SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ninn WAT-TR. Th,a Evonlng, 2.30 niGH WAIER^ To . morrow ja ornlnßi 3ilo J UNSET.-Thia Evoning, 0.22 HUNRIB_C.-To-Morrow Morning, 5.59 MOON'S AGE.-Full Moon. 16th, 10.1G a.m.

ARRIVALS. LAST EVENING.

Ruby, schooner, Lambort, from Russell Fanny Kelly, ketch, Williams, from Whangaroa

_, , . TO-DAY. G10n015.,!5.5„ Farquhar,|from Whangarei

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING.

City of Sydnoy, P.M. s.s., Dearborn, for Sydhoy Waitaki, s.s., Edlo, for Whangarei

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London-Loch Urr, loading Tauranga — Qlonolg, Wednesday; Woltokl, Thursday Russoll— lona, Monday Whangarei nnd iiusaoll—Waitaki, Wednesday Now Plymouth and South—Pebguin, Tue. day W-iangnroi— Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitaki, Friday Lovuka—"outborn Cross, Sth Friendly Islands-Myrtlo Islands- Corguot

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Wolvorino, H.M.S., from Sydnoy, shortly Moropo, ship, from London Oxford, ship, (M.T.L.S.) from London; sailed Doc. I Sydonham, barquo (J.M.F.Q.), from London sailod Novombor 27th Avona, barquo, from London; lo Bail January Chilo, barquo, from London • loading Orient, barquo, from New York; to sail Feb ruary 8 Peru, barquo, from London ; sailod Jan. 12 Loch Doe, barquo, from London; sailed Dceom bor2s Snporior, barquo, from Now York; Bailod Ootober 23 Cabarfeldh, barquo (S.Q.M. J.), from Hongkong Orwell, brigantine, from tho Wanda Defiance, brigantine. from Dunedin Ethol, brigantino, from Dutiodln Ryno, brigantino, from Rotumah Look Out, brigantino, from Sydnoy Knorgy, schooner, from Noumea Heron, Bchooner, from Sydnoy Mazoppo, schoonor, from Unrotongj Marlon, schoonor, from Noumea Polloeman, aohoonor, from Noumea Julia Price, schoonor, from Noumea

IMPORTS.

Per Arawota, from Srdnoy : 28 paoknges booon and hama.—T. H. linl! ond Co.

Inwards Coastwise.- Bats, fram Port Charles, with 22,000 feet tfmber: Lako Superior, from Fakiri, with 210.000 ahingles aud 0000 palings.

Outwards Coaslwise,—Rata, for Port Charles, in ballast; Minnie Hare, for Poverty Bay, with larga general cai go.

Tho s.a. Arowato leaves for Molbourno, via Southern porta at S o'clock thi?. evoning. Paa sengera :—For Wellington—Mr Pollock, Misses Gallagher and Meyers, Measra Filton, Bu.sny, and Quintal. For Gisborne--\1 isa Higgin botham, Mr G. F. Stovin. For Lyttelton— Messrs W. |Qreece, Forbo*, Halo and ltcosc. For Napior—Mr Symonda, Captain Hill, Norman J. Gunn, W. Hill, Captain J. Ellis. For Fort Chalmers-Messrs Warren, Shaw. For Mol bourne—Measr3 Martin and Biddlo.

Tho s.s. Gleneig took in 100 tons of coal at Whangarei yesterday, with which Bin arrived at m e»rly hour this morning.

The New Zealand Shipping Company's A vona was to havo left London for Auckland on January 28.

The Orient Cos. s.s,, Cotopaxi, which has left London for Australia, brings Mr A. Britain and Miss Koto Smith, passengers booked for Auck land.

1 ne British narane Orient, 498 tone, was ex pected to clear at New York for Dunodin, Lyt telton and Auckland on February 10th. Sho bringß 2,000 cases of oil for this port.

Tho Roso Casey did not leavo for Mahurangi to-day owing to the roughness ot tho weather. She misseß this trip and goo_ on Saturday.

Tho s.s." Southern; Croaa with a full general cargo and several passengers loft tho wharf last night for Lovuka, via Suva, but on ing to the strong E.N.K. wind anchored outside tno Reef, where Bho now lies tntil tho weather moderates. Beforo leaving, thero was scire diffidence on the part of one of the hands about proceeding to sea, as he considered the vessel too deeply laden. In thia he was supported by the Tide Surveyor who gave ordera for no more cargo to bo taken on board.but on inapection by the Government Inspector of steamors, a cer tificate was given by that gentleman to lake some gooda that were necesaary to bo shipped, and aho waa only cleared by tho Customs authorities. The man who hsd complained thought better of it and returned to hia duty. The Cross takes a quantity of building material to Suva, tho now capital, and several workmon.

Undor the heading "Ninoty shipwrecks in seventeen days" tho "People's Journal" (Scot land) of January 22nd contnina tho following taken from tbe "Kcho" of the 18th inatant:—

"Only seventeen days havo passed since tho church bolls rang in the new y..ar. Yet within that brief timo ninety wrecks havo been re ported, or within one of thirty over tho number registered for o similar period in January lost. Tho eatimate of tho loaa of human life is not given, but tho sacrifice of property appears, unless we had the flgurea hard and dry boforo us, simply incredible. Tlio total amounts in round numberai3 £3,900,000, of which £2 800,000 was Britiah. It ia difficult to reconcile tbe ossesament. of value with the enumeration ot wrecks, but wo have the statement beforo ns in black nnd white. There wero 31 British and foreign wrecks, of which 21 were British, re ported during the present woek, making a total ot 90 for the present year, or on inorease of 29 as compared with the corresponding period of lost year. The approximate value of property lost was £3,900,000, including British £2,800,000. Tlio flgurea will bear repetition if only they moy not seem incredible.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Lalla Rookh, s,s., Campbell, for Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Hawea, s.s., Kennedy, for the South

IMPORTS.

Per lalla Rookh, from waitara-35kegs and 3 cases butter, 283 snoks grass aeed, 55 sheep, 1 cases drapery, 1 oase egg3,l case ironmongery.

EXPORTS.

Per Hawea for Southern ports :—For Taranaki —1 hhds. ale. 2 bales leather, 1 portable boiler and frame, 33 packages. For Nelson—7 casks resin. 2oasbslimejuice, 2 packages brush wore, 17 parcels sundry merchandise. For Picton— 160 pieces timber, 35 packages joinery, 3 half chests teo, 11 oases, 10 mats sugar. For Welling ton—2 esses. For Wanganui—s caßes fruit, 2 pockßges. For Hokitika—3 packages.

Tho s.s. Lalla Rookh brought tho following passengers from Waitara :—Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Mr and Mrs Holmes, and Mr Smith.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day, SSThe Waitaki arrived at noon, and sails late to night. Passengers:-Messrs Moody, Cooper, Kemp, and others. Tho mail steamer passed North at 10 a,m.

Melbourne, March 9, Arrived: The Rotomahana, yesterday.

Wellington, yesterday. Arrived: Penguin from Picton and Nelson; Wanaka, from South.

Sailed: Penguin for South; Saucy Lass, schooner, for Lyttslton, Timaru, yesterday. Cleared : Georgo Noble for Auckland.

PoaT Chalmbks, yesterday. Sailed: Albion, s.s,, for tho North. Pas- Bengers for Auckland:—Mrs. Miss, and Mr Thompson, Mr Hardy, and Rev. H. W, Edward.

ENGLISH SHIPPING.

Messrs W. ABhby and Co. report, undor date London, January 27th :—Shipping during the last month has been unusually slack—in foot such a quiet season has not been known for a number oi years. This is in a great measure accounted lor by the very severe weather whioh we have lately experienced, rendering naviga tion in tho rivor impossible. Daring the last ten days all the vessels in tho docks hove been completely ice-bound, and con sequently unable to proceed with their loading; numbers of lighters, with their cargoes, havo boon sunk through coming into collision with ice in the river, and several stoimers have had to put back from the samo cause. A thaw has, however, set in to-day (Jan. 27th), and we may now hope that shipping may shortly resume its usual aotivity. , __, The s.B. Norfolk, ownod by Messrs Wigrain Se Sons, and loaded by Mesara Shaw, Savllf & Co,, was to havo left for Lyttelton and Wellington on 20th Inst,, but being completely ice-bound in dock, will not'leave beforo to-morrow. Sho carries 181 passengers oil told, but the majority of these, aa well as a large portion of V or cargo, are for Sydney. She will be followed by tho b.s. Durham, also loaded by Show, Sovlll, Se Co., on March the 10th, for Lyttelton only. The vessels at present on the berth for Auokland are the Avona(NZSCo), to leavo on 31st inst,,and the Coronilla (SS Sc Co), on or about February sth. The former ot these vessels will have twelve Bteerage pasaengera, while tho Coronilta ia tak ing cargo only. The Merope will be dispatched for Auckland on Maroh ith, taking Mr Fitzgibbon Louche'a special party to the colony. Wo have had lately more enquiries from in tending passengers, for April or May, than wo havo yet knowii, aud, therefore, anticipate doing a largo passenger business, during those months with formers of good class, with large families and cipital.

