S HIPPING INIELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER] US ! UNSKT.—This Evening, fi.23 FUNRIBK.—To-Morrow Morning, 5.58 MOON'S AOR-Fnll Moon. ICth, 10,10 a.tn.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. TO-DAY, City of Sydnoy, P.M.b.b., Dearborn, from San Francisco Waitaki, s.s., Kdio. from Taurantra Arawata, b,b., Sinclair, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

LAST KVBNINQ. To Anau, 8.8., Oaroy for Sydney Glenoltf, 8.8.. Farquhur, tor Whsnfiaroi Argylo, 5.8., Crawford, for Wliangaroi

TO-DAY. Southorn Cross, fl.s., Holandor. for Lovuka Griffin, achoonor, Bishop, for Russoll

IMPORTS.

lor City of Sydnoy, from San Francisco—l caso efl'eota, 11 caoos books, 18 cases wire. 49 cases merchandise, 17 oases ooocl, 10 cases quick silver, 25 bar/els boot, i!O7 barrels salmon, 20 bales hops, 57 casos paint, 60 cases canned goods, 10 oascß rubber goods.

Per Arawata, for Sydnoy—393 Runnies and 2100 mate sugar, 1 case periodicals, 23 oases clgarotte3,lo packages lucftcaxo, GO boxes tin plates, 38 bales rattans, 392 bags bonodust, 20 bars angle iron, 10!) half-chests and 220 boxes too, 13 cases matches, 75 cases geneva, 3 tona rock salt, 10 qr.-onsks port wlho, 5 qr.-casks sherry, 2 oases mouldings, 6 casks rum, 1 qr. -oaskß whisky, 11 casks trenclo, 3 horses, 10 casks, 3 cases China oil, 28 bags, 59 oars, 189 packßgcs Sundry merchandise.

Per Handa lelo, for Now York—2l6o cases kauri gum.

EXPORTS.

Per Southern Cross, for Lcvuka—li packs potatoes, i cases apples, 87 piecos timber, 8 boxes soap, 3 cases bacon and hums, 36 lire burs, 15 bags turnips. 9 paokauoa tinned moat*, 12 doors, 1 flywheel, 1 easo suijar cano, 7 paokagea buu dries.

Inwards Coast wish. — Blancho, from Thames; Cholßen, from Thames; St. Clalr, from Wave, with 13,000 foot iunk timber; Totara, Irom Port Charles, with 31,600 feot Bawn tim ber ; Fanny Kelly, ketch, from Whangaroa, with 27,185 foot limber and 9,500 shingles; Huby, from Hueaoll, with 69 tons coal.

Outwards Coastwisr. — Cholsoa, for Thames, with 7 tona potatoes, 1 ton braD.

Tho achoonor Handa Isle hauled out in the stream to-dar, and will probably get away to morrow. Sho tskos a cargo of gum Valued at .812,112.

Tho schooner Estollo cleared at theCostones today for Newcast;o, N.S.W., in ballast, and will sail eithor thla evening or tomorrow. Pas seogere :—Moasrs Mooro, Sorenson, and Archer.

Too s.s. Taupo may ba expected in Auckland in about ten days. Two anchors- one bolong intj to tho Taupo and ono to tho s.s. Glenolg which wore slipped somo ti.no ago havo been recovered.

Tho s,s. South*™ Cros3, for Levuka and Suvo, takes tho following passengers: Messrs. T. Davidson, 11. Crichman, A. Turner, W. Fan-ell, D. Finloyson, Mr and Mrs Hamilton, H. Hnd den, W. H. Witlaw, O. Taglor, J. Hefferson, J. Atpeel, J. Jones, G. Ueal», W. Howard, J. O anoy, J. McCallum.

The s.s. Waitaki arrivod from Tanranga oarly this morning. Passengers: Mrs Metcalfo and infant, Mrs Oillallee. "i areka, To Wata, To Koa, Buddie, Master. J. Keliy. J. Chadwick, Captain Mair, W. J. Vercos, Mrs Graham and two servants, Mr Somervillo, Wheeler, Donald, Wollaco. A. P. Oliver, A. C. Oliver, Mr and Mrs Gregg, Simpson.

The vessel which i obert Stono has on tho stocks at his shipbuilding yard*, Short land, will bo roady for launching by about tho Ist pros. Only four or fire Hands are employed in her construction, hence tbo long time occupied in building her. Sho is CO feet in length, G feet lnngor than the Zilla, and •will carry about 36,000 feet of timber on a draught of aor 5J feet. Sho will be kotch rigged, and -will run botyreon ttiia port and Auckland. Sho is being built on tho diagonal principle. Two of the planks, which are of the heart ot kauri, are each an inch thick, and the outer one 1 j inch. Her lines are oxcollent, and she should prove a fast sailer. Sho in to tho order of a number of Thames and Auckland gontlemen.— "Advertiser."

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF SYDNEY.

The R.M.S.S. City of Pydnny, R. C. Dearborn Commander, arrived in harbour at 12.25 p.m. Left San Francisco February 15, at 5.14 p.m., and Honolulu February 23, at 1 p.m., with 10 cabin and 7 steoragn patsenßers, 351 bags mail, and 130 tons cargo to P.M.S.S. Co. t-he made tho passage in 20* days 20 hours, and had fine weather and smooth soi. Passengers for Auck land:—Cabin : K. Omorod, A. J. Lawreno-, Dr. and Miss Simm?, Mr and Mrs W. S. Fell, Mr and Mrs P. Anderson, 11. A. Ward, O. G. Munk houso. Steorago: Chos. UoodridKe, A. M.Kohl, Jas. Wearon, R. Wearou, T. H. Ives. A. Ware, J. Lenard. For Sydnoy :—Cabin : Chas. Mar kell, J. Dickson. W. T. Yeazer. B. (iitehell, J. W. Oakum, Dr. C. R. Chalmers; and 17 in steerage. We are indebtod to Mr R. Sitnonsen, Purser, for late flies, etc.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAIL STEAMER.

The P.M. b.s. City of Sydney leaves for Sydney at ten o'olock this evening. Passengers :— Mr H. W. 'I inne and wife, A. burchett, Jno. Knill, J. C. Rennington, H. P. Barbor and wife, Rev. M. Stack, J. ltussell, G. Lamallee, W. Web3ter, and Mrs wilmott. Steerasre: J. Donohue, Jno' Coningham, wifo, and child.

ARRIVAL OF THE ARAWATA.

The ss. \rawata arrived from Sydney via Ruseell this forenoon. She left Sydney at 4.15 on the 3rd instant, and experienced fine weather on the run across, reaching Hussell at 3 p.m. yesterday, where she stoppod to coal Left for Auckland at 11.30 p.m. yesterday. Passengers :— For Auokland: Mesdames Laurie and child, Paige, Henry, Adman, Fairland and two children, and Oellvie; Messrs Green, Ogllvio, Btephenson, Ponder, David, Morrisby, Jttead, Paige, A. Boardman, Biddle, Martin, Rice, Roslne, Thompson, Woods, Ayman, Tunaeon, and Lewis, ifor Napier: Mr Jones. For Wel lington : Messrs Po:lock, Myers, and William son. For Lyttelton: Miss Hendry, Messrs Hendry and Blytho. For Duaedin: Messrs Halstead, Logan, Wallace, AUwood, Halstead, andJPizet. Fur the Bluff: Mr Lashford.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

EXPORTS,

Per 88. Rowena for Hokianga—3o sacks oats, 28 mats and 10 gunnies sugar, 16 cases spirits, 24 doors, 10 kegs lead, IG6 bags and 10 Backs flour, 26 sacks potatoes, 8 bars iron, 5 drams oil, 1 racing gig, i casks beef, 5 cases biscuits, 6 bales bags, o oases beer, 2 packages dynamite, and 111 packages sundry merchandise.

The s.s. Hawea is announced to leave for Sonth at 9 p.m. to-night. Pacsensers:—Ander son, T. H. Carter, Mrs Handy, Mrs McLood, child, and two infants, H. iVlcitle, Gibson, Sheperdson. Ross, Kltaes, W. G. Garret, Raines, Beaver, F. D. Kiob.

Tho s3. Powona, for Hokianga took tho following passengers:—Messrs W. Webster, Knssell, W. Cusaan, W. Bnrt, W. D. Web3ter, Clark, Captain Keane, Mesdames Webster, Marriner. iirown and family (2), Petars and family (3), Mlßaca Yon Stunner, Webster, and Tfaitee, Master Webster.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Rue sell, this day.*?) Arrived: To Anau, s.s., from Auckland, at 5.30 a.m. Arrival: To Anua. She sails for Sydney at 5 p.m. A number ot navies leave by her for JProudfoot's contract, and the gold rash. IS is blowing from the eastward with rain. Wellington, yesterday. Arrived: Tararaa, s.s., from Auckland. Sailed: Tararua, s.s,, for Melbourne via South, Lytteltoit, yesterday. Arrived: Aratapu, from Kaiapoi. Sailed: Fallara, for London; Wanaka, for Manukau. Timaku, yesterday. Sailed: Taiaroa, for Bunedin. Pokt Chalmers, yesterday. Arrived: Rotomahsna, s.s., from Melbourne via Bluff.

