SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKR}KrTow nMorn?ng. 2.23 SUNHKT.-TliiS Kvonintf, 0 10 BONKIBK.-To-morrow Mowing, ».d MOON'S ASB.-NO* Moon, 20Mi, H.ol P.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO DAY. nimrnrjomtt ra, Chatfl'iUl. from t)he Soutli Ar" j^sT'orawford. tram Whangarol

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Antaro9, loading MyolSo e u rnoot^rkouUlornpor1ornport S -Rl D garooma.

Taranaki'imd Hnuth-Pcrißiiln. Tuesday RuSell.Wnanß'u-oaandMongonui-Wellington ton^WJSS"S'weßln ( Cto». Monday or WhSo'i" and Whanwirci Heads - Argyle Tuesday and Friday Manjtawai- Fingal, '1 hnrsday Mercury Day—Kingal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Pareora, Bhlp, (Q S.G.W.), from London: Balled HaloX™Mptf.N.M.9.),fr;jm London: Balled Aloeatia? barque, (U.0.M.N.) from Liverpool, via Wellington; Bailed. Novombor 7 ArabeUft.barquo(P.K.Q.V.),from London; Balled 1)60 U A. T. atallkneoht, barquo, from Now York Balled JJecombor 8 Adamant, barquo(jJ.J.F.9.), from London; load-

In pc Orient, barque, from Ltvorponl, loading iiilra, barque, from London, loaduK Camb-ia, barque, Irom London, loading KndHelu. barqao, from New York Mondoza, borqae, from LlverpooTf Joiding Remington, barquo, from London; sallod Jan 14 Bohamyl, barque, from mow York; sailed Deo U Loveaprlng, barque, from Nowoaßtlo Thames, barquo, from Sydney Annie Burr, barquontino, from New York Vision, brig, from Lyttelton Albart tho Good. bri*. from Molbourne AnnabgU, brig, from Byaney Iloreane. brlgantlne, from tne islands Albert the "ood, brig, from Molbourno Caledonia, sohoonor. from Noumea Aurora, brlßantlne, from Newcastle Coronet, aohoonor, from the Islanda Bdith, eohooner, from Suva Kate Macgregor, aohoonor, from Dunodln Pirate, schooner, from Uuahine Belle Brandon, sohooner, from tho Ifilanda Pearl, ketch, bomKarotonga

The BOhooner Transit, for Rarotonga, Is lying windbound on tho eastorn Bide of tho Railway Pier.

Thero were neither any vosaola entered in wards nor outwards at thu Customs to-day^

A large nnmbor of small oraf i are wlndbound in harbour.

Tho sohooner Anno Wflson. with general oarao from Bydnoy for E. Mltchelson and Co., la discharging alongside tho Dargavllle wharf, Northorn Wairoa. The a.s. Rlnjaroomn, from JJelbourao via Southern yoru-, arrived ehortly bofore four o'olocKthls aft»ruoon. Hor paasengsr list and report appeur on tne third pa;jo.

Tie B.S. iirgyle arrived Crom Whangarel at 7 O'oloolc this mmnlng. with 6 sacks malza, 30 BttClJB gum, 10? sacka coi), 7 oaaea bottleß, 31 oiu«jß fruit, 18 pankaKoa sondriea, and the following paßßeiißera:-Moßfira Boh wlger, Kelly, Kowi Tiicttwo, ylonoM, Hallins, .W. Vickery, Power. Vllley. U. Harris. H. Camoro»; Mrs Kewi Tikawa, Mlaeos MoKay and Kerguson.and soveral othora,

A BREEZE FROM THE EASTWARD.

The long spall ot easterly and north-eaateiiy weather which has prevallod during the laat fortnight, and whiok our woatherwlse prophets said would laat/or anothor week, assumod the proportions of a roKUlar Rale last evening. The wind blew with groat violence from the N.K., the sen, bocamo very choppy, and Bhowers of rain roll at intervals. The vessels atthowharf and anohored in the stream worn made doubly SBOUro by anchors and warps, and hh yet com paratively little damage has been done t Outsidn the harbour too and along the ooaßt, the weather hue proved very boisterous. Oapt. Bomervllle. of tho Robo Casay, reports being unable to get within coooy ot Wolwera last evening, and noitherlpasnengoM nor cargo were landed. The Bea was running mountains high, and the steamer wait dipping gunwale under Boveral times. The steamer Argyle left Whangarei with oargo and passengers at 4.30 p.m. yesterday, but owing to tho terriblo weather experienced, did not arrivo hero until utter 7 o'clock this morning. Tno stcsmor rollod bo at times that she wan never dry during the trip, both fore sail and malns'iil were blown to ribbands, aud a temporary sail had to be rigged out to Steady tbo vessel. Altogothor, the weather encountored wa3 about tho worst ever yot experienced on the Whangarel trip, and tho pofaengers wore not l)y any moans joyful over tho voyage. The schooner steward, and Whangarsl,cutter, have been lying windbound at Whangarel Heads for several days p»Bt. The Government BOhoonor Hawk Is also windbound there. About 11 o'ulooi this morning tha eteam»r Sootohman was ob«orved strufgling bard against tho headwind and tide with tho Object of making her nsaat borth at the Railway Pier. Hho got as far as tho end of Uuaon-streot Wharf, bat all tho efluria ot tho engineer failed to get hor an inch further than abreast of tho Custom's shed. Here she stack manfully for quite 15 minutes, at the expiration of which tlm-i she was seen to suddenly begin drifting astern. Mr John Lamb, who was on the wharf, waved the master ot the vmsal to take her ronnd to leeward of the wharf. A heavy sea was rolling la past tho end of the pier and. In slewing the Scotchman, sho was brought side on to the rollors. A quito exciting scone followed. The steamer rolled almoßt gunwale under, and It was feared by many that the would capsize. The boat which wtn suspended on tha davits swung about, and bont Its Iron supports ont of all shaDe. The fannsl-gnys snapped, and the fannul, artar waving from side to Bide several times as tho steamer rolled, went over and rolled on deck. All the crockery and Other breakoable articles below were smeshed to ntonii, and. to say the least of it, the situation was no joke, as looked at by those on board. The Hooiohman eventually got end on to the SO*, and reached the shelter of the wharf, where she now lies out of danger, Tha sohooners Cutty Sark, Gisborne, an 4 Faxon, which are lying on the oast»rn side of Queen-street Wharf, sn»tained a eovere bann ing during tho day, the ohewed-up fenders eh-wlnpr the force of the wind and waves on the vessels.

