SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER] _**_*™2ffimm 7.37 ' UNBKT.—This Evening. 6.13 1 UN BISK.—To-Morrow Morning. 6.5 MOON'S AGK,-Fnll Moon. lGth, 10.16 a.m.

ARRIVALS. LAST EVENING.

Albion, 8.5.. Chatfleld. from tho South Queen, schooner, Jones, from Hokianga TO-DA7. Wellington, ~-s., Anderson, from tho South Heron, echoonT. Burstcll, from Sydney Energy, sch M Roland,from Noumea

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING.

Argyle, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarei Albion, s.s., Chaiileld, for Whanxar ci Griffin, schooner, Fleet, for Admiralty Island.}

TO-DAY.

Lizzie Guy. echoon°r, st npher,3 for oamaru, Loch Un-, barque, Murdoch, for London

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Sydnev-Zealandia, P.M. s s . 25th San Francisco-Australia. P.M. b s., Afril Ith Tauranga — Gleneig, WedccsJay; waitaki

Thursday Russell—lona, Monday Whanearoi and Russell—Waitaki, Wednesday New Plymouth and dci-h—Penguin, Tue-day Whangarei—Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays

Waitaki, Friday Friendly Islands-Myrtle

VESSELS EXPECTED

Wolverine. H.M.3., from -ydney, short y Meropo, ship, from London Oxford, ship. (M.T.L.S.) from London ; sailed

Dec. I Sydenham, barquo IJ.M.F.Q), from L:ndon sailed November 27th Avona, barque, from London; to sail January

15 Chile, barque, from London : loading Orient, barque, from New York; to sail Feb ruary 11 Peru, barque, from|London ; sailed Jan. 12

IMPORTS.

Per Albion from Melbourne and South-500 packages sugar. C 9 sack 3 see 1. 100 sacks malt, 20 cases neats. SO bundles rattans, 25 cifes milk. 150 boxes caudles, 100 sacks gras_ soed, 15 rases champagne, :0 sacks malt, 3 tanks, shhds. beer, 11 packages iron, 226 sundry packages.

Per Heron, from Sydney—lol7 bagsbonidust.

Per Julia Price, from Noumea—2l hides, SCO bunches banana?, 50 brigs potatoes, 1 tin arrow root, l bale merchandize, 2.pieces silk, 3 pieces print.

EXPORTS.

Per Lech Urr. for London—2Jls cases kanri gam. 33" balea wool. 47 casks tallow, 235 tons anl 6.1 bags copra 111 cases pearl shell, IS2 f-ns and 531 bigs mangane3s, 6 bales cotton. 19i0 horns. 47 ingots zinc, 20 case 3 furniture am! effects, 2 bales basil, and 0 packages of s ndrits.

Per Xorval, for Norf-lk liland-3 casvs geneva, 1 half-chest tea, 1 e're-t tta, 1(1 casts sngar, 2 casc3 kerO-ene. 5 boxes class, 30 sacks flour, 41 pieces timber, 3 doors, 6 packages draDery, 1 packages oilnians' s ores, 12 banales bcop ir0n.287 sacis potatoes, 21 ca-e3 anil.) sacks onions, 210 bsxes soap, 12 coils rope, 16 pieces kauri props. 250 pieces sawn timber, 20 sacks flour, 2 cascslpaint, 35 sundries.

Inwakd6 Coastwise—South Carolina, from Barrier, with 16 tons wood: Klsinore, frcm Tairua, with 27.000 feet timber: Paki, from Talma, with 23.000 feat limber, 20 bags gum ; Mary Ann, from Mahurangi, with 700 bushels lime, nnd 26,000 shingle?; Makano, fron Ngunguru. with 21000 tons totara limber; Mariner, from Russell, with 100 tons coa'; Queen, from Hotiiacga. with 20 package. snndrie3; Janet, from \. hangarei Head., with 23 toes stona.

Outwards COASTWISE. — South Carolina, for Blind Bay: Paka, f--r Tairua: Mary Ann, for F.ussell.w ith 200 bricka and 10G0 feet timber: St. Clair, from Whangapoua. with 13 tons rail way iron ; Mariner, for r-U.se.l.

The schooner Heron arrived from Sydney this afternoon and was berthed alongside the end of the Railway Pier. Tne master reports tho passage aa follows:—Left Sydney on 19th Febroary and experienced a south-ess: wind np to lSOdeg K. long., and when in 150' eg K. long, had a very heavy S.W. ga c which iasted for three days. Thence to land had a succession of easterly gales and dirty weatt-er, caising the vessel to lay nnder Cape Maria Van Pieman for four days. Thenc3 to port sostberly winda and line weather.

When off Cape Brett on Snnday nLtht. tho Bdhooner Heron pa_aed a large ship with painted parts, bound for Auckland. Sho will prove to bo either the Sydenham, Oxford, cr Hereford, all now overdue.

'I ho schooner Norval cleare_! at the Customs to-day for Norfolk Island and New Caledonia. with a large general cargo, She will probably sail thia evening. Passengers :—Mi.s Kimas, Mr Christian, Mr Donald Nicholson.

Tho schooner Marion left NouTie.. for th_3 port abont the sth instant, 10 day 3 prior to the de parture of the Energy,

The schooner Policeman was discharging at Noumea when the Energy left.

The s.s. Wellington arrived from the South eirly this morning. She left Port Chalmers on Friday at 3 p.m. and had fine weather and Strom? Northerly winds until reaching Tai ranga on'l ue3day. From thence to port light We-terly bre.ze The Wellington is under the command of CapUin Anderson, and leaves for Whangarei at 5p m. this evening. Passen gers for Tanranim and South:—MrTaylor, Hurt, HomdeiL Archdeacon Maunaell, Dither, Mr and ilrs Hichmond, Mr and Misses (2) Taylor, Benny, Chadvrick, J. T. Garlick, lVh,t». PeLnoll, A. Bond, Wm. Maloney, Cock, Mr and Mra Taylor, R Graham.

The schooner Grifliin for Admiralty labnd took as passengers—Messrs None and C. Mason.

The schooner Energy arrived in harbour early this morning flying the French flag. She left Noumea on the sth mat. Had a strong bre-ze from the south-west for the first three dijs, a. tor which changeable weatnerwasexperienced until arrival, Captain Koland and Savory both came in the vessel and the latter gentleman gives over command here. The (energy comes here in ballast, and will leave again for Noumea very shortly.

Mr Hutchinson, lato chief officer of the b.s. Waitaki, has been appointed to the same posi tion on the b.s. Wellington, which ia taking over the trade o£ the former vessel.

The schooner Julia Price, which arrived last evening, left Noumea on the 3rd. and sailed for Norfolk Island on February 19th, a'riving on the 26th inst. Left for Auckland on March 9th, and arrived at 1 p.m. yesterday. She brings ihe following pa.sengers :—From Noumea —Mr Stephen Brown. From Norfolk Island—Rev. Mr Combis, Messrs Charles and Young Bnitett, Frank Holmes, Heaman, and 1 South Sea Island native..

The s.s. Albion from Southern Ports reached the wharf abont 5.20 p.m. yesterday. Port Chalmers was left on the 9th at 5 p.m., and Ljttelton reached at 130 pro. next ovening. Sailed at 920 p.m,, and arrived at Wellington on the 11th, Napier 13th, Gis borne 14, Auckland a. above. Strong head winds and variable weather were experienced during tho trip. Passengers: Misses Bacon, Larnach, Mesdames l.arnach, George, Cook, Hackworth, Messrs Ma.on, Grant, Campbell, Watson, Dow, Larnacb, George, Davis, Corlis., Potter, Airey, Hardy, Edwards, Laidlaw, Shanks, Dunkg, Roberts. Rose, Ward, Collar, Anderson, Reid, Morrah, Ilird, Colebrook, Owen,

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES. Samson, p.b., Harvey, for the South Lalla Rookh. as., Campbell, for Waitara Rowena, s.s, Amodeo, for Waitara

IMPORTS.

Per Rowena, from Waitara: 193 sheep, 31 head cattle, 1 case butter.

EXPORTS.

Per Rowena, for Waitara : 7 packages sashes, 2 packages glass do;rs, 3 cases dynamite, 2 cases powder, 3 ca.es ploughs, 3 bars iron, 18 sa3h weights, 22 packages sundric?.

Per Samson, for the South : 13 cases biscuits, 3 packages sashes, 2 ba'es leather, 13 packages sundries.

The p.s. Samson, for the South, took the fol lowing passengers :—Messrs Short, Niocol, and two others.

The s.s. Rowena. from Waitara yesterday, brought the following passengers :—Meßsrs Cash, Todd, Kelly, Duncan, Lsruins, Hickson, Booke, Mclntyre, Cas3, and Mrs Duncan.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Arrived: Saucy Kate, Sea Bre°ze, and Oswald. __ailed: Golden Isle and Spitfire for Auckland; lona, s.s., for Whangaroa. Sailed: Saucy Kate and OnwarJ. Anived: Ruby. Weilington, this day. Airived: Wakatipu, s.s., from Sydney. Lyttklton, this day. Arrived: Oreti, b.s., from Wellington, Pailed -. Arawata, for tho South; Wigtonshire, for London. Port Chalmers, this da 7. Arrived: Rotomahana, b.s, from Melbourne via Hobart and Bluff. Sailed: Penguin, s.s., for the South.

