SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

-..„ W im V T, J This Evening, 1.10 HIGH WATKRJ To . morpowM > onjlnK> 2 22 SUNSKT.—This Evening, 5.40 PUNRIBB.—To-Morrow Morning, 6.25 MOON'S AQK,-Full Moon, Hih, 11,29 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST RVBNING.

Argylo, 5.8., Crawford, from Whangarei Atlantic, schooner, MoKonzie, from Lyttelton

TO-DAT. Wellington, 0.b., Andoraon, from Russell Onward, schooner, Smith, from Lyttelton

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING.

Tarania, 5.8., Garrard, for Sydney TO-DAY. Golden We, soh., Watts, for Russsll

IMPORTS.

Per Atlantic from Lyttelton :—363 saoks bar ley, 400 sacks wheat, 4 cases bacon.

Per Onward, from Lyttelton—2oosacks wheat, 130 saoks bran, 632 sacks flour, 40 saoks sharps, 12 caseß cheese, 5 oases mutton, 5 cases bacon, 5 oases chicory.

EXPORTS.

Per Tararna, for Sydney—l box tools, i oases boots, 379 cases Rum, 107 balos flax, 57 balt.B wool, 160 cases oysters, 4 cases books, Spackngoa sundries,

Inwards Coastwise.—Sovereign of the Peas, from Tryphena; Gem, from Talrua, with 22,300 feet timber; Opotikl, from Tairun, with 27,972 feet timber.

Outwards Coastwj9e.—Kim. for Talrua Totara, for Port Charles; Dream, for Tnirua.

Tho barque GUmpße came out of dock to-day,

The s.s. Qlonelg makes an extra trip to Tan ranga this week, leaving tho wharf at noon on Saturday.

The fl.s. Wellington, from Russoll, brought the following passengers:—Mrs Uoldio and son, MesdamesOrant, Maker, E. Ford, hoc. Fox, Messrs Dam, Kobort tfakor, F. MoKeuzie, Barry, Holmes, Anderson, and Forshore.

The barque Saoeriorloft Adelaide for Auck land on March 22nd.

The s.B. Arsrle, from Whangarol last even ing brought 52 hheop, 65 cases fruit, 10 sacks gum, 10 kegs bitter, lcaßofl^s, 5 canes fowls, G cases turkeys, and about 4 tons sundries. Pas- BenKers: Misses Macdonald, MoAuley, Fleet, Robinson, Sloane, Mrs Hayward and two chil dren, Meßsrs Glendon, Beard, Scott, Wobster, Moleod, Prioe, Hammond, MeNeil, and two steerage

Tlio Bohoonor Atlantlo arrived from Lyttelton last ovonintr, having left that port on the 24th and experienced light variable winds until reaohlng Capo Palliser; thenco to Kast Capo strong S. W. winds and heavy sea. Fine modor ate weather crossing Bay of Plenty and until Sunday the 3rd, when a strong gale with heavy sea was encountered, having to seek shelter in Tanranga. Left again on Tuesday and arrived as above.

FORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURKS.

Stella, Government b.s., Fairchlld, for Welling ton Lalla Rookb, s.s., Campbell, for Waitara Sampson, p.s.. Harvey, for the South

EXPORTS.

Per Rowena, for Hokianga—lo bags flour, 88 bolts, 25 oases Bplrlts, 3 oaaks beef, 8 wheel barrows, 6 sacks oats, 6 camp ovens, 119 packages sundry merchandise.

Per Lalla Rookh, for VVaitwo—29 paokages doors and sashes. 16 sacks rre grais, 80 bundles wire, 10 cases keroaene, 10 cases oranges, 2G pieoes timber, 5 bundles mouldings, 71 cases and paokages sundry merchandise.

Per Samson, for New Plymouth—lo mats and 25 gunnies sugar. 25 coxes and 7 sacks oranges, 15 sacks bark, 14 bandies hoop iron, 43 boxes candlos, 31 cases kerosine, 5 boxes tea, i bags rice, 33 cases and packages.

For Wanganui—2l balea tow, 17 bundles dried sharks, 50 oases and packages sundries.

Tho s.B, Kowena for Hokianga took the fol lowing passengers: — Messrs Lewis, Haslett, Johnston and Hipton.

The s.s. Lalla Rookh. took tho following passengers for Waitara:—Mr and .Miss Russoll, and Messrs Muir and Austin,

The s.s. SamßOn for Waitara nnd tho South took as passengera Messrs Davis ai.d M. X, Porter.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

• STRANDING OF THE PENGUIN. Wellington, yesterday. The enquiry into the recent mishap to the steamer Penguin was held to-day. It was Bhown that the chief officer (W. Opham) Iwas in charge of the deok at the time the vessel ran ashore. The evidence given, proved' that the casualty arose through the spot (Boot Cove) where the -vessel stranded beinar mistaken for Bifflnbach Point. The Court held that an error of judgment had been committed, but the olroumstancas wora not sufficient to warrant the suspension of the certificates. Sailed: Wanaka, for the North. Lyttilton, yesterday. Sailed: Hawea, for Port Chalmers; Albion, for Auckland. Pobt Chalmibs, yesterday. Arrived: Sara* Pile, from Kaipara; Sailed: Kotor ua, for Melbourne via Bluil'. RosaELL, this day. Arrived : Tararua, from Auckland, at 1 a.m.

THE WEATHER.

as observed at telegraph station 3 April 8, 1881.

o.—Calm F. Br.—Fresh Broozo X—Light St.—Stormy Br.—Breeze G.—Gale (2.) ANEROID BAROMETER. (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS B.—Blue Bky, be the at- O.—Overcast,the whole mosphere clear or sky covered with heavy thick clouds C. — Clouds, passing P.—Passin? showers clouds Q.— Squally D.—Drizzling rain R. — Rain, continued F.—Foggy rain 6. — Gloomy, dark S.—Snow weather T.—Thunder H.-Hail U. - Ugly, threatening L.—Lightning appearance

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Friday. Messrs Hanter and Nolan cold a (arm of 35 acres, situated at One Tree Hill, to-day (er the sum ol £33 per acre. Messrs B. Tonka and Co. held a sale of (the various privileges for the Faster Races at KUeißlie, and which realised as followu:— Grand Stand, £10, Mr \V. H. Bennett, purohaser; lean-to bar at back of stand, £31, J. Uillander; No. 1, stand, £20, Mr I). Urquhart; No. 2. £17, J. Adama; No. 3, £11, Mr O'HaUoran; No. i, £8, Mr Loomb, (Panmnre); cards, £50, and fruit stall, £8, Wm. Adams; Btabling, £3 McGinn. Messrs B. Tonks and Co. will offer the Qlsborne Brewery for sale on Wednesday, the 20th nit. Mr Walter Dowden's weekly general sale was largely attended, and considerable business done, with fair average returns. Maize, 3s per bushel; oats, 2s 81; oatmeal, ljd : good pro vincial bacon, 7d; bams, 9d and lOd. The f urnltore sale brought reasonable prices. Messrs Coohrane and Son held a general sale of articles of domestic use, books, pianofortes, fee,, -which was well attended by tradesmen. The pianofortes were not sold, as the bidding did not reach the reserved figures. Messrs Carbines and Taylor held a large sale of provisions, poultry, etc., at their Central Auction Mart to-day. .Poultry: Turkeys brought 3a 3d to 3a (3d; fowls, Is 7d to 2a (id ; canaries, Ss 6d to 6s; several fine pointer dogs realised 10s each. Fruit: quinces, ljd to 2Jd; applei, 2d to Id; ■walnuts,3i 6d per 100; peanuts, 1 \<\. Grain, &c: potatoes. 3a to 3a lOd; carrots, 3s fid cwt; Fijian maize. 3s: oats, 2a 3d to 2s (id; oatmeal, lid; bran, £1 10b ; salt beef, 2d; pork, id to ljd; beef, 6d; salt butter (inferior), 3d to sd; bacon, 5Jd to 8d; whire sugar, i\i; brown do., 3}4; rice, 2Jd : soap. 7s to 8s per box; cheese, 3d to lid: haricot beans, 2a; lard, sd; barley, 2s 9d; hematite paint, 23s per cwt; Kerosine, 2s Id.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MR ALFRED BUOELAND'S WBEKIiY REPORT. At the Haymarket, on Tuesday last, bides sustained the improved values of the previous week. All sound hides ranged from 3Jd to i M6c thalb. Sheepskins were in full supply, and brought from Is 61 to is 5d each. Wool, in grease, 6id to 7gd the Ib. Tallow, 213 6d and 22a 6dtheowt. At the Waiuku cattle sale, on Saturday, April 2, there was the usual mnater of stock. Dairy cows were du'l of sale, but other descrip tions of stock in Rood enquiry. A few pens of aheap and pigs also found ready buyers. At I'ukokoho, on Monday, above 100 head cattle were yarded. Young calvea and dairy cowa were comparatively unsaleable. All otber kinds of stock in request, and all brought for ward were sold. At Kemnera, yesterday, dairy cowa at their profit were in good request at improved values: they brought from £7 10s to £U each, but back ward cows lower in price than last week. A large number of young Btore cattle were yarded and met with a steady demand at slightly higher values than have lately ruled. Cat cattle were ahort of reqnirementa, 110 only being yarded. Prices rallied on last week's values 5a per lOOlba, and ranged from 26a to 30s ; good Bteors ranged from £9 to £1310a each. Fat sheep were in full numbers ; between 700 and 800 wero yarded. Prices advanced 4s per head, bringing fully 3d per lb. Napier wethera, fatted hero, brought from 13s to 17a each. Few lambs were yarded, and those brought Kb each. Piga were also in good request. MESSRS HUNTER AND NOIiAN'B WEEKLY REPORT. Horses.-- Dulness has characterised the market, perhaps attributable, in a great measure to the fact that not many of a really good stamp have been submitted. The entries for disposal by auotion were not so numerous aa on tbe previous week, and at times throughout the sale bidding was slow; eventually, a clearance was effected at no noteworthy alteration in Quotations. Cattle.—The market has been fairly animated. Prices have had an upward tendency, and all Offered have sold at prices much in favour of the vendor, as compared with the last few weeks. At Newmarket, on Tuesday, and at Papakura, on Wednesday, there was a fair muster of Btook, tut insufficient for requirements, and thero remained an unsatisfied demand for all dtscriptionß. Dairy cows have advanced in value from 10s to £1; stores have advanced 10a per hoad, and for a few fat beasts 30 per lOOlbs. was given, and average lots realised 26s per lOOlbs. »

