SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„ l This iJvjnlna. 4.32 HIGH WATER \ T,,. r _f,rrti»v Mnrnlntr.6.4 ,a «'!s's ase?-Now Moon. 20th, 11.51 P.m.-

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Speedwell, kotoh, Taylor, from Thames TODAY. Wellington, s.a., Farquhar, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

LABT EVENING. Rlng-roomo, s.b., Edia, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Antares, loading _.„£££» of Wellington, Monday or VttSrol'-na Whangarei Hoods - Argyle Tuesday and Frldoy MaSgaw_l-Flngal, Thursday -.oroury Bay-Fingal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Parecra, ship, (Q.S.G.W.), from London; sailed HalciZ mBhIP(LN.M.S.),from London; sailed AlccsUs? barque, (H.C.M.N.) from Liverpool, via Wellington; salted. November 7 Awboil_!b_rqu.(P.K.Q.V.),from London; sailed A. T^bt-llknooht, br.rqno, from Now York Cambria, barque, from London, loading Kndfleld. borquo, from New York Mendo-a, barque, from Liverpool; loading Bemmgton,barque, from London; sailed Jan 14 Soha nyl, barque, from now York; sailed Dec 11 Lovesprlng, barque, from Nowcaßtlo Thames, barquo, from Sydnoy innii Burr.l-rquentlno, from NOW -Di vision, brig, from Lyttelton Annabell, brig, from Sydnoy Borealls. brlgant no, from the Islands Albort tho Good, brig, from Molbourno Caledonia, schooner, from Noumea Aurora, brigantine, from rtewcastlo Coronet, schooner, from tho Islands Edith, sohooner, from Save Knto Macgregor, sohooner, from Dunodln Pirato. schoonor, from Hunhlne 80110 Brandon, sohoonor, from tho Islands Pearl, kotoh, from Rarotonga

Inwards Coastwisb. — Spoodwell, from Thamos, in ballast; Four Sisters, from Coro mandel, with 12,000 feot timbor.

OUTWAHD3 Coastwire. — Four slaters, for Omaha; Bossy, for Ngunguru.

Tho brigantine Myrtle has onterod out at the Customs for Frlenaly Island ?,nd Samoa.

Tho brigantine Bannookbnrn arrived at Port Adolalde from Kalpara on March 10,

Tho p s. Enterprise left tho wharf tor Thames at 0 o'olook last evening, with cargo and pas„n- Berß. When about hnlf the voyage had .been acoomplishod, tno crank shaft broke. The Bteamor was therefore put under oanyta and steered for Auokland. making tho wharf Bhortly before 2 o'olook thlß morning. Repairs will be offeotod in time to permit tho steamer to resume hor regular trip on Monday night. H.M. sohooner Lark, wliioh has beon lying nnder shelter of Rangitoto, near the reef, since Sunday morning, ran baok a»d dropped anonor at tho powder-ground at 0 o'olook last evening. The weather continues so bad that tho com mander of the vessel considers it inadvisable to proceed seaward until some favourablo ohange takes place.

The s.s. Wellington loft Tauronga at 2 30 p.m. yesterday, and arrived in harbour at 8.15 a-ro, to-day. Experienced heavy easterly weathor with high sea during the whole passage. Piis- Bontrera-Captalii Neil. Mst Mm and MISB Bain, Mr and Mra Ashford, Mr and Mrs Bunberger, Mr snd Mrs Elliottt, Mißses Bidder, Simpson, -arborough, and Watt (2), Messrs Spenoer; Thomaa (2). Carter, Porritt. Corbott, Wink, Mo- Imcklln. Wilson, Bain, Inn... Rust. Young, Robson, Hanian, and 3 steorago. Cargo: .0 Backs whoat, 2 balos, and 3 bags wool. 10 pigs, and a few pookaaeß sundries.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURE. Maogregor, 8.5., Amodeo, tor Waitara.

Tho Northern Co.'s steamer Maogregor left at 3 o'olook yesterday afternoon tor waitara with 80 pleooa wagon timber, 2 cowcatchers,'^ pieces joinery, 25 mats sugar, 60 drain pipes, 23 cases kerosene. 12 drums nnd 3 oatkß oil, _J empties, 10 aaoks flour, SOO oases and paokagos Bundry merchandise and the following passen gers-Mrs BBksr nnd Mies Holmes: Messrs G. Walker, Hollywood, Martin, Sightaeoopo Co. (-2) and two others.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Port Chalmers, yesterday. 8alled: To Anau. for the North. Passengers: tor An-kland-Mcsdumea Gain. Egeins, Tor ment and throe children, Messrs Selverton, Rothschild. Brayhill, Gills (2). For Sydney-Mr and Mra Wood and two ohlldron, Miss McMil lan, and Mr Blalnk,

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Offloe, Thursday. K. and A. Isaacs hold yesterday an extensive sole of city property. The attendance was very large, and tho bidding exceedingly spirited. Messrs HuU Bros', freohold stores, Qaeen- Btreot, brought £LCOO, and tholr bonded stores £2 600. The allotments in Rutland-street, realizod from i"2. to £30 per annnm; the allot ments near tho dock from £21 to «20 per toot per annnm. Mr R. Arthur yesterday offered tho leasehold property at tho oornor ot Que»n and Darby streota, known as Dornwell'a property, tor sale by auction. The property has a long term to rnn at an annual ground rent uf £121. The highest bid was £5300, but as this was bolow the reserve prion the property was withdrawn. The bidding for the Albert Hr.ll roaohed £1000, and was with the f armor reserved for private Meat men t.

MR ALFRED BUOKLAND'B Vy-WULY REPORT, At tho Huymarkot on Tuesday, hldco were pitched In larger numbers than the average. The greater part brought from 3d to 3*5-., but a choice lot roallaod 13d tho lb. Sheepskins wore __o in full numbers. Prices ranged from 5d to 2s Id eaoh; wool.O-Jd to 7Jd the lb.-At Drury on Wednesday, there was a good mustor of stock of all descriptions—cattle, sheep, and horses. There was itcady bidding throughout the sale at fully lato valnea, and all brought forward sold.

Mail Notice.

mails will oloße a-vundbb.— This Day. For Tairua, per Magio, at. p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per Wellington, at 4 p.m. For Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 6.30 p.m. Friday, 17th inßtantj Far Thames, t>er Rotomaha.a. at fi a.m. i KorWhltlangi.perFlngal, at 8 a.m. , Per b.b. Ringarooma, as follow:— I For India, China. Japan.Medlteranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 8 a.m.l | For Glsborne, NaplrJr, Southern ports, Chat ham Mands. Jyia Lyttelton). Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Erindisi, tor letterß, tec, specially bo prepaid and addressed, at 9 a.m. For late letters till 9.20 a.m. For money orders, and registered letters, the previous evening at 4 o'olock. For Tairua, per Dream, at . p.m. For Whangarei Heads. Parua, Walpu, Whan garel, Tangihua, and Mangapal, per Argyle. at 1 p.m.

Saturday. 18th Instant ForWaiwera, Mahusangl, Matakana, Manga wai, tec, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Friendly Islandß and Samoa, per India, at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, 28th instant Per s.s. City of Sydney as follows i— For Sandwich Wands, United States Of America. Canada, Britlßh Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign Wesj Indies, at 1 p.m. ___'._. For money orders registered letters, and newspapers,'at IL3O a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence. In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the Bteamer up to the time of sailing. This mall will be due in London, on Mon day, May 8, 1832.

N.B.—Payments on account of Property Tax will be reoeived at this office between 0 a.m. A Post-office has been opened at Whitford, near Howiok. Mails will be despatched from this office every Tuesday and Friday, at 2.30 p.m. tfeturn malls will arrlvo every Wednes day and Saturday, at 10 a,m. 8. B. Bias. Chief Postaiaater, Chief Post-office. Auokland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

March 16, 1888. Thootre Royal—Delias'. Specialty Company: "Richelieu,* 8 p.m. Y.M.O.A.—Devotional Meeting, 7,30 p.m. Bt. Paul's Parsonage—Teaohers' Meeting, .8 p.m.

St. John's College — Mr John Robson (tra gedian, humorist, and musician), 7.80 p.m. Weslsyan Churoh, Grafton Rood—Mr Gow Jukuflfar: Lecture—"Slavery and the Slave Trade in Africa "- 7.50 p.m. St Andrew's M. 1 Association :—7.30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Mr J. B. Dines. Bond-street.—Tho questions referred to in your letter apply only to the residential vote. Sutollffe was on the roll as a freeholder.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1882.

For the cause that kicks assistance. For the wrong that need, resistance. For th« future in tha distance, And the good that wa con do.