THE WEATHER.

A8 OBSERVED AT TELEGRAPH STATIONS Mabch 16, 1881. ~~~ Wind. ci lo . __■ ■a » a I S I % State of Sea, Station. go §• 5 Bar, g S S si d or Rivers. 2 0 6 2® q "I n _. t> Manukau.... W. Br. 29.1165 C. Thames N.W. U 30.0170 B. Tauranga.... C. —30.19 65 0. seaca'm Napier N.W. L. 30 19 61 B.C aca smooth Taranaki.... 3.W. — 30.15 67 B.C soamod.swl. Wanganui... N.W. F.B 29.92 GS P. Wellington.. - - — 68 B.C Nelson N.W. L. 299563 - Greymouth. — it. 29 98 —R. soacon'rablo Lyttelton.... N.K. L. 29596-B.C Timaru N.W. — 29.58 65 C. sea smooth Oamaru — f.B 29.66 61 B.C sea moderate Bluff- 3.W. Br. 29.58 56 — Pt. Chalmers aNK [_. 29.60 62 B.C C—Calm 1 IP. Br.—Fresh Breeze I_.-Ijght St.-Stormy Br.—Breeze I G.—Gale (2.) ANEROID BAROMETER. (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS B.—Blue sky, be the at- O.—Ovorcast.the whole mosphere clear or Bky covered with heavy thick clouds O. — Clouds, passing P.—Passing showers clouds Q.— Squally D.—Drizzling rain R. — Rain, continued F.—Foggy rain 6. — Gloomy, dark S.—Snow weather T.—Thunder H.—Hail U. — Ugly, threatening L,—Ughtninjj appearance

COMMERCIAL.

Evening! Star Office, [Wednesday.

Messrs Cochrano and Son offered a number of honsea and allotments to-day for sale, by order of the mortgagee, but they were not sold.

Mr G. W. Binney held a well attended sa'e of general produce to-day :—Oatmeal brought £10 15s; bonedost, £5 l's 6d; Sydney hams, Sd ; Canterbury cheese, lid; Wairoa cheese, 3d, <not heßt quality); oats, 2s per bushel. Tho , bidding was spirited, and the sale satisfactory,

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as Under.— This DAT. For Wangiroa, p3r Kricmhilda, at 1 p.m. For Whangarei Heads. Whangarei. Russell, and Kawakawa, per Wellington, at 1 p.m. For Coromandel, por Coromandel. at 5.30 p.m. For Thames, per Knterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Thcbsday, 17th Instant. For Gisborne, Napier, southern rorts, and Australian Colonies, per Albion, at 9 rum. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Craigieburn. and .Varkwortb. per Koso Casey, at 10 a.tn. For W'aitars, per Rowena, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at i p m, Friday, ISth instant For Loruka, per Tavinui, a-. 11 am. For Whi.iangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotlki, per Gleneig. at 1 p.m. Monday, 21st instant. For Friendly Islands and Samoa, per Myrtle Tt'KSDAY, 2-kh instant. Per s.s. Zenlnndia, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Centra! and south America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered lotters, and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. l-aie letters bearing an extra feo of sixpence. In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to the lime of sailing. Tr.i-i mail will be duo In London on Tuesday, May 10, IS3I, S. B. BIS?, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

March 16th, lSol

Theatre Royal - 1 hompson's Confedetate Diorama of the American War, Spin, Choral Hall—Miss Black's Grand Concert, S p.m.

Wellesley-street I'apti.t Church Services— Women's Service, 7.15 p.m.

Drill-shed—Meeting of Commandinz Ollicers and subalterns ot Volunteer Corps, 7 30 p.m.

Excelsior Lodge Good Templars—Open Meet inf., toni.3. Sec, 7.3J p.m. Dr. Slmms. Lome-street Ha'.l-Lccturo : "The Forms and Feature, of Man," S p.m.

Death.

MEUBURN'.-On March 15, Georgo Meoburn, the snn of Armstrong anl __.ary Meuburn, in the 19th year of his aue. 1 li_- funeral will l-"ivo his father's residence, Cook-street, near Vincent-street, to-morrow (Thursday), at 3 o'clock;. Friend, will pItMS-J uccept tins invitation to attend.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1881.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the future in the dUtance, And Ihe s_od lhat we can do",

We had before announced onr inten tion to defer comment on the Grammar School inquiry until its close. The feelings we entertain upon the subject are inconsistent with any attempt to prejudge the case before the whole of the evidence on both sides is elicited. For a very long time past thero lias been a strong and very general feeling that the school was not doing anything like the work that should bo expected from it, considering the handsome character of its endowments, the large revenue from fees, and the costliness of the teaching staff. This feeling was participated in by a very largo propor tion of the parents. Rumours c.tme from within the institution of serious internal discord, want of unity and system, and general disorganisation. With these rumours, with this evident want ot success as compared with Southern schools before us, wo were not prepared to accept the only alternative conclusion open,—the efficiency of tho school being grunted—namely, that Auckland boys aro peculiarly dull. Tt seemed much more probable that the fault was with the school than with the boys. Radical changes, and tin inquiry which would lead to those changes, were necessary, and initiatory stops having been taken wo were con tent to await the issue. But it is evi dent that this magnanimity does not extend to those who are resolved to uphold the old regime irrespective of the evidence. The " Herald," which has already so infamously distinguished itself by coarse vulgar calumnies on everyone who has dared to impugn the immaculate character of the school management, returns to the subject to day with an obvious determination to prejudice, if possible, the conclusions which are being irresistably driven home by a connected, and so far un broken, chain of testimony. That being so, it becomes our obvious duty to counsel caution against these palpable attempts to draw a red herring across the scent. The inquiry, however, has had a very apparent effect on the tactics of our vituperative and jaunty friend. It is no longer possible with even a chance of being read seriously to say that there is nothing more in these complaints than personal animosity against Mr Macrae or incompetence on the part of his critics. Vile slanders, abusive tirades, and an e.xtraordinary display of proficiency in the resources of Billingsgate have wretchedly failed to smother the testimony given by one teacher after another, though exceed ingly unwilling witnesses. The 'Horald' at last is forced to the confession "That improvements ought to be made in the school will be admitted by any person who has had an opportunity during the last few years of obtaining knowledge of its working, or who has followed the evidencealready recorded." And after one qualified master after another has come forward and said :— It i 3 true that internal discord reigned in the school; it is true that the school is inefficient and below 1 the standard of similar institutions elsewhere ; it is true that the classifi cation is bad and retards the success of ■ the school; our contemporary is com pelled to put about on another tack The manner in which it accom plishes tliis is so ingenious that we are really impelled to quote it literally : —" But it is somewhat strange " ex claims the' Herald' " that, when taking this evidence as to classification, the head-master should be put in the position of defendant and accused. Have the Governors not known the method of classification adopted . Have they not sanctioned it ? Is the Headmaster now to be punished, although this plan had the full knowledge and sanction of the Board. The members of the Board are sitting in judgment on themselves. If they condemn the Headmaster they condemn themselves. If the system of classification hitherto adopted has been wrong, then the Governors were unfit for their position." Unfit Jor their position —that is a strong term coming from such a source. Of course they were unfit, because they were mere directors of school-cleaning instead of Governors; because they resolutely refused to introduce any of the reforms which everyone else saw to be necessary, and in which lay the 'only safety of the school ; and because they allowed per sonal prejudices and friendships to sway them in the discharge of a public duty. Jt was this very unfitness that rendered a change in the Board of Governors necessary as a first step to any change in the school. But the Board of Governors were not unfit for their duties because they did not undertake personally the work of classification—that was the duty of the He dm aster. In a secondary sense no doubt the Board are responsible as the appointors of the Headmaster, and if our contemporary means it to he un derstood the Board have proved theii unfitness in that way, its manner of ex pressing itself is to say the least, mis-

leading, though its deduction may be indisputable. Iv nothing more has the unfitness of the Board been exemplified than in this inquiry. The miserable attempt to rid itself of a plain respon sibility by forcing Dr. Purchas most unwarrantably into the position of prosecutor ; the character of some of the evidence admitted, and the general method of conducting tho inquiry, certainly tend to support our contemporary's conclusion, but not exactly iv the way the " Herald " in tends. We do not hesitate to characteiise the badgering to which Dr Purchas was subjected yesterday, as simply dis graceful, and such as the Board should immediately and firmly have protected the witness from.