Bheepworo in adequate supply, and corres ponding domand. For wethers there was ana advance of 2s and ewes I* eaoh. Lambs were scarce and sold at from 7s to 12s Cd, Pigs.—There was a marked increase in the supply, but a brisk demand existed, and high prices were given.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Wholesale. Retail. I s. d. 8. a. s d. b. d. Butter, fs,lb 1 0-0 0 Milk, quart 0 4-0 0 Best Dalrlos 10-0 0 Butter, fs, lb 1 3-0 0 Butter, sit, lbO 0-0 0 Butter, salt 0 10-0 0 Ohoeso(new) 0 5-0 C Cbecse(col.) 0 8-0 0 Do,, Cant. 0 6-0 0 Kggs.doz... 2 0-0 0 Kggß.doz. 1 9-0 0 Lard.lb .. 0 0-0 10 Lard, lb (tins) 0 7-0 8 Fowls, each 2 6-3 0 Bacon and Hams, Ducks, each 2 6-3 0 Provincial 0 7-010 Geese, eaoh W CantorburyHams Turkeys.. 5 0-7 0 nnd Baoon (in Baoon lb .. 0 10-1 0 cloth) .. 0 10H 0 Homs.lb .. 1 0-1 3 Broad, 4d to 4Jd per 21b loaf Jams, por oase, 5 doz. 32s 6d. to 35s Is is the ruling price for butter, and in somo instancoa Id more is obtainable for really choice brands. E^gs aro scarce at Is 9d per dozon. Butcher's Mbat» Retail. 8. d. s. d. Roasting Beef 0 4 to 0 7 Boiling Beef » 1-J f Mutton, hind-quartor .. .. -00— 044 „ forequartor 021— 0 J Lamb, fore-quarter \ 0 0 — 06 „ hlnd-quartor ) „ . „ Pork and Veal 0 6 - 0 7 Steaks - 0 6-0 » Chops and Sausages 0 o — O, J> Tallow bost (wholosale)-mutton, 32s Cd mixed, 253. Flour Market. Wholesale. a b. d Snperflno Flour, sllkdressod, por ton.. 12 0 0 Fine Flour, ditto, housohold .. .. 11 0 0 Sharps, por ton .. 5 0 0 Adelaide, per ton £12-13 0 0 Oamaru, por ton .. .. - .. 10 10 I) Dunedin, por ton 10 10 0 Canterbury, per ton 10 10 0 Bran por ton (saoks included) .. .. 50 0 Cabin Broad 17 0 0 Oatmeal 11 0 0 Pearl Barloy 18 0 0 Hay and Corn Market. Wholesale s. d. s. d. He. & s. Maize (Syd.) none Hay, nio'dow (Cal.) nono ton pressed 5 o—o 0 „ (Fun.) 3 3-3 4 Lucerne, do 7 6-8 0 „ (Coast) 3 1-3 6 Straw (load) 0 18-1 10 Oats .. ..2 0-2 i Chaff .. ..4 10-5 0 Wheat (fowll 2 6-3 0 Hay (oaten) 510-6 0 Potatoes, £310s. Retail. 8. d. B. d. B. d. B. d. Maize,bushel3 C—4 (r'Lncorno. owt.7 G—B 0 Oats, ditto ..2 6-2 9 Oaten, ditto 6 0-7 0 Bran lOOlbs 0 o—s G Straw, ditto 3 o—4 0 Whoat (fowl) 3 6-3 9 Chaff, ditto 5 6—6 0 Hay. cwt. ..5 6-0 0 Potafos.dittol S-i 6 Fijian Maizo 3 6-3 9 SKEDB.-Rotall. 8. d. p. d. s. d. s. d. Ryograss ..S 0-7 0 Cocksfoot.bl.B 0-7 0 Italian,do. ..7 6-8 0 Trefoil, lb. 0 7-0 0 Red Clovor.lbo 9-0 0 Ratstail, lb. 16-00 White Clover 1 1-1 3 Timothy, lb. 0 7-0 0 Alßyke. lb ..1 2-1 3 Lucorno.lb. 1 0-0 0 Cowgrass, lbl 0-1 2 Rapo, lb ..0 5 0 0 Woolpaoks In quantity, 3s 3d to 3s 6d oaoh corn saoks, 8s to 9s 6d por dozen. Fencing wiro Noa. 6. 7 and 8. assorted. £1610s to £17 por ton Coal and Firewood Market. COAL.-Nowcastle (ship's side), cargo 31s por ton;yard, 40s to 455. Bay of Islands, at yards, 25s 6d • screened, 283 Od; ditto at the mine, 12s; ship s aide, 23s 6d. Waikato, at mino, ss; In Auckland ' 17s 6d to 225; Taupiri, at minos, 6s Gd to 12s ;at yard", 18s to 245: delivered, 25s to 28s. Wangarol, at mine, 8s 6d; yard (stenm), 17s; household, 225, Miranda, at yard (housohold), 18s; steam, 18s. Kama (housohold), 288,30sdollvered; stoam.m Firewood.—Uncut, at wharf (oargo), 83 to 93 per ton; delivered, 12s; out, 14s to 16a. Kauri Gum and Flax Market. Gum weaker. Tho following salea havo been effected since last Friday :-Good ordinary Kaipara and Whangarei at £32 to £34. Wai kato, £30 to £33. Kast Coast, £40 to £42; receipts for April, 95 tons. Flax.—Flneßt quality £19-£22 per ton Tow 6 ~" °. ».. Fungus 4d. porlb Building Materials. Timber.—Boards and ScantliDg, 100 ft., bostl2s 6d • Becond class. 8s 6d; best planed, tongned and grooved, flrst-clasß, 14s ; second ditto, 10s. Mills: Cargo, best, 3s6d; soo.-class,sa6d. Baulk, BNew Zealand Palings, sft (sap), 10s; sft (hoart) 13s - 6ft, 13a Tl-troe Rails, £3 10s per 100; Furiri Posts. £6; Shingles. 14s per 1,000; Hobart Town Palings, sft, 17s; 6ft, 19a ; Hobart Town Rails, 90s, selling quotations. Bricks (at Whau.) 40a per 1,000; Town Yards, £2 15s: delivered, £2 10s. Drain pipes, per 100, 6 inches bore), 30a ; i inches, 14s; 3 iDches 9s 2 inches, £210s per 1,000 socket glazod pipes, 18 inches 2s 6d per foot; 15 inohes, 2s per foot; 12 Inches, Is 6d per foot; 9 inohes, Is per foot; 6 inches, 6d per foot; i inches, id por foot. Lime, slacked. Is per bushel; quick limo in Back, Is Cd to 2s.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as Under.— This Day. For Whanptarei Heads, Parua, Walpu, Whan- Karoi, and Tangihua. por Arifyle, at 1 p.m. For Whangarel Heads, Whangarol and Mancrapai, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Thames, t>er Hnterpriso, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday. 9th instant- ForThameß. per Kotomahann. at 8.30 am. For Waiwera, Mahuransd, Matakana, Manga wai, etc, per Itose Casoy. at 9 a.ra. For Kußaoll and Kawakawa, por Glonelß, at 11 a.m. For Port Fitzroy, per Watcrlily, at noon For Waitara, por riowena, at 11 a.m. For Samoa, per H.I.G.M. ship Moooe, at noon For Tairaa, per Mana, at 2 p.m. Monday, 11th instant. For Roseel). Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, por lona, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Wellington, at I p.m. Tuesday, 12th inßtant. For Taranakl and Southern Porte, per Penguin, at 1 p.m.