The barque India hauled off from the wes torn side of tho wharf this afternoon. The barque Gazelle, berthed at the end of tbe Railway Pier, felt the full fores of the storm, and a good deal of attention hnd to he bestowed upon her movements, to prevent demage. A line wag run out to the buoy, in tho afternoon, in order to haul-off it necessary.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Lytthlton, yesterday. Balled i Aurora, for Kolpara.

Fort CniLMEiia, yesterday.

Sailed : Wanaka, for the North. Passengers (or Mannkan—Mr and Mrs Kirkpatrick, Mr ? X. Paine

Bluff, this day. Saflofl :Te Anan, for Northern ports. Pas sengers for Auckland — Miss Purohss, Mr Mnthicnon. Misaea Mathieson (2) and servant, Messrs Uobbors and Blair, Mr and Mrs Bens. Ciipt. and Airs Shepherd ond Infant.

Smokera, whoee indulgence in »he weed la continuous, shonld use junt such a oordlal as UOOLPHO WOLFK'B fcOHIIDAM ABOMATIO Schnapps, lor these palpable reasons^ Tobacco drama the salivary glands and dorangoa the nervous organism. It is a powerful drag. Uiat tells on the strongest constitution. It invites dyspepala, hoartburn, indigestion, napßea. often brlnglDg on tremors, and its lumen impair_ tne vision. While thla elixir may obviate these Sflsults, it will certainly braes the system against ta pernicious effeota

Mai l Notice.

WUILB WIM. CtOSB AB UNDHB.—

THIS DATT. For Wnftngarol Heads, Walpn, WhargareL and MoDgapal, per Argyle, at i p.m.

Wkdnebdat, 15th instant. For Thames, per Kotonabana, at 8 a.m> For Talrua. per Baxon. at D a.m. Kor Coramandol. par Caromandel. at 10.30 »,m. For Waitara, Sec. per Macgregor, at 11 a.m. For Talrua, per Magic, at 11 a.m. For Tonga and Samoa, per India, at 3 p.m. Kor Busiell.Kafwakawa, etc., per Ringarooma,

at i p.m For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m,

Thursday, 16th Instant. For Walwera, Te Kapa, Craigiebarn, and

Warkworth, per Roao Casey, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga, fttiinemuta. and Opotlkl, per Wellington, at 1 p.m.

Frhmy, 17th instant.

Per 8.8, Rlngarsoma, as follow :— For India, China, Japan.Medlteranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 8 am. For, Glßborne, Napier, Southern ports, Chat ham Islands (via Lyttelton). Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Brlndlsi, fer letters, &c specially bo prepaid and addressed, at 9 a.m. For late letters till 9.20 a.m. For money orders, and registered letterß, the previous evening at I o'clock.

N.B.—Payments on account of Property Tax will be received at thla ofljco between B a.ni. and 6 p.m. A Post-offlse baa been awnod at Whttfonl, near Howlok. Malla wiU t» despatched from this offloo every Tuesday and Friday, at 2.30 p,m. neturn malls will arrlvo every Wednes day and Saturday, at 10 a,m. a B, Bisa, Cbiet Postmaster. Chief I'ost-oftlce. Andkland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Maboh U, 1882.

Theatre Koral-DeLlas'd Specialty Company " Othello," 8 p.m.

Ponsonto Hall-Annual Baptist Toa-meatlng In connection with the Sundaysohool, 6 80 p.m. Drill ahed-Snaolal meeUag of No. 3 Company, 8 p.m. Newmarket Primitive Methodist Bolr6e, 6.80 pan. ChoraJ Hall-Second Pertorma«oe by the Choral Soctaty: Hajdu'rf "Imoerifll MaBB. and Mondelasohn'* " Athalia," 8 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Hmploymbht ov Fkmiibs.—Ths "Emxilor< ment of Females Aot" bas not been repsalwi. Itnasre-efiaotedasoneoi the rovtsed stat ateslastseaalon.

Marriage.

PAUL—HANDLBY.—On tho 7th March, at the resldenoe of the bride's pareatt, Upper Queon- Btrost, Auckland. Benj*mtn Clifton, youngeit son of Mr. Jtmte Paul, Fork Hood, to Caroline Matilda, eldest daughter of Mr. Qporga Handler, stonemason — Homo papers please copy.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1882.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that Reeds reeistanco For th* future In tha distance, And the good that wa can da.