THE WEATHER.

Mail Notice.

Mails wiu, Ci.osb as Undbrv— ! Fot Whangarol H°arlß, Wbahgnrol. Russoll, and Kawakawa, for Waltakl, .|lt i p.m. For TuatnoS, por Ehtßrprtto,. at 8.30 p.m. „, TflunsDiY, lbth lnstant. iror Thamps, per Rotomahano, at 8.30 a.m. For Walv,-era, To Kapa, Craigioburn, and Warkwortb, por Roso Casoy, at 10 a.m. For Glßborno, Naplor, Southorn ports, and Australian Colonies, per Arawata, at 0 a.m. For Whiiiangi, Talrua, Tauranga, and Opotlkl, por Olonolg, at i p.m. Friday, 11th instant. , ' For Norfolk Island and Now Caledonia, por Norval, at 2 p.m. ... , Monday, 21st lnßtant. For Friondly Islands, por Myrtle at — S. IS. HISS, Chief Postmaster, I Chief Postonioo. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Mahoh 9th, 1881.

Thoatro Royal — Thompson's Confodorato Diorama of tho American, war, 8 p.m. Y.M.O.A. Rooms—Annual Meeting of Scrip ture Gift and Pi-Ikd Association, 6 p.m.

Jlrill-sliod—Adjournod Mooting of Voluntoor Oilloors, 7.30 p.m.

Wollosley • atroot Young Men's Rooimh- Rehoarsal for Friendly Societies' Concert, 7.30 p.m.

Marriage.

LEWIS-O'RELLY.-OnMareh2,at AllSalnlV Churoh, Ponaonby, by tho Roy. E. N, Broo, Arthur Earl Lowls to Josophlno Kato, daughtorof tho lato Cornelius O'Kelly, Ou'la Castlo, Tuam, County Ualway, Ireland, and Btopdaughtor ot Andrew Murray, lato of Auokland.

Death.

DOUGLA3.-At Mangero, Oh March Bth, Mrs Mungo Douglas; aged 70 years. Tho funoral will leave tho rcsidonoo of Jolin Scott, Jim., To-morrow, tho 10th inßt., ut 'i p.m. jfrionds will ploaso accept this intlnm lion. MARTIN.—On Maroh Sth, at Aloxandra-stroot. Anoklund, Edith Martin, tho beloved child ot William and Phcubu Martin; egod 1 year ami 10 months. Tho funoral will toko place at 1 p.m. to morrow. WINDSOR.-On March Bih, at St. ©sorgo's Buy Road, Euphomla Gertrude, infant daiuhter of lionry T. and Constance A. Windsor, aged 8 months.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9. 1881.

For Hi aus that neks resistance, Kor tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do

We hereby certify the issue of the Auckland Evening Star jor the week ending February 'ZQth, 1881, to have been as under: — Monday, Feb. 28 6,379 Tuesday, Mar. 1 6,516 Wednesday,, 2 6,448 Thursday, „ 3 6,313 Friday, „ 4 6,427 Saturday, „ 5 6,491

Total issue for week... 38,574 GEOUOS FUASfcR) Public Aocoont f ant and T. LKIGII WHtTK'ctty Auditors.

Tue vacant portfolio is filled, and the flutter of hopo and expectancy caused in several aspiring breasts, has given place to a settled melancholy. Tho merits of deserving men have boon over looked, the memory of faithful sorvice stifled in the Ministerial conscience, and tho cup of its iniquity is filled to overflowing. Such, no doubt, are the reflections created in some quarters by tho announcement to-day that Mr Walter Johnston, of Wellington, has accepted the otKce of Postmaster- General in the Cabinet. Other folk, not personally interested, will ask what has become of the nomination promised to tho Auckland Four. It is well known that among the terms of secession was ono securing to the four Auckland members the right of nominating tho member to fill tho vacant seat, afterwards given to Mi- Dick. That promiso has never been redeemed. Mr Dick's appointment was a breach of faith which is much less defensible than the nomination of Mr Walter Johnston, because Mr Bryco was tho only Wel lington member of tho Cabinet, and no doubt Wellington had a good claim to have his place filled by a Wellington man. Tho Government could not ignore that claim without risking grave offence to the Wellington members, and perhaps losing the whole of the Wellington vote. When such con siderations were urged against a promise extorted at a time when tho Executive was in extremis, it was not hard to predict which would have to; give way.

Mr Johnston's accession to the Ministry is not a source of much strength to it. He is anything but a brilliant man,, and the face that he is very wealthy and naturally leans to the Bide of the monied interests is more a disqualification than an advantage His predecessor, Mr Bryce, was a , farmer. Combined with a reputation for sterling honesty, his sympathies were noless inseperable from the class to ' which he belongs than are those of Mr Johnston from his own set. Tho loss of Mr Bryce, therefore, to tho Cabinet has become the more apparent through the impossibility of rinding any sue ' cessor who would exactly fit tho niche which he filled. Then, Mr Johnston ,is a Wellington city man, and Wellington city has more jobs to work and axes to grind than any other city in the colony ; and infinitely more than the constituency which was represented by Mr Bryce. It is true that Mr Johnston, somo time ago, publicly re buked the unseemly clamour from the Empire City for more public works expenditure.and reminded the people of the Government outlay which had sent Wellington up from a little fishing village to rank as one of the four great cities of the colony. But we cannot feel sure that he will have suf ficient force of character to resist the local pressure. In other respects, Mr Walter Johnston is a prefctypopular man in the House; he has plenty of money and spends it freely ; he has a nice house at the Seat of Government where lion, members can enjoy a pleasant respite from the troubles of parliamentary worry, and where a waverer may be brought under the seductive influence of fair Governmentalists, which, in itself, is no mean consideration, as all political tacticians know. Altogether, therefore, Mr Johnston is the man abovo all others who might have been picked out on the card, as likely to receive the first offer of the vacant portfolio ; and this is synonymous with saying that he is probably the best man the Government had in their ranks for the office, all things being accorded their due weight in making the choice. As we have said, however, " the best" is an accession which weakens the Government rather than strengthens it.

Within a few weeks the railway from New Plymouth and Waitara will be completed a? far as Hawera, and the Waimate Plains, now in course of settlement, will be placed in cheap and convenient communication with Auckland. Hitherto the merchants of Wellington have monopolised the trade of this part of the West Coast, Auckland till the present being severely handicapped in regard to freight and carriage; but with the railway opened to Hawera, the mer chants of this city will be enabled to place their merchandise in the Waimate dis trict more cheaply and directly than the settlers can be supplied from Welling, ton. The new settlers on the Waimate

Plains are already ttt work., nhd a considerable impettU to business is the natural result. It is, thetefore> im portant that our merchants should take im mediate advantage of this exceedingly favourable opportunity, to obtain a legiti mate portion of the West Coast tlaWc. Ihe cost of freight and cartage Wn goods, forwarded ta Hawel'a from Wellington Is not loss than £3 pet tori, ftul wittlm two months, it will be i^oiWb to send goods from thty kStly of Auckland to Ilawcra Station at tho rate of £2, all charges iv-! eluded. In addition to £1 per ton being' savoil in cuniago, tho transit of goods from' Auckland to the AVaimato district will be moro safely and quickly accomplished than is tho case from Wellington. From Welling ton merebnuditto is shipped to Patea and then conveyed by carters to Hawcriu The draymon undertake no risk in 'conveying goods, and the storekeepers often suffer loss from damage, through weathor and other causes. Goods sent from Auckland would be shipped from tho Manukau to Waitnra, and thence convoyed by rail to Notmauby or llawera, a much move satisfactory nHd expeditious method of transit. tloro, tlienj in a ittos't favourable opportu nity ror Auckland to obtain a share of the increasing trade of the Waiicate district The townships of Mauaia and Opunuko are rapidly springing into existence, aud out lying settlers uro ercotiug kotisoa alid fencing their land. In A short time theie will be a considerable demand for agricul tural implements, and n. 3 many who have purchased land are men ol capital, a sub stantial trade will no doubt be carried on.