Tito whole course of this ugitation and inquiry i-s a .singular counterpart of a similar experience in shaking up tho dry hones of the Endowed Schools in England, _Vc .shall close by simply quoting a passage des criptive of this movement from Sheldon Amos'.s "English Constitu tion," leaving our readers to institute the remarkably striking comparisons which the text suggests. After describ ing the long strugglo over the question of University Reform, Mr Amos says:—

"Iv the course of reconstructing educa tional endowments, Parliament has encoun tered almost more pertinacious resistance when endeavouring to scour and invigorate the vast number of endowed schools feat ured ihuitighout the country than even when giappling with the opposition pre sent.d in the great scats of learning. In the ease of these .e.hnols pctsonal aud loeil interests had been found very strong for tie: purpose of preventing inquiry, impending and delaying proposed change*, and at length curtailing and dwarfing the schemes for change in such a way as to re.luce the benefits of parliamentary interference to the smallest possible point. ' At the same time it was uot possible to n'outo the interest of the public and nll'cet its imagination in the ease of innumerable institutions of some what insignificant dimensions, in (he same way in which it was po=sible to generate n public cone in for University reform. Nevertheless, Parliament neither shinnk from the task nor has had any contemptible degree of success in accomplishing it, to far as it has yet advanced. The same method was in principle followed as had been pur sued iv the instance of previous comprehen sive rcior.nis of a similar sort. A Sclnols Inquiry Commission was first appointed, upon an elaborate Report of which Commis sion the Endowed Schools Act of ISti'J was based. Fresh Commissioners were ap pointed under this Act for die purpose of applying the reforms contemplate 1 by it to the circumstances of all the schools which were comprised in the original Commission

.'-chenies lor the reconstruction ot the-e schools were to be prepared, and to become law en their having lain for a definite period on the table of both Houses of Parliament without being objected to by either House, l'he main dilliculty experienced in the pre paration and euiorccmeiit of these schemes lias been due to a competition between the alleged claims—for which the language of the trust all'orded sullicient colour—of a narrow body of local residents ou tbe one baud, and those of the general population oi the country on the other."

The rota ot attendance at the Conrl ot Petty Sessions on Tuesday next, tbe --ml instant, includes the following Justices ol the Peace :-Mos<ra T. Henderson, J. 11. Home, E. Isaacs, 15. Inland, 11. M. Jcrvis, T. li. Kendenlitifi, O. S. Kissliug, O, 11. Lusk, J. May, li. MacLcan. C. C. Mc- Millan, H. .le C. Mnrtelli, J. Mel.lwain, T. Macflarlane.

A sharp earthquake shock was felt at Tauranga on Monday at thirteen minutes to nine o'clock a,in., the shock lasting fully a minute. It was felt all over the place nnd at Kntiknti. Its direction ap peared to be from south-west to north-east.

Tho healing of evidence in the charge of stealing tin-ware from the warehouse of Mr Henry Waitc, in the case of Samuel Brown, beforo .Messrs Hurst and Urett, was concluded yesterday. The other charge* of stealing knives, forks and spoons from the diniua-rooras of Mr Dallen and Mr Waters, will he taken on Monday next.

The nuciience at tbe Theatre Royal was not quite so numerous as on previous nights, still nn equal amount of enthusiasm was manifested, especially in tbe distribu tion of gifts. The suite of furniture was churned by Mr Ireland, of Urey-strect, who possessed Ihe lucky ticket. it was announced Unit a similar suite would be given to-night, but to-morrow, St. Patrick's night, a valuable pianoforte will be pre sented iv honour ol Ireland's patron s»int.

Mr .1. Bridgewatcr, the builder of the miii-Uure ship referred to in our columns a few days ago has now in hand a smart look ing model yacht, '2ft. !>in. keel, 3ft. Dili, over nil, which be has built in prospect of the race for such craft in the Ponsonby regatta. We b.lievc the model yacht race will bring forward between 30 and4ocompetitors.

We hear that Mr J, A, Wilson has decided to form a limited company to work the White Island sulphur, and has paid a vi.-it to Melbourne in order to further tin project. The capital is to be £30,000, of which £15,000 is to be paid up. We under stand several Melbourne capitalists will be largely interested. We cordially wish success to a project that cannot fail to be of great advantage to the town antl distiict.

The Assessment Court for the Karanga hape Highway Di.-trict was held this fore noon before Mr Barstow, Judge. There was only one objection, Mr Punch appeal ing against his valuation, but as he did not appear, no alteration was made. The assessment roll was confirmed, and the Court then adjourned.

The third ot a series ot evangelical sei vice was hehl in the Baptist Church, Wellesley street, last evening. There was a crowded attendance, and addresses which proved specially interesting were delivered by Mrs Hamson and Mr Hemus. This cveuing's service specially for young women will be hehl at a quarter-past seven p.m. in the same building.

An inquest was held at the Whau Lunatic Asylum before Dr. Goldsbro', coroner, and a jury, on the body of Peter James, aged 03. The deceased had been nome months in the Hospital, suffering from paralysis, under which his powers of thought gave way. He was removed in December last to the Asylum,and died on the Uth inst. Dr. Young cave evidence as to the cause of death, and a verdict " Death from natural causes" Wfis returned. Con stable H. Clarke reprc.ented tho police.

The carp introduced some four or five years ago from 'i'aupo by Messrs Mitchell and Young into Rotorua Lake, and subse rviently into Rotorua, Tarawera, Rotoma hana, &c , by Captain Mair, have iocreascd in a most wonderful manner, and arc being now largely used by the natives for food, Tho white fish ova, deposited by Mr J, C. Firth, may or may not be a success, as there is no certainty of any fish having been seen by Europeans, although the natives in some parti state that they have observed a strange iish. We hope that tbe strange fish is the white fish, and that the lake will soon be full of them.

To the Editor : Sir,—Allow me to inform Mr Parsons, Secretary of the Gas Company, that I obtained my information re gas and water power from a person who I under stand lias used both engines. The state ment of what either cost to repair is admitted to be merely guesswork by Mr Parsons. Neither does he tell us how much less it costs for a Gas Engine than the amount previously stated by me. Gas is a useful, and, I believe, a profitable power iv more ways than one, as Mr Parsons and the shareholders can testify, antl so long as statements arc confined to lauding it, or making gas, no one has a right to take r-xecpt'ou ; but when it ueedsjthc detraction of another power equally as good and cheap, and a great dral more cleanly and u«eful after it has done its work, lie must expect a difference ot opinion to exist. — Yours, _c, Daylight.

The Stoke-.' Point Rand of Hope held its usual monthly meeting last night at the l school-house. Thcro was a good attendance of visitors, who had assembled to hear a paper read by Mr Hammoii I upon the ten tribes of Israel. Mr Wilson introduced the lecturer, and the choir, under the direction of Mrs Dixon, who presided at the harmonium, iuter.-p.rs.d the lecture with six pieces of appropriate music. The design of the lecture was to show that a distinction existed as to Israel and Judah, and that the former, well known as the lost ten tribes, but wherever they were, that a descendant of King David reigned over them, and many interesting proofs, such a. the stone of destiny, worked out a proof tbat our Queen is the Sovereign referred to. The second part of the lecture illustrated many indica tions, together with customs of our nation illustrated by diagrams, prepared for the ptupo.e. A vote of thanks to the lecturer and Mrs Dixon and the choir closed the -Hnuß°ment, with an expression that other useful subjects would, iv future, be brought or ward ou such occasions.

The specimen boulder, weighing 121b., picked up in a creek at tbe Tiki, is on view at the Waitemata Hotel. It is well worth inspection. It was telegraphed to us yesterday that the reef being driven for, in the low level of Blackmore's claim, Tiki, is important. The reef cut is believed to be that worked by Shcehan 150 feet above, and its discovery in the low level proves the reef to be con tinuous and well-defined, The P.V.ss. Co.'s Australia left S.in I'rani-i-co for this port on Sunday, the 13th instant, and . liould therefore put iv an ap pearance about Monday the 4th. Wc have received the sum of 3_ for the family allhctcd with typhoid fever, from Mrs Hay. In the Friendly .Socitties' Concert Pio gramme, published ou our frout poge, the name of Mrs Beitany has been inadvertently omitted. 1-ighty-four years ago there was uot a railway nor a locomotive engine on the face ■,f the eaith. Lighting by gas was ftint ami feeble ; there weic no lucifer matches ; soda water and cigars were recent innova tions, and newspapers—the present neces sity of civilized life—were scarce and deaf. In Europe, Napoleon was thundering at tin gates of kingdoms; Belgium was a i appan age of Holland; the Pup: held temporal power; Greece had no existence ; Athens was governed by pashas, and Wnllachin, Moldavia, Scrvia, and Koumclia had tint their apparently eternal sleep broken by any wild dream.-- of independence. Pillory ui<l wlepping-post still stood for women in England, A visitor to t.a!t. Lake City describes a -cone he witnessed in the Mormon Temple. A missionary by the name oi West, l\ ho bad just returned from England, took his st.illd on the lower rostrum, and narrated a doleful story of haul.hips and ill-suec■■.- . He stat.d that he had travelled on fo t ]ii>r.' than two thousand miles through l-iigland, but had everywhere encounterc' Ihe most tinfii.iidly teccptioit. He Ind often found it dillicult lo get n lodging when niglit approachctl. The people there were bitterly opposed lo Mormonism, and some of tlicm could not even pi-rmit a .Mor mon to remain over nieht in their house. In localities there, where Mormon churches niK'o existed luivitig as hi^li ns two hiuidr. d members each, not a single Mormon could now be liiuml. "The world," remarked this melanehiily missionary, "is blind with iniquity, and will not receive tlie gospel." Another Elder was rather severe on Ih unsuccessful apostle, and said some people were not qualilied to spread the gospel.

