SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

t.Tnii w a -him* ) This Kvoning. 10.12 BIGU WAI'KHj- To . morrowMorntaß . 10.38 HJNBKI.-This Kvoning, 7.13 BUNRTSK.-To-mnrrow Morririir. 5.13 MOON'S AGE.-Flrst Quarter, 2(ith, 7,'U p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING.

Argylo, 8.8., Johnson, from WhMgarof

TODAY. Rotoinah»na, s.s.. Underwood, from the South. lona, 8.5., Taylor, from Kukwll ■

DEPARTURES.

LABT EVBNINO. Wellington, 5.8., Farquhar. for Rnsaoll HlenßlK, 8.5., Stophonaon, for TauranKU Mariner, schooner, Queon, for Ruiboii

IMPORTS.

Per Botomahana. from Molbonrno: Go baRS UOO mais. and 100 packages BURar, 2 oases tobacco. 2 onsos leather 60 hows 'os,uPook nscoß sundries. From Bluff-10 hhds ale, i klldorklns ond 2 barrels ale. From Danedto -122 cases and 11 qr-casks whisky. 17 drums, a wheels'. 1G hhrts, 2 bales, and 1 keg ale. 2)oases ooTnilour, 5 kega herring. 25 boxes candles. 6 boxes tea 12 paSkotß hops, 78 lengths aDd 7 bun .lies pipo. 42 oases drujis. 15 casoa champagne, i oases wine, 50 packages aundrio'. For kyttelton -I^asea baoon.7 casas meat?, 10 tins buiscults, 50sadtsmatt,10 oases ohoeee. 3 ramß, 30 pack ages sundries. From Wellington -11 oascj cherry 'pectoral, 17 cases hair vigor, 10 tons pig iron, 3 oases meats.lo sacks guano, 2 cases wine, 29 paok'>Roa.BU&dri<3fl. From Naplor-10 casks tallow. 3 parcels.

IsWARDS CoAS,T\vi3R.-3tart. from Whan irorel with 49 tons coal; OIIV3, from Waika wau. with 100 tons up-wood; Makaran. from walpu. with 14,000 ft timber, 32.000 eh nislcs; Nanoy, from Tnamea with 17,000 ft timbor; r "net. from Whangarel Hoada, with OOObiwhoU Octtwards Coastwise -Stirt. for Ruisoll; KBfc for Thames; Nanoy, for Thames; Janot, for Whangarei. The a.s. lona arrived from Russell and Waiwera, th' 3 mornlne. with about live tons bundrlos, and following passengera:—aiosars Gentle. Errlngton, Kckonbertr, and. Major Tiadall.

The b.B. Talaroa rods Into dock on her return from Levuna, tho Southern Cross taking over hor next trip.

Mbbstb Mttohalson and Co. request thos9 con , signers who have recelvod oats or Jlotir other than their own by the brig Bmily.to inform the fl-mo( the same.

MrT. Honderßon'a new 13-ton yaoht. built by Mr C. Bailey, was launched at high water this morninic. We hold over a description of the vessel until to - morrow, owing to press of matter.

Thes.f. Argyle arrived from W hangarel laat nvenlnu with 2 horses, 8G cases fruit, 13 saoka mm 2 hides, 1 caao fowls. G boxes eggs. 19 packages snndrles. and tho following passen gera :-Mosdames MoDoupial. Vv horskev, Sloano, Huntley, Morrison and child, Mr and Mrs Horn Mr and Mrs Fuller. Messrs R. Groane, Wilson, Campbell, Cleaves, Owlo, Laurie. K. Uuntlo, T. Green, T. W. Kayo, F. Court. A. O. Courtonay and 2 sons, Borroughs (2), Hay, Carter, and Grossman,

ARRIVAL OF THE ROTOMAHANA.

Tho ss. Eotomaaana, 1,727 tons, Capt Thoa. Underwood, arrived in harbour at 920 a.m. She left Melbourne on 10th tout, at i vm. Ar rived at the Bluff on 16th ; Port Ohalmera on the following morning at 7 o'clock; Lytteiton. on 19th ; Wellington, on 20th ; Napier, on 2 at. Meaehed Oliaborno on 23rd at 1 a.m., sailed thonoe for Auckland at 9 a.m. on same oate, ar riving: as above. Had light weßterly wind dur inir the early part ot the voyage from Mel bourne to Milford Sound, and sirong Bouiherly wind with heavy sea for 21 hours after making thoN.Z. const Thioksainy weather on the ooastaa far aa Wellington, thenco to Napier a "tronu N.B. gale wlttt heavy sea, and for tho remainder of the passage clear weather with moderate W.N.V7. winds. PaasenKora:- Saloon-Mrs and Miß» Snodgrase, Mrs and Mies Champion. Mr and Mrs Godye. Mimes Gcdye {■•) Hon. J. Fishtr, Mm Fisher, Miss L. Caj, Mrs MoCausland and family (ti, Mrs ;A., Jack, Mrs Dobnon, Mrs Mogridße. Mrs MoMlllan, Mrs *ÜBtln. MiSB Ward. Miss John ston, Mlas Stuart, Mr and Mm MoUon ald. Mlsaes McDonald (2;, Miss Brpngham, Mr FflUwkes, Mr MoMillan, Mr Blaok, Mr F. A. Burton, Mr Stedefor.l, Mr ». O. Hobaon Mr W. Bto4art7Hon. H. Cuthbert. Mr Cuthbert, Inn, Mr O. A. Brown, Rev. W. Kobertson. Key. «. Aaguu, Mr H. B. Monkman. Mr and Mrs CraSßtoo, Mr, Mrs, and Master Mulr, Mr Sandes, Mr Harrla, Mr and Mrs Kosktuse, Colonßl Farrington, Captain Ashby. Mrs ABhby, Mr Kaine.Mlßß Kalne, Mr and Mrs Bnckland. Mr F. Willianu, Mr Galbraitb, Mr Mitohell, U. HenderßOn, Foley, H. Roberte. C. M. Waten, Arnold. Chceaeman. Dangar. Moore, Wilson. Mr and Mrs MoFarlane, Mr and Mrs Oolston aud 2 children. Mr Hobson. Hnmmell, Mrs Austin. Mn Newbury, Mr and Mrs Somerville and 2 children. Mrs Johnston, Mrs Barker and 3 children, Mr H. Reid. Minooam. Payne, Hlslop, Andi'OWß, MoKonzio, Smith, Blakeaton, Bridge, Fitzgerald. Stcenson, Rodgo.s. Grant, Gilmour. For Knasell: Mrs Undorwood, Mr, Mrs Carter, 3 children, and nnrse. Mr K. Dlxon, K. Yonna, Mr Smith, Master Smith. Steerago for Auok land, 18; for Kuasoll, 1.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Hannah Mokau, 8.8., Dale, from Raglan Macgregor, 5.8., Amoueo, from Waltara

DEPARTURES.

H&wea, 8.8.. Kennedy, for the South

The 8.8. Hannah Mokau arrtvod from Raglan about 8 o'clock lastSlght. with 161 tons bnilatafc Btone, 3t lambs, 5 paottages hides. 1 bale wool, 19 bales flax, 6 bales tow. and 3 paokastoa empties. She leaves again to-morrow morning for Wattara. , The Union Cb.'s steamer Hawea left for Southern Ports at 11 a,m. today.

The 8.8. Mcgregor arrived at 5 o'clock this morning from Waitara, with 295 Bheep. 106 bags bran, 85 hides, 6 casks tallow. 100 kega butter, and 2 tons sundrleß. Paßeengers-Mesßra Coombas, Bant and Baoheldors Co. (13) and sev eral others.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Arrived : Wellington and Mariner. Sailed: Elslnore. It has boon settled to hold the annual regatta on Wednesday March let. Port (Jhalmbbs, yesterday. Arrived : Tarnon and Pennine, from Maori tins.

Mail Notice.

Mails will txoan as Under.—

this Das,

For Port Fltzroy, per Sovereign of tho Seas, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana at I a.m. For Russell, Kawukawu, etc, per Kotomahana, at 4 p.m. For Whaniwel Heads, Waipn. Whangarol, and MaDgapai, per Argyle, at 4.30 p.m.

Wednesday, 25th Instant. For Waitara, per Hannah Mokan, at 6 a.m. For CornmnndeL per Coromandol, at 11.30 a.m. For Wsiwera. Waogarel Heads, and Wangarei,

per lona, at % p.m. For Thiunoß, per Kotomahana. at 4.30' p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Thursday, 26th Instant.

For Qlsbome, Napier, Southern ports, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Kotomahana, at 11 a.m.. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, at 3 p.m. For Mangawai, per Flngal, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga, Oiilnomutu, and Opotiki, per Wellington, at 4.30 p.m.

Tuesday, 31st instant.

Par b.b. City ot New York, aa follows !— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central »nd South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Kuropo, at 1 p.m. For money orders registered letters, and newspapers, at 11,30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of Bixpence, In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board the steamer tip to the time of Bailing.

This moll will bo due In London, on Mon <\av. 13th March, 1832.