It is always, we know, dillicult at iirst to / divert trade into now chauncls, but as there is keen competition in some branches of trade ou tho West Coast, tho storekeepers should not bo nlow to take advautuxo of cheapened freight and bettor conVoyhnce. A few months ago whuh the railway was only open as far as Stratford, fomleou miles north of Normanby, it was found cheaper to obtain certain danses tof goods from Auckland, notwithstanding tlut tho cost i of conveyance from Stratford to Normanby, owing to the wretched sta'toof tho road j through the bush, wan £3 pqr ton. Thei slight stream of business cominoncod undor those circumstances has kept Hteadily on, but Auckland cortainly might to command the hulk ot tho business of llawera, Nor manby, and tho Waimato Plains now. Tho STAR was the first to draw attention Id ihis tiold for Auckland enter prise, and tho Wellington papers soon bconmo alarmed at tho prospect of an assault, on what has so long been the monopoly of thoir merchauts. They even maintained that Wellington possoased ihu solo right ot trado with the West Const southward from Mouut Egmont, and called on tho Government to eontinuo tho railway troiu llawera to Patl'a with ont delay. Tho lengthening of tho lino to Patea, and ita ultimate junc tion, with tho southern portion of the railway at Wavcrley, which would complete tho Now Plymouth ■ l'oxtou section of tho West Coast railway, is for the settlers " a consummation de voutly to bo wished ;" but that Will como in s;ood time, ami for the present llawera will terminate the New P.ymouUi portion of tho line. Under pfeauut linuucial circumstances, tho Govommont Havo done their best for tho Waimnto pettier*) by providing them with direct commmuniciv tion with tho port of Waitova, and this appears to give them satisfaction. When the colony is in a bettor posiiiou, tho West Coast live will bo continued ; but, for a time, the portion from Huwern to Putea must wait, notwithstanding the clamour of tho Wellington journals, who think the trade of (heir city endangered thereby. But, whatever new facilities for communica tion may come to pass, it is quite possible that Opunako may become v nourishing little port. Auckland will be able to deliver her merchandise into tho llneit port of the West Coast as cheaply as Wolliugton, and wo cannot urge our merchants too fctrougly to push trado, and establish con nections iv what has overy prospect of becoming a nourishing aud important district.

Messrs Fraser ana White, City Auditors and Public Accouutants, certify ihat tho issue of tho Evjenino STAR last week was 38,571.

Mr J. Testa, of Mount Eden, writes to say I lint he i« one of those who have been dclraudcd of their right of appeal by the conduct of Mr Barstow in not sullicicntly adrertising the Assessment Courts. 110 says his valuation is excessive, and he had been carefully watching for tho appearance of the notice appointing the sitting of the Court, but heard nothing about it uutil the report of tho Court was publlihod, when it was, of course, too late. Mis neighbours wore in exactly the same position. Mr Camp bell, of Ponsonby, has culled and made a similar statement He says the valuation of their property is exactly double what they would bo glad to l&kB (or it. Wo rcpoat thftt Mr Testa, Mr Campbell, Mr Graham, and hundreds of others Who have similarly suffered, have been cheated out of thoir legal right?. They havj sullcrcd a grofs wrong, and arc en titled to claim redress.it the haudi of tho Government. They hare literally been shut out of tho courts of equity which the Legislature hnd provided for the adjust ment of their legal burdens. This is a very serious matter. In so far ns these ratepayers aro excessively rated they arc the victims of a legal traud, and not through any fault of their own, but owing to the administration of tho Uw in .such .i way as to deprive the people for whom it was framed of its benefits nnd protection. A letter from Mr C. Atkin, Chairman of the Eden Terrace Board, on tho same subject, appears in another column.

Our fleet of twenty-feet sailing boats will shortly be increasod by tho addition of a littlo craft now being built on spec by Mr Harrison, a builder recently from Australia, who has commenced business on the Break water Road. She will be about the same size as the Madge .and Observer, and is ex pected to compete against thoso bouts at the forthcoming Poiisouby Regatta.

Mr Goldie, Registrar of dogf, advertises that several collarless dogs aro now in the pound and will he destroyed to-morrow if not claimed.

Persons crowded to Mr McLean's ollico yesterday for the purpose of payiDg the first instalment of the Property Tax. The influx of visitors was remarkable as evidencing a desire to pay the demand. We understand that the amount collected on Monday and Tuesday reachod nearly £10,000.

A walking match has been arranged he. tween G. Crouch and J. Shera for £5. to come off in the Domain cricket ground on Saturday next, at 6 o'clock p.m.

The Auckland and Thames Volunteer Reprcßontativos are expected to arrive from the Now Zealand Rille Association's prize tiring meeting at Nelson bj the Wanaka on Sunday. There is some talk amongst the volunteers of entertaining Armstrong, tho carbine champion, and his comrades during their Hay in Auckland, but no practical steps have yet been taken in the matter. If a reception is to be given at all, it is to be hoped that the whole of the companies will unite in it, and not leave it to one or two corps, as has been done on previous occasions.

iTo tho Editor: Sir,—Permit mo to correct an error in your account of the last meeting of the Mauku School Board : I am represented as agreeing with Major Lu<k, in describing tho memorial against tho recent election as tho production of a "small but noisy portion of the settlers." My letter to tho Board wai on behalf ot tho Committee, and contained no such epithet?. On tho contrary, my belief is, that the memorial is based upon fair grounds, and that an impartial investigation can only leadtoone result—another election.— Youra, &c, W. Taylor, The Parsonage, Mauku, Bth March, 1881.

At the meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday afternoon, it was agreed on the motion of Mr Isaacs that the Chairman, Secretary, and Chief Harbour-master be requested to visit vessels ot Her Majesty's service and other warships upon arrival in port, with the view of offering any informa tion or assistance that may be required. Ho said thi3 was a courtesy that was expected, and it was invariably nppreciated when offered.

To the Editor : Sir,—Will you allow me to point out through your columns what I deem to be inconsistency on the part of the Loyal United Friends' Society. The friends not only appointed delegates to represent the Society on the Demonstration Com mittee for the 17th March, but one of their members, Mr George Warburton, was elected chairman oi that committee, there by paying a compliment to tho Society ho represented. Notwithstanding this, sir, I see by an advertisement published in your paper, that tho above Society are to hold a ball on St. Patrick's night, thereby running in opposition to the united gathering of the Societies in the Choral Hall. Asa member of the Demonstration Committee, I should like to hear Mr Warhnrton's opinion of tie matter, whether he had any concurrence in the proposed ball, for it is certainly unfair to tho other memher3 of the Demon stration Committee that he should be a party to thwart the efforts of all those wbo have gone in for making the Friendly Societies' Demonstration of 1881, what it is intended to be, a success,—Yours, &c, Delegate,

the Auckland United feicket CM Will play a Uiatch at the Thames on Saturday next. They leave here, by the Enterprise on Friday night, and will thus arrive at tbo Thames early on Saturday ffiorninfr Tho match takes place sftbse^uchtly at Parawai. Mr T. Lawless htOi arranged for a good team to c'6i')o with tho Auckland representatives.

" C.C.," Ponsonby, writes that he was on the scono immediately utter tho Tararua carried away tho end of tbts wharf, and it is unfair to call the occurrence an accident, ils It was really a trap the steamer fell into, owing to the .construction of the wharf upon a design opposed to all the principles of marine engineering. Our correspondent doos not say how the wharf shDlilu bo con structed, but he hint? that lift is ready to " inakti' the necessary improvements to the oncl T, or give tho Board my plan iv draw itig or model for a mere trifle."

It soniotimcs happona thnt persons arc found in tho streets by night iU a state of unconßciousness, Under the li^ui'il burden of intoxicating PeVefages, and it not urifrcpently occurs that large sums ot money arc found In tho pockets of such poisons. A respectable looking man whs found iv a helpless stato early yesterday morning, nnd on FCarchiiiK hiiu at the bolico station, nearly Jsltß), in.notes and.golU, was fortu'd in t|ils farmer's possession. lie expressed his thanks to the constable hut omitted to reward hint otherwise.

Ail existing committees of tho Harbour Boord were yesterdny discharged. Meisru Aickin, Maseiiold, Mays, McKenzio, Stone, Thompson, and Compton wero appointed a Works and Endowment Committee I and Messrs Hoylan, Daldy, leaacß, Morhn, ) aud CoMptou o Finauco Com mittee.

The UaiboUr Board, at its mooting yes torduy afternoon, a^rond to A motion in structing tho-Socretury to seek information from all ports in Australia and Now Zea land wheru there are largo Braving docks a» to tho numbor of vessels ovfr 1200 tons burthen that liavc beon docked during tho years 1878,1879, 1880, dUtiiigulshiuß men o-war, mail Htcamcrß, and ordinary mer chant vchsolh.

Ml-John C. Maclood, a settler at Opotiki, and a gonllouiati of literary abilities, well known iv Auckland, rocently read v paper at a meeting of tile Farmers' Club in tho district, entitled, "A System in Farming." Mr Mucleod's eiway wan thoughtfully written, aud contained many sn>!){ostlonH from his own cxporienco, which provoked favourable discussion among farmers pre sent. In his newipaper letters Mr Macleod ndnpls Dr At'nold'H favoUrite word " Earnest" as bin noiu do plllmo. Wo learn that the Dpoltki Farmers' Club is doing its bust to advunco the agricultural interests of tho district, and is in regular correspondence with similar societies iv other parU of tho colony.

t~A witness named O'Brion, who appeared in the »s«ault cn.io preferred by Mrs Ve&oy agninit Klisu lticc, allied u'jioii the clerk of the Court iil tile afternoon for his oxponßU*, lie wits tout that ho must apjily to Mrs Vcecy, In Chancery Lave, who hud subpiuuud him. O'Brien immediately went to the lady in question, who said, " You, Mike, I'll pay you;" nnd at onca cmight ii]) a bucket and struck him so violontly on tho forehead that he fell aud bled consider ably. Mrß Veßoy will, therefore, appour on Saturday in the Police Court in the chuructcr of defendant.