TEH publication of the first actuarial report on mortality in the Australasian coltnicm is an event which must prove of oonaldcrable interest. The reanlts brought out will be uielul not only for present, but alto fer future reference; and it Is Important that these results should be carefully ascertained upon reliable data. It i>, therefore, grati fying to nots that in the fall and exhaustive report just issued by Mr. Morricn A. Black, actuary to the Australian Mutual Provident Society, these conditions havo been com plied with. And while Mr. Black's work lias been well and thoroughly done, the results brought ont in his mortality tables are alio very pleasing — not 10 much in tho view of thowinfj the sound ness of tho society's business, though that is undoubted—as for the testimony they cive to the great conducibility of colonial life to health and longevity. The period embraced in the report is thirty years, extending from the institution oi the socioty in 1849 to the year 1878 ; and though this period is too short to form tho basis of general conclusions, many interest ing remits are elicited, which, with cer tain limitation*, are thoroughly trust worthy, First of these results i.*, that the mortality experienced by the Australian Mutual Provident Society has been much more favourable than that experienced by any Uugiiah office, and (lightly better than the New York Mutual Life Society's ex perience. The figures in some of the lead ing B-clet!ca are :—Law Life, 2-13 per cout. ; iSagle, 2329 per cent. ; Equitable, 1877 per cent.; Mutual Life (New York), ■953 per cent, i Australian Mutual Provi dent, "802 per cent. To put It differently, the actual numbtr of deaths in this society hat only been 677 per cent.of the number which might have been expected according to the table of the Institute of Actuaries, upon which all the calculations are bated. Another result of public interest obtained by this report U a comparison of tho mortality among European and colonial born members. Among natives of Europe insured in this company the deaths have beon 678 per cent of the expected number, while the corresponding percentage among the colonial lives has b«en 63*2. This is one of the comparisons which cannot be mado tho basis of general conclusions, as the conditions under which the lives have been observed arenoteaaal; but supposing all things to be equal there is ground for the presumption that colonial-born mem bers show fully greater vitality than those who are European-born; . and this concludoD, If fcund to be sound, has a mest important bearing upon the future of those colonies. Another fact, which shows to the advantage of tho Aus tralasian Colonies.as contrasted with Home, is also clearly elicited. In British offices the ordinary whole life policies constitute about 93 per cent, of the total, while in this society they are only 61 per cent. The endowment assurances, or assurances pay able at a given age, or earlier in the event of death, form only 1,48 per cent of the whole assurances In the Standard Company, while la the Australian Mutual Provident Society the percentage of such policies is 33.43. Mr Black on these figures justly re marks :—" The inference to bedrawn.lhere- Joro, is that in these colonies the people can afford to pay a higher premium, and evince a greater desire to combine tho in vestment with the purely provident feature than do policy-holders in the old country," The large proportion of violent deaths in* these colonies is another feature elicited by* Mr Black's report which deserves notice on pubjio grounds. If it gives additional testimony to the great salubrity of the climate, by reducing the percentage of deaths from disease, it also warns of the danger which has to be guarded against by colonists. The percentage of deaths from violence on the total deaths insured in the Mutual Provident of Australia is 14-7, while It is only 8 0 in the Mutnal Life of New York, 2 9 in the Scottish Widows' Fund, and 1.9 in the Equitable. Many other facts of interest to insurance com panies are embodied in the report, including results shewing {the value of the medical examinations of the society, th« mortality ■at different ages and from different diseases, &c. Upon these, however, we need not enter. We have indicated the re sults which seem to us to be of greatest public importance, and these are alt highly satisfactory. The one broad fact brought out js, as Mr Black says, " that the mortality experience «f thisspcie.ty hss been more favourable than that of any other life assurance society in any parjfc of the world ;" and whether this result ia duo to climate alone, or to a combination of favourable circumstances in colonial life, all will agree that the fact gives ground for congratulation over the past, and con fident hope as to the future of Australasia.

Political Parsons.

AKTIPODKAK affairs, to the distant specto" tor, must oiten wear a rather "-topsy-turvy" aspect; and even those long accustomed to the altered conditions prevailing here are at times apt to be struck by curious anomalies. We remarked the other day on the religious character of the sister colony of Victoria, as testified by the recent eenius, which showed that 981 per cent, of the entire European population professed to belong to one or other of the branches of the Christian (Jlnireli. This being so, one would naturally expect that in such a community no dis

ability would be imposed upon any man because of his religious profession, and especially that ministers ot religion would bo held in high repute. If Biich be the case the Victorians have a strange way of showing it. In the new Constitu tion Aat, passed last year with the view of making the Legislative Council elective, it is declared that: —" (1) No judge of any Court in Victoria, (2) nor cmy minister of religion, whatever may be his rank or title or designation, (3) nor any person who has been attainted of any treason, or convicted of any felony or infamous offence, within any part of Her Majesty's Dominions, or who is an uncertificated bankrupt or insol vent, snail be capable of being clocted, or continuing to be a member of the Council." It is easy to understand why judges of the colony should be debarred from exerciiing legislative functions; it does not take a surgical operation to demonstrate the wisdom of keeping out of the Council all bankrupts in purse and reputation (at least until they are "whitewashed"); and though the proviso against convicted felons seems to smock of the proneness of frail humanity to forget the rock from which they were 1 heWD, it may, on the whole, be approved as highly judicious and commendable. Bat whence the dead 3&t against the clergy ? Why should the holding of holy orders be considered a ground of disability in a com munity so religious as Victoria ? What have the reverend fathers done to deserve classification with traitors, thiores, and petty swindlers ? In England, which ia notoriously irreligious in comparison with Victoria, the Constitution keeps freethinkers outside of the Legislature, and opens wide the door to the priests of all denomination?, while in the Upper House tho Bishops nit by virtuo of their ollice. In religious Victoria, on the other hand, the blank atheist may occupy the places of public trust and honour, and legislate for the Christian community, while the minister of religion is rigidly excluded from all direct participation in the highest State duties, it may be difficult to give a satisfactory reason for this " tbusness." Probably the Victorians, if asked for their reasons, would decline on the ground stated by tho British Judge—"Give your dcci«iou, but never give your reasons; though the former may be right, it Is ten to ono the latter,will be wrong." In the plethora of parson politicians with which New Zealand is blessed, many will think that the Viotoriau law might be adoptad here to advantage,. There aro those who hold that a minister's proper sphere is not on tho hustings; that it does not exalt his calling to drag it through the filth of an electioneering campaign ; and that the spoctacle of au orthodox clergyman and an iconoclastic infidel bespattering each other in an election fight, as was recently seen in Dunedin, is not calculated to advanco the cause of true rtligion and undeliled. It may bo tlwt tho Victorians, after all, have only adopted an Antipodean and original method of shewing the high veneration in which they hold their spiritual teachers, in thus effectually protecting them from the taint of political defilement, and their ollice from degradation and ridicule.

Tho polling for tho election ot Licensing Committeo for the Mount Albert district takes place to-morrow. In another column the electors are invited to pell for an old resident's committee.

Last evening the St. Sepulchre's Mutual Improvement Association held its first meeting in this session. Tho Re.v. B, T, Dudley occupied the chair. There was a fair attendance of members, and a very pleasant evening was spent, Mr Binlsy gave an essay on "Tha Influence of Great Battles on Civilization." The meetings are held every Monday at 8 p.m.

Dr. Moore has now completely recovered from the eflocts of his late accident aboard tha Kotorua, Having commenced legal proceedings against tho Union Company for damugss—tho accident being due entirely to nigligone* in leaving the lazarette open and unprotected—the man ager of the Company submitted proposals for compromise, which resulted in tha pay ccep.t of a snm of money In settlement of all claims.