THK election for North Franklin has been declared v.ld on the ground of intimidation exercised towards an elector at the Howick polling-booth. The int-'mldation consisted in a question raised relative to his right to vote, and a threat that if he voted wrong fully legal proceedings would be taken against him. The objection appears a very trivial ono upon which to overturn the result of a contest fought in so wide a district, and hardly mns on all fours with the very broad view the judges i took of intimidation in tho case of Ballanco v. Watt, at Wanganui. But the deter mination of what shall beheld to consti tute intimidation is entirely at the discretion of tho Court, and there is no ajppoal. It is obvious, however, that such a decision places a candi.nte very much at tho mercy of an indiscreet friend or clever enemy, and increases tho disagreeable risks that already surround a contested election. Some sot-ofl it, how over, experiencedto this unpleasant phase of the judgment in the over-ruling of the objections taken on account oi small technical irregularities. We have no hesita tion in saying thatii Judges of the Supreme Court were employed as Returning Officers and poll clerks they would fail to carry out any country election in the course of whioh some technical flaw might not bo discovered. But the class of men employed by the Government to take chargo ot the ontlying booths are anything but judges either in competence or pay, and it will be an unpleasant look out for caudidutes if the frails of their victories'are placed perpetually at the mercy of aßy wealthy and litigious oppo nent with such long odds in favour of ir regularities committed by Government officers.

The proceedings In this case have ebtown the Returning Officer to bo a man of more than ordinary capability and ocqaintance with the electoral law. He conducted his own case with very groat acumen, and we do not hesitate to declare our preference for his ruling with reference to the rejection of the voto presented in favour of Mr Harris with tbe name of the voter written across the face of it, as against the decision of the Court. Indeed, we regard the judicial declaration that a voter may legally take means to declare through the ballot-boxes how he voted, as most pernicious, and calculated to strike at the very root of tho ballot system. What possible object could a man have in writing his namo across the ballot paper except to convey to the person for whom he voted a certainty that ho had voted in a particular way ? And if that certainty may be given, one of the chief preventa tives of intimidation and bribery is destroyed j A man who has the power to coerce, or wishes to bribe, may carry out his intentions with impunity under the dictum which the Judges laid down yesterday. The doctrine on which their ruling rests, namoly, that the law is merely intended to provide a way by which an elector may vote secretly, without insisting upon it, is contrary to the letter as well as the entire spirit of the Regulation of Elections Act, and against the established practice of Great Britain, Clause 32 of the Regulation of Elections Act provides that "The voter, having received a vo'ing paper, shall retire into one of the inner compartments provided, and shall there alone and secretly strike out from the voting paper the name's of the candidates for whom he doea not in tend to vote." Again, In Clause 34, "Every voter, before leaving the inner compart ment, shall fold up his voting paper so that the contents cannot be seen," Here tbe secrecy is not made a matter of option, but is insisted upon, whether the voter wishes it or not, and Returning Officers havo uniformly refused to accept a vote unless the elector has carried out the requirements of the law, in making his choice secretly. With any statement a voter may choose to make outside the booth, tbe Government is in no way concerned, but it is bound, and is plainly instructed by tbe law to see that nothing shall transpire in tho booth that shall violate the secrecy of the ballot. If the Act does not specifically prohibit writing the name across the face of the ballot paper, as it does not prohibit a hundred .other things which a voter might take it into hia head to do, it does prescribe a plain and simple form of voting which a Returning Officer is bound to see executed, and the writing across the face of tbe paper ia assuredly not authorised, The decision of the Court yesterday in this matter is ao serious that an immediate amendment of the law ia demanded to counteract its per nicious consequences.

Insurance Frauds.

OUR cable advices to-day contain the in telligence that the two insurance agents, Hicks and Barber, charged with defrauding the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and the Australian Alliance Insurance Company, have been committed for trial. The offence with whioh they are charged is one which, fortunately, has till now been unknown in tho Australian Colonies. Such frauds are, however, by no means un common in the United States of America,

where tho idea doubtless originated. In America the insurance frauds are carried out with great ingenuity, and the occasional discovery of the deception only strengthens tho suspicion that in numbers of cases the swindlers are successful. Forged certiiicates of death are used, and tho insurance effected on one individual is claimed on behalf of a totally different per son; in other cases men are certified as dead when no death at all has taken place —a sham funeral being held over a collin filled with stones ; and to counteract such diabolical tactics the insurance companies have been oompelled to appoint graveyard inspectors, or "ghouls," whose duty it is to enquire into Buspicious cases of alleged death, and whore necessary, dig up the coffin and inspect its contents. It is almost ! impossible to realise the utter callousness jof men who deliberately set themselves to doiraud insurance societies; their conduct is only comparable with that of men who steal the contents of missionary boxes, or embezzle the funds of some charitable trust. In the case of a proprietary company, which is on the basis oi a commercial speculation, the offence might be committed and justified by tho peculiar code under which men oi high principle think it no sin to travel without a railway ticket, elude payment of a steamboat fare, or make afalso return to tho taxation commissioners, but in the case of a Mutual Insurance Society, whore the members uro the proprietors, a fraudulent inroad on the funds amounts to a thett from a benevolent institution. In any case, the crime is a serious offence against society (which has ndopted life as surance as a beneficent means of providing against the want and misery which would otherwise ensue to many on tho loss of their bread-winner), and it ought to be most severely punished. In tho attempt to de fraud the two Australian societies we have named, a bold stroke was made to gain £8,000 by insuring a person in the last stages of consumption, who is said to have lent himself to the plot for the sake of re ceiving attendance and luxuries to soothe hisdyinghours. Should this statement prove to bo well-founded, the man is to be pitied who would choose to face death with bucli a weight on his conscience. The most serious aspect of these insurance frauds is that their commission Implies a conspiracy. It is evident that when men form a com bination to defeat the law, the interests of a community aro in greater danger than when they are only menaced by the isolated endeavours of individual criminals. Not only so, but the difficulty of proving a con spiracy is proportionately very much greater; and it is therefore to be hoped that, if the charge of conspiracy to defraud ia brought home to tbo.o who nro charged with it at Adelaide, a smart sentence will bo Imposed pour encourage? ks autre* who may have designs of a similar nature.

" New South Wales in 1881."

We haTo received, under tho above heading, a somewhat bulky pamphlet, which ha 3 just been issued from the Government Printing Office at Sydnoy, and which bßars to bo an account of the progress of tho colony of New Sonth Wales up to tho ond of 1881, "extracted chiefly from official records," and compilod and edited by Mr Thomas Richards, the Government printer. That the pamphlet is sufficiently comprehensive in its scope may be gathered from tho fact that it ia divided into oighteon chapters, ombracing the following subjects ;-Ans tralian colonization, geography and popula tion, Legislature and Government Depart ments, public finances, Crown lands, pastoral resources, agriculture, flora and Liuna, mineral wealth, industries aud manufacturer, trado and commerce, religion and education, municipal institutions, defences, public institutions, tho city of Sydney, sports, political and social con dition ; and there are bosides a number of valuable appendices, the most Important of which ore a coloured map showing tho areas of pastoral, agricultural and mineral land in the colony, a statistical view of the Australasian colonies, andadiagranishowlng the aroo, population, &c, of difforont coun tries, as compared with New South Wales. It is, in fact, an official pamphlet, published by authority, though very fur from being within tho category of ordinary blue-books. Indeed, the reader cannot fail to perceive running through the work a vein of poetical fancy, which is quite incompatible with dry official records. Tako, for example, the description of Port Jackson: "Tho bold coast fronting tho Pacific is suddonly brokon, and the giuHt clills form a portal to an estuary about a mile in width, with an enormous perimeter, capacious enough to shelter tho navies of the wholo world. . . ■ On entering, n splendid vista is presented to tho voyager, tho elevated shore being *ken into innumerable bays nnd inlets, . tho central cxpauso of wator relieved by many a picturesque islet, , . . Tho well-wooded hilla,clothed in tho bright garb of spring, or In the russet of summer, and bathed in tho glorious light of an Australian atmosphere, form rucharming margin to the bright blue waters they enclose I" These be bravo word?, albeit they may not estab lish to the satisfaction of everyone too opening proposition ot the chapter that Sydney is "the most beautiful and at tractive placo in the Southorn Hemisphere," and they are followed most appropriately Dy tho high-sounding bombast which Dr. -rasmuß Darwin conceived to be poetry, opening thus :—

" Whoro Sydney Covo her lnold bosom swells, Courts her young navies, and the storm ropols, High on a rock, amid the troubled air, Hope stood subllme.and waved her golden hair: Calmed with her rosy smilo the tossing deep,' &o,&c

Passages of this kind scorn rather out of place in a " brief statistical ond descrip tive account" of a country; but o state ment made in the preface may explain tho frequent imaginative flights ond hyperbolic passages to be found in the book. It would seem that a chief reason for its pub lication waa that the Colonial Secretary might " tako a supply of copies with him to America." It ia therefore issned for propagandist purposes, and no doubt bears the impress of tho " perfervidum ingenium" of Sir Henry Parkos, expressed in those rolling phrasea and " words of learned length and thundering sound " for which his oral utterances are conspicuous.