All Saints' Parishioners picnic—Ho :ib to meet the tidus, the steamer City of Cork will have Shelly lleacli at '.) and Quncn- Htreet Wharf tit 11.30 a.m. sharp, nml not 10 o'clock as printed in error. The committee earnestly request un early attendance.

A cab accident happened this morning near to the Union Sash anil Door Company's mill through the bolting of the hor.ie. '1 lie cab, which was driven by Mr Uolcbrook, was completely smashed, aud the horse some what injured.

"GitA' writes: -" Cannot something be dime lo put n stop to the iuul language and opprobium to which uupiotected female-' arc subject to from loquacious, fatuous city larrikins? Notwithstanding the almost daily notices which have appeared in the STAU and other pallets on this iusull'erable Uirikinisin, the nuisance is still allowed to go rampant. The other cveningn lady was passing through the Cemetery about seven o'clock, when a gang of puerile, would be men (save tbe murk) took the advantage, seeing sho was uupiotected, of indulging in their usual foible — casting indecent invective towards her. On her reproaching them for their unseemly behaviour, e-lie was overwhelmed with a tortent of abuse, and these proceedings were only terminated by the intervention of one or two gentlemen. A stranger land ing here ami witnessing such fcctics as these —unprotected females not being allowed to pass along tho street without being insulted—would certainly be im pressed with the conviction that Auckland possessed anything but a civilized com munity. It is the universal outcry that the time has coti.o when active steps should be taken to suppress this intolerable nuisance.

Return of sick treated at the Provincial district Hospital for tbe week ending Saturday, March 12th, ISSI :—Remained last return, 102 ; admitted since, 14 : dis charged, 14; died, 2; remaining, '.IS; males, 71; female., 24. Arrnngment ot cases: — Zymotic, If!; constitutional, 6; local, 45 ; developmental, IS; violent, 13. Twodtath. occurred, viz., E. 11., aged 38 years, male, on Till inst., of Bright* disease; W. \Y\, aged 50 years, male, on 10th inst , ot fever. Thanks arc returned to Mrs Clark for a quantity of grapes and preserves; to Mrs Heath for illustrate I magazines and old linen ; to Mra While for grapes und old linen; and ti Mr Eaglctoa for illustrated

papers, &c

Friday's "Obsctver" will bo much enlarged an I contain a number of new features, not to bo mention the prize coupon for a gold wiit h. antl ten other valuable gifts.

The children of the Alexandra-street Sabbath schcol am requested, by notice, to attend the funeral of their lute companion, Ucorgo Mcubirn. Tie profession will leave his parentis' residence, Cjok-str.cr, to-morrow afternoon, at 3 o'clock.

Tbe l.egistrar of dog», Mr (.oldie, adver tises d<>KS impounded, and won d warn owncs of docs net registered, tint they will be liable to be summoned at any time, as due notice has been niven requesting dog. to bo registered.

The steamer City of Cork will make two a two-hour trip to Orakoi Bay during to-morrow, commencing at 9'"o a.m., conveying passengers for Is ijd return f<ires tho will also make a moonlight trip to Motuihl, in the evening, leav ing tho wharf at 7 o'clock sharp.

Commanding Ollicers and Subalterns of all Volunteer Corps, will have seen 'n our adver tising columns they are invited to meet to-night in the drill-shed, re musketry instruction fjr Volunteers. It nupcars to us that the convener of tho meeting is impress- d with the belief that ho has something to Bay on the matter conducive to elllcicncy in this direction. If so, he ought to be afforded ar. opportunity of doing i\ by bolrg favoured with a hearing from tho c who should bo best fitted to give an osi .ion. We would therefore say to all Ollicers " by nil means ro."

Mrs Allen West's juvenile entertainment will bo given on Friday owning noxt nt 8 o'clock in tho Tomporanco Hall. Tho leathering is in connection with .Mrs West's pupils, and is to the pupil-t and friends, who will be present by special invitatation only. Tho aff-tir is select. No dancing. Tho published programmo is excellent.

GOLD FROM COROMANDEL.

THE Bank of New Zealand received per s.s. Coromandel yesterday a box of gold con taining 1,000 ounces. A large portion, we understand, is from the new goldfield at the Tiki.

WHAU PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

A VERY interesting Soiree was held lat-t night, at the Whau, to celebrate the an niversary of the settlement of the Minister, Revß. Sonimervillc. An ample tea was provided-the trays being given by the ladies who presided. When the tables were cleared the hall was prepared for the con cert, which was of exceptionally good character—the choir of the church being assisted by Mr and Mrs Culpan and friends from Auckland. The following programme was then gone through ;—lnstrumental piece, by Mr Slootcn ; solo and quartett, " bearer my Gcd to Thee," by Mr 'and Mrs Culpan, Miss Tait, and M'r 11. Culpan, which was beautifully rendered, and, in our opinion, was the gem of the evening. Part song " Down the River," choir; song, Mrs Culpan, "In the Gloaming;" duet, Mr and Mrs Bell " Polaskie's Banner;" song, "Mid-hip Mile," Mr Hannah ; song, Mr Bell, "FiiarofOrdcrsGrcy; Miss Archibald, " Ca«tles in the Air;" Duet, " Army and Navy," Mr Bell aud Mr Hannah; song, "Merry Sunshine, "Mrs Bell; song, "The Tar's Farewell," Mr H. Culpan; instrumental piece, Mr Slooten ; song, "Beneath the Elms," Miss Tait; choru«, " The Whittling Farmer, (ohoir) ; song, "Laud of the Leal," Mis Culpan; recita tion, The " Dog Tax," a parody upon '• I'lcJ Dog Tray," Mr Bell; song, " Golden Shore," Miss Tait,

Mr Buchanan, the Treamrer of the Church, in the course of the evening read a finauce statement, which was cousidered of an encouraging character, and speeches were delivered by the Venerable Mr Gittos and Mr H. Barton, A very pleasant evening was lirought to a close by singing the National Anthem.

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, Tuesday, At a meeting of tho Presbyterian Assembly this morning the Key. Mr Macnicol gave notice that lie would move iv connection with the foreign mission report, " That the Assembly take into coiisidciation the spiritual necessities of the Presbyterian resi dents of Fiji."

The Assembly expressed satisfaction at Ending that Otago and Southland have agreed to co-operate with this Church in the Maori Mission,

It was agreed to appoint a committee to confer with the Synod of Otago on the subject of uniou aud to repoit to next As sembly.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brief; tcr it is witn words an with sun beams : the moro thoy are condensed tho deeper ther burn."—Socthey. Freuch women are adopting the loud American fashion of wearing diamonds everywhere when cue has them to wear, The Volunteers are complaining of Major Derrom'a lengthy and prosy sermons on parade. An Austrian count has a railway on his estate whose carriages are propelled by sails. a city of London official estimates the annual income of that city's charities at £4,500,000, 'Ihe number of hogs packed in Chicago from October 27th to December 3rd last aggregated 1.200,000 head against 941,000 for same time in IS7O. At Washington ou Jan. 3 ihe deb', state ment issued shows the decrease ot the American public debt during December was £1,137,825. Mr \V, Welford, a Picton merchant, died suddenly in his chair ln*t night at the house of a friend where he had goue to spend the evening. The wheat crop in South Australia this year averages only six bushel-, to the. acre. A mm named John Ma her died suddenly yesterday wh'le engaged in the construction of the Balclutha cylinder bridge, As the bonnets grow smaller, the hair pins (.row larger, until row every other woman you see lias a brazen croquet arch in her trcs.es. There is an abundance of female candi dates as school teachers in Canterbury, but the male aspirants to the dignity of peda gogue are below requirement*.

DR. SIMMS' PHYSIOGNOMI CAL LECTURE.

Dn SIMMS delivered last evenin? in the Louie-street Hall a fiee public lecture on " l'njsii-giiomy," upon which subject he is n specialist. The building was crowded lo its utmost limits, and so also wero the doorways, the vestibule, and the auto-room. Sttcha throng has never before been seen in Lome-street. The walls of the hall were lined with portrait paintings of famous men and women, physiognomical charts, and diagrams, etc , and the back and sides of the stage were garnished in a similar way. The lecturer's discourse took tlio form of a conversational address of a didactic chnrac tor, friqucntly relieved by illustrative aud amusing anecdotes, and made entertaining by occasional droll remarks or humorous references. The audience listened intently, manifested their satisfaction at intervals, and applauded the funny isms most cordially. At the close of the lecture Dr. Slniins invited a few ladies lo come up on the plat form iv order to have their characters told. After a considerable amount of hesi tancy, and many appeals from the physiognomist, one young lady made her appearance upon the stage amidst tumul tuous applause. No one ventured to follow her example until the doctor had made the explicit assurance that he would carefully abstain from saving aught which would be to th? discredit of, or would be displeasing t>, his fair subjects. Then three other 1 ulies presented themselves for examination. Or. Simms, with much minuteness, and apparently with general correctness, recited their good qualities and special aptitudes, besides slating which of their relatives they most closely resembled, After this a number of old and well-known citizens were invited to come forwatd. There was an immediate rush to the plat foitn, but Messrs Geo. Staines, W, Hoth, Hall, W. lleale, Garby, and two other old identities secured tbo preference. The " People's Champion" was hailed with shouls of laughter aud loud plaudits of delight. Dr. Simms then pro ceeded with his facial diagnosis When Mr Staines' turn came the doctor told him that he was a bom politician, that l.c was not sensitive to ridicule, that he was not easily silenced in debate, anil that although he had courage suflicient to walk up to the mouth of a loaded cannon, he much preferred to walk up to the mouth of a pretty woman. Tbis part of the pro ceedings proved the most laughable. The second lecture will be delivered to-night.