In connection with tho United Methodist Ereo Church Band of Hope Society tho nu nail tea and refreshment took placo in the Pitt-sticat school-room. About 100 sat down to an excellent ten, provided by the Ladies' Committeo, to which ample justice was done. A capital entertainment was provided. Mr S. Parkor occupied the cliuir, A programme ofau interesting character, consisting of vooul and instrumental music, readings.and dialogues, was giyen to n itow d'd schojij room. Tho following deserve spe cial noticu for their praiseworthy efforts :— Miss Derbyshire, wh» sung "Forever," Mr Tudchope, "Four Jolly Smiths," Mr Porter, leading, "A U!us» of Water,'" a dialogue by four boys," Tho Licensing Act." Miss K. Pratt officiated .at the piano.

Mr J. Kobson, the elocutionist, ha?, we learn, been uuablo to mako arrangements for his appearaucs in tl'U city previous to his departure for Australia. The Theatre and Choral Hall are engaged for the even ing? at Mr Kobson's dispoial; but although the residents of the central portion of the city will bo precluded from hearing a gentle man who comes here with the very highest credentials, thoso who live in the suburbs will be more fortunate, as Mr Kobrou's agent hot made arrangements for his appear ance at the Worth Shore, Itemucra, I'urnell. and l'onsouby, commencing at tho first mentloned piece on Friday evening. Al though Mr Robson is unfortunately pre cludtd from appearing la the city, bis per formance? at the places above indicate) ehonld be attended by (ho largo measure of success that his ability and versatility deserve. In our advertising columns will be found tbe dates on which Mr Kobson appears at the places above-mentioned.

To tbe Editor : Sir,—ln your issue of yesterday a paragraph appeared having reference to Richmond Koad, iv which it is stated that no proportion on tho subject had ever been made to the Newton Board ; and that the Pomonby was open to receive a proposal from the B ewton Trustees. In reply, 1 bee to state that the Newton Board has offered by letter.on a great many occaiiom, to meet the Pomonby Board in a fair and eqitable spirit, always willing to pay half thexost tf any work that might be done iv the road. I have myself waited on the various sets of trustees that have re presented the Ponsonby Board and their chairman for years past, as tho representa tive of tho Nekton Board, urging the neces sity of making this road. In conclusion, the Hewton Board will bo happy to join with the Ponsonby Board id doing the whole or portion of the Boad before winter ■ sets in.—l am, &c, Robbrt Warnock, Chairman, Newton District Board.

The eighth issue of the " Molbourne Age Annual" was received in duo course, but its acknowledgment has been delayed through pressure of other matters. Wo are glad to notice that this publication con tinues to maintain its well-known character as a complete and reliable political and statistical register of the colony of Victoria. Printed on good paper, in small but clear type, it consists of 150 pages of valuable in formation regarding Victoria and other colonies of Australasia, presented in a form at once concise, attractive, and easily under- Bteod. Besides tho nsual calendar infor mation, and comparative population and agricultural statistics, there is a complete record of tho proceedings of the Victorian Legislature, with summaries of Ihc Acts which bscama la*v during the year; comparative statistics of shipping, emigration and immigration, imports and exports, revenue and expenditure, taxation and public debts of the Australasian colo nies ; full information regarding Victorian railways and telegraphs, and their fares and tariffs, and much more valuable matter. As a year-book for the Colony of Victoria, the "Age Annual" is indispensable, and the fact that its compilers have taken care to have reliable data upon which to proceed makes it a valuable book of reference for in formation regarding that colony's trado and resource?,

Mrs Lucy Hooper writes to "Harper's Bazar' 1 that there arc throe classes of women in Paris who dre*s a great deal - the mondaines, the demi-mondainei, and the actresses. The working people and the wives of tradesmen have a certain garb to which they adhere always, The old Catholic nobility wear the plainest clothing —in fact it is almost mean, It was first adepted as a retake to tlic wild extrava gances nf the Second Empire, and continued from economical and political reasons.

A scientific writer in the " Mark I^ane Express" saya: "The flavour of hoof is due to the 'juices, and if during cooking thtse I lie allowed to escape the beef loses much cf its taste, Hence.in broiling.itshould from the outset be exposed to a bright, quick fire, which by causing the superficial fibre to at once contract and the albuminous juice near the service to coagulate, leads to the plugging up of the surface pores, and consequant retention of the juices, Simi larly, in boiling, beef should bo plunged into almost boiling water. Oa the other hand, in making beef tea, cold water is poured on chopped beef and gradually heated to draw the nutriment of the beef into the water."

Captain Ashby announces by advertise meut in auother column that he will leave for England by the outgoing mail steamer, aud is prepared to make arrangements for the purchase of all classes of goods on the most advantageous terms, His thorough acquaintance with the colonial trade piases him in the best possible position for execu ting commissions of every description,

1 he leadinc speakers at the Baptist Sun day-fschool soiree in the Ponsonby Hall this evening will be the Key. Mr ftunciman and Mr Spurgeon. Tea will be provided at 6.30 in the school-room, and the public meeting, at 7.30, will be held in the hall.

The quarterly concert of the Auckland Philharmonic Society will be held in the Choral tfal!, on Monday oveniDg next, tho 20th instant, conducted by Professor Cailliau. The programme includes sacred and secular selections, solos duets, and choruses, with full orchestral accompani ments.

A special feature in the programme of the Arch Hill Band of Hope entertainment this evening will be the performance of a dialogue, representing " Licensing Day," by the members of the Pitt-street Elocution Class. This dialogue was very well given last evening at the anniversary of the Pitt street F.M. Band of Hope, and reflected great credit on the conductor, Mr Tude hope.

To-morrow the sale of Mr Dornwell'a buildings takes place. Particulars will he found in our advertising columns.

