SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

high ™™\'s2ti££2S%%L.wt SUNSET.—This Evening, 5.68 SUNKIBE.—To-Morrow Morning, 5.43 MOON'S AGE.-Full Moon, Bth, 1.38 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVKNING.

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING. Argyle, s.a , Crawford, for Whangarel T6-DATT. „ Christina, schooner. Kvanson, forltussell Mariner, schooner, Qacen, for Uusseu Sea Breeze, schooner, Leslie, for Russell Atalanta, schooner, Donovan, forNssuncuru Onward, sohooner, Pankow, for RubsoU Howard, schoonor, Anderson, for Whangarel

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Melbonrne, via South-Arawata, Thursday Taranaki and South-Penguin, Tuesday Rusaell, Whaogsroa and Mongonul-Wellington Tau?an G B a-G?en^ O K nor Wellington. Monday and ■Whan^rei^Biia Whangarel Hoads-Argyle, Tuesday and Friday Mangawai- Fingal, Thursday Meroury Bay—Jfingal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Zealanaia. ship. (J.G.H.V.) from London; saueo. Loehacr^e 27ship,(M.8.Q.V.)from Glasgow; saUed MayTnQuefn, ship (K.L.V.S.), from London; to Mar^areVualbralth, ship (J.K.L.D.). from Lon- Loo^Urr'.V^fVom'London; to sail about Stratatnro!barque (Q.G.D.M.), from London; Taranaki. barque. from London ; to sail July 1 Antare3,barquo (P.H.D.Q), from London; sailed July 30. Coromandel, barque, from London, loading Anna, barque, from London, loading Beatrice Havemer, barque (J.Q.C.L.) from New York, sailed July 29 O. A. Littleßeld, barque, (H.T.N.F.) from New York; sailed June 18 Acacia, barque (W.N.8.V.). from Sydney Bella Mary, barque (T.M.J.8.), from Oamara Oceola, brieantine(3.K.ir.L.), from New York; cleared May 26 Flirt, brigantine, from Suva Falcon, schooner, from Melbourne Edith Reid, schooner, from Timata Agnes Jessie, schooner, from Lyttelton

IMPORTS.

Per Zealandia, from London—Plain cottons, £1.660; coloured cottons. £1,030; printed cottons, £880; woolleos and worsteds. «1,370; linen in ' bales, £160; linen in case, £110; cotton and woollens, £320; muslins, £110; silk and velvets, £100; millinery, £120: hosiery. £1,230; haber dashery, £2,670; cambric handkerchiefs. £10; cotton and linen shirts. £360; apparel, £2.720; blankets £380; carpets and rugs, £20; counter panes, £70; straw hats. £399: silk hats. £U0; felt hats and caps, £S'JO; dressed leather, £710; wrot. leather, «9SO; saddlery, £510; floor cloth, £470; table baize, £10; sewing machines, £100; luclfers, £18; agricultural im plements, £70; agricultural machinery, £130; rails and general machinery. £360; beoks, £510; paper,2s7 cwt; statlonery,£l7o; paperbangiDgs. ■ £90; upbolstery,£4so; plaited end papier maoh6 ■ , goods, £80; toys,£lo; pian03,£1,660: perfumery, r *10: lead shot, 1 ton; chain and anchors,3 tons: hardware and cutlery,£l,2oo; galvanised lron.ll tons; yellow metal, fl tons; tin plates, 25 boxes; Iron nails, 29 owt; wire and wire rope, 27 tons; zlno,7tons; linseed 011,3.760 galls; whiting,l2tonß; paint colours, £230; flint glass, £70; foreign ■Window alaases, 220 cases; China and earthen ware, «370; wool packe, £16; bran and flour • baga, £'26; canvas. £60; cordage, £160; lines aid twines, £20; Blates, U tons; cement, 800 ■ barrels; cigirs, 770 lbs; brandy, in bulk, £860; brandy,- in case, £720; rum, 390 galls; British ' spirits, in bulk. 1,130 galls; ditto, in case. 10 i Rails; perfumed spirits, 30 galls; white I. wine, 90 :(tails; beer, glass, 131 bwrels; cheese. 5 owt; bacon and ham. 14 owt; ; > preserved not rated. £58; assorted oilmen s stores, £963; mineral water. £20;' vinegar, 1,180 galls; Foreign salad oil, 290 galls; pepper and splce3, 23 owt; cocoa, 9 owt; starch, £30; rice, 50 owt; chicory, 10 owt; white salr, 50 tons ; ; caustic, 12 tons; candles, British and Foreign, 238 owt; raisins. 31 owt; currants, 16 owt; almonds. 2 cwt; French plnms, 10 owt; carra way seeds, SJ cwt; ginger, 13 cwt; confectionery and peel, £218; apothecary ware, £110 ; conden sed milk, £311; cornfloor, £11; tea, 16 cwt. Total declared value, £32,200. Inwabds Coastwise. —Four Sfstera, from Mahurangi, with 36 tons firewood; Lizzie, from - Whangopoua. with 29.000 feet timber and 12 hi leg; Janet, from Whangarei, with 800 bushels lime. Odtwaeds Coastwhb. — Four Sisters, for Matakana; Fanny Kelly, for Mongonui; Mariner, for Russell; Janet, for Whangarei. . A. large blaok fore-and-aft schooner, believed to be from the South or the Islands, was passed •: ; -iaslde Tiritiri this morning. .; The three-masted schooner Knergy has become the property of Messrs Stone Bros., Situs and Brawn, and Captain Savory. The brigantine Borealis was at Melbourne on September 10. The brigantine Bannookbnrn, from Mcl i bourne, arrived at Port Waikato yesterday with a cargo of bonedust for the Waikato Steam Navigation Company. The sehoonor Mariner has undergone exten sive repairs at the hands of Messrs Simn and Brown, and was to have left for Bust ell this atternoon. She continues in the Bay coal trade. 'A rock in Torres Strait?, on which there is only 2J fathoroß at low water, hai been dis • y covered off the eastern entrance to the Prince """ '"'ifTaoMtfr'Htrait Kook, ffWTlf 3 miles and 91 cables. Speaking o( the s.s. Herga, whiob it will be remembered was ran down by the Hero a short time since, the " Au-.tralian Shipping Roplater" Bays:-Abont 40 tons of coal were discharged on Slot nit, and thEi hole in her side stopped, so that Bhe might be pumped out. On the 6th irißt. she was raised, and then taken over to the A,S.N.Co.'s slip for repairs, The barqae Freetrader arrived at Lannceatou from Whangaroa on September 2nd, The brig Emperor left Newcastle for Ly ttelton On September 9th. SHIP SIGNALLED. A ship outside Tiritiri was signalled all day, but as thera was only a light S.S. W. breeza blowing; it is Improbable that she will make the ancnorage unt'l early to-morrow morning. She will most likely prove to be the Zealandia, under charge of Captain Sellars. a gentleman well known in this port. The Zealandia left London on June 27. with cargo as per ~ imports, and the following passengers :— Chief cabin: H. M. Porter, Miss Goodwyn, JSdward Brown, Mrs Brown, John Brown. ' Herbert Brown, Miss S. March, Dr Rygate, H. S. Peake, and a. B. oddie. Second cabin: H. S. Peake, T. B. Smith, Mary Smith, Edith Smith, Lilian Smith, John Robinson, Frederick Hands, Samuel Blyth, N. Beaumont, L. D. Beaumont, W. Le Feaux, A. F. AUwood, K. H. JSdwardß, Mrs Edwards, F. Yerner, Mis Verner, and (J. R. Mayers. Steerage: > 3. M. Ehaokleton, Mary Shackleton, Catherine Shackleton, Robert Bell, John Wil liams, Mrs William?, Miss S. Williams, Miss K. Williams, Miss M. Williams, Miss B. Wil liams, Thos. Williams, Robt, Archibald, Joseph • ; , ■• "Wood, Mary Wood, James Adams, Hannah . . Adams, James Adams, Robert Adams, Samuel Adams, Thos. Adams, Robert Layer, Mercy liaver, Marls Layer, Henry Layer, Ellen Layer Charles Layer, Mrs Patterson, William Patter son, Mary Carter Charles Carter, John Hough. Bobert .Thomson. Catherine Qooaiey, Joseph Goodley, George Goodley, W, H. Carter, Susan Carter, Alico Carter, Emily Carter, Hannah Carter, William Carter, Lucy Carter,' Mra Nicholson. Mr Nicholson, Flora Nicholson Donald Nioholson, Margaret Nicholson, Henri etta Cook, Annie Cook, George Sage, Agnes Sage, John Sage Mary gage, A goes Sage and William Clifton.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