For Tahiti, per Sytill, at 11 a,m. j

N.B.—A Post-offlee has boon established at Kosom. Mails will close at this offlcn daily at 7.30 a.m. Return malls will bo received at lpm.

s. B. uiaa. ChJoi Pifttmagtar. (Thief Poet-ofHon. Auckland,

Birth.

YORK.-On 21st January, 1882, the wife of Mr. John York, Nelson-street, of a daughter.

Marriage.

MKABS-LIVOOLN.-On January 18tb, at the Beresford-atreot Congregational Church, Auckland, by tho Roy. Qeo. Bond, William tdon. third son of the late Abraham Moors, to Anno Klizibeth, second daughter of It, S. Lincoln, Auckland.

MuOULLAGH-GRAHAM.-On the 23rd Jan uary, at PUt-street Wonloy-in Church, by the Uov. G. Bond, John Gales McCullagh. formerly Of Manorhamlltou. Iceland, to Martha Mar wood, eldest daughter of Walter Graham, of this city. , 4

Death.

BCHULTZ-At Glsborne, on 19th Instant, Mr Kobort admit?,, late o( AuckUnd.

Notice to Correspondents.

Devonport Backs. - Goldsmith rode Hard Times i n tbe raco referred io.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1882.

For the causa that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resislauc For tbe future In the distance, And the good that we can do.

Pressure of local matter compels us to orbit a leading article prepared for to-day.

Mr Bourne, tho new Head-roaster of the Auckland College and Grammar School, is expected to arrive by the Rotoraa on Monday next, and he will assume tho charge of the school immediately afterwards. He telegraphed from the Blutf yesterday to the {Secretary of the Board of Governors stating thnt he had arrived there too late for tho Kotomahaua, and would come on by the Kotorua,

Captain W. Ashby (of the firm of W. Afhby and Co., London,) arrived in Auck- ; land to-day by the s.s. Rototnahana. T» all settlers of more than nine years' stand ing there is no need to explain the worthy captain's long connection, "with this pott. He was one of the most popular masters w the trade between Auckland and London, commanding the ship City of Auckland for many years. At length, resolving to retire from sea life, ho established in London hia present successful shipping agency for the colonies. Many old friends will heartily welcome him back to our city. He has, we understand, business afraireto arrange which will detain him here till March. Mrs Ashby, who accompanies her husband, is also an Aucklander, and notwithstanding the years that have elapsed sinco she left, will greet many familiar and pleasant faces.

Mr J. B. Hickson has received the follow ing tenders 'for the construction of the wbarf at St. Hclicr's Bay, particulars of which fiitve already been published ;-Hunt and White, £2,59G; Wells and Gardiner, £2,657; A. O'Brien, £2,697; Mercer and Marshall, £2,773; A. Sutherland, £2,900 ; E. Mills, £2 979; J. Shcehan, £3,200.

Tho first prize of £25 for tho best design for the new Grammar School Boarding House has been awarded to Messrs E. Mahoney and Sons ("Auckland.")Mr Matthew Hen derson, Victoria-street West, (" Fleur de Li 8") won the second prize of £15. There was another competitor, but the name was not disclosed. A committee has been ap pointed to confer with the architects and call for tenders for tho school. Mr Larnacb, C.M.G., formerly Minister for Public Works, met with a buggy acci dent on Sunday night, dislocating his anklo nnd fracturing the small bone of the leg.

The late rama burst a culvert at the foot of Leslie s embankment on the Hamilton- Cambridge Road, and the traflic is at pre sent, pending repairs, passing through Messrs Graham's laud.

Mr F, M. P. Brookheia ha 3 sont In his resignation of the position hold by him as a member of the Board of Governors of the Auckland Collego and Grammar Schoo), owing to the fact that his frequent absences from Auckland on business connected with his office as Native Lands Judge prevents him from attending to hh Board duties. At a meeting of the Governors to-day, It was agreed that the resignation should I o olli cially notified to Messrs. Nelson and Tole, whoare the other Senate members.

The Board of Governors of the Waitaki High School,Oamaru, have resolved "That the Agent-General and two University Professors should associate themselves for the purposes of procuring tho services of a head-master."

A special mectiug of the outgoing Auck land School Committee was he'd at seven o'clock last evening in the Nelson-street school. There were present :—Messrs J. D. Schmidt (in the chnir), J. Waymonth, C. McMa3ter. Messrs_ F. J. Moss and Thos. Thompson were nominated to fill tho vacant seats on the Board, and after sonus iurther routine business, the meeting concluded with votes of thanks to the chairman and secretary.

We learn that the Commissioner of the Dome Valley School Di3trict, Mahurangi, under tho Education Act, 1877, J. W. Boon, Esq., has nominated Messrs Laishley and McKenzio to the vacancies in the Board of Education. The Wade School Committee have nominated Messrs J. M. Clark and Laishlev.

A cable despatch announces that—" The Home Secretary has released two Stafford shire farmers, who were sentenced in 1879 to ten years' imprisonment, for mutilating a man named Isaac Brooks. The latter confessed, on his deathbed, that the pri soners were innocent of the crime for which they were convicted."

Shortly before the Wellington loft for Taiiranga yesterday afternoon, a Greek sea man named Andrew Jones was capsized down the hold by coming into contact with a bag of chaff which was sliding a plank. He sustained several slight bruises,and had to bo removed to the Hospital.

The following tenders wero opened by Mr E. Bartlcy to-day tor Mr Kussell's new store in Durham-street, to be geenpied by Messrs Hunter and Nolan ;-C, Rhodes, £1715; A. Watson, £1450; J. Holland, £1487; A.Magaire,£lso2;|J. Currio,£l4B9; T. Constable, £1468 ; W. Connolly, £1465 ; J. Ellingham, £1425; K. Kay, £1414; Baildon & Co., £1395 ; Gr. Marshall, £1390; G. W. James, £1372 10s; G. Rhodes, £1360; J. Heron, £1291.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency at Christchurch have furnished Mr CJ. W. Griffip, United States Consul, of Auckland, with a magnificent line of 77 sample? of Canterbury wools to,be forwarded to the Department of State, Washington, D.C., via F.M. steamer City of New York. The samples represent the wools in their natural Btate in the grease.juat as they were clipped from the sheep, without any wash ing or artificial dressing whatever. They are nicely arranged in a large and elegant black leather portfolio, each sample boing entirely separated from the other, and securely fastened to the inside of the port folio, with the quality and price of each kind plainly marked in gilt letters on small black morocco tags.

At the last annual presentation of prizes to the pupils attending the Ponsonby State School, Mr Swanson intimated that he would give £5 worth of books to every pupil attending the public schools at Newton and Ponsonby who won a scholarship. The result of the examination shows that Mr Swanson has been "let in" for |£25 for Ponsonby lads having secured scholarships and one from Newton East school has se cured a similar privilege.

Mr Charles Blomiicld, one of our most industrious artists, has finished six very choice paintings of New Zealand scenery, which be intends to dispose of on the art union principle at an early date. They are now on view at the shop oi Mr Leech', carver and gilder, of Shortland-street, where the subscribers' list may be seen. These pictures display a poetic taste in the artist, who evidently has an eye for the beautiful.

Tho Sunday • school teachers of the Diocesan Sunday-school Association will hold a conference on Thursday evening in the Holy Trinity school-room, at half-past seven, after a short service in the church. Two papers/will bo read at the meeting on the tunes of the new children's hymn book, and on the inspection of -Sunday.schools. The new hymn book was compiled by Misi Carey Brock, well known as an authoresß of stories for young people. The Bishop of Auckland will make some remarks on the character and suitableness of the hymns, which have been approved by Bishops How and OxendcD, and a number of clergyman of the English Church,

- Yeaterday,during the Fire Brigade display at the foot of Queen-street, a somewhat ludicrous incident occurred, A large num ber of the spectators had tatcen up positions on the heaps ot stones on the opposite side of Customhouse-street from the Thames Hotel. But they "cleared oat" at the commencement of the display, when it was found that the descending showers of water would very quickly drench them to the skin if they .stuck_io their posts. Three urchins, however, literally " stuck to their posts," viz., the posts of a large signboard erected at the corner, having painted on it in largo letters "froth's' Hot Bath?." The boyp, being perhaps bewildered by the heavy descending Bhower, and afraid to drop from their perch, continued to hang on by their hands to the signboard, enjoying a bath the reverse of "hot," but which might reasonably bo expected to make them (w)Koth !

