SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

i,ma «/»>pipt»jThlß EvonlnK, 10.11 HI»H WATER 1 To . morrow Morning, 10.33 SUNBKT.—ThIa Kvonlng, 0.23 HUNRISK.—To-Morrow Morninft. 5.51 MOON'S AGE.-Firat Quartor, Bth, 7.11 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. lona, 8.5., Stophanson,from Russell Atalanta, schooner, Donovan, from Whangarcl

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVSNINCI. Tnrarua, b.s., Garrard, for South Waitaki, b.b., Hutchinson, for Whangarei Glenolg, s.s., Farquhar, for Tauranga Argylo, s.c, Crawford, for Whnugarei Southern Cross, s 9., Helaudcr, for Whanptarei Falcon, barquentino, Buiko, for VVhangacei Saxon, schooner, McKcnzio, for Tairua

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

liondon-Loch Urr, loading; _~*,, Tauranga — Qlenolg, Wcdnc3day; Waltak!, Thursday Russell—louo, Monday

Inwards Coastwibe.—Gom, from Tairua, with 23,000 foot eawn timbor; Four Siators, from Pahina, wi»h 110,300 foot sawn timber; Hulf cift, from 'I'aimi; Pakapuka, from Mahuramji, with 50 tons flrownntt and 5 spirs; Start, from Whangiroi, with 53,883 fool timber; Atalanta, from Wangar3B,wltni;>.lG3 font timbor; Totara, from Port Charles, with 30,501) feot sawn timber; Morning Light, from Cabbogo Ray. wilh 13 tons firewood; Mary Ann. from Mahurangi, with iOO bushols limo; Boasy, from Kennedy Bay, With 22,000 feet timbor.

Ootwabds Coastwise.—Totara, for Port Charlos; Uom, for Tairua; Four £istora, for Mahurangl; Hat*, for Port Charlos; Half-cast, forTairu-t, wi»h 80 bags flour, 2 tons coal, 130 cases sundries, 12 casks boof, and 100 empty cases; Pakapulcn, for Mahnrangi; btatt, for Whangaroa; Atalanta, for Wlmngatoa, with 600 bricks, 3 sacks llmo, 1 ton iron.

The schooner Cleopatra cleared at tho Customs to daj for Greymouth, wilh 20 casos bisouits.

Tho barquo l.ooh Urr hag now almost com pleted her loading, and will siil foi London within a fortnight.

The schooners Taviuna and Josephine camo out of tho dock this morning. Tho former is ex pected to proceed to Lovuka at an early date.

The now schooner, Hands. Islo, is rnpitlly approaching completion. Tho spars aro now on tho foremast, and very little remains to put her in readiness for soa. She will m&ko her maidon trip to Now York a few days heDca with a full cargo of kauri gum.

The 3.8. lona left Russoll at 2.30 p.m. roster day, called at Mimiha, and arrived in harbour at 630 a.ni. this morning, having had light winds and smooth soa during tho passage Sho brings 200 t acka gum, 3 cases ditto, 3 bales wool. 16 hides. 12 boxes, 8 parcels. Passongors .--Mrs Stephonson. Mr and Mrs Coloman, Mr Harring ton, A. T. Knee, Fnyie, Branlcy, Chritt, and I stcerago.

From privato information received yesterday wo learn that the briganlino Clansman has left Newcastle for Timaru

A telegram from Blenheim states that tha steamer Mopaka, which left Wellington for that port on Thursday, wont ashore at 3.30 on Friday morning. It is expected that when her cargo is removed she will bo got off with but Blight injury.

Tho p.B. Sampson, which left the Manukau for South on Monday, whan between Wanganui and Wellington, had one of tho shafts connect ing tho paddles carried away, and had to mako tho latter port with one paddla, tho other being secured.

Tho sohoonor Fairlio has now completed tho discharge of her cariso of coa', and will sail for Whangaroa to load timber lor Sydney a few days hence.

Thos.?. Oretlloit VTanganut for Manuksu to day, and ia expected to arrive to-morrow night, or at daylight on Monday morning. She leaves again for southern ports via New Plymouth and Wanganui, on Monday afternoon.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Lalla Tookh, s.s, Campbsll, from Raglan

DEPARTURES.

Lallft Rookh, s.s., Campbell, for Waitsra

IMPORTS.

Per Lalla Rookh, from Raglan—l 3 sneks seed, 15 hides. 2 bales fungus, lti tons buiHing stone, 1 cask tallow, 3 bales sheepskins, 2 cases bacon, and 5 packages sundries.

The s.B Lalla Rookh arrived from Ka?lanon Thursday with tho following pissungcrs:—Mrs Chalmors, Mr and Jlrs Vercoo, and Mrs Wood.

PORT OF WHANGAROA.

Arrivals, February 22 : Kriemhildo, schooner. Bathurst, from Auckland, with goneral cargo. Feb. 25: Atulanta, schoonor, Donovan, from Auckland in ballast Fob. 25: Start, cutter, from Auckland, in ballast.

Departure?, Fob. 21: Kriemhildo, schooner, Bathurst, for Auckland, with 30,000 feet sawn timber and 4,000 shingles: Kob. 28: Catherine Jane, barquo, Slmpsoo, for Melbourne, with 201,000 feet baulk and 53 000 feet sawn timbor. Feb. 28: Start, cutter, for Auckland, with 23,000 feet sawn timber.

Arrivals, March 1: Champion, citter, McDermid, from Auckland, with dressed timber, &c.; Stag, barque, Thow, from Auck land, with a few tons general cargo as ballast, March 2: Fanny Kelly, ketch, Williams, from Auckland, with general cargo; Linda Weber, brigantine. Bell, irom Napier, in ballast. Vessels Loading, March 3: Champion, cutter, with sawn timber, for Monganui; Suig, barquo, with biulk timber, for Wellington; Fauny Kelly, ketch, with Bawn timber, for Auckland; Linda Weber, briganttne, wilh sawn and baulk timber, for Napier,

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Port Cualmsrs, this day,

Arrived: Waiw^ft, b.s., from the North. Sailed: Kotorua, a-s , for Melbourne, via Blnit'. RCS3ELL, yestorday. Arrived: Mariner and Ruby, Loadod : Ocean, Onward and Kleimor. Wellihgtox, yesterday. Arrived: Te Anau, 8.3., from Melbourne via South ; Penguin, s.s., fom the North ; Samson, p.s. from Manukau; Wakitipu, ss., fiom Waitara. Hailed: fenguin, s.s., for tho South. The as. Te Anau left for Auckland and East Coast ports to-day with the following passen gers :—Misses Johnston, Martin (3), liuist, Uolla, Taylor (2i, and Komerville, Mesiamea Fristy (2). Hamllng, Tremayne, Gr*y and Kidd, Mr and Mrs McVay, Dr. and Mrs Greenwood and servant, Mr and Mrs Forrest and 2 children Mr, Mrs, and Misses Hardwicke (2), Mr and Mrs ABhtoD, Mr and Mm Halliden, Mr and Mrs Nairn, Mr and Mrs Stanny, Mr and Mrs Tyler, Mr and Mrs Finn and family, Rev. Mr and Mrs Stark, Mr and Mrs Chamble3, Sir Krancis Murphy, Father Laimirmont, Messrs Finn, Trunton, Hooko, Birch, Whitman, Lodder, Chattel, Dunlop (2), Thurgar, Heay, Ballchlae, Uarrol, Chambers, Crawford, Moore house, Graham. Bcott, Wilson, Cardwell, lx'arsoii, Bunnan. Lawrence, Cook, j.ower, Tayaton. Knight, Knylin, Mcljeod, Ashcroft, Harris, SomerviUe, Gray, Taylor, McKirdy, Marsh, Donaghy, Harrop, Howlott, Graham, Blackett, Biggs, Cros', Tremaynn, Kaltray, Cuddon, Lang, tiuott, and Hillurd.

COMMERCIAL.

Kvenino Star Office, Friday.