AKKIVALS, Bowena, b.s., Scott, from Waitara Hannah Mobau, 8.8., McCarthy, from Waitara . , IMPORTS. Per Hannah Mokan, from Waitara: 20 head cattle, 70 sheep, i packages butter, and 6 horses. Per Rowena, from Waitara: 21 horses, 14 head cattle, 81 sheep, 20 sacks grass seed, aad 4 paok . ngoa batter. r The is. Hannah Mokuu arrived from Waitara at 8 a,m. to-day. She was expected to roturn thither about 4 o'clock thia afternoon. The 8.8. Bowena arrived from Waitara at 8.15 ».tu. to-day.—Passenger: Mr Hollywood. She was announced to leave attain this afternoon for * jho same port.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

. . ' BttWF, yesterday. Sailed: Rotorua, 5.8., for North, Passengers for Auckland : Mrs Casb, Miss Wilson, and Messrs Russell and Stow. Rubbeix, this day. Arrived: Arawata, from Auckland, 6 a.m. Whanoahki. this day. SaUed : -Axgyle, Icom AncUand, at 10 a.m. New PtYMODTH, this day. " . Arrived: Penguin, from Auckland, 6.30 a.m.

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET.

■ September 28, ' Bank of N.Z.—Sellers, £24 5s National Bank—Bayers, 79s Colonial Bank-Sellers, 4!in 6d N.Z. Insaranoe—Sellerß,Bsa S.B. Inanranco—Oiß Standard Jnsnrnnce—Buyers, 16s Union Insurance—Buyers, 21s ' Colonial Insurance—Buyers, 133 6d; sellers, Ua Thames Gas—Sellers, 283 (id ' ■■■, Union Sash and Door—Buyers, £3189 6d 1 Auckland Timber—Buyers, £517s 6d N 25. Loan and Mercantile—Sellers, £6 5a i Bay ot Wands Coal Co.-SeUers, £910a W.Z. Shipping—Buyers, £5155; sellers, £6 j ■ ' Aocldent Assurance—Sellers, 4s . • Taupiri Coal—Buyers, 10a i i Northern S.S. Co.—l2s to 12s Id; buyers, IZb Sellers,' 12s 6d ' New Zealand Timber Co.—Sellere, £5 Mosnatalart-Sollere, 17s 6d Alburnl* G.M. Co.—Sellers, 23a £; Caledonian—Sellers, 9s 6d -Kttranui Hill—Sellers, Ss I Morth Devon- Sellers, 15a h HTokatea—l7s; Buverg, 16s 6d: seller?, 17s i Union—6s to 6s 6d; buyers, 6s 6d ; sellers, 63 9d m Nevada—Sellers. Is 8d B Eoyal Oak—2a to 2s Id; sellers, 2i 3d fe- -■ JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Closk as Undeiu- This Day. For •STrnmos, per Rotomahana, at 1 p.m. Foe 'Thames, per Enterprise, at 6.30 p.m. Thursday, 29th instant. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Craigleburn, and Warkworth, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Talrua, per Saxon, at 11 a.m. For Gisborne, Napier, Southern ports, and Australian Colonies, por Arawata, at 11 am,, ForlMaHgawal, per Fingal, at 3 p.m. For Hokianga, per Macgregor, at 1 p.m. For Tifiiranga, Ohinerautu, and Opotikl, per Gleuolg, at Ip.m. Fer Coromandel, por Annie Milbank.at 5.30 p.m. Friday, 30th instant. ForWaihekeand Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 1.30 p.m. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, at 2 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 4.30 p.m. For Whangarei Heads. Parua, Walpu, Whan garei, Tangthua, and Masgapai, per Argyle, at i p.m. Tuesday, 11th October. Per 8.8. City o£ New York, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States ot America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indlas, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent ot Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders registered letters, and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of slxper.ee. In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. Thia mall will be due in London on Toes day, November 22,1831. N.B.—On October Ist a Post-offlce will be opened at Taupakl, on Kaipara railway line, near Kumeo, Mails will close here daily at 6 a,m., and will arrive at 9 a.m. ■»wh—it»™mtwjM<«p.i»fwiii> ti'iiiio^wurafcryiYP'ap' Sp.m. Note.—The letter receiving box at Messrs Hill and Hudson's, Victoria-street, has been removed to their new premises, corner of Victoria and Hobson-Btraets. 8. B. BI3S. Chlet Postmaster, Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Skftembbk 28,1881. Theatre Royal—" Conrad and Lizette," Miss Amy Horton'a Impersonations, and Wyburds' Feats, 8 p.m. Albert Hall—Grand International Panorama of viewß and scenes of various nations, 7 p.m. Masonic Hotel—United Service, Lodge, I.e. 7.30 p.m. Masonic Hotel, Devonport—North Shore Re • gatta Meeting, 7-30 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1881.

For the cause that locks avsiilance. For the wrong that needs resistauc For the future in the distance. And tho good that we con do.

Mr H. H. Hayter, the Government Statist of Victoria, is performing a great work for the whole of the Australasian colonies. He has the faculty of making statistical facts interesting, and this talent be uses to illustrate the resources and pro gress ot every colony in the Australasian group. His labours deserve, a general recognition from the several Colonial Governments which derive henefit from them. Already Mr Hayter has prepared an abstract of the results of the statistics of 1880, and the census of 1881, shewing the position of the various colonies separately and collectively. Who can read the grand totals without feel ing impressed with the greatness of the future of these rising nations? In area Australasia covers 3,075,736 square miles, — exceeding the area of the United States of America, and only some 700,000 square miles less than the entire area of the con tinent of Europe. Scattered over this vast territory is a population of 2,798,471 people, but their trade and wealth bear testimony to the richness of the lands they occupy,and their public works, their cultivations, and flocks and herds, attest their enterprise and industry. The public revenue of Australasia in 1880amouoted to £17,069,015, of which only £6,179,405 came from taxa tion; £3,454,988 was derived from the dis posal of 3,493,659 acres of land, and the balance accrued chiefly for services rendered by the various public departments. The imports of the colonies amounted to £45,060,665, and the exports to £48,866,168. The shipping, inwards and outwards, was 16,102 vessels of 8,552,600 tons; there were 6,862,750 acres of land under cultivation; the harvest yielded 31,588,928 bushels of wheat j 10,122,508 bushels of oats; 2,912,621 bushels of barley; 354,515 tons of potatoes : and 887,116 tons of hay. There were 1,206,100 horses ; 8,104,786 cattle ; 72,239,343 sheep; and 1,026,898 pigs. Communication was maintained by 4,851 j miles of railway open, and 1,189 miles in course of construction; and there were 27,831 miles of telegraph line. The net gain of the united colonies for the year by immigration was 43,199; by the excess of births over deaths, 59,317. making a total gain for the year of 102,516. If Australasia collectively gathers food for pride and hope in these statistics, we of New Zealand may be specially satisfied with the position we hold relatively to our neighbours. Banking third in res pect of population, and fifth in area, New Zealand heads the list in productiveness — and not merely stands first, but at a dis tance from all its rivals that ren. ders the contrast startling, The total produce of wheat for the five colonies of the Australiancontinentwas22,67l,lß3 bushels; i the produce of New Zealand alone, s -8,147,705. The total oat crop of 1 Auttralia was 2,791,811; the New Zea- s land oat crop, 6,891,251 bushels. The f aggregate Australian produce of bariey, t 1,522,224 ;of New Zealand, 1,221,241. Of 1 potatoes, Australia, 210,638 tons; New o Zealand, 111,329 tons. In the number of d horses and cattle the vast tracts of land in j a

