKENNESS. Two persons were punished for tbis offence.

VAQRANTS IN LAW,

Chas. Carter, a young man iv a dirty and distressed condition, was charged with vagrancy. Mr Pardy said tho yonng mau was well able to work, but would not.

Three months' imprisonment with hard labour.

Mary Ann Biddick was charged with a like offence.

Detective Jcffery deposed that prisoner was lying drunk yesterday outsido a disre putable house in Chancery Lano. Detoctive Brennan corroborated. Throe months' imprisonmont. VOTARIES OF ILL-FAME.

Wm. Doulon was charged with being the occupier of a house of ill fame. Detective Jeffory deposed that prisoner got his living out ot the prostitution of an fortunatos.

' Prisoner said ho worked for a living. Detoctive JelTcry said that prieonor occa sionally professed to sell apples. Prisoner : Yes, and fish. Detective Breunan gave a fearful descrip tion of the scene ho witnessed at prisoner's houso yesterday. His Worship said prisoner hod been charged with a similar offence on a provious occasion, but taking a lenient viow of the case, sent the prisenor to gaol for soven days. Matilda Jones was charged with keeping a disreputable houso. Mrs Jones pleaded comparative Inno cence. Mr Pardy said tho prisoner was in a sad condition through dirt and drunkenness. Tho charge against tho prisoner was provod, and, as an act of charity, his Worship ordered threo months' imprison ment. ALLEGED LARCENY. Kdward Stribbing was charged with stealing two pairs o£ blankets, value £2 10s, on tho sth inst, the property of Wm. H, Clarke. Mr Pardy described tho circumstances. Mr Clarke said the piiaoncr had been in his employment, but owing to intemperate habits, he was compelled to part with him. Mr Pardy said this was the first timo prisoner had made acquaintance with the police. 24 hours' imprisonment. This was all the business.

AUCKLAND SHARE MARKET.

MARCH 11, 1831. Bank of N.Z.—Sellers, £22 15s National Bank—Sellers, 65s Colonial bank—Buyers, 4_s Gi N.Z. Insurance-Sellers, 76s S.B. Insurance —Sellers, 58s Standard Insurance—Buyers, 10s Union Insurance—Sellors, 20s 6d Colonial Insurance—Buyors, lis 3d Auckland Grm—Sellers, £10 10s Union Sash and Door Co.—Sellers, £0 as N.Z. Loan nnd Mercantile—Sellers, £5 10s Insurance—Buyers, 28s; sellers, 286 d Thames Gas—Buyers, 28s; sellers, 30s Accident Insurance—Sellers, 3s 3d Moanataria—Buyers, 28s Alburnla—Buyers, 29s Kuranui Hill-Buyers, 5s New North Devon—Sellers, 15s Golden Crown—Buyers, 10s 9d Tokatea—Buyers, 7s Queen of Rcanty-Buyers, 6s 3d ; sellers, 7s Southern Cross—Sellers, 5s JOSKPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

The following tenders were received by Mr E, Bartly for building Wesleyan church at Otahuhu :-W. Lockhart, £567 ; Aider ton, £550 ; Y. Hunah, £486 ; Marshhll, £430; James and Co., £479; Muir and Pickett, £553; Stewart and Poolcy, £440.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Reuthks temcubams.]