MrR. Arthur reports of his weekly sale as fol lows:-Fowls, Is Id to 2a 6d; chicks, lid; turkeys, 2s 7d to 3a 7d; duoks, It 9d to 23 2<i; pigs. 7a to 13s; potatoes, 2jto 3s 6d ; onions, 3d to Id; oats, 2s to 2s 31; bran, 5j to 6s per sack ; flour, £8 to £13 ; wheat, 39 Id: choc bo, 2d to sd; batter, 2d toad; bacon, 3d to 8d; pumpkios. 2a 30 to 2s 6d ; water melons, Js 3d 10 2a Id per doz; Hilarys-, Js 9d to in ; apples, 2d to 3d; pears, lid tolijd; quinces, id to 2d; grapes. 2d to ojcl; plums, s}d to 6Ji ; peaches, Id to 2d; damsonß. 3Jd ; bullaces, ljd to 2d ; tomatoes, Id ; lemons, 3s to3s3d. per dozen; rice, Id to 3d : biscuits, 5d to 6d; sugar, 3f dto Hd ; tea (box), 18a to 235; coffee, la 3d; toap, 16s; oatmeal, Id to 14(1: mustard, 9d; candles, 9Jd; Bardincs, 9s ; salt. 5s to 5s 6d. The sale of salvage from the recent fire at Mr Lawronce'3 store, Durham-street, attracted a largo number of buyers and others. About 450 boxes catdlea told as follown:— Appollos (brand), 71d per lb; Brandona, 7Jd ; Do Houbaix, 7d. Oakum, 18s to 32s per cwt. ; felt, If dto 2jd per sheet; nitrate of soda 23s por owe; linseed oake meal, 93 6d; rice, 13s to 21s per cwt.; grass seed, 2s 61 to 8s per sack.

Mr R. J. Oarbines did a fair amount of business at his Queen-street martin poultry, product), So. Fowls fetched Is 6d to 2j : chick ens. Is to Is 3d ; ducks, Is 9d; canaries, 8s eicb, Frait: Peaches, ljd per dozen; apples, l}d to 2Jd: Cheese—Wairoa, id toJJd; Cantarbnry, 2d to 3Jd; potatoes. £1 10s to £3 ; maize, 2< 9d to 3s; oats, 2s to 2s 2d; oatmeal, lid; bran, £110a; danißged barley, Id per lb; do. flonr, £5; good, £1210a; hams and bacon, s}d perlb; butter, 6d ; floe salt, 53 6d; salt beef, 21 per lb; mutton, I'd; lard, 6d per lb, 23* percwt; clothes Degs, is; candles, 91 i; tea boxes, 19j : lice, 2Jd per lb; peanuts, ljd: bears, 2d; coflee, Is per lb ; starch. 4d; bouedust, £7 10a; kero3ono, 23 Id ; uemotite paint, 22a per cwM

Mr Walter Dowdon's general weekly sale realised as under:—Potatoes—small, la 9u to 2s per cwt; table, 2s to 3s per cwt, according to quality; damaged flour, 10a per cwt., long oits, 2s 2d per bushel: maize—coast. 3< Gel pet cwt; Inferior Fiji, 23 ad to3s: bran, £1 lOi per ton ; tea 18a por lox ; bacon, 7Jd per 1b; hams, 8d per lb; oatmeal, lid per lb; salt, -ja par cwt; sugar, £2 per cwt,

Mail Notice.

Mails wirj. Close as Under.— This Day. For Thames, per liotomahano, nt 1 p.m. Monday, 7th instant. For Taranaki, vVangnnui. Wollington, and South, per Oreti, at 11 a,m. For Coromandol, per Coromandol, at 11,30 a.m Kor itußaell, Kawakawa, WaLgaroa, and Mongonui, per lonn. at 4 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Waitakl, at 4 p.m. For Taurangiv and Opotikl, por Staffu, at 1 p.tn, Kor Thames, per Hotoinahanu, at 5 p.m. For Thames, por Knterprlso, at 5.30 p.m. Tukspay, Bth instant. For Walwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Robo Cagey, at 10 a.m. For Hokianga, per howona, at 11 a.m. Per s.B. Te Anau as followß :— lfor India, Chlna,Japan,Modltoranoan Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 'i p.m. For Kussoll. Kawakawa, .Australian Colo nies, and Unitod Kingdom, via Urindial, for lottera specially co prepaid and addroeaod, at 3 p.m. Kor monoy orders, registered letters, and newspaper?, at 2p m. Late letters for Sj dnoy and Melbourne only at 3.20 p.m. 'i his m*il will bo duo in London on Thursday, 28th a pril. Kor hangaroi Heads, Waipn, Whangarol, and Mangapal, per Argyle, at 1 p.m. Wednesday, 9th ma"ant. For LoTuka, 'loriga, and Samoa, per Southorn Cross, at 3 p.m.

For Taranakl and Southern Provlnoos. per Hawoa, immediately after arrival of City of Sydney from Honolulu. For Australian Colonies, per City of Sydney, immediately after her arrival S. B. 8133, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

March, sth, issi. Theatre Hoyal — Thompson'^ Confederate Diorama of the American War, 8 pm. Choral Hall- Champion 18mUo Walking Match between Brett and Walsh, 8 p.m. V.M.C.A.-Devotional and Bible Reading, 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

PATTKRSON.-Ontho2Dd March, ntherresl r'once, Alexindra-Btreot, tho wife of Mr John Patterson of a sod. Both doing well. PKAT.—On tho 4th March, at her mothei's Titirarjgi, the wife of It. B, Peat of a son.

Death.

HIBBURT.-On 4th March, at Mornlngaide, Kthcl Mary, infant daughter ol Alfred ana Frances Klizaboth Hibburt. Funeral on Sunday, at 2.30 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend.

Notices to Correspondents.

One Who Knows should como forward and give evidenco at tho inquiry. T.H Tho PonßOnby Regatta* for 1879-80 were held on Kaster Monday.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1881.

For Hi aus that acks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance. And the ood that we can do

The Committee of the City Council have, it is announced, adopted one of tho plans sent in at the advertised competition, which contemplates the laying off of Albert Park wholly in flower beds and walks. The plan makes provision for keeping the open recreation ground intact, if the Council so desires, but from what we can gather, our civic representatives do not contemplate availing themselves of the alternative. As effeminacy governs the Council's ideas of "recreation" it is intended to reberve places where the select few can play lawn tennis aud croquet. The Council sits in Committee with closed doors, and ouch in formation as we have of ils proceedings comes merely by report, and must bo taken for what it is worth. If the statement be true, however, it means simply that one of the moat influential petitions ever sent in to the Council has been treated with contempt, and preference given to the wishes of anumberof leaseholders who have already monopolised too much of the people's patrimony. Such conduct on the part of tho Council is not to be tolerated. This question is one that will affect the city and its population for all time to come, and if the representatives of the burgesses are cot satisfied with the expression of opinion which has already been given, it is their duty to appoint a poll, This course was taken with regard to tramways, a matter upon which there was no reason to suspect any difference of opinion among the citizens ; and one of considerably less importance than the open recreation ground in the heart of the city. Will no member of Council move for a poll? If the bur gesses decide against the recreation gtounu, then let the perambulator and servant gals gain the day.

AT the last meeting of the Harbour Board it was mentioned that the lease of the land on which the Breakwater bath stands has fallen in, aud the question arises what should be done with it. The answer, we think, is very simple : Haud ifc over to the Corporation to repair and open as a public bath, to afford residents ou the East side

of the city facilities for cleauliuow on the fAme terms as are enjoyed by City West. Tho Hurdinge-strcet bath has proved a great success—too great for the accommo dation. It is now in'conVeuichtly crowded during the bathing hours, and its area is Obviously insufficient for the accommoda tion of the wholo of tho city bathers. The Breakwater bath, if opened on equally moderate terms, would attract a largo number of bathers from tho Eastern sido ot (Jueen-street. Although the bath is uot in the beat conceivable place, in view of tile extension of the main sewer to its vicinity, it will always be a very good bathing place at high water, and its buildings and fencing are valuable enough to repair. The Harbour Hoard cannot hope to mako any revenue out of it iui.v , in the face of competition and tho sewer, and thcrcforo they may as well consider the convenience of the citizens fur once, and extend the olivo branch towards the Council by generously tendering, with out solicitation, this bath for the vac of the people of Auckland.

AH the fever patients at tho Hospital, with one exception, aro now convalescent. Tho authorities there have bt'en very suc cessful in their treatmeut of the foyer cases this season, only one death having happened from that cause.

The monotony of His in tho Provincial Hospital was noinowhat relieved last Satur day afternoon by n viiit from one of tho local brass bauds, which played a number of selections outside. Such acts of kindness dcinrvc notice, and wora the members to know tlio pleasure tlicy aflbided tho inmates they would not fail to repeat their visit on a future occasion. We have been requested, on behalf of the patients, to thauk them for their consideration.

Many people bolieve that the exportation of Kauri gum from Auckland ii rapidly on tho decrease, but this opinion does not appear to be borne out by the facts. There is still a good demand for it, and dining the four weeks in the mouth of February, no less than -l.'iS tons, valued at about £20,000, were received in Auckland from country districts. During the throo d»yH of the present month, tho receipts of gum have amounted to Jis touts.