A chso in which it was clearly shown that a wifo is not invented with all power, was heard in the Resident Magistrate's Court, Wellington, and proved interesting as well as nniu»injr. An action was brought by a man named King, to recover JC7 for furni ture from another party, named Druiumond. From the evidence elicited, it appear.s the wife of pluiutiir hud sold a quantity of furniture to the defendant for JC3 ; received payment for it, and cleared out for Auck land. Tho plaintilF's caso was that ho hnd told the defendant not to pay his wifo the money, as ho had not authorised her to reccivo it, but defendant, quite contrary to his inslructions, paid Mrs King, and took tho furniture, which was really valued at £0 10s. It was also shown that plaiutill aud his wife were not on the bent of terms. The Magittrato stated that probably the defendant had done the parties some good by the transaction, as it had enabled Mrs King lo get away aud secure work for her self, but he would havo to give plaintiff a verdict for 205., as his instruction! had not been followed.—" New Zealand Timoi."

It is understood that Dr llarvcy, tho new master of the Homo for Neglected and Dcftituto Children, has received three months' notice that his services will not he required at the termination of that period.

Tho Diorama was exhibited hint nifrbt to a cnpitnl homo, and the vuiioug cantomm were, as usunl, rirovocatlvo of manifest interest. Lieut. Herman's vcntriloqaial performances were Rrc»tly enjoyed, hut the feelings of tho audience wcro ant wound up to their fullest tension until tho distribu tion of pifta was commenced. Then oach ono holder of a prizo ticket awaited in hopeful expectancy and tremulous excite ment tho moment when It would be announced to her or him, as tho case might be, the prize which fortune had in store. Mr Kobt. G»rrett, of Wnkcfield-strect, secured tho much-coTotcd fmito of drawing room furniture, frimilar t'itts are oflcrcd for prcteutation to-night.

Activo operations in tho South Pacific Petroleum Company afe to bo commenced at Gisborne without further del.iy. A cablegram has been received by Mr C. D. Berry from the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sydney stating that a practical tube-driver had been engaged. He is ex pected to leave there by the Wakatipu to morrow, and ho should reach Poverty Bay about ten or eleven days hence.

To the Editor: Sir, —As you aro always most ready to correct error and repair ioji's tico, I venture to trouble you with a few lines about your report of our meeting last Thursday ovening. Your reporter did great injustice to a friend of mine, who certainly did not deserve the strictness he passed upon him, and he gave quite a wrong im pressinn of our meeting. It was not correct that tho Bishop spoke against extemporary prayer, and tho Rev. B. T. Dudley against devotional meeting. The Bishop did not speak at all on the subject, and Mr Dudley advocated devotional rneetlnes as "neces sary and desirable under proper control." The meeting resolved by a largo majority that it is desirable to have periodical devo tional Sunday-echool meetings such as the Bishop, might be plensod to appoint. As your reporter has caricatured an interesting, profitable, and serious meeting, and con voyed a wrong imprsfsion of its result, trust you will be good enough to inscit the abovo correction.—lam, &c, F. G. J_,

To tho Editor: Sir, —I see by your ro port of tho meeting of tho Board of Educa tion ou Friday that D. H. Lusk has taken upon himself to stigmatize a largo number of the settlers hero as a "small but noisy section ot the settlers, and their memorial as a disreputable production." Although it contains 39 names of bond fido settlers, more than half tho householders in the dis trict, and simply inked the Board to inves tigate the manner in which the election of n committee was carried out, of course tho very thing D.H.L. is afraid of, as shown by action at the last meeting of the committoo .in wishing to burk aoy investigation by the Board, D.H.L. is now evidently afraid his position on the committee is not good, and seems to think he can lead the Board by the noso and get them to appoint committees—of course, he leavos his own namo out. ilo must indeed think tho Board verdant, to bo dictated to by him, orjly a unit in tho dis trict, and representing one corner ot it; for it was only by a shave he not on the illogal committee, being lnst but one on the list of seven.— Yours, &a, Heywood Crispe, Mauku.

The new session of the St. Androw's Mutual Improvement Association was opened last evening in tho hall, Symonda street, in the presence of a large number of ladtea and gentlemen. The chair was occu pied by Mr Thomas MacfFarlrne, one of tho three vice-presidents of the Society. The choir ot St. Andrews was conducted by Mr W. Culpon. and their united voices aided greatly the entertainment of tho evening. "Hero We Rest," was excellently per formed. The Chaitman then called upon the Roy. A. L'arrick, the esteemed Presi dent of the Society, who delivered a thoughtful address on the numerous advantages of such a«socialion?, inter mingled with much sound adviue to voiiDg men. The President was frequently cheered in the progress of his address. The pretty song, " When Sparrows Build," wai rendered carefully and succe«s fully by Mrs Culpan. Mr Macffarlauo then spako to the members of the Associa tion on debatiug classes, and the manner of conducting them to as to avoid anything like bad feeling. His remarks «ere note wotthy and well received. Mr John lleid, one of the vice-presidents, spoka briefly, and read the sessional programme of sun ' jects, which were noticed in the Star lust night. Miss Tnit sang "Hemcruber or Forget" with much acceptance. The announcement that ladies woiild ba ad mitted to the Society met with npplause. The houis were pleasantly spent, and on tbe motion of Mr G. J. Smythe, seconded by Mrs Tait, a vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to tho Key. A. Carrick for his excelUnt address. The choir then gave '• O'er Yonder Hill and Dale," nnd the pro ceedings closed with the benediction.

The ninth athletic spUrts gathering, ar ranged under the aiispides of tho Auckland Amateur Athletic Olub, takes place oh Sat urday afternoon, and given fine weather, should result moat satisfactorily. The pro gramme of events holds out every promise of an excellent series of Contests, while means have been adopted fot ensuring tf^ comfort and miUutttrittg It) the enjoyment of tile S'poctaiors. Seats on the pavilion will bo reserved for the accommodation of ladies, and 'buses will be laid on •«> 'the course for the convenience of intending visitors. Tho first race starts at 130 o'clocki

Wo remind Our readers that Dean's Min strelb entertainment will take placo to morrow evening in. the Choral Hall. We need scarcely reiterate the fucfc that tho pro gramme is excellent in all its parts, and the whole will be underdistingutsh'ed pntronftge. The various tioteaplb Übitta to be represented are. attractive and praiseworthy. A isolcct ball will bo held after the musical and vocal performances. A full hall is anticipated.

Mr E, Bartley, architect, has roeeivod the following tendors for the completion of a conoreto villa ill Princtt3;atreot i—Baildcn and Stbvenßon; £1247 jJ. Malcolm, £794 ; Kose BVos., £775; J. Curbio; JSJiS ;C. KUoden, £745. Stowdit and Pooloy, £744 ; Hi Sliailef, G'JO.

Mr Adams announced by advertisement that ho opens a totalizator sweep on the Wanganui Cup to-morrow, at Mr Hazard's ahop, Queen-street.

A man named Jerry Allwill was brought down from Cambridge hist cveniog Buttering from a broken thi«h, itlld admitted to the Hospital. Ho slated that ho was out riding about three weekis ago, when his horfee stumbled bvor sOmo fern and rolled over him; breaking his thigh. He was under tllo pare of JDr. Waddington for some time, but tllnt gentlomau being uuablo to devotb sullicient timo to tho case, and the bandages becoming loose, ho was brought down to tho Hospital. l)r Philaon ronot tho limb, and put frtgh splints to it. The frncturo ia not an umißually seiious one, and it is expected that Allwill will bo able to get about again vory shortly.

Typhoid fevornppoarnto bo still prevalent in Auckland. Two patients named A. Price and J. Neild have bcou admitted to the Hospital this week, siiderm); from Hiih disease. The former was recently a waiter iv tho Northern Club, ulld his case is reported to be a very bud one. Tho other is not eU eeriouc, Neild in a comparatively new arrival hero and wdi a passenger by the Margaret Galbraith. It is Raid that liin father and mother are also aull'eriug from typhoid foyer.

Mr. Whitohorn, tho Uesidont Magistrate ot Dargavillo, who was reported in a recent issue to ho very ill with typhoid fever in tho Hospital, is still in a dangerous state;

During tho summer months the asphalted foot]mtlu of biicli acclivitous thoroughfares iih Bhor Hand-street should bo frequently boated with tar atid lino mind, so qh to ren der them safo for foot trallic. When such precaution)) aro not taken tlio asphalt becomes ns slippery as «luh«. and conse iiucnlly proves treachoiomto the foot of tho unwary pedestrian. This morning an elderly and robust wormm ulipped in Short liind-street and fell heavily to tho ground. Sho appeared much Hbakcu, and certainly nomewhat dincoucerted by the unexpected mishap. These accidents arc of almost dally occurrence

It may not prove amim to remiud intend ing exhibitors at tho Horticultural Show lhat their products should bo sent in on enrly as possible Tho secretary will bo in attcudanco at the Drill-shed from ti.3o o'clock to-morrow morning for the receipt of exhibits. None will bo taken after 0.30 o'clock.