To the Editor: Sir,—l observe in the Star of 19tb, a paragraph from two Cambridge gentlemen—" The auction, it is trne, only averaged £8 6s, but tbe best portions of the farm had been disposed of privately prior to the public sale." The two Cambridge gentlemen evidently wish to make you and your readers believe the words quoted by me are false, viz,, the land sold by auction was a fair average of the farm. 1 still repeat the above, and am prepared toshowanygentlemen/'whoaranot ashamed of having tyieir names mentioned," over the property, when they will have an opportunity of judging which of us in try ing to mislead the public.—l am, yours &c, A. A. FANTHAM. Cambridge, 20th' P.S.—Lot 6. 116, brought £8 sa, This lot was, when I bought, and is now considered by most people who have seen it, to be equal to any on the farm, or even in W&ikato.— A.A.F,

The complimentary concert to Miss Mc- Ewin will be given to-morrow evening in the Choral Ball. An excellent prograinmo has been prepared for the occasion, and a number of professionals and leading ama teurs have consented to take part in the concert viz,, Mr Gordon Goocb, Mr Slater, and others, also, Mrs Kevitt, and Misses (Jeo, Sykes, and other ladies. Miss Mc- Evjin was one of Mrs Kevitt's most suc cessful pupils, and the object of the pro moteraof to-morroweveniDg's entertainmeut is not only to present a high-clasa and capital concert, but to hand something to wards Mias McEwin'a expenses to Mel bourno for the benefit of her health. We have no hesitation in- asserting that the concert will be worthy the patronage of lovers of music and song, J

I Captain McKenzie has siren notice at i the Parncll Borough Council tor a reduction ot the Dog Tax from 10a to ss. Tho Customs' launch paid a visit to the Quarantine Station to-day, returning with a mail. Tho Zealandia's passengers are re ported all well An Australian telegram gives the fol lowing particulars of the raid on Jem Mace's place in Melbourne :— On Sunday last the police made a raid on the premises of James Mace, ex : pngilist, after obtaining warrants, to arrest a large number of men engaged in illicit gambling. They discovered thirty-one, and arrested five. False dice were discovered, with counterfeit coin. Mace himself was discovered in bed. Yesterday he was lined £25, tho others £3." A curious robbery was committed^ last Thursday at the residence of Mr Wright, Hopetown-street. Mrs Wright had laid on the dressing-room table 2 lockets, 1 gold chain, and a silver ring. Some friends were at the house in tho afternoon, and the front door, which gave access to Hie bed room, had been left open. Mrs Wright did not observe that her jewellery had disap peared until Sunday, when, on looking for the ornaments, she found thoy had gone. Re calling the circumstances under which she had last seen them, she gave information to the police, and it became talked about in the neighbourhood that the detcv'.tives were coming up to institute a search. At six o'clock this morning the jewellery was found lying at the hall door, rcstitstion having been made by the guilty party, though who that may be is at pre sent a mystery. Mrs Wright is very desirous that it should bo understood that she does not fix the blame on any particular person in tho neighbourhood. The annual meeting of residents of the Mount Eden School District was held in the Schoolroom on Monday evening, January 23rd. Mr Bridgman was called to the chair. After considerable discussion upon the (juestion of water supply (which was considered totally inadequate to the wants of the school) and expressions of dis satisfaction at the frequent removals of junior teachers by the Central Board, the report and financial statement of the out going committee were read and adopted. The following gentlemen were elected a committee for the ensuing year : —Messrs 11. Cranwoll, W. Cole, J. Dixon, J. I'lince, J. McGregor, H. M. Shepherd, and J. C. Smith. Unanimous expressions of thanks to the old committee and chairman con cluded the meeting. The newly elected members proceeded to select their olliccrs. Mr Cole being chosen ac chairman, and Mr K. Cranwell as secretary and treasurer. At the meeting of tho Harbour Board this afternoon, the Chiei postmaster wrote renewing his application for the erection of a more suitablesmoke-house for the fumiga tion of the mails, and suggesting that it should be placed on liangitoto. After lengthy discussion it was decided to grant a sito on Kangitoto. Several letters were then read and decided on. Amongst them was an application from the engineer for a two months' holi day. This was granted. With reference to a letter from James Hardy re tho dredging of the mouths of the drains at Freeman's Bay and Mechanics' Bay, it was decided that steps should be taken to remove the sewige. Payment of accounts to the extent of £388 7a lid was ordered, leaving a balance of £3,104 12s 3d. Tho Finance Committea recommended that the services of the boatman l'ennnlhgen be dispersed with; that the dock dues on the Southern Cross be not remitted; that the Harbour Master's and Harbour Board Offices be con nected by telephone. Adopted. Tho Works Committee recommended the widening of the eastern tee of tho Qucnn street wharf and the erection of a shed 25 by 40 feet. The cost was estimated at £2400. Tho business was not concluded when wo went to press.

BENT AND BACHELDER'S MINSTRELS.

Bent and Bachelder's Christy Minstrels arrived in Onchunga by the s.s. Macgregor at 4 a.m. this morning,and came.to town by the early train. They open at the Lome street Hall this evening.

ACCIDENT TO THE FALCON.

(From Our Own Cobrispondents.)

HELENSVILLE, this day. THE Falcon lost both anchor?, not one. The wind fell light in getting over the bar, when she anchored to prevent her drif ting,bu t broke both cables, so the vessel put back. Messrs Cruickshank and Co., agents, were apprised yesterday afternoon of the mishap, and sent two anchors and cables by the passenger train in the evening, and the Durham has taken them out to the ship this lnorning.

SHOCKING SUICIDE IN DUNEDIN.

(BY TELEGRAPH,—OWN CORRESPONDENT,

DUNEDIN, thl» day. AN inquest was held yesterday afternoon on the body of Kate Margetts, who committed suicide on Saturday,in a moat determined manner with a razor. It had been stated that the poor woman had been addicted to drink, but this was conclusively disproved at the inquest, all the evidence tending to show that she was a hard-working, sober, nnd respectable woman. Her husband had been absent a long time in the oountry, get ting orders for sauces and other things made by the deceased, and she had got into an agitated and distressed frame of mind, imagining that her husband had eloped with another woman, Sho had lacerated her abdomen in a moat shocking way, as well as inflicted wounds on her throat. She experienced the most acute pain before she died. A verdict of" Temporary Insanity" was returned. ~

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OfN CORRESPONDENT.)

CHKISICHUKCH, Monday night. At the Wesleyan Conference this afternoon Rev. Mr Diddle was made nsupernumerary, The draft of a pastoral address by tho Rev. Mr Williams was adopted. The second reading of the stations passed as follows : — Aucklan d.Messrs Reid, CewsburyjN. Shore, Spcnce; Three Kings, Mr Watkin; Grafton road, Messrs Oliver and Patsonson ; Thames- Mr Bull; Cambridge, Mr Carr; Hamilton' Mr Dukes; Te Awarautu, Mr Wills; Waiuku, Mr Salterj New Plymouth, Mr Taylor; Palmerston North, Mr Griffiths ; Wellington, Messrs Bavin and Baumber; Blenheim, Mr McNicol; Greymouth, Mr Griffin; Christchurcb, Messrs Moriey and Tinsley ; St. Albans, Mr Kirk ; DunediD, Messrs Best and Gill am ; Port Chalmers, Mr Thomas. The above is subject to alteration on the third reading.

This day. At the AVcsleyan Conference this morn ing the lay representatives from the various Circuits took their places. The Rev. W. Morley gave notice of motion thnt a loan fund be raised for tin purpose of assisting in the erection of churches in poor districts, also notice of motion that a cablegram be sent to Englaad for four fully trained young men to be sent out, one to be appointed to Mount Albert, one to Mahurangi, one for Coromandel, and one for Durham-street, Christchiirch.

The question was asked what Circuits shall now be divided. It was agreed to divide the North Shore from Auckland, to make Cambridge and Hamilton one Cir cuit, and Te Awamutu and Alexandra another. Also to separate the Kaipara Maori Circuit, from the Kaipara English Circuit. Waitara was also separated from New Plymouth.

WRECK OF THE CITY OF CASHMERE.

(BY TELEGRAPH,—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

TIMARU, tbis day. An inquiry into the wreck of the City of Cashmere was resumed this morning, Several witnesses were examined to show that the vessel bumped before any attempt was made to tow her out. The point on which there was a conflict of evidence, and as to whether the ship could not have been kedged back {o her place. This witness considered somewhat doubtful. The in quiry was adjourned for a week to enable the lost cable to be lifted, and one portion has been picked up. The chain was ;buriod in clay and silt. The Harbour-Master says the diver must dig it out.

The hull was offered for sale yesterday and only £100 was bid for it. The vessel was bought in by the Captain for the owners to be offered again.

CABLEGRAMS.

IKEUTEP'S XKUCGRAMS.J

DETENTION OF LAND LEAGUEHS.

LONDON, January 20. The Irish Executive has decided that Parnell, O'Brien and O'Kelly, Land Leaguers, shall be detained iv custody for the further period of three months. At the expiration of that time they will be re leased.

SENTENCE OF NIHILISTS,

ST. PETERSBURG, January 20.

The would-be assassins ot General Tchcrcvinc, Assistant-Minister of tho In terior, on November 25th last, have been found guilty, and one hap been sentenced to death, and the other to 20 years' impri sonment,

THE ULSTER FARMERS AND THE

LAND ACT,

LONDON, January 21

A large mooting, attended by 2000 delegates of Ulster farmers,was held to-day at Belfast, when resolutions were nasso'd iv favour of an extension of the Irifh Land Act, so as to provide for the appointment o( a Land Commission for each county in Ireland, instead of for largo dis tricts only as v nl present. Tho meetim; further resolved that the reductions in rent which have been made by the Laiul.Court> up to the present time were wholly inade quate in tho view of the Irish tenants.