Taken with this "grain of (Attlo)ealt," it must be confessed that " New South Wales iv 1881" is presented in a most tempting form. Not that wo would in sinuate that the figures are not in every particular strictly correct — tho reverse we boliovo to be the case, but in a pamphlet issned with the avowed object of puffing the colony, it ia not to be expected that "tho wholo truth " should be told. The compiler of the work deserves great credit for the way In which the various facts pre sented havo been arranged and classified ; and as a means of preienting New South Wales to intending emigrants and the gene ral and commercial public in the most favourable light possible, nis labours should prove most successful. If a mistake is mado it ia probably in giving affairs too much of tho eouleur dc rose aspect, Tho first colony of Australasia has no doubt made astonishing progress, and has enormous resources ; but it cannot claim to be ahead or even abreast of soma of tbe other colo nies in various respects. It is when tho compiler of the book now before us enters upon comparisons between tho different colonies and New Sonth Wales that a biai unbecoming in an official publication is apparent, flis comparisons are neatly olways unfair, because mado upon a partial presentation of facta. While, for example, ho claims for Hew South Wales the credit of having the lowest rate of taxation of any of tho oolonie."', aud a very small public debt, he never dreams of pointing out that New Zealand, with one half the population, has 1,200 miles of railways open as against 800 in the oldor colony, Then, again, a boast is mado of tho superior wheat - growing capabilities of New- South Wales, as compared with those of South Australia, and no other colony being compared the uninformed reader at a dis tance is led to infer that New South Wales is the best grain-growing country of Austra lasia. The fact ought to be emphasised that, as compared with New Zealand, New South Wales is far behind for all agricultural pur poses. The produce of wheat per aero in tho lattor colony, for the ~ix ycara ending 1880) ranged from 12 to 16 bushels, while in New Zealand the yield was from 25 to 31 bushels. The same disparity exists in the yield of oats in these two colonies ; and lor potatoes, New South Wales Is behind New Zealand, Tasmania, South Australia, and Victoria, which bear the palm for produc tiveness in the order named. Such being the case, it is not to be wondered at that New South Wales should be a laggard in the cultivation of the soil, Her commerce and manufactures are no doubt far ad vanced ; but in respect of the cultivation of the soil, whence wealth primarily springs, sho ia almost in tho rear rank—Queensland alone boing behind hor, Sonth Australia head« the list, with 875 acres per head cf , the population cultivated ; Now Zealand next with 2-67 acres, while New Couth Wales has only -83 acres per head of her population under cultivation. These com parissns are not, of course, instituted in this pamphlet, because its object is to encourage agricultural settlement, and

because theso facts would tell most fatally against Now South Wales. It is admitted, however, that "agricultural settlement is tho great want of the colony, and one of the most useful questions to consider, although a difficult one to solve, ia how best to swell the ranks of husbandry." The problem will not be solved by a con cealment of its real cause—(he comparative infertility of the soil—nor by making such alluring statements as the following :— " Taxation is light, living cheap, and life and property safe; whilst men of every race and creed can enjoy iv Now South Wales an atmosphere of sober industry, enlightened enterprise, orderly Government, and complete toleration, beneath a genial •ky and on a virgin soil." The hard facts of statistics will havo more weight with sensible peoplo than such talk as this, | which is of the kind wiich any common i emigration agent can use regarding a place which it is his interest to praise, and which should not be resorted to by any Government. Of the manner in which Mr Itichards has carried out the intention of the work, however, wo are bound to speak in terms ot the highest "New South Wales in 1881 " will be found a use ful aud compact book of reference for the history and resources of New South Wales ; though in more ways than we have space to point out its comparative state ments cannot be relied upon. Tho book, Mice all others that reach us from the Go vernment Printer of New South Wales, is got up in a style that would do credit to any typographical establishment in the world. Mr Richards has a first-class professional reputation among colonial printers, and the present book, in its general arrangement and manner oi execution, carries the stamp of a master hand.

On the fourth page of this evening's lesuo will be found " A Trip from Shortlaud to To Aroha."

Tho Hospital authorities desire us to return thanks to Mrs Nelion (St.Paul's) for a parcel of old linen, and to Mrs I. R. Moctiu, Eden Crescent, for a number of illustrated papers.

Tho creditors in the estate of John Mas ters, boot-maker, of Nelson-street, held a mooting yesterday. Tho bankrupt ascribes his bankruptcy to ill-health. His liabilities were set down at £114, and his assets at £25. Mr Thomas Macfittrlano was appoin ted trustee to tho estate.

Tho Tcmpcranco ticket was victorious at Mount Albert Licensing Committee elec tion, four out of (ivo boing returned. The figures were :—A. K. Taylor, 42; Bobert Pry, 40 ; J. Phillipps, 37 ; W. H. Martin, 34 ;J. McElwain,33 (the five elected). Tke others wero: B. Allen, 29; T. Melville, 27; S. Stewart, 22; H. S, Wullace, 22; S. Young, 21.

The Rev. R A. Hall preached his fare well sermon at Drury on jSunday evening last; and administered tho Lord's Supper to a number of his congregation; Mr Hall being about leaving lor Ireland. At the close of tho service, a purso of sovorelgns and an address wero presented to the rev. gentleman, to which he mado a suitable reply.

Mr W. E. Sadler aonda a lotter com plaining of tho roforenco mado at tho last meeting oJ tho Parnell Borough Council to the drainage of his premises. Ho explains tho nature of his drainage aud says;—" Now it is just simply ond only tho very perfec tion of my own cllicient drainago that has caused tho nuisanco and produced a year's row." At tho Inquest held on tho body of Jano Robertson, a widow, who was found doad in her house at Devonport on Tuesday evoning last, Dr. Evans stated that he had mado a post mortem examination into tbo ctiuso of death. He was of opinion that tho deceased bad struck her forehead violently upon the edgo of the bed. Her skull was cracked from car to car, ovidently by n fall. The jury returned a verdict in nccrdanco with tho medical cvidouco, vix., "Death from frncturo of tho skull." In the telegraphic report which appeared in our last isßiio of tho proceedings at tho Etection Petition Court, sevorol absurd mis tnkea occurred in transmission, Thus, "Sutcliffe voted in respect of a voting qualification," should have read " Sutclill'c voted in respect of a freehold qualification," while tho phrase "protect tho sober," in Mr Gilllos's rcmarks,sliould be " protect tho voter," nnd in tho Chief Justice's statement lower down, " installed " is intended for "invalid."

Ily advortisoment elsewhere, mombcrs of Branch No, 81, H.A.C.B. Society arc re quested to assemble at St. Patrick's Hal), Jlobsou-strcot, to-morrow morning, nt half past 8 sharp, for tho purposo of proceeding to tho Cathedral to attend service; from thence tho members will proceed to tho hall, and tho procession will be formed, headed by tho Artillery Band, Tho routo to bo taken will comprise Hobson, Welles icy, Queen, Shortland, aud Princes-streets, thonco to Domain, where a good pro. grammo of sports will bo gone through, prizes for which havo been liberally sub scribed by Messtß Holland & Fort.or, Dnmpier, Dickey, Flynn, and members, if Hie weather proves propitioua, a good day's sport will be provided. In the even ing a ball takes place in the Choral Hall, which has been gaily decorated for tho occasion. The music, catoring, and ar rangements aro ot a first-class character, and no doubt will prove cnjoyoblo to all who attend.

The Nowmarkct quarterly concert and ball, conducted by Mr Rhodes, took place in the Public Hall last evening. There was a largo attendance. Tho programme, all tho items of which wero very success fully rendered, inc'uded : Part song, "Hall Smiling Morn," class; song, "Tho Owl," Mr Ryan; song, " I Seek for Theo in every Flower;" Mr Aborncthy; Song, Pilgrim of Love," Mr Francis; song, "Mignonette," Mr Llttlewood ; song, " April," Miss Fleetwood; duet, "11 Puritani," Messrs Francis and Rhodes; pavt song, "Ever True," .lass; part song, " War Song of the Druids," class; song, " Union Jnck"j (escorc), Mr Nield j song, "Old Timbertoes" (encore), Mr Rhodes; song, "Jcsiia's Dream," Miss N. Kilgour; song, " Old Sexton," Mr Byan; song, " Eileen Allanah," (Mr Littlewood ; song, "Tell me, Mary, how to Woo Thee!" (encore), Mr Abernethy ; part song, "Calm bo Thy Slumbers," class, Tho concert concluded with tho "National Anthem, aftor which a select danoo was engaged in by members of tho class and friends, who tripped on the light fantastic until 2 o'clock in tbo morning,