Tenders wcro opened to-day itt W. F. llainiuoud'H oliico for additionH to a house in Ponaonby, as follows :—Page, £271 («c ---cepted); Currio, £298; \Vil«m, £317 j Howson, £320 ; Kcycs, £318 ; Mills, £375 ; Uhodes, £389. Also, for additions to n house in Kcmncra, vLf.: Uutcbinsou, £IG-1; Mills, £186; Keyes, £198; Currio, £212 ; llewsou, £224 ; Pago, £230.

Tlio Big Dock Question was Introduced at tho meeting of the Harbour Board after wo lini! gone to press yesterday. The Chairman (Mr Coinpton) moved that the Hoard resolve itself into Committee for tlie coiiHiilcration of matters in connection with the Dock sites, and, if thought advisable, to consult Mr Blackett tlioreon. Mr Aicken said it win important tiiut they should have tho opinion of Mr Itlackett in tho mutter. Ho thought they should get (in indopeudout report from him without referenco to the ongiueer or officers of tho Bonrd. Mr Me- Keuzio agreed that the courso ftuggcatcil would bo desirable so lout; as tho report wiis (i comprehoiißiTO one, without nny leaning to either eldc. Eventually the Hoard agiccd to an amoudment moved by Mr Morriu and seconded by Mr Thompson, to the effect that the Secretary wait on the Attorney-General and ask him to authorise Mr Hlnckntt to report to the Board on the beat ])lace for a site with and without dred-

The concert by Mr Gordon Gooch and his advanced pnpllf, Is fixod for the evening of Monday, tbo 28th mat. Nott Friday's Odbkkvrr will Contain No. 1 Coupon for tho Now Soriea of Priaos, which in cludo : A boautiful Gold Walch in a morocco caso, a valuable and hoary Albert Chain of sterling silver with looktt and a dog-whlstlo attaohed, a s«t of (Jold Studs, g«ntUman's or I.kUob, as tho winner chooses, Camoll'a Mag azine for 1880 (Juit published), Parisian Clock and Alarum, a Leather Writing Desk properly Ilttod with atatlonory an« all essential!, Pair of' Vseoa for mantolplooo, Sir Pota of Preserves, Three Novola by eminent authors, a beautifully inlaid Card Box.-[Advt.]

MELANCHOLY SUICIDE.

POISUNING BY STRYCHNINE,

Infoiimation was roceived at tho Police Station about one o'clock this aftmiooii that an unmarried woman named Emily Barnott, residing iv Wyuyard-Btreet, had deliberately poisoned herself by taking a 1 urgo doae of strychnine, and that she was already dead. Tho re port, at first, was thought to be some* what exaggerated, but it was soon ascertained to be subsequently correct. Superintendent Thompson and Sergeants Gamble and McGrath proceeded without delay to the scene of tho tragic occurrence, aud gleaned the following particulars :—Tha deceased was a woman of about 35 years ot aec, and during tho past six weeks *he had resided as a lodger in the house of Mrs Alcxandor, -which is situated m Wynynrd stroet, just behind Dr. Murray Moore's residence. Prior to that time she had been living in ths family of Mr Burton Ireland, iv the capacity of nursery gOYerncis. Since she came to sojourn in town she had been in so despondent a frame of mind that remarks wore frequently made about it. She was not communicative, hiwoTor, and ns no one ventured to question her, tho source of her disquiotude remained unknown. Dr. Alexander returned from the South at the end of last week on a viu't to his mother, and about noon to-day ho was walkiug in tho garden when he hoard a loud scream in tha direction of the house from some one apparently in great pain. Ho hastened thither and discovered the deceased lying upon her bod, and writhing as if in convulsions. On enquiring the matter she gasped out that sho had taken a bottle of strychnine from a littlo room used by him, and swallowed tbo content*. He went into his room or study, and at once perceived that a bottle contain ing about half-an-onuce of the deadly drug which he had left exposed upon a shelf had been all but emptied—the dose being sufficient to kill three or four people. Tho | usual remedies were unavailingly ad- j ministered to the unhappy woman. She expired shortly afterwards without having made any explanatory statement. Tho only relative which she appoara to have had in the colony is a sister, who lives in tho Waikato, and to whom Superintendent Thomson has already telegraphed an in timation of the melancholy affair. Tho deceased was a shipmate of Mrs Alexander, and arrived here by the ship Adamant about a year ago.

FAREWELL TO MRS. HAMP SON.

A MONSTER GATHERING,

(BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDEKT.)

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day

The farewell soiree tendorcd to Mrs Hampson last evening as a fitting termina tion to her evangelistic mission was emi nently successful. The gathering was the largest of the kind ever hold in the district. To provide tea for upwards of 800 persons, and to seat between 2000 and 3000 at a public mectingwasnot a light task. Thcchurch and school-house of the Willoughby-streefYVes- Icyan congregation afforded ample accom modation for the ten, ami tho public meet ing was held in the paddock adjoining. A novel feature was a star gas jot in tho centre of the paddock. The Mayor presided, and Mr Hcmus and Mrs Hampson ad dressed the audience. At the closo about 750 persons signed the pledge, and many signified their intention to join Churches.

TELEGRAMS.

PER PBESS AdBNCY.

tIMAUU, thia,day. Harvest hauda are pouring into the town from the country. RUSH TO AUSTRALIA.

News from Australia concerning tho new rushes ifl creating grba.t eicitetlient. kargc numbers are leaving by sailing Vessels for Newcastle and SydilOy. Seventeen passen gers have just left by the Annie Bow, and fully double that number leave to-day by tho Cteorge Noble. The steamer Taiuroa was crowded fore and aft hut cveninK with passengers for Dtlnetlin, ell route for the Ahitblian 'digging!!. The exodus is viewed with alarm and regret.

JJUNEDIN, this day, THE WOOL SALES.

Carglll's wool telegrams, dated London iho 7th, reports ! Prices cotitiimfiin favour of buyers. ,Grea»j>, Id t'6 }Jd low'or ; ileece (scoured), ljd to 2d lower than at the close of last sales. The next sales commence on May 10th. The quantity of tho new ar rivals to be included is limited to 300,000 bales.

NATIVE LANDS COURT AT CAMBRIDGE.

OAMtiftIDUK, this day. At tho Land Court tO-day, tho Waita and Kurauui blocks were before the Court. Tlio question of boundaries was gono into, and beyond this almost nothing waa done. The Court will meet again this afternoon.

THE NEW MINISTER.

Mil WALTER JOHNSTON, POST-

MASTEU-GENEKAL.

[lIV TELEOKAPH.—I'KESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, this day. Mn WalTeb Johnston, M.U.It., for Mmiawatu, has been offered and has accepted a portfolio in the (Jovcrumcnt. He will bo sworii in to-day as Postmaster j Geucral.

SPORTING.

[BY TKLKUKAI'H, OWN COKKESI'ONIJENT.]

TKAINING NOTES AT WANGANUI.

WANGANUI, Tuesday. 15KTTINU on tlio Wnnganui Cup in 3 to 1 against Libeller, Nntator and On Dit; 4to 1 aguiiifst Uaudwick; G to 1 ngalust Dan aiid King Quail; 8 to 1 against Opuwa, Noracman and Foul Play ; 100 to 10 against bir Georgo ; 100 to 12 acainst Soukar ; 100 to 8 agaiußt Kockot j 100 to 5 against the Kedeemcr and Bndswortb. Over 50 horbea were on tha training ground, and good work was dono amonu tho cup cundidatcn. Wr Georgo was the first out, and did tho distance at a good strong pace, and finished fuirly, althoutjti ho did not get any faster towards tho end, Uylong, tbo Sydney horise, did a steady mile, Prairie Bird, bis companion, getting up and taking him along three-quarters of ft milo, when Mylonu came away, running very strongly with sweaterß on. Ho cantered once round when Chandler joined him, and the pair did a fast mile, the Cup hose coming away as bo liked and running like a nice horse. Norscmau did a sweat, going tliroo times round. Mr Redwood's two-yyar-old, Dauphin, joiuing him for two miles. The Cup horse did not move very freely. Libeller and Jlandwick did two miles, both going very well. Libeller shewed the best action ; Kandwick being lather on the tug side. King Quail did a mile in company with Nyata, aud tho Derby colt, who had the Australian jockoy Williams np. King Quail moved with more freedom, but did not go over fast. Opawa was sent a mile along, and then was joined by Hail storm. <>pawa showed plenty of vigour, but scarcely enough. Foul Play went once round aud was ioiucd by Badswortb, and they wont the Cnp distance. At the finish Foul Play had much the place of it. Slander (illy corercd a mile in good style. liillingßgate cantered twice round steadily ; he is not doing much work, as his knee may give way. Kocket and Kedeemcr went together and moved very freely. The Hurdle noises, Grey Momns, and Artful Joe-, <liil fomn schooling. More horßea arc expoctcd in to day.