N.B.—The following are tho dates for the P. and 0. and OrieDt lino of eteainera loaving Mel boorne:— 11.1 1. AND O. BTEAMEHB. March 30, April 13, April 2T, May 11, May 25, June 7, June 21, and July sth. ORtKNT BTKAMHRO. March 29, April 12, April. 2fi, May 10, May 21, Juao 6, June 20, and July 21. Malls for Continent of Europe and United BUcjuiom, via Brindisl and via Naples and Plymouth, will be made up at Invercarglll to arrive at Melbourne by the above dates. S. It. BX3S, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offlce. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

April B'.h, 1881. Theatre Royal — Simonsen's Royal Opera Company, " La Sonnambula," 8 p.m. Choral Hall -Art Exhibition, open until 9 p.m. Drill-shed—Mooting of Officers of Volunteer Forces, 8 p.m. Davis's Boxing Saloon, Hobson-Btreet, 7.30 p.m. Temperance Hall, Albert-street-Opening of New Dancing Class, 7 30 p.m. Devonport Hall—Concert, 8 p.m. Pitt-street School-room—Band of Hope moot ing, 7.30 p.m.

Marriage.

HARBINGTON-PHILSOV.-On February 8, at Cbrißtchurch. Cheltenham, by the Key. C. C. Dolben, Rector of Ipsley and Rural Dean, assisted by the Rev. C. May. Curate of Christ churoh. Hastings Norman Victor Harrington, 1.M.3., sto of the late Rev. H. H. Harrington, H.K.T.C.8., to Anna Mary (Minnie), youngeßt daughter of W. Philson, M.D., of Sherborne Lodge, Cheltenham.

Notice to Correspondents.

Objeotob.—The question Is one that could only be answered a/ter hearing the evidence on both side', and would form a pretty little case for the KM. If, however, you actually agreed with the contractor for a fixed price for the work, you would have no chance of establishing any claim to his surplus material.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1881.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong',that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do

The administration of the affairs of the Home for N eglected and Destitute Children ia calculated to administer a rude shock to our notions of the complete efficacy of popu lar Government. It has been proved that for years past depravity of the most revolting character has been developed under the very noses of the ladies and gentlemen on the visiting committees. These committees were divided among themselves regarding the competence of the master, and tho gentlemen who championed Mr Stickley, getting the upper hand, forcibly ejected the ladies. Then tho ladies retaliated by waging war on the Home and its manage ment through the press, and succeeded thereby in forcing a public inquiry, at which all the childish tittle tattle of "old women" of both sexes was retailed with sanctimonious unction. Prac tically the inquiry revealed nothing. The plague spot in the Home was never touched, but the Home and its usefulness sufFeied heavy damage at the hands of its pseudo friends. Though no suffi cient reason had been proved for removing the former master and matron from the Home, it was felt that their term of usefulness was over, and thar.guilty orinno cent, they must be immolated on the altar raised by bungling incompetence. The facts which justified that decision, and proved the anti-Stickleyites right, hare really come out since the inquiry—not at it. Having now cleared the way for a new beginning, the Committee proceeded _to prove their good judgment and qualification

for office by appointing a master and then two months later kicking him out. Though what tho particular sin is which Dr. Harvey has been guilty of, beyond talking a great deal too much and too pompously, we are utterly unable to find out. His little weakness must have been known to the conimitteo before they appointed him. However, Dr Harvey has trodden too heavily on some of their corns to leave him any chance of stop ing with profit to himself or the institution, and the Committee has doubly resolved that out he shall go, though they cover them selves with ridicule in the process. Finally, having dealt death and destruction all round, the Committee have resolved to go to tho confiding bosoms of Mr Hollcstou and Mr Whitaker, and lay their burden ot sorrows there. Really it is high time this farce was brought to an end. Whatever may be thought of the fitness of Mr Stickley or of Dr. Harvey, one thing is patent—that the Committee are self-con victed of blundering and uttor incapacity to manage tho Homo as it ought to have been managed. They have covered tho institu tion, themselves, and the community with the disgrace of tho unsavoury odours that have ariaen from this nursery of infantile purity and morals! With such a past record, we considor their proposal to the Govern ment to enlarge tho institution by creating now departments unworthy of con sideration. There are only two courses which they can pursue consistently—either resign in a body, and throw tho entire responsibility on the Government, to be managed as the Dunedin Bencvoleut Insti tution is managed, or confess that the system they have been attempting to carry out is inherently defective and pernicious, and recommend its reduc tion to the narrowest possible limits, by the substitution of the Australian plan of " boardiug-out." Wo sincerely trust that neither Mr Whitaker nor Mr Kolleston will becomo a party to any ex tension of tho Home. Herding tho children together has been proved an utter failure, despite tho vigilance of a course of inspection amounting almost to espionage, if the committee will not chango their mode of operations, it is incumbent on tho Govern ment to do so, rather than incur expenses which must ultimately bo lost. In Victoria, costly buildings for the accom modation of children arc almost depopu lated, and New South Wulch has now passed a bill bringing the " board ing out " system into operation. Sootier or later, New Zealand must follow their example.

The roault of tho melting of 320z«. lihvt. Bgrs. of specimens from tho Success Gold Mining Company, was 21ozs. Sdwts. melted gold.

Mr W. L. Reo3 arrived by tho Tararua on Wednesday night with tho intention of commencing proceedings agninnt a local print. Ho iutuuds, wo aro informed, to issue eight or ten writs for scpurato libels. Proceedings arc to bo taken criminally.

A Chapel-stroet resident thinks a con stable ought to visit that locality occasion ally to suppress tho vagaries ofcoitaiu up roarious offenders against good order.

A grand concert and ball iv aid of tho funds of tho district school will be held at the Lake on Easter Monday. A varied and attractive programme of musical selections by popular amateurs has boon prepared and arrangements aro being made for a night book to suit Auckland visitor*. Con veyances will also leave the North Shore at frequent intervals. Tickets aro procur able at Messrs. Dudcr's and May's, North Shore, and from Mr Baker at tlto Ferry Compauy's oflice.

A match has been mado to trot tho winner of the Whau Cup, distance five mile*, to morrow afternoon, ut 4 o'clock. Wo havo no doubt if tho weather is fine there will lie a good attendance.The match will bo run in Mr Garrctt's paddock, aud Mr Cook's break will start from Queen-street to convey in tending visitors.

At tho meeting of St. A lidrcws'Mutual Improvement Association last evening, Air J. M. McLachlan road au essay on the Duke of Wellington. The great events in the life of " Tbe Iron Duke," from his entry into tho army to the battlo of Waterloo, tho crowning victory of his brilliant career, were sketched and com mented upon, and somo useful lessons deduced from them. Thcic was a fair attendance of members aud visitors, including several ladies.

Tho boy Short, who was admitted to the Hospital last week with a serious gash in his toot, has been discharged, tho injury having almost healed.

A number ot petty thefts havo recently been committed in Symondstreet. Some time ago a draper lost a bale of carpet from his shop door, and more recently a quantity of bucou was taken from the shop of a poor widow. Last night another attempt was made, but this time the thieves wore foiled. A young man entered the shop of Mr T. Holmes, and while looking at some trifling article, which, however, he did not pur chase, another young mau slipped off with a tobacco box which stood ut the door. For tunately the box was empty. The young men are, however, known, and the police arc on tho alert.

A most serious accident has happened to one of the inmates of St. Mary's Orphanage, Ponsonby. Tho unfortunate little girl, whose name is Sarah Evans, was playing on the steps leading from the convent bathing-house to tho beach, when by some means she mitsed her footing and fell to the bottom. When she was picked up it was found that her head had sustained most serious iuiury, and that blood was oozing Jrom it. Medical asisstanco waß sent for, and it was decided to take the child to the Hospital. The latter idea was found to be impracticable, tho iujury being of such a dangerous nature as to prevent her removal. She now lies in a very critical condition, and, in fact, her life is despaired of. Tho forco of tho blow caused injury to the brain.

The 6d tax has been abolished on tele grams to and from the following stations :— Hamndcrj, Herbert, Kekerangu, Longford, Lyell, Manuherikia, Miranda, Ohaeawai, Uwake, Itichmond, Taraweia, Tophouse, Upper Hutt, Uretara (Katikati) Waiuui, Waipu, and Waitotara.

The North Shore Rowing Club have made arrangements with the Ferry Co. to run a special steamer at halt-past twelve this night, in order to allow those who go over to the concert to stop to a dance, which takes place after the entertainment. As the weather is tine we trust that there will be a good attendance at the concert, as no paids have been spared to provide a first class programme, the services of Mr Gordon Gouch aud Miss Hastings having been secured.

The trial of Edwin Hunt Jagger yesterday afternoon for forgery resulted in the jury returning a verdict of " guilty," whereupon the prisoner admitted two other charges of a similar nature. His Honor sentenced him to two years' imprisonment with hard labour for each offence, the sentences to run concurrently. The Court was then ad journed till 10 a.m. on Monday, when the murder case will be commenced.