New South Wales and Queensland tell upon the statistics, and this colony figures Ics3 favourably. In the average returns per acre wo dis cover the key to tho extraordinary pre dominance of New Zealand ; and the fact that our bountiful harvest arises from the unparalleled productiveness of our climate should not be lost upon the agriculturists of Great Britain who are looking abroad for the country that affords the most favourable conditions for tho pursuit of their calling. Tho average yields per aero iv the four principal colonies, in 1880, were :— S « So P O EQ & Bushels. Bushels. Bushela. Tons. NewZoaland .. 25 07 32 05 2G'OS l'Dl Now South W'ies WG9 10 87 20 3G 2"73 Viotoria .. .. 995 17 Gl ifS'Si 279 South Australia 4'BG 11-60 11.62 283 If these hgures were the records of an exceptional harvest, their significance would be less impressive, but they fairly reilect tho result of the seven years' aver ages} and, thereforo, establish conclusively that labour applied to agriculture in this colony will be more remunerative than in any other colony of the group. Not only in productivenes3,howevei-, docs the agricul- j turalist of Now Zealand enjoy a special ad vantage—the facilities foe transport are also better. Our long seaboard and mul titudinous harbours afford natural highways which none of tho other colonies possess. And wo also have a larger mileago of railway opeft ior inland traffic—the figures are: New Zealand, 1.25S miles; Victoria, 1,199 miles j New South Wales, 849$ miles; South Australia, 667 miles j and Queens land, G33i miles. Though we must confess, In closing, that tho pic-eiilin'en'ce of New Zealand in onoother respect—tile proportion of debt por hoad of jiopulation—may provoke less friendly criticism, wo have also given proof enoushthatthe confidence of the colony in the ability of the country to bear a very largo expenditure upon public works wa? not unwarranted. Should tho facts already set forth fail to convince the sceptical on that point, however, there is still in reserve the returns of our mineral products which in variety and value find no rival in Austra lia. And yet again, the remarkable proof wbich these statistics give that the climate of New Zoaland is as favourable to human life as to the vegetable kingdom. Tho deaths per 1,000 of the population were only 1018 in New Zealand as compared with 14-96 in New South Wales; 13-51 in Victoria; 13 83 in Queensland; 1367 in South Australia; and 15-83 in Tasmania. If long life and the elements of prosperity indicate a " Land of Milk and Honey,'i New Zealand may luy claim to the title.

The New Electoral Districts.

Mr Cotter, Registrar of Electors, has received a commuication from tho Govern ment to the effect that electoral rolls, in ac cordance with the new Representation Act, must be made up within a month, after which the dates concerning tho General Election will be fixed, Thcre_ will be con siderable difficulty in complying with the order in the time mentioned, as nearly overy electorate in the city and suburbs has been altered considerably, and complete accuracy will be next to impossible. What was formerly City ..West, has been divided into City North and City West, Nelson and Cook-streets being the boundary line. Many of the electors of tho old constituency are recorded on tbe present roll as residing in "Cook-street" and "Nelson-street;" no indication being given on which sides of these streets they have their place of abode, and consequently to which of the new electorates they belong. It is, therefore, quite possible in tho election that City North and City West electors will find themselvos disfranchised so far as their own electorate is concerned. Something like accuracy may be arrived at if the electors will only take the trouble to drop a note to the Regis trar, informing him to which electorate they belong; or call upon him at his office in the Resident Magistrate's Court building, where copies of registration forms may also be obtained. For tho information of our readers we give the districts included in the new electoral divisions, with the populations of the latter. It will be seen that the Legislature has as nearly as pos sible made the boundaries of the electorates co-terminal with thoso of Highway Dis tricts and other divisions for the purposes of Local Self-government. Auckland City East remains the same as at present, its population being 5,722; Auckland City West is divided as mentioned above, into City North and City West,_the_.reßpgcl}^a. "GrSt proposed! to calf City West, City South, which in our opinion would have been far more appropriate than the present ap pellation, as the boundary line runs a good many points nearer North and South, than it does East and West. Parnell absorbs the remainder of the Newmarket Highway District, 'and loses the slice of Rcmuera Highway District formerly within its con fines. The new electorate comprises Par nell municipality, and the Graf -on-road and Newmarket Highway Districts. The population i 3 6,067. The whole of tha Onelumga electorate is absorbed by the pew electorate of Manukau, which includes it^adddition the village of Panmure and the highway districts of Epsom, Mount Roskill, Mount Wellington, One Tree Hill.Retnuera, and Tamaki West; the population being 5,506. The population of Eden is 5,782. The electorate includes the highway dis tricts of Eden Terrace, Karangahapc, Mount Albert and Mount Eden. The electorate ot Newton loses Eden Terrace and Karan gahape highway districts, and now com prises the highway districts of Arch Hill, Newton, Point Chevalier, Ponaonby and Whau. Qualified electors who have not yet registered may gain the right of a voice in the approaching election by registering at once.

The Waitemata electoral district is enlarged by the addition of Whangaparoa, Waiuui, and Kaukapakapa Highway Dis tricts, and that portion of the Pukeatua Highway District lying betweon the Weiti river and the Orewa. Tho Registration Officer for the district is Mr Seaman, of No. 36, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, or the Lake, North Shore. Electors should bestir themselves and ascertain whether they are on the roll or not. Residents in the added districts should take special care to be registered on tho new rolls,

There are thirty cases set down for hear ing at the weekly sitting of the Resident Magistrate's Court to-morrow.

Mr G. S. Jakin's compensation claim of £600 against the Government for depriva tion of water frontage will bo heard at the Supreme Court on Friday.

Mr D. G. Macdonald received a telegram to-day from Coromandel informing him that 20lbs of good stone have just been taken out of the Home Rule Mine.

Mr Owen Humphries was the successful , tenderer for the lease of the British Hotel, and he will enter into possession of that well-known hostelry without further delay, The price has not transpired, but it is re« ported to be £1,700. What promises to be a very enjoyable entertainment takes place in the Mount Roskill School to-morrow evening. Intei; ding visitors from town are reminded that busses leave the Po3t Office at half-pa-t six, returning at conclusion of dancing.

A meeting ot the members of the Hobson Company was held last evening in the Wellington-street Institute. About 50 members were present, Captain Dignan in tho cbair. The Chairman introduced the business of the evening, which waa mainly to discuss the question of uniform and the firing for money prizes, to be given by Lieut. W. G. Connolly, Tho question having been fully discussed, it wns resolved to purchase two haudsomc medals—one for first and one for second-class marksmen. It was also decided that no member of the Company be allowed to fire ior the medals unless he had attended a given number of parades. The meeting then separated. One of the strangest farms in the world is the gigantic terrapin farm of Mr Dorton, in Alabama, which [is stocked at present with twenty thousand head of turtle, that are reared and fattened for the New York market. They eat nothing iv winter, and they can be fattened on crabs in summer at a cost of a dollar a dozen. Mr Dorton sells them at a dollar each in New York. Yet we have to pay a guinea a quart for turtle soup!

A brass band has been formed in connec tion with Poneonby district, and already eighteen instrumentalists have given in their names as members. It is the in tion of the promoters to place their services at the disposal of such gatherings in connec tion with the district as may be rendered more attractive and pleasant by them, and they will also perform in the park on Saturday afternoons during the summer. The outlay that will necessarily be involved in the purchase ofc instruments will be con siderable, and an appeal will consequently be made to the public to assist with sub scriptions. Arrangements have been made for the first practice of the new band to take place at Mr Edmond's residence, Brown-street, to-night, at half-past seven o'clock, at which hour musicians who desire to join should not fail to put in an appearance.

The protracted discussion on sliding ver sus stationary seats has received a fresh in spiration by tho result of a match rowed on tho Charles Kiver, Boston, on July 30th. A crew using stationary seats rowed a crew using sliding scats, and hold thorn to the stakoboat, wticro the sliding crew turned first, but immediately broke an oar and Were beaten home.

At tho weekly meeting of the Ponsronby Mutual Improvement Society, hold last evening, " Impromptu Speaking" took place on "Ignorance," "Temperance," "Late Hours," &c., and tho attempts at oratory by some of the youthful mombera were in many instances very amusiag. Next week an essay is announced for delivery.

The "Timaru Herald " says :—" Speci mens of quartz and alluvial gold from the Upper Waiho have been sent into Waimate, in some instances in paying quantities. Speculation is becoming active in the ■matter, as it appears from different accounts wbich seem reliable that nearly th^ whole of the Wniuo country shows indications of the presence 'of the 'preciouS metal,"

An English officer at Venice, walking aSvay from the Dogo's palace, thought he obserVed 6no of the figures on tho clock tower of St. Mark's stoop down and take up something. He looked again, and positively saw the figure take a pinch of snuff. The officer confessed that he was losing hia sonses, or that his vision was deranged, when an old woman, 'observing hia consternation, soon explained, the seem ing miracle by telling him that one of tho figures that struck the hour being out of repair^ her nophew Jacopo was cngaged'asa substitute till tho machinery waa put in order.