Some of the throe-card tiick gnntry went to the Darguvillo ruces. The bushuien weic swindled most outrageously, two of them, it is said, having lost between £80 and £90 oach. When tho bushuien found out how they hid been done, they resolved touxeicisc Lynch lai? upon the sharpers. Tho tluce canl fellows, however, got wiud of it, and took to the bush and awampM, where they concealed themselves until tho steamer left. They must also have got well stowed away on board, for it was not until the b tea in r was well clear of tho river that they nuulo their appearance Business was at once re commenced with considerable satisfaction to the sharpers, if not to the pigeons who were successfully plucked.

We notice that the principal bankers, merchants, and tradesmen of the city lmve signed n petition to Ilia Worship the Mayor in favour of a general holiday on the 17th inst., and have consented to close their respective establishments. .St. Pat rick's Day lias invariably beeu kept in a loyal manner by all good Catholics ; but in addition to their schools' procession this year, there will be tho Friendly Societies' Demonstration in the Domain, and an evening concert in the Choral Mall. The programme of tun and sport include a baby show which will set many a fond mother's heart dancing in the anticipatory delight.

The " Waiknto Mail" says :—lt bus come to our knowledge that a certain person now in Waikato ban during tho past two or threo days beeu secretly and malevolently inciting the natives to acts of lawlessness, and to unwarrantable and malicious moles tation of private property, The person to whom we ulludc lias on former occasions brought himself under the la.Mi of tho law Mid the contempt and indignation ot the public in other parts of the Colony by his malicious, if not seditious incite ment of the natives to acts of violence and defiance of lnw and vested right".

Mr linrstow held Assessment Courts at Epsom. Newmarket, and Kemuera yester day. There were no objections in any case, and the valuation lists produced by Mr Dinnison, were in all etiscs confirmed. At Otahuhu, before Captain Jackson, the only b.isinccs was the substitution of the names of John Wallace for And. Wallace, and Johustou & Co. for William Johnston.

Henderson's Mill Turf Club Kncts to be held on Thursday the 17th March. Tho Booth, Cards, etc., will be sold by Auction on Friday next, the 11th instant.

The usual monthly church parade of the Auckland Naval Brigade will take place to-morrow (Sunday.) Muster nt iire-boll nt 10.15 sharp,

Two men unmod McDonnell and Still well were adjudged to bo of unsound mind, and on Ihe medical testimony of Dra. Lee and Honeymiin wero committed to the asylum.

A rowing contest took place iv the harbour last evening, in which tho contes tants were lien Williams, a waterman, and JohnStorcy, nshipwright. The distance was around one of the vessels lying olFthe end of the wharf to tho waterman's step*, for 10s a-side. Williams won easily. Storey not being satisfied with the result wished lo change boats, which was done, when Williams again proved victorious. A third contest was tlicn arranged, Ike Hunt pulling with Williams and Storey obtaining the assistance of another shipwright, but the waterman could not be beaten, winuing easily.

The young man Henry Edwards charged with threatening io burn down the ollicos cf the Sash and Door Company, underwent a medical examination by Drs. Lee and Honcyman, who ccrtilicd that the prisoner was iii.vine. Edwanta is almost a stranger, and had becu living in Parnell, but for some days previous to the threat he had been seen loiteiing on the premises of the Company, and refused to leave. On being ejected forcibly by the workmen, he ex pressed his determinstion to Lurn the place down, and " roast the lot of "eni." He was conveyed this afternoon to the Lunatic Asylum with two others.

Tho case of Moulden v. Ren wick was finished ut the District Court yesterday and judgment reserved. The witnesses ex amined in the afternoon were.— Joseph Edmunds, carter; Mrs Lyncli; Walter Grigg, coach?mith; John Renwiek (the defendant), John Machattio, jun.; Thus. Machattie, sen,; aud Mrs Moulden. The wife of the plaintiff gave evidence in the defendant's favour. She had separated from her husband aud was tho holder of a protccliun order.

We notice that a section of the Franklin Road congregation will present a testi monial to their minister, Rev. John Nixon, on Wednesday evening next, at the resi dence of Mr Warburton, Bcresford-street. It was originally intended to have the testi monial gathering in the Franklin-road school-room, that being at the chapel, but objections were cast in the way, which necessitated the latter course.

| The members of thu Papakura Presby terian Church held their annual church meeting on the 24th ulr. The Chairman, the Key. Thomas Norrie, opened the meeting with prayer, and called upon Mr D. Norrie lor the report, from which wo gather as follows :—Sustentalion fund : collections, £32 6s 8d ; subscriptions, £34 15s Cd : total, £67 2* 2d. Special collections for mission, &c, £1 19s 7d; building fund, £2 11s; cemetery fund, £2 10s 3d; Sabbath-school fund, £1 15s: total, £75 18s. Branch stations of Papaknra Volley and Tauranga : Sustentatiou fund, £7 2a lOd ; grand total, £83 0s lOd. The following gentlemen were appointed a committee of management for 1881 :-Messrs J. B. Hay, McClymont, It. White, A. McNeil, J. B. Young, G. Mc- Murray, and D. Norrie, secretary-treasurer. Sub-committee for Papakura Valley and Tauranga : -Messrs J. Muir, E. Elsmore, S. H. Reid, G. Smith, P. Gilraour, aud G. Bell. The thanks of the meeting were given to the committee, the Sabbath-school teachors, and to Miss Norrie and Mrs G. Smith for playing tho harmonium respec tively at Papakura and Papakura Valley churches.

The Dean's Minstrels progrnmme is full of glittering promises which will be realised in the Choral Hall, on Thursday evening next, under the patronage of His Worship the Mayor, members of the City Council, Majors Withers, Derroro, and Morrow, Superintendent Hughes, Captain Leltoy, and the men of the brigades and volunteer companies. Mr Horace Desn will occupy the central position of conversationalist, and by special request will give the pathetic story of Dorkins's night; and will sing his popular patriotic song, " Here Stands a Post." The orchestra will per form a series of airs, and Bertie and Rice will appear as tarnbo?, and Ileed aDd Dalheim as bones. Mr Fred Rice will introduce the new comic song, suited to the time, entitled the " Tarn O'Sbanter Hat," while Bertie will give his humorous version of "Montrose." Several excellent ballads of the modern school by Messrs Kichards, R.yland, and Lcedham will receive silent attention from listener*. George Reed will take a part, and give his inimitable " Billy Stutters," while Miss Lawrence will sing "Dreamland." An American sand jig, and other novelties will intervene, and in the interval, the prize poem and successful conundrum will be read and the respective prizes awarded. A ball will follow the concert.

Since Tuesday last no less a number of persons used the new City Baths than 1672, or an average of nearly 420 per diem.

"Andrax" writes offering to join any paity of volunteers for Transvaal, and regretting that the Auckland volunteers allowed Adelaide to bo before them in the Hold. This is all very well, but the Auck. land volunteers have secn^activc aervico be fore, and mayj have an (opportunity of doing so again without going to Transvaal.

The afternoon exhibition ot Lieut. Her man's diorama to-day, was a wonderful success. Fourteen hundred pcivons were crowded into tho Theatre, and about a thousand clamoured at the doora in vain. The asustance of the police was necessary to moderato the crush. Thoso who could not gain admission to-dny will have a chance to-niglit, when a large number of valuable prizes will bo oll'ered.

Mr. Il'. Soutor has driven 2G head of cattle from Mr Lrirkworthy'B run, Piako, to the Thamoii, a distanco of 50 miles. Mr Souter says that Mr Larkworthy is in » position to Biippjy a nmikot twice as large as the Thames,

By the lona on Wednesday last there returned to Whangnro a Maori of Mongonui, who hud been committed to tlie Asylum, being of unsound mind, but who, on reach ing Aucknlnd and being examined there was not thought a lit subject for the Whim. On reaching the Auckland Timber Co.'s Wharf, Whangaroa, he commenced some of his antics, but constable O'Kielly Kiiddenly put a .stopper on him, by ordering him to go quietly on board the steamer, and showing him the alternative — a pair of liandcuH'.s—he did as ordered. On reaching Mongonui he was given in charge for .steal ing from on board the steamer, and while in the lock-up set the ldaco on lire. He was rescued and the placo burnt to the ground. Whore is he a lit subject for now —the Whim or Mount Kdon V—[OoilKia- I'ONJJKNT.]