I The contents of census papers are sup posed to be a prolound secret. How then has the information contained in the follow ing paiacjraph from the " Waikato Times" been obtained:—"No fewer than four "birds of passage" entrapped by the census enume rator in the National Hotel, Cambridge, last Sunday, described themselves a* '' Free thinkers," while other three, apparently pretty much of the same plumage, modestly concealed their religious identity behind tho " objection clause." Amongst tho more orthodox, twenty-four claimed allegiance to the Church o£ .England ; whilst Presby terians, Koman Catholics, and Wesleyans, with one solitary Lutheran, brought up the rear."

It being possible that some houses may have been omitted iv the distribution of the Census Schedules, and as it is important in view of the .Redistribution of Seats Bill and other purposes that a full return of the population of this portion of the Colony should be made, the Census Enumcratoi of the Auckland District requests any who may have been omitted to communicate with him at once, so that the omission may be rectified.

The Sydney people mean to give Laycock a royal welcome on his return. Sir Henry Parkes has placed tho Governor's launch Nea at the disposal of the committee, audit is probable that the use of the Garden Palace will be given for the purpose of a public welcome. Laycock will bo received at the Circular Quay by the mayor and alderman in their robe?, and will be con veyed lo the Gardon Palace in a coach-aud four, where he will be publicly welcomed and feted by his admirers. The Austrian Band will also be iun attendance, and other arrangements will no doubt be made by the committee. The Lusitania wi[l probably arive on the lth April.

Prince TzeretelefF, who received from the Emperor of Kussia the cross of tit George for carrying with five Cossacks two million roubles across the Turkish camp to the Servians, was arrested the other morning for disturbing the public peace in the streets of Home. On his identity being estab lished he was at once set at liberty. His violence was so great that the police thought him insane. He had arrived with despatches for the Ruseian Ambassador and tho Grand Duke.

The young man Campbell, whose skull was fractured by being thrown from a horso at Mount Albert recently, is progressing very satisfactorily at the Hospital, and it is expected that he will be able to leave there in a fortnight, or not more than three weeks at the outside.

OAt a meeting of the Executive Com mittee of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children last ni^ht, Dr. Harvey's letter requesting a reconsideration of his dismissal was considered, but thcicommittee declined to reverse their decision. It was resolved to obtaiu the services of a new master and matron.

It is satisfactory to learn that the young man Scott, who was kicked on the loin by a horse iv Buckland's yard last Monday, is making very satisfactory progress towards recovery, it is anticipated that the injury will havo healed sufficiently in eight or ten days to warrant his discharge. The hurt was a very dangerous one, being very close to the femoral artery, but fortunately it was not injured. Had there been a shoe on the animal at tho time, tho probability of suc cessful treatment of the case would have becu very slight iudeed.

A meeting of tho proprietors of the Queen of England Claim (which adjoins the Suc cess Co. at Coromandcl), was held to-day, when it was decided to let a contract for driving 100 feet at ss, it being considered that good gold will bo found before tho contract is completed.

" Publtoo," Waipu, protests against tho way in which public works aro carried out. lie says : " In our immediate vicinity is au instance of tho grot-s want of faith in our public men. The Gorge Road, a piece of work entailing the expenditure of some £4,000, is just being completed, and surely such an outlay—lot tin utility of the road bo what it may—would justify us in re quiring tho work to be done according to original pliuiH, &C Let us remind the gentleman who has supremo control over our public roads that wo liavo already suffered too much from incompetent C.E.'a to allow any more pandering to private intercuts wheio tho public wclfaro is con cerned." At a mooting of tho Cominitlco of tho Auckland Chamber of Commerce, hold this afternoon to consider and take steps with regard to an alleged mining swiudlo which is baiug perpetrated on the London Market the Chair man was disputed to cablo the fol lowing message to Mr Jlarkcr, a solicitor in tho English metropolis :—" Havon's gioimd coloured red on plan owned and worked hero.—Signed, Tlios. MOHBISON, Chairman Chamber of Commerce; JOSEPH Nkwman, Chairman Brokers Association, This should have the cll'oct of pricking ii hole in the supposed bubble, and check mating its promoters.

The Rev. J. Lambert, a clergyman well known in Auckland, gave a very interesting lecturo on Monday evening, at Mangawai, on " Words,1 which gave umusement and satisfaction to a fair audience, but which would po3sil>ly havo been larger had tho moon been visible.

Tho shareholders of Harris and Tier man's claim at Coromandcl have do cided to form a company with a capital ot £1,200, in £1 nhnrci. Tl-o ground comprises 18)j acres. 10 acres being Mrs Macintosh's property and 84 acres belonging to tho Now Zealand Timber Co. About 40 tons of good dirt aro now await ing crushing, and the original shareholders are resolutely holding their interests in the mine, which has beeu formed into a com pany ef £12,000 capitul in £1 shares in mooting with very encouraging prospects, while in tho New Colonial claim on th other side of tho Success two men have boon put 011 to pick up tho continuation of tho rich liud there.

To the Editor : Sir, —Would you kindly afford mo a little space iv your journal to draw the attention of tho public to the ro marks! of Mr Justice Richmond, re correction by a foreman iv the caso Rogiua v. Hugh Storey. Moat of your readers will remem ber the incident of my boing stabbed by the hoy Storey after I had chastised him by boxing his cars for a neglect of duty, and that I was subsequently convicted for tho Maine and fiued £3 7a before Mr Barstow, who ruled, that although I had been in structed by my employers so to do, I had no legal right to box the boy's cars, This incident came out yesterday In the case above referred to ; and Justice Richmond stated in open Court, that Mr Barstow was wrong, that I had a right, having been bo instnictcd by Mr Austin, to correct a ro factory apprentice, and itißtructed me that I might administer a reasonable amount of strap-oil. So much for Mr lUrstow's judg ment, which, but lor tho generosity of mv employers, would have mulcted mo of £3 7.i, which I could ill atl'ord. Trusting I run not asking too much when I beg n placo for this in your valuable paper,—l remain, yours, &c , CHA.S. B. KING, Foreman at J. J. Austin aud CO.-P. B.—l have noticed that soino of the Southern papers re-pro duced Mr Barntow's rullug, perhaps they will also publish Mr Justice Richmond's, which would only be fair play.—C.B.K,

It is a singular fact that the majority of the lever cases that have been treated at the Hospital this season were from Newmarket. This statement will no doubt cause tho champions of that district to wax indignant, but it is nevertheless supported by the Hospital authorities, who, moreover, say that the average number of patients frumNuwmailiet during the fever season is always high. Since the removal of lite slaughterhouse from the district, it lias been claimed that Newmarket is n very salubrious locality, but in the face of official evidence which we have given, it would be well for the inspector Df nuisances councctcd with that place to bestir himself and sets that drains aro opened, and that refuse be not allowed to lie rotting iv exposed places, — thus tainting and poisoning the air in the vicinity, aud sowing broadcast the germs of malignant fever. Parnell has alao been well represented by typhoid fever patients this year, and there is also considerable sickuess reported at Newton. A man named Gannon was admitted to the Hospi tal from Parnell yesterday, with typhoid fever, and he is now undergoing treatment, the case being a bad one. It may be stated that all the other patients are con valescent, and that there was a lapse of three weeks since the previous patient was admitted.

A remarkable affiliation case is occupying the attention ot the Hamilton Resident Magistrate. Richard Kecnan, well-known at the Thames, but now resident at Kecf ton, is charged with committing a breach of. the I Destitute Persous Act, by refusing to con- I tribute towards tho support of the illegiti mate child of Mary Steele, of which he was alleged to be the father. Tho allegation of the plaintiff is that she was a serTant at Kcenan's house, Gruhamatown, and bo seduced her during the absence of his wifo from homo for a week about St. Patrick's Day, 1879 ; that she left his service in the May following aud lived with her Bister, Mrs O'Keefe, till August, and with Mrs Marshall, of Parawai, tillthe 20th Sept. She then returned to defendant's scrviceasecond time and continued with him until about the end of April, duriDg which time there were frequent intimacies. Her child was boru at Tauranga on tho 30th May. Tho plaintiff deposed that she subsequently met the defendant in Auckland, aud he ananged that she should write to him under the ad dress of " Thos Norrie, care of Mr KennaD, Grahamstown." She produced four letters received by her signed " Thos. Norric," en closing money, which she swore were from the defendant, although the handwriting was disguised. Last November the defen dant left for Rafton aud ceased paying; hence this action.—For the defence, the de fendant was examined, and denied all the material allegations m tho plaintifl's state ment. He was askod to write an address similar to the one which plaintiff produced as having been given given to her in Auck land as the direction by which she should iiud him. Mr Hume, of the Bank of Now Zealand, aud Mr Laishley, of the Union Bank, were then examined a* experts and swore to their belief that both the address and the letters were written by the same hand as the address written by defendant m Coi'rt. The case was finally adjourned till Saturday to produce the evidence of Mr Watt, accountant of tho Bank of New Zealand, as nn expert.

THE SUCCESS.