General Burnaby's schemo for repopula ting Palestine has brought upon tho gallant general a mass of correspondence from all parts of the country. Ono or two circum stances are common to the whole of the cor respondence. The first is that people who hold views with respect to the lost ten tribes writo very long letters , tho Becond is that they have a sort of pitying contempt for any one who does notknow, or having hoard does notbolievo, that tho lost ten tribes found tlioir way to tho British Islands, which their descendants people to this day. So little room for doubt is there on this point that one lengthy letter writer assorts that " the very colour of tho uniform of the British soldier is described in prophecy," which certainly seems to settle controversy,

Tho boat-racing excitement, which ran co high in Auckland last year, promises to commence again very shortly, tho first race of tbe scusou having been arranged between tho open sailing boats Eunice and Hattie May. No dato has yet been fixed for the match, but it will take place very shortly, ' The challenge was issued by Mr Aley, on behalf of the Eunice, and was promptly accepted by Mr J. B. Graham, for tho Hattie May. It is expec ted that the gentlemen named will Bail the boats themselves, instead of relegating the duty to professional boatmen, as is usually tho case. The stakes have not yet been fixed, nor havo the preliminary arrange ments for the match been made. Betting favours the Hattie May, which was so successful in the various competitions last year.

The following are the facts connected with tbo robbery of £2,500 in blink notes miased from tho Bank of Victoria on tbe 14ch inst. It appears that after the receiv ing teller made up his accounts that after noon, the missing bundle, with othors, were locked up by the assistant-teller iv tho iron box, aud hauded to the assistaut-manager. On the following morning tho largo bundle of notoa was missing, A thorough inves tigation was made, without success. _ The robbery continues to engross the attention of the police and the bank officials. Although a number of important discoveries were njadc, no definite action has yet been taken. The way in which the robbery was effected cannot be ascertained, but a number of £100 notes on tho Bank ot Australasia which were included in the missing money have been traced to certain officers in the bank, who failed to account for them. The police offered to arrest the officers, but tho bank declined to accept' the responsibility. The bank has since offered £300, to be increased to £500 on the detection of tho offender.

The Chairman of the Chamber of Com merce, Wellington, in his annual address, regretted that the Government had neg lected to amend the Bankruptcy laws, and suggested " combined action with all other Chambers of Commerce in too colony to form a trade protection society upon a broad bans such as he believed exists in England. This society, being in combination with the -WWn dxrery^rMjL^R°.!?.HorceiJho^ and the secretaries of the Chambers being members of tho working oommittee of the society so proposed. They_ would, by their combined action, hpve in their hands the choice of trustees in all bankruptcies, because most traders would be members of the society, and of a Chamber of Com mcrcc. Such rules should bo formed ensur ing all creditors, and appointing the society to act for thorn at meetings of creditors. As a rule, the secretary of the Chamber might be made the trustee, Tho commission at tached to such an office would ensure such Chamber having a sood energetic business man as its secretary, and thus the two purposes would be served. By this means a good man would be got as secretary for the Chamber, and all bankruptcies would be well looked after, with a view to putting a stop to fraud. It was to bo regretted that Parliament very late in tho sesexon has succeeded in introducing tho thin edgo of the wedge of protection."

Wallace Ross published in the Boston "Herald" a challenge to Edward Hanlan for a four or five mile raco in American waters for 2000dols. a side. With his dcii he cent 200dols, as forfeit, which drew tno following reply from the champion: " I will row Wallace Ross wherever he likes for 2000dols. a side, provided a pureo of 5000 dols. is offered in addition to the stakes by tho city or town in the proximity of which the race takes place." Hanlan considers it all very well for Rosa to challenge him when he knows that he can make more tbau atako money where he proposes to row out of the railways and privileges; but if Ross likes he will row him on United States waters for 5000 dollars a side, barring tho usual ex pcnses,|»t any place designated. The chal lenge has, however, been since accepted. James Kccnan, a well-known sporting man of Boston, and present backer of Fred Plaieted, has attached the forfeit money sent with Koas' dofi, Keenao, in explana tion of his action, said that Ross went to see him in the spring of 1880, telling him he had no money or friends in that city, and askinc him to assist him. Keenau took him into his house and boarded him until the race, on June the 17th. He also bought him tho boat in which he rowed, and paid 130dols. to defray the expenses of his training. Keenan claims that he did this on the un derstanding that if Ross won the race on the Seekonk he was to pay him back. Ross did win the race and 3000d015., since which time he has carefully avoided Keenan, although he is known to bare been in the city several times. Sporting men are some what excited over the matter, and will watch events with great interest. ,

The weekly drill of the Victoria Com pany, under the command ' of' Captain Mahon and Lieatcuant Self, was held last evening in the Drill-shed, There -was a good muster of members, and the exercises ■were very satisfactory. A. meeting of mem bers was subsequently held, Captain Mahon in the chair, and in his address spoke of the inefficiency of their rifles, and thought that if a proper representation was made to Government an exchange would be permitted. Volunteer Adams expressed an opinion that their arms were very inferior, and as some of the volunteers in the South had disbanded and sent in their arms, an exchange was easy. He would move " That the Government be communicated with, requesting that the present converted Enfields of the Victoria Company be called in, and that real Sniders be served out to the company. Volunteer Barnes seconded. Corporal Cooper suggested that the follow ing words be added to the resolution: " that the members of Assembly, when elected, should be interviewed so as to bring pressure to bear on the Government." The addition was accepted, and the amended motion carried unanimously. The chairman introduced the next part of the business, viz., that of the Kifle Club, which was established to encourage shooting, but owing to a want of ammunition the mem bers had not been able to follow out the practice as they would like to have done. Lieut. Self proposed, and it was carried, " That the first club matches be held at the end of October, and that no member be eligible to compete unless his entrance fee and subscription be paid to the secretary or treasurer on or before the Bth of October, and that this rule be enforced month by month." The distances of competition for Captain Clark's belt was then discussed, and positions at the 200 and 300 yards range were discussed. Finally, however, on the motion of Volunteer Adams, it was resolved 'to reconsider these positions. Several members enrolled themselves as members of the club, and with a vote of thanks to the chairman the mectiug ter minated. -

Mr G. P. Hogan, master of the Industrial Home, desires us to acknowledge with thanks tho receipt of confectionery from ladies of the Pitt-stceet Ohurcb, for uso of the children.

Mr Samuel Luke'a addrc&s to tho etec tors of Franklin North appears to-night iv our advertisement columns, it i3 a resume of Mr Luke's political faith so far as tho district is concerned.

According to the "Frankfurter Zeitung " a large eagle was shot on Apiil 15 at Nakoo, Lapland, which had around its neck a brass chain with a little tin box attached to it. The box contained a slip of paper on which was written in Danish : " Caught and set free again in 1792 by N. and C. Anderson. Boetod in Falstcr, Denmark,

The terms upon which the ctlse of Ed ward Costley v. Edward and Julia Lewis has been settled, are that the defendants shall pAy the'costs,and that a now agreement shall be entered into with regard to the premises in Queen-street, leased from the plaintiff. Tho Ponsonby libel action, Jones v. Field, in which the "damages havo boon laid at £300, has been postponed to.the Jan uary session of the Circuit Court.

To the Editor i Sir.-Would you. kindly call tbe attention of the City Council tp tl-o filthy and disgraceful condition of tho open drains in urahani-streot, as oneof the head of a family is attacked with scarlet fever of a severe nature ? Now, fir, I think some thing ought to be done to this nuisance; and a lamp at tho end of the street would be a great boon—Yours, &c, Resident.

The annual race for the London Wing field Sculls and the amateur championship of the Thames wns towed on July 18th from Putney Aqueduct to tho University posts, above the ship at Morilake—over[four|and a quarter miles straightway. The tide was moderately good, wind light and the water good. J. Lowndes, Hertford College, Ox lord, and W. K. Grove, London Rowing Club, started. The former wa3 a strong favourite, and, taking the lead juat after gotting tho word, he won with ease by twenty-one seconds, in 25 minutes and 13J seconds. Lowndes was stroke of the col lege crew which defeated the Cornell four.