HELENSVILLE RACES

NATIVK HACK.—Bob, 1 : Bloody, 2 ; Wairior, 3. Won by a couple of length?. Kailwav Plate.-N. or M., 1; Hurry Mount, 2; Wild Idyl, 3. Won rasily. Coksolatioit Stakes.—Blink Bonny, 1 ; Bloody, 2 ; Mataia, 3. Wou by a cotiple of lengths.

Wo learn from Mr Gofte that Harry Mount will not ko to the Henderson's Mill races. Ho is goiDg North in the tons.

PRIZE-FIRING AT NELSON.

NELSON, Tuesday night.

The third annual meeting ot tko New Zea land Kiile Association was vittually brought to a clo»e this afternooon. Tlie small boro match fell through owing to its snialluess, but tho North and South carbine match still remains on the programme. Tbe Southerners knowing that they are over matched decline to pay their entrance fee iind lire, and the Northern men avow that they will fire alone to-morrow in accordance with the conditions and claim the Cup. Tho single men representative matches were fired to-day. Twonty-ono took part in the 16th match and some good shooting was anticipated, but a puff of wind, at 600 yards, gave trouble to the men, and several misses were registered. Hotkiu was eventually doclarod winner, though had PurneM struck the target with his last shot, victory would have been with him. Although only eight men took part in the Carbine match better shooting was made, the superiority of the Carbine marksmen this year at shorter distances being again unmistekoably shown. Hood, of Nelson, first honours, the champion finishing three point 3 behind him. McLean >vas absolutely last. During the day the consohtion stakes were taken, the liou's Mures of the money going to Ot»go. Auckland did not secure a prize in this event. Appended is tho result, of the afternoon proceeding*. j Fourteenth Match.—Bide Company's Trophy, i 200, 000, and GOOyds; acvou shots at cachrunßo. To bo competed for only by oompany ropre fontatlves. Conditions: Any Volunteer corps armed with rifles can nominate a represen tative!, one only being allowed from tke corps. Representatives must be efllciont volunteers for tbe year ended ])00. 31st. 1880, Tho whole of tho entries to bo devoted to Iho purchase of a trophy, leas one-sixth for ex pomos; tho trophy to be the property of the corps to which the winner belongs.

FiFTBENTii M*toh. — Ciirblno Company's Trophy. 200, 400, snd 500 yds; seven shots at each range, To bo fired for only by company representatives. Conditions:—Any Volunteer corps, armed with carbines, can nomlnato a roprcsontativc-ono only being allowed from any eorpi; representatives must bo efficient Volunteers for the year ended 31st l)o omber, 1880 ; five-sixths of tho total ontraice money to be devoted to the purohaso of a trophy; the trophy to be tho property of the corps to whum the winner bslongs.

Ninetbkntii Mitch Coksolation.—Any mem ber 200, 300, and 100 yatdß; seven shote at eaoh ranee. Open only to anr member of the Association who has entered for at least two of the foreftolDß matches, and who has not won a prize at this meeting. Prizes, £3 to bo tjtvenbythe Association, and thrco-fourth of tiio'ontrles to bo apportioned by the committee prior to the commencement of tho match.

It Is proposed to reduce the prize money by 25 per cent iv nil matches as the Asso ciation is short of funds.

A protest has been eotercd against Hood in tho fifteenth match on the ground that at 500 yards he got an outer for a recochet. Matheson, of Otago, is seriously ill.

CABLEGRAMS.

tIIEUTBB'S TKIiItURAMS.j

Destructive Storms in England.

Great Loss of Life*

LONDON, March 8. VEBV severe htirricauGs, acctimpaiiidd by heavy fails of snow have been experienced bver the greatbr part of Scotland, during the past twenty-four hours, and groat damage hits been done t« property; Tcrriilc galen have i'aged on the coast, and numerous shipwrecks, resulting in great loss of life, have been caused. So far as can be at present ascertained, fully ono hundred persons are known to have been drowned ill vessels which have foundered at ports and off the Coast. THE IRISH JUDGES ON THE S.t TUi The Irish Judges of Assizo, in their charges to tho grand jurors at the courts which opened yesterday in the Irish pro vinces, again took occasion to refer to the alarming state of the country, and deplored in forcible terms the continued occurrence of an enormous amount of undetected crime. PROVISIONS FOB BRITISH IN TRANSVAAL. CAPE TOWN, March 8. Intelligent has been received from Natal that, taking advantage of the provi sions of the armistice with tho Boers, Sir Evelyn Wood has already despatched convoys of provisions to the British garrisons at Pretoria, Wakkcrstroom, Standesdor, and other places in Transvaal. ENGLISH TRADK. LONDON, March 7. Tho Board of Trade returns for the past month are published to-day. The imports amounted to £36,G25,000, being an increase ot £8,375,000 an compared with the corres ponding month of last year. The exports rcacbod a total of £16,812,500 and show an increase of £312,500 uuder the same com parison. THE AKMISTICE IN TIIANSVAAL. LONDON, March 7. In tho Iln ise of Commons to-day, the Premier wns questioned regarding the statement in the "Daily News" that a week's armistice had been proclaimed in (he Transvaal; Mr Gladstone, in r«ply, con firmed the announcement, and added thatthe armistice had been agreed to enable Krugur, the Hoer President, to reply to the condi tions of peace. Mr Gladstone further Btated that during the time of the armistice Sir Evelyn Wood would be allowed to revictual the British garrison in the Transvaal.

AUSTRALIAN.

AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEERS FOtl TRANSVAAL. SYDNEY, Wednesday. Nearly one hundred men of the pcr nuiDcutartilllery force here have volunteered to proceed for service against the Boers, AUSTRALIAN TEAM V. COMBINED ELEVEN. SYDNEY, March Bth. The cricket match between the Austra lian Team and the Combined Eleven of New South Wales and Victoria was resumed to day. The Australians wore all disposed of for 85 in their second innings. Murdoch, not out for 31, and Miicdonnell, caught, 18, being tho top scorers, and the combined team thus won the match by 24G runs. A severe hailstorm fell during the adjournment for luuchcun, and rendered the ground very dead.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before J. E. Macdonakl, Esq., K.M.) DRUNKENNESS. A trio of inebriates were subjected to the usual penalty for drunkenness.

ASSAULT. .Andrew Heavy was charged with striking his daughter Elizabeth Heavey, with a brick, on the evening of the Bth instant. Complainant did not appear. The case was dismissed. ANOTHER ASSAULT. ' John Shaw was charged on warrant, with unlawfully assaulting his wife, Sarah, by striking her with his clenched fiat, and dragging her by the hair of her head, on the 7th inst. Mr Tole appeared for defendant, and asked for au adjournment until to-morrow. Mr Ueorf{Oi wlio appeared for complain ant, named Friday us a more convenient day. Adjourned till Friday, defendant being admitted to bail, himself in £100, aud two sureties in £50 each. AMD YJET ANOTHER. George Walker, of Parnell, was charged with unlswfully assaulting Elizabeth Walker, by striking her with his list. Prisoner deuicd the cliarge. Elizabeth Walker, wife of prisoner, said that her husband knocked her down on Monday night and kicked her. He had used her very badly, but as she had four little children to support, she did not wish to send him to prisou. His Worship : Where arc your fenra that you spoke about ? Wife : I'm not afraid of him now, and if ho will promise not to beat me again I will withdraw the charge. Prisoner : I promise faithfully. His Worship : Then you may be released on payment of costs, 7e. A MOTHER IN WANT. Robert Mullins, of Corornandel, was charged with failing to contribute towards the support of his mother, an invalid. Mr Tole said he had been instructed by Robert Mullin?, who could not leave his work, to say that he was willing to cor> tribute 2* 6d a week. He was a miner, and work was very precarious in that district, or he would take her down to Coro mandel and supported her in his homo. His Worship, considering their respective callings, thought Robert should pay the same. Mr Tole promised to communicate with the defendant on the subject, and the case was adjourned for a week. This was all thn business.

MINING NEWS.