THE WEATHER.

G —Calm SF. Br.—Freah breeze I_-UgU g'-g*?™7 Br.—Breeze I G.—Galo (2,) ANEROID BAROMETER. (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS B —Bine Bkr, bo the at-1 0.-Overcast,the whole mosDhere clear or sky covered with i heavy thick clouds C _ Clouds, passing P.-Passins? showers clouds Q.-Squally D -Drizzling rain K. - italn, contmued F."—Fogg? rain i a. —Gloomy, dark IS.—Snow weather . I T.-Thunder I H.-Hail U. - Ugly, threatening 1 L.—Lightning I appearance t

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as Under.—

Tina Day. For WhiJangi, Tolrua, Tauranga. and Opotlki,

por Glonolg, at 1 p.m. For Glßborno, Noplor, Southorn ports, ond Australian Colonies, por Arowoto, ot 0 p.ui. For monoy ordors, ond registered lottorp, ot 1 p.iu. Nowspapors at 5 p.m.

Friday, 11th Instant. For Waitara, Now Plymouth, etc, por

Kowono. otll n.m. For Norfolk lalond ami Now Caledonia, per

Nerval, at 2 p.m. For Wolhoko ond Coromandol, por Covo-

mandol, nt 2.30 p.m. For Whangarei Hoods, Porua, Wolpu. Whan garei, and Maugapai, por Waitaki, ot 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Saturday, 12th instant. For Woiworo, Mahurangi, Matokono, Manga wai, eto, por Rose Casey, at 10 a.m.

Tuesoay, 15th instant. For Torannki ond Southern porto.por Wonoko, at 5,30 a.m.

Monday, 2lst Instant. For Friondly Islands, por Myrtlo, ot — S. B. BISS, Chief Postmnstor. Chief Postoilloo. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

MAltcil 10th, 1881. Thootro Royal — Thompson* Con foderata Diorama of tho American Vvor, 8 p.m. Choral Hall.—Complimentary Couoort by Dean's Minstrels to Mr Horace Doan, 8 p.m. V.M.C A.—Dovotlonol mooting, 7. 30. p.m. Masonio Hall—Priiioo of Wales Lodge, 730 P.m.

Horticultural Society's Autumn Exhibition, Drill Shud.

Marriage.

MARRIOTT-ADLTNGTON.-On March 2, at tho residonco of tho bride's father, Franklin Road, by Hoy. T. Hodgson, Mark Man-lot', lato of H.M.C, to Sarah Ann, eldest daughter of Mr Robert Adlington, of Auokland.

NELSON—PEARCE.—On Morcli 7th, 1881, by tho Uov. Thomas Humor, at tbo residonoo ot tho brldo'a fathor, John Edward, eldost sou of Robert Nelson, of Glasgow, Scotland, to Annie, second daughter of Jobn Pcarco, ot Onehunga.

Death.

CARGO-On tho 10th March, ot East Taraaki, Eliza Jano, tho belovod wlfo of James Cargo, agod 25 years.

Tho funoral will tako placo on Saturday noxt, leaving hor late residonon, Prospect Terrace. Ponsonby, at 3 p.m. Friendß pleaso accept this invitation.

DACRE.-On January 12th, ot Clopham, Lon

don, Harriet Docro, ogod 39 years. WILLIAMS.-On tho 18th Januiry, 1881, at San Francisco, Frederick Williams; aged 17 yoaru. Derbyshire papers please copy.

Notice to Correspondents.

Constait RBADBR (Mount Kdon).—Wo do not bclievo th* Mount Kdon Assossmont Court complied with tho requirements of tho law iv tho mattor of publioity, and thoso who havo anllored in consequence should join in repre senting tho matter to tho Government, and demanding that the Court bo hold over again. At loast ten doya' publio notlco by advertiao mont muat bo given, to rondor tho sitting of ihe Court iegol.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1881.

For th nus that acks assistance, For iho wrong that needs resistance, For tha future in the distance. And the sood that we can do

The rejection of the Mail Subsidy Bill by Congress extinguishes tho hope of aid from that source to the Pacific Mail line. The United States Legislature views with very great suspicion anything iv the shape of steamship subsidies, and tho one for the Australian service haa been involved in tho tate of a number of others less deserving. The Postal Department is, honorcr, very favourably disposed towards the Australian mail line, and possibly some concessions may yet be secured in its favour. There is no doubt whatever that the San Francisco service will havo a hard fight to hold its own against the improved communication with Australia, without subsidy, and the United States will have to assist if it means to retain a connection which is of veiy great importance to it.

Mr F. H. Troup, a gentleman who will be remembered in Auckland by many friends, has wiitten to us fioru Australia on this subject, and as he is acquainted with the feelings of tho New Zealand people, while gathering that of the Australians, his opinions arc deserving of some attention. He says:—"Tho revolu tion created in the carrying trade of tho east by the opening of the Suez Canal, and its effect upon our mail services to Europe mutt shortly compel New Zealand and flew South Wales to re-consider their position as regards the mail line subsidised conjointly by them via San Francisco. In the youth ful daya of a colony, whon population is sparse, and not given much to European tours, and trade exists on a limited scale only, it is necessary that communication with the outer world should ba kept open by a mail line subsidised by the State. But, when, as in the case of the United States now, the general trad* and passenger trallic of the country is sufficient to support several first-class steam service. going to and fro almost daily, then subsidies can be dispensed with, and a letter rate is paid by tbe post office for the carriage of the mailß. Now, it is well known that [the 'Frisco line has not ful filled the expectations held out by it, through its parent, Sir Julius Vogel, and the Custom House Paul Prys still bar the way to any interchange of goods between New Zealand and America. But perhaps it is best that this should be so, be cause the public will now see clearly the fallacy of subsidising a purely mail line without securing any of the advantages offered by the boats as carrying agents also, as is now being so successfully demon strated by the P. and 0. and Orient lines, not to add the new Queensland mail service about to be Btartedhere. Aftsr a powerful steamer has once got clear from the loading cranes, she can travel just as fast as a heavily-subsidised one carrying only a few awfully select passengers and somo boxes of gold, with the mails. Until the Panama Canal route is opened, I would suggest to New Zealand the advisability of terminating the expensive and, commercially speaking, useless 'Frisco lino as soon as possible, and go in for a first-class line vift Suez Canal and the Uape, the boats to start from Auck land and calling at Wellington, Port Lyttleton, and Port Chalmers. This line would carry mails, passengers, and frozen meat, &c., home, and mails and passengers and general freight out. Let the Union Steamship Company and the New Zealand Shipping Company amalgamate and form one'powerful Steamship Company, of which New Zealand and the whole of Australia would be proud. Why let our carrying trado drift into English hands, as the American trado has done ?"

'I here is no doubt that the views enunciated by Mr Troup in the foregoing communication will gain many adherents in the colonies which are at present subsidising the mail service, and those who are interested in its permanence should bear this in mind.

Mr Wbiteborn, Resident Magistrate, of Kaipara, died in the Provincial Hospital to-day from typhoid fever. At the aunual meeting of subscribers of the Auckland Scripture Gift and Prize Association held last evening at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, the following gentlemen were elected as a general committee for the ensuing year :— Messrs F. G. Ewington, W. Bushbrook, J. Longmore, C. Major, S. Brown, S. Rout, and Mrs Wallis. Secretary, W. Rush brook ; Treasurer, S. Rout. The new church of the Holy Trinity, Devonport. will be opened to-morrow even ing at 7 o'clock by Vr. Cowie, Bishop of , Auckland. 1