DISTPRUANCE IN BOSNIA,

VIENNA, January 20,

Telegrams arc to hand reporting thnt the inhabitants of thu province of Bosnia arc, at tho present time, much disturbed uguinst Austrian rule.

VIENNA, January 22nd,

The rising of the inhabitants of Dalmatia, Herzegovina, nnd Bosnia, is rapidly spread ing over those provinces, ami the insurgents ara actively organising to oppose the Aus trian troops.

FRENCH CONSTITUTION.

I'AKIS, January 21

"'ho committee appointed by tho Cham ber of Deputies, to report ou Gambctta's Uill for the revision of the French Constitu tion, has concluded its labours. After being"addressed byM. Gambetta, at length, in support of the principles of the measure the committee resolved to recommend to the Chamber tho adoption of a couuter-fclieme of reform, and one which ignores the pio posal for the adoption of the Scrutin-ile- Listo.

PERSECUTED JEWS,

LONDON, January 22.

A meeting is to be held at the Mansion House, convened by the Lord Mayor, for the purpose of raising funds to assist iho petsccuted Jews ot Russia.

RUSSIAN ANTAGONISM,

ST. PKTERSUURG, January 22.

The " Journal Do St. Petersburg," in an articlo to-duy, fiercely denounces the move ment in London to raise subscriptions for Russian Jews, and says that the agitation is founded on the hatred of Englishmen for Russians.

TROUBLE FOR TUIIKKY,

LONDON, January 23,

Tho " Standard " to-day pubU 'ics a tele gram stating thai n rebellion vis broken out against Turkish rule in the Yemen, a province in South-west Arabia, and that several battles bavu been fought betwoon the insurgents and Turkish troops resulting iv the defeat of tbe former, and the infliction of loss upon them of fully two hundred killed. .

AUSTRALIAN.

MELBOURNE, this day,

Telegrams arc to hand reporting that a large ship, name unkuowu, is athoro in Waratah Bay on the Southern coast of this colony. Tho vessel's positiou is, however, said to be not dangerous.

GARONNE'S PASSENGERS. The first and second-class passengers per Garonne will be released from Ojuarautiue to-day. Colonel Anderson, Commandant of the Victorian Voluutccrs, is dead.

SYDNEY, this day

The certificate of Captain MacLcan, of the steamship Wotonga, has been sus pended by tho Marine Board for three months. Tho case of the mate will be de cided by the Board to-day.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before J. E. Mucdonald, Esq , K.M.)

In a Fir.—Mary Fitzgerald was fined for drunkeuno?s.

Assault. -Samuel Pile was charged with striking Fatriclc McVeigh under the ear.—After heaiine the evidence a line of lOj and costs was kflicicd.

Cahby's Troubles.—Benjamin Arm strong was fioed 5a for leaving his cab un attended in Qucen-strnet. Throwing Stonks. —Frauk Smith, au elderly working man, was charged with throwing stones and injuring property.— Defendant said he waa first assaulted by a larrikin, who struck him on the back with a big stone, lie retaliated, and ho was sorry to cay the etono missed his assailant, and went through Mr Fernandez's window.— Andrew Fernandez, of Jhe Britomart Hotel, described thu affair. Tho damage was about Wi, as near as he could estimate, — Defendant said ho was short-sighted. He was lined Is and costs for breach of by law, but he was liablo to Mr Fernandez for the damayc.

Labcsny of Bedding. — Frederick Rowe, an upholsterer, was charged with stealing bedding, etc., value £1 lls Cd, on the i9th inst, the property of Messrs Gar lick and Cranwell.—Mr Tyler appeared for defendant, and said ho was instructed to pleadguilty. jThc defendant, unfortunately, had recently acquired habits of intem perance, but previously he had borne a good reputation. He had taken the articles and pawned them for drink. He hoped the punishment would be as light as possi ble, and that it might operate fof his future good.—One month's imprisonment withhard labour.

A Similar Charge.—Michael Higßins, also an upholsterer, was charged with the larceny of bedding, etc., value £1 6a, tho property of Messrs Garlick and Cranwell, on the 18th inßt. —Prisoner pleaded not guilty.—Mr Pardy said that Biggins, as well as Rowe, had been engaged by Messrs Garlick and Cranwcll in their warehouse. —Prisoner was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour. Bbbach of Shesf Act.—Elijah KoOse was charged with a breach of the Sheep Act in being the owner of a number of infected sheep, without giving the necessary nottce to the Inspector witbin 48 hours, at Pukekohe Easr.— Defendant said he had no idea they were infected with scab.—Mr Hudson Williamson, Crown solicitor, appeared for the prosecutor, and Francis C. Lewis, Inspector, proved the offence.—Fined £10 and costs.

Obscene Language.—Four female resi dents of Abercrombie-atrect were lined 20s and costs, for using obscene language on the evening of the 15th.—Their names were Catherine Cummins, Susan Harkins, Martha Cushion, and Anne Dickton.

Alleged Stealing From a jGwkll ING.—Albert Slattery was charged with feloniously entering the house of Mies Casey, at Dcvbnport, on the 15th Decem ber, aud sicaling therefrom the sum of £6. —Mr Pardy conducted the prosecution.— Tho prisoner was undefended.—Tho Misses Casey, Robert Logan, and Constable Wear gave evidence, wbieh His Worship consi dered insufficient.—The prisoner was dis charged with a caution.

Inspector Goldic notifies that be has a number of unregistered dogs in the kennel which will bo destroyed uuleas rescued a once.

Tawhiao and his followers wero enter tained last night in the Albert Hall with an exhibition of views, comic and scenic, by means of the limelight. Mr Josiah Martin and Mr H. H. Smith presented the views, and Mr J. C. Young (interpreter) explained them. The' visitors seemed greatly pleasod with the pictorial display, and were not stinted with their applause. Mr Smith intends to give another exhibition soon.

Amongst other establishments Tawhiao visited Wiseman's faddlery warehouse, and was shown over the shop by Mr James Wiseman. The King and several of the chiefs manipulated the various appliances used in the manufacture of saddlery, aud took away the pieces of leather operated upon, as mementoes of their visit. Wah anui was presented with a silver-mounted whip, with which he appeared much de lighted.

The king and party leave to-morrow morning at seven o'clock for Kcweti,on the Kaipara railway Hue, where a native meet ing is to be held.

The vißit to italpara will probably oc cupy two days, after which Tawhiao will return to Auckland, and after remaining here a day or so, will take his departure for home.

EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT MEETINGS.

AUCKLAND CIIY.

The annual meetiug of the householders of the Auckland City Educational District was held last evening in the large room of tliß Young- Men's Christian Association. Mr M. Brearlcy waa voted to the chair. There was a moderate attendance, about 35 persons being present. ltKroitT and Balance Sheet.—Tho report for the past year was read by Mr O. Mahou, secretary. It bore testimony to the increasing popularity and growing pro gress of tho preHent educational syatem. The number on the rolls of tho City Schools at the end of the year ISBI was 2,403, with an average at dance of 2,013 while tho numbers at tho end of tho year 1880 wore 2,375 and 2,072 respectively. Taking into consideration the prevalent sickness during the past season, these numbers were considered to be satisfactory. Active steps to enforce tho compulsory oil uses of tho Act were taken at the beginning of the year, and an in creased attendance was the result. Owing to the want of school accommodation, these exertions had to be abandoned. The attontion of the Board was drawn to the urgcut requirements in this direction, but no action had yet been takeu by that boily. The statement of accounts which would b? submitted showed an income of £38318s 6d, and an expenditure of £380 2b Id, leaving a balance ot £3 16i 5d at the end of the year. The Board had acknowledged the justice of tho claims of the committee for tbe undivided control over the portion of the Wellcsley-sircet school used as a training college. Iv reference to tho Conference of Committees, the report said that their endeavours had been successful to a certain oxtcut, although the expectation* of concessions which they considered themselves entitled _to were in man.y cases not realised The committee was of opinion that tho most efl'cctive way to chuck the centralising tendencies of tho Board was the earnest endeavour on the part of committees to olect only liberal minded men as members to that boily. The report proceeded to refer to n defect in tho Act, where a committee, representing twenty or thirty householders, was in vested with the came degree of voting power as ,i committee repre senting a hundred times that number of householders. Efforts had been made to establish free night schools, but without Riicccss. The committee drew attention to ttic necessity for obtaining suitable play grounds for the various city schools, which were worso oil iv this respect than suburban .schools, provision having been inado in the latter. Kccomraendationa on the subject hail beou nude to the Hoard, but without success, The committee suggested the location of caretakers in the various city school buildings, ■which were surrounded by insufficient" fencing, and wholly unpro tected at all times. Tho valuable and esteemed asaistanco of thu lato Mr F. Ilewin had boon lost to the committee, through his untimely demise. Mr G, 11 McNab had been elected to fill tho vacancy. The statcmont of account. 0, audited by Mr 11. G. Wade, showed that tho receipts, including the ordinary grant of £295, special grant of £75, rent £13 ss, and balance from la*t vcar 13s Gil, amounted to £383 ISs 6d," and the expenditure to £380 2s Id, leaving a balance ot £3 16a 5d. — The report and balance-sheet were adopted, on the motion ot Mr Staines, secoudi'd by Mr Raft on.