Mr Bright, speaking at Birmingham re cently, jiado the following remarks concern ing the Houso of Lords :—" The real reason why tho House of Lords has so littlo to do and does so littlo is because, unfortu nately, it ia not on a lino with opinion In tho Heuso of Commons or with opinion In tho country, ... I do not blame individual members of tho House of Lords—they are what thoy are j brought up as it wero in the purplo, often in great riches and with especial honours and con sideration, and I daro say that their posi tion is on the wholo so satisfactory, so admirable, that they dan't feel the necssity of changes which humbler men think necessary for tbo country, Nobody denies that they aro very patriotic and honourablo and honest, and perhaps wishful that tho country should be woll governed, but it should be well governod according to a pattern of their own, and not according to a pattern of tha great mass ot intelligent people. Well, when the House of Lords has brought itself to be moro on a line with tho S ouso of Commons, and on a line with tho constituencies-which means on a lino with the country-then they will bo in a position to havo moro work offered them to do, and to do moro work iv a satisfactory manner,"

An attempt is being made at Peterhoad to settle by actual experiment the reputed efficacy of oil to allay a heavyr breaking soa. The promoters of tho experiment are Mr Shields, of Perth ; Mr Armit, of Bioughty Ferry, well-known in connection with the raising of the wrecked Tay Bridge ; and Mr Ycaman, ex M.P. for Dundee. They have erected a wooden building at the north west end of the Boon Heads, in which there is placed a force-pump, which sends the oil through piping upwards of 200 yards to deep water, and thence across the harbour entrance for an equal distance, covoring the whole channel taken by ships coming into tho harbour. The pipes are sunk by means of heavy metal blocks attached to them, and they are also fitted with " roses " through which the oil Hows. A trial of the apparatus was made tho other day, and it appeared to work satisfactorily. As, how ever, the wind Vjps off tbe land, the sea waa not rough enough to afford a sufficient test of the value of oil as a bar-smoother, so that operations wero adjourned till the next severe easterly gale. If tho plan succeeds, it might be worth the notice of the authorities in some New Zealand ports with bars at their mouths, as the cost seems to be moderate, and the oil need not be "turned on" till required for a vessel coming In,—Edinburgh [Correspondent of "O.D. Times.'"

The final rehearsal for Mra Cottingham's benefit will take place In the Lome-street Hall this evening at halt-past seven, when everybody taking part is earnestly invited to attend.

Mr Robson, the elocutionist, returned from the Lake district this morning, and will give his first recital at St. John s Col lege this evening. The Bishop of Auck land has granted his patronage to Mr Rob son,

At the Drill-shed this evening the Artillery Band will play " Honoria," the piece selected by them for the late contest.

Two essays will be road this evening before the members of the St. Andrew's A ssociation—one by Mr Reid, " A Visit to the South Sea Islands," and one by Mr Sinclair, on "Tho Waitakorei Waterfalls."

The crank-shaft of the p.a. Enterprise broke while the steamer was on her way to the Thames last evening, She returned to the Auckland whaif under canvas. The Enterprise will resnme running on Monday night.

The Tauranga Regatta, which was to have been held to-morrow, has been post poned for a fortnight, owing to the unsettled state of the weather.

The Assessment Court ot the Eden Terrace Highway District was announced

to bo held yesterday, but owing to the

forgetfnlness of someone, the valuation book had been left at Mr Morley's store for

the inspection of ratepayers. The Judge was consequently compelled to adjourn tho Court till this morning.

A correspondent signing himself " Fair Play " writes complaining ot the unfairness of the persOn or persons, local or otherwise, who fixed on Mr Allen's store in the Valley Road for the nomination and polling place for the Licensing Committeo for Fden and Epsom districts, as a great many of the ratepayers have to be in the city by 8 o'clock and do not leave before 5, thus leaving them only one hour to get to a far and remote end of the district on St. Patrick's Day.

A private invitation ball, given by the Rapido Dramatic Society, waa held ia tho Albert Hall on Tuesday evening last, and notwithstanding the inclement weather, about 50 couples were present. Dancing commenced at 8 p.m., and continued until the wee ema' hours. Dnrfng the intervals between the dances, songs were rendered by several of the lady and gentleman members of the| society. Mr Neumegcn ably per. formed the duties of M.C.

It is anticipated that upwarda of 2,000 children will be present at the Domain to morrow. The children attending St. Patrick's Sunday-school will assemble in Mr Dignan's paddock, Hobson-street, at 10 o'clock, and tho Newton children at the Church of St. Francis do Sales at nine o'clock. They will then march in procession to the Domain, where special provision will be made for their amusement.

Mr Gow Jukufifar delivered an interest ing lecture on "Africa and the Africans " at tho Pitt-street Wesleyan Church last evening. Notwithstanding tho boisterous weather, there was a large attendance, the building boing crowded to excess. The lec turer explained many African habits and customs, and referred at some length to tho progreas of missionary work iv that coun try. Ho is announced to lecture thfa evon ing in tho Grafton Road Wesleyon Church on "Slavery, and tho Slave Trado in Africa."

Tho " Bay of Plenty Times " says :— Under "Latest Political," It will be seen that conceßßlons of plant, work, nnd land, valued at £108,000, havo just been mado by tho Government to tho Welling ton-Manawatu line, aud that similar con cessions aro likely to be mado to tho Waikato-Rotorua lino. Our correspondent justly points out that tho projected Tauranga-Rotoiua lino should bo "in a position to claim somo of tho spoil." Wo draw lite attention of Captain Morris, M.H.R., and tho County authorities, in fact, everybody's attention, to the necessity of moving, without loss of timo, in the direction indicated. Why is tho Bay of Plenty District not visited, as havo been tho rVaikato, Harvko's Bay, Wanganui, &c, bytho Pubiio Works official 1 Why? Why? Why?

The writer of "Echoesfrom tho Cafd,"in thoWaikoto "Times," says ;—Our Town Clerk find* his office anything but a bed of roses. There aro two or three of tho City Councillors who tako ovory possiblo oppor tunity to make matters unploasant for him. (By tho way, why do we speak of tho "_'own"Clork aud "City" Councillors?) Many ot his offences, so-called, ore purely imaginary ones. The latest ono is iv con nection with tho Albert Park ratlings. Each post, as it would bo called in a wooden fence, was to haYo a monogram composed of the letters "A.P. "at the top. When the fence arrived, It was found that, on account of tho wsy in which tho monogram was mado, it appeared to oonsist of the tetters "P.A.P./tho initials of tho Town Clerk, who U to bo persecuted for the way in which that monogram was made. There aro sonic great minds in tho City Council. At least, bo thinks—St. Mungo.

Lnrrikiuism is not confined to tho ignorant among our population. A letter has appeared In tho Dunedin " atar " from n female, who, whilst bathing at tho Ocean ileoch, was insulted by two men—ono n son of a Dunedin merchant, and " another specimen of tho genua man "—who, as «oon ns tho latter got into the wator, swooped down upon her on horsoback. She ex pected that thoy would leavo when they realised tho situation. But, no. Sho went out amongst tho breakers as far as sho could consistent with safety, and thoy got as close to her as they could, and remained for nearly an hour. Tho wrltor aays sho "invoked every Bhade of chivalry, from Bayard downwards, to inspiro thorn with ono spark of manliness, or at least pity, as my teeth wore chattering through standing so long in tho water; but there thoy might have stopped till the Day of Judgment but for aomo people coming In sight, and then they slunk oil." It will be a pity if theso two transgressors of com mon decency cannot bo identified and suit ably puniahod.

ASSESSMENT COURT.

GBAFTON BOAD HIGHWAY DIS

TltlCT.

(Before B, Maclean, Esq., Judge )

The Assessment Court for this district was held in the Grafton Eoad Wosleyan School room this morning, There were about a doaen persons present, including Mr Alfred Ashton, who represented the District Board, and Mr U, Ashton, valuer.

Messrs Wm. Eugene Outhwaite, Wm, Coleman, and Thomas Hope McLachlan, barristers, as trustees under the marriage settlement of Philip Boyle Abraham, of London, barrister, objected to tho valuation list on tho ground that tho name of their tenant should bo placad on the valuation list instead of their own names in respect of a freehold property bolonging to them in Grafton Road, Mr A, Ashton appeared for the Board. Messrs Outhwaite and Coleman appeared iv person. After boating Mr Ashton in support of tho list, and Mr Cole man in support of tho objection, tho Court decided that the objection must be upheld, with costs, £1 lis. Mr James Donney objected to the valua tion placed upon his house in Grafton Koad. He considered £36 excessive.—Reduced to £30.

Mr Mulholland stated that ho was the owner of a six-roomed house in the district which had been valued at £40. He sub mitted that £30 was about tho real value. —Reduced to £35.

Mr Connor owned two properties valued at £10 and £12 respectively, and applied for a reduction.—Valuation sustained.

Robeit Keys appeared on behalf of Caro line Keys, whose property was valued at £40.-Mr Keys submitted the" house was ono of four rooms, and was valued beforo finished. He considered the valuation ex cessive; tho house was worth £24 in its pre sent state—Reduced to £30.

William H. Payne objected to £28 being set down as the valuation of a house in Grafton-road, of which he was both owner and occupier. The houio contained but four rooms, the allotment was small and no fence bad been erected. Mr Ashton said the Board did not object to a small reduction.—Reduced to £26.