The Diorama of tho American war at tbo Theatre Royal waa largely patronised last night. Tho suito ot furnituro fell to tho lot of Mr Hewlett, of Cußtom-Housp-street, nnd what caused immense amusement was the announcement that Mr. Lonorgau, a tailor, of Wyndham-street, was the happy holder of a ticket which entitled him to an order for a now suit of clothes on tho New Zealand Clothing Manufactory. Another suilo of furniture, with innumerable prizes, will bo given away this evening. To the Editor : Sir,—Permit mo ni()3t emphatically to deny that tho report to which F.G.E. refers was a caticaturc, as Biioli au assertion is calculated to do your reporter an injustice. Tlio report waa written fairly under tho circumstances. I regret that P.G.E.'s personal footings should have mastered his bettor judgment. Had F.G.lC.'s threo speeches been reported verbatim the report, no doubt, would havo ! bcon most excellent.—J.ll. Return of sick trontcil ot tho Provincial District Hospital for the week ending Saturday, March sth, 18S1 :—Remained last return, 09 ; admitted since, 16': dis charged, 12; died, 1; remaining, 102; males, 78; females, 21. Arrnnginent ot cases: — Zymotic, 21; constitutional, 5; loc:il, 4,'t; developmental, 21; violent, 12. Ono death occurred, viz., J. R., aged 50 years, male, ' on 2nd lust., of concussion of spine. Thanks arc returned to Mrs MncMillmi and Mr Whitson for a quantity of apples. Tho fortnightly meeting ot the St, David's Hand of Hope was hold on Monday evening last. There was a largo attend ance Tho meeting was addressed at considorablo length by Mr J. Hramc, the first delegate appointod hy tho recently formed Hand of llopo Union. Frionds of tho cause gave selections of music, recitations, &c., during the evening. A considerable increase was made to tlio membership. A very interesting incident in connection with tho mooting, was tho presentation to Mr Forbes, on tho occasion of his leaving for Scotland, of a beautiful book of Now Zealand forus, by his follow teachers in St. David's Sunday-school. iho Roy. Mr Dunn, in a few well chosen remarks, mado the presentation, and hoortily wished the rocipiont "God-speed," Mr Forbes very feelingly replied. A veiy plonsont evening was spent. To the Editor : Sir, —Mr Dalton is now about, to (.ivo another suit of clothes to bo run for, bur, I hope he will not have tho handicapping himself this time, as con siderable dissatisfaction was manifested in the last raoo owing to tlio ridiculous start given to the winner from me at scratch by (iyds. in 100 yds., 9yds. in 150 yds., and 10 yds. in the mile. No one should have known belter than Mr Dalton himself what the winner was capable of doing, ns ho trained and brought him out. —Your.*, &c, 1\ MAlllilt, Oiiehiiuga. Calling to mind tho old saying, "The third time is never like the rest," it is to ho hoped it will apply to tho proposed mooting of Volunteer ollicers re musketry instruc tion, Tho first time it fell through from lack of attendants, there being only two. The second attempt, last night, was honoured by eight or nine, but unfortunately no admittance could be obtained to tlio Drill-shed, as the koys had been hantlod over to somcono conuccted with tho lloitl cultural Society, and tlio Volunteers woro locked out of what is generally supposed to be their own premises. It i» moro than'a pity this closing of the Bhed was not made known, so that notice might havo been given to those asked to meet, and disappointment with consequent annoyance to ollicers and others avoided. A third attempt will, we understand, be mado next Wednesday, when, if fie uttctidanco increases in tho samo ratio, tho old saying abovc-moutionod will bo verified. To the Editor : Sir,—lv last evening's issue of your paper appears a paragraph re Assessment Courts, in which a statement is made that a Mr Campbell had called and made a complaint that the valuation of his property was excessive. In justice to my self, I hope you will insert the following : — Mra Campbell's name appears on tho Valua tion Roll for the years 1879 aud 1680 as follows: " Campbell Mary, Dairykoeper, land and Building, original Allots. 27 and 28, Richmond Road (47a. 2r.), rateable, value, £M 2 10s." Mr John Campbell com pUinod to mo about this somo four months since, and, thinking the valuation rathor high, I reduced it tbis year to £130. I had reason to beliovo that ho was satisticd, in asmuch as ho made no complaint.—l am, &c, Wm. Gulliver, Valuer, &c We aro clad to notice that tho Ponsonby Highway Hoard arc forming a good approach to the buacli at tho end of St. Mary's Road. This is the proposed site of the future Ponsonby wharf, and ia much used hy the owners of pleasure yachts and their frionds. I The lliyht of steps and lauding places iv course of construction will enable reaidentfl to enjoy a walk under the pretty cliff between SI. Mary's aud Shelly Beach Roads at any timo, except when tlio tide ia at full. This work has long been urgently required, and the Board doscrvc praise for carrying it out. Wc arc in formed that the St. Mary's district and its opposite one of Alma Place and Broookfield pay by far the largest por tion of the local rates. A 150 yards footrace has been arranged to take place in tho Domain ou Saturday, April 2nd, between Messrs Lynas and Nor wood. The stakoa are £10 a-side, and Lynas haa agreed to give Norwood 5 yards start. Among the papers left behind by Ocorgo Eliot is a complete translation of Spinoza's " Ethics," executed during the Strauss and Feuerbach period. To the Editor : Sir,—Seeing that a"A Delegate " in last night's Star had attemp ted to throw an aspersion upon Mr Warbur ton's character with refereoco to the actiou of tho Loyal United Friends (to which body he belongs), I beg to state facts within my own knowledge. Some few weeks ainco at one of the the delegates' meetings, I called Mr Warburton's attenliou to the fact that the Loyal United Friends intended to hold a ball in the Newton Masonic Hall on March 17th, aud that I considered it a pity that it should be so. In reply (and Mr Warburton's word is not for a moment to be doubted) he 8n id he had heard that day that such was the case, and he sinccrclv regretted it; in iact, he considered it altogether wronir, as the Loyal United Friends knew quite well that he would be at the Choral Hall on that night. Those who know Mr Warburtou as well as I do, need not bo told that he is incapable of anything like "A Delegate" would wish to infor, If "A. Delegate " has been in tho habit of attending tho meetinga, ho would know that Mr Warburtou was only elected chairman vice Mr Dorrington, in order to allow tlut gentlemen to take the ollico of secretary iv lieu of myself, who was obliged to resign. Further, he would also havo been cognizant of the fact that tho Loyal United Friends is not the only Society that have placed their delegates in an awkward position with reference to the forthcoming demonstration.—l am, &c., Thos. Bakewell. The accident, to William Watson on board the Hawea, which was reported in our last evening's issue, is even more serious than was at first supposed. An examination of the injured mau was made on his arrival at tho Hospital by Dr. Philaon, who pronounced the case to bo a hopoless ono. Watson was perfectly con scious, and complained of little pain. His breathing was laboured aud difficult. He informed Dr. Philson that no one but him self was to blame for the accident. The unfortunate occurrence happened in tlio engine-room of tho Hawea. The engines had been in motion, but were stopped in order to be icversed. Watson believed they had boen slopped altogether, and desiring to got over to the other side, ho proceeded to cross between the link motion and condenser. While ho was doing so, the machinery started again, and ho became jammed between the motion links. A wound of considerable depth was made across the abdomen. Tho injuries were temporarily attended to by Dr. Scott, and on the advice of that gontlemen, the patient was removed to the Hospital. Watson is a single man, aged about 23.

Mr Brown writes as follows :—" Sir, — Will you please insert the following in answer to a paragraph which appeared in last night's Si'AK relative to my having being interviewed by the Mormon sisters, and being requested by them to moot a Latter Day Saint in public debate, relative tothcaubjectof " Conditional Immortality:" Let me state that I have never been asked by them to dobate the question. It is true that two females came into my Bible class some weeks ago and entered into a con versation witli me on the words of our Lord : " These signs shall follow them that believe," referring to miraculous powers ; they intimated to me that the religious body to which they belonged possessed these powers, therefore claiming for themselves the position of being the true followers ot our Lord and Master. I was also asked if I would consent to have i a private interview with one ot their Elders. My auswer was that I had uo objection. I was then asked to state the time, which I could not do, but informed them that I would let them know when an interview would be convenient. My position relative to the views of " conditional immortality," aud tho final destruction of the unsaved, is, that I hold myself ready to publicly debate the subjects from a scriptural standpoint, with any recognised Theologian in Auck land or in New Zealand.

Tho conversion of outstanding bonds in tho Auckland City Consolidated Loan of £250,000, at six per cent, is advertised by tho National Bank in London,

At the annual meeting of tho Acclima tisation Society yesterday afternoon, the report (of which we gave a synopsis yesterday) was adopted, ns well as the financial statement. Mr Bull was elected president for the ensuing year, Mr McKechnio vice-president, Mr T. Cheese man, F.R.S., secretary, Mr T. Macll'arlanc treasurer, aud Messrs J. Waymouth and T. L. White auditors. Tho Council was re-elected, and Mr Barstow added to it. Votos of thanks were passed to this gentleman as retiring president, and to Mr R. J. Crcighton of San Francisco.

A serious accident occurred to Mr John McLaughlin and two of hisdaughlorsattho Otahuhu Railway Station on Tuesday night. Thoy had brought somo friends ill from their farm at Mangure to catch tho sight o'clock train, ond when leaving the station on tho return journey the wheel of the trap caught against a largo stone, causing tho vehicle to upsot. Mr McLaughlin aud one of his daughters escaped with slight bruises, while tbo other young lady sustaiucd several severe contusions on her fucc and other parts ot her body.

News has been received in town of tho total destruction by (iro of Mr R. Bycrof i's new Hour-mill, and also his Hax-mill at Tuakau. Tlio former has boon in course of erection for some time past, aud arrange ments had boeu made for it to commence working next Monday. Tho particulars of tho O-Ciiirence to hand are vory meagre. Two mill-wrights who had been fitting up the machinery were sleeping on tho promises at tho time of tlio occurrence. The machinery in both mills was totally destroyed, but o quantity of wheat was saved. The total loss is estimated at £500 or £<>00.