PJjACK OF MEITIKO.—Mr Campbell in quired why the annual meeting was not held iv one of the school buildings, and the rent saved thereby.—The Chairman said it wi uld bo very incohveoieut for house holders to be compelled to lit in the small deaks provided for the children. The pre sent room was also more central,—Mr Tliwaitcs said the committee had no voico in the matter. Tho Board appointed the place where the meeting was to be held. Election of Commit the.—The meeting then proceeded to tho election of a com mittee for the ensuing year. Messrs W. Cooper and A. C. Steelc were appointed scrutineers Messrs W. Gorrio and J. VVnymouth, who were proposed for re election, hud sent notes stating that they would be unablo to act on tho committee. Eljveh nominations were received, ami the b:\llot resulted as follows:-a. Campbell, 47 ; T. Thwaitcs, 44 ; J. T. Knight, 42 ; J. D. Schmidt, 32; J. G. Carr, 27 ;C. I. Mo- Master, 23 ; G. K. McNab, 22 ; William Laing, 20; Charles Gaza, 13 ; Henry Kaf ton, 12; T. Harkisf, 4. Messrs Campbell, Thwaitcs, Knight, Schmidt, Carr, McMas tor, nnd McNab were thercforo declared duly elected. Thanks to Mr GoititiK.-Mr Schmidt slid that somo rccoeuition ihould bo made of tho valuable services rendered to tho cause of education in this city by Mr Gorrie. In his position as chairman of the com mittee, he had performed his duties in a manner which had excited genoral admira tion. Ho had much pleasure in moving :— "That this meeting accord a hearty voto of thanks to Mr W. Gorrio for the valuabla services he has rendered iv the cause of education for so many years, in his capacity as chuirman of tho City School Committee ; and that this meeting deeply regrets that ciicumstances prevent Mr W. Gorrie to ufler himself again for re-election for the en suing year " —The motion was seconded by Mr Kyan and carried by acclamation.— The meeting concluded with a, voto of thanks to tho outgoing committee, moved by Mr Campbell and seconded by Mr Smart, and a voto of thanks to tho chair man.—lt was announced that the first meet ing of the new committee would be held next Thursday evening.

PARNELL.

The annual meeting of householders of the above district was held iv the school hou'c last evening. There wore about a dozen present, and Mr Talbot presided. The report of the outgoing committee showed that a night schoul had been established under Mr J. C. Adams, 8.A., the second master of tho school. It had proved a great success, 33 pupils attending. Tho statement of accounts showed a credit balance of £15 7s Bd. Bible classes had been conducted by Archdeacon Maunscll and a committee of ladies. The school-ground had been planted with trees presented by Messrs Mason and Hay. The report having been adopted, tbe following gentlemen were elected for tho ensuing year : -Messrs J. Winks, D. H. McKenzie, N. W. Pollard, Caleb Wood, W, J. Speight, Mullins, and J. Friar Clarke. Mr C. Wood proposed that the thanks of the householders be accorded to the teachers for tbo efforts put forth on behalf of the children ; curried. A vote of thanks was then accorded to tbe outgoing committee, and the customary compliment to the chairman terminated tho proceedings. ,

GRAFTON ROAD MEETING.

The annual meeting of householders in relation to public educational matters in the district, waa held l;nt evening at the Nugent-street schoolroom, at 8p m. The attendance was good, and great interest seemed to be taken in. tho proceedings.— Mr Laishley wa3 voted to the chair.—After reading tho Committee1*! report for the year, to;ether with the statement of the annual income and cxpcnditurc,and the headmas ter's report, Mr Laishley addressed tbe mccMng on the relations of School Commit tees and tho Contral Board, especially explaining the action of tho Grafton Road Committee during the past year. Iv con cluding he said he could add nothing more apt to the situation than was contained in tbe very pertinent and able leader on School Committee election?, which appeared in the Evening Star ot last evening, which leader he then read to tho meeting (amidst evident marks from the audience of approbation of it), intcrspeising the rend ing with suitable comments as he proceeded. — The meeting then appointed Messrs Young and Reid scrutineers, and unani mously elected the following gentlemen to be tho Committee for the ensuing year :— Messrs Laishley, Lankham, Lavcrs, John Koao, Reid, Thomas, and Robeitson, — On the motion of Mr Clark, seconded by Mr Niger, it was unanimously re solved : — That this meeting approve the action of the outgoing committee in ic spect of the Central Board, and hopo the incoming comnflttee will pursue the same policy. Before the meetim; separated it was proposed, eeconded, and carried by ac clamation, "That this meeting pass a cordial vote of thanks to Mr Laishley for his conduct of tho meeting and thank him most warmly for his action in the past in respect of tho Board of Education." At a meeting of the Committee held im mediately subsequent Mr Laishley was ap pointed chairman, Mr John Kose was requested to kindly act as secretary, and tho meetings were fixed to be monthly, on the last Friday in each month, commencing next month.

DEVONPORT

Tho annual meeting of householders in the Devonport district was held at tho School room last evening, Mr E. S. Wilcox prSng. The report of the outgoing committee regretted that owing to sickness thfTchool Sd not prospered during the past vWr to the extent that the committee would have desired. In ihe month of

September the committee felt it to be their duty to suggest to the head teacher that, in consequence of his continued ill-health, ho should apply to tbe Central Board for removal to a locality more favourable. Colonel Smith, recovering, wrote to the effect that his health being re-established he did not fear any further interruption to. school work. Tn July the Key. Mr Bates made application for permission to give religious instruction in tho school out of school hours. As this was considered most desirable, the application was acceded to. The committee being doubtful us to the efficiency of the method ot teach ing singing in the public schools, recom mended tho Board to test the result by public examination. The Board, however replied that it was not prepared to do so Although an examination by the Boards Inspector was made at the latter part of the year, up to the present time no report of the results has reached tho committee; they had, therefore, no data as to the success or otherwise of the year's tuition. The thanks of the committee were due to Mr and Mrs Russell for prizes, and to Mr Hurst for a. presentation of some inter esting object lesson cards. The balance sheot, showed: Balance from la<it year, £17 12s 6d; receipts during tho year, £30 j total, £47 12s 6d. Expenditure, £34 9s 7d ; balance In hand, £13 2s lid. ..Both report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr Brown and others expressed dissatisfaction at the extension of tho midsummer holidays, and the following motion waR agreed to: " i hat this meeting protest against the midsummer holidays brinp extended beyond the time provided by the regulations." The following were elected a committee for the ensuing term : -Messrs O, Mays (chairman) \V. H. Brown, Wilcox, Bond, Green, Har butt, and W. H. l'enton. Votes of thanks to the outgoing and presiding chairman concluded the business of the evening.

PONSONBY.

Tlie annual meeting of householders was hold at 730 last evening, Mr McKinstry in the chair. The report of the committee showed that the school would accommodate 700 children. The average attendance Sviu 450. The committee expressed their thanks to Mr Swanson, M. H. X., for his exertions in providing a suitable playground. The nccouuts showed a credit balance of £30. The report being adopted, the following gen tlemcu were elected to constitute' a cdm mittec for the ensuing year: \V. J. Kecs, T, Cooper, J. 11. Field, K. Luahcr, A, Devoro, D. P, Evatiß, and A. Boardman. Votea of tbaukH were then accorded to Mr Swanson, to the outgoing committee, aud to the headmaster, Mr Bailey. At the termination of the meeting the new committee held its first meeting and elected Mr Boardmaa cluiumn, and Mr Evans secretary.

NEWTON.

The annual meeting of householders was held last cvcniiig, Mr li. H. Stephcnson in tlits chMr. The report of the committee showed that duriu« their period of office a new school-house, capable of accommoda ting .'!00 pupils, had been erected at Newton Kast. The average daily attendance was 452. At Newton West the average daily attendance is 178, with an average roll of 247, making an average daily attendants at both schools of C3O, and an average roll of Sl2 children. A sufficient amount of ground to make couniodious playgrounds had been acquired. The report then allndcd to some correspondence which had taken place with the Board of Education respect iuf,' boundaries of the Mount Albert, New ton Ea»t, and Archhill school districts, and suggested that the wholo of the Archhill Highway District should bo included in Newton School Dintrict, It had been ar ranged that the question should be sub mitted to the votes of the householders in each district. The balance-sheet for this year showed a debit balance of £9 lls. Tho total income had-been £112, and tho principal item of tbq expenditure, £82 8s (id, wai for the cleaning of school and out buildings. Tho report having been adopted, a vote of thanks wai ac corded to the outgoing committee. Mr Warren stated that Mr Tole, M.H.H., had promised to give £5 in cash or Its value in books to each pupil attending tho public schools in his electorute who succeeded in paining a scholarship. It was resolved on the motion of Mr French, "That this meeting requests the Board of Education to take such steps as they may think advisable in order that in future the Christmas holidays shall not exceed four weeks, by some arrangement iv. which tho examination of teachers shall not render necessary any extension ot the school holi days." The following resolution,moved Uy Mr F. Cherry, was uuanimoußly adopted, " That it is desirable that the boundaries of this school district should bo altered and attended, so as to include all the Arcbhill highway district."' The following gentlemen were elocted a •ommittoe : — Messrs J. C. Wilkcs, Joseph Warren, T. Hobson, J. B. Mell, J. Bir iii«-, G. D. Bcvin, and M. Cennclly. A vote of thanks was then accorded to Mr Swanson, M.U.K., for his (jeae'.ous assistance to the gainers of scholarships. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. A meeting of the newly elocted committee was held.atwhichMr War ren was elected chairman, Mr Wilkes trea surer, and Mr Brooking secretary. The committee then proceeded to consider tho advisability of nominating candidates for the Board of Education, but it was found that no ono had obtained a writtten con sent as required by tho Act. It was stated, however, that Messrs J. M. Clark, F. J. Moss, and T. Peacock, the retiring mem bers, had already been nominated by other district.". After the transaction of Borne other unimportant business, tho meeting separated.