MR GLADSTONE ON THE TRANSVAAL DIFFICULTY. LONDON, Match 12. IN tho Houso of Commons to-day, the Right Hon, W. E Gladstone made a state ment regarding the position of affairs in the Transvaal. He announced that with a view to bring about a complete cessation of hostilities, and the permanent settlement ot the difficulty, a Peace Commission would bo appointed in Transvaal, to undertake negotiations with the Boers. CAPE TOWN, March 12, News to hand from Orange Free Slato announces that the population is at the present time much excited over the state of affairs in Transvaal. THE IKISH ARMS BILL. LONDON, March 11. In the Houso of Commons, the Irish Arms Bill was read a third time and passed, and transmitted to the Houso of Lords for con sideration. AFGHAN AFFAIRS. It is announced that England pays £5,000,000 to the Indian Government as its shar eof tho cost of the last Afghan wr. . CALCUTTA, March 11. Intelligence has been received from Afghanistan that the army corps which were despatched by the Amir, Abdur Rahman, to Ghuzni last month as a precautionary meiisuro against auy movement on the part of Ayub Khan, will now be [disbanded, as the torco is no longer required. THE TICHBOKNK CLAIMANT. LONDON, March 11. Tho House of Lords has disniissod the appeal made ou behalf of the couyiot Thomas Castro, alius Arthur Orton, against tho judgment of the Court of Appeal in Juno last in discharging the writ of error, in which it was sought to provo against the decision of the Court of Queen's Bench in 1874 ill awarding two successive sentences of penal servitude on the two counts of the the indictment for perjury. THE ARMISTICE WITH THE BUEKS. LONDON, March 11. The fuct of an annistico having becu agreed to with tho Boers in tho Transvaal is iceeiviug much adverso criticism iv the press and iv political and military circles. The impression has got abroad that the armistice was sought by the British. A complete disavowal of the statement that Sir Evelyn Wood had askod that hostilities should be -.impended has, however, been communicated to tho press by Mr Glad stono, who, moreover, states that although no definite information is to hand as to the exact circuuistauces which led to the annis tico, ho believes tho proposal for the sume originated with the I'roiidcut of the Orange Free State, who has for somo time been using overy cudeavour to bring about peace.

THE BRADLAUGH SUIT.

LONDON, March 11

A Divisional Court at Westminster has disallowed Bradlaugh's demurrer to plaintiff, in reply to his plcn iv the action Clark versus Brndlaugh, to recover penalties of £500 each vote from the defendant for sittiiii- and voting in tho|Houso of Commons, without having lirst takon the oaths pre scribed by tho Act of 18G(i.

TUUKOGItEEK CuNPERENCE.