Tho numorous friotxlu of Mr Spurgeou will rcjoico to hear that he has undergone a very satisfactory medical oxaminattou ot tho bauds of Dr, Jervis. Though his health, from a local nflleetion, is fur from being good at the present timo, tllfi doctor certifies that tho constitution of tho rev. gentleman in thoroughly houihl. Mr Spur goon is at present suffering from lumbago, and has boon strongly advised not to over work hinisolf.

Tho old pensioners will havo to succumb to Iho penny stamp after all. The following latter ou tho subject has been recoived lioin the Financial Secretary's Department, War Olllco, by Captain Dennis Wright, a retired officer [—"Financial Secretary's Depart ment, War OHicc, Januory 13, 1881. Sir, — In reply to your letter of 11th October last, addressed to the Military Secretary, re specting tho right of tho Colonial authori ties of New Zealand to require you to allix a receipt, stamp to the voucher given by you in proof of payment of your Imperial retired pay, 1 am directed by the Secretary of Stato for War to inform you that you are bound by tho law of tho colony iv which you reside; and, provided payment was not mado beforo tho lat October, 1880 (tho date upon which the Colonial Stump Act came into force), the Colonial authorities were legally correct in causing you to p«y stamp duty. —I am, sir, your obedient servant, 11. T. De la Bum-:. Captain Dennis Wright, Auckland, New Zealand."

Tho Annual Meeting of tho Berosford street Congregation was held last evening when a plentiful repast was provided. The pastor of tho church, the Roy. J. Robertson, occupied tlio chair, and Mr Lyon read tho annual report which showed lliat the finan cial condition of the church waa in a satis factory condition. Several interesting addresses were delivered during tho evening, viz., on "Offerings" by Captain Daldy, the " Power of the Pew on the Pulpit " hy Mr Newman, and Mrs Hampson's " Missiou to the Thames " by Rev. R, Laishley.

It should be borue in mind that the complimentary testimonial nnd hall tendered to Mr Horaeo Dean takes pluco in the Choral Hall to-night, commencing at eight o'clock. Evory preparation haa been mado to make the nfl'air a success. Hy particular request, Mr Thomas Barnett will rocitc "The Crimea," in addition to Cue programmo already published.

A man named Campbell, a buahman, caused some amusement in the Police Court by denying the clurgo of drunkenness, and threatening to enter au action against the constable for false imprisonment. The poor fellow was evidently under the influence of the potent draught, as ho could scarcely stand. His Worship asked it ho still denied the charge, when prisoner replied, " Your Worship, I was no drunker thiin I aro (hie) now," nearly falling into the arms of Con stable McGilp. " That will do," replied His Worship, " you aro fined 5b and costs.."

An interesting tea and social meeting was held last eveiiioj. ia the liouvo of Air Georgo Warburton, for tho purpose of tusking a presentation to tho Key, John Nixon, who is leaving tho Franklin Road Primitive Methodist Chapel, for the cliar_;o of a slmilnr church at Ashburton, in tile Province of Canterbury. Between 40 and 50 of the members of tho choir and congre gation, including personal friends of Mr Nixon, were present, and took part in tho proceedings. In the absence of the Rev. Joseph Long, who was engaged in con ducting an evening Borvice, Mr Warburton made the presentation of a purse of sovereigns to tho minister, also a modest and appropriate address, written by Mr Frank Hammond, accompanied by remarks of a friendly character. Rev. J. Nixou, on receiving the presents, mado a pleasing reply of some length, in which he reviewed his two years' services, and hoped that his labours amongst them would not bo without fruit. in tho years to come. Several gentlemen offered brief addresses, in which were shewn but one foeling of respect for Mr Nixon, nnd a general wish that his future life, with the lady to whom ho will be united in wedlock, might he prosperous and happy. Miss Hirst delighted the company with several of her sweet ballads, and others gave songs mid recitations. The meoting throughout was most harmonious, and closed with Kcblo's touching evcuing hymn, "Sun of my Soul," and the benediction.

At the Police Court, Onehunga, yes terday John Field, landlord of the I'rinc*. Albert Hotel, Onehunga, was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act by supplying drink on Sunday, tho 27th February last, to persons othor than bonA, fide travellers. Ilaniel Geary, a settler in Onehunga, was called and deposed to his going to the hotol on the Sunday, but Mr Field supplied him with no drink. He had no drink during the timo he was in tho hotol. No one supplied him with any. The pint of beer which was before him on tho tabic whon Sergeant Greene entered the lioubo he put under the tablo on the ilorr. The sergeant put it again on the table. Some of the alo had been|dranl_|from the glass, but ho could not say by whom. Was not a teetotaller. No other person was then at tho tabic. Merely went to the hotol to read the news paper. Thos. Williams, carpenter, of One hunga, admitted to being in the hotel on the Sunday, having gone there to sec a friend on business. Was not supplied with any liquora, and saw no one else supplied, aergoant Greene and auothor witness Wng examined, the case was dismissed.

No, 26 of the Observer, ready to-morrow (Friday), oontaln the First Coupon for tho now Borlos of prizes, ond ongrovlngs of Procoffy, tho allegod To Aroha murderer, "A Friond to tho Distressed," A Notablo Citizen, and Longfellow, tho poet. Tho reading m&ttor Includes " How I Booamo a Good Tomplar," by ailenus, '• Who Killod Zobodco" (conclndod), My Undo, Tears Idle Tears, political prophecies, notes on news, togothor with all tho usual soolal, satirical, and sporting kosblp.

SUDDEN DEATH.

ABOUT half-past six o'clock last evening, Samuel Tiller, a very old settlor, dropped dead on the pathway by Beach Road, Devon port. The old man had beon for some provisions to the shop of Messrs Dudor, and had only got a few paces away whon (loath overtook him. His complaint was heart disease. He had been complaining previously of a pain in his side. We under stand that the canse of death being known there will be no inquest. The deceased, who was uearly four score, has boon sup ported chiefly by two of his Bona. Mr Atkin was also a friond to Tiller.

Tho deliverance of the jury at the trial of Irish political prisoners w»s the chief joke when the mail left. The foroman address ing His Honor said "We are all agreed, Your Honor, that we cannot come to any agreement."

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brief; for it is wltn words as with sun beams: the mors they are condensed tho doepor they burn,"—Sootiiev.

All the year round—The earth. Stands to reason—A debater who won't sit down.

Cannibals sometimes have their neigh bours at dinner.

A lady need not necessarily be norVoiis or athletic to jump at an oiler.

Ladies should remember that the sweetest lips are the soonest chapped. When he came home tipsy ho told his wile he had been out shcrrynadiiig.

1881 does not resemble a pair of lovers on a sofa, because there ia one at each end. The man who goes into business with the devil soon finds that his partner ia soul proprietor, Tho " Waikato Mail" aays tho Govern ment will sell thoir acquisition at Patetere at once and will reap a good profit over and above their advances besides opouing up a splendid tract of now country, The sum of 50,000 marks have beeu sub scribed towards founding an anti-Jewish newspaper, tho majority of tho Berlin journals being decidedly against the anti- Semitic movement.

Mr Wells brought over to Cambridge 2000 fat merino wethers from Birdie's Erowon oatato, Hawkes' Bay. Heveral other persons aro on the road with flocks of sheep. Feed, however, is excoodiugly scarce.

Messrs McLean and Sons oxpoct to finish the Whntawhata Bridge iv eight or nine days. The structure is a vory lino and substantial ono, 520 feet in length, and built 15 feetabovo tho level of tho highest Hood known.

Mr J. Coato, contractor of Hamilton, according to tho " Waikato Mail," could regularly employ somo livo and twenty or thirty more mon at wages of a Hhillltig au hour, for either au eight or ten hours days' work, if hands woro only procurable, which it seems thoy aro not. Tho work is drainage on Waikato Land Association and Lockerbie estates.

Thero is a report that Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert havo quarrelled and separated. Thoir promised new opera hai not yet beou begun. An exhilarating new thing in loyfl is a miniature hoarse drown by four prancing horses, and a little colliu with a doll in side, Burroundcd by a group of mourning dolls. Noxt wo shall havo a gallowa and a guillotine. Tho Hon, W, Johnston, tho new Post master General, is a strong opponent ot the present educational system. The opponents of tho system are getting a dangerous pre dominance in tho Cabinnf.

Mr A. Boardman, lato General Managor of tho South British Insurance Company, returned to Auckland by the ArawaU yesterday after a prolonged tour in Europe and Australia.

The funeral of Mr W. V. Gilbert, of tho Naval Brigado, was largely attended yes terday by his comrades.

PRIZE-FIRING AT NELSON.

[UY TELEGRAPH, SPECIAL REPORTER.]

DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES,

NELSuN, this day. Tim final stop in connection with tho rillu meeting took place this afternoon when the prizea wore distributed by Mra Suter to tho winners. Tho public mustered in largo numbers, but many of tho representatives wero conspicuous by their absence In con sequenco ot the townees of funds tho Council of the Association wero reluctantly com. pclled to dock tho carbine ptizc-wiuucis ono-third and the riflemen 25 per cent. The All-coniets' Match, howevor, was excluded from this arrangement, The voluntoers aro very indignant at theso sweeping reduc tions, and there is no doubt tho Association will suffer greatly.

In concluding the report of tho meeting, your special desires to convey to Mr Stepheus, who as secretary proved its energetic aud courteous aa heretofore, and to Mr Kva, telegraphist at tho camp, for tho manner In which he despatched tho press messages entrusted to him. A protct against Hood, in the represen tative carbine match, was sustained, and Laird, of Wanganui, accordingly takes tho trophy.

At a meeting of representatives to-day it was resolved to strike out tho All Comers matches iv tho next programmo, and in crcaso tho money for the belt matches to uso tho new wimbleton target, and havo no 200 yd«. for riflemen, and members of Parliament «to to bo interviewed with n viow to having an increased vote for the Volunteers put on the estimate-.. It was explained that reductions from the prize money arc only temporary, and that tho deficiency will bo paid before noxt meeting.

ASSESSMENT COURT.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M., Judge).

The Assessment Court, for heating objec tions from citizen*, waa hold in the Hij.li strect Court this morning, nt 12 o'clock. Mr Wade, City Valuer, aud Mr Philips, tho Town Clerk, were also present, the lattor gentleman representing tho City Council. Mr Philips, in answer to the Judge, said due notice of the holding of tbis Court had been given in terms with the Rating Act. Mr Wade was duly sworn, and deposed that he was the authorised valuer for the city.

City East.—Application was mado fo alter the »amo of Georgo to Henry Baston, which was dono. James Brett, valuatiou £30, no appcaranco; H. C. Choycc, reduced from £280 to £230; John Coster, change of name; Patrick Dignnn, transfer of proporty to James O'Brien, His Worship said it was incum bent, for the clerk of tho local body to give notice to such transftrß of owners of property. Mr Philips said this had been overlooked, but if his Woiship would allow such cases should stand over, notices should at once be served. His Worship said seven clear days' notice were necessary. James Dilworth change to Adolphus Oppcnheim, merchant, aud the amount reduced from £140 to £125, granted ; Wm. Douglas, no appearance ; alteration, J. M. Crombio to Arthur Kady ; F. J. Bennett, in place of E. F. Fuhor; John Grey, reduced from £20 to £15 ; Christopher Qroenaway, reduced from £S0 to £52 ; 11. Kccsiug, as trustee, changed to Elizabeth Keeling by mutual counont; Elizabeth Kecslng, two objections against nsssßsments, no reductions ; H, 11. Lusk, assessed at £50, no reduction ; James Macfarlaue, £90 to £72, change of namo for property iv Queon-street, Stictton to Lennox ; Dr. Moore, assessment to remain at £50 ; Waltor McCaul appealed in person against ass«Bs»ieut on bis property in Hich strcet, which ho considered excessive, viz., £50. Tho clerk said a reduction of £10 ; from £G0 to £50 was made lost year. Mr McCaul said he was under v mistake; he thought ho had been raised this year, Henry Burton change to Alox. Saunders who paid the rnteß. This was withdrawn, W. H. Skiunerr reduced £100 to £90. Fred. J. Somcrfield, in place of Somcrfiold and Lock. C. J. Stono, reduced from £30 to £20; another proporty from £200 to £100; old brewery leaso haviug expired. Total Abstiuouco Society, namo and title struck out; building having come into the possess of the Council,

North Ward.—Wm. Blondon, proper ties reduced to £21 each ; John Codling, reduced from £475 to £400; Edward Cos tell, changed to Charles Higgins ; 11. J, De Lias, reducod to £400, and another proporty from £75 to £60, and the nsme of Joseph Hart inserted iv the latter caso; James Dilworth to George Ballard, reataurant keepcr, change of name only; George Downe, £140 to £145, property on wharf; D. Gillander, no appearance, remain at £50; C. Hnwkeswood, £150 to £120; Joseph Keats, £195, no appearance; Henry Keeping (Mr Phillips said this proporty was reduced from £50 to £25), no further reduction; Thomas W. Marsh, transfer qf property to Robert Hutchinson, butcher; E. Mills, appeal, threo cottages, reduced from HI to £26; Win. Munro, chango of name to Wm. Greenwood; Robert Neal, no reduc tion on stable assessed at £25; Hubert Oram, valuation to remain as last year ; G. P. Pierce, reduced from £75 to £60 each ; cottages in Albert-street, H. C. Richmond, chango to Patrick Gleeson; G. Thgrpe, reduced from £20 to £16, other property to remain tho same. Mr Thorpe coniplsined of the nuisance of a lime kiln in Freoman's Bay, the smoko of which drove away all his tenants. South Ward.— E. Kirby, £15 to £12 each ; Walter Bastcn to Harriet Asher; James Batty, reduced from £16 to £15; Henry Elliott, no reduction; George Hemus, changed to J. Austin and Co., bootmakers; R. M. Heighton, no reduction ; J. M. Tunny, from £35 to £28; H. Neuruagen, no reduction ; Thomas Russell, £35 to £25 ; two properties, H. S. Laurie, reduced to £10; E. Salt, transfer to Wm. Rosser; Mary A. Sceats, £50, no appearance; R, P. Smith, reduced from £40 to £32, from £25 to £20; Joseph Towuley, £30 to £25; Joseph Wilkius, £15 to stand; another property reduced from £55 to £50 ; Wm. Wesley, £30, no appear ance, valuation to remain. Tho Court was then adjourned until the 25th inst. I

CABLEGRAMS.

[REUTBB'3 TKIiEUBAMS.]

Another Important Arrest in Ireland.

LONDON, March 9,

Michael Boyton, chief of the paid organi ' sor of the branches of tho Land Leagues, and who was one of the traversers in the recent State prosecutions, hnsjbecn arrested in Ireland under tho Viceroy's warranf. He contends that as he is an American subject his arrest is illegal, and ho claims protection oE the United States Government. LONDON, March 8. In tho House of Commons to-day dis orderly scenes again occurred. O'Donnell, member for Dungarvan, was most unruly, and defied the chair in violent langugo. He was then, by the Speaker's order, sus pended for tho remainder of the sitting. ARRESTS IN IRELAND. Seventy persons have beon arrested in Ireland on warrants issued by the Viceroy undor tho Coercian Act. THE BANK OF AUSTRALASIA DIVIDEND. LONDON, March 8. The Bank of Australasia has declared a dividend of 6 por cent, tor the half-year. WOOL IMPROVING. The Loan and Mercantile Agency Com pany report under date of London 7th March .- Tho wool competition is increasing, and tho markot ia firmer. The wheat market i» linn, Adelaide and Victorian being worth 51b per 4961b5,

AUSTRALIAN.

MR BERRY GAINS A VICTORY.

MKLUOUHNE, Thursday,

In tho Legislative Assembly last night, tho dobato on Mr Murray Smith's motion for a conference of the two Houseß on the Roform Bill was concluded, and on a divi sion being taken the proposal was rejected by 40 to 33. Mr Graves., Sir Johu O'Shan nasaey, aud Sir Bryau O'Loughleu voted with the minority, AN AUSTRALIAN GALE. MELBOURNE, March 9. A severe storm has bcon cxpcrionccd in Uobson's Bay, and a whaleboat containing three men, who were inspecting tho light house, is missing, It is feared they have been wrecked in the gale. A whaleboat containing throe men, which it was feared had been lost in yesterday's storm, arrived iv tho Bay all safe last night. MINISTERIAL CHANGE IN ADE LAIDK. ADELAIDE, Thursday. Tho South Australian Ministry has resigned, and a ro-conntructcd Ministry has boen formed by Mr Morgan as follows : - Morgan, Ghief Secretary; Fowler, Colonial Treasurer ; Symon, Attorney - Genoral; Playtord, Commissioner of Lanks; Hawker, Minister of Works; Busedon, Minister of Education, It is considered probable thnt a modification of tho policy net forth in Morgan's recent manifesto will bo favoured hy the now Cabinet.

WANGANUI REGATTA.

(BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT,)

WANGANUI, this day. The annual regatta was hold yesterday, It was beautiful weather.

Maiden Rack.—Two boats competed, both belonging to local clubs. Won by the Wanganui Club.

Scullers Race.—Won by tho Batkin, Wellington.

Senior Fours, luriggers.— Won by the Foxtou crew, beating tho Wanganui Club.

Junior Fours, Outriggers,—Won by tho Wanganui Club's Tiger Lily, beating the othor local club and the Foxton Club.

Inriooer Race, for men under 10 stone. —Won by the Foxton crew, beating the Wanganui Union crew.

Junior Founs, inriggers. — Won by Wanganui Club's Rata, beating the Foxton crew and another local crew.