MOUNT ALBERT.

The annual meeting of householders of the abovo district was held at the school house last night. Mr A. K. Taylor having been called to the chair, tho secretary of the outgoing committee read the minutes and report, which showed that tho school-build ing ii most mutable. The average atten dance is 70 boys and 46 girls. At the break ing-up prizes to the value of £6 were pre sented. The treasurer's statement showed a balance in hand of 53 lOd. The following gentlemen having been duly nominated wero elected committee for tho year:—Key. W. HascMcn, Messrs Taylor, Fry, Stewart, Martin, Hibbert, and White. Letters having been read from the Board of Educa tion, requesting Iho householders' opinion as to tin; necessity of altering the boundaries of the school district so as to include tho neighbourhood of Archhill in the Newton district, Mr KutclilTc proposed, Mr Martin seconded, and it was carried, "That this meeting agrees to tbe proposed alteration of tho boundaries."— Tho meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman. — The committee met at the conclusion of the public meeting, wheu Mr Taylor was ap pointed chairman and Mr Fry secretary and treasurer.—Mr Taylor was proposed for nomination as a member for the Board of Education, but he declined, as he considered tho three outgoing members deserved re election. It was therefore decided that tbo Committee nominate Messrs J, M. Clark and T. Peacock.. It was announced that Mr Tole, M.H,K., had promised to present £5 to auy scholar obtaining a scholarship from this school.

NORTHCOTE.

The annual meeting of householders was held yesterday, about 25 boing present. Roy. A. M. McCallum was called to act as chairman of the meeting. The retiring committee haviug presented their report, fifteen names wero proposed, and tbe follow ing candidates having the grcator number of votec, wero duly elected, viz., Messrs J. Stanley, A. M. McCallum, W. Thomson, W. F. Hammond, A. Wilson, H. Alexander, and Ignatius Gee. The meeting terminated with tbe usual votes of thanks to the chair man and to Messrs Buddie and Darret, who kindly acted as scrutineers. . A meeting of tbe committee elected was held immediately thereafter, when the Rev. A. M, McCallum was elected Chair "lan of School Committee.

THEATRE ROYAL.

"THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE."

This place of amusement was re-opened last night with tht production of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera "The Pirates of Penzance,'' by Mr R. \V. Carey's Juve nile Troupe. The audience was compara tively largo, and also indulgent in its bestowal of applause. Although the com pany is but ot recent formation, it has been . very carefully trained, and the performance is marked by a degree of smoothness that one would hardly expect when the youth of the little artistes and the short time that has elapsed since they were placed upon the stage arc considered. It. will be understood that they have not yet attained to the finish which comes of persistent and long-con tinued practice, but they have certainly been worked up to a creditable state of effi ciency within a very brief period. Many I defects and short-comings arc still notice able, but they will doubtless be corrected in good time. For instance there is too : much inclination to dash off with the choruses with breathless rapidity frequent

unsteadiness being the result, while the spoken parts suffer from hasty enumeration. Of the principals the lad who takes tho part of Frederick, viz., Master George Williams is without doubt the best singer. Ho has a flexible voice of agreeable timbre^ and he uses is with much effect. _ It is of good range and no laborious straining is required in order to ,ao tke music justice." Master Willie Cary, a little fellow of ton years, fills the role of the Pirate King* with considerable spirit, and also sings with remarkable effect and power tor one so young. His voice is pleasing with not even the suspicion of childish shrillness about it. Master Wyatt, who impersonates the Major General is also a promising young vocalist. Miss Lena Rooinson cirrics off unchallenged first honours for histrionic ability. She makes a pretty and coquettish albeit diminutive Mabel but her voice is too immature for a a very successful execution of some of the more florid passages. Her upper notes are rather thin and shrill. Still she sang sweetly onough tho major part of the selections wliich fell to her lot, and her acting was very effective indeed. In other roles were more or less successfully sustained. A very fair orchestra under Mr S. Cimino performed the instrumental part of the music satisfactorily. Tho costumes, as we have mentioned in our anticipatory notices, arc tasteful and appropriate. All the other appointments are in thorough keeping. The opera will be repeated to night, and should "run" for some time.

GREAT SCHOOL FIGHT IN DUNEDIN.

(BY TELEGRAM,—OWN CORRESPONDENT,

ANIMATED SCHOOL MEETING.

DUNEDIN, this day. Tub elections for school committees took place last evening. That for the city was held in the Harrison Hall, 800 persons being present. The votes were taken at 8.35, and at one the result was declared, the scrutiny haviDg occupied four hours. At tho head cf the poll was Mr Bult, known as a free thinkor, Mr Nathan, of the Hebrew com munity, stands socond, and tho only bible in-KChools candidata elected is M. W. Greco. The aecond man oVcd his place to tho larpc number of plumpers he received, viz., 46. At the other places a less amount of interest was manifested,

GRAMMAR SCHOOL GO VERNORS.

Tub ordinary meeting of tho Board of Go vernors of the Auckland College and Gram mar School was hold this forenoon; There wero present :-Sir G. M. O'Korko {in the chair), His Worship tho Mayor (Mr J. M. Clark), Kcv. C. M. . Nelson, Colonel Haultain, Messrs F. D. Fenton, E. A, Mackechnie, and J. A. Tole.

RESWNATION OF MRBUOOKFIKLD.-Mr F.M.P.Brookfleld forwarded his resignation as one of the Senato members, owing to his frequent and protracted absences from Auckland, which prevented him from attending to Board duties. It was agreed on the motion of Mr Clark that the resigna tion be notified to Messrs Nelson and Tole.

Scholarships.— The Board of Education forwarded a list of boys to whom scholar ships and certificates of merit had been awarded, and requested fiee tuition for them at the Grammar School.— Several members wero of opinion that the Grammar School Governors should hare something to say in the conduct of the scholarships examination, as they were so largely interested.—Un the motion of Mr Clark, seconded by Col. Haultain, it was agreed that tho same privileges be granted to the boys whose names were sent in as in the cases of others in previous years.

Ari'LICATION FOX ArPOINTMEHT.—Mr J. Vereker Bindon wrote stating that he had corno to the colony with the view of obtaining a scholastic appointment, and believing that vacancies would shortly occur, he asked for particulars.—lt was agreed that Mr Bindon be iuformed that there was no vacancy. New Head-master.—A telegram re celved from the BlutT yesterday announced that Mr Bourne, the new Head Master, had arrived there too late for tho Kotoma hana, and would como on hero by the Kotorua.

School Plans.—The plans ot the new school building were again brought up f»r consideration. —In answer to Mr Tole, Col. Haultiiiu said the Board had a net balance of £3,000, and the building would cost £5,000 before it was completed and fur nished. Their contingent expenses were very heavy, and it would be seen from the Accounts that there was a charge of £73 for printing the last examination papers alone. —It was agreed, on the motion of Colonel Haultain, that the design entitled " Auck land " be awarded first prize. Tho entclopo marked " Auckland" was then opened, and it was fonnd that the successful competitors were Messrs B. Mahoney ond Son. The second prize was awarded to the motto " Fleur de Lis" (Mr Matthew Henderson, Victoria-street). ■Further action with regard to the boarding school was referred to a committee cou sisting of the Chairman, Mr Clark, Mr Fenton, and the mover. It was under tod that they were to confer with the architect in rcfetenco to extras, etc., and call for tenders. —Mr Fenton suggested that a meeting of the Auckland members should be called, at which the Board might show its programme, and state what it required. Terms and Vacations.—Mr Fenton moved—"That tho terms and vacations of the school be assimilated to those of Christ church College, i.e., three terms with three vacations, the Ion? vacations being in the autumn."—The discussion of the motion was deferred till next meeting. The terms of the Christcburch College are as follow ;—First torm, Jan. 23 to April 23 ; second term, May 16 to August 16 ; third term, Sept. 10 to Dec. 10 There is an examination held by the H>ad -master with the assistance of tho other Head masters, at the end of each term. Accounts.—Tho accounts were read and pasted. The overdraft at tho bank was stated to be £931.

Mosey Invested.-It was agreed on the motion of Mr Clark that all tho money invested on mortgage be called in as soou as pcrmifsible by law. lißFAins.—An application for repairs to houses in Chapel-stroot was referred to the Property Committee, with power to act. Uss of Paddock.—lt was agreed to apply to tho Governor for permission to use the Government House paddock. Sons op Masters.—On tho motion of the Chairman, it was agreed that sons of masters be allowod tuition freo of charge. The mcetin? then terminated.