The manager of the Success received the following telegram this afternoon : " Twelve ounces similar gold. Gold shewing in etone up and down the face."

RUSSELL, this day.

.Arrival : Tararua. Sailed : Speedwell, Sea Breeze. Also, loua. Passengers: Hennis, Eldridgc, l'eaa ; also the oilicers of the barque Januw, and numerous others. All the oil hns been recovered from the barque Janus, and the sperm oil has been transhipped to the ship Horatio,

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Be brlel; tor It la wttn words as with sub beams: tho moro they are condensed tho deeper they burn."—BoUTiiar.

Where the shoe always pinches—On the foot.

Tramp's Motto—" A little earning is a dangerous thing." One of time's bitterest revenges is when the mother finds herself decked out in her daughter's last year's bonnet. Why are young ladies at the breaking up of a party like airowa ?-Because they can'c go oil" without a bean, and are all in a quiver till they get one. Fidgetty lady : " But what am I to do? I can't ride with my back to the engine," Insolentyouth: " Betterspeakto thedrivor. He'll turn the engine round to oblige." " Why," asked Pat, one day. "was Balaam a first-class astronomer?" The other man gavo it up of course. " Shure," said Pat, " because ho had no trouble iv finding an ass-to-roid."

To-night is general entry night for Hie Auckland Autumn Raco meeting. Ac ceptances for the Easter Handicap and Handicap Steeplechase are due on or before 8 p. m. to the Secretary, Mr. Percival. There is to be held a great assembly of the Shintoo priests in Japan to discuss the "Jesus doctrine," aud to decide how tho tide of missionary success can bo staid.

Two Presbyteries, Aberdeen and Ayr, havo udoptcd* resolutions censuring the Commission of the Freo Church of Scotland for suspending Professor Robertson Smith.

The patriotism of the Government ollicials of Sweden is calculated on tho number of volumes of the King's new book each one orders. An official who doesn't take over ten copies is reckoned a sort of milk-sop patriot.

A Parisian enters a poor restaurant aud dines badly. Iv settling up he says to tho owner: "Dear sir, embrace me." Hum! embrace you?" ho says, in astonishment. " Why, yes; for I reully believe wo shall never wee ouch other again.

Tho Turuuaki winnings were : Wboeler, £250; Walters, £150 ; Horsfull, £100; Me- Ivor, £80; Brower, £50; Stockman, £50; George, £50; Rowo, £50; Belcher, £20 : Edwards, £20 ; total, £810.

Au estate of 45 acres, about two miles from the centre of Christchurch, cut up into building lota, was bold yesterday for £3770 19 3d. '

Vaccination for Oiieiiungu is conducted by Government appointment at Mr Gil inan's every Thursday from i 0 to 11 a.m.

Tho boy Michael Breen has been arrested at Mahurangi, ia connection with the re cent immoralities in tho Home for Noglectcd and Destitute children The charge against him ia indecently twsuulting two girls in the Homo hospital.

There hus boon a flutter of excitement among the aristocratic Scotch fa mi lie* over a proposed change iv tho dress of the High laud regiments. The Dukso of Edinburgh aud some hundred of the nobility havo signed a petition, to the War Office against it. The Prince of Wales wroto a letter expressing sympathy with the movement, but stated that m au officer of the army it wouid bo a breach of discipline to actively exert himself against it.

Henry Adams, formerly Crown Prosecutor at Nelson, failed to answer 11 rule to strike him ofl tho rolls, ut Wellim»t«u yesterday, and wus therefore struck oil.

Two lires iv the Bouth last night-one at Kuniara in a notice owned by Mr Dempster lobes the North British £450. A kerosinc lamp left alight iv a cottage in Christchurch accounts for the other liro by which the unlucky Standard iv victimiaed for £200.

Mrs Brown and the family of the Rev. J. Brown of tho New Britain minion arrived in Auckland by tho Tararua. Mr Brown is retiring from (lie miaeiou.

Tho Golden istar Prospecting Company yesterday formed the ground iv Waiotalii Creek, next tho Alburnia, into a Company with 15,000 shares of 10a. Tho lirat directors nre : Messrs T. McMaster, H. Mgule, J. Butler, G. Winstoue, and J. Fisher. Mr Randernon was appointed manager.

Captain Thomson, tho pilot at the Bluff, has been censured by the Bluff Harbour Board for the accident to tho ship Waitara while leaving Bluff harbour last month. The Board was of opinion that he (Captain Thomson) weakly yielded to ft fear of public criticism iv taking out the vessel at so late in the ebb tide with nn uncertain wind.

Mr Amberly, (Canterbury), auctioneer, W(is fined yesterday, under the Sheep Act, for veiling a number of sheep not branded I with his brand. I

School master sternly to small boys :— "Who signed ' Magna Charta?'" The class, tearfully, "Please *ir, we didn't." Pretty lady teacher to little girl: "\\ ill you please deiine a miracle ?' Kharp pupil : " Mother pays if you don't marry the new parson 'twull bo a muraclo."

Mcpsrn Gorrie, Stevenson, (). May, Fleming, Taylor, Cooper, Schmidt, and Wilkes, have been appointed a com-' inittee to dolino the relations of tho Schoo' Committee ; to define the relations of tin teachers to tho Board of Education; ant t-j report to a general mcetiug of the Con ference tonight.

An Italian writer says that moderi millionaires are nowhere in compnrisoi with sonic of his countrymen, as follows Mark Antony speut£2oo,ooo,ooo merely sow ing his wild oats; Nero gave £20,000,(K> iv presents to his friends ; Hcllogabalu gave a dinner that cost £20,000 ; the toile of Atirippino on a upecial occasion footed v] to £300,000, and her box of jewels ut home was worth £40,000,000. Hanlau received a perfect ovation on his arrival at Toronto. About tho Australian champion, an American paper says:— " On bis arrival iv America, Trickett will take part in several of our most prominent rogatta?. Curioiity to »cc the bold Austra lian has somewhat diminished since he lost hi« former titlo of champion. He will doubtless find pcullcrs in the East who can show him the lead on almost any course."

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before It. C. Barstow, Esq., It.M.) BETWEEN TWO TIIORNS. Maria Lysnght, Johu Murphy, and Bessie Spiers, were hned 5s each for druukonness. SAItAH GAMP'S MIXTURE. Harry Crossley, alias Clifford, a young man, was charged with stealing a 121b box nf Congou tea and a case of gin, value £2 6s, on the 4th of December last, tho pro perty of Charles Curtiu, of the Pacifio Hotel, Grahamston. Mr Pardy eaid there was another person connected with this robbery, but ho was in prison, and his term would not expire until to-morrow. Kernauded accordingly. A TKIAL OF LOVE. Johanna Burke was charged with using threatening language of an excruciating nature towards Kate Dusten, of Jermyn street, on the 6th iust., aud threatening to break her lnvcly swanlike neck. Mr Laishley appeared for complainant, and said this was a very aggravated case. Defendant, Mrs Burke, who was very deaf, said she would plead guilty. Mr Lnbhley said this was only one ot a series of assaults upon his client, Kate Dustcn. Mr Pardy said ho had received numerous complaints about the old lady who was continually annoying the neighbours. Her grown-np son was a seaman. The annoyances arose out of the lovo affair between tho young woman and defendant's son. Defendant discovered a love-letter breathing the warmest sentiments of re gard for her sailor-son; and not approviog of such "carrying on," resolved to "bounce it out" of Miss Dusten, suspecting that she was tho writer of the letter.

His Worship ordered defendant to find sureties, herself in £10, and another in £10, to keep the peace for three months, and to pay costs, £2 9s ; or in default seven days. Defendaut : I'll go to the Mount; won't pay, not for Johanna. The prisoner was taken out of Court de claiming loudly apainst tho inhumanity of the law, aud the blindness of justice. ALLEGED WRONG-DOING. Walter Evinson was charged with obtain ing by false pretences, from Adam Arm strong, of Cartcrton, near Wellington, the sum of £9, on tbe 15th ult. Mr Thco. Cooper appeared in defence, and Mr Pardy conducted. Mr Cooper said that tho information was bad, and there was no offence charged. No information could be laid in a summary manner for au amount over £5 ; and even if the information was tenable, tho de fendunt had a good defence, shewing that tho goods or money was not obtained by moans of false pretences, but that it was a matter of debt to be dealt with in a Civil Court. His Worship, having carefully investi gated tho case, was of opiuion that no offence was disclosed, and discharged tho accused. A WILD VENTURE. Peter Berry did not answer to a charge of being drunk in a railway carriage, on the Auckland and Kaipara railroad, on the 4th hist, to the danger of his life. The summons, it appeared, had not been served. This was all tho business,

A meeting of tho members of the Pitt stroot Band of Hope- will bo held in the school room this evening, at tho uausl hour, when addresses will be given by the chairman and friends, and ballads and recitations by the children,

AUCKLAND INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.