II is intended that the children of the Industrial Home shall give the service of song "The Start in Life.1' about a fort night hence, for the benefit of the funds ot the inbtitution. Tho Temperance Hall has been engaged for the occasion, and it is said that the youthful performers have been very well trained by Mr Frith, and that thpy aro qualified to render the service in public A rehearsal was held last night,when seven musicians and several ladies, all of whom have kindly promised to assist, were pres ent. Mr D. Goldie has taken an active part in connection with the getting up of the entertainment. The grand International Panorama of views of interesting cities, and places ot historic interest in London, Paris, Vienna, New York, and other spots, was well pat ronisod last evening, and the scenes by power of lime-light much admired. A large number of gifts of more or less value were distributed among the visitors. Mr Williams, tho well-known equestrian, was the fortunate winner of the watch. A lady got a beautiful pair of lustres, and others took away valuable articles of use and ornament. The exhibition will be open this evening, and the leading gitt will be a valuable tea and coffee service. The proprietors announce that they will give an afternoon matinee to children and schools on Saturday afternoon. The usual quarterly meeting of the Wesloyau Church, was held on Monday evening last. The Key. Mr Watkin presided, and there was a full attendance of members. Tho Rev. Chairman announced

that the number of full and accredited menv

bcrs of the church was 140, and the catechu men, 38. The number of Sunday school teachers Vas 61, scholars 500. The finan cial statement was then read, which showed that the total expenditure for the quarter, including a deficiency of £8 13s Id from the previous quarter, was £91 7s Id ; and the total receipts irom all sources, £78 4s 2d, thus leaving a deficiency of £13 2d lid. A resolution being adopted that the deficiency be made up at once, the money .was sub scribed in the room. After some discussion

on the question as to which minister should be invited to succeed the Rev. Mr Watkin, whose term expires next March, it was resolved that the Rev. Mr Bull.of Waikato, should be invited. The " Bible Standard " has reached its tenth number, With eyery sign of life. The preseut issue displays very considerable power, and its contents are more varied appealing to a wider audience than several of the previous^numbers of Mr Brown's

rand Courage," " Truth Spreading," and " A Songless Faith," evidence thoughtfulness :and clearness of treatment. The letter ot Key W. A. Hobba, to Dr Leask, a dissent ing minister of Ware, and popular author, self-taught, will be read with interest. Dr Leask was formally editor of tho " Chris tian Times;" and now conducts the " Rain bow,'1 a publication of much merit. In the little speech, presumably from the editor's hand, we find " there are many persons who suppose themselves to be full of courage, when, in fact, they are only full of 1 bluster. They talk loud, and long, and large, and boldly tell you what they will do; but when they come to act, somehow, their courage seems to vanish into thin air." The " Standard," for October, is far above average ability, and worthy of serious perusal.

Herr Rubinstein has long Leon a great favourite in London, but has never before so completely laid hold of the public as now. Ho took away with him for three of his recent recitals at St. James s Hall over £2,000,. and,as the total result of his two months' visit to London, not far short of £12,000. The sums paid to the moat prominent foreign musicians and singers are enormous. Madame Nileson,for example will not sing in an oratorio for less than 250 guineas, and Madame Patti requires half as much again. Admit that these two ladies have attained the highest position in their profession and are public favourites (and these things are not always synonymous), it must be allowed that they make people pay dear for their whistle. Too

often an enterprising entrepreneur who has been fortunate enough to persuade High Talent to stag for him, finds, when he lias paid High Talent's high price, the orchestra, the hire of the room, and the fees of the subsidary singers, very little left to reward his enterprise.

An inquest was held on Monday after noon at the Farmers' Hotel, Diury, before Thomas Jackson, iSsq.,Coroner, and a jury, on the body of Thomas Douglas, who Hied rather suddenly on Saturday the 24th inst. The evidence shewed that deceased had been a strong, healthy man, and was in his 70th year; that on the 21st inst, ho went upon hia ordinary business to the Drury sale yards, and, while sitting in the booth, he fell down, and when picked up, com plained of pains in his back. Ho went home and went to bed. The pains in his tack continued, aud Dr Rodgers and sub tequeatly Dr Dalzill were sent for, and were speedily in attendance. Mr Douglas lingered until Saturday niomiug at 10 o'clock, .at which hour he died. The post mortem examination revealed a slight external braise in the region of the right «kidney, and also in the right loin, and internal in flammation in the kidney, small intestines, and tho pancreas. The jury returned a verdict iv accordance with tho medical testimony, " Death from inflammation from an accidental fall at the Drury sale yards." Mr Douglas, confectioner, of Princes-street, is a son of deceased.

The Masonic Hall in Princes-street is rapidly approaching completion, and in a week or tM'o should be ready for furnishing. Mr Holland and his corps of bricklayers have all but finished their contract, and the plasterers having done all that was required of them for the exterior of the building are now engaged with the internal walls and the ceilings. They have so far advanced with their work that the casual visitor from a cursory inspection is enabled to form a very fair idea of the. appearance of the building when ready for opening. The interior arrangements may be concisely stated. The entrance hall or vestibule, which is flanked by two private rooms, leads into the banquetting hall, which is lighted during the day by means of three windows along the southern wall, and ventilated through the roof by four foliated ventilators sustaining a handsome gasalier. Two other rooms are situated beyond this hall, to one of which there is a side entrance through a porchway. A broad staircase leads to the first floor, where four-hfths of the entire space is occupied by a superb and spacious lodge-room. It is supplied with a full Corinthian entablature supported by pilasters in plaster, bordered with floral soffit so designed as to afford facilities tor thorough ventilation. The hall also has a plastered ceiling, in panels, with enriched foliated soffit, and having the Masonic symbols at the corners. Dado panelling will extend around the sides of the hall to a height of three feet. The exterior appear ance of the building is quite in keeping with the interior. "Mr Colebrook 13 the bnilder, Mr Holland the bricklayer, Mr Henderson the and Mr Kelly the plasterer,

The following tenders were received by Mr Skinner, architect, for a brick Btore in Fort-street-.-Shailler, £355; J. Page1, £324; A. Kcyeß, £320; ,U. Rhode*, £275 i J. Currie, £270} H. Jones, £265; A. McGuire, £263 j W. Blewden, £259 ; Morris and Co., £259.

The United Presbyterian Synod's Com mittee on Disestablishment in Scotland have issued resolutions which, while sym pathising with the Government and Parlia meut in recent prolonged difficulties of legislation, and fully admitting the claims of urgency, regret that two sessions of the present Parliament should have passed without Parliamentary consideration of dis establishmoat in Scotland; and that the claims of disestablishment on the attention o£ the Government, Parliament, and the constituencies are not second to those of any other popular question. The final rehearsal of the music for the Diocesan Choral Festival will be held at St. Sepulchre's Church, Kyher Pass, to morrow (Thursday) evening. Members are requested to be punctual in their attendance at 7.30 p.m.

Hero Is a problem for thoao of our readers who are arithmetically inclined, and have a superabundance of time on their hands : — " Dear sir,—Can you or some of your many readers solve the following question : How many running feet of inch battens will it take to cover a lattice-work wall 120 feet

long and 6 feet high, leaving spacos of exactly 2 inches ?—Yours, &c, Fenceb,"

Tho Philharmonic Society's concert is to be repeated in the Theatre Royal on Friday evening for the benefit of Professor Cailliau, on which occasion it is hoped that his merits as a conductor will be recognised in a tangible manner, viz., by a bumper house.

Tbo childien who attend the public schools in tbe city and suburbs appear to be making the most of their week's vacation. Numerous picnic parties have taken place within tho past few days, the favourite destination of the pleasure-seekers being the North Shore. Troops of youngsters, attended by one or more teachers, have been observed several times this week either going or returning from the wharf, and other picnics are said to be on the tapis. Apart from this, one cannot fail to mark the effect of the temporary suspension of school duties. Children are to be found everywhere gambolling in the streets, or inspecting the shop windows during hours at which, under ordinary circumstances, adult humanity is enabled to walk abroad unimpeded by frolicsome prattlers, and with ears undisturbed by childish clamour, Business on 'Change to-day was more active than yesterday. -f here was a good demand for Auckland Timber Company's shares tor £6, but they were difficult to pro cure. Devons have been sold at 15s, thus showing anjadvance of Is 3d to Is 6d since yesterday. Tokateas were in demand from 16s 6d to 17b. Tiernan'a were also in re quest from 6a 3d to Gs 6d. Mr James Murray, manager of this mine, tele graphed to day : " Got good speci mens in new leader nine inches wide, higher up than old one." There were buyers of Unions at 63 6d, and of Home Rules from 12s 6d to 13s. Mr John Bremner, mine manager of the Home Kule, telegraphed to the directors to-day as follows :—'• 7Obls. of good stone to-day since writing letter." There was nothing doing in Successes. Some strolling musicians are paying the city a visit, and giving their instrumental performances at the street coiners, greatly to the delight of the youngsters, and cer tainly with the tacit encouragement of the public. Despite the raillery of which these itinerant violinists and harpists are co often tho subject, and notwithstanding the fact that the majesty of the law, as personified by the übiquitous Robert, looks upon them with an unfriendly eye, they minister In an humble way to tho tastes of the people. The sound of street music, even when discoursed only indifferently, falls gratefully upon the ears of those engaged in busy toil whether they be immured in smoky factories or hastening along the busy thoroughfares.and the fact that there are pence enough forth coming to keep two bands of minstrels at work in the city shows that their presence here is not only tolerated, but that their performances are also appreciated.