Mr, ('. Mollcr, coal prospector, is nbout. to resume work again air his shaft, Whun unroa. His term of protection boing up on UlO 12tli, it is to bo hoped the Minos Do partment will sco its way to pay ft man h wiwch to assist Mr. Mollcr in jiaving hin Hluut ilovolopod. Opowiitu Swamp is thy place indiciltod liy Dr. Hector an coal in miro to bo foil ml in Whangaroa Harbour and by tho general product of tin: Htull" coming out of (no shaft. People of experience think with Mr. Mollcr ami Dr. Hector a good coalfield would prove a boon to this district,— [COIUIKSPOHDKNT.]

Three of the Stud Company's mares have arrived safely ut Adolaide in good order and condition. Two of the number arc Madcap ai.d Sister Agnes.

The new Building Society publishes, by a handbill mailed through our paper to night, tho advantages of thsso societies to the working man and other invcstoiH. Building societies durivo their prosperity from the wonderful accumulating power of compound interest. They enable a number of peoplo to club their pavings togotl or and invest them, as they accrue, to the very best advantage. Whother these savings lind their wuy, ns is very common, into lomtortablo homes, or conic out in hard cash, tho benefits are equally appreciated by tlio.se who nrc thus educated to habits of frugality, and are as sisted in applying their savings to a profitable purpose. The new Building Society has been formed with a substantial directory of practical men, mid is under the excellent mnnagement of Mr (I. Fra^cr, We lmve no doubt it will be the means of assisting many a business man, mechanic and labourer, to greater comfort and pros perity.

The challenge issued by Albert White to row against any man in New Zealand has been accepted by I. Duncan, of Christ church. The fact reached us to-day by telegraph, and is from a reliable source. I he race will be in outriggers, and will lie for tiio sculling championship of New Zealand and £100 a side. It takes place in Taurangu about six weeks hence. In the event ot Duncan losing, White will allow him £25 out of tho stakes to cover his DXjwilses. There lias been some talk of a match between Ilearn, of Wellington, and White, but probably the former oarsman will challenge tho winner in the contest now arranged.

Our Whangaroa correspondent writes : — The Auckland timber Company'a Mill hero, has stopped work on account of no water to work tho saws. The long dry weather luia dried up all the wells in thn place, ami people are carrying water tor domestic u«e long distances. On Wednesday next the fltcanior lomi gives her anuml freo excur sion to til's residents of Whangaroa, Kueo, and Totara. Should the weather prove line, a plca»ant day's pleasure is anticipated. Our aununl regatta tukcti place on tho Ifilli. The luna is to be ll;it;aliip. It is reported that must of tho prizes rue to 1)0 competed for by boats belonging to other places than the port of Whaniraroa, boiiio of tho regatta club rules not suiting tho wiaheß of owners of boata here.

We learn from tho March number of the " New Zealand Presbyterian Church News," that Mrs Fomcrvcll has finally re solved that the handsome donation of £1000 to bo given by her to tho Church chilli be invested, and the revenue devoted to the puposca of scholarships in connection with our Church. These are to bo called "The Somervcll Scholarships," and are to be divided between Arts Students and Divinity Students. They will be secured by com petition under such arianKcmeuts as the Assembly may determine, ami in the event of thero not being a sufficient number of students to provoke competition, power will ho eiveu to the Assembly to confer the Scholarships upin Biich young men—candi dates for the Ministry—as it n<ay consider deserving. Tho money is not yet invested, but it will be very coon, and scholarships will be available within a year. Here Li a fine chance for the youth ot the Church to L'ct a help over the financial difficulties thut lie between them and the Ministry. Honor and diet notion are to be gained by securing a scholarship.

The police business was held in the new Court this morning, owing to tho confuted .■-tiite of the High-street building, and the ii£ce*B«ry removal of tho seats and tables. Mr Macdonald iutimatcd that tho formal opening of the Court would take place next week. The offices of the new law courts are far from being furnished internally, aud some weeks inuot elapse before the inner fittings are completed. At the old Court the business was continually interrupted by the rumble of heavily laden carts and drays. There will be no such interruptions at the tew Court. Still the acoustics arc not so good, the building being loftier and more spacious. Mr Macdonald is not a loud speaker, and it was with difficulty that his words were caught by reporter?, who are desirous of reporting correctly. The elderly attendant was somewhat put ont of way on finding a chair placed for him, ac cording to Mr Barßtow's promise. The messenger however, brought the old gentle man a chair, and was content to await llio new one. Tbe crowd of idlers was less than usual, owing possibly, to tho hill of difficulty which must be surmounted ore the temple of justice can be reached.

At the Board of Education yesterday, after we went to press, it was resolved that there was not sufficient evidence to declare the Mauku election invalid.—Ou further evidence by Major Stoncy it was resolved to declare "the Wnde election valid and to fix tho 21st for another election,—The Mahurangi dispute was settled by creating two districts, the Warkworth Committee to be recognised, and the 21st fixed for elect ing a Dome Valley Committee.—On a com plaint from Messrs Stewart and Walters, of Mount Albert, it was agiocd to recommend the re-appointment of a Chairman.— An application for increased grant for cleaning was refused,—Applications for copies of the Education Act were granted. —An application for tho division of the Newmarket school and the construction of a fire-place was approved, while en appli cation re fencing at Mount Roskill was deferred.—'J he Board declined to accede to a request from Otahuhu for the establish meiit of a Penny Savings' Bank.—The Pokcuo Hill Committeo was given leave to expend £15 out of the school funds —At the conclusion of the ordinary business the In spector of Schools took the opportunity to deny a statement made iv one of the news papers to the effect that certain teachers had been " pitchforked " over the heads of others. There was no truth iv it. It waa also untrue that "children of tender years " were employed as teachers. There were no tcachen of a less age than 15 years.

We perceive by advertisement in another column, that Mr Albert Fisher has become the purchaser of tho renowned Occidental Hotel. Mr Fisher was formerly manager of thel hames Hotel, under Mr John Coujland, Auckland, and late proprietor of the Imperial and Prince of w ales Hotel, Wellington. There is not a shadow of doubt but that under tho new management the Hotel will rise to is old prestigo among the hotels in tho city.

Announcements of Sunday Services will bo found in another column. Anniversary Servics at Beresford-street Chapel, sermons by Rev. R. Laishley, of the Thames, and Rev. J. Robertson, M.A. Lome-street Hall at 11 o'clock, by Rev. a. Edge"-, B.A , discourse on the " Har mony o£ Truth in Christ's Great Law of Love." AlrGeo. A. Brown will lecture in the evening at the Temperance Hall on " Does the Soul Live after Death?' The evenini* service at the Theatro Royal at the usual hour.

A. new railway is now, in course of con struction between the Volga and the Siberian rivar settlement that will, says one report, actually connect Paris with Pokin, when carried to its intended conclu sion.

ALLEGED CHILD MURDER IN WELLINGTON.

[BY TELBCIRArH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

WELLINGTON, this day. AH extraordinary rumour is iv circulation to-day, that further proceedings aro impend ing relative to tho dead infant, recently found in the Botanical Gardens, and that the reputed mother has been arrested for child muraer. Wcll-kuown naires are mentioned in connection with the affair, but no authentic intelligence is yet obtainable.

NATIVE MEETING AT WARRARAPA.

(BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

WELLINGTON, this day. A monster nativo meeting is about being held at Warrarapa, at the instance of Paroa, an East Coast prophet, but tho Maoris arc earnest in tho assurance that the meeting has no political Biguilicanco, and merely a social gathering. Enormous preparations in the collection of food, etc, arc going on.

WHITE'S CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

(lIV TELKaUAHI, OWN UOItIIHSI'ONDENT.)

TAURANGA, this day. The challenge of White, of Mercury Bay, hut) boon acceptod by I*. Duncan, of Clnist church, to row ,at] Tuuranya in about six weeks.

A LETTER FROM REWI.

(iiv Tioiaxuurii, press aouncv.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday. ItKWi has written a letter to Mr I'urris re quciling him to stop both Europeans and Muoiis who are working coal at Mokau, and also informing him that King Tawhiao has issued a proclamation to the four extreme tics of tho Ninth Island calling nil the people of tho Inland to meet him on the 10th of Milreh.

NATIVE LANDS COURT AT CAMBRIDGE.

(IIV TELKOHAPII, OWN COUUESI'ONDKNT.)

THE I'ATKTERK CASE SETTLED,

CAMBRIDGE, thin day. TIIK Court assembled this morning, when Mr Hammond announced Hint the Court would adjourn till It! o'clock, in the case was likely to bo settled outside. The Couit re-aisacmblul at twelvo, when Mr Mackay apologised to| tho Court for uot complying with a summons issued by Mr Slieehan to attend tho Court aud givo cviuonco on behalf of the Crown against Maugakuhia and party, yesterday, ilia reason wai that he objected to giving evidence against his own clients. He would, however, apologise to the Court for doing so. The Court: You should havo attanded and given the explanation now given.