The Onehunga licensing election resulted in a victory for the Good Templars. The election took place yesterday. Very little interest was manifested in the matter, only about 103 bnrgessos recording their votes, out of 350 on tho roll. The Good Templars returned four of their candidates, viz., Messrs Fleming, Bycroft, Kobb, and Blakey, The votes polled by each candi didate wero t>a follow.—T. G. Blakey, 47 ; J. Bycroft, 35; /. D. Jackson, 38; C. C. Fleming, 32; J. Kobb, 34; D. Neilson, 30 ; G. W. Waller, 26; J. Mclntyre, 25; W, Tapp, 24 ; K. Burden, 20 ; W. Stevenson, 18 ; P. Clark, 15; G. Vause, 14; D. Hills, 12; andJ. Gane, 3.

At the usual weekly meeting of St. James's Mutual Improvement Associa tion, l»»t night, Mr Burton delivered a well-written and instructive lecture on " Con»iderations on the Upper Homes ot the Australasian Legislatures." Tin whole question was fully entered upon, Mr Bur ton concluding that the Upper Wousoa were obstructive and harmful. The full measure of responsibility should bo borno by the Lowor Chamber and it should not be re lieved of it by akind of subterfuge. The Upper House only repreiented a class, it was sub servient to tho interests of tho wealthy class, and when most required proved iu oporativo. Class legislation, he said, stand* condemned by experience. All power should gravitate towards the paople.andultimately rest therp, for roasou supported the thsory of government of tho people by the people. The concluston arrived at by tho lecturer was that the time had arrived for the aboli tion of all Upper Legislative Chambers. The lecture w*s favourably recoived by the association the critics generally coinciding with Mr Burton's views on tho question. The business for noxt Monday evening was announced to be " Original Tales," by Messrs W. Cooper, W. Dignan, and J. M. Gcddis.

A meeting of Presbyterian clergyraaa and officebearers was held in St. James's Cbuich last evening, for the purpose of con sidering tho merging of tho SustonUtion fund and tho "hurch Extension Fund into a schomo to bo called the "Presby terian Church Extension and Supplerasutul

Scbcmo," Tho Itov. W. F. Mncnicol pro sided, and tho following clorgy were pre sent :-Kovs. A. Carriek, T. M. Fraser, J. Ma«ky, G. 1). Monro. Jame» Bruce, D. W. Knnciman, Kobert Somm»rville, and James Patterson (of Wellington). The latter explained at length tbo change cll'ected by the General Assembly of tho Church with referonca to tho now schomo.

Its principal object wns to supply ordi nances to sparsely populated districts by means of aa«ntH appointed by tho Executive Committeo at Wellington,! and also to sup plement tho stipends of clorgyninn sons to

rare them to tho minimum of £250 per

annum and a manse. It wai the intention of the executive to forward to all on gregations with the view of bringing out such information in tho way of statistics ai would be requisite ia working on the details of the scheme. After tho Kova. J. Macky and T. M. Fraser, and Messrs P. Macklo, J. Lamb, W. Gorrio and T. Macky had addrcsied tho mooting in favour of tho scheme, tho followiug resolution was unanimously adopted on tho motion of the Rev. A. Carrick—"That tlii* iinetiutr, having koard the outlines of tho Church Fxteniiou ami Supplemental

Scheme, heartily approves of the same, and

pledges itself to dive it hearty support, aim also to remind nil the congregations iv con nection with the Presbytery to form con gregational associations for tho purpose of raisin;,', by means of periodical subscrip tions, such contributions as they can afford," After the consideration of several other matters the meeting adjourned.

"Traveller wruos declaring nis convic tioa that the census papers uro no valuo as nn index to religious belief*. Ilia method of explaining the reason why, however, is somewhat puerile. Ho lays: "Unfor« tunately for the facv of tlm matter, connim returns uro mado to bo a furor, it the Vic torian arc like tho New Zealand, ilie printed forms of the latter ignoring al together tho exiitonce of frecthinking, or any belief but a religious ono, how, therefore, could you cxpoct a return of tho freethinkers or other Independent and honest bolicTers. Ii tho printed forma of the .New Zealand census thcro Is not a division under which a free thinker can specify hi.i creed. Bnt lest anyone should be so indiscreet as to write down 'no religion1 in a column inviting a profession of religion from him, the drawers up of the census forms allow him a column under which ho may more decor ously, if less manfully, got over the difti by classifying himielt an one who objects to ftate. Shame on the religious intolerance of the day which constrains a man to object to state his creed. A Urge num ber, yea, a rery large number, enrol them selves in the ceinun under religious de nominations to which they do not in any Bonse belong, or in whose croeds they aio not believers. ThqSfleturns of theso per. «ons are lost to freo • thinkers. Freo-thluking is widely indulged in, but it is sat upon by the oithodox ao effectually that the censm papers become a deception." If " Travel ler" truly depicts the average manliness ot his brethren, " freethought" must be largely allied with sneakiog cowardice. His second argument is not much bettor: "To prove the absurdity of the census re turns in regard to Secularism in Victoria 1 havo only to state the fact that the Masonic Ball in Melbourne is opeu every Sunday eveniag for froothought lectures and dis cussions ; thai the last time your corres pondent attended iherc tho hall was crowded, notwithstanding that a charge was made at the door. Again ,in the sistO' colony of New South Wales, the Theatre Royal of Sydney has boon open every Sun day evening for'fro;thought lectures. Your correspondent has seen full bouses, although a separate charge for admis sion was made to each part of the theatre." Let us consider the value of this argument as proving "tho absurdity of tho census returns." Wo eah speak from personal ob^crvalion. The admission fee in Sydney and Melbourne is a shilling to tho lower parts of the house and two shillings up stairs, and is enforced because it was found that,to rely on voluntary contributions, tho lectures would not pay expenses. The attendance is at mo«t from 400 to 500, and often very much less, ia a population of about 250,000-or about one-fifth per cent. " Traveller" wants better proof tban thi», of the " absurdity " of the census returns. Bnt tho attendance at the Sunday night lec tures, such as it is, by no means represents disbelievers of Christianity. The fact Is that honest inquirers of all classes are in variably included in the audience. "Traveller" falls into the error not at all uncommon with superficial observers of misconstruing the spirit of inquiry which characterises the educated classes of the present day—the refusal to accept any thing as true simply became our fathers believed it, the common rejection of a narrow and bitter sectarianism, and tho ' prevalence of a broad Christianity—and confounds those tendencies with " in fidelity" in its technical sense. That' 'free thought," literally interpreted, is indeed rampant we do most heartily believe, but that it has resulted in any large percentage of earnest inquirers deliberately reject ing Christianity for any alternative which atheism has yet offered, wo are perfectly patisfied is not the case. Ncr have we so utter a contempt for those few who have come, by any procos of intellec tual research, to v positive negation of belief, to accept for one moment "Travel ler's " assertion that large numbers of them are deterred by fears of consequences, which exist only in their oivn imaginations, from recording on a private census paper the true state of their religions opinions. If, how ever, there docs exist such a class, their utter lack of manliness deprives them of all claim to our consideration and respect,

The third match will be played on Saturday next, 18th inst., in the Doruairi, between the Whau Union Cricket Club and the Auckland United 2ad Eleven. Both sides are very confident, so a first rate match may bo expected.