PONSONBY WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Tills fourth anniversary BO'ree of this church was held last evening in the Ponsonby Hall. The audience waa .elect, but not over numerous. I he old-fashioned ten was dlscardod, and re placed by a sumptuous fruit refreshment, con _i»tlng of apples, bananas, grape., melons, lui.Hiun fruit, cunfectionory, ana Good Templar drinks. Iho chair wan taken by Mr Thoma. Bu Idle at soven o'clock, and in a ebon practical mhire.a he congratulated llic trust, aud hoped it would be a year of Brccia! thankfulness and renewed etrort In tho work of tho Church. He then unfolded bis programme, and called upon Mr John Gittos, the trust secretary, to read the annual report and balance-sheet, which showed as follows:—There has been purchas-rt n suitable parsonage for tho resident min ister I Uev. Mr Dewsbury I, on the Ponsonby Road, for .(;;_.'). tho money being borrowed from iho Auckland Savings ISank at 7 per cent., tho Circuit Quaiter Hoard paying the interest. Tho congregitiona had been gDod, and tho pastor's ministrations greatly appreciated. All tho sittings aro let, and considerable difficulty Is fcl; in providing accommodation for Hrangers. As the present church only c ntained sittings for 150 persons, exclusive of children, the tru . lees I ad determined, as soon a . possible consis tent with ttnaocial prudence, to erect a church capable of sea' ing 100 to 500 pei sons. Tne we -k evening services are fail I y attended. '1 hanks are accorded to Mm lion-ley and thu members Of the choir f>r the;r services. Tliree society clauses are held in connection with tho Church, but ought to bo bo'Uir attended. Mr Hanbury had rO-ignegl tin sup ■rinteudency of the Sunday school owing to business engiig.meiits, md Mr Siephenson had been elected hissucc.s-or. Th attendance was good. The various funds had been well sustained. According to tho ba'ance sh'-ct tiie receipts of tho trust fund amounted to £91 l's sd, ami the expenditure to £S0 19a lid. leaving a balance in hand of £10 I_. 7<i. The receipts from miscellaneous sourceß amounted to £231 10s 2d.

Mrtlittos also reid in tho report an extract from eoino utterance made by Dr lii..g on " Worship, where it would appear that either Dr. Bigg or somo of the trust were in favour of introducitiir a wholesome form of liturgy as a beautiful substitute for some of tho rambling prayers tney listened to. When Mr Gittos read this, there were low murmurs heard and a strange uneasy feeling manifested (imor.g somo of the listeners, and evidently this part of the report gave a sting to not a fow ; but it was only skin d-ep, for the hope is privately expressed that Mr Gittos could not favour Buch a ritua'istic tendency among 'ho Methodists of Ponsonby. Tho Rev. Mr Runcii-ian gave an address on reading novels. Tho advico he uttered was sound aid came from a liberal miud. He said that nove's were just liko human beings, somo wero bad, other, better, nnd .oine very good Wo must shut, tho bad aud keep to that which is good and true. He hinted that tho " Waverly novels" wore pure and worthy to bo studied. He did not point out any particular book to shun or to accept, but would allow every person to cbooso for himself, directed in their choico by a love of the good and holy. Mr F. A. White t-poko on tho duty of lay men in regard to Caurchwork. Ho said there was too niu"h grumbling among tho laymen. The speaker did not point out any of tho causes which brought about this Btsto of things, but admonished t hem to do their duty to the Church. He also forgot lo tell that a ponlon ol tho grumbling camo from the Sisters, who nobly bid their part in this department of the work, and the balance eometimes camo fro-n tho ministers ihomse.ves. 'Iho address was pincticil ond earnestly delivered, Tho Rev. Mr Hodgson's address was ono of the best of tho evening. Tho theme wis " Tho Godrevealing power of Christi n Character." Hi _ manner of delivering wa3 pleasing, his volco was sweet nnd tel'i-g, and tho reasoning was such ne to give tone to any gatncrlng.

.Mr Randerson's speech was tho humorous ono of tho evoning on " Masks," Ho mado a good ihi gout of tho subject and touched everybody, from the minister to tho smallest domestic in tne homo, iho singing was good. Tho Rev Mr Morley proposed a voto of ihankß to tho speaker, chii'rman, and choir, which was carried by acclumntion.

SUPREME COURT.—In Banco.

THIS DAY. (Before His Honor Mr Justice Richmond.)

Admission to Phactice.—Mr E. Hesketh moved under the Law Prac titioner's Act of 1861, that Mr R. W. Dyer should be admitted to practice as a solicitor and barrister. Tho necessary forms and regulations having baeu com plied with, Mr Dyer was admitted and i enrolled.

Re W. T. J. Bell, arranging debtor,— Mr Colemau applied for an order declaring the deed of arrangement ti be completely executed. —Ord»r made ns requested.

Re Samuel Vivian (a debtor).—Mr Browning, instructed by Messrs Jackson and Russell, applied for Vivian's discharge from bankruptcy.—Order made accor dingly.

He Veale Harness (a debtor).—The debtor applied in person for his discharge, and there being no opposition it was granted. Drew v. Abbott (action for slander) — MrE. Hesketh appeared for tho defendant, aud in support of a motion to dismiss on the ground that the last step in the matter had been taken by the plaintiff on the 31st August last, and that since then lie had not proceeded further with it, There was uo appealance on the other side. Mr Hesketh stated that the case was ripe for trial in August last, but that no step had been taken since.—His Honor remarked that it was a clear case for a peremptory order. He would, however, order that the plaintiff should take his next step in the action within 14 days ; otherwise it will he dismissed.

j National Panic v Uncles,—Appeal J against a decision givcu iv the District Court at New Plymouth.—Mr E. Hesketh with Mr Samuels appeared for the appel- I lant, and Mr Fell for the respondent. I (Left Sitting,)

NATIVE MEETING AT WAIRARAPA.

(BY TELEGIUni, OWN COKBESPONDENT.)

WELLINGTON, this day. The following is tho "Post's" special account of the preparation for the great native meeting at Wairarapa. The " korero" or talk commences to-morrow forenoon at the great native meeting at Te Oreore, near Masterton, For the hist week parties of visitors have been arriving at all hours of the day from different parts of the colony, and with each fresh arrival there is a regular " taugi" iv honour of the memory of those who have died since the patties last met.

Un Thursday a large party of Hawkes' Day natives arrived and weie played into the" pah by the Masterton brass band, specially engaged for the occasion of the " taugi.'' Tbe Wairarapa natives presented their visitors with au enotmous )il_ ot piovisions, kuniaras, potatoes, Hour, tea, sugar, sheep, and pigs, etc., t'ne value oi the gift being estimated at nearly £1000, exclusive oi the supply of diied shark ami eels.