PARISH MEETINGS.

ST. MATTHEW'S,

The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Matthew's was held last evoning in the school-room, Hobson-stroet, the Key. Wm. Tebbs, M.A., in the chair, The yearly report and financial statement were pre sented in printed forms to those who wero present. The report shewed that during , the year tho income of St. Matthew's Church from offertory, paw rents, and endowment fund, reached £732 9s sd, that from tho latter source being £28 less than last year, whilst thero was an increase iv the two former sources of rovonuo as a whole ; tho ordinary expenditure, including interest on St. Thomai's debt, was £732 10a sd, thus showing ordinary income and expenditure as nearly as possible the same atnonut?. The income of St. Thomas* amounted to £77 3s, while the expenditure, including curate's stipend, amounted to £183 9s 6d, leaving a debit balance of £106 6s 6d. Still, with this decrease, the liabilities of the parish are £178 5s lid less than at the end of 1880. The income from all sources was £1,193 7s Bd. The bazaar cleared off £200 of tho debt. Regret was expressed at the retirement of Mr Joseph Brown, who had filled the position of organist to the church for many years. Mr Brown retires through ill-health. Key. A, J. Hitchcock's services at St. Thomas's were dispensed with for financial reasons. The Sunday-schools wera in a healthy and efficient state, and the church communicants' roll had been extended during the year. Thanks were accorded to the outgoing officers, and the following gentlemen were elected for the ensuing year: -Minister's warden, Mr Uoonin ; parishionors' warden, Mr Howdcn; vestrymen: D'\ Hooper, Dr. Daw.on, Dr. Evans, Colonel Hanltain, Messrs J. Fisher, J. C Martin, Shatter, Shortt, J. Soppct, and T. H. Webb; auditors for parish and stone church building funds, Messrs J. M. Brighara and Neil Heath. Votes of thanks wero proposed to organist, honorary crganist St. Thomas's, choirs (especially to Mr J. Henderson on his retire ment), and Sunday • school teachers of both schools, the ladies who had helped at bazaar and had contributed to it, as well as those who had assisted at the entertain ments, and the chairman. All were carried by acclamation.

TA WHIAO'S VISIT TO AUCKLAND.

MR FltiTf-I'S RECEPTION PARTY,

The Reception l Jarty which Mr J. C. Firth' had arranged to take place on Friday last at his residence, Clifton, Mount Eden, in honour of Tawhiao's vidt to Auckland, and which unfavourable weather obliged him to postpone, was held yesterday afternoon under the happiest and most genial aus pices. The weather was simply superb. The sun shone in an almost cloudless sky, but his tervent heat was pleasantly tem pered by a refreshine southerly breeze. Omnibuses tor the conveyance of ,the guests, wens drawn up at the foot of Short land-strcet, at three o'clock, and they left one after another in quick succession from 3.15 till 3 30, while the bulk of the Maoris and tb"ose who had gone witß them to the Western Springs drove thence direct to Mount Eden. The drive out was not the least of the many pleasant features of the ! gathering. Mr Firth received the visitors in person. The party was of a thoroughly j representative character. Both Houses of | the Legislature were represented,as well as ! the Civil Service, the legal-a profes-' sion, the press, the clergy, the local corporations, the foreign consuls, the volunteers, the old settlers, and the Recep tion Committee. Very elaborate' arrange ments iiad been made for the entertainment of the guests, and such excellent means i were taken co make them known that they answered most satisfactorily. On dis mounting from the conveyances, the parly dispersed #ver the lawn in email group?, or climbed the various grass-covered mounds to enjoy the splendid view which they com mand if the harbour, the Hauraki Gulf, and the remoter landscape of mountain, Met, and ocean, while at the same time a constant stream of people entered tint house, and passed through the lower room?, which are profusely garnished wilh oil painting*,. oleographs, and water pictures, up the spiral staircase to the embrasured tower, whence a capital panoramic view of the fcurroundiDg country can be obtained. As fresh sight seers arrived, the retiring ones leisurely sauntered along the flowered parterres and trim terraces, praising the luscious fruit wbich drooped from the trees and shrubs that border the walk, and admiring the vinery, the way ever being rendered clear by the guide-postsj which had been thoughtfully placed at intervals about the grounds, so that each walk teemed to con verge upon the lawn. Here the Artillery Band had taken up its stand, and under Bandmaster Hunter discoursed very effectively choice selections of operatic music from time to time, (seats and tables had also been placed in convenient spots so that those who felt inclined for any light refreshment might have it without any trouble. At about 5 o'clock the " assembly " was sounded upon the bugle, and the company gradually congregated upon the lawn in the form ot a circle, Tawjiao sitting upon a form atone end, with his people all stretched upon the grcentward behind him, while the Europeans stood up at the other end.

After a short hush of expectancy,

Mr Firth, advancing to the open space in front of the Maoris, and in full view of the whole company, spoke as follows (Mr James Mackay interpreting) :—All the people assembled, Europeans and Maoris— I welcome you with a true, good heart. Aforetime many who arc hero assembled have met in battle array. We have met to-day under happier circumstances. In olden time we have met one another on the battle-field. Our warriors, English and Maori, sleep on many-a fern-clad hill and iv many a silent glade of the forest—they sleep aide by side. The deeds of our brave dead warriors of both races will live for ever. Iv all the fierce struggles of tbe past, we recognised the chiefs led by Tawhiao—the chiefs of the Waikato—as good and brave warriors, who fought with men, not with women aud children. When tte war ceased, a bad thing came. Sus picion and distrust filled our hearts. Now, the sun shines on our faces and gladdens our hearts. Yonder mountain (pointing towards Mount Eden), beneath whose bhadow we are assembled, in ancient times witnessed terrible commotions. Fiery streams of lava ran down its sides and iilled the whole surrounding country with terror, desolation and ruin. To-day the sun shines on that beantiful mountain; no lire ia in its heart, nor does any iiery lava rush down its sides to destroy us. And so, in time past, the pakeha" and Maori warriors met in battle face to face, but tc-day wc meet each other >.ith kindly and friendly feelings. In times past the Maori mother, when she wanted to quiet her rebellious child, said, "The pakoha ls coming." The white woman, when she would appease her crying infant, would say, "Be good, or the Maoris will take you." But now all that is gone, Tawhiao his come and looked upon us, and our women and children come to greet him, and their faces aro covered with smiles. For a long time every Governor and every Ministry of this country has desired to see this day, and you have brought it about. What man has tried to do,and tried to do in vain, God has brought about. Tawhiao, tbe warrior, the descendant of a long line of warriors, moved by a divine impulse, has come to us to-day, and says to us, "Wc aro friends." Tawhiao, I have assem bled to meet you and your chiefs here to-day, the representative men of the country. The ruler.of the land and of the sea, and the members of "the Great Runanga are here to welcome yon. Thou sands of our people, with glad smiles on their faces, have welcomed you, and your people,as you passed along onrstrceis, Thousands of our women and children have welcomed you with smiling faces, rejoicing that wars between tho pakeha and the Maori have ceased. What Tawhiao hasdo-C we Europeans do also. There shall be no more war in the land. This great peace-making is not only interesting to us here, but interesting also to our brethren and kinsmen throughout the world. Every civilised nation, more especially the great English nation, the Queen herself, will have their hearts filled with gladness at the news that Tawhiao and 'his brave people .have now made peace with us, that as friends we can walk along henceforth side by side. Our own ancestors 2,000 years ago were like you, Tawhiao, ana your people, a brave and gallant race. And now every ancient fortress of theirs, and every grave in which their gallant dead lie, has become eacred in the eyes of every Briton. And so in this laud, in this fair, young laud in which we live, every passing ago will render more.and more sacred tbo battle-grounds, the .fortresses, and the graves of the gallant dead, both Maori and pakeha. In this great struggle, now so happily terminated, oh Tawhiao, we have lost much, it is true, butwc have gained more. What have wo gained! We have gained each other's friendship. We have learnt to look upon each other as brave and gallant men. We are ready, as the elder brother, to give the right hand of fellowship to you, our younger brother; to lead you on your course, so that iv the coming time the two races may become as one. Tawhiao, youl havo said nothing as to the conditions of this peace; you have simply said, lam willing to be friends with you. We have said nothing. We say not a word about roads, or railroads, or anything else. We say, simply, " Sufficient for the day is the good thereof." There is a Maori saying, " Give mo your hand, so tbat wc may shake hands in friendship." The work of the future lies in the future. "We havo eaten bread touothcr. Wc havo looked into one another's cnnntcnauccs, and wc find there respect and honour for each other. We shall bo ready in the coming days to do all that wc can to lift up onr i Maori friends to our own level. And in doing this great work of making us one people.let us not forget what has be«n done by the Almighty's hand, Let tis' remem ber evermore that they who build up a nation labour but in vain if God is not with them and helping them. Let us ask, then, Him to soften our hearts, to smooth away our difficulties, and to make this peace a lasting peace. Mr Firth then advanced to Tawhiio, amidst cheers, and said: Tawhiao,—On behalf of the people of this country, on behalf of all my English country men, I give you the right hand of fellow ship. Tawhiao rose and cordially accepted tho outstretched hand. Ho then said: My word is tbi . We came from Orakei on board the steamer, aud when we arrived at the wharf in Auckland, wc heard a word said. Having heard that word, wc at once listened and attended to it. "Not long after we received an invitation from the Euro peans to meet them in a house, and we have met them and heard what obey had to say. The people who assembled there were the chiefs of the Europeans. I was very much pleased with the expressions of opinion of those Europeans who were assembled on that occasion, and at the very kind manner in which they received us. There is ono thing I had doubts about. You look at me. I have a dark skin, and probably you may think that my thoughts are dark also. You have white skins, and probably all your ideas