' The first general meeting of this now Asso ciation was held at Mr Canuing's last Mon day evening at half-past seven. The prac tising architects of Auckland having pre viously subscribed themselves as members, the president, James Baber, Esq., gave the following interesting address :—Gentlemen, —your vice-president not long since called my attention to a circumstance 17 years ago, which I had forgotten, of a meeting held at the office of the late Mr 6'andeisou for the purpose of forming an Association of Architects. Five or six years ago the same object was revived by Messrs Herepath and Wrigley, and although it claimed the advo cacy of" the press it "fell through. Five or six years further on, our Duuedin profes sional brethren made a fruitless effort. The present Institute is of no mushroom growth, but the result of many endeavours to promote a good object for the public good, as well as the advancement of the professiou,and Auckland now has launched one nf those Useful institutions, at an inter esting period of its progress, which canuot fail to aid iv advancing an important work. I may say that its success is owing to the energy and perseverance of our honorary secretary, and tho cordiality of our Auckland architects, who have now tho credit of establishing the first architectural institute in New Zealand. This Institute promises to merge into a general institute for the vfhole of New Zealand, and likewise to eDJoy the ad vantages of affiliation with the Royal Institute of British Architects, which our honorary secretary has already taken Bteps to accomplish. Your Council has propared rules for your consideration, and I would draw your attention to important subjects upon which I hope members will be induced to furnish papers. Ist. Ventilation of buildings ; 2nd. Sanitary meaßurea with a view of promoting health; 3rd. Arrange ment of our public buildings with a view of obviating tlwso accidents from panic which occur from the waut of proper meaus of cutrnnco aud exit ; 4th. The lubj-ct of competitive designs iv securing ] r 'per judges. Gentlemen, with these few re marks I now call upon our Hon. Secretary to read the minutes of the previous meeting, undaubmit the rulesof the Institute foryour consideration. These having been agreed to, many subjects were introduced and dis cussed by tho gentlemen present. It is an ticipated that at the next meeting papers will bo rend which canuot fu.il to interest the public. I I tne Dura a..v,» ...*.. monstratcd. She sang with uncxeep-, tionablc effect and power, and her actiug was quite as successful. In the tender duetto, " Lascia te me," with Genuaro (Signor Paladim) her singing was rap turously applauded, and the rendition of the piece proved the initial triumph of the eveniDg. The ensuing passage, wherein Lucrezia is unmasked aud exposed, was also effectively executed, the measured and lmpressivo rhythm of the music which ac companies the delivery of the accusations having its full and adequate influence upon the audience. The iirst act closod capitally and as a natural result Madame isiinousen, Miss Godfrey (Ursini), and Signor l'uladini, received a merited recall. The Signer is an old acquaintance, and bis cultured and pleasing voice was heard to advantago in the solo passages, while in the f-cenas with Madame Sitnonscu it blended most agreeably with her powerful soprano. Miss Carrie Godfrey will be remembered as a leading member of tho Froliques. She has a prepossessing stage presence, and to her graces of face and figure unites the further recommendation of a light and sympathetic contralto voice capable of much variety of expression. Iv the fine and generous rouianza, " Nclla fatal di Rimini" ahc thoroughly melted tho reserve of her hearers, and gained a cordial round of applause. Tho opeuiug of the second act introduced Signor Kiccardi (Duke Alphon«o) to the audience. He was recognised immediately, and was accorded a most flattering oration in tho form of a storm of plaudits, during the continuance of which he was obliged to bow his acknow ledgments no less than four separate time*. His rendering of the admired " Vieui la mia Vendetta" justified the popular approval, and stimulated anew its fervent manifesta tion. Tho gentleman has a mellow and resonant baritone voice of manifold resources, and under complete control; but, i in habituating himself to the usages of the stage, he seems to have acquired an exag gerated gait, which last night had more the appearance of au affected swagger or a pro nounced strut than of a pompous carriage. ', Apart from this, his portraiture of the Duke was most praiseworthy, while of his singing we can speak in terms of unreserved com mendation. The duetto between .Lucrezia and the Duke, culminating in tho lady's disdainful defiance of her obdurate aud merciless lord, admitting as it does ot the highest exercise of dramatic skill and vocal power and versatility, was per formed with unmistakable ability, ana in tho succeeding trio with Gennaro this ability was equally manifest on the part of both lady and gontlomen. A call before the curtain proved a fitting guerdon. Tho opening scene ot the third act, with its pathetic teuor recitative and air, was omitted, the exigencies of time rendering the sacrifice necessary. The curtain there fore rose upon the banquettiug scene. Mi?s Godfrey gave a satisfactory rendering of the beautiful and well-known brindisi "II Segrcto," in which Signora Veuojta was wont to arouse such popular enthu siasm some three years ago. It would bo manifestly unfair to subject Miss Godfrey to comparison with the Italian cautatrice, and it will thereto re suilice to say that she sang the selection acceptably, The passionate iutensity ot the final sceno between the distracted mother (Lucrezia) and dying son (Gennaro) was powerfully depicted, and tbe curtain foil amidst loud and prolonged applause, the principals receiving the usual recall. Mr Ernest St. Clair, a basso of somo merit, though of limited raugo in tho lower register, sustained the part of Gabetta, while Mr Cram made a veiy fair Ilustighello. He has improved somewhat since he was here last. The costumiug was rich and appropriate, the scenery well designed, p.nd tho stage accessories as com plete as could reasonably be expected. The opera, which was sung in Italian, had to be abridged in order to come within the com pass of a two-and-a-half hours'performance. Bellini's charming operatic idyll, "La Sonuambula," will be produced to-night with Miss Martina Simousen in the title rOle. It will be the lady's d6but in Auck land.

CABLEGRAMS.

fREUTER'S TBLKOKAMSi]

Another Disturbance in Ireland.

The Croivd Fired Oil.

LONDON, April 6.

A serious disturbance occurred at Ballinamone, Ireland, to-day between the police and people. The latter were fired upon by the police, and a girl, who was in the wowd, was shot dead, and several rioters severely wounded. NAVAL SQUADRON VISITS AUS TKALIA. The detached squadron consisting of Her Majesty's ships (in concert with the Bac chante with which are Princes Albert., Victor and George, sons of the Prince of Wales) the Touramaline, CaryJort, and Cleopatra, under the command of Admiral Earl 1 Clauwilliam, which was ordered from its cruise in January last to Natal for the purpose of landing the Natal brigade for BCirice in Transvaal, has now received orders to prodeed from the Cape to Mel bourne. It has not transpiied whether other Australian ports will be visited by the squadron. 1 LONDON, April 7. EARL BEACONEFIELD SUFFERS ANOTHER RELAPSE. A bulletin issued tnis morning reports that Earl Beaconstield has suffered a serioui relapse duriug the night, and is now in a very critical state. Sir William Jenner, one of the physicians in ordinary to the Queen, consequently was summoned to confer with the other medical attendants of His Lordship. THE TUNISIAN DIFFICULTY. ROME, April 7. Signor Carroli, President of the Council of Ministers, made a statement to day in the Chamber of Deputies in regard to the state of alluirs in Tunis. In the course of his speech ho stated that the English and Italian Governments had arrived at a com plotc agreement as to the course they would pursue iv regard to the Tunisian question. EARL BEACONSFIELD RE COVERING. LONDON, April 6. Tlic bulletin issued tlna evening reports that Earl Beaconslield is making satisfac tory progress towards recovery. FRIGHTFUL EARTHQUAKE — 5000 PEOPLE KILLED. LONDON, April 6. Ncwu has been received that an earth quake of a terrible character has been ex perienced on the Island of Chios, in the ;Egeau Sea, oil' the coast of Smyrua, Asia Minor. The results have been most disas trous tolife and property. The accounts to hand estimate that fully 5000 (sic) persons ' have met with their deaths. THE TROUBLE AT TUNIS. LONDON, April 6th. It now transpires that the conflicts on tho Tunisian-Algerian frontier have not, an previoualy reported, occurred over the former dilliculty between England and Franco as to the disputed right of a British nubject to tho estate at Kuphidia, but has arisen in consequence of the action on the purt of France towards the acquisition of .Tunis. Ihe steps which have been taken ' by theFrenchGovernmeuthave caused much ; excitement throughout Italy, as they arc I thought to he directly opposed to Italian ' intercuts. The matter has formed the sub ject of diplomatic correspondence between the French and Italian Governments, and in reply to the latter's remonstrance, the French Government have niveti friendly (insurances) as to its intentions iv regard to Tunis.

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON, April G,

Consols hare advanced to 100 J. New Zealand securities are unchanged. Ade laide wheat hai risen Is per quarter, and to-day in quoted at 51s ex warehouse. New Zealand wheat remains at 4Gi ex ship. Adelaide (lour is 34s ex warehouse.

AUSTRALIAN.

•THE VIUTOHIAN CONFERENCE. MELBOURNE, April 7.

The first sitting of tbe Conference of Committees of the Legislative Council aud the ABgcmbly to consider the Reform Hill was held to-day. Sir Charles Sladcn, M.L.C., discussed the measure at length. Mr Berry replied, aud a conversation of a deaultory character followed. The Confer ence has adjourned till Monday next, it is expected that the prorogation of Parliament will take place oa Thursday, the 14th inst.