Ou Saturday last there were from 1000 to 1200 natives iv the pah, and the scene .. a a most interesting one. The tents, 70 or SU in number, arc ranged in almost military order, and there are a large number of huts atld wooden buildings also available for ac commodation. A long row of Maori ovca at one side provide cooking facilities, aud a large force pump has been erected to supply water. The utmost discipline and ordei prevails. A loug code of rules and regula tions, beginning with a recital of the Ten Commandments, aud descending to_ the level of municipal bye-laws in providing tiiat no native is to lide fa.tcr than at a walking pace when coming up the avenue to the pah, i. conspicuously posted up, and the lines therein specified —varying from 2. (id to £s—are strictly enforced. There tire a largo number of policemen appointed for this purpose, some wearing correct and complete "bobby" uniforms—others dis tinguished only by a knot of red braid on their shoulders. No intoxicating liquor is permittril iv the camp, and should any ol the natives smell of drink on their return trom a visit to town a tine is immediately inllicted. Most ofthc ineriin Campnrefine, stalwart young fellows, but there are a few venerable eld Maoris, Most of the women arc well dressed, some of thorn iv the most fashion able manner, THE NATIVE SERVICE. On Sunday morning the Yen, Archdeacon Williams of Napier, held service in the splendid runanga house, assisted by the Rev. Mr l'ineluiti, a Maori clergyman About GOO natives attended and the scene was au interesting and impressive one. There were no seats, only mats on the floor, and when your correspondent came in an old woman observing liini kneeliug on the ground at once offered him a share of her mat, a favour which necessitated too close companionship to be altogether pleasant. Although tho number of prayer books availaolc was small, all the natives appeared thoroughly at home in tho service, aim repealed the responses audibly ami accurately. Tho heat in the building wa« intense, as although its architects have devoted an enormous amount of labour ami spent a large sum of money, and shown great ingenuity and much taste iv it design, erection, und ornamentation, the\ had forgotten altogether to provide for ventilation. The grcnt korero, however, is to be held in the large straw covered, open space in front. The cdqect of the meeting seems to be simply a kind of family re-union of the branches of a tribe scattered over di Her cut parts of tbe colony, ami to hear the words of a family prophet who ha« ariseu amongst them in the person oi a chief named Paul The is no political significance attached to the gathering, and it is not expected that be would touch on politics at all. For some months past he has been living secluded in a small wooden hou^e attended only by his two wives and a few favored followers. Even now there is a police station and a guard outside tbe entrance. THE HAU HAU PROPHET. On Sunday, after service, which the prop'ret and hauhaiis of course did not attend, your correspondent and two or three oilier gentlemen were as a great favour permitted to enter and interview Paul. He was seated, wrapped in a not over clean rug, ova kind of bed. He appears to be a thin wiry old man of medium stature and with a rather restless expression in tbe eyes. His face is small and the features rather sharp, bearing token. of an acquaintance with b'.tli physical aud mental Buffeting. lie is viry deaf, and has to be attended by a mail with good lutiL's to about out to him what is said. He received and shook hands with us most graciously, and then suddenly produced two half-crowns which lie gravely banded to us. Wc were rather taken aback at;tbi«, but one of the party acquainted with Maori manners observed us. It was, accordiog to native custom, a high compli ment as an expression of welcome. Paul also ordi red cue of his wives to bring a large water-melon, which he presented to a young gentleman who formed one ot our party. After some conversation, earned on by means of an interpreter, we made up £1 amongst ourselves aud presented it as a gift to Paul, who, of course, received it most graciously, as he did also ihe tobacco pouch of your correspondent. Tho practice of giving valuable presents to visitors seems to prevail generally. In one part of tbe ground we saw a pile of beautiful mats, surrounded by a bundle of bank notes and a heap of silver, ready to be presented to some expected hapu. It would not be fair to omit acknowledging the general courtesy, hospitality, and welcome which the natives, without exception, extended to their pakeba visitors. Cheery salutations greeted us on every side, and they all submitted to our, perhaps, somewhat prying inquisitive inspection of their tents aud appointments, in themostgood-natiircd manner. No body of pakehas would, under similar circum stances, have shown half as much true politeness. There is likely to be an enormous gatheriug of Europeans visitors at Te Oreore to-morrow.

MINING NEWS.

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS,

UNION G.M.C.—Since taking charge ot tho mino my timo has been mostly devoted to pros pecting before setting into any other wo.-k. The results havo beeu very favourable, a. I can got dish prospects all over the mine. Yesterday I set two of tho men to follow up Blackmore's leader, &a tho same looks well in tho Union Company's ground, and besides Blackmore has cut it in his low level, with about 90 feet of hicks, and the first few stones to took out con tained gold. This speaks well for the future of tile Tiki district. Tho ground, I may state, is well situated. Matawai Company : When I visited this I found all our fore, for ihe two mines hard at work in this mine—two men in a drivo just started about 20 feot below where the atono in your possession was obtained, trench ing to lind moro on tho cap of the leader. So far they havo had no more success than dish prosptct-. I havo this drivo now in 16 feet, and the leader looks well witli good dish prospects. This i. Barrett's lead-r. I havo told off two mon for tin's drive on Barrett's loader, and two for tho Union on Blackmoro's leader, with myself trying all Iho leaders, which ara very numo oub in the two mines.—Jon>: Brkmn'er, Coromandel, March 15.

Old Goldkn Calf G.M.C.—Tho wagesmen aro still engaged driving on the roef, and although the slide has disturbed it somewhat, gold ia cawing along with us. We obtained a pound or two of nice Btone to-day in breaking down, but scarcely of sufficient importance to telegraph about. I am having air-boxes laid into tho face, and we shall soon bo in a position to commence stopine operations, and from the present appearances I hope soon to havo a pay able crushing —Thomas Crawford, Grahams town. March 15.

Nkw Gor.DE-r Pmi.—l havo Btrtick a new ltader in tho 50 foet level, and colours of gold are seen in it. Tho leader in small, but I think it will improve as driven on. I send you a parcel of picked stone. (The picked stone re ferred to may be inspected at Mr Randersun's olllco, Insurance Buildings).—W. J. Marti.v Coromandel, March 15th.

Success G.M.C.—I havo out through tho reef which is about three inches in thickness. Tho stone is good looking, and likely to carry gold at any moment. I have got colours in the dish, but nothing has been seen in tho stone. I intend to drivo into tho hill to get rigtit under where I got good prospects, ono of which I sent you. The ground is still hard, but I expect it will im prove as tho reef is driven on,—Petkk Reio Coromandel, March 11th.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Reuteh's Telegrams.] MANIFESTO BY~IrHE NEW CZAR, ST. PETEKSBURG, March 14. The Czar Alexander the Third has issued a mauifesto ou his accession to the throne of Russia, His Majesty strongly denounces the murderous attack made on the dynasty. The mauifesto gives no outline of the future Imperial policy. THE ASSASSIN. ST, PETEhSBURG, March 14, The|assassin of the late Emperor is named Rousakolf. He is known to have beeu a student ot the Russian mining school. He remains quite silent in gaol, and refuses any iufoi niation as to the motive winch prompted his crime. THEENGIISH COURT IN MOURNING LONDON, March 14. I It is officially announced that the English Court will go into mourning for a month for the late Czar ol Russia.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE REFORM BILL.

MELBOURNE, Wednesday

In the Legislative Assembly last night the consideration of the Ketorni Bill in committee of tbe whole was resumed. Members of the Opposition abstained from discus-ion, aud the various clauses of the measure were passed by the Committee. The Pill was reported to the House, and the third reading is lixed for Tuesday next,

SYDNEY, 'Wedne.sday,

Lestraugc, the acrovant, made an ascent from the Domain last night, and in des cending his balloon came on to the top of a house in Wooloomooloo. The roof gave 1 way, and the balloon was torn. The es caping gas communicated with lights in the house, and an explosion was caused. The balloon was completely destroyed, but no serious damage was done to the bouse or other premises adjoiuiDg, and Lestrange escaped without injury. There was a large crowd in the street witnessing the descent of the balloon, and when the cxplosiou oc curred a paoie ensued, and in the crush and . confusion several persons were slightly injured.

POLICE COURT.—Yesterday. Concluded.

(Uefore Messrs W. J. Hurst and H, Brett, Justices of the Peace). CHARGE OF BREAKING AND ENTERING. After we went to press yesterday, the case against Samuel Brown was concluded, and the Bench adjourned the other two cases against the accused uutil Monday. ASSAULT. William Jennings was charged with assaulting Audrew Jackson on the 10th instant. Mr Tyler informed the Court that the ca*e was settled. Same defendant was then charged with assaulting Horace Dean. Mr Tyler applied to have the case ad journed, as the other cases would take a loii<: time. 'Ihe defendant objected to'an adjourn ment, as he was anxious to have the affair settled. Mr Brett said bo could not sit in this case, the defendant being engaged in his ollice, and as tbe hearing of it would necessitate the procuring of another magistrate, the caso was adjourned.