Under the heading " Peace or War," the Hawera (Waimate Plains) " Star " of Satur day last says t—" Up to the time of writing, such news as has come to hand is of a reassuring nature. In this instance, no news is certainly good newß, and even the fact of there having been no outbreak or bloodshed up to the present, speaks volumes in favour of a peaceful solution of the log, and there can be no doubt that there are more than enough Euro* peans in the district to quell any native disturbance. The populatien be tween the White Cliffs and Wangaehu is, in round numbers, 24,0 n) people, according to the last census, all of whom are inter. eated in Maori matters, and are within twonty-four hours' march of Parihaka.

The Maoris at and near Parihaka are esti mated at about 2,000 t03,000. They must, and doubtless do, know that, though they could inflict serious damage upon the settlers, yet if the latter were to rise in a body, to avenge the murder of one or more of their numbers, the natives would be completely outnumbered. How little the average settlers regard the obstruction was [clearly shown, at the late land sale at New Plymouth. Sections of rural land, at some distance from any redoubt, were offered for sale, and brought prices much above the upset, the possession of which had in many cases been actively and seriously disputed by the Maoris, who had continued to fence upon some of them until the very day before the sale. Several of them were withdrawn from sale by the Government."

We have, on previous occasions, drawn attention to the valuable work Mr G. W. Gritlin, the United states Consul,was doing in making known to his countrymen the resources and trade of New Zealand. In a series of very carefully prepared papers,, which have been published first of all in the Consular Reports, and then through a large part of the press, Mr Griffin has made New Zealand better known to Americans than any other colony of the Australasian group, No consul resi dent in these coloines has used equal exertions, and we can conceive that Ameri cans, reading so much of New Zealand and so little of Australia, will form the very correct—though not universally accepted idea— that New Zealand is the only colony of the seven that is worth writing about. The statistics referred to in our leading article to-day tend to prove that tbe exclu sive attention which Mr Griffin's labours may attract to this patt of Australasia is not misdirected. That gentleman has not confined himself to any mere work of com pilation. By research and inquiry he has collected much new matter with reference to colonial products and trade little known to resident colonists, and exceedingly interesting and instructive. Some time ago we published an essay of this character upon New Zealand fungus, and to-day we give another paper on the Whale Fisheries of New Zealand, 'which will revive many curious recollections in

the memories of old coastal whalers who

are still living, and may be the means of promoting a revival in whaling enterprise within the colony.

Some of the Boad Boards appear to be in doubt whether any subsidies will"1 be paid this year. For their information we quote the clause reviving subsidies which was introduced by the Government at the

last moment, and tacked on to the Appro priation Act:—" In lieu of sums payable as subsidies to County and Borough Councils, and to Road Boards and fiver Boards, under section 5 of the financial ar rangements Act 1876. Amendment Actlß77 there shall be paid out of the Consoli dated Fund during the nins months of the current financial year, from the Ist day of April last (past to the 31st day of (next December, both days inclusive, in respect of all sums received by way of general rates, during the year end'ng 31st day ot March, 1880, the sums following :— (1) To each Borough Council a sum of seven shillings and sixpence for every pound of general rates so .received by each such Council. (3) To each Koad Board and River Board a sum equal to ten shillings for every pound of general rates so received by each such Board. (3) To each County Council a sum equal to ten shillings for every pound of general rate so received by each such Council, or equal to ten shillings for every pound on the total of sums so received by all Koad Bowels, or parts of Road Boards within the county, whichever of such two sums is greater; provided that in any County where no Road Board exists, or in respect of general rates levied in any part of a County not included in a Road District, there shall be paid to the Council of each such county twenty shillings for each one pound of general rates &o re ceived; provided that, for the puiposes of this section, no sum shall be deemed to be received by any such Council or Board in ex cess of the sum receivable on a rate of one shilling in the pound of annual value of rateable property ; and this proviso shall be deemed to have been in operation in any previously existing enactment providing for payment of subsidies to local bodies.

CABLEGRAMS.

IREUTEE'S TELEGRAMS. J ± FUNERAL OP PRESIDENT GAR FIELD. WASHINGTON, September 26. The funeral of the late President Garfield took place to-day at Cleveland, in Ohio State. There were fully 17,000 visitors q from all parts of the country for the occa sion, and enormous crowds of residents were also present. The funeral procession was mo.'t imposing. Among those forming the same were Secretary Hayes and the mem bers of the Cabinet; large numbers of members of Congress, and 1,500 notable per sonages, including tbe representatives of foreign countries. The utmost reverence was shown throughout the ceremony_ by the multitudes present. Business during the day was entirely suspended throughout the United Stateth LONDON, September 26. Business was partially suspended to-day in this city, and in many towns in Eng land, as a mark of respect to the memory of the late President Girfield, on the occasion of the funeral at Cleveland; Ohio. THE SUEZ MAILS. LONDuN, September 26. The New Zealand and Australian mails, via Suez and Brindißi, were delivered here to- day. KIBE IN WOOL SALE. LONDON, September 26. At the wool sale to-day 10,000 bales were offered. A firm demand was experienced. Fine to finest qualities now rule at Jd higher than at the close of the last sales. COLONY PRODUCE REPORT, The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company repdrt under date Lon don, September 26th :— The wool competition, by both Home and foreign buyers, is active, and is increasing. The market is firmer. Trade in.the manufac turing districts has improved. Up to date 244,000 bales have been sold. The sale programme has been curtailed by five days. Tallow is in good demand, best mutton being worth £44, and best beef £41 per ton.

A USTRALIAN.

INWARD SUEZ MAIL.

ALBAnY, September 27.

The P. and O. Company's steamship Venetia arrived at King George's Sound this evening with the English mails dated London, August 26.

ADDITIONAL CABLEGRAMS.

(Via Melbourne and Bluff.)

LONDON, September 20. A scheme has been announced for the con struction of a gigantic dock at Gravesend, at the mouth of the Thames. The project is regarded as of importance to the shipping interest throughout the whole world. It will supply much better accommodation for the large vessels engaged in the colonial trade than can at present be obtained in the London docks.

The Trade Union Congress, which is now holding its fourteenth annual session in London, has expelled live delegates on the ground that they are incompetent to take part in the deliberations of the Congress, because the expenses of their attendance have been paid by the recently-formed National Fair Tjade League, whose support of the reciprocity movement is regarded as antagonistic. A thousand delegates of the Land League were present at the Convention in Dublin. It is now declared, after fnll investiga tion, that there are no good foundations for the complaints made by the salesmen with reference to recent shipments of frozen meat from Australia. The salesmen alleged that the meat was bad in some cases, owing to imperfect freezing, and that the carcases showed lowness of condition. It is now be lieved that the dull sale and lower prices were the results of a glutted market Freezing warehouses where the meat could be kept until disposed of, according to trade requirements, are greatly wanted. Parnell's opening speech at the Conven tion at Dublin, called together by the Irish Land League, is strongly condemned by the British Press. It is pointed out that the principles advocated by Parnell imply a social revolution.

—rar^PoT3tcrv"Tue~Chtet Secretary for Ire- J laed, refuses to entertain the application of the Ulster Liberals for the immediate re lease of the persons who have been arrested during the last few months. He says there is reasonable prospect of peace utder the Irish Coercion Act of last Session, and assigns as the ground of his refusal the organised system of' terrorism which con tinues to prevail throught the conntry. Advices from toe Cape of Good -Hope state that tbe interference of Sir Hercules KobLison has been successful, and that the Basuto tribes, who were rebellious in conse quence of the disarmament proclamation of the colonial Government, are now locally accepting the new terms. Peace is firmly secured in the district.