MINE MANAGER'S REPORTS,

Southern Cross G.M.C.—I am still stoping on specimen leader below battery level with (our men. The leader looks well, and I am still in hopes that ws will come 02 k good patch of gold in it. There are I several lo»ds of quartz on hand and "22lbs of picked stone from thie portiou of your mine, No. 4 Leader : The drive on this loader is iv a distance of 60 feet, and we can see gold occasionally in the stone that is broken in driving on the leader. Stoping is also being carried on in this leader, and I have no doubt that the quartz broken out from here will prove payable. I expect the battery will be ready in two or three day?, when we ■will be able to resume crushing again. There are about six loads of quartz crushed, and there are also about fourteen on hand, in addition to tho picked i stone mentioned above. One Hun dred Feet Level : Tho drive is re paired and cleared up to within 40 feet of the Golden Gate Shaft. The drive is broken down here, but I think by the end of this week or the beginning of next wo will get into the shaft. No. Bor Golden •Crown Reef:—The drive on tbi* reef is re paired, and 1 have started to drive on the hanging wall portion of it towards Golden Crown claim. The drive is mostly clay, with stringers of quartz running through it. I have also commenced to put a rise up on some promising looking quartz about 20 feet back from the face of the drive. I in tend to save tome of the quartz, and have a trial crushing as soon as I can. No. 7 Leader:—The drive on this lender has been put in a distance of 1G feet. There is a fair amount of mineral in the stone, but I have seen no gold in it.—James Coutts, Grabamstowu, March S.

New North Devon G.M.C.— 70 Feet Level: Six men are constantly employed driving east. The reef, if anything, is im proving both in size and appearance Stoping is still being carried on by six men. Winze : Work here has been temporarily suspended, and the men are employed in stoping as above. There being no prospect at present of any battery working continu ously, I could not, with advantago to the Company, continue so much dead work viz., driving 70 feet level, sinking winze and driving IGO feet level. I have there fore suspended work in the winze for the present. The winze is now down about half-way, and it will be necessary to continue the drive on the 160 feet level about eighty feet to com municate with winze when sunk. I purpose, however, resumiug work in the winze, so as to have it completed by ihe time the drive below shall have been drivn far enough to meet it. 160 feet level.— Contractors have driven a distance of about 10 feet sinco they started, but have cot broken down tho reef to the footwall as vet Until they do bo, 1 cannot form a correct opinion of the size of the reef. Battery — Tho battery has been working barely half time during tho last week. There is no change in the appearance of the general s t ulF.~ John Wilcox, Thames, March 7

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S 'CITY OF SYDNEY' WITH THE English and American Mails.

AMERICANS UMMAIIY.

SAN FRANCISCO, Fob, 12.' $225,000 has been subscribed for c* President Grant. Gould, Vanderbih' Mackay, and & P. Morgan gave 525,0q0 each. '■• i,

The walking match In New York was won by Hughes, who made 568J miles and 105 yards. He was entered for the Aatlev beltsince in London. ?

King Kalakaua, of the Sandwich Islands arrived in San Francisco, January 30th' lie proposes to visit the different Asiatic arid European fiationo, with tho view ol finding out the mo&t feasible means of a(. tracting a desirable class of oraigiantsto the ißlsnds to take the place of the natives doomed to rapid extinction. '

A heavy storm with 30 hours' continuous rain, had caused great damage throughout California aud Oregon. Ten Chinese lumbermen, in the Santa Cruz range were buried by a landslide, and all killed. '

A new organization, called the National Anti-Monopoly League, has started in New York, with branches all over the country. Ita object is to protect cifens agaiust the aggressions of corporations: to advocate and defend the rights of the many against privileges for tho few. Moody and Saiikey still continue their revival efforts in San Francisco, but do not make as great an impression as expected The Egyptian Obelisk has been placed in position in Central Park, New York Bret Harte, now Consul at Glasgow" has been disabled by a shot ia the hand while hunting. Meetings in favonr of the Irish Land League are being held in San Fiancisco They are largely attended by the citizens' and the feeling is very enthusiastic, ' Professor Proctor, just returned from Australia, is drawing thousands to hear hia lectures on Astronomy.

Gerald Paget, fourth son of Lord Alfred Paget, with his wife, are hunting in Wyoming and Montana Territories.

The press, east and west, have fully dis cussed the late Immigration Treaty inado between the United States and China. Tho result is that tho question of Chinese immi gration to this country is substantially placed, for control, in tho hands of Con< gross. Ex^Govornor Spraguo, of Rhode Island, has bled a petition of divorce from his wife) formerly Miss Kate Chase, daughter of the former Secretary of tho Treasury, Senator Roscoe Conkling, of .New York, is charged with improper intimacy with the lady. It is proposed to send the Government vessel Corwin in search of the Bennett Arctic exploring yacht Jeannette. Attention ot American capitalists is being directed to Canadian mining enterprises, notwithstanding the nuwcrous Wildcat mines put on the New York market; The crew of the British barque Souvenir, from New York for Queenstown, January 17, mutinied, and, taking command of vessel from captain and mate, returned to port. Capt. Chevalier, of the Zealandia, writes to the San Francisco press to correct erro neoua reports regarding his crew. He saya the Chinese are not mutinous, and the number of white men employed on board is double that of the Chinese The important statement is made that Californian wheat is deteriorating, the kernel is not bo wdl filled as formerly, and tliis ia attributed to the impoverishing of the land by growing year after year the pame kind of crops without the use of ferti lizers. Mew York " Commercial" puts forth two "points"as likely. First; The Govern ment will take the telegraphs and incorpor ate them in tho postal system, Second; Dr. Lessep's Panama Canal will buy a controlling interest in the Pacific U.S. Live. He has already an option to take the Panama Railroad, but on higher terms than the present price of stock. American forgers have been arrested in Florence, Turin, and MilaD, and papers found in their luggage showed that their operations extended throughout the United States, C*uada, England, France, Belgium and Italy. Representatire Ncwberry has received from Canada a large amount of documen taiy information showing tho falsifications, and corruptions used ia securing tho Halifax Fisheries award. John W, Dwindle, leading lawjer in San Francisco, was accidentally drowned from the railroad ferry boat at Porta Costa, It has been discovered that a class of men in New York, calling themselves undertakers, trade in the corpses of children. They agree with parents to bury their dead offspring for n email sum, and then sell the bodies to dissecting rooms. Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, the most celebrated Catholic prelate in the United States, is paralyzed. The British steamship Koeiaua from London, was wrecked on the Ocean Beach, outside New York harbour, on the let February. General Grant will, it is reported, soon start for Mexico to attend to railway matters in which he is interested. It Is said that he has subscribed 400,000 dollars to the stock ot the new enterprise. 'While in Mexico he Trill probably visit the mineß, A cremating association has been formed in New York. Wholesale discharge of miners has been made trom the Comstock, the ore bodies of the Bonanza mines having been worked as long as the ore extracted would pay for mining and milling. An extraordinary instance of cruelty is reported from Newark, Ohio. John Cam ming, a labourer, forbid his 8-year-old son coasting on an adjacent mill, and crucified him for disobedience; Mountain trout from California are being transferred to eastern streams.

Summary of Latest News.

Sax Francisco, February 15.

A story is current in London that the Government has intercepted the Land League correspondence, and opened many of its letters. It is understood that Parnefi will sail direct from Paris for the United States, as a document found on Dairtt, just before ho was arrested in Dublin, criminates him and many important persons in the present agitation. 1 here Is strong talk about Parncll's continued absence in Paris. The Irish party |in Parliament is niw utterly disorganised!; Kelly aud Barry have not been in the House for a week, and tbeir whereabouts is unknown. There is a disposition in the Leaguers to leave- for America ; but the Irish press implores them not to desert the cause.

A great anti-coercion meeting was held in Hyde Park on the 13th. Afterwards the procession halted in front of the Guards', Carlton, and Reform Clubs, groaning the members, Precautions were taken by the Government, but no display of force was made.

Sir Geo. Collcy's defeat by the Boers was a crushing one; the Boerß might have annihilated him had they pushed their advantage. Colley left all his wounded. {£Professor Tyndall, Fronde, and^Leckie attended Carlyle's funeral.

The Mersey Steel and Iron Company, Liverpool, have gone iuto liquidation. Liabilities, £358,000. J The steamship Batavia (Cunarder) long overdue, was towed into New York on the 11 th, with propeller gone.

Lieut. Percy Roper, R. 0., found murdered in Brompton Barracks, February 11, was, it is believed, killed by Ft nians. vVork has been commenced on the Panajma Canal. M. Leasep,a engineers and navvies were received with "vivas" by a large crowd at Colon.

Convention at Koine, Garibaldi Presi dent, has adopted a resolution demanding universal suffrage in Italy. The Baroness Burdett-Coutts aad Mr Win. Ashmead Bartlctt were married at Christ Uiurcb, London, on February 12. None butthe nearest relatives and most in timate friends of tho parties were pre sent.

The lower part of Washington, D.C., was submerged on the 13th.

A mass ineetiDg of Socialists has been held in New York for the purpose of more efficient political organisation. The attend ance was principally German. Lourek, U.S. Minister iv England, is tired of his position, and will resign. Capt. Bads' (of the ship Nicuragua) Rail way Bill has been laid on tho table by Con gress.

The Russian Government has consented to the occupation of an astronomical station at Valadivostock by United States naval oiheers in order to get the measurement by telegraph of the longitude in Japan and China.

Jay Gould, it is said, Las purchased the Montreal telegraph system. This, with the j-yetem now organizing for Mexico, makes lam autocrat o£ the wires of the Continent. Distress is bo great among the Ural tribes in Russia that parents are selling malo children for grain, leaving the females to perish.