THIS DAY

{Before A. Clements, Esq., Justice of the Feacc.) DRUNK, Cornwall Pcdlington was fined 5s and costs. A SAD SPECTACLE. John Leonatd, a man who has missed his chances ot rising in the world, and who has passed over three years of his life in Mount Eden gaol for various offences, was charge! with being an habitual drunkard, and ro^'uc and vagabond. Prisoner acknowledged hia failings. Mr Pardy said the prisoner had promised to leave the town. He was discharged on condition that he left at once. A MOTHER IN XEED. John Galvin, of Napier, was sunimonei to show cause why he should not bo called upon to contribute towards Ihe support e.f his mother, Mary Galvin, who is in indigent ciicumstances. Ou the application of Mr Pardy this case wus adjourned until Saturday. A SIMILAR CASE. Kobert Mullins, of Coromandel, was called upon to assist iv supporting his mother, iv conjunction with his brethren. Adjourned until to-morrow. FISTIC. Frcdi rick Pancti, a foreigner, was charged with assaulting Walter Bedford, by knock ing him down aud administering sundry kicks, on the 12th March. The parties consented to arrange tlieir differences, Paced promising to pay the doctor aud Court expenses. The case was therefore withdrawn. A HAPPY CLIMAX. Patrick O'Brien, on remand, appeared in answer to a charge of assaulting Aune Vesey, by putting hi? hand upou her mouth and trying to stop her breath. Patrick intimated that he did not wish to cherish a feeling of animosity against his fiiend, Mrs Vesey. He had taken a .sip out of the bucket, and his friend's tongue went so fast that he made a futile attempt to stop it by placing his big hand upon her mouth, tie was willing to pay expenses. Mrs Vesey was equally willing to forgive Patrick O'Brien, but would guard against the next bucket of beer being brought into her house. A glass ot beer was all very well, but a bucket at a time was too much for a person of modest requirement?. The parties then left the Court. (G, P. Pierce, Justice of the Peace, took his seat on the Beuch.) NEWS FROM OTAHUHU. Henry Scurrah was charged witli as- i saulting James Murray, a lad, by beating hiui with a stick, on the 27th January. Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for com plainant, and Mr Keatley for defendant. Mr Cooper explained, and called wit- I uesses. James Murray deposed that his father lived at Dargaville. He was iv the em ployment of defendant in January. He asked him to move some boards, and almost immediately defendant ran at him, struck him, knocked him down, aud otherwise ill treated him. All that Mr Scurrah said was "look ut those boards," and at once knocked hini down. He had been with his master two years and two months. Scurrah I waa in the habit of knocking him about. He was a carpenter. He had always ried to do his best. Scurrah was a man of quick temper. To Mr Keetley : He did order mo to put ou some boards. Did it ac cording to ordcrf, Scurrah did not threaten to lick me. He struck at me with a stick which missed my head and hit the board?. Did say he would clear out if he was subjected to such treat ment. He hit me twice on my head with his clenched fists and knocked me down. Was ill for a week after. Did not have a doctor. Mr Keatley was then going into previous occurrences to shew habitual disobedience on the part of the apprentice, but Mr Cooper objected on the ground of irrelevancy. The Bench expressed a hope that the present case might ha kept to as closely as possible. Michael Leonard also in the employment of defendant, saw Mr Scurrah strike com plainant on the ear with his open hand. He fell among the shavings. Did not see the commencement. James Mollroy, blacksmith, Otahuhu, deposed that the boy Murray lodged with him at ths time of the assault. Saw Scurrah about it, who merely replied, "Ho is a stupid buy." George Little had seen Scurrah strike Murray several times. Scurrah was a " hot 'uu " when up. He (witness) had ex perienced a tew of Scurrah's stringers on the ear. Murray did his best according fo his ability. To Mr Keatley : Hoped to be a man and a master. Yes, boys were boys. Some sharper than others, Would.it boast of superiority. Cou'd use the plane and saw as well as any man in Otahuhu. Murray made mistakes. All boys do. Was of age and not iv Mr Scurrali's employ now. Henry Scurrah, carpenter, stated that ou the morning in question he ordered the boy to place certain boards. He placed them wrong. When he threatened, if he did not alter them, he would box him, the b'\y re plied, " Will ye ;if you do I'll clear out." He gave him a slap, and the boy went home to his fathor, who brought the ca«e into Court. Mr Cooper : That was forty years ago Things aie altered now. After some remarks from counsel the Bench said that an assault had been'com untied, as defendant had shown, hut as tho costs were heavy the line woidd be li»ht I'iued 10s, costs £4 ISs. " This was all the business.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

ENQUIRY INTO jDH. PURCHAS' CHARGES. 8

The enquiry wa. continued yesterday after noou at 4 o'clock, there being present Sir G. M, O'Korke (Chairman), p.ev. C M Nelson, and Messrs Hesketh, Brookficld' Clark, Teuton, and lole (Governors) jj Purchas, Mr F. Macrae (Headmaster)' and Mr J. Anderson (Classical master),

The Secretary reported that he had an plied to Mr McArthur for the diary reoucati,! by Mr Macrae, aud that he bad received^, along with a letter,—The letter was read. Dr. Purchas was then examined by Mr Macrae. He said tbat he did not Low when his boys joined the Aucklaud Grain mar School Previously tbey had been at the Parnell Grammar .School,

Mr Macrae next asked why they Wer „ withdrawn from that school, when Dr pm. chas said that he was determined iiot to answer questions of a personal nature Mr Fentou thought the principle should b, decided once for all. ftfr Macrae S, be heard in support of the query, and the room couid then be cleared in order th t the point might be deliberated upon and settled.

Mr Macrae claimed that the question wa. relevant, and asserted that none of T) Purchas' questions had beeu objected to' His desire was to show how U r Pu re h a »' sons had been treated, what they had don<> and what they were. c'e'

Dr Purchas said he was resolved to decline to enter into any personal matters with Mr Macrae, He had the right of refu tine to answer any questions that he deemed im proper, aud he intended to exercise that Mr Fcnton then moved "That all cer sous not members of the Board be requcstpd' to withdraw wnile the lioard determine the principle which shall decide the ones tion put to Dr. Purchas by Mr Macrae Mr Peacock thought it impossible town, any resolution which should regulate all such matters. The better way would be to decide when a question was objected to whether or not it was regular.

Mr Tole and Mr Clark expressed them selves in favour oi the question being _\. lowed, in order to give Mr Macrae every facility for establishing bis case.

Alter some discussion the motion was withdrawn and leave given to repeat the

question. It was repeated and Dr. Purchas again declined to answer it.

Mr Macrae then asked if the doctor hi_ been dissatisfied with the progress of t__ son at the ParneU Grammar School.

Dr. Purchas, however, refused to answer any questions touching this school. He then went on to say in answer to other questions that he had not the slightest recollection of having ever said that he had never seen one human being so much under the influence of another as his son was under that of Mr Macrae, and he had never, to his recollec tion, said that if he had ever seen a miracle wrought in his experience it was the change wrought in his eldest son by Mr Macrae, He did uot remember having said that his best thanks were due to Mr Macrae for this change, and that his sou was such, that if be were not his son he would have hated him. He did not believe such statements were ever made. They were abominable.

Mr Brookficld said the questions were not only irrelevant, but impeitinent. Dr. Furcbas' eldest son had never before been mentioned in the course of the inquiiy. Dr, Purchas remarked tbat he considered himself grossly insulted by these queries, and that while Mr Macrae might strive lo injure his family by putting such questions and geltiii-! them published, he would refuse to answer them.

The Chairman's ruling having been asked he decided that Mr Macrae should be allowed the fullest latitude in his cross examination.

Cross-examination resumed :—He (Dr. Purchas) had no remembrance of having said that he would never be able to repay Mr Macrae's kindness to his son, nor had he any recollection of auy interview at which snch a conversation as that referred to took place. He remembered once haviDgcom plained of the brutal treatment of one of his eons by the master iv tbe school. He was from home at the time, otherwise that master would have appeared in the Police Court, However Mrs Purchas begged him oli", and the man himself made an abject apology. lie had always found Mr Macrae willing to listen to any amount of talking, but be hadnever knownmuchgood to result from any representations marie to him. He had no recollection of having, at the begin ning of IS7O, interviewed Mr Macrae with respect to Mr Hammond, and of him (Mr Macrae) having declined to hear unotlioic-Uy anything which might affect one whose future depended in part upon his good opinion, lie could not state tbe time which elapsed from his verbal communica tion of complaints to Mr Peacock and Dr. Campbell aud tbe writing of the unsigned memo, embodying bis charges. If his letter to the "Herald" stated that tbat memo. was written ou the 23rd July, ISSO, it was probably correct. He had written a note declining to send his son Fred to school to be punished for some offence, because he disapproved of the infliction of corporal punishment by such a man as Mr Anderson was reported to be. Mr Macrae had re one-ted an interview for the settlement of the matter, and he had attended, but tailed to see Mr Macrae. Mr Macrae then asked if, in making his charges against public servants, Dr. Purchas was duly impressed with a sense of the grave responsibility be was incurring? The Chairman expressed surprise at the general character of the query. It was put, however, and the doctor decliued to auswer it. Mr Macrae inquired if the Doctor, before making the charges, had striven witi all due c. re to assure himself that ihcy were correct. He replied that he believed all his state ments were absolutely correct. Mr Macrae asked if Dr Purchas had weighed his words well before uttering them, Dr Purchas answered tbat he had written the memo, in the greatest hurry, but that he had written the subsequent letter to_Dr, Campbell with more care. He was etisin clined to enter upon the fourth complaint (that of inebriety), as he had since with drawn it. He had been told that the boys commented upon the inebriety of themaster, and that their opiniou was that the harah punishments iuflicted upon them werein consequence of the master's judgment being obscured by beer. Mr Macrae then asked by whom this statement was communicated or reported. Dr Purcha9 refused to answer. Mr Beskcth then interposed. Were they, he asked, to sit there and simply take the answers which a witness might feel in clined to give, and allow him to decline to reply to any questions which he did not like ? If this were to be permitted, was there any use on their part to protract fur ther the investigation? Mr Nelson pointed out that Dr Purchas' son had declined to reply to a similar ques tion upou being told by Mr Hesketh that he could not be indemnified by the Board for any possible consequences. Cross-examination continued: He wonld absolutely refuse to give the names of any boys who had complained of [neglect The Board had declined to examine any boys. He did not know when bis son Arthur left school, but it was before leaving for England that he made the strong statements about the masters. He was an industrious 1 lad. The boys had not been in the habit of talking about the school until latterly when they had become thoroughly disgusted. His sou Arthur had entered for the junior civil service examination, and also tor the senior examination, passing both; but he did not remember his position in either. He could not give the names of the boys who had had to get instruction outside the school. Bis sou Arthur had got extra instruction in French and Greek. He was not aware at tho time that Greek did not form part of the curriculum. He refused to state from whom his son Claude obtained extra in struction in precis writing. Mr Hesketh then tabled the following motion : " That this Board declines to pro ceed with the investigation unless Dr Purchas is prepared to answer the questions put to him." Mr Biooklield submitted that the ffhole cross-examination was irrelevant. Mr Nelson said that it would he better for Dr Purchas uot to decline a question off-hand, but to allow the Chairman firstto decide whether or not it was relevant. Dr Purchas expressed his willingness lo do so. He had understood that be was left to determine the point for himself. His sole reason for declining to answer cer- I tain questions was that he considered them ' an impertinent interference with his private affairs. Mr Hesketh then wrote out his motion as | follows: "That this Board considers it the duty of Dr. Purchas to furnish the Board witli all the information as evidence in his power relating to the complaints made. After a shott discussion the motion was withdrawn. Dr. Purchas then declined to say to what oxteut the instruction in precis writing was given. , Cross-examination continued : Ho coum aot tell the results of this extra tuition. Be believed his son's failure to pass the exami nation was the result of imperfect instruc

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY. MARCH 16.