LADIES PLATE, for souior outriggers,— This was the principal race of the day, and produced a iplendid ooutc.t between tho Wanganui Club's Matai, and the Foxton Club's Dolly Vardeu. Tho boats wero level for nearly the wholo way, until within 50 yards < t the winning pOBt, whon tho Foxton crew gave up,.thotoughly pumped out, leav. inj* tho Wanganui men to finish easily. Both of the Wanganui Club's boats—the Batawing and the outrigger—were built by Mr George Cummins, a local builder.

NATIVE LANDS COURT.

(BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

CAMBRIDGE, this day. AT the Land Court to-day the disputed laud, consisting of something like 150 acres, sit uated betwoen the varying boundary lines of Cook aud Creagh, forming an angle, was before the Court t»-day. The claimants ate the Ngakiriwikika tribe, represented by- Mr Puckcy, and Ngatikorangi by Mr Mackay. Mr Sheehan is watching the case for the European purchasers. It ia a ques tion of which tribe are the legitimste owner?, bo that Europeans who havo laud on both sides, and who are desirous of purchasing the disputed block portion, will know whom to recognise, as tlio tribe is ootitled to the purchase money paid on account of tho same. Witnesses have been examined as to the claim of each party. The case is now proceeding.

THE EVICTION OF NATIVES AT HAWKE'S BAY.

[BY TELEGRAPn, OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

NAPIER, this day, A little army of twenty-three men arrived by the train yesterday morning nt Waipawa to assist Mr Harding to take possession of the pah. The army marched across tho bridge accompanied by nearly tho whole population ot Waipawa. Arrived at the pah, the writ was read and the natives were advised to clear out peacefully. After a good deal of talk the army attempted to carry out the natives, of whom thorc were only seven, but insido tho wharo thero were a good many more. After a desperate Btrugglo, aud a pulling match, which appeared a disgraceful sceno, tbe natives were hauled outside tho fence. Some of them at once escaped and ran round the fence, and so back to the whaie. As soou as it was Been that they were all back the spectators gave ringina cheers, tho wholo of tho sympathy being with tho natives. Tho army and Maoris cat down together and smoked and drank out of tho same bucket, the only water provided. Tho utmost good nature was shown on both sides. It is evident tlut the natives could not be got rid of without great violence. The bailiff deemed that he had done his duty, ond withdrew. It is reported that Nepi and ono hnudred armed natives are returning from Woira rapa.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

DRUNKENNESS,

Five persons were punished for this offence. Anno Ilogan, third offence, was sent to prison for seven days.

CHARGES AGAINST SAMUEL BROWN. Samuel Brown, a well-known citizen, was again brought up to answer to several charges of felony—(l) with stealing from the premises of Henry Waite, tinsmith, in November last, articles of tinware, value £210s; (2) with stealing during the months of March and April, knivc, forks, and spoons, value £7 10s, the property of Wm. David Dallen ; and (3) with stealing from the premises of Edward Waters, of Queen-street, during Ihe month of April, sundry knives, forks, and spoons, value £2.

Mr Tyler appeared in defence, and "re ferred to the former hearing of the case. He had since been discharged from the Lunatic Asylum, and tbis was the'first timo he had appeared here siDce his release. But as he was not prepared with his defence be would ask for a remand until Tuesday next, which was allowed.

As Mr Pardy offered no objection, defen dant was admitted to bail, himself iv £100, and two sureties of £50 each.

MOTHER AKD SON,

John Galvin was charged with hsing of sufficient ability to support his mother, and was called upon to answer to the charge. The defendant being at Napier, the case, on tho application of Mr Pardy, was adjourned for a woek.

Mr H. A. Ward, lecturer ou physiology, and Mr P. Anderson, nephew of tho "Wizard of the North," arrived in the mail steamer.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

INOCIRY INTO DR. PURCHAS' CHARGES,

THE Board of Governors met yesterday afternoon at the usual place for the purpose of resuming this inquiry. There were present :-Messrs J. M. Clark (in the chair), T. Peacock, F. D. Fentou, F. M. I. Brookficld, J. A. Tole, and Rev. C. Iff. Nelson (Governors), Mr F. Macrae (Head master), and Mr J. Anderson (Classical m Mr Brookficld explained that Dr. Purchas was iv closo attendance upon a patient, and would therefore be delayed for some "Letters were thou read from Mr Neil Heath, Mr S. Vaile, and Dr. Kidd, in response to requests from the inquiry ill order to give evidence. A long and somewhat irregular discussion took place upon objections raised by Mr Fentou to the mode of procedure. He wished tho personal element eliminated altogether. In the courso of tho debate the Rev. Mr Nelson characterised Mr Macrae's cross examination with respect to himself and Mr Fentou on a previous evening as grossly impertinent. After the tabling and with drawal of several propositions the following resolution moved by Mr Tole—was passed, y \ Zi ;_" That tho Board recognise it to be its owii duty to conduct its future proceedings on this question, and the further attendance of Dr. Purchas ia not requisite to the inquiry, unless specially called for." It was then decided not to accept as evidence the state ment embodied in Mr Vailo's letter, but to take his testimony orally. Mr Neil Heath was then examined. In answer to the Chairman he said that he had beeu engaged at the .Grammar School for a period of threo months—and that he left it in the second quarter of 1878. He could give no evidence as to alleged neglect of classes hy masters and ho had no personal knowledge of any want of accord or dilloi eiicca of opinion. He did not know suffi ciently of the Auckland Grammar School to contrast its organisation and management with those of schools with which he had been connected elsewhere. His attention and duties had been exclusively confined to one class—t lie highest class of tho lower school, but 1.0 had taught chemistry iv the other classes. To Mr Tole : Since leaving the school he iiad heard complaints from parents as to the unsatisfactory progress of thoir children, but lie could not say whether or not these com plaints were well founded, To Mr Brookficld s He had been employed at a higher grado school at home than the one here. It was the duty of the Head master to devote his attention to the highest class. It was also competent for him to tako over at any time a class from an under master without having given previous uolice. To Mr Nelson : He had never known of Mr Macrae taking the highest class except in one subject. Mr E B Parsons was the next witiiess.lle slated that he had had a son 1C years of age in attendance at the Grammar School, and up to last year ho was satisfied with his progress. Tho principal cause of his back wardness last year was neglect of hia class by the Headmaster, to which fact the lad had made frequent reference. These instances of neglect occurred at the be ginning and middle of last year. It was tho second class to which he referred, and Roman History was principally the subject neglected. This, most certainly, had retarded his eon's progress. His son had never reported to him that any low or vulgar jokes had been made uso of by auy of the masters. To Mr Nelson : His son had intended to havo competed for the open scholarships last year, hut when the time drew near he said that is was no use attempting it, as he had not been prepared iv the necessary sub jects, nnd ho did not enter therefore. At his request witness had purchased him books, and nt one time the lad told him that he thought Mr Macrae intended lo prepare him and some other boys for the examina tion.

To Mr Tole : He had lorwardcd a written complaint to Mr Macrae respecting his boii's want of progress, but had never received a written reply. His son was industrious enough, and since joining the school in 1574, advanced a class higher every year. To Mr Peacock : He felt sure that his son had been discouraged by the neglect of classes and want of attention.

Upon resuming, Mr Tole submitted the draft of tho information which he and Mr Hesketh had been deputed to draw up for transmission to Wellington in support ot tho Hoard's application for the powers of a Commission.

The draft was approved, and ordered to be forwarded, the Cliairnian of the Board, iv the meanwhile, to interview tho Attorney- General with respect to it. Mr A. de Lisle Hammond was thou called in. He said that he had come there out of courtesy to the Board, but as the master of ono Grammar School he would have pre ferred not to be callod upon to give evidence against the master of another Grammar School.

Tho witness then in answer lo the Chair man said that he had been connected with the College and Grammar School from July, 187S, to March, 1880, his position being that of iirrt master of tho Lower School, (the 4th Class). He was not, therefore, conversant with the working of the school. He could not offer any direct information with regard to tho charge of neglect of classes. He had heard statements made about ueglect of his character, hut it was only hearsay. There appeared to him to be a want of accord in the school, both ns between the Uudermasters and the Head master, and as between the Undermasters themselves. At lirst he had thought that thero was a slight waut of courtesy on Mr Macrae's part towards himself, but afterwards no one was kinder or more courteous towards him than the Headmaster. He disapproved of tho classification of the Grammar School (the general system), but that might have been because he had had no previous ex perience of it. He had been accustomed to tbe system of making a distinct classifica tion for each of the leading systems. That did not necessitate a larger teaching staff, but more "all round" men. He did not approve of boys being punished by being made to sit ou the floor. It appeared to him that the school was ruled more by fear than by love. The English teaching here was superior to that in the Sydney school. The method of classification in Sydney was according to the boy's general proficiency—that was, according to tho total number of marks obtained.