Mr Mackay admitted that bo ought to have done so and said " I again oltor my humble apology."

Mr Shschau informed the Court that since lust evening nu arrangement was come to Dctwecn himself and Maugakahia, which was that iho Crown nerccs to cut off from those two blocks the Pokairhenua and Hui huitilkn, a thousand acres, for uonsollcrsand other objecting parties. Mangakahia will arrange the detnils as far as his clients are concerned. The land can ba taken |in one or two blocks, at they think proper; the livid co taken is a fair average value as they think proper. On Monday he would ask tho Court to make an order to that eflect.

Mr Mangnkahia intimated his consent, ami Mr Shoehan, having thanked the Court for tho concessions grautod to him-elf and Mangakiihiß, remarked that, after the set tlement of the present case, on Monday ho would take tho Wall aud Kunanui blocks.

SCINTILLA TIONS.

11 Ho brlot; for it id wlin wonin m with sun bounm: tho more tliuy ore ooodensod tho doouor they burn."-aouTHKV.

Horse-stealing is prevalent at the Thames. Threo hundred and thirty divorces were obtained in Sau Francisco 1.-vst year. Tho number of deaths at tho Auckland Hospital during the last six months has bc«n considerably below the average. An old man named Stantou (Sherman, aged 84 year?, who died in the Hospital last week, witnessed Nclsou's funeral.

I he barge Ghost, on its last trip, took 27,000 feet of timber from Fraser'a mill, Coromandel.

It is now generally understood that Froudo will write Thomas Carlyle's biography, The town of Hull, England, is to haveita streets lighted by tbe Sieoien'd system of electric illumination.

Interests in Ticrnaifs claim, Tiki, have been sold at the rate of something over £600 a full share.

A German lately married says : " Id vas youst so easy as a needle could valk out rait a camel's eve as to get der behiudt vord mit a \ oman's."

Mr Garrard was heard Fcrcamiag ont "murder" this morning. The R.M.s advice does'nt seem to have restored folicity to the great agitator's nest. Pern gathering 13 the principal amuse ment at mountain resorts. Fetus generally grow in places where young ladiea cannot get to without a great deal of assistance. A number of men aro leaving Canter bury to work on Mr Proudfoot's big eventual iv the New South Wales.

Some wheat crops on the Taieri Plains havo yielded seventy bushels to the acre.

Turnip Rrowiug is extending in Waikato. Mr Murray, M.H.It., is putting down 2,000 acres.

Great preparations is being made for Tawhiao's next mcetiug nt Hikarangi on tho lGth April, aud Tc Whiti is expected to attend.

Sir George Grey has beon Invited by the County Chairman of Coromaudel to address his constituents in that district, and tele graphed in reply from Waiwera that ho would try to come soon.

" Well, I have done one good deed to day," said li. " What's that?" asked his friend. "I have given a poor deserving man an overcoat," replied 8., turning about; " how do yon think it fits ?" The Property Tax in Auckland is being paid readily, in advance of time, and with out any grumbling. £100 reward is offered by tho New Zoa-' land Timber Company for the discovery in payable quantities on their property at Whaugapoua of any valnablo minerals. £20 was collected on the ground at the laying of tho foundation of Newmarket Wesleyan Church. Mr J- D. Davis will lecture on Monday j evening before the members of St. James' Literary Society on " Marcus Aurelius." Lieut Tho?. E. Maxwell has been ap pointed by tho Admiralty to the Pandfly. May he havo a '.nippier fate thauj his pre decessor, Michael Wnlsb, formerly ef Auckland,- Is advertised for hy the Chief Registrar, Dublin, money due to him having been applied for by his brother. Mr J. O. Eva, who drew the first prize in Camineron's Sweep last week, is nephew of the Hon. Mr Oliver, and mansger of tho N. Z, Hardware Company, Dunedin. Mr Gladstone has not forgotten the Queen's snub iv not inviting him to the last Uoyal wodding. lie was recently invited by her Majesty tc dine at Windsor Castle, and declined the honour.

AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB.

THE following handicaps lor tho Auckland Amateur Athletic Club sports have been declared. The prizes are on view in Mr F. H. Lewisson's window.

120 Yabdi Handicap.—Spry, scratch; Davy, 2 yards: Cooko, 2} yards; W. Sibbin, 3 yards; Culpan, Pierce, While, and J. M.Sibhin, 4 yards; Reid, ii yards; Stewart, 5J yards: A. A. Lewis, 6yards: Sims, 7 yards; Ryan, 8 jards; Mon tague, 9 yard?. Quarter-mile.—Phi'cox, scratch; Spry, 3 yardß; Culpan, 9 yards; F. H. Williams, 12 yards: Lees, 14 yards; Sims, 15 yards; Cooke, 18 yards; Brown, White, and Stewart, 20 yards; Moginie, 30 yards; MontaKue, 35 yards. Half-mii.b.—Culpan and Lees, scratch; Clay ton. 20 yards. Mile Handicap.—Lees, scratch; Culpan, 10 yarda ; E, M. Clayton, 25 yards ; C, Z. Clayton, UJ yards.

'Iwo-milh Walking Handicap. — Spry, Bcratoh; Lees, 10 yards; Davy, 20 yarda; Pierce, 50 yards; Moginie, 50 yards; Biggs, 100 yards; Gallagher, 440 yardß. The committee reserve the rlKht of altering the time at which this race will take place.

120 Yards Huudlep.—Spry owes 5 yardß; T. Sibbin owes 3 yards ;J. i-ibbin owcs3yards; W. Sibbin, aoratch; 11. 11. Davy, scratch; (J. E. White, 2yauls; R. 11. Reid, 3 yards ; Stewart. 4 yards: Oulpan, 5 yards; Moginio, 8 yards; F. S. Williams, 12 yarda.

220 Yards Hcrdlks.- Spry, scratch ; T. Sib bin, 3 yards: J. M. Sibbin, a yardß; W. Sibbln, 0 yards; C. White, 11 yards; Culpan, 12 yard?.

CABLEGRAMS.

[REUTKE'S TKkKUB AMS.]

Exciting Scenes in the Hoiise of Commons. LONDON, March 3. OUTRAGEOUS scenes again occurred in the 1 Houso of Commons to-night owing to the obstructive tactics of the Irish members, several of whom made vehement and excited speeches. Healy, member for Wexford, who was one ot the most violent obstructors, was by the speaker's order suspended for the remainder of the Bitting and had to leave the House, Dillon member for Tipperary, made an inllamatory speech on Irish alluirs, iv which he upheld the cause of the tenants, and justified their notion iv shooting laud lords who caused their eviction or refused to accept reductions in rent. MX GLADSTONE RECOVERED. Tho Uight Hon. W. E. Gliidstone his so far recovered from tlio injury to his head as to be able again to attend the House of Commons, where ho was present to-night. INCREASE IN THE ARMY. It is announced that the fr.ight Hon. Hugh Childers, Secretary ot State for War, will shortly propose in the House of Commons that a considerable increase should be made iv the regular forces of the British army, and that with this object recruits of the age of nineteen should be accepted for sorvice with the Colour-'. It is further known thut Mr Childers will at the same timo propose soveral reforms in tho organisation of tlio army. (N.Z. L. AND M.A. TELEGRAMS.) LONDON, March 1. Wool—The competition is decreasing, and quotations arc, on an average, Jd to Id lower than at the opening. Up to date 5)0,000 bales havo been sold. Wheat—The market is firm. A delaido is worth 49s Gd ; Victoria, 49s 6'd ; and New Zealand, 47s per 4%'lbs. Tallow—The market is Hat. Best mutton is worth 36a Gd, and beef 34s per cwt. Leather—Tho market is Hat. Boßt bides lljd per lb.

AUSTRALIAN.