Special Advertisements. T> A N X HOLIDAY. The BANKS will be CLO3ED on THURS DAY, 17th ins'ant (St. Patrick's Day). INSURANCE COMPANIES AS SO CIATIO.V. Insurance Companies Offices will be CLOSED on 17th instant (St. Patrick's Da^l w()Rg( , Secretary. CiINtiER'S SEWING MA CHINKS. )0 Sales exceed half b million annua'ly. Tub CJIXGEI. MASCFACTriI NG COMPANY )0 have opened a Wholesolo and Retail Dei ot at l'G.i. Queen-s.reet, Auckland. DINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, IO Hand or Treadl •, at will. CJIN'GER'S SEWING MACHINES. O Established over SO years. CJINGEU'S SEWING MACHINES. O The most approved in all countries. CJIN'GER'S SEWING MACHINES yj Have received 100 First-class Medal-'. CJIN'GER'S SEWING MACHINES. IO The I!e?t for the Family. Easiest to leatn. CjINGEK'S SEWING MACHINES, VJ Ihe best for the Dressmaker. Mostdurab'e. DINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, O Best for the Tailor. Sewsstrongest seams. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, Beat for tbe Bcotmaker, light or heavy work. QINGER'S SEWING MACHINES IO Sew fine;t muslins and heaviest cloths. SINGER'S SEWIN'i MACHINES. An Kconomy in every Household. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. New Improvements without extra cost. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES V.'iilllast a lifetime in constant work. CONGER'S SEWING MACHINES. IO 10 per cent discount for cash. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Easy terms. Within thomeansof the poorest SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Kasy terms. No addition to the prico. QINGER'S SEWING MACHINES IO Will earn their co3t in a few months. SINGER'S S SWING MACHINES. Best terms to Wholesale Buyers. SINGERS SEWING MACHINES. Wi ite for address of nearest Agent. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Send for Prico List to TnK SINGER Manufacturing Company, No. 1&3.1, Queen-street, Auckland, AUTUMN tfl A S 111 0N S. AUTUMN" RIBBONS, just opened AUTUMN DRESS GOODS, new styles AUTUMN MANTLES and CLOAKS AUTUMN FLOWERS and MILLINERY NEW FRINGES, ROUCHING, and GLOVES The "Magic" and "Removable" Cover UMBRELLAS BOYS', YOUTHS', and MEN'S CLOTHING. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade.



LATKST NOVELTY i 3 the "Hartz Moun- ' tain Rug." firs*, seen on this side of the world at the Sydney Exhibition. The under signed were so struck with tho haedsome appearance. beautiful finish, and durable con struction of these Rugs that they at once sent for a large shipment, wh'cn are now finding ready sale. They are suitable fer Toirists. Carriage l-:us3, Golddiggers. and Travellers by land and sco, aa the warmth and comfort imparted surpass all other woollen Rugs. Only obtainable at the City Hall Arcade, GARLICK Se CRANWELL. Proprietors.



BLACK SILKS at Co-operative Pri->ea. tf study to sell the Cheapest Black Silks , Town, commencing at 2s 91 up to lis 6d. Oi 43 6d quality commands a ready 34le—spiend value. : GARLICK & CRANWELL. ND OK SEASON, Clearing ont of Rcr nan's. A quantity of Remnants a: cleared off every Friday and Saturday, at Cher Rates. Dy GARLICK & CRANWELL. REMNANTS of Dress Gooda and Trimmings i REMNANTS of Prints and Sateens " REMNANTS of Ribbons and Embroidery • REMNANTS of Sheeting and Flannel REMNANTS of Tweeds and Moleskin REMNANTS of Damask and C.-etonnea RKMSANTDAYS, Friday and Saturday at the CITY HALL ARCADE. ; , GARLICK & CRANWELL r\RAPEIi__ AND /ILOTHIN AT x __ /CO-OPERATIVE CASI \ G.C. / V / PRICES, PURE /USH U?STKJ[ URE V; A S H OYSTEM AT THS riI.TY TTALL ARCADE, QDEKN-STREEr, AUCKLAND. GARLICK & CRANWELL. JUST RECEIVE! AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, With Plated Ann.. Alto, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quite New E. PORTER & C 0., Queen and High streets I N X S & jTTALL HAVE REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTIO_? MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THKIR CHEAP SAL* FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR BURPLUS STOCK. THEY LL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THE RE-BUILDING OF TREIR WARE HOUSE IN SHORTLAND-STREET. USTRIAN BENTWOOD CANE CHAIRS, English and American Cane Chairs, at T. & H. Cooke's, 6", Qneen-etreet. BItUSSIsLS CARPETS, Tapestry Car pets, Kidderminster Carpet", Linoleum, Floorcloth, and Matting of all kinds, on sale at T. & H. Cooke's, 67, Queen-street^ YjllVE PER CENT DISCOUNT allowed C to all Cash Purchasers of Furniture at T. Se H. Cooke's 67, Queen-street. DINING-ROOM SUITES in Leather, Hair Seating, or American Cloth, on sale at T. Se 11. Cooke's. 67, Queen-street. IRON BEDSTEADS and IRON COTS, in great variety, on sale at T. & H. Cooke'B Furniture Warehouse, 67. Qneen-Btreet. ILT CHIMNEY GLASSES and TOILET GLASSES on sale at T. & H. Cooke's Furniture Warehouse, 67. Qoeen-ttreet. QPRING MATTRASSKS, Fair, Wool, Cocoa Fibre, and Flax Mattrasses, on Bale at T. & H. Cooke'B, 67, Queen-street. ALNUT Drawing-room SUITES in Damask, Rep, Silk, or Velvet, on Bale at T. & H. Cooke's, 67, Queen-Btreet. INDIA AND CHINA TEA WARE. HOUSE. For Sam— 50 halt-chests Choicest Sucykut Congou 35 half-chesta ChoiceSouchongCongou. extra strong and heavy liqnoring Tea, 1/8"_) _b. 27 half-chests Extra Strong and Fragrant Darjeeling Pekoe 250 boxes Choicest (Ist) Crop Panyong Congou, extra heavy liquor, and rich in cup 100 boxes Choicest Looey Hon Congou 200 boxes Finest Packling ditto 70 i-chests Extra Choice Kaison. FREDK. WHITEHEAD, Terms Cash. Victoria-street. m X V THE PURE INDIAN TEA NOW SELLING AT KBW'S, Victoria-street.



Drainage operations, to cost about .£.7,000, will be contracted for shortly on Maclean and Co.'s Waitoa Swamp estate. A woman will work a month to fabricate a delicate protection for a chair, and then, when it is in place, an edict is promptly issued forbidding any man sitting in that chair, through fear of spoiling the tidy. It's tho bost chair protector that possibly could be desired. Noveltießln Furnishing Goods.—'l he " Itoyal Axminstor" Carpet with handsomo border just landed, rich in appearance, and us soft as a Turkey Carpet; tho " Worcester "Stair Carpet the pile is entirely mado ot horsehair, pr.ittily shaded border, and is tho mostdurnblo carpet for stairs ever mado, and at a lowor prico than Brussels: Handsome Coverings for Drawing room Buitesjust opened by Gurlick and Cran well; these Coverings are proof against moths and have a protty ground-work of silver, old gold colour, etc., otc.: Handsome Half-Tester Bedsteads now on. view. The greatest variety of Bedsteads in Auckland to Bclect from. All kinds of Household n'urniture at very low prices, and o per cont. discount allowed for cash tit tii oof purchase. This firm carry on their Drapery and i 'lothlng business on the Compara tive Cash System, marking their goods at a ••-cry small advance on cost trusting to a largo turnover to mako it remunerative. Furnish your Houso from tho City Hall Arcade, IGar 'liok and Cranwell, Proprietors.—fAnvr