Mr Fentou : Ho thought it discouraged a hoy to have the school arranged in blocks. The system of rc-cla.sification took place in the Church of Euglaud Grammar School at Syducy. After the re-sorting half of -the boys would be ia class 2. Hc*d master here took class for rcvisals two hours each week. When he took the class, there were 57 hoys, and alter the Christmas of IS7B, and at the last quarter they were up to 50 again. He had had them all in one room. It was about 36 feet long. He had been accustomed to punish tho boys with a strap—a piece of leather sliced off iv tails at the end. It was only used on the hand, and in cases where tho boy would not hold his baud out, it was used on the legs.

To Mr Tole : Ho had never had to com plain of any act of discourtesy on Mr Macrae's put. He thought the teaching staff ample and he had found the majority of tho boys in his class exceedingly clever. If there were as stated between 50 and 60 boys in one class, that was far too many. Ho thought the general system of orgauisa tion in classification had. The classes were too large. Ho had heard it stated by the masters while talking together that cer tain classcss had been neglected, but he had not heard auy of the boys speak on the matter.

To Mr Brookfield : He was educated at Victoria College, Jersey, and he had occu pied a position as teacher in tho Sydney Grammsr School. Iv both institutions the Headmaster took the 6th form in Classics and English, and revisod periodically the studies of the others. He knew of no large public school outside of Auckland in which the Headmaster confined his atten tion to the lower classes. He had heard that Mr Macrae did so. He thought it improper tor tho Hoadmaster of a school to come luto' a class-room and rebuke a boy without first consulting the assistant master in charge. Mr Macrae had frequently done so. Upon taking charge of the Parnell Grammar School he had mado alterations in the system prevailing there, which had been tho " general" or " block " system. He found tho school in a thoroughly unsatisfactory state. The boys wore utterly ignorant and badly grounded. That must have been the case for years.

To the Chairman : The master's actiou in rebuking a hoy of his class without con sulting him (witness) was felt by him at the time as a slight, but seeing afterwards that it had become a practice in the school he did not attach that meaning to it. Tho standard at the Parnell school was lower than that at the College and Grammar School.

Mr G. L. Holland then gave evidence. He stated that he had had two sons at the Grammar School, one of whom had left it Christmas before last. His age was 14J years, and tho age of the younger one was

13* years. The progress of the latter sin he had left the lower school had no ""X? islicd Kirn. He not in a positiontof an estimate of the probable cause H P ?"!. heard the boy several times speak „? .l class being left to itself and of the « ~,,° fun " the boys had had. He had also Wi the lads repeat low jokes, which they t_» him tho masters had made use of i\ , half-a-dozen such instances had hp spoken of in three years. H 0 l 8? also been told that the masters on __, ticular occasions were "tight," but closely questioning them they had sd.3 they had smelt strong drink distinX That was after lunch. He Had. heard i stances stated of want ofaccord or harmon between the masters, and the boys had dp cribed to him a terrible " row " that \__\ taken place between two of the master before all the boys. He believed the mas? tors referred to weic Mr Macrae and M Tomlinson, r

To Mr Fenton -. Ho had removed hi elder son from school a year soone than he otherwise would from n convip tion that his time was being wasted.

After a short discussion as t s tho ad visability of keeping the enquiry within »_ narrow limits as possible, the following resolution was moved by Mr Biookfield and agreed to:—" That during the future conduct of this enquiry no boy, who is now a pupil of tha Auckland College and Grain mar School, shall be examined."

The enquiry was then adjourned till 4 o'clock to-morrow afternoon.

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

The Hanlan-Laycock Seeling Match.

The American account of the Hanlan and Laycock race says the result was regarded as a foregone conclusion from the first, and therefore there was little betting, although 3to 1 was freely offered ou Hanlan. Lay. cock pulled well but had not a Bhadow of a chance trom the first. Tho "Standard" referring to the match says :—" Both men havo now been in training for somo little time, ond taking regular exercise on tho Thames. Haulan has usually been accom panied in his spins by Wallace Ross, of fif, John's, while Trickctt has been Laycock's frequent companion in his trials. Ihero is a marked contrast between the style dis. played by the two meu, Hanlan's style is almost faultless, and it is long since so fait a sculler has been seen on the Thames, Rcnfor.h at his best might have made a fait match with him, but since the untimely death of that famous oarsman neither Thames nor Tyne has produced a man who could hold his own with the Canadian fora moment. Hanlan reaches forward well, and grips the water with his nculla cleanly, and without that splash or hesitation which spoils so many scullers. He slides, too, at the right moment, not too soon, and makes the most of the advantage to be gained from the sliding seat. From start to finish his boat travels evenly and without a pause, and there is none of that " bumping " the boat when pressed which mar* his opponent's sculling. Laycock, though far more powerful physi cally, and standing six inches higher than his Canadian rival, has not his skill or neatness. His friends, however, relyonliis strength and undoubted pluck.

Mr Thornton Reducing his Russian Mills.

St. Petersburg, Jan. 25tb,

Mr Thornton, the English millionaire and owner of the largest cloth manufactories in the world, discharged 1,500 weavers at a stroke, and announces that the establish ment will be closed in a tew days if trado does not improve. Other Russian cotton mills arc ou short time or closing, because of accumulation of stock and alack trade. The failure of last year's harvest deprives the peasants of means to buy cotton goods. The cloth trade is in a Bimilar condition.

Mr Thornton is the toundor of tho Auck land firm of Thornton, Smith, and Firth.

A Horrible Accident.

Louisville, Feb. 6.

The " Courier-Journal's" Owingsville special says :—George Prelatt, a bachelor, aged 70, and his sister, Mrs Elizabeth Good pastor.some years older, lived together, five mile 3 from this city, for several years. Mrs Goodpastor has been paralyzed and bed ridden for mouths, Thursday evening, when Prelatt bad gotten in his wood for the night, and before retiring, it is stated that he thicw ova back-log to build up the fire, and in ao doing fell with it, and, being unable to rise, was burned to deathr His sister was lytag lv bed, but was unable to render him ati-j assistance. At lost, by on almost super human effort, she got out of bed and drag ged her brother's body out of the fire, and managed to get bock in bed. and there was compelled to lie, being completely ex hausted ond unable to turn, with her bro.'s dead and burned bodylyinginfullviewof the hearth. Nothing was known of the affair until yesterday, when Mrs boodpastor'sson who lives about a mille off, went to his mother's to help his uncle feed the stock. He stepped in the door, and the blood curdling Bcene was opened to his view. There iv bed lay his mother, with eyes widely distended, and she looking wildly with them, while on the hearth lay the body of his uncle, stiff and stark in death, badly burned, and with eyes, cheekß, eats, and a portion of the neck, eaten by cats, the whole presenting a ghastly sight. Mrs Goodpostor haa never closed her eyes.

Oil Refinery Tank Explosion- Destructive Fire.

Philadelphia, January 18,

About half-past two o'clock this morning one of tho tanks at the Atlantic Oil Refinery, Point Breeze, exploded with terrific force, and burning oil was scattered, in every direction. Th«. concussion broke the windows a mile distant.and the flames spread rapidly, uot only to the adjoining tanks, but to tho wharf and shipping. A dispatch from the immediate vicinity at 9.15 a.vi. says the entire place is on lire,, There are two loaded vessels in the stream opposite the works which are burning, namely, tbe Competition, with filled cases, and the Maryland, with filled barrels. One or the city ice boats has gone to their assistance. The wharves are all in flames, and employes have been compelled to leave the office. The explosion was heard aud felt at the extreme northern points of this city and as far down the river as Chester. The last great fire at the works occurred in Juue, IS7B, All the shedding along the wharves is now on fire, and the destruction of the whole works greatly depends on the force and direction of the wind. A later dispatch says-.—" The fire is now uuder control. It has been con fined to the wharves and warehouses. Eleven thousand barrels of the Standard Oil Company's oil is burned."

The Cold in England.

The "Home News" of January 27th says: "Nothing like the severity and tha suddenness of the wintry extremes ex\ perienced throughout England, and ap parently throughout Europe, has occurred withiu the memory of middle-aged men. It waa bitterly cold throughout Friday and Saturday, Jan, 14 aud 15. It was colder on Sunday, aud again on Monday, Jan. 16 1 ad 17, but the air was beautifully clear j the sunshine was bright, if it was iced; and tho snow which coated the ground was frozen to the consistency of iron. In the course of the 17th there were sigus of a change. The tempera'ure rose a little, and during the night a heavy snowstorm came on. It was prolonged iuto,and it lasted throughout, the whole of the next day, accompanied by. terrifically high winds. These had the effect of producing deep snow-diifts, and those portions of the streets which were left comparatively bare disclosed a thin coating of ice, which made them as slippery as glass and rendered trallic dangerous or im passible.