CONSTANTINOPLE, March 11

The negotiations which have been pro ceeding for the past three weeks botweeu the ambassadors of the Powors in this city and the Porte, with ihe view to determine the long standing frontior dispute with Groece, urc likely to have boihc result. It is now understood that there aro signs that the Porte will be persuaded to agree to a Conference for tho settlement of tho Turko* Greek dilliculty. CELEBRATION IN FRANCE. LONDON, February 23. A grand demonstration wns given at Paris in celebration of the eighth anniver sary of Victor Hugo. His popularity among tbe Parisians is immense, and it is o.iimatcd that over 390,000 poople took part in the rejoicings on the occasion. INTENSELY COLD WEATHER. Throughout the Unitod Statoi nnd Canada the weather bus been unusually severe, owing to the fiorconoss of the storms and Hoods. There haa been enormous des truction of proporty. Ovor 500,000 cattle havo now perished. In order to express their senso of the un fairness with which they aro fronted by tho postal authorities, it is stated that the diroctors of the Oritnt Company intend to despatch the Orient steamer on tho same date as tho outgoing P. aud O. steamer, iv order to avoid carrying mails for which they receivo an inadequate subsidy. COERCION IN IRELAND. LONDON, March 2nd. In anticipation of the Irish Cocrsion Bill immediately becoming law, Mr Forsterand the officials nt Dublin arc engaged taking preliminary steps for the enforcement of tho provisions of the measures. Lists have been obtained of the most prominent pro moters of the agitation and outrages. Mucli discontent is expressed at the delay of the Government in bringing forward their measure for the reform of the Irish land system. It is now nsserted that the land bill will not be submitted to Parliament for another month. Tho dilatory policy of tho Government is severely criticised by the Radical press, but it is gonerally believed that the delay was due to a division of opinion in the Cabinet upon the leading included principles in the measure. SYMPATHY WITH THE BOERS. In the United States and on tho Conti nent, a strong feeling of sympathy is expressed with the Boers. The Continental press condemns the annexation of Transvaal as arbitrary and uncalled for, nnd describo the Boers ns a brave people fighting for their liberty. PLAGUE IN MESOPOTAMIA. Intelligence from Bagdad states that the plaguo has broken out in a district of Mesopotamia, and is proving most fatal amongst the population, who arc dying by the hundreds. Great alarm is felt that the disease may spread to othor countries, and assistaucc is urgently aaked for. SMALL POX AT HONOLULU. Intelligence hns bcon received vift San Francisco that small pox hns brokcu out at the Sandwich Islands and is committing great ravages. Among the natives of Hono lulu, especially, tbe mortality is excessive. EARTHQUAKE AT BERNE. A smart shock of earthquake has been experienced at Berne, Switzerland, causing much coustornation among the inhabitants. LONDON, March 6. Tho oflicials nnd members of the Irish Land Leagua continue to prosecute an active agitation for tho amendment of tho laud laws. To-day (Sunday) monster I moctings of tho League and its adherents were held, and passed off without disturb ance of the peace. President Garfield has appointed Jamoa Gillespie Blame, Senator of the State of Maine, Secretary of Stato for tho now Government. LONDON, March 5. General Roberts has sailed for the Cape to assume tho command of the British operations in Transvaal. GENERAL ROBERTS AIDE. Captain Spencer Childors, son of the Ministor ot War, lias beeu appointed aido de-camp to General Roberts. A BAND LEAGUEK FOR NEW ZEALAND. Walsh, ono of the members ot the Land League, who was amongst those recently prosecuted for sedition, has left Ireland tor New Zealand. It is assumed the object of his visit is to make arrangements in tho Australian colonies for the collection of subscriptions on behalf of tho Land League. STRUGGLES IN GERMANY. Constitutional struggles in Germany be tween the Chancellor, Prince Bismarck, and the Reichstag are exciting much interest. There have been several animated debates iv the Chambor, in which the policy pur sued by Bismarck has bcon severely handled by many Doputies. ALPINE CLUB TO VISIT NEW ZEA LAND. Proposals have been mooted for tho Alpine Club to visit New Zealaud for the purpose of thoroughly exploring the line mountainous scenery of the colony. The idea has been favourably received among tho members, and it is anticipated that a considerable number will visit New Zea land shortly. SNOW IN AMERICA. The severe weather in the United States ' and Canada still holds. The snow storms havo been so heavy and continuous that on the Uniou Pacific and other lines of the North-West communication has been inter rupted for more than a week. There has been an absolute block of traffic, and gaiißS of men have been •employed to clear the lines of snow drifts.

KING KALAKAU IN ENGLAND. I The King of ILiwaii, David Kalakau, is ■ now on a visit to Bngland. He is fifty years of age and was chosen king about f S6VeHiNLAN RETIRES FROM ] AQUATICS. j LONDON, Match G. j Hanlan, champion skuller of the world, 1 has arrived at Toronto, in Canada, and has j taetwith a most enthusiastic reccptien. In j reply to an address of welcome and con gratulation, Hanlan spoke highly of both ] Trickett und Laycock. Ho has announced ( his intention of retiring from aquatics. < The Darlington. Iron Company has failed The metropolitan Board of Works has , issued a two million and a half 3 per cent , loan at a minimum of 90. | .__>

AUSTRALIAN.

BAD NEWS FROM THE DIGGINGS. SYDNEY, this day.

News from Mount Brown Diggings states that the water there is exhausted, and the population has shitted six miles. One man perished from exhaustion while proceeding to the field, and it is feared that great loss of life will take place unless rain fulls.

DEATH OF COLONEL NATION

The death of Colonel Nation took place, not unexpectedly, on Saturday night at his residence at Farnell. The deceased gentle man had boen suffering for several months from an abscess of the liver, and had been under the medical care of Dr. Goldsbro' and Dr. Wright. We learn that his medical attendants had given up all hope of recovery for some time past. Colonel Nation spent some years in India, aud distin guished himself in the Mutiny of 1857; he was then occupying the rank of Major, and had command of the Native Folice Regi ment in Fatna. His services were recog nised and recorded in the annals of the Indian Mutiny, and from Major was promo ted to the higher rank of Lieutenant-Colonel Nation. Ou the termination of the wars in India, Colonel Nation and his family sought Iho more genial clime of New Zealand. The Colonel rendered sorvices in the early days of the Waikato war, holding the position of Colonel of the first Regiment of Militia. Since that period Col. Nation had lived the life of a private gentleman with his family in the neighbourhood of Parnell, and of thin borough he was first Mayor. He was also Chairman of the Auckland Court of Potty Sessions. The deceased was a churchman, und for some years he has been a regular attendant at St. Paul's Cathedral Church, and tho ornamental trees aud shrubs planted round the church were plunted by the Colonel at his own expense. During his illness he received the spiritual ministrations of tlio Key C. M. Nelson, and Yen. Archdeacon Maunscll. Colonel Nation leaves a widow aud several growu up sons and daughters to mourn their loss. The deceit.cd was 71 years of age.

AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB.

The following sports took pluce after wo wont to press on Saturday : —

120 Yards Hurdle Handicap, over 10 flights (Ist prize presented by Mr M. Gallagher). W. Sibbin (scratch) 1 White (2yds) 2 T. Sibhiu(owes3ydß) 3 Won by two yards.

THROWING THE CRICKET BALL. A. Beale, Grafton Pootball Club ... 1 P. Dufaur, Unit.d Cricket Club ... 2 11. Cooke, Ponsonby Football Club 3 Beale threw 95 yard-, Dufaur 91, nnd H. Couko 89.

TWO MILES>ALKING HANDICAP. M. Gallagher, 440 yards 1 P. Moginie, GO yards 2 Wou with about twenty yards to sparo, TOO OF WAR, North Shore Rowitig Club 1 Auckland Cricket Club .. 2 Graftou Pootball Club 3 Only three teams contested the event. Auckland C.C. won the first trial from the Grafton Pootball Club, and in turn were beaten by the North Shore Rowiug Club. ONE MILE HANDICAP. E. M. Clayton (25 yards) 1 I. P. Lees (scratch) 2 C. Z. Clayton (00 yards) 0 C. Clayton was winning easily, when he wont insido a flag, and was therefore out of tho race. DUOr-KICMNQ THE FOOTnALL. H. Cooke (Ponsonby Football Club), 148 feet 4 inches .. — 1 J. M. Sibbin (North Shore Football Club), 147 feet S inches 2 Eight competed. 220 YARDS HURDLE HANDICAP. W. Sibbin (G yards) 1 C. E White (11 yards) 2 T. Sibbin (3 yards) 3 Six started, and W. Sibbin wou by a yard. QUARTER-MILE HANDICAP. ' C. Brown (20 yards) I 1 11. Cooke (18 yards) 2 A. P. Moginie (20 yards) ... 3 Nino startod. Brown had a good yard to spare at the finish. 120 yards CONSOLATION. Williams 1 Plullcox 2 W. Sibbin takes the Victor Ludorum prize, HIGH JUMP. ltvan, 4ft 9iu 1 White, 4tt S§in 2 Fordcr was prevented from competing by an accident which happened to him last night.

CRICKET MATCHES.