The Assessment Court for the Highway District of Mount Wellington was to have been held yesterday, but owing to the acci dent to the valuer (Mr Dennison), it hud to be adjourned.

The Wellesley-slreet Baptist Temper ance Society will not meet to-night, as previously arranged, but a practice will be held for those engaging in the next enter tainment at half-past seven o'clock, in the Hchootroona.

The election drama, published in the " Herald" during the last elections, has been made up in neat pamphlet form, and is now procurable at the bookseller*.

In corjsequence of the absence of His Honor Mr Justice Gillie 3 to-day at Puke kohe, the ordinary sitting of the Supreme Court (in chambers), was postponed till Friday next.

Mr Bell, architect, opened tenders to-day for alterations and additions tn Mr S. Vaile's residence, Karangahape Road. They were as follows :-H. J. Wilkinson, £327 (accepted); J. Currie, £439; H. K. Alderton, £460; T. Upton, £471; J. Whit lock, £550.

The late annual examination of Beyront Seminary, Syria, was conducted in writing. It was a singular sight to see a company of Arab girls scattered about a long room, each with her que.tions, pen, ink and paper, writing out her answers without any aid. Beyrout is the centre of influencj for all Syria, and is growing in. importance. Papal Rome is rearing stately and colossal edifices for female as well as male educa tion, and has thrown down the gauntlet to Protestant raiisionaries. One Romish seminary for girls in Bejivut has coat not loss than §75,000, and another almost an ejual sum.

A movement is on foot among the settlers who wero introduced to JNew Zealand under the auspicies of tho Nonconformist Special Settlement Schome to celebrate their twentieth anniversary by some appropriate social gathering. The movement was the means of introducing somo of Auckland's best settlors, and though many havo since entered the mysterious land, and others have gone away, there is still a largo sprinkling of the original stock. It would be a pleasant thing to gatber_ them together to compare notes upon their vary inz experiences in the Land of Promise. The idea has been discussed by two or three of tho party, and was takon up with enthusiasm. They are desirous of testing the feeling among others scattered about tho city, with a view of giving the proposi tion more definite shapo, and putting tho preliminary steps in training.

To tho Editor : Sir, —It would bo well if " Red Cloud " had taken the trouble to make a few enquiries before rushing into error and priur, circulating a wrong im pression through your much read paper re " Savings Bank management and waste of money." If he had done so he would pro bably have been told that the ground on which the old bank stood was a gift from tho Government for Savings Btink,purposesl and inalienable j and that Iho wisest and most sanguine of tho bank trustees at the time of its construction twenty years ago, never droam't that it would grow to what it is at the presont time. If " Bed Cloud " will look at last years balanco sheet he will sco that thero wore over 0,000 deposi tors in the Saving Bank proper, and about 3,000 in the Penny Bank, or, in round uumbora, 10,000 (about one-third of tho whole inhabitants of tbe city and suburbs.) If 5 por cone, is allowed on deposits, and 7 por cott. only charged as per advertiso iuent In your papers, on money lent, allowiog 2 per cent, for paying working ox peiuca and accumulating a reeervo for grow ing rcsponsibilitici,the actual cost of work ing expenses compares favourably with any other Savings Bank in tho colonies. Tho very fact of the steady growth of business under tho present manager points plainly to the general satisfaction given depositor* who do business thero. It is a working man's institution,^iih tho Act under which it is worked shews, and as a rule they appear to hi perfectly satisfied ; but a man who is not so, wltti 5 per cent, as rates rulo all over tho colonies, must be hard indeed to plcaic. If it wero hoc for the largo resorve mado uso of by the bank it strikes me, "Red Cloud," and all o'lier of the depositors would have to be c«nttnt with 4 instead of 5 per cent, at the prc-t-nt time.—Yours, etc., Broad-Day light.

A London telegram of Fob. 2nd says : — "A meeting called by tho Lord Mayor, at the instaiico of distinguished citizen?, to protest agaimt the outrages committed upon Jews in Russia, was hold yesterday »t, the Mansion House. The hall was crowded bdfore tho hour at which the pro ceedings were to begin. The Lord Mayor presided. Among the eminent persons pro -Beut were the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Manning, the Karl of Shafteibury, Sir Alexander T. Gait, Canon Farrar, and Morley. Several members of the Rothschild family aud nil the leading Israelites of the city attended the meeting. Alfred Tennyson was not present, but a lcttor from him was read, In which he said : 'I am dismayed at the mariners of the hatred evinced against tho Jows, If the unspeakable barbarities being committed are not universally denounced, it is only because thoy aro so alien to the spirit of the age as to be almost incredible. The Government, however, may have no reason for official intervention, which would do more harm th&H good,' Letters from most of those who had signed tho request for the meoting, but were unable to be present, were road ; al«o from Carl Blind and Spurgeon, the latter protesting as a Non conformist and a Liberal against the outrages upon Jew?. Resolutions wero adopted declaring that, ' While we disclaim the right to interfere in tho internal affairs of Russia, and desire the preservation of amicable rotations with that country, it is our duty to express the opinion that tbe laws of Russia concerning tho Jews tend to degrade her in the eyes of Chris tians.' Tho Earl of Slmftesbury, Cardinal Manning and Can- n Farrar spoke in sup port of the resolutions. The Lord Mayor was requested to forward a copy of the resolutions to Gladstone in the hope that the Govrrnment, when the opportunity rises, shall exercise a friendly influence ill behalf of the persecuted Jews. A relief fund was opened, and subscriptions re ceived from many of thoso present. The Lord Mayor rend a telegram announcing that the American Evangelical Alliance had pasted a resolution protesting against ths porsecution of Jews. The subscriptions to tho Kolief Fund amounted to £1,500."