The gale was so violent and the snow was so blinding that it was almost as difficult to walk as it was impossible to drive. Whole stacks of chimneys were precipitated into the street. Meu were lifted clean off their legs by the tempestuous blasts aud at the Albert Docks two labourers were caught up by the fores of the tornado, blowu into the water and drowned. The damage dono aud the sufferings sustainted along the coast and throughout the provinces cannot yet be fully estimated, hut can scarcely be exaggerated. The long pier at Houthend was swept completely away; the Admiralty Pier at Dover was much injured. News of wrecks and har rowing accounts of human mi.cry come to us from every quarter. In London the distress in the poorer districts is appalling, while infinite discomfort and inconvenience are caused to the well-to-do by the freezing up of pipes, the bursting of kitchen boilers, and the scantiness ot water.

During Tuesday and Wednesday, January 18 and 19, London resembled a great city in a state of siege. Communi cation from outside was almost entirely interrupted. No country letters cams because the railways were blocked up. Tho trains in some cases did not start at all from the metropolitan termini; in others started but were compelled W abandon tho attempt to arrive at their desti nation. Thus the locomotive which left Eustonat4.ls. on January 18, andwhicli

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. THURSDAY. MARCH lO



lROI

10,

II.

Station.

Mamikau.... Tbames Tauranga.... Napier Taranakl— Wanganul... WsllinRton.. Nelson..-.-. Groy mouth.. Lyttolton.... Timaru Oamarn Pt. Chalmers Bluff-

d ! n i! S.B. 3.E. 0. S.K.

id.

I

F.B h. W.ft iIb Br. L. lT L.E

jf n 29.50 30.14 30.38 30.51 30.34 30.39 30.35 30.30 30.28 30.16 39.26 30.32 30,27 30.30

4 a a o a Gl 70 65 S3 '■.I 155 63 61)

"'

5 » cT~ B.C C. B.C B.O B. B.C B. B.C H. O.G B.C B.

Stato of Soa, Bar. or Rivera,

bar clour brk

mo3. swell slight swell sea smooth

N. N. 0. s.w. N.B. C. N. N.E. C.

61 GO

soa smooth

soa calm slight swoll

L. L.

—



Special Advertisements. ©INZER'S SEWING MACHINES. k5 Sales oxcood half a million annually. Thh SINGER Manufacturing Company havo opened a Wholesolo ond Retail DopOt at I_6a, Queen-Btreet, Auokland. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, Hand or Troadl>>, at will. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Established over 30 years. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, Tho most approved in all countriofl. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Have redoivod 100 First-class Modpß SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. The Bost for tho Family. Enßiost to learn. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, 'I ho boßt for tho Drossmakor. Most durable. QINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, IO Host for the Tailor. SowßstrongOßtßoams. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, Bost for tho Bootmaker, light or hoavy work. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Sew linost mualina and licavioßtoioths. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. An Eoonomy in ovory Housohold. SINGEK'S SEWING MACHINES. Now Improvomonts without oxtra coat. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Wllljlaat a lifotimo in constant work. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. 10 por cont discount for oash. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Easy torms. Witbin tbo moons of the poorest SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Easy terms. No addition to tho prioe. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Will oarn thoir cost in a fow months. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Best terms to Wholosalo Buyers. SINGERS SEWING MACHINES. Wiito for address ot noarest Agont. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Send for Price List to Singer Manufacturing company, No. ICfiA, Quoen-Btroot, Auokland. AUTUMN EfIASHIONS. AUTUMN RIBBONS, just oponod AUTUMN DRESS GOODS, now styles AUTUMN MANTLES ond CLOAKS AUTUMN FLOWERS nnd MILLINERY NEW FRINGES, ROUCIIING, nnd GLOVES The "Magic" and "Removable" Coveu UMBRELLAS BOYS', YOUTHS', ond MEN'S CLOTHING. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City HaU Arcade. LATKST NOVELTY is tho "Hartz Moun tain Rug." iirs! soon on this sldo of tho world at the Sydney Exhibition. Tho under signed woro so struok with tho handsome appearance, beautiful finish, and durablo con struction of these Rugs thot thoy ot once sont for a largo shipment, which aro now finding ready Bale. Thoy oro suitable for Tonrlßta, Carriago Hugs, Golddiggorß, and Trnvollors by land and sen, as tho warmth ond comfort imparted surpass all othor woollen Rugs. Only obtainable nt tho City Holl Arcade GARLICK & CRANWELL. Proprietors. BLACK CILKS at Co-oporativo Prices. Wo study lo cell the Cheapoßt Blaok Silks In Town, commencing at 2s 9d up to lis fid. Our la fid quality commands a ready salo—splondld value, GARLICK & CRANWELL. END OF SEASON, Clearing out of Rem nants. A quantity of Romnants ore clearod ofF overy Friday ond Saturday, at Cheap Ratoa, by GARLICK Se CRANWELL. REMNANTS of Dreaa Goods and Trimmings REMNANTS of Prints and Soteens REMNANTS of Ribbons ond Embroidery REMNANTS of Sheeting ond Flannel REMNANTS of Tweeds and Moleskin REMNANTS of Damask and Cretonnes REMNANT DAYS, Friday and Saturdoy at tho CITY HALL ARCADE. GARLICK & CRANWELL



AT\RAPER¥ AND /CLOTHING AT v _ /CO-OPERATIVE CASH \ 0.0. / V 7 PRICES, PURK /USB yySTKM UKK IvASll OY3TEM AT THE ■ /~II,TY TTALL ARCADE, Q-7EKN-STR-. XT, AUCKL .SD, GARLICK & CRANWELL. TTiRESS noous. WjANTED KNOWN: nOOD TJSEIfUL £)RNSS jyjATERIALS ARE BEING SOLD AT HALF PRICE. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S. Is 6d Materials for Od.



Wo havo bought a largo JOB LOT of tho above, and are giving our Customers tho benefit. FANCY DRESS MATERIAL In Great Variety. h3tat a heavy keduction-eh off usual prices to Clear Out During Tub SsjtsoN. A Fresh Lot of good cheap tweed good cheap tweed for Boyß' Wear *arJusT To Hand.te* 5% Discount (Is in the £) allowed off all CASH Purchases of 20a and Upwardß. -OUSHBROOE & J>RIDGMAN, DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS [oppo3ita tho Army and Navy Hotel], Uppee Que en. street, Auckland



'WINK* & H A L Li HAVE ! REMOVED FBOM SIIOI.TI_AND-STI.EET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THBIB CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY LL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THERE-BUILDING OF TEEIR WARE HOUSE IN SHORTLAND-STREET. JUST J> ECEI YE D. Ladies' and Girls FINE CASHMERE JERSEYS. BOYS' JERSEY SUITS. TAM O'SHANTER HATS. JERSEY COLLARS, | COKDS AND TASSELS, for Dresses. mother hubbard cloaks. Also in Stock, a very large assortment OF Ladies' and Children's UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY LINEN ■jYJILNE & £J.HOYCE QUEEN-STREET.



Special Advertisements. XUST RECEIVED AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, \Vlth Plated Amis. Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quito Now. E. POR kT E R & C 0., I • ■ i I i r -fiTRKKTS gr fit FltBK UIKTBI—The Proprietors ol W< LB'it'S Al-iMATIO SOUIKDAM SCHNAPPS, to Inruo* tho doßtruotlon ond provent tho im pr< por übo of tholr wrapt ora and labols. and thus furthor protoot tho Public ogaiiißt fraud and (iecoptlon, havo cnolosed In tho wrappers, or undor tho labnl on tho quart bottlos, since Ist Ojtobor. 1878, and continue toonolOßO in eveuy DAY'U IMOKINO TIII.oU.IHOUT THE YEAH T II R E X £1 O It D B R S, which aro drawn upon the undoralgnod, and which will bo cashi'd by them on presentation. To suctiro thoso Giftß, to Public must bo caroful to ask for, and accent nothing but, tho UKNUINK UDOU'HO Wni.FKS SOHNAI'I'S, with our namo upon tho top labol, M. Mobs & Co Wynyord Lono, Sydney.



Novelties in Furnishing Goods.—Tho "Royal Axminstor" Carpet with handsoiao border just landed, rich iv appearance, and as soft as a Turkey Carpet; tho " Worcester "Stair Carpet tho pile is entirely made of horsehair, prettily shaded border, and ia the moet durable carpot for stoirs ever mode, and at a lower price than Brussels: Handsome Coverings for Drawing room Suites just opened by Garlick and Cran well; these Coveringa aro proof against moths and have o pretty ground-work of silvor, old gold colour, etc., etc.: Hondaome Half-Tester Bedsteads now on. view. The greatest variety of Bcdßtoadß in Auokland to scleot from. All kinds of Household furniture ot vory low prices, and 5 por cent, discount allowed for oaßh at tii oof purohase. This firm carry on their Drapery nnd Clothing business on tho Co-opero tivo Oaah System, marking their gooda ot a very small odvonco on cost trusting to a lorgo turnover to make it remunerative. Furnish j your House from the City Hall Arcade, ;Gar- | liok and Cranwell, Proprietors.—. Advt I