AUCKLAND UNITED C.C. V. THAMES C.C. This match was played on Saturday last at the Thames. The United Eleven won easily in one innings. A splendid score of 61 runs in line style; Swanson got 21 and C. McCormick 18. Lankham, son., got 3 wickets with 3 successive balls, entitling him to a new hat, the order for which was immediately handed to him by the Secre« tary of the Club. C. Bowdcn bowled well in the Thames 2ud iuuings. Lankham, juu., bowled well all through. The highest scores for the Thames were :—Spencer, 19 ---and-0; Lawless, 15-and-5; Watson, 11 (and not out)—l4. Stafford was tho most useful bowler for the Thames. The latter gentleman rode forty miles to ploy in this match—on the goldfield's side—accom panied by Mr H. Whitakor, who did good service for his old friends, the United —his fieldiug being frequently applauded by the numerous assemblage of baauty-and-fashion who graced the field with their presence AUCKLAND UNITED C.C. Mumford, o an-l b Staiiord 61 Bowdon, o Buttle, b Spencer _ .. 1 A. MoCormiek, b Groy 0 Hwnnsoo, b Lawloss 21 Lankham, Ben., c Grey, b Lawless .. 0 C. MoCormiek, b Staiiord IS K. Porch, c Lawless, b Groy 11 Lankham,jun, lbw, Stafford .. .. 9 N. Porch, o Lawless, b Gray .. .. S Woat, o Burgess, b Stafford 9 Whitaker, not out i Kxtras 32 Total 178 THAMES C.C. IST INNINGS. 2ND I-.NINGS. Turner, bLankham, 8. 0 oßowdon.. .. 0 Burgess, bLankham.j. 1 bßowdon.. .. 2 Lawless, b Lankham, j. 15 cA. MoCormiek 5 Snoncer, b Lankham, s. 17 o McCormick .. 0 Btafford,bLankham,j. 3 oßowden.. .. 5 J. Gray, b Lankham, s. 2 b Lankham, jun. 1 Weeton, lbw .. ..11 not out .. .. H W. Gray, bLankhamj. C bßovrden.. .. 3 Buttle, b Lankham, s. 0 oA. McCormick 7 Wobbor, ran out .. 0 b Linkham, j. .. 0 Harriion.notout .. 1 oA. McCorniiok 2 Extras 8 Extras .. ..9 Total .. ..66 Total .. _ _S The Thames Cricket Club will be glad to play the A.C.C. and the West End CO., one on Saturday next, and the other on the Saturday following, at the Thames, or on St. Patrick's Day. CAMBRIDGE AND HAMILTON SCHOOLS. This match was played ou Saturday, and resulted in an easy victory for the latter :— CAMBRIBGE. FIRBT INNINGS. SECOND INNINGS Richardson, b Graham .. 1 runout . 5 Carr, hJoly 0 b Yon Sturmor 5 Wilson, oGraham.. .. l b Yon Sturmor 0 Stewart, b Yon Stunner 6 not out 2 Kills, cßoero 0 runout.. ' 0 Hannon, b Graham .. 0 b Yon Sturmor 0 Pearson, b Graham .. 0 b Beere 1 Callevb Graham .. .. Ob Yon Sturmor 1 Camp, b Yon i-turuior .. 0 bVou Stunner i Carnmchan, run out ..2b Yon Stunner 0 Armor, not out .. ..0 bßcoro.. n Kxtras 15 Kxtras .'.' 25 Total .. _ .. % Total.. .. 81 HAMILTON. FIRST INNINGS. SECOND INNINGS. Graham, not out 20 run out in Moffln, run out .. l b Wilson . " 5 Jolly, b Wilson .. 2 b Stewart. " n Dawson, b Stowart.. 1 not out " 0 Broakell.bStewart.. 6 c Stowart " 5 Yon Sturmor, lit WKt 5 not out '" 11 Boaro, 0 Bichardson 3 Jono<, o I-ichardsou 0 Odium, b Stewart .. 0 Gawkwell, b Stewart 0 Brown, 0 out.. .. 1 Kxtras .. .. i Kxtras .. .. G Total .. .. i 3 Total _ __ 39 And 6 wickets to fall.

A match was played on Satuidav at Point Chevalier between the 2nd Eleven Civil Service arid eleven of the Star and Whau Clubs, which resulted in a victory for the former by one innings and thirteen runs The following is tho score :—Martin, 7. Hcighway, 3; Mitford, 7; Thwaites' 8- Hamlin, 7 ; Thomas 30; Johnson, 0 • Colo' brook, 2; Rowc, 3 ; Molloy, 0; Cottine* ham, 2. Byes, 20 ; leg-byes, 1; wide ball 1 : 22. Total, 91. Star first and second innings: Wallace, 0, 0; Walker, 4, q • King, 2, 0; Cowan, 2, 6 ; Garrett, 6 I . Heard, 0, 8 ; Saville, 13, 0; Bollard, 15 n. Codling, 0, 0 ; Walker, 0, 0 ; Cantwell' 1 4. Byes, 19 ; leg-byes, 3 : 22, Total, CB,' A match was played at Newmarket between the Newmarket C.C., and Alpha CO., resulting in a victory for the latter for 2 runs. Scores : Newmarket, 30 ; Alpha 33. McDermott's analysis for the Alpha's was C overs, 1 maiden, 8 runs, 5 wickets Hay, (11) ; White, (9); played well for three respective scores. McDonald, for the JNcwniarkct, bowled well. Cheeseman made his 11 in good style.