Tlie Basutos have been defeated at Mazurn, Cape Colony, with heavy low.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9



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State of Sea, Bar, or Rivore.

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aea hea'y swl sea Blight bwI 0 smooth

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200yd Honking, Taranakl Rifles .. 25 Purnel), Wanganui Oily .. 23 Weir, Thames Scottish „ 23 Turner, Blenheim .. .. 21 Burr, Wellington Torpedoes 25 Willoooks, Clutha .. ..24 Sutton, A., Spring Creek .. 23 Wratt, Waimea .. ..22 Cooper,Victoria (iuokland) 24 Hay, No. 3 (Auokland) .. 24 Harding, Onraaru .. .. 21 Paynter, Stok« .. .. 21 Irander, Inglowood (Taran'ki) 23 Hutohlnson.NorthUunedin 15 Balllnger, A . Wel'ton City 21 Webetor, Dunodin C. Guard 23 Sampson,Westland.. .. 21 Wi'lli, Nelson City .. ..2* Remington, Wanganui .. 28 Kitch, Fate* 24

. 60iyd 28 25 21 26 25 21 21 25 20 22 20 22 23 Jl 20 20 21 19 U 11

I GOOyd Tl 21-69 19 — C7 22 — CO 16-00 16-66 20-65 19 - 65 18- 65 20- 61 17 -W IT -61 15 - 61 17-60 13-69 15 - 59 H-57 21-57 13 - 60 13-53 8 - «



Hoo<\ Nelson, Artillery ..2a 25 25 — 76 Laird, Cavalry, Wanganui 25 2i 26 — 75 Armntrong, 1 names, Naval 21 26 '.-s _ 73 McKeniio, Wellington, Art. 24 17 21 — 72 Dixon, Wellington, Naval 25 25 20 — 70 Payne, Auckland, Artillery 23 26 20 — 69 Thompson, Dunedln, Art. 22 2t 18 — 62



200id McLean, Walroa(Wang'nui) 21 Churtland, Nelson .. ..25 Wilson, Dnnedln .. ..25 Marshall, Dunedin .. .. 2J McKenzto, Wellington .. 25 Randall,WellinRton.. .. 21 Wallls, Ounedin .. ..24 Howo, Wellington .. .. 2i ]Cindall, Thames .. ..26 GibWn. Nelson 25 Armstrong, Wellington .. 25

I 300yd 25 21 23 20 20 i';t 21 :'[) L'O 22 23

I dOOyd Tl 15 - G3 25 - n 17 - n 2G - 71 21 - 71 25 — 70 25 - 70 M - 70 23- 70 22- 70



Special Advertisements. TUST RECEIVED AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, With Plated Arms. Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quito Now. E. PORTER & CO., Queen and High streets ■"]«■ E W J^i 0 O D S Ttf-EW /-I OODS A. LINABURY & CO. Are Now Showing their NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS, We hold the Largest and Best Stock of COSTUMES, MILLINERY FANCY GOODS, DRESS GOODS FLOWKRS, FEATHERS, &0., &C. Special Line of Plain Dress Silkß, only 3s lid per yard; worthOsCd. 5,000 Straw Hats, all new shapes. A Largo Stock of Ladles' and Children's Under clothing. Drew'and Mamie-making on tho premises Costumes mado in|2l hours'notice. ■"•*•• 11NABUKY & CO. X .6,* AWD H», QUKKN-BTEKKT



Special Advertisements. QTOCK-TAKINU "O AKGAINS In preparation for Stook-taking, WILLIAM 11ATTBAY has] REDUCED THE PRICES OF HIS LARGE AND WKLVASSOBTEB STOCK CEMIrfBK pOSTUME3, *|ANTLKS, AND jyjILLINKRY, In ordor to oifoot a oloaranco. COSTUMES at 12s Od URDUCKD to fl3 C d COSTUMES at 198 Od COSTUMES at 253 Rkduokd to 103 Od COSTUMES at 30s IIKDCOKD tO 253 COSTUMKS at 353 Reduced to 28s 6d COSTUMKS lit 15s Rkduoud to 37b Gd MANTLKS and MILLINKKY aro Reduced in similar proportions, AT "WILLIAM -OATTJRAY'S COSTUMB, MANTLK, MILLINERY, & GBNERAL DIIAfKBY ESTAIILISOMKNT, NKW ZEALAND lIOUSK, 66, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. T. W. H ICKSO» (Lato Inspector Gonoral Survey Dopartmont), Begs to inform his frlouda and tho publio generally that ho has rotired from tho Govern ment servlco, and ontered into business as LAND 1$ li OKE R. Llconsed to Transact Huninoas under tho Pro visions ot the jdand Transror Act. Several Good Investments Oi-kn. Somo of tho l3ost FARMS about Auckland to Lot. Splendid Building Sitks in and out of town Surveys of every description at Lowest FosblWo Ratos. Conveyancing under Land Transfer Act at trifling cost. SOUTH BRITISH CHAMBERS, Corner Qobkn and shortlano streets. a pURK rjASH gVSTBM / \ ] ALL [ < /DRAPERY AND CLOTHING VAT CO-OPICRATIVK CASH PRICES, AT THE City Jciall -A_rcadk, garliok & cranwell, Proprietors. USTRIAN BKNT-WOOD FURNITUKK.- A Largo Shipment just to hand, light and strong, suitable for 'Jreakfast, Sit ting, Dining, or Drawing-room (Black, Walnut, and L'ght Colours, GARLICK & CKANWELL, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Quesn-streot, Auckland. _ AKPKT3.—The largest Stock in tho Pro vince to select from—all kinds. Tupoatry, from 2s lid ; Brussola, from is lid; Kid derminster. Felt, and Jute. Tho New Worcester Stair Carpet niaclo of Horsehair, juat received—th( most durablo Carpot ever made. GARLICK & CR AN WELL. TJEDROOM FURNITURK.-ABrea Wlotj JL> always ready for delivery, to suit al classes. Chests of Drawors. Washstands Toilfat Tables and Wardrobes in variou: woods, Glasses and Toiletware Bonding of all kinds and sizes; Sprint Mattraßses. GARUCK & CRANWELL. JTiXIfIBITION Designs in Iron Bedateads.- JQj Wo keep tho Greatest Variety of Iroi Bedsteads in Town, and are Importer direct from tho manufacturers. Hand somo Wood Bedsteads from our owi Factory. GARLICK & CRANWBLL. /""IARLICK & DRANWELL keep such I \X Largo Assortment of General Householc Furniture that you can Furnish a Housi throughout from their stock at a day': notice DKA WING-ROOM SUITES in stock, Buit abo for a Cottage or a Mansion, al upholstered by ourselves, and gnaran teoci. Suites lor Dining and Sitting rooms in varlons Btyles. QARLICK & ORANWBLL. ONLY Warohouse in Town conducted on tht London System, combining all depart ments of furnishing, Drapery, and Clothing. CITY HALL ARCADE. FIVK Per Cent. Cash Discount on all kinds ol Furniture, Carpets, Matting, Floorcloths, Ironmongery, Toiletware, and Brush- G4.RLICK fc CRANWELL. "DOOK CATALOGUES, post free or on appll: JJ cation, to those intending to Furnish, Estimates and designs Riven. Carpets made up. Linoleum and Oilcloths laid. Needlework mounted. All kinds ol Upholstery and Cabinet-work by first class workmen. inspect our stock: The Largest in Auckland ! GARLICK & CRANWELL,] CITY HALL ARCADE, Qaeon-stroet and Lorno-street. Auckland. T U S T "DECEIVED. Ladies' and Gibls FINE CASHMERE JERSEYS. BOYS' JERSEY SUITS. TAM O'SHANTER HATS. JERSSY COLLARS. CORDS AND TASSELS, for Dro3BCS. mother hubbard cloaks. Also in Stock, A VERY LARGE ASSORTMENT OF Lapies' and Children's UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY LINEN. TV/ST I L N E & ffHOYCE QU-EN-STREET. (.STRANGERS AND TRAVELLERS Visiting Auckland will find tho LARGEST OUTFITTING STOCK IN THE COLONY To Select from at THE NjBW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Thousands of Customers testify to the Oupebiob /Quality & Pouting Of the Garments made by them. The Stock of SHIRTS, TIES, HATS, and HOSIERY, Is very large, and includes a CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF NOVELTIES FOR TIIK HOLIDAYS. A Bpacial supply of PORTMANTEAUX BAGS, RUGS, and all Travelling Requisites for Tourists. AUCKLAND BRANCH: Qaeen-Btroet (opposite Theatre Royal), And at Albert- Btreet, Thames. J. FITZSIMONS. Manages Ty INKS & O ALL, HAVE REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK, THEY ILL REMAIN IN FOET-STEEET ] 1 DURING THE EE-CUILDINO OP TEEUI WARE- 1 i HOUSE IH BHOBT_AND.STBEEI, [t