The valuation on Mr O. _. George's pro perty, at tho request of Mr Ashton, was re duced from £60 to £45.

Tho total reductions allowed amount to £39, which makes the present rateable value of the district £11,166.

PAINFUL ACCIDENT.

A FARMER HAS HIS HAND TORN OFF.

A FARMER named Daniel Fianiganwas brought to town by train yesterday afternoon from Pukekohe.suffering from the Io?s of a limb, through an accident. It ap pears from his own statement of the unfor tunate occurrence he was threshing wheat, with Mr Keith's machine. He had gathered together a quantity of ears of wheat, and was in the act of putting them into the feeder when his finger became entangled, and his right arm was dragged into the machinery. When it was released,the limb was ionnd to be terribly mangled, while the hand had been completely torn off. The sufferer was brought in to Newmarket by the afternoon train, and conveyed thence to the Hospital in Mr McOarry'a trap. Dr Philson, who attended to the injuries.fonnd it necessary to take off the mangled arm altogether. Flanigan lost a great deal of blood on the way down, and the effect was so weakening that it was feared the patient would not live through the night. He was, however, a littlo better this morn ing and hopes are how entertained of hia recovery,

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Be brief, tor it la with words as with sunbeams; the more they are condensed the deeper they burn,"— Southby. Foot-ball,—A bunion. Coalescence, —Petroleum. Sweet Home.—A bee-hive. Substantial Footing.—A good boot. A "Blunt" Fellow,—A millionaire. The Holiday Sea-son —A yachtsman. The Cock of the Walk.- -A champion pedestrian, A Figuro of Speech. -Naught set down in malice. What a Female Suffragito Saya.—Whero there's a will there's a won't. What weed does a gardener seldom object to ?—A cigar in hia own mouth. Why is "t" like an amphibious animal 1 —Because it is found both in earth and water.

Fact for Entomologists.—ln tho industry of insects the fly is a manufacturer of "epoo*." A Yankee says that " tho man who thinks Poc the greatest American poet must be raven mad."

Mr Bryce visits the Thamos on Saturday on native business, and Mr Kolleston goes to Coromandel next week.

Mr Edwards, the well-known llvory stable-keeper of Hamilton, was found dead in his bed yestorday morning. Ho bad been suffering from inflammation of the lungs. The Prince of Wales Hotel, Hobson- Btreet, is to be pulled down to make room for a new and handsome building,

A DIFVJOOLT MATTED. Is ho was a maiden fair to see. In fact, a maldan passing fair. And ah 1 tho dearest 'Mag to mo Was her great wealth of golden hair, But when she wore it in a roll, Cr down her bock, a mass so rich. Although I etared, to «avo my soul, I could not toll Just" whloh was switch."

A poll to determine whether any more licenses shall bo permitted in the Mauu gatawhiri district will bo taken on tho Ist April. Electric lighting is now generally adopted in all new steamers of any magnitude. The latest addition to tho fleet ot tho British India Company, The India, is lighted by electricity, not only iv tho saloon, but in each sleeping cabin, Betweeu 8,000 ond 10,000 spectators witneasod tho match England v. Victoria, on tho Melbourne cricket ground.

Mr Philcox's tender haa been accoptcd for the erection of new buildings iv exten sion of Fisher and Co.'s premises, Queen street.

The Prohibitionists have a larpe majority in each branch of the lowa Legislature.

An American journal says :—Boston, almost alone of the larger cities of tho country, ia not affected by tho small-pox scare.

John V, and Charlos B. Fartvell, the Chicago millionaires, are a'^out to erect residences on tho lako shoro drivo to cost £GO,OOO each. If a widow and a widower were being united in matrimony, what process would they be undergoing ? Repairing. An American paper writes of a lecture on Ircland'a misery, "It's too long to report and too good to condenso." Teacher to pupil; "Spell 'butter.'" Pupil. "B-u-t-a-r." Teacher; "No, no. You are wrong; sit down." Pupil: "JWcll, sir, that's the way mother spells it on tho lodgers' bills, any way." Tho Cotnmitteo of tho Auckland Society of Art havo doferred opening their exhibi tion till the 19th of April to give artists the opportunity of a few extra days to finish their pictures. Exhibits will bo received till tho 15th.

A Berlin correspondent states that, on tho wholo, tho" Pros 3 there regard Gambetta's fall with deep satisfaction.

The"Messager do Paris" states that con cerns abroad created by tho Union Generale are perfectly independent, nnd can in no wise be nffectod by the crisis in France. | J

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.-This day.

(Before J. E. Maodonald, Esq., R.M.I JUDOMBNTB FOB PLAINTIFFS. Riohard Whltaker v. C. 0. E. Mollor, £10 lis, board and lodging at Maßonlo Hotel, ooata £2 lis (Mr Huddle for plaintiff); Thoe. H. Shove v. David Clements, £113s lud.buloher's meat, costs lid , Auckland Timber Co. v. C. A. Bydder, £8 i6i,cosu £117- (Mr George for plaintiff); Jamea Ponnalllgen v, James Doherty, £i is sd, groceries, costs £1 2s 6d (Mr Ueorge for plain tiff) ; J. Crawford v. John Adams, £1, sarto- P*riila. costs £1 is* 8d (Mr Edward Cooper for plainti-Ti; Thomas Stesdman v. J. A. Banks, £15 H« lid. goods, costs, £.1 8s (Mr Tborne for plaintiff); Mary Cargo v. Wm. Thom.s, £2 18a Sd, milk aappUed, costs, £12i Gd (Mr George for plaintiff"); F. L. LowUaon v. W, C. Hopklna, £3 10., balanoe of watoh, costs, £1 7a (Mr Theo. Cooper for plaintiff). JUDGMENT SUMMONS GIBES. Thaa. waring v. John Coombes; claim, 17a.— Thos. Waring deposed that dofandait had not kept his payments Rood. He had frequently seen him at work and play.—Ordered to pay by the ldth April, or .even days in gaol. Jan. Ponnaillgen v. Wm. Coo: claim, £113a 3d, groceries.—ln this case defondant had paid a portion of tho dobt,—Adjourned until Ist April. Thoa. . auidor v. W. A. Lumsden; olulm, £11 5e Od. Mr Theo. Cooper for judgment creditor. —Mr George said dofendaut was in receipt of £115 per annum, and poiseaaed land In the W-lkato, which ho was prepared to puroh.ee.— Ordered to pay the whole amount by May let, •r 30 days'imprisonment. SBFENDSD OASES. Alokln vi Greenwood; claim, £13 15*.—Mr Keetley for plaintiff, Mr Theo. Coaper for de fendant—George Aiokin, Civil -nglneer, knew the defendant, Mr Robert C. Greenwood, in Au_uat,|lßßo he mado an arrangement to dofeea tain professional work for him at the Whau, via., to set out a icctlonof land in parallel lines; BUDsequently defendant altered his mind ; the original agreement was for ten guineas; he drew £2 on aooount; the change necessitated an addition to tho charges.—Mr Green wood said he should have no objeotlon to pay fifteen or twenty guineas; ho waa employed about twenty days on the work; employed his two Bona.—Cross-examined by Mr Cooper: Ho did tho plan with tho exception of the ilgures. Ho went tp the Survey Ollice. Mr Greenwood did not repeatedly ask him to finish tho plans; he told him he had got Mr Clarke to finish thorn. Ho was not a lloensod surveyor,— George Aiokin, jun„ waa called tooorrobor&tev— Mr Cooper eald plaintiff did not complete the work according to agreement,—Wm. H, Clarko, surveyor, deposed to surveying the land at Mount Albert, whloh had not been completed by Mr Aiokin. Ho had a tracing of the plan. Ho was obliged to mako an angle; the line was not straight, it devlatod allihtly, making a differ ence of a few porohea in tho allotments,—Mr Cooper argued that It was sot a correct survey to aell by; It should be absolutely oorreot,—His Worship thought, considering the pilco (£lO 10s), that it was as well done as conld be oxpooted.—Mr Clarko eald bo should havo oharged £15. His Worship .- And f'oa would have had the boneQt of Mr Aiokin's abour. To B.la Worship iln oaso of a alight error he would oxoeot to oorrect it; there was a link or so different between him and Mr Aiokin ; ho had his instrument with him and could toll that Mr Aiokin's was not a straight lino ; he checkod Mr Alokln'a measurements and tho plan was oomplote; he would havo done tho work for £15; and received for his share of the work, £5 18s; he would havo oharged £2 2i for the plan ; the cast of the cor rection would bo &i 2s.—Mr Cooper wished to Bhow that the plan was moless to Mr Green wood, and calculated to put him in a false posi tion with purchasers.—Cross- examined by Mr Keetley,-Frederlok Nutter, licensed aurveyor, deposed that he made fresh measurements of the land ; the former survey was not correct; he discovered differences; he surveyed It for tho Land Transfer Office.—Mr Morgan deposed to tho fa«t that he complotod the plan of Whatawhata prepared by Mr Aiokin ; charged 25s for it —Mr Greenwood deposed that ho ar ranged with Mr Aiokin that the work waa to be done for £10 10s. He had offered to pay tho amount leas £5 18s, coat of completing it. —Mr Theo. Coopar submitted that Mr Alckln was not' entitled to receive anyt-ing for tho Mount Albert survey; j it was worthless. His client, however, was evon now prepared to pay the [olalm less the sum of £518s, on condition that the costs wero allowed. If this offer waa not accepted then he conld take His Worship's judgment. — Mr Keetley objeotcd to tho amount offered.—Hia Worship said he would award mach less. Tho offer was a very liberal one. and in his opinion the plaintiff phould tako it. He, if he gave judgment, had serious thoughts of disallowing the £1010s for the survey, making tho plaintiff pay a portion ot the coats.—The plaintiff was then awarded the aum of £717a,without oostp.tn full settlement of the claim, being the amount offered by Mr Greenwood, ADJOURNED CASKS. Hendigo Gold Mining Company v. White, claim £6; James Buckland v. James Smith, £14 15s 0_; Mayor and Cot_qoll v. Davlp £3 10s- Bngdon v. Orombie, £1116. 3d; Hew v. William-' ion, £11 3a lid; Russell v. Scott, £9 17s 6d; Fraser v. Dyer, £16 ia Od;. King v, Dyer, £l Is.