ELECTION OF LICENSING COMMISSIONERS.

DISTJtICT OF TAKAPUNA,

The election of a Licensing Committee for the Takapuna licensing district took place yesterday. Very little interest was taken in the event. The roil shows a constituency numbering 537 voters, of whom 519 per sons are within easy distance of one or other of the polling places at Devonport, tho Lake, or Northcote. At Devonport, Mr Thos. Seaman, Returning Officer for the district, waited at the public hall. For tbe first seven hours, but 14 votes were recorded, the total only being 53. At Northcote, so little importance was attached to the matter that only two electors voted. At the Lake a little more interest was manifested, 21 electors having recorded their votes. Tho total thus polled was 76, of which ono proved informal. We give tho polling for each candidate at the different districts :—

Only five commissioners being required by the Act, Mr Seaman declared tho five first-named gentlemen duly elected to repre sent the Takapuna licensing district under the Act of 1831.

Young ladies and gentlemen about to start housekeeping will be relieved of a woat deal of trouble by calling on the undersigned. You can ascertain In a few minutes the cost of furnishing a three, four, five, or nix roomed house. Not only can you torm a correct eßttmate, but you can soe all tho goods ready for delivery at tho various prices. Garlic* and Cranwoll keep i larger stook ot oarnets and bedsteads than any other house In Auckland; also the greatest variety of household furniture, moat of it manufactured by their own workmen. Five per oont, discount allowed for oanh at time of purchase. New-comers aro Invited to stroll through the City Hall Arcade, and satiefy theoißelves by an inspection of tho stock of the good value we offer, and tho readiness we are enabled to execute orders entrusted to our care. —Gnrllok and Cranwoll, City Hall Aroade.— ADYTa,)

SPORTING.

TIMARU RACK 3,

TIMAKU, Monday. Tub following are the nominations for the S.C. J.C. Autumn Races: -

TiMARti Cup.-Sir Modrad. Legerdemain, Holderneaß. Tasman. Natator, Knvy fllly. Mis chief, The Dauphin, Kmir, Bey, Betrayer, Lady Kmms, Chancellor, La Mode, The Pout, On Dit, Salvage, Mavis, Mataku, Libeller, Lure, and Luna* Flying Handicap.—King Bird. Lady Emma, Qitana. KedollflFe, Farewell La Mode, Natator. Envy fllly. Mischief, Kmir, Boy, Hinemoa. Sir Mortroii, Legerdemain, Coldstroam, Onancellor, Holderness, The Joker, Sal vane, Ou Kit. Mavis, Nautilus. Libeller, and Luria. B.C.J.C. Handicap.—Sir Modred, Legerde main Goldstream, CliancoUor, Holdorness. lhe Joker, The Poet, aalvaae, On Hit, Mavlß, Mutatu, Llballer. Hlnomoa, Lady Krnma, Gitana, Redolifte, Farewell, La Mode, Tasman, Natator, Knvy fllly. Mischief, Tno Dauphin, Kmir, Bey. Lare, and Luna. Handicap Hurdles.— Albion. Milo, Rua roha, Mousetrap. Claronoe, Gangaway, lro vatore, Gamtly, The Agent, and Matearakara WiNTfcn Oats Handicap. —Mermaid fllly. Siesta, Vanguard. Toltol fllly, Te Ata, Wick low, Nonsense, Waiti fllly, Amazon, and Clans man. __^___^_

FOUND DEAD.

A widow (aged 63), named Jane Robert son, was found dead in her residence, Wyn yard-street, Devonporr, at 8.30 last evening, under the following circumstances : — Wil liam Bond, who had been in the habit of supplying the deceased with milk, on making his evening call at her residence last night, found that the milk he bad left on the previous day was untouched. Turning the matter over in his mind, and coupling it with the fact that Mrs Robertson had not been seen since Sunday morning, he came to the conclusion that some harm had befallen her. On eu terins; the house and proceeding to the bed room, Bond found his suipicious were well grounded; the woman was lying half on tho bed and half ou the floor, quite dead. Tho head of tho corpse rested on the floor, tho small of the back boing supported by the edge of the bed. while her leg* hung in an unnatural posi tion in cloie proximity to her face. Judging from the appearanco of the body, it seems probable that the deceased took a fit and while ia a comatose state was smothered. Constable Moar w»b at once communicated with, and from enquiries instituted by him it would appear that the deceased was last seen alive during Sunday forenoon, ' An inquest will probably be held this after noon. Mis Roberts was In tolerably com fortable circumstances, her husband having lett some money in tho bauk, the interest from which went for hor support. She has two murried daughters residing in Auck land—Mrs Capt. Brown and Mrs McLaren.

PARNELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tub ordinary meeting of tho Pamell Borough Council was held lust, evening. Present: The Mayor, Councillors Hood, Winks, Mulling, Davis, Clayton, Me- Ken/.10, and Barber,

Deputation.—A deputation, consisting of the Yen. Archdeacon Maunscll with Messrs F. Ireland and Abbott, waited on tko Council with reference to a nuisance arising from tbo drainage of a house at tbo head of St. George's Bay Road. They atrvngly urged tho immediate necessity of Homethiug being done to abate tho nui sance.— Tho Mayor said tho Council was contemplating a general scheme of drain age, and that was the reason this work, whish was temporary, was not taken before. The cost of tho temporary work would be £15, and it would have to be rerroved after. A discussion ensued, during which it was stated there were other places in the Borough quite as bad, even the main street being in a wretched state.—lt wai decided to adopt the report of the Streets Committee as to the tempornry remedy.

K»siaNATiON-Cr Mechlins wrote tender ing his resignation, owing to failing health. —Accepted; the Town Clerk being in structed to wiitc to Cr Medilins, expressing the rogretof tho Council at the cause of it.