THE AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS EXHIBITION.

IN looking at the numerous subjects which have engaged the pencil aud brush of the artists, mostly studies from the beautiful in nature, one cannot help feeling, as the promoters say, " That ono essential factor in all true education is the cultivation of taste," that tho world was designed as the dwellinc place of beings who delight in scenes of beauty, aud it is evident to the reflective mind that beauty and utility are worked into harmony everywhere, and no one know* this better than the artist. It is sympathy with beauty, which draws out the heart, so to speak, elevates it above con iterations of self, and prepares it for aspirations atter the higher life of intellec tuality, which the liueaments of the beautiful kindle in the breast. The old Greeks never could have been what they were, but for the beauty of their language, sculpture, poetry, architecture, and varied forms of art, it has been well said, "Maa throvrs over the material world the glories of his own soul." In passing through the Choral Hall, we feel more and more convinced that this Art Exhibition is calculated in no mean degree to educate the taste of the people, and, feeling this truth, the promoters have made the Exhibition accessible to rich and poor alike, so that all who have the disposition to enjoy its ofl'erings may do so at a nomiual cost. In the water-colour depart ment are /joins of intrinsic value in illustra tion of the preceding rennrks. Miss Chceseman displays a bouquet of roses and groups of flowers, while her sister, Miss J. T. Cheeseman presents (in crayou) several mythological figures. In this department wo find the " Gladiator," by Mips R. Brown ; " Cccsar Augustus," by 1 Miss K. Roach ;"A Study from the Flat," by Miss L. White, and a variety of similar studies by Mis H. Stuart. Miss Dobie, "Jupiter," to which is attached a melancholy association. Mi«ses J. E. and F. Plumley, Miss Long, Miss Hidings and other ladies, await in patience and hope, the geuial smile of fame. Miss Hart's "Prim rose," Goldsmith's favourite, peeping be neath the thorn, is a vernal offering of silent beauty, suggestive of the youthful Bpring-time. Mr James Slater contributes a monogram aud illuminated address. Mr Josiah Martin lends a number of photo | graphic views of the noted Yosomite Valloy, and Mr Geo Frazer photos, and origional plans cf screw steamers. Several porUaits of Bishop Cowie {un fiuished), Rev Shirley Baker, on Tonga, Mr J. C. Firth, and others by several hands. In the loan section oE the exhibition are many choice things from the works of Rembrnudt, one of the most famous painteis of tbc Dutch school, an engraver, " Melancolia," from Albert Durer, the German artist, lent by Mr Albin Martin, whose life-story, with its joys and sorrow, has been charmingly and yet pathetically told by Schefer in " The Artist's Married Life." Iv this section aro memories of Keubcu, Cruickshank, Linuell, and others. Particularly noticeable are the several delicate etchings from the works of the engraver and artist-poet, William Blake, whose mystic genius produced pictures and poems unsurpassed in splendour of conception and fancy by any artist or Doot of the ape. Blake was a visionary from his earliest years, possessing an under current of spiritual feeling not apparent to tho majority of his contemporaries. The etchings in question are the " Urea tion of Eve " and " Eve's Dream " in the garden, exactly in harmony with the scrip, ture narrative, or allegory. These were lent by Mr Wcymoutn, and others from the same master-mind, illustrative of the life of the patriarch, Job, were lout by Mr Albin Martin, who owns a number of chalk drawing by Linnell. The photographers of tho city, not willing to be forgotten, ex hibit specimens of photography ; houco there arc ten specimens from Mr R. H. Bartlett; a permanct carbon photo, and others from the studio of Mr ilemus, and a scrioi lent by Mr F. Phillips. Rev A. AY. Webb has liberally displayed a number of original pictures and copies, also Bishop Cowie, Drs Wright and btockwell, Mr Josiah Martin and numerous other citizens. The tsvo views of Cheddar Cliffs (Nippwau) shown by Dr Wright give a fair view of these Somersetshire wonders, which, with their caves are among the wonders of Nature in the old land. Mr Uobert Neal's northern views, aud a number of Scottish scenes, aro especially noteworthy, as illus trating the scenery around the home of Wordsworth, and the minstrels of the borders. In our next we propose noticing

I tho ladies' work on the central tables. Tho ' exhibition will bo open until nine o'clock ' this evening, and the Art Union drawing will be commenced at eight. The com mittee have determined to keep the ex hibition open until Monday evening, when it will be finally closed.

CITY COUNCIL.

AT the usual fortnightly meeting of the Council, held last evcniug, there were present:—His Worship the Mayor (in tho chair), Councillors Goldie, Fleming, Hcmus, Aickin, Thompson, Waddel, Crowther, Montague, and Oiler.

Western Springs Estate.—Letter from Mr W. Thome, stating that a lease had been prepared and duly executed by which a portion of the Western Springs Estate was vested iv Messrs Jno. Maxwell and Walter Simpson for 21 years, at a rental of £140. Messrs Maxwell and Simpson had declined to pay their propoi tion of the rent, and Mr Garrett had been compelled to pay the whole. Mr Garrett, being unable to utilise the premises single handed, was desirous of being released from the lease, and respectfully requested that his position might receive consideration.— After some little discussion the Council, on the motion of Councillor Aickin, decided " That the request be not complied with." Omnibus.—Letter from Mr F. Quick, asking permission to alter the time of his Grafton lioad omnibus from a quarter past, till ten minutes to the hour,— Agreed that the applicant be informed in the terms of tho Inspector's note that tho request could not be complied with. Wood Pavement.—Letter from Mr D. L. Murdoch, declining to take advantage of the Councils' oiler to Jay down wooden pavement half the width of the foootpath in front of tho Bank of New Zealand.— Letter received.

Old Police Uojkt.—Letter from Mr R. C. Barstow, Esq., K.M., stating that the Government had ceased to occupy the old Police Court building'on tho 31st instant; also forwarding keys of same. —Letter re ceived and referred to the Finance and General Purpose Committee. Teamways.— Letters from the Grafton Road, Karangahape, Remuera, and Epsom Highway Boards, expressing their approval of the tramway scheme, and their willing ness toco-operate.—Letters received. .Education Reserves.— Letter from the Education Reserves Commissioner?, asking for a small piece of laud in Drake-street, Freeman's Bay.—Referred to Finance and General Purposes Committee.

Gas Pipes.—Application from the Gas Company for the loan of 200 lengths of three-inch cast iron pipes, for about six mouths.—Referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee, and that Mr Erringtun be requested to report on stock. Siding.—Messrs Collinge and Judson applied to have a siding made opposite their premues in Albert-street, and offering to defray half the expense.—Referred to Public Works Committee—Engineer to re port. KARANGAiiArE Road.-Letter from Mr T. Hayes, stating that the Karangabape District Board were willing to cooperate with the Council in running tramways through that district.—Received. Stone Wall,—An application with reference to the stone wall in Victoria street East was referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee,

City Road.—Letter from J. Albers, ofi'erißg to allow the Council to make a cutting on his property on condition that they erected a brick wall.—P.eferred to Works Committee, surveyor to report.

Mr Aickin's Scheme.—Mr Aickin for warded a copy of his printed dock, reclama tion, and street formation scheme. He also asked tbe Mayor and one or two of the Council to give their sanction to the scheme by becoming members of the provisional committee for carrying out the proposals.— Letter received.

Sign Board.—Mr T. B. Hill applied for permission to erect a signboard over his verandah in Queen-street.- Keferred to Public Works Committee, surveyor to report. Buildixg Permits. — Superintendent Hughes wrote for definite instructions m reference to the issue of permits, Mr Anderson had told him that he was to issue them, and Mr Philips that he was not to do so. Agreed that Mr Anderson be in« formed that the Town Clerk* explanation of the Council's intention was correct. ■

Hates.—Letter from Maria L, Naughton in reference to arrears of rates overdue on property purchased by her. She offered £$, but a memo appended slated that £25 4s 7d was owing.—Keferred to the Financo and General Purposes Committee. ALLOTMENT. — Letter from Matthew Henderson stating that be bad let allotment No. 34 to H. J. Binstead.—The Council decided to reter tue letter back to the writer for further information.

Smoke.—Letter from Mr A. Eaton com plaining of nuisance arising from smoke from Fiaser and Tinne's Foundry in Grafton Road.—Referred to Finanse aud General Purposes Committee.

Uallustrade—MrJas. Dempsey again wrote asking for extension of time to re move the ballustrade on his new building ing in Albert-street, as required by the Inspector. —Referred to Financeand General Purposes Committee. Petitions.—Councillor Thompson pre sented a petition signed by 36 residents of Albert-street, praying for direct access to Queen-street, other than exists at present. —The Chairman said he had examined the place to-day and agreed with the prayer of the petition.—Received and referred to tlie Public Works Committee.—On the motion of Councillor Thompson the standing orders having been suspended, it was agreed, "That the Committee have power to act, and that plans be submitted by the Sur veyor." Fraser and Tinne's Chimnet.—Peti tiou praying for some abatement of the nui sance arising from smoke from Messrs Fraser and Tinne's chimney.—Received.