SPORTING.

OAMARU RACES,

OAMARU, this day. The weather is glorious, and there is a good attendance. MAIDEN n.ATE.

Ridcliffe I . ; Banghleen Dhown £ Whittach 3 "Ten started. This was a capital race, Won by half a length. J.C. HANDICAP. Tasman J Legerdemain « Adamant 3 Rocket also ran. Splendid race Won by half-a-length. _____

PARNELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The adjoured meeting of the Council was ; Held last evening. Present : The Mayor, and Councillors Hood, Winks, Davles, Mullins, Clayton, Herbert, and McKen zie. A Nuisance.—Mr Collins wrote to the Council with reference to a nuisance exist ing on his premises.—ln consequence of its abusive tone, the Council decided not to re ceive it, and the Inspector was instructed to carry out tho instructions of the Council on the matter. Drainage Scheme.—Mr Boylan, engi neer, was present for the purpose of ex plaining the proposed drainage scheme. This Mr Boylan did in a lucid manner, giving it as his opinion that tho whole cost of the work would not exceed £8,000.—1t was resolved, on the motion of Cr, Winks, seconded by Cr. Herbert, to adopt tho plan submitted at the above-mentioned cost _

Water Sutply.—The next business was the consideration of the matter of sup plying the Borough with water. Plans had been submitted, the water to be ob tained from Mr Seccombe's well. Some doubt, however, exists as to the regularity of a supply from that source. The Engineer was instructed to report on tho matter. Pending tho preparation of the re port further discussion of tho matter was postponed till Friday next. Unsafe Fence.—Cr. Mulli.s drew at tention to tho dangerous state of some fencing in Sclwyn Terrace, belonging to Mr Harker.—lt was decided to request Mr Harker to repair tho fence at once.

This terminated the business,

DOMAIN BOARD.

THE financial report of the Domain Board was read at the adjourned meeting yester day by Mr Fenton, and ordered to be laid on the table for the use of members. The report stated that tho annual income of the Board was derived from the following sources:—Houses in Grafton Road, Domain street, and Wynyard-strcet, £95; pasturage fees, £137 10s; interest on £275 lent out, £22; rent from Hamilton for house and garden, £51; licenses to erect booths, £50 : total, £355 10s. And the annual expendi ture ie as follows:—Salary of secretary, £02 12s 3d ; wages to ranger and two men, £296; sundry expenses, £42 17« : total, £401 9s 3d. Deficiency, £45 19s 3d. The committee sco no way of increasing tho Beard's revenue except by leasing for building purposes portions of tho outskirts of the Domain. The committee had examined tho ground, and suggest that the allotments fronting Park Road (from Outh waite's Corner to Mason's Gardens) should be set apart for that purpose. The depth of each allotment is proposed to bo from 150 to 200 feet, and let subject to such terms and conditions as to uniformity of structure and otherwise as may render the buildings an ornament to the Domain. Tho committee estimate the annual income from this sourco at £300. The roport stated further that the other available source, of revenue appeared to bo :—(1) An annual payment from tho Acclimatisation Society for tho manage ment of tho gardenc, and propagation of plants of economic value. (2) A portion of tho monoy grant from the Government of £1,000, which would not exceed £250. (3) An annual payment from the cricket clubs. The estimated revenue from all these sources would not exceed £1,000 per annum; but with this revenue tho Board would be enabled to secure the services of a competent botanical director and suitable staff of men, who would render the grounds under the charge of the Board serviceable, ornamental, and a credit to the city. The committee nlso think that a further saving may be effected by having one secretary, for the Acclimatisation Society and the Domain Board.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.—The report was received from Mr Cheescman,secretary, being that of the nub-committee, on the mutual relations nnd projected operations of Acclimatisation Society aud'he Domain Board.—The Domain Board has been ap pointed, and holds office, under the Public Domains Act, 1881. By proclamation dated the 17th January, 1582, tho Governor •in - Council delegated to the Council nil tho powers oenferrcd upon him by the Act, except those under sections 8 and 12. By and under these delegated powers it is the duty ot the Board to manage, administer, and deal with tho Domain in manner set forth in the Act, Among other powers delegated to the Board, it has power to appropriate any part of tho , Domain lands for Gardens, The Auckland Acclimatisation Society is a duly registered society under the Protection of Animals Act, 1867, aud the Animals Protection Act, 1800. Under the latter Act, as under tho former ono prior to its repeal, the society is entitled to receive all duties paid for license*, fine*, aud penalties, after deduction of certain charges. The two bodies, it will be seen, aro con stituted under different Acts, and must continue separate and distinct, at all events for the present. It will bo in the recollection of the Domain Board that a sub-committee of both bodies recommended that the gotdena in the Domain, known as tbo Acclimatisation Gardens, ahonld bo under the control and supervision of a com mittee representing both bodies, such committee to consist of five members, to be appointed by the Domain Board and the Acclimatisation Society in proportion to the amount contributed by each body towards tho maintenanco of the gardens. This recommendation has, it is believed, met with general approval, not only of the members of the respective bodies, but also of tho public. If, then, the Domain Board is prepared to set aside the present site of the Acclimatisation Gardens for gardens under the Domain Act of 1881, and will allow the society to acclimatise plants, birds, and animals in accordanco with tho rules of the society, tbo council of the society will make arrangements to act in concert with the committee above-men tioned. The Board will be good enough, therefore, to acknowledge this com munication at an early date, an. to state explicitly the arrangement it iis prepared to make with reference to the gardens, and the manner in which it ia pro posed to carry out such arrangement — A good deal of argument followed tho read ing of this report, and several motions and amendments were proposed. Finally, tho following, proposed by Mr Mackechnio, and socanded by Mr Groves Aickin, was carried, "That the letter be referred to a committee to confer wit. a committeo of the Acclimatisation Society, ond report to tho Board at its next meeting." Government Grant.—A lottor from t c Hon. Mr Kolleston was read, stating that £225 only would bo available out of the £1,000, to assist public domains, etc, and that the £225 could only be drawn upon by the Auckland Domain Board in payment of accounts incurred by tho Board in connec tion with the objects of the vote—lt was resolved to appoint a committee to wait on the Hon. Mr liolleston on the subject of tho letter.

Industrial Culture.- Mr Aickin moved, Mr Bull seconded, aud it was carried;—" That this Board is of opinion that great benefit would accrue to economic acclimatisation by tho publication of an edition of Baron yon Mueller's work, entitled ' Select Plants Suitable for Indus trial Culture in New Zealand' (which tho author will edit and adapt to this colony free of charge), and rccominend the Go vernment to take steps for tho printing nut} publishing of such work, and that the com mittee bring tho matter under the notice of the Hon, Mr Rolleston."

I Tho Victoria Insurance Company, Mel . bourne, have received a telegram from their London office, advising that thirty guineas premium were being asked for the Loch Maree as a seriously overdue Vesrel. The Loch Maree, which left Gcelong on October 27tb, with a cargo of 8,847 bales wool and nine packages sundries, was', when our last London telegram of arrivals was despatched, 118 days out, bat she was in port nt Melbourne and Gee long for no less than 73 days, and sailed without having been In dock to clear off the marine growths which must have accumu lated on her bottom during her long stay at rcßt.—" Australian Shipping Begister."

CABLEGRAMS.

[Beuter's Telegrams.]

SUPPRESSION OF POLYGAMY. WASHINGTON, March 14.