FURTHER SOLOMAN ISLAND MASSACRES.

Two Captains Killed.

[11 Y CABLE.]

SYDNEE, Monday. The schoooiicr Deslie has arrived from Soloman Islands, and reports that the master was murdered thero by natives, and that a rumour was current when she left left that Captain Laurie, of the schooner Black Hawk, had also been murdered.

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

[Ti. TELKORAPII PItESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, Saturday. The Fresbyterian Assembly met again to day. It was agreed to rescind the Student Evangelistic Act and the Students Evange listic Amendment Act, but in consideration of tho absolute necessity of rendering the labours of students engaged in practising the work in remote districts effectual in building up congregations, the Assembly resolved to authorise permission to be given to celebrate marriage, and administer bap. tism under the following regulations: 1. That permission be given by the Frcsbytery of tiie bounds iv such cases when the district in which the student ig labouring is wide, and where the ntigh. homing ordained minister cannot under take the duty of celebrating marriape and administering baptism within the district under the charge of the student. 2. That permission to administer baptism shall con. tinue only during the pleasure of the Presbytery, and shall in all cases cease when the studeut removes from the district in respect of which permission was gianted. 2. That the student perform this part of his work, as all other parts of his work, under the supervision aud control of tbo minister under whose charge he has been placed. Notices of motion anent recent legisla tion, and also ono concerning the standing of certain ttudeuts were handed in.

The Assembly went into committee on the Chuich agency question. On resuming, the following resolutions were reported :— " 1. That, with the view ot meeting the present circumstauccs of the Church and of providing for the necessities of tbe Church agency, the Committee recommend the Rev. David Bruce to .York up a third con gregation in tho south-east district of Wel lington. 2. That the Assembly be prepared to adopt a guarantee of ten or more mem bers of adherents of the Church for tho stipend or £250 a year for three years to Mt Bruce on working up a third congrega tion."

RECEPTION OF THE GOVER NOR AT CHRISTCHURCH.

HIS OPINION ON HIS DUTIES.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CURISTCIIUIICH, Saturday. In his speech at the banquet in the Odd. fellows' Hall, His Exeellency|Sir A. Gordon said it was fortunate that, in the constitution of tho colony, the position of the Governor was to bring him into close connection with no political party. For fifteen years he had been a Governor of Crown Colonies, and for the last five years he had exercised authority more than usually absolute. It may be asked if a man who had had these powers would submit to the restraints of constitutional government. In reply, he held that in countries where the mass ot the inhabitants outnumbered those who hold the power, and were of a different race, it was necessary, for justice to all, that powef should be vested in one man. In English communities, however, the form of goverumeut existing in the colony was the only one desirable. The power must rest with the people theni-elvcß. If it were asked had he learned his proper constitu tional place, he would say "yes." His estimate of the functions of a colonial Governor wore those of Lord Duflerin— to oil the machine of Government, and keep it going easily. The man who had had despotic power was not likely to fight for shreds of authority which could not replace what he had been used to.

The Premier, in replying to the toast of the Ministiy, said the Ministerial Bench had not beeii a bed of roses. He entered office at a time of serious depression, but had unwavering faith in the future of New Zealand. The result justified the belief. Thanks to tho habits of economy ot the people, the extension of local industries, and the last good harvest, the colony was now on tbe eve of recovery. The duty_ of the Government was to assißt in developing the resources of the colony. They might depend on the present advisers of the Government doing all that was in their power to effect that end.

DISTRICT COURT.—This day.

(Beforo His Honor Judge Macdonald.)

DEFENDED CASES.