Thk Watiii PeTJ.riON.~Mr Sadler wrote to say that ho bad been charged by a Mr Gay with contradlctoiiness in first signing tho petition in favour of a wator lupply, and then writing against it. In explanation ho said that Mi- Ireland bad nHked him to sign a petition in favour of a drainage scheme, but nothing was said about tho water.—Letter received.

WHARF.—A draft petition to the Harbour Board, praying for a wharf at Parnell, wa9 approved by the Council. It will be sigied by the burgosses before presentation.

Application for Increase of Salary. —The Inspector of » uisances made appli cation for »n increase of salary in con sequence of increase of duties. A motion was carried to the effect that the Council could not entertain the rrqucst. AN Application.—Mr Barton Ireland wrote, asking for the services of tho fore man of works and the Borough workmen for half a day. The Council declined to accede to the request.

Cohquest Place. —Mr Worthington wrote, complaining of drainage being per mitted to How on the street. The foreman of works was instructed to tako temporary measures for the abatement of tbe nuiiance.

RUTLAND KOAD. - Mr Patrick Comiskey waited on the Council with reference to his proposition re Jutland Itoad Knst. Standing orders having born suspended, tho cstimato of tho Engineer, £805, was submitted.—Mr Comiskey said he had no idea that the estimate would be so high, Mr Blaokett's estimate haviog been £300 or £400.—His object in mooting them was, if th« cost was reasonable, ho would give tho land to make tho road and £150. Mr Street had promised £20. However, the funds of the Council wcro so low, that iq the face of the largo estimate he did not see how they could undertake tbo work. The Mayor echoed Mr Comiskcy's last remark, and suggested that the matter be left over for Mr Coniiakoy to make ;i definite proposal. The original proposal had been that Mr Coraißkey should give £200, and the Council £100, but that had fallen through.—Mr Comiskey said ho would bring the matter to a point by giving tho land and one-third of the coat of tho road on the btaii of tho estimate now boforo tho Council.—Cr Hood had given notice to more, "That Mr Comiskey be requuted to submit a plan of bin property (late Mr Blackctt's) showing contemplated roads, for tho approval of the Council, and for the purpose of fixing the permanent lovels."—Mr Davis asked that Mr Coraiskoy might now give the informa tion.—Mr Comiskoy poiuted out on the planß alroady submitted to the Council the road which ho intended to ronko. Hewn prepared to make it as soon as Rutland road was made, but it would be useless to do it before, as it would be unnecessary expense.—Mr Comiskey then retired, and tbe motion wa» withdrawn.

Dr. Goldsbho's Rkport. - Dr. Golds bro reported that the health of thp Borouph had materially Improved, scarlatina having decreased. There had been one case of malignant typhus, which terminated fatally after a few days. The report concluded as follows :—'! Tho drainage is in decent con dition, and kept as clean as our imperfect means allow. The recent rains have some what flushed, and consequently cleansed the surfa:o drains, but the whole system requires thorough attention, and an efficient water supply. I have visited nearly every back street in tho district during the past month, and carefully inspected them."— Received.

Reports.— The reports of the Streets Committee and Foreman of Works were read and adopted.—The attention of the Foreman was directed to drains in St. George's Bay Koad and elsewhere, with instructions to deoddrizo with lime where necessary.

Nuisances, &c.—Tho report of the In spector showed that no complaints had been received except regaiding a stench from Mr Giles's butcher shop, arising from the storage of cowheads in • tho stable. The Divsance had been removed at once, tie complained that Mr Collins had disregarded his orders with reference to a cess-pit on his promise?. He recommended summons ing thono who had neglected to register their dogs. The Council decided to give Mr Col lins three days' notice to construct a proper cess-pit, failing compliance, the inspector to issue a summons. The Inspector was instructed to take proceedings agfcinst de faulting dog-owners, i

Water.— Tho committee appointed to wait on Mr Sccoombe re tho provision of a water supply reported that that gentleman would erect the reservoir and pumps, the Council to lay on thb mains. Consideration of tho matter was postponed till this oven ing. This terminated the proceedings.

Messrs E. and A. Isaacs will sell to morrow several valuable freehold and lease hold properties in tho city, to closo the partnership accounts of Messrs Hull Bros. There are very few available business sites so advantageously situated, and competition will no doubt be animated. The firm will also offer five allotments in Rutland-street by order of City Council, and six allot' ments on Harbour Board property in Little Queen and Albert-street*?,

BERESFORD-STREET CON GREGATIONAL CHURCH.

ANNIVERSARY SOIREE,

The anniversary soiree and public meeting of the Beresfotd-street Congregational Church took place last evening. Tea was provided in the school-room, and an ad journment wa3 subsequently made to the church, where the public meeting was held. JRev. J. Robertson presided, and there were also in the pulpit, the Revß. Dr. Roseby, W. J. Habens, T. Hamer, W. Morley, and Mr Lyons (secretary). The chairman read a letter from the Rev. Mr Spurgeon, who regretted his inability to be present at the meeting. An anthem was rendered by the choir, and prayer was offered, after which Mr Robertson delivered the opening address. He said they had met to celebrate the 29th anniversary ot the church, the sixth or Eeveath of the building, and the fifth of their union as pastor and people. Re ferring to the improvements effected in the church during the year, .he mentioned the galleries that had been erected. They had killed the echo which was helping to kill him. Prior to this work being done he had had dilliculty in getting anyone to take the service for him when he desired, but now he had no such difficulty. The gallery had cost very much more money thau they anticipated at first, but he hoped the con gregation would respond to the effort which would be made presently to remove the debt from the gallery. It had cost £320, and there was now a debt of less than £300 on it, and there were some promises which would considerably reduce this. He trusted before the present half-year closed, the whole debt would be removed. Mr W. 11. Lyon read the annual report, which showed that there were 298 names on the members' roll on December 31st. There had been a slight falling off in the attendance at the Sunday-school duriug the year. Dr. Roseby, who had been eleven years In Uunedin, aud had never visited Auckland before, was the next speaker. He prophesied that this part of the colony would have a groat aud glorious future, and considered that the forest scenery at Waitakerei Falls, which he had visited, and elsewhere, in the vicinity of Auckland, could not be equalled by any in the neighbour hood of the city in which he