aro white also. That is the only doubt I have, that you may despise me on account of my appearance. (Cries of kahore: No ■ no.) I therefore say to you, be strong to carry out your intention. It is for yoiythc chiefs, to do strung in this matter (meaning it is for the Europeans to perserv6)-~to bo strong to uphold what is good, so that it may go forth to this place and that place H to this sea and that sea. What youhh.ac. aY e said is very right, very correct, very true. My heart is vnry clear as to what you have Siiid. The only doubt I have is about my. : self; about my difference ot colour. Bat still I am very pleased with the cxpressioDß tl\at have been made use of towards us, Be strong to do that which will bring good to the whole of us on both sides. I hare done ray part-1 have come to Auckland. Ido not wish to tread on your foot, but I; i; ■will simply say, "Place your foot here "— indicating a spot opposite his own tight hot, [Tawbiao then advanced his right. *■ foot to Mr Firth's foot.] You put your foot v •* to my foot. [Mr Firth stepped forward ■ .' nnd put his right foot to that of Tawhiao,] •I will not tread on your foot, and you will I not tread on mine. That is good, lam i I satisfied in my own mind about it Let ' ■ this be established, so that we can sleep in peace, and eat our meals without auy dis. turbance. Then it will be right. Vfhat you have said is correct. •:•' At the call of Mr Firth, threechcers were I then given for Tawhiao.

Wahanui then arose quite voluntarily, and (interpreted by Mr C. O. Davis) said:~ i Greetings to you, 0 Europeans i Greetings to you this day—to the women, and the men, and the children, to all of you I No messenger was sent to fetch us hither. It ( i| was the overflowing of love from our own hearts that brought us hither at this time, That is the basis on which we come hither, viz., love. These fighting? that you have been speaking of I have had nothing to do with. The evils complained of came with Tn Haurangi (some ancestress of the race), The basis on which the whole of the fight ing was brought about was land. This is in reference to what has been uttered to day. I took no land belonging to the KuropeauE—no, none at all. And if these quarrels we speak of were about the land, why should we take it into consideration on a day like this? (Cheers,) What I say is that I put the whole of this upon God Himself, who haa brought about co peace iilile a solution. And next to that comes Tawbiao. He is looked or* each side in re lation to his people, whom ho was anxious to preserve from destruction. Do not think that this peace-making originated here on this day. It was thought of long ago. I shall ask you this—" Where are we to place that which i? good, or how shall it be recorded ?' According to my idea this peace and good-will should be in the breast of human beings themselves. The seed should be town in our own hearts, that we may acknowledge there is really a Uod in heaven. If wo do not follow out our good intentions, and our professions o' goodness, the a I shall come to the conclusion that there is no God in heaven. iiut we all know —both men, women, and children—that there really is a God in heaven. (Ap plause.) I did not call upon you to bring about these peaceful relation*. Bat Tawhiao, of his own will, desired that there should be more amicable relations between yourselves and the Maoris. Now, 1 have nothing to say in disfavour of you Europeans, I simply sive you these words in explanation. My desires towards you are excellent, and I wish to greet you all. Do not let this love of gjod be confined to what.has now taken place, but let it be extended through all time in'our transac tions hereafter. Therefore, I say to you this day, greetings, areetings, greetings, to the whole of you. (Cheers.)

Tbe Yen. Archdeacon Mauneell then dc« -Ij livered a stirring address in Maori to the evident delight of hia listeners. He com- I menced with a song—"l am beautiful, I I am beautiful: I have been painted with kokowai ; I will boast;" and he then said, Welcome, welcome. You say that Tawhiao ,a builds up tne good. It r,-as you that brought the good. Do you help to build it. (Song) " Set your bones to meet, set your blood to meet; set it that it may be firmly joined." Do not think that we missionaries look coldly on this meeting, or that we abstained through any unfriendly feeling from attend- . .":"; ing at the Choral Hall. We received no invitation, therefore we did not go. Do you think we should have pushed in like a dog_, or as the proverb goes, " Will you seize it -$M without any pretext, and leave me an empty stump of grass." You have seen, Tawhiao, m what this place has become. It was a | wilderness when you were a boy. Now be« t hold what it has become ; see the houses," the wealth, the numbers that live, and the ,-M general peace. We were'not-always as we arc. Our forefathers were the same as your forefathers; their houses were hollow trees; ' .:;|a their clothing skins of beasts; their food the fruits and sometimes the roots of trees. Look around. What has been the cause of our progress? As soon as we received the Gospel we rose. It is the Gospel that gives peace amongst men, and with peace pros perity. You are like young birds that have left the nest, but yon will be back in good ' time. We ehali all be one in faith, one in love, and one in an cqml prosperity,

Dr Campbell (who was interpreted by Mr J. C. Young) readout the following address: - I hare very few words to say, but I should not like to leave those words unsaid at this eventful meeting, fraught as it is with so hopeful an augury of the future happy and peaceful relations between the two races. It is an appropriate occasion upon which so old a colonist: as myself should pay a tri bute to the character of the native people Amongst whom I was thrown on my fust arrival in this country—this fair and beau tiful land I have adopted and in ' which I have made my home. Salu tations to you, Tawhiao, and your brother chiefs, and I hope that on many future occasions we shall again meet in triendly intercourse, and always with feelings of a warmer friendship binding us together. My acquaintance with some of you now present dates back two and forty years, when I was . living on the little island of Motu Korea in this harbour, before tb o foundation of Anck- 1 land. Although then but a lad of two and twenty I had sense enough to appreciate and admire the character of many noble old Maori chiefs, whose spirits have long ago passed away, and winged their flight from a Muriwhenua to the fcappy land of the Maori paradise. I wish now to record my high, admiration of the character of 1 these men, and whose high qualities have been inherited by their descendants, : : for I speak of them as I found them —a noble and chivalrous people. The words may, perhaps, sound too high-flown " in the ears of the modern pakehas of Kw Zealand, for it is given .o fow" of them to f ■ know the tangata* Maori of the long ago time to which I am going to refer, but let them listen to me and learn, and then let I him who can deny the oology I have passed, I would fain save from oblivion some noblo traits of Maori character, setting an ex ample worthy to be followed by the moat civilised nations. I refer to the first colli sion which took place between the Maori j and the pakeha—the • Hone Heko war. That war was wagcd,not against the settlers, but against the Queen's Government to redress imaginary wrongs, and waged against the Government only. For did wo not wit ness the strange spectae'e during that war of settlers in the centre of that warfare jiviDg unmolested, and dwelling in safety in their homes, their persons and their pro perty respected by the belligerent Maoris ? To make such a distinction as that— say, wan not that noble 'conduct and true chivalry ? Tbat the pakeha settler could travel to and from the very Beat of 'var, and fear no danger, was that not* proof ho was accorded the highest chivalry ? I do not' speak from hearsay, I tell you of jiy own actual experience. I had occasion 8 to travel from the Bay of Islands across country to Hokianga, when our troops were in the field against Hcke. Landed oh the beach at JPahia, 1 had to put my pikan on my back and trudge along on foot. Fortu nately I had travelled tho road before and I knew the path, so no guide was wanted, for none was to be had. 1 passed through the camp thera at the Waimate ; my destina tion was safely reached at Hokianga. • Was I armed on that journey! Yes, I w«« ' armed, but what was my armour ? Was it tomahawk in band? no. Was it car- ■ touchc-feox round waist, or rifle slung on I shoulder? No. "Was it gold in my belt to buy a safo conduct ? No, none of these had I. What then was my armour ? My abiding faith in the chivalry of the Maori, for had lie , ? notsaid, ' This is a war against tho soldiers, and not against the settlers ?" I pass over tiie dark days of the later wars when, alas 1 the imperial Government dragged the settlers iuto its quarrels, and we stood face to face in hostile array. Let us forget it all, forget it entirely and for ever ; let it be buried in the past; we have now dug tho grave of its memory, and we stand side by side in friendly brotherhood. Let us only ' ..■'. remember the chivalrous Maori days of yore, remember tho days when tbe Maori > chiefs held supremo power in their hands, and so wielded it that we dwelt in safety ia their midst. Let us never lorgct we owe them the same chivalry they extended to us, and that it is our duty, as lam well assured it will ever boa pleasure, to cor- ~ dially extend the band of hearty friendship to tbe chiefs of this land, so.that both races in peace ami unity may dwell Mr Firth

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, TUESDAY. JANUARY 84