W. H. MOULDEN V. J. RENWICK.- Claim, £79 18s, money lent, interest, etc.— Mr E. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff, aud Mr Tyler lor the defendant.—This caw was heard at a previous sitting of the Court and His [Honor now delivered judgment as follows :—"Plaintiffs case is that on the dissolution of a partnership with defendant there was agreed to be due to him £9418s on account, whereof he had since received £15, leaving a balance of £79 18s. Defen dant denies the existence of any partner ship aud the statement of any account On a carctul review of the very contradictory evidence, after eliminating a good deal that was neutral, and noting conic in defen« dant's favour I come to the conclusion tbat the balance of testimony is in plaintiff's favour. With the exception of defendant's broad denial, there is nothing incompatible with plaintiff's version, while matters ad mitted or deposed to by defendant, aud some matters charged agaiust the plaintiff are only to be on assuming the existence of the alleged partnership, and, beyond this, there is the very convincing evidence of Mr Edmunds, who, though a reluctant witness in the Bense of not desir ing to be embroiled between the parties, waa manifestly a truthful witness. Accept ing, then, plaintifFs]version of the existence of the partnership I can only do the samo with his account of its termination and the attendant circumstances,—Judgment for plaintiff for £79 18s aud coats. JUDGMENT SUMMONS CASE. Allan Maguire v. Pimon Dryden; claim £19 17s 6d.—Mr S. Hesketh appeared for the plaintiff.—An order was made lor tho payment of the debt; in default, 21 days imprisonment. John Lamb v. Benjamin Bern; claim, damages sustained through the deviation of defendant's vessel from her course.-—Mr S. Hesketh appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Tyler for the defendant.—Mr Tyler applied for a two months' adjournment of the case, as bis clieut (master of the vessel Eliza Mary) was at present at Hokianga and would not be back within much less than the time indi cated. Besides tho defendant bad not bad au opportunity of giving the necessuiy instructions for the defeuce of tho case.— Having heard the arguments of the learned counsel on the point, His Honor faid that he would adjourn the case till next Court day, and then, unless tho plaintiff could shew by affidavit that his claim would be really endangered by further delay, he would continue to make adjournments from time to time until the defendant bad au opportunity of attending. G. W. Owen aud Co. v. E. Bartley; Claim £51.—Mr Theo. Cooper (defendants solicitor) applied at the plaintiff's request for an adjournment till next Court day, plaintiff agreeing to pay costs.—Granted. The Court then rose.

" A.A. " writes expressing pleasure at the cleau appearance of the children from the Homo for Neglected Children, who wero present at the' Band of Hope entertain ment.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR MONDAf. MARCH 14