SUGAIt 11EFIN1NG. MBLI3OUHNK, Saturday. A Company is being formed here to undertake the refining of sugar. The capital will be £100,000. ARRIVAL OF THE COTOPAXI. ADELAIDE, Satuiday. Arrived : Orient Company's Steamship Cotopaxi, from Plymouth. CKICKET MATCH. SYDNEY, March 4. Tho crickot match between the Austra lian team and tho combined eleven of New South Wulea and Victoria was commenced hero to-day. Tho combined team went first to the wicketa, and were all out for 107. Massie, witli 80, mid iiunnerman, with o'4, were the top scorers. When the stumpa wore drawn for the day, the Australian team had scored CO runs with the less of one wicket, COMMERCIAL. SYDNEY, March 4. Hennesiy'n brandy, in bulk and quarters, is quoted at|ll»Gd ; keroseno (Dcvoe's), per gallon, nt Is lOd ; /Sugar Company No 1 pieces, per ton, atj£3G ; maizo, per GOlbs,, at 2u (id ; tobacco (Haven's twist), per lb. ut 18*1. ADELAIDE. Murch 4. Wheat is 4h 3d. The market is firm. Town Hour £10 5i to £10 10 ; country brands, £'J 5s to £0 10. Freights to London, per uteameis, 45i; Bailing 455. Freights to United Kingdom, from Adelaide, 42s t0,45s ; ditto from outports, 45* to 47s Gd.

SPECIAL WELLINGTON TELEGRAM.

L«Y TELEGRAPH, OWN COBItKSrONDENT.]

WELLINGTON, this day RK-OKUANISITION OF THE COLLEGE.

Tun Committee appointed to draft a scheme for the rc-orgauisation of tho Wellington College recommends " that the salaries and other expenses shall be brought at once within the estimated income, and that no debt shall be incurred which the governors have not certain means of liquidating. With this view the Committee recommend that the girls' department be nt once dis continued, and also the preparation of boys for further progress at the New Zealand University after matriculation there, if such preparation will interfere with the course of instruction to the other boys at the school, and that to relieve the College of liability in this respect disatliliation from the New Zealand University be applied for." 'J ho following resolutions were passed:— "That applications be cailtd for by ad vertisement for the Head-mastership of the Wellington College nt a salary of £500 a year with the use of house and boarding establishment." " That for the salaries of assistant-masters tho Board will allot a sum of not less than £500 a year In be increased as the funds arising from the fees increase."

TIIK FAILUHE OF E. W. MILLS,

The failure of E. W. Mills is the heaviest that has happened here for many years, if ever, and will havo a disastrous effect on many people. The ■' Post" gives the fol lowing account or the affair so far as it has gone :-" It is with sincere regret that we linvo to announce that E. W. Mills, iron merchant, of this city, is about to file his schedule. At a private meeting of credi tors held yesterday at the office of Mr. W. 11. Levin, M.H.R., who presided, it was proposed to appoint trustees to work the estate for the benefit of the creditors, but as no satisfactory arrangement was come to, the meeting was adjourned until to-day in the hope that some arrangement would be arrived at in the interval. Unfortunately the attempt was not successful, and accord ingly Mr. Mills finds himself in the position of being forced to file his schedule. The estate shows assets valued at £190,000 as ngaimt liabilities of £135,000, giving a sur plus of £55,000. Great sympathy is felt for Mr. Mills on nil sides. The working classes also lose in him a generous and large employer of labour at a time when such can ill bo spared, and the city misses one of its most energetic and enterprising mercantile men. From every point of view Mr, E. W. Mills' failure is a public calamity. MX FORREST. Mr. Angelo Forrest, the celebrated organist and pianist, a pupil of Halle, leavos by the Te Annu to-day to settle in Auckland.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

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

TERSNCE BRADV. His Worship said that for convenience sake, it was determined to hear the prisoners in the new Court, but this was not the for mal opening which would yet take place. The prisoner who had the honour of being the first occupant oE the dock was Mr Teronco Brady, milkman, who .informed the Court th»t ho had quite recovered from his late mishap. Fined 5s and costs. SISTERS IN DISTRESS. Johanna Leading aud Elizabeth Hit worth pleaded guilty to being drunk from tho exhilcratiog cliects of thrco stars, and were dealt with mildly. INDECENT LANGUAGE. Elizabeth Hyder was charged, under the i Vagrant Act, with using iudecont language within the hearing of persons passing. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Constable liist deposed that prisoner was using filthy language towards Michael Burke, a man with whom she is cohabiting. Peter Simpson, musician, residing in Abercrombie-strcct, deposed to hearing tho language used, Prisoner pleaded drunkenness, and was fined 10s and costs, or 48 hours.' A SIMILAR CASE. William Davis was charged with fighting in Queen-street, while under the iulluenco of liquor. : Prisoner ''could'nt recollect." Constable Walker deposed to seeing tho prisoner and another man drinking coilee at the coffee stand n Queen-street, between 11 and 12 o'clock, and becausa his companion refused to pay for the coffee, prisoner pul led off his coat and commenced to light, Prisoner said he was drunk.

His Worship said it was evident the coffee had not had a soothing effect on him. Fined 20s and costs. A FIERY THREAT.

Henry Edward, on warrant, was charged with threatening to | hum down cci tain premises by the Union Sash and Door Com pany, the property of Ebenezer Waymouth and others on the 3rd inst.

The prisoner, a young mau, came mutter ing into Court, and was not apparently aware of hie position. Mr Pardy said there wore doubts as to the sanity of prisoner, and he would ask for a remand in order to ascertain the sitate of the prisoner's mind.

Remanded accordingly for medical ex amination

BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

INQUIRY INTO DX. PURCHAS' CHANGES.

Tills inquiry was resumed at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Present:—Messrs J. M. Clark (chairman), J, A. Tole, Ti Peacock, Key. C. M. Nehon, and Colonel Haultaiu (members of Board of Governors), F. Macrae, J. Anderson, Dr. Purchas, and his son, Chas. Edward. A letter was read from the Hon, Mr Whitakcr, requesting full particulars with regard to the gentlemen for whom the Commission was desired. _ Mr Tolc and Mr Hesketh were appointed v Committee to supply tho information. Tho Chairman announced that in accord ance with the Board's resolution, Dr. Pnrchas had furnished a list of desirable witnesses, besides indicating those who might be expected to attend the inquiry voluntarily, i'our gentlemen had been requested to attend that day, aud two of them had complied. Their evidence would be sullicient for the time, as m con sequence of the necessity for one member to leave at nn early hour it might bo as well for them to adjourn in order to accommodate him. Mr Macrae then preferred the following requests :—(D That he should be furnished with a copy cf the list of witnesses given in by Dr Purchas, as well as a statement of the subjects of their examination. (2) That he might be allowed the privilege of legal assistance (3) That he or lib counsel might be allowed to cross-examine Mcisrs McArthur, Monun, Tomlinson, Thompson, and Robertson. (4) That he might be supplied with a copy of the official evi dence. A discussion ensued upoD the matter of having logal assistance. Messrs Tolc and Nelson spoke aguinst it as giviug the inquiry the character of a prosecution, besides rendering it necessary to begin the proceedings dc novo. Colonel Haultuin supported the request. Eventually it was "agreed to allow the matter to remain in abeyance until the ovi donco of the witnesses iv waiting had been taken. Mr IJ. 11. Lusk was then called in. In answer to Dr Purchas he said he had been acquainted with the Grammar School since its fou lie hud acted on live or six occasions ai onu of the examiners. He had three sons and other relatives as pupils in the school, aud fcr some years, as a member of the Hoard of Education, he had been practically a Go vernor of i. His opportunities, therefore, for acquiring a knowledge of the school and its management had been good. He thought that up to a certain point of educa tion the school was fairly elliciont. The junior classes were fairly eilicient, but the senior branches were not so eilicient as might reasonably be expected from the large expenditure and the class of masters en gaged. He had arrived at this opinion from what he had seen as an examiner, from a consideration of the results obtained, aud from the circumstance that many smart lads had failed to pass examinations other than competitive ones. The Headmaster of such a school should be an able and very com petent man. The fact of Mr McKao having no decree left witness quite in the datk as to hid qualifications. Iv some respects tho standard lit the Auckland Grammar (School was considerably lower than that which he believed ruled in the English schools. He had not been uniformly pleased with the progress made by his sons. One <if them was very diligent, but his advance ment had not been quite up to bis own hopes. He had heard some parents of pupils express great dissatisfaction with the education received by their children, lie had known that there was an absence ot accord between tho masters, aud this he regarded as a hindrance to the success of the school, lie had an impression that he had heard coarse remarks being spoken of as having been used in the school, but it was never mentioned to him as a matter of complaint— rather as a joke. On hearing it lie remembered telling ihe boys that it was very unfortunate if true, and hoped that they would not repeat it. lie did not recollect who was the master referred to. He knew of instances of boys* getting instruction outside the school in subjects for University examination, which instruction should have been supplied in the school. As an Aucklander, he was not conscious of feeling ashamed that the public school here did not occupy a better educa tional position, although he felt sorry. If there were a school near at hand as good as the Southern schools were said to be, he would be disposed to remove hi*sons thither, other things being equal. He knew that many boys bad been sent South for that purpose. In some cases the attraction was the boarding establishments ; in others the educational standard. He preferred a day to a boarding-school. To Mr Mcßne : He did not consider him sslt nn absolutely competent examiner, but competent enough to understand tbe subject of school management. He did |uot know that ho had examined boys on subjects of which he was himself ignorant, and he certainly had not asked questions the correct answers to which he I did not know.