Owing to tbe recent unfavourable weather and the ravages of insects, it is estimated that tbe American corn crops will show a deficiency of 500,000,000 bushels as com pared with the yield of last year.

INTERCOLONIAL WEATHER EXCHANGE.

SYDNEY, Tuesday evening,

Fine weather with light northerly winds, ex cept in the North of Tasmania, where the influ ence ola moderate depression is still felt Barometer: Albany 30' l; Portland, 30: Hobart, 299; Gabo, 302; Sydney, 30-3.

HAWKE'S BAY RACES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.

NAPIER, Tuesday. The following are the final payments made tiiis evening for the Jockey Clud's Spring Meeting:—

Guineas. — Sydney, Nellie, Kincraig, Squire, Panic, Occult colt, Cressage, Slander filly.

HURDLES.—WiII-if-I-Can, Fira, Morning Star, Loch Lomond.

Spking Handicap. — Kincraijj, Bads worth, Foul Play, Mischief,' Mavis, My Dream, Angler, Fira, Kewi, Grand Duchess, Slander filly.

\ Flying Handicap. — Sydney, Nellie, I Squire, FoulPJay, Mischief, Mavis, Novelty, I Occult colt, Panic, Loch Lomond, Kewi, i Slander filly, Grand Duchess.

Maiden (Entries).—Sydney, Nellie, Kin craig, Badswortb, Sq/iire, Venture, Louie, Occult colt, Cressage, Slander filly.

THEATRE ROYAL.

"Milky White" was produced at the Theatre Royal last evening, before a small but thoroughly appreciative audience. The r6le of the deaf, litigious old milkman was taken by Master Parlato, but he was by no means bo successful in it as in John Stofel. " Milky White " is an exceedingly difficult part to play, on account of the varied and subtle emotions called into requisition. MrFarron, as the cow-boy, was the life and soul of the piece; indeed, but for him the performance would have fallen very flat. The part of Milky White's daughter was taken by Miss .Nina Tulloch, and that ot the widow by Miss Emily Fox. The performance concluded with songs by Misses Amy Horton, Emily Fox, and Annie Lyons, and an exhibition by the Wyburd Brothers of their prowess on the roller skates. BENEFIT THIS EVENING, To-night concludes the season of the Lyon's Tourists, the talented Company being under engagement to play at Nelson for a short season. " Uonrad and Lizette " and " Irish Justice " will be presented this evening for the benefit of Master Parlato.

A most diabolical attempt was made recently, between nine and ten p.m., at a place called Victoria, five miles from Bel fast, to burn down a four-roomed wooden cottage in the occupation of Mrs Andrew Kelly, a widow, residing in a lonely place in the bush, by placiog rags, saturated with kerosene, in three different parts of the eaves of the house from the outside and then lighting them. The poor woman, who had un dressed to go into bed, after- seeing her four children asleep, had just time to take them up one by one, and rush out with them rolled in blankets icto the bush. Her screams for help were heard half n mile off by a Mr Hardie, who was the nearest neighbour, and who ran to her assistanceand succeeded in saving the house before much damage was done. The matter was reported to Sergeant Gray, of Koroit who immediately started to make enquiries aa to the perpetrator of the outrage, and it is stated that he has succeeded in his efforts, i

THE WHALE FISHERIES OF NEW ZEALAND.

._-—«. ■ -. ■ An Instructive Account of Neto Zealand Whaling. [Retort by Consul Griffin of . AUCKLASD.I AMERICAN WHALERS. The presence of a fleet of American whal. ing vessels from New Bedford, Massachn. etts, now in the waters of New Zealand, as directed my attention to the con. ition of the whale fisheries of this' colony. The principal ports of New Zealand for whaling vessels are Bus sell and MongonuL There appears to be do just reason why these ports shouldl be ■ preferred to others .of the colony '■[ unless it is that Fussell and., Mon'. gonui do not offer as. great in. ducements for the ( men to desirt their f ■'' ships as the larger cities. Ihe whale fisheries of New Zealand, like those else, where, have declined rapidly during the last thirty years, but they now appear to he rallying again. The cause of their decline i bas doubtless been the substitution of other "■ material for whalebone, and the discovery ! ■ of kerosene and other lubricating oils which -' have taken the place of whale and sperm oil. WHALE FISHERIES IN THE KARLY DAYS. ■ A large number of whaling stations were etsablisbcd along the coast of New Zealand as far back as 1825. The industry has been " a very lucrative one. Few ships that ventured to these shores were unsuccessful in obtaining full cargoes of oil and bone. 1., ' find that the. industry was most success- . fully pursued by what was known aa ■ " Shore Paitic," who located themselves ' at eligible points all round the coast of the -\ islands. The method of catching whales by shore parties was first started in New Zea land by some rough white ad venturers from the Australian colonies who had for many years previously pursued tbe arduous life of catching seals in boats and small craft along the coasts of the Middle Island and Foveaux's- Straits. They were encouraged to engage in the pursuit of the whale and to form establish ments for that purpose on the shores of Cook's Strait. Upon hearing of the success of these shore fisheries the people es tablished whaling stations at Wellington. Some also were started at various points on the West Coast of the Noith Island, near New Plymouth, and a large number at V various places on the East Coast of the North Island, between Cape Falliser and East Cape. These stations were fitted out ": principally for tbe capture of the black or "right " whale which approached tbe shores "• of New Zealand in large numbers during >; the calving seasoD, from May to October Inclusive. Very frequently the sperm whale, the humpback, the pike-headed, and other species came near.enough also to be taken by the shore parties. Tbe stations "■ were generally established near a projecting headland close to where there was deep"' water, and where, from the lofty summit of I the headland, a good view could.; be had of the offing and of any whales which might chance to sport there. The advan- , tages rendered the site an eligible one, . The season for which the men engaged . themselves began with the month of May • -' and lasted until the beginning of October, extending through a period of five months, -'J which, in New Zealand, includes the winter season. During these months the cow "■■ whales resort to the coast with their young. ? It required a large sum of money to equip a whaling station. A pair of sheers, such as are used for taking out or putting in the ■'■ masts of ships, had to be erected, in order to raise the immense carcases above water, so that they could be more conveniently and expeditionsly cut up. It was aho. ' necessary to bnild tryworks, as they were called, being furnaces for melting the - blabber. Store houses wore erected and well supplied with spirit and canvas. Three or four well-built and well-found boats com- V; pleted the outfit. All the establishments ; seem to have been conducted on the same ' system. The men. employed in the active part of the work re. ; ceircd a certain par cent, of the oil ; procured, and the remainder was. the shai'e ;.! of tbe merchant at whose expense the ' station had been fitted up, and who had also tbe advantage of taking the oil at his ! own va'uation, which Tery generally was largely in his favour.

PROFITS OF THE EAHLY WHALING

STATIONS.

In looking over some old records kept at ]R one of the stations near the East Cape, I find that in one year 41 whales were caught, which yielded 145 tons of oil and 1J tons of bone. I have been informed by ' old whalers here that ns much as 14 tons of oil had been obtained from one whale. A breeding cow and calf produce about 1 cwt. of bone to 1 ton of oil, but a email fat whale a mnch less proportion. The flourishing condition of the fisheries at tracted vessels from all parts of the world, In 1843 as many as 20 whaling vessels were seen at one time in the harbour of Otago, Middle Island. At a later period, Kussell, Bay of Islands, became the favourite resort of the whalers. The fisheries, how. ever, began to decline rapidly, notwith standing the employment of an increased number of boats and men. The places which were once the favourite haunts, of whales soon be came entirely deserted by them. The country, at that time, was without a representative form of government, and no laws were enacted to protect the Fisheries. The whales frequenting. the coast of New Zealand were soon extirpated or driven off to other regions. They were attacked by the shore parties the moment they reached the coast, when they had generally by their side a calf too young to support itself without being suckled by their mother, and which perished as a natural consequence of her loss. Had an Act been passed making it unlawful to kill the whale until a later period in the season, many of the calves would have been spared to return the fol lowing year. PROTECTION OF THE WHALE FISHERIES. In 1858, the Legislative AssemblyolNew Zealand, with a view of improving" the con dition of the Whale Fisheries, passed an Act which is still in force, requiring the proprietors of whaling stations to give valid security on future produce of oil and bone. There had been very general complaint amongst the whalers that the merchants would not advance money or goods without legal security. The Act enabled the merchant to receive "a mortgage pn the oil and bone which the proprietors of the whaling station might ob tain during the ensuing season. The mortgage must be in duplicate and recorded so that no subsequent sale by the whaler can affect the security. If the whaler should refuse to deliver. the oil acd bone specified therein, the owner of the security can take possession of the * same. This security is made transferable by deed and by endorsement, and every transferee has the same right, title, and interest, as the person in whose name such security was originally taken. The security can also be cancelled by the Registrar at any time at the request of the owner. The ...""' Act further provides that if frand should be' '•• practised on the owner he can recover double the amount of the consideration ' named in the mortgage; and everyone found aiding or abetting such frauds shall be fined double the amount of the con sideration.