A Bill providing for the abolition of polygamy iv the United States, has been finally passed by Congress, Br Lamson Sentenced to Death. LONDON, March 14. The trial of T. F. Lamson, surgeon, who was arrested on the charge of poisoning his brother-in-law, Percy Malcolm John, at Wimbledon, in December last, conclude to-day. The accused was found guilty of murder, and sentenced to death.

RADICAL MOVE IN FAVOUR OF SUSPECTS. LONDON, March 14. The leaders of the Radical party iv the House of Commons and outside are agitat ing, with the object of inducing tho Govern, raent to order some mitigation of the prison treatment of "suspects" who are in cus tody in various gaols in Ireland, NEW GKEEK MINISTRY. ATHENS, March 14. A new Ministry has been formed under the presidency of M. Tricoupis, in succes sion to the government of M. Commoun douros. THE FRENCH IN EGYPT. PABIS, March 14. It is announced that M. Brediff, who has been appointed to temporarily succeed • M. Bligniercs as Controller-General in Egypt, will ace under the French Consul- General, THE QUEEN VISITS THE CON TINENT. LONDON, March 14. Her Majesty the Queen left Windsor Castle to-day for Mentone, in the South of France. COMMERCIAL. Consols, 100?. New Zealand securities: 5 per cent. 10-40 loan, 103_, ex dividend; 5 per cent, 1889 loan, 104.; 4J per cent. 1879-1904 loan, 102. Colonial breadstuff's are dull at unchanged quotations, viz.:—-Ade laide wheat, ex warehouse, 535; New Zealand ditto, 49«; Adelaide flour, ex store, 38s; Australian tallow is dull at 40s for best beef, and mutton at 455. Beat Scotch pig iron, No. 1, free on bosrdon the Clyde, quoted at 50 per cent., an advance of Is. WOOL SALE. At to-day's wool auction there was an active demand for most descriptions. Bjooo bales were catalogued.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE INSURANCE FRAUD.

ADELAIDE, March 15.

At the Police Court to-day Hicks, Barker, and Borton were committed for trial on the charge of conspiracy to defraud the Australian Mutual Provi dent Society and the Australian Alliance Company. THE "ARGUS" LIBEL SUIT.

MELBOURNE, March 1&

In the action for libel brought by Mr Williams, who was Minister of Minos in the Berry Administration, against the pro prietors of the " Argus," a verdict has been returned for the defendants, tho Jury finding that the comments of the " Argus " wore fair and justifiable.

GRAIN MARKET,

MELBOURNE, Match 15.

New Zealand feed oats, unchanged at 3<i 4d; milling ditto, advanced to 3s 7d. Wheat is steady at 5s 7d. Barley has de clined to 4s sd.

VALEDICTORY SUPPER.

Tub members of Court City of Auckland, Ancient Order of Forester*, entertained Brother Hepburn at a complimentary sup per in the Cook-street Hall last evening, prior to his departure for Australia. There were about thirty gentlemen presont, but a number of others were prevented from taking part by prevalent sickness and the boisterous weather. Brother Auger, P.D.C.R., presided in .the absence of Brother Shepherd, whs was unable through sickness to occupy the position of honour. Brother Hepburn, the guest of the evening, supported the chair on the right, and Brother Allen on the left, while the vice chair was filled by Brother Piggot.—A first-class spread was provided by Brother Edward McKcown, whoso catering arrange ments were remarkably good, and gave general satisfaction.—After the tempting viands had been fully discussed, the wine was circulated, and the evening devoted to conviviality. _ The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given, and responded to by the chairman, who made appropriate reference, amidst enthusiastic cheers, to the recent escape of Queen Victoria from assassination. The toast of the evening, " Brother and Mrs Hepburn," was given by the chairman. He said the guest of the evening vrat about to leave Auckland, and he joined with the other members in wishing him every pros perity possible to attain thia side of the grave. They were all well acquainted with Brother Hepburn, and they were well aware that he had been a moat active and useful member of the Court, Bad he remained with thorn longer, he felt sure that he would have done a great deal more for the advance ment of the Order, They were losing a good man. Brother Hepburn responded. He thanked the brother-members for the manner in which they had drunk the toast, and said he had been rather taken abaci, wheu he was informed that a supper was to be given him before his departure. He had only been amongst them a short time—-not more than two years. During that time, ho could safoly sty that he had at tended to his lodge duties, baring only been absent one night, and then he stayed away in order to avoid taring office. He wished Court City of Auckland every success and prosperity, and hoped that the next social meeting tbey held would be in a hall of their own. Now that the law had been altered, there was no reason why that project should not be carried into effect,—"All Forestora," coupled with the name of Brother Shaw cross, was given, and responded to by Brothor Allen, who sang "Bold Robin Hood." Brother Lawaon, past District Officer, responded to the toast of the "Auckland District and Executive." He considered the Auckland district wonld compare very favourably with any other in New Zealand as far aa forestry was con cerned.— " Court City of Auckland " was given by Brother Hepburn, who said he left it with a good impression. Brother Allen, who responded, said that during the last two years Court City of Auckland had floiuished more than at any previous cor responding period. They had scarcely one uuGnancial member out of a total of 285 brothers on the roll. Tho average age was rather high, but he expected that a number of yonng members who had just been proposed would bring it down from 35 to 31 or 32. The funda were flourishing, and last year's balance-sheet showed that thoy had added over £1 per member to tho capital on sick and funeral fund. Tho speaker concluded with a flattering eulogium on Brother Hepburn, who had taken a remarkable interest in the Court and Order while connected with them. The only office he would accept was that of auditor, and his duties in that had been well performed. Brothers Piggott, Lovell, and Firth, spoko to the same effect. " Sister Courts " was drunk, and responded to by Brothers Fairhead, (Nil Dcperadurn) and Lovell, (Eureka). The latter said his Court had only been two years in existence and had already 65 financial members, while the avcrago age was about 28. "The Press," "Tho Caterer," "Ladies," and other toasts were givon and responded to. During tho evening songs were sung by Brothers AHpn. Cotyey, Lovell, Firth, Fairhead, and others.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR THURSDAY. MARCH X6.



CAPTAIN WM. ABHBY, of the firm ot Wm. Ashby & CO.. Blshopsgate-street London, returns by the next outgoing mail, Maroh the 28th. Can be seen at the offlco of Mossrs Hay X Buohanan, South British Insur ance Buildings, Queen-Btroot, whore arranzo ments can be made tor the Purchase of all classes of Goods In tho Best Markets. W. Ate Co., who are Lioonsed Passage Brokers and .Agents tor all lines of Bteamera and Sailing Vessels to tho Colonies, having had largo London oxporlenoe, Passages tor friends can bo arrongod tor on the most favourable terms,



50005000000000000000000p0p soooooooooSoo_oo___b_oo_-o <i «rf «J -3 «j «rj <J <) <) <1 -d «J <i -rj -i) *J") <1 -<i -rj -d -rj <rj «r) <J <] a__cso______-C_o---aacsoa__o SBSSgSppSBEpsaSHBppBBHBBg HHHfHHHfHHHrHrHHtHrHfHHHHHrHE-ifHHfHHE-i Soooooooooooooooooooqoqqqq 00000000000000000000000000 1882 50 CASES 50 The first portion of tho NEW GOODS for this Season are now on viow, amongst which aro eomo Magnificent Lineb of BOYS' AND YOUTHS* CHEAP SUITS. Parents and Guardians will And it advan tageous to make an Early Selection. The STOCK of MEN'S CLOTHING la simply suporb, and tho Variety of HATS, HOSIERY, SHIRTS, BLANKETS, FLAN NELS, &CI., second to none in Now Zealand. Auckland Branch: QUEEN-STREET, Opposite Theatre Royal; AMD AT AL-ERT-STREET, THAMES. J. FITZSIMONSt Manager, OQQQPPfIappPPQQPPQpPQQQnQQa 3aHHHP_-i r_a_waHßMßiia-aaHHHHHw •MWHHHHHaWHHWHHaSHHSWHHSWHH HgHHgawgggaaaggggggHaa_i_fg_3 InNBHHrH^^HcHEHriEHiHHHBrrifHcHHEHBrHrHEH AUSTRIAN BKNT WOOD Cane Chairo, Austrian SiftS* "■JUV"- JV' Bentwood Cane Conches and 123, Quean-atroet. i l0m!BMl Austrian Bentwood - (Jano Rocking Chairs, 1-1 -IjrALNUT DRAWING - m, _■ nnnxrv *» ROOM SUITES in T. S H. COOKK, Si]k -flpcatir, Rep, and Cre 123,Queon-Btreet. _______ Walnut Tables, What- note and Canterbnrya. M. - ________ CMDAR Rimu, and Kauri Di- Hz&ff" uu____. ine-room Suites in Leather maneen-Btreo-J-g™!^ 0 ft _ d American _ Cloth. IRON Half-Tester Bed -..,-,, . ~...., steads, Iron Frenoh Bod ?£^-___K2_f'Steads, Iron Stump Bed- IS, Queen-stow- sto ___; Iro _ Foldl _j, o __ir Bedsteads, Iron Cots. P.. ATENT Spring Roller Blinds and Venetian 133, Queen-Btreet Blinds, Gilt Cornices and r French-polished Gornloa Poles _ _„ _ pARPETS. Hearthrugs, ?. &H. COOKK, V/ Ltaoloum, Floorcloth, _«3, Queen-street. Matting, Door Mats, Bath Mats. In great variety. T, IBS aAA»laoouNx to T. tC H. COOKK, m^np I^r_iaao-_ AU _C Queen-BtreeU fi-Uvwed tree in town. __, vjn-ou-Bireet. catalog-^, p^tt,,, ™fc cation. _ _„ T>RDROOM FURNITURK i J «SH. COOKE. JD in Choice Mottled Kauri. Iffl, Queen-street. Wardiobos.Bodstoada.Wasb' 1 tands und Toilet Tables.