Mr Macrae here a?ked that ho wight be allowed to have the witness examined en oath.

Mr Lusk said if it were an advantage he was willing to consider himself on oath.

To Mr Macrae : Mr K. H. Reid was one of the smart boys referred to who had failed to pass examinations other than competitive. He did not remember the other names.

Mr Macrae here warned the witness to be careful, as his answers affected gentlemen who had been in Aucklaud as loug as him self.

Mr Tole took objection to this mode of treating a voluntary witness.

The Chairman desired Mr Macrae to amend his manner of examination.

Mr Lusk to Mr Macrae : The fact of a mau having a degree from a English University was very small evidence ot scholarship, aud the want ot it was not evidence of want of scholarship. He was a member of the Board of Commis sioners when Mr Macrae ws.3 appointed to the Head mastership, and he believed that the appointment was twice offered before being accepted. The previous Headmaster 11ml l'GcoffiDiended liis fippoiu tinco t. The staudard of .English Language and Litera ture was exceptionally low in the upper classes of the Grammar School, aud the standard ot classics was not as high as he believed it to be in Euglish schools. There was no readiness of composition in the Latin tongue, and Latin was not taugtit as early as it might be. Iv the junior depart ments he had no reason at all to complain of the progress of his boys. In 1879 his eldest son did comparatively well, but his class (3a) did not seem to witness to havo done so well as in previous years. He believed that he especially thought of English sub jectsat the time. Mr McArthur, he fancied, was the English master at the time, and the other masters the same as they were now. His son's arithmetic was very good. The teacher on that subject in the upper classes he belioved to be Mr Slouian. He would not bo surprised to learn that Mr Macrae was the teacher for that year. In 1879 his son shewed a fair amount of intelligence in Latin, aud he had always been desirous of doing his work. When he said his son's progress had not equalled his hopes, he was thinking specially of last year. Mr Macrae had been more than ordinarily thoughtful of his son's health. The lad had been absent from school on account of indisposition during the greater part of the present week. He did not think that he ought to name the parents who had expressed to him their dissatisfac tion with their {sons' progress at the school. The want of accord to which he had referred was n feeling between the Head master aud two of the other masters, which had existed during four years past, but of late it had extended to all the other master?, judging from their statemeuts to himself. Of his own knowledge he could not say that the Headmaster had ex hibited any feeling towards the other masters, although lie had heard state ments to that effect. He was a near neighbour of Mr llobcrtson, and had frequently walked home with him at the time of his disagreement with Mr Macrae, besides advising him. Mr Macrno had about that time acted in a way that he (witness) did not approve of. lie might have heard ot the low jokes referred to within the lasr. two years, but not within the last year. He certainly did think the tendency of such things would be to lower the tone of the school. The case of Mr Ernest Robertson was that of a boy who had been obliged to obtain tuitioa outside the school in certain subjects. When the matter was told to him, he thought Mr Kobertson'sintentionwai to reflect upon the school—to imply that he should have re ceived such tution inside the school. Another case was that of a lad named Pounds. He could not specify the subjects in either case, but in that of Pounds, the supplementary instruction lie believed was obtained outside, and in order that he might have a chance of success in the com petition for the open scholarships. His in formant was his own son, he believed. Pounds was not successful. Colebrookj Reybnrn and French were the successful competitors he believed. They were nil in the same class as hh eldest sou. He did not believe that it was the duty ot a school master to " coach " particular boys, aud he

knew that Mr Macrae had always set lii« face against special preparation for special examinations. The Auckland boys had achieved a considerable degree of success at the Civil Service examinations. The first University degree examination took pla(- e in 1876 ; he was then one of the examiners Not live candidates had matriculated since then. He attributed the fact at one time to the disjointed state of the school and tho want of suitable provision, but these con. ditions had changed since the removal to the new building, lie did not know how long it would take to overcome the early disadvantages. Ever since Miss Edger and one or two other students went up for ex animation and did bo well he ]j a( j been sorry that the forward improve, merit was not sustained. The Gram', mar School had not distinguished itself since. It had always been a reproach on this part ot the colony, that the education imparted here was not so good as in other parts oft he colony, and he had hoped that Dhis reproach would be rolled oil. However it remained still. Last year it was nearly six months before the boys really knew what they had to do—before there was any regular time-table. It seemed to him that the school was a long time shaking into shape, There also seemed to be an nn. certainty as to what work the classes should' undertake—what particular books were to be read, and what subjects entered upon These among other reasons lead him i 0 think that the working of tho school was out of joint. His impiession was that this uncertainty existed for three quarters of the year. He had, at one time, an jd ea o f getting bis sou to go up for the scholarship examination, but he gave up the idea upon learning that some of the necessary subjects were not to be taught in school. Ho had spoken of the subject to gome of the masters—Mr Slomam— and Mr Anderson for instance—not once but repeatedly. It was known to him that several of the boys now at the school would bo withdrawn from it were a boarding school established in connection with it. Some of the masters, and amongst them Mr McArthur, Mr Tomliuson, and inrerentially Mrfcloman, also, had spoken to him of the want of accord in tiie school as having an injurious effect upon their teaching. By that he meant tiiat they disapproved of thesyefem of classification, to some extent of the books used, the management generally, and the relations between the Head and the Under masters, Mr Macrae said that he would like to have a further opportunity of examiuing Mr Lusk upon iiis reports as an examiner.

Mr Lusk to Mr Nelson : Ability to or ganise and classify were amongst the chief qualilicatious of a Headmaster, and where they were absent lie did not think the school would succeed. Civil Service examinations he thought were a fair test of the efficiency of commercial schools. He remembered that the Royal Commissioners upon Edu cation in their report said that no stress was to be laid upon the results of Civil Service examinations as regarded secular schools. It was his custom to devote a considerable portion of his leisure in the evenings to assisting his own lads in their lessons, and he hoped tliat this was a great benelit to them, lie was best satisfied with his eldest rons progress while he was in the 4th class, the teachers of which he believed to be Mr Heath (at one time) and the gentleman now at the head of the Church of England Grammar School (at another time). The taking of a scholarship wns a better test of capacity than the mere obtaining of a past degree.

To Mr Tolc : If a school were divided into several sections and removed from ono another, the discipline and organisation would be ineffective and supervision ren dered a matter of diiiicnlly. The Granjmor School was fair in Mathematics,, but lamentably low iv English Liteiature, and not high in Cla*sies. He spoke, however, with some diilideuco of the last subject,as it was now three years since he had had an opportunity of judging. Spite of his sons ill-health, he had been able to keep pace with the better boys of the class. He (witness) had examined the boys of the .school in Mathematics, English history, Physical geography, and the English sub jects generally. 63 pages of ltoman His tory for six months would bo of little use if taken at long intervals, and if taken at short intervals it would show that very little eleo had been done. He did not know that Mr Macrae had ever cast an aspersion upon his ability as an examiner, but he had thrown out hints to the effect that he did not regard him much. On one occasion he had used witness's name in a way which he deemed impertinent-used it in order to hold him up to derision. At tie time Mr Macrae was np appointed Headmaster, the College had dwindled down greatly, and aa Mr Macrao had a well-attended school it was thought desirable to merge the two insitutions and appoint the gentleman to the management. Mr Macrae's school he had looked upon as a good commercial school, but certainly not as a collegiate establishment. A little Latin was taugbt at it. He saw no reason why the Auckland College should not produce equally good results with Southern schools, and in the fact that it did not do so he believed the parents had grounds for dissatisfaction. The school was strong in arithmetic, fair in mathematics, but English language was its weak point.