MODE OF CAPTURE BY SHOES PABTIKS,

The proprietor of one of the whaling - stations on the North Island has described to mo the method of catching the whale by the shore parties. The men are enrolled under three classes, viz., headsmen, boat* ateerer, and common man. The heads man is the commander of a boat, and his post is at the helm, except daring the tLaae o.f killing the whale, which honor also falls to his lot. The boat steerer pulls the oar nearest to the bow, always steering under the direction of the headsman, and fastens the harpoon to the whale. The headsman then kills the whale. The common men have nothing to do but to ply their oars, according to orders, except one called the tub oarsman, who sits near the tub containing the wbale Hue, and sees that no entanglement takes place. The wages are the shares in the ' profits of the fishery, appointed to the men according to their rank. The heads- ' man gets mere than the boat-steerer, and ' the boat-steerer more than the common man. The leader of the party command ing the boats is called the chief headsman. . A certain code of etiquette or law, exists among the whalers. This code has been handed down by tradition, and is in all cases faithfully adhered to. It regulates and settles the various claims to the whale. Kach station has its own laws and custom?. It it a fundamental rule, however, amongst; all of them, that he who has once made fast has the right to the whale, even should he be obliged to cut his line, pto vided his harpoon still remains in the whale. Each harpoon has its owner's private mark on it, and there can be no dispute about the ownership of, the weapon,, y The boat making fast to the calf has a right to the cow, because it is well-known

THE AtJCfcLANt) EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 3&



LOjSDOJS AND .LANCASHIRE FIRE j' COMPANX". (S tabliahed in the Colonies 1862.) 1 Capital, £1,852,000; Reserve Fund, £253,729. ; -'i-, AUCKLAND DIBTRIOT. r ittfe^ wf*»^«- *™*™Ftt ; H.W. heath : _ 109. Queen-street. ApcUoatloss Invited for Bub agencies by thorn V,•ta a position to influence business. ™ j ? B



Special Advertisements. SIiJGER^IEWING MACHINES, Hand or Treadle, at will. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, Established over 80 years. ■ SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, The most approved In all countries. ssvsss -sag- SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES), Bast for the Tailor; sew strongest seams. CtINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, HBesttortSoßootmaker;Ughtorheavywork. SlToSs SEWING MACHINES 3 IS sew finest muslins and heaviest cloths. FINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, O An Eoonomy in overy Household. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. New Improvements without extra cost. ■ j SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Wllllastaliietimomoonstantwork. OINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. O 10 per cent disoount tor cash. ( (JINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. >5 Kasy terms. Within the means of the poorest. SINGEK'S SEWING MACHINES. I Easy terms. No addition to the price. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES ; Will earn their oost in a few months. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Best terms to Wholesale Buyers. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Write for address of noareat Agent. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Send for Price List to The SINGER Manufacturing Company. No. 166A, Queen-street. Auckland. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Sales exceed half a million!annually. Thk SINGER MANUFACTURING COMPANY have openeda Wholesale and Retail Depot, 166A, Qaeen-street, Anckland. . COMPLETE /CLEARING f\ UT* \j \J \J JjAST ]\([ONTH OF W» Rattravs (Jheap C ash S^ 8' W. RATTRAY WILL HOLD A SfECIAL GRAND SHOW OF PARISIAN )TVf-ILLINKRY. AND [ mniLINBRYI IV TILLINERY. ENGLISH) IVIILLINBRY, MANTLES, FICHUS, AND COSTUMKS, ALSO UNDERCLOTHING. ON 1%/TONDAY, CTH SEPTEMBER. EVERYTHING CJheap J (Jheap I Chbap ! AS HE IS DETERMINED BBFOBK REMOVING HIS NEW PREMISES TO CLEAR OUT IN THIS DEPART MENT THE WHOLE OF HIS MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF THBS ABOVE GOODS, AND MAKE ROOM FOR FRESH SHIPMENTS The Whole of the Articles have been Marked at English Prices i i lace and fancy goods at half PRICE I GLOVES AND HOSIERY AT HALF PRICK BOYS', YOUTHS', & MEN'S CLOTHIKG AT HALF PRICE *K^sS ID PATENT SEAMLESS GLOVES j ABTIOIiBi ■ s. W^ X/ A T T R A V, [62. QUEEN-STREET, Opposite Bank or New Zealand. JpROM T> A B 1 & Thk Most MAGNIFICENT £J R E TO N N Eg Kvbr Shown in Auckland, Ez Orient Steamer' Garonne.' Jost Opened, And on Sale by GARLIC JC & CX AN WELL. Nickel Plated french and half tester IRON JJeDSTBADB. very handsome, and a novelty. Just Landed, ex Heemione. LARGEST STOCK OF BEDSTEADS IN AUCKLAND AT THE QITY TTALL A ROADE. /^ARLICK & riKANWEIL, HOUSE FURNISHERS FANCY GARDEN TABLES. CANE LOUNGES FOR VERANDAHS. BLACK AND WHITK WOOL HEARTH RUGS. TAPESTRY, BRUSSEL, & STAIR OARPET. CHURCH PEW SEATING, Vkhy Nioßr and Preferable to Cushions. GARUCK & CRANWELL.



Special Advertisements. ■ t dissolution vit partnership. Junction Drapbry TV^arehousb, GENUINE CHEAP CASH SALE, WILLIAM R. BKIDGMAN Has Masked the Whole Stock at, vbrylowpriok3l Tho following aro worthy of attention :— 500 yards Dress Silks In pink, light and dark blao drabs, greys, Blate, oroam, &0., -1/6 yard, worth 6/6. Splendid value Good stock of Blaok Silks. 2/61.2/11.3/ U. Tory cheap Coloured Damask Table Cloths, 5/0,6/6, and 7/6. Much under regular price U.B. Table Damask, all linen. 1/IJ, 1/9. lfllj, and 2/2 per yard 9000 doz. Buttons, in bone and Bilk, black, brown, &0., li per doz. Great variety Largo lot of Umbrellas from 1/8; a splendid line at 3/11 Large lot of Stays from 1/5 pair Dross Materials at /s}, &o. All half usual price A nice line of Pompadour Dreßß Material, usual prioo 1/6; to clear,/G} yard .„.__,. , Clearing out last season s stock o£ Bd Prints at Wide White Cotton Bod Fringe, /IJ, /31, IU per yard. Halt price Felt Squares In variety "Wido Felt Carpet, 2/11 yard Men's Flannel Shirts, large steo, well made, 2/0, 3/9. 4/6 Men's Flannel Pants, 2/9. 3/9, W Men's Tweed Trousars, 5/10, 7/0, 9/8 Men's Tweed Trousers, extra good lino, 10/6 ana Men's Tweed Trousers ana Vests, 15/, 16/6,18/6, Good" line Boys' and Youths" Trousers and Vests, 14/3 to 16/3 , , _ Large stock of Kaiapol and Mosglol Tweeds to be sold at mill price Large stock of Cheap Tweods, for boye woar, from/12J.1/U, 1/91, &o. THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Is woll supplied with Good Useful Articles, which are all Marked Low in Price. All Goods Masked in Plain Red Figures, fob Gash Only, at Greatly Reduced Prices. WILLIAM R, BkIDGMAN (Late Rubhbrooe & BribgmaN). A great many neuralgfo diseases, when aggra vated, become spasmodic, and it is in this par ticular stage or typo of tho disoase, that the great molliflor, known as Udolpo Wolfe's Schiedam AromaUo Schnapps, asserts its supremacy. It soothes the nerves by its gently diffusive proper ties, allays irritation by its quieting effects, and toning the system, strengthens the organs, so as to perfect functional aotion.