Speoial Advertisements. -TCTEW T^RESS pOODS, W|ANTED KNOWN: r<OOD TJ BKFUIj D™ 33 |k£ATERIAW ARE BEINO SOLD AT HALF PRICE. RUSHEROOK & BRIDGMAN'S. la 0d Materials for 9d. Wo havo bought a largo JOB LOT of tho abovo, ond aro giving our Cuetoniorß tho benellt. FANCY DRESS MATERIAL In Great Variety. _HTAT A HEAVY REDUCTIONS off usual prioos to Clkau Out During Tub Ss/son. A Fresh Lot of GOOD CHEAP TWEED GOOD CHEAP TWEED for Boys' Woar .WJust To Hand."®* 5% Discount (Is in tho £) allowed off a'l CASH Purohases of 20a and Upwards. TDUSHBROOK & T>RIDGMAN, DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS [Opposito tho Army and Navy Hotel], Upper Que in -street, Auckland QTOCK-TAKINti I»AUGAIN S In preparation for Stock-taking, WILLIAM RATTRAY has] 1 REDUCED THE PRICES OF HIS ! large and Well-assorted Stock ov OUMMER /COSTUME?, m|ANTLE3, AND jy|ILLINERY, In ordor to offeot a clearance. COSTUMES at 12s 6d Reduced to 9s Cd COSTUMES nt 19s Cd Reduced to 15s COSTUMES at 25s Reduced to 19s 6d COSTUMES at 30s Rkdcced to 25s COSTUMES at 353 Reduced to 2Ss Gd COSTUMES at ios Reduokd to 37s Gd MANTLES and MILLINERY aro Reduced in similar proportions, AT WILLIAM TJATTRAY'S costume, mantle, millinery, & general Draper? Establishment, new zealand house, 66, queen-street, Auckland. , TUST RECEIVED ' AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, With Plated Arms. Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quite New E. F O li IT E E & C 0., I QHIGII STREETS ; AUTUMN CIASHIONS. AUTUMN RIBBONS, just oponcd AUTUMN DRESS GOODS, now styles AUTUMN MANTLES and CLOAKS ; AUTUMN FLOWERS and MILLINERY NEW FRINGES, ROUCHING, and GLOVES i The "Magio" and "Removable" Cover . UMBRELLAS i BOYS', YOUTHS', and MEN'S CLOTHING. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade, LATEST NOVELTY is the " Hartz Monn- ' tain Rug," first seen on this stdo of the ■ world at the Sydney Exhibition. The under i signed were bo Btruck with the handsome appearance, baautif ul finish, ond durable con -1 struotlon of these Rugs that they at onoe sent for a large shipment, which are now finding ready sale. They are suitable for Toorißts, Carriage hugs, Golddiggors, and Travellers by land and sea, as the warmth and comfort 1 Imparted surpass all other woollen Rugs. Only ' obtainable at the City Hall Arcade, GARLICK & CRANWELL, Proprietors. BLACK SILKS at Co-operative Prices. We study to sell the Cheapest Black Silks In Town, commencing at 2s 9d np to lis Gd. Our • Is Gd quality commands a ready sale—splondld i value. GARLICK & CRANWELL. END OF SEABON, Clearing ont of Rom-' nanta. A quantity ot Remnants are 1 cleared off every Friday and Saturday, at Cheap Rates, ey GARLIOK & CRANWELL. i REMNANTS of Dross Goods and Trimmings RKMNANT3 of Prints and Sateens REMNANTS of Ribbons and Embroidery REMNANTS o( Sheeting and Flannel REMNANTS of Tweeds and Moleskin : REMNANTS of Damask and Cretonnes REMNANT DAYS, Friday and Saturday at the CITY BALL ARCADE. GARLICK & CRANWELL yv T-\RAPER_r AND /CLOTHING /P.\ AT /CS. \ co .OPERATIVE CASH \ G.C / V / PRICES, PURE fIABH UIBTKM URK IASH OYSTEM AT THB (~II.TY TTALL ARCADE, Queen-Street, Auckland. GARLICK & CRANWELL. TTf INKS & TTALL. HAVE REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY LL KEMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THKEE-BUILDING OF TKKHt WARE HOUSE IN SHOKTLAND-STREET. OTRANGERS AND TRAVELLERS \ Visiting Auckland will find tho LARGEST OUTFITTING STOCK IN THE ' COLON ST < . To Select from at J THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING 1 FACTORY. \ Thousands of Customers testify to tho c c Cui-erior quality & "Pitting s Of the Garments made by them, j The Stock of SHIRTS, TIES, HATS, and v HOSIERY, is very large, and Includes a o CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF NOVELTIES 1i FOR THUS ° HOLIDAYS. "j H A special supply of PORTMANTEAUX al BAGS, RUGS, and all Travelling Requisites a< tor Tourists. sp AUCKLAND BRANCH: b{ Qneen-street (opposite Theatre Royal), a! And at Albert-street, Thames. °\ J. FITZBIMONO. Manager [ sh



Special Advertisements. TUST RECEIVED, Ladies' and Girls FINE CASHMERE JERSEYS. BOYS' JERSEY SUITS. TAM O'SHANTER HATS. JERSEY COLLARS, COItDS AND TASSELS, for Drosses. mother hubbard cloaks. Also in Stock, a very large assortment OF Ladies' and Children's UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY LINEN. Ty/riLNE & riHOYCE UUEKN-STREKT. VVT ANTED KNOW N. MISS DELANEY dress and mantle maker (Late Forewoman of Mu. w. KattrayV), ' Bogs to lntlmato to hor Frionds and Customors that sho has commenced Bubliiobs in tho NEW BUILDINGS, ALBERT-STREET, Noxt tho Cornor of Wyndham-street. Prompt attontion will bo glvon to all orders sho may be ontrustod with.