Special AdvertlS-mon-fl INSURANCE COMPANIES] ASSOCIATION. Insurance Companies Offloes will bo CLOSED on FRIDAY, 17th lust. <3t^*J ,o w s oD__'f;0 D__'f; Secretary. r^ORNToV-MI-ITAND FIRTH -*• HAVE FOR SALE : '.- Crown " Flour, in Baoks, I.oo'fl and GO'S "Chamrjfln",, ■• » "CantalP _l„ •• •> " Sharps Bran Fowl Wheat WHARF Mill, Auckland. THE LADIES OF AUCKLAND PROVINCE are requested to inspeottne GRAND SHOW ot AUTUMN and WINTKK GOODS In tho Window of «** o£__j£^_i_ ARCADB. QU-BN--TRIE-T. ON V-MWy-ia We°k' GARLICK & CRANWELL. *&/h. U T U M N>ss^ /'WINTER GOODS\ / NOW OPENING / UP. NOVELTIES in Dress Goods NOVELTIBS in Dress Trimmings NOVELTIES in Millinery NOVELTIES in Jaokets and Dolmans I NOVELTIBS in Crotonnea NEW HATS. BONNETS. FLOWERS NEW MEN'S AND BOYS J CLOTHING NEW BLANKETS. FLANNELS, &0. FUR AND SPRINU-TOP KID GLOVES. \GARLICK AND CRANWELXy \ CITY HALL ARCADE, /L /-VV QUEEN-STREET, X% V jj\. Auckland. / <$, WE NOW ALLOW ON ALL CASH PAYMENTS £ PER CENT, DISCOUNT on Furniture 0 PER CENT. DISCOUNT On Carpets £ PER OKNT, DIeCOUNT on Floor-olotha 0 PER CENT. DISCOUNT on Furnishing fif PiCR CENT. DHOOUNT on Drapery IQOOdS 0 PERCENT. DISCOUNT on Millinery £ PER CUNT, DISDOUNT on Clothing 0 PER CENT. DISCOUNT on all Pnrohaaes over Ono Pound, IN ANY DEPARTMENT AT THB CITY HALL ARCADE. ONLY ONE PRIOIi CASH PRICE I EXTRA CASH DISCOUNT I (jrARLICK & CRANWELL, CITY HALL DRAPERY AND FURNISHING ARCADE. Queen-trb-t, A-cUand. . TUST RECEIVED Pei Steamer. BLACK BBOCHK GR NADINB, fc* Dresses and Mantles BLACK AND COLOURED MADRAS NETS BLACK AND COLOURED MADRAS MUSLINS BLACK SPANISH FIGURED NBT BLACK BPANIBH LACES WATERED SILKS AND RIBBONS A Very Complete Stock of BABY LINEN and CHILDRENS' and LADIES' UN DERCLOTHING TABLE LINENS, SHEETINGS CALICOS FLANNELS, tec., &C. Milne and Ohoyo.e, Queen and Wklleslky-tbbbts, _tjcej_vniv DON'T POT MY JEWELLERY IN THB WINDOW TO GET DIRTY. I have the Largeßt and Best Seleoted Stock ol ■ Gold and Silvbr Jewbllbry, Diamonds, Silvbr plaie, B-soroo PtAT_, SOLD AND BILVKB WATOH-S, | Wedding Pres.nts, Mabriags Fans, Birth- DAY GIFTS, AND CBBI-TENIM- PBBS-NTS, In New Z-sland. The Smallest Shop and Grandest Assortment. F. H. LKWIS-ON, WATOHMAKBR AND JEWELLER, Qobbn-strebt, opposite the Union Bank, T AST W B E X OF THB GREATaCLEARING-OUT SALE of SLIGHTLY DAMAGED GOODS AC * T INABURY & rjO.'S. c£2so W orth ol REMNANTS to be sold at . HALF-P RICE. We have made farther Reductions on Ithe General Stock In order to clear out a large portion ot Goods SLIGHTLY DAMAGED. AN INSPECTION INVITED, A. LINABURY & Co. -o.|and|2oe, Qaeen St



Seeds i Sebds i Seeds i W. J. HS * C8: Have Jdst Landed their NEW SEASON _ CLOVAKS, whloh are of Very Superior Quality. White Clover, English and Dutch Red Clover, English and American Oowgrass, English and American Alsyke, Timothy, Trefoil, Rape Lucerne, Linseed, &o, So., &o, Having purohased prior to the rise, enables them to offer the above at wholesale rates. Inspection Invited. Also, Poverty Bay Rye Grass, machine dressed a splendid sample Southern Bye Grass. Italian Rye Grass '-Cooksfoot, Prairie Grass, Pea Prcetensis And all other Kinds of Agricultural and Garden Seeds, bonedtjstl BONEDUST At the City Council's desire, we have deter mined to clear out our present stock, and In order to do ao quickly, we have reduced the prices for cash. Our quotations are from £8 to £0, aooording to quantity and quality. In Stock: Bell's Celebrated i inch and Boneflour; Sydney . Star and 3 Star Bonednst and Boneflour; and a limited quantity ot Sop pet's local manufacture. We have also for Sale: _ New Robey's 6 and 8 h.p. Engines and Thrashers Coulter's Drills Keorsley'a Combined Reaper and Mower Corneas' Patent H.P. Chaff-cutter Also, Corbett & Peel's manufacture Double-furrow Ploughs, well worth Inspo otlon Single furrow Ploughs, Horse Hoes Cultivators, Rollers and Clod-orushera Winnowers, Cheese Presses Ch.oeßomakers„ Chaff-cuttar. .(small) Sep., &&. Sua. Also, Feed and Seed Oats, Maize, Barley, Flour, Sharps, Oatmeal. Chaff. Bran, Fowl W-eat, &a, Sep.. &o. Prime Samples of Picked Table Potatoes GUANO. ParuTlan, Ohlondorffs, Dissolved Peruvian' Maldon Island, Hnon Inland, and Other Choi j_io_i Manures. W. J. IF RBX & C o ' 101, QU-KN-BTRBET, Auckland, .'



-jwr 0 T I c B- The BANKS will be CLOSED on FRIDAY, 17th inst (St, Patriok'a Day). Smokers, whose indulgence In the weed Is continuous, should use just such a cordial as llnnTPirn WOLFE'S -CHIBDAM ABOMAiiu BcHvJrw tor thfse palpable reasons: Tobacco nvsnenaia heartburn, indigestion, nausea often bS-B-_ on troniors and its fumes impair the vision. While *Ws elixir m^ 7 obvlate l ._eß? results It will certainly brace the system against ta pernicious effeow



THE BlOAMnfT—Auckland Romance— To-MOfROW'B OBS_bV«_,—MllWrT-BUL CON FKRKkob AT Waiwera j Mr Bryoe'a polloy.— i Cartoon, Mr R. Lalahloy. Hluatrat-ons, Franklin North Election, the Wealeyan Bazaar. I —See To-morbow's OdbbrV-R. i See to-morrow's "Northern Advocate ' for Latest Northern Nowa.—At the booksellers, -l-dvt.) ,_______._________„__.



The following players will compose the Auckland team proceeding to the Thames at 7 o'clock on Friday morning by the Rotomahann: -Butler, Beale (2), Bindon, Bowdcn, Dewes, Dufaur, Osmon_, O'Brien, Reid, and Thomas. Players are requested to be punctual.



Young ladies and gentlemen about to start housekeeping will be relieved of ia great deal of trouble by calling on the undersigned. You can ascertain in a few minutes the ooat of furnishing a three, four, five, or six roomed house. Not only can you form a oorreot estimate, but you can see all the goods ready for delivery at the various prices. Garlic"- and Cranwell keep t larger stock of carpets and bedsteads than any other house in Auokland; also the {[reatest variety of household furniture, most of t manufactured by their own workmen. Five per cent, discount allowed for oa&h at time of purchase. New-comers ore Invited to stroll through the City Hall Arcade, and satiate themselves by an inspection of the etook of the good value -we offer, and the readiness we are enabled to exeoute ordors entrusted to our care, -Garliok and Oranwell, City Hall Arcade.- Advt.)