Public Works Committee.—The Coin recommended as follows :—(1) Petition from residents, Lower Queen-street, re pathway, that the further consideration of this matter be deferred ; (2) Memo from Surveyor, re Durham-street works, suggesting alteration of gradient, that the proposed alteration be authorised, and this work proceeded witli, providing Mr Andrews will offer no objeo tiou ; (3) Surveyor's report, re Cook-street sewer, that consideration be turther deferred, and b copy of the report be Bent to the contractor for him to report upon for the information ottheCouncil; (4) Surveyor's report, re Upper Queen-street, Queen streetlevels, Knrangahape Road, Wynyard street —tbat the consideration of these matters bo deferred—The report was adopted. Finance and General Purposes Committke.—The Committee made the fol lowing recommendations :■—(1) Secretary ot Sash and Door Company re Water Supply, —that they can have supply to the portion within the city with the ordinary service pipe ; but for the portiou out of the city at their own cost; (2) John Cornwell re return of forfeited deposit,—that under the cir cumstances one half the amount be re funded; (3) Memo from Town Clerk sub mitting Draft Bank Agreement,—that ten ders be called for in terms of conditions ; (4) Memo from Town Clerk re Burgess Roll,— that the work be done by the Elec tric pen, and that Mr Ellis be employed to do the same at a cost not exceeding £10 ; (5) Memo from Town Clerk re general rate, — that tho Council be recommended to levy a rate of 9d in fun £; (6) Water Analysis and reporf, that further consideration be refer red until receipt cf Engineer's report; (7) W. Hos9ct reerection of two buildings on allotment, that the matter be differed until next meeting.—Coun cillor Thompson iook exception to clause 2, and moved, " That the Council cannot accede to his request." He said the Council had passed a resolution "That all such deposits be forfeited.''—The Surveyor waa ot opinion that the applicant had some little difficulty in procuring timber for piles, and that meeting with other drawbacks lie became disheartened.—Councillor Crowther seconded.—The amendment was put to the meeting and carried, and the report then adopted as a whole.

Building Area By-Law.— A by-law, having reference to the extension of inner building area for building regulations, par ticulars of which appeared in advertisemen in our issuo of 28th March, was Bubnuttcdt —The by-laws were adopted.

alexandra-street. — Tho Surveyor's memo, re Alexandra-street levels, and planß were also laid before the Council.—Tho plans were approved and ordered to be ad vertised.

Lower Union-street.-Memo, from Surveyor re these works, stating that with the exception of one person who was in England, the ratepayers had consented to the work.—Deferred.

Water Supply.—Two rnemos. re water supply were submitted by the Town Clerk as to applications for supply where mains had not yet been laid in Somerset Place and Gratten Place.—Referred to Public Works Committee, the Engineer to furnish esti mate for supplying that part of the city in which pipes have not yet been laid. Night Carts.—The Inspector reported that the contractor was still using his carts outside city boundaries.—The Town Clerk was directed to write requesting an explana tion.

Firb Alarms.—Memo from Town Clerk re arrival of fire alarm apparatus by Oxford,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. FRIDAY. APRIL 8



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Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. NEW WINTER CLOTHIVG. The Winter Stock juat opened at the N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. Kncouraße Colonial Industry and buy at the H. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. Newest Styles and Superior Quality at the N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. Every Article gives satisfaction bought at trie N, Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. New Zealand Tweeds onljr are used at the N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. New Zealand Labour only employed at the N. Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. All Clothing superior fitting, good quality, and thoroughly shrunk. Auckland Branch: QUEEN-STKEET (Opposite Theatre Royal), AND AT Albert-street, Thames. j. fitzsimons, Manager. Xt/- i n k t» & rx A"~rrx. HATS REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRAME AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL COHTINUK THBIB CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK.



THEY WILL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THE RE-BUILDING OF TEEIR WARE. HOUSE IN SHOBTLAND-STREET. /^(ARLICK AND CRANWELL, \JC COMPLETE HOUSE FURNISHBBS, CITY HALL ARCADE, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. ( GARLICK AND w - Cbanwbll'b stock rt contains a very O extensive choice o >J of Furniture, of °<£ English. Amori- P^ can> Italian, and • q § Colonial manufac- SPJaO** ture, and ia sold at JXzA* VFURNITURE-< the lowest possible "^n" price consistent hS gog with durability fe§ n and good teats; *q M and they respect <j j fully invite an ma a spection of their " Show Rooms from O those about to fur ) Uish. ( A Beautiful Lot of DrawiDg-room CARPETS, just [ij^f landed ex Oxford, UuH most fashionable ..-a^H* designs, and cer tQGH P ra ft tainly very choice. M«hQ!z;Ph The "Worcester" nroSaSS L p* RPffTq J Btair Carpet has a oHm£s O1 CABPJSIH 1 pile of horsehair, 30<g«]5as and is the most S^bd- r\*2 durable Carpet WtI<SQH ever made. Tapes- Hj-joo try Oarpeta from ht4 2a lid. Handsome Borders for Car pets, Hearth Rugs J Uuade to match. /^IARLICK & CRANWELL koep a XJT Large Stook of Floor Clotha for Halls, Roams and Offices. Linoleum, all 'widths, at lowest prices. i^ARLICK & CRANWELL keep a VJT Great Variety of Austrian Bentwood Furniture, and American Cane Chairs. Whole fliila and KetaiL M allow a DISCOUN'To'f Five per [ Cent, on Furniture, Carpets, and Floor cloths, for Cash Payments. j BEDDIN G, all sizes, of our own manu- ! factore, kept ready for Delivery. i "jmURNITURK, and all other Geods, j ID delivered Free in Town, and Book Cata- ' logues sent to intending Furnishers on ap- i plication. ( ;><ARLICK & CRANWELL keep an i \3T immense assortment of Iron Bedsteads, i HJIOKNISH YOUR HOUSE 1 J? From the CITY HALL ARCADE, i GARLICK & CRANWifiLL. ] Proprietorß. i Cabinetmakers and Upholsterers. I



Special Advertisements. ! TUST RECEIVED AMERICAN LAWN-SPRINKLERS, With Plated Arms. Also, LAWN EDGE-CUTTERS, Quito New E. V 0 R T E 11 & CO., Queen and High bthkbts T pOSGKAVE & QO, Bog to inform tho Inhabitants of the City that they havo OPENED THEIR KXTKNSIVK SHIPMENTS OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. Tho principal Linos arc: Rich. Black, and Coloured Qllks, Satins, and Volvets Black and Coloured Volveteons Kmbona Velvotoens Plushes in all colours Several cases of Millinery, Bonnets, and Hata rocoivod from Paris Tho Nowost and Latest Stylos In Ladios' nnd Children's Jaokots and Mantles, Ulstera, Dolmans, &c. Choice and Kaahfonablo Dross Materials in all Now Shades and Colours Ladleß' and Children's Hoaicry, Undorclothing nnd Corsots An Immense Stootc of Frenoh Morinocs, Serges, and WlnooyH. The Manchester Department OONTAINB THK LARGEST STOCK IM NKVV ZKAL4.ND TO CHOOSE FROM. Calicos, Sheetings, Shirtings, Quilts Blankots in all Bizos Flannels in all makes, and Cretonnos at all prices. The Clothing Department Is well-known for tho Kioollent Quillty of tho Goods, tho Reasonable iMcos Sold at, tho Large and Varlod Assortment to ohoOBO from, that it is usoloss for us to onumorato thorn. THE GOODS ARE NOW ON VIEW AT J. COSGRAViS & CO. 8 WHOLK3ALE AND 11KTAIL WARKHOUSK, QUEEN-STItEKT, AUCKLAND. pooos, WIANTED KNOWN: Q.OOD -ySKFUL pRICSS jyjATERIALS ARK BEING SOLD AT HALF PRICE. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S. Is 6d Materials fou 9d. Wo havo bought a largo JOB LOT of tho above, and aro giving our Customers tho., benefit. FANCY DRESS MATERIAL In Great Variety, otat a heavy reduction's* off usual prices to Clbar Out Durino The Ssabon.



A Fke s H Lot op GOOD CIIK A P TWKEI) GOOD CHEAP TWEKD for Boys' Wear /wJust To Hand."** 5% Discount (Is in tho £) allowed off all CASH Purchases of 20a and Upwards. "DUSHBROOK & "DRIDGMAN, JX -D DRAPERS & CLOTHIKIIS lOpposlto the Army and Navy Hotel], Uppek Quekn-sthket, Auckland.



'. A. Bettany, in thanking his friends and old oustomors for past Bupport, bega to inform thorn that tbo business will bo carried on in the Market, during his indlsposltiOD, by bis son and an assistant on Saturday a only, when a first class supply of Haras, Bacon, Chsess, &o, may bo obtained at tha usual prices. Madame i.otti Wilmot may be consulted ench afternoon and evening with regard to Mesmorißm and Spiritualistic Soances. —Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-street.- [ Advt.J