To Mr Macrae: He had no special acquaintance with Mr Macrae's original school, "out lie knew that it had a very good reputation. He knew that a little Latin was taught, but he was not aware that Greek was also iucluded in the curriculum. He had heard that the elder lads were charged four guineas a quarter. Mr Mac rae's position, at the Grammar School for the first two years was a difficult one. There were numerous charges by Dr. Kiud of unkind treatment towards himself and othcis, and an exhaustive enquiry was held in consequence. The result was that there was no case against Mr Macrae, fie had himself formed several theories to account for the low standard in English, and one was the bad way in which it was taught. The boys were good at dates, hut with the text-books in use there seemed no opportunity of cultivating the thinking faculties. Geography baa always been the best of the English subjects. Composition was uot well taught. Ho objected to the system, viz., that of reading out extracts and getting the boys to reproduce them, the result being that the boys with good memo ries thought they were best at composition when.they were not. The effect was seen at the examinations. He had seen half a line sent in as all that a boy could compose on the stated subject, and he had seen three lives given in. The system of teaching grammar wa3 not, to his mind, as good as he could wish it. The boys seemed to take less interest in English than in any other part of their work. The system of teaching composition wa9 not invariably reproduction. Collier's history I he regarded as a thoroughly bad text-book. Mr J. E. Pounds was the next witness. He said first of all that he had no desire to take part in the inquiry, and he would much rather not give evidence at all, Mr Macrae had scted very cordially towards him, had treated his boys kindly, and he had, there fore, nothing to say against him. How ever, he understood that the Board had power to compel attendance, and ho bad couic in order that he might not bo brought as an unwilling witness. The Chairman explained the Board's intentions. Mr Pounds then said he was in the Board's hand?. He had held no communi cation with Dr Purchas whatever. Dr Purchas confirmed this statement. He had simply heard in an incidental way that Mr Pounds was a dissatisfied parent, and that was why ho had asked him to be summoned. The examination was then commenced. Mr Pounds to Dr Purchas : He regretted to say that he had been dissatisfied with his son's progress, and to some extent he believed the fact dependent upon the un satisfactory arrangements of the school as he understood them. To Mr Peacock: His elder boy, who was in the first class, was 15 years of age, and he lirst went to the echool in 1575. Ho afterwards left it for the Parnell Gramnnr School, but afterwards resumed his attend -1 ance in IS7B. His boy was entered for the open scholarships' examination, or rather .Mr Macrae was asked to prepare him for it. The lad failed, and witness attributed the failure to want of that instruction which lie expected to be given the lad in the school. That was the primary c&uso of his dissatisfaction. So far back as the beginning of 1579, however, he was not pleased with the progress which the boys were making, and he (alked to Mr Macrae on the subject. He was retaining his boys at the school still, but he could not Bay that ho had any assurance that the defects complained of would be remedied.

To the Chairman : He did not think that the Headmaster gave sufficient attention to the higher classes in which his son was, and ho had been told that classes had been neglected by the Headmaster duriug school hours. A great deal of the time allotted to prescribed subjects waspracticallywasted - especially in English subjects, while othsv subjects necessary for the examination were not taken up till so late in the session that it was really impossible for the lads to acquire a good knowledge of them. These were the subjects iv which his sou had conspicuously failed. To Mr Nelson: Special tuition had had to be obtained for his son outside the school. Tho extra instruction was given by Mr Me Arthur beyond the school hours.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. SATURDAY. MARCH 5



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Special Advertisements. AUTUMN CIASHIONS. AUTUMN IUBBONS, just oponed AUTUMN DRESS GOODS, now styles AUTUMN MANTLES mid CLOAKS AUTUMN FLOWERS and MILLINERY NEW FRINGES, ROUCHING, and GLOVES Tun "Magic" akd " Rbmovablk" Cover UMBRELLAS BOYS', YOUTHS', nnd MEN'S CLOTHING. GARLICK & URANYVELL, City Hall Arcade. T ATKST NOVELTY is the " Hartz Monn- JLi tain Rug," first seen on this sldo of tho world at tho Sydney Exhibition. The undor signcd woro bo struck with tho handsome appearance beautiful finish, and durnblo con siruction oC these Kuga lhat thoy atoncosont for a largo ehipmont, wh'ch nro now tlnding rnarty ealo. Thoy nro suitable frr Tonnsta, Carriago Hugs, Golddiggors. and Trnvellora by land and sen, as tho warmth and comfort Imparted surpnßS all other woollen Hugs. Only obtainable) at tho City Hall Arcade. GARLICK & CRANWKLL, Proprietors, BLACK CILKS at Co-oporativo Prioon. Wo Btudy to soil tho Cheapoet Waok Silks in Town, ooinmoncing at 2a 91 up to 11s 6d. Our Is 6d quality commando a roady silo—spiondld ftlUC* G A RUCK & ORAN VVKLL. END OF SKASOV. Clearing out of Rem nants. A quantity of Remnants aro cleared off overy Friday and Saturday, at Cheap RatOß, by GARLICK & CRANWKLL. RKMNANT3 of DroBS Goods and Trimmings REMNANTS of Prints and Satoons RKMNANTS of Ribbons and Kmbroidory REMNANTS of Shooting and Flannol REMNANTS of Tweods and Moleskin RKMNANTS of Damask and Cretonnes BKMNANT DAYS, Friday and Saturday at the CITY HALL ARCADK. GARLICS & CRANWKLL a "TiRAPKRY AND pLOTIIING / P.\ AT /OS. \ co . O p EXA TIVE CASH \-y prices, PU R X /I AS H UVTH TX M URK laSH OYSIKM AT THB ni.TY TTALIi ARCADK. Queen-Stbeet, Auckland, GARLICK & CRANWELL. T. W. H ICKSON (Lato Inspector Genoral Survey Department), Begs to Inform his friends and tho public generally that ho has retired from tbo Govern ment service, and entered into business as LAND IiKOKER. Licensed to Transact Business under tho Pro visions of the Land Transfer Act Several Good Invkstmkjtcb Open. Some of tho Best FARM 3 about Auckland to Lot. Splendid Building Sites in and out of town Surveys of every description at Lowest Possible Rates. Conveyancing under Land Transfor Act at trifling cost. SOUTH BRITISH CHAMBERS, Corner Queen and Shortlano streets. TUST RECEIVED, AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, . With Plated Arms. Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quite New. JJ. F O 1! I E 11 & C 0., Queen and High &trkkts \*7 INK&& DTALL. HAVK REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PPvEMISES IN FOKT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THKIK CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONQER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY ILL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THEKE-BUILDINGOFTSBIR WARE HOUSE IN SHOBTLAND-STREET. T\RESS Q.OODS. W.ANTED KNOWN: Q.OOD USEFUL J)RNS3 ARE BEING SOLD AT HALF PRICE. RUSHBKOOK & BKIDGMAN'S. Is 6d Materials fob 9d. "Wo havo bought a large JOB LOT o£ the above, and are giving our Customers the benefit, FANCY DKESS MATERIAL In Great Variety, 0-at a heavy reductions off usual prices to Clear Out During The SsisoN. A Fresh Lot of good cheap twked good cheap twekd for Boys' Wear /HTJUST To HAND.TB* 5% Discount (Is in the £) aUowed off all CASH Purchases of 203 and Upwards. "DUSHBROOK & "DRIDGMAN, DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS [Opposlto tbo Army and Navy Hotel], Uppeb.^Que en-street, Auckland qTOCK-TAKLNU OAKGAINS In preparation for Stock-taking, WILLIAM RATTRAY has] REDUCED THE PRICES OF HIS LARGE AND WBLL-ASSOETBD STOCK OF QUMMER pOSTUMES, Tl/TANTLES, AND TIfILLINHRY, In order to effect a clearance. COSTUMES at 12a 6d Rbducbd to 9s 6d 1 COSTUMES at 19s 6d i Reduced to 103 ; COSTUMES at 25s Reduced to 19s 6d ' COSTUMES at 303 ( RKDUCED to 253 I COSTUMES at 35s ' Reduced to 28s 6d j COSTUMES at 4os Reduoed to 37s 6d MANTLES and MILLINERY are Reduoed in : similar proportions, AT ( TyiLLIAM "OATTRAY'S i 3ostumb, Mantle, Millineby, & Gbneraii s Drapery Establishment, ' NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, < 66, QUEEN-STKEET, AUCKLAND. I



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*•" £1 Fkkk uiptbi—Tho Proprietors ol "VVOUK'B AIt"MATIO SOHKDAM SCHNAPPS, to lnauco tho destruction and proront tho im proper uao of their wnippcrs and Übols, and thus further protect the Public against fraud and deception, havo enclosed In the wrappers, or under the labsl on tho quart bottlos, slnoo Ist Ootobor, 1878, and continue toonoloso in jcvkkv day's packing throughout thr vkar T H H X X £1 O It D & It S, which are drawn upon tho undorslgnod, and which will bo cashed by thorn on preeoutation. To secure these GifW, tuo Publio must bo careful to ask for, and accopt no'hing but, tho UINUINK UDOIPHO WOT.KKS SCHNAPI'B, With our namo upon tho top label, M. MO8« & Co. Wynyard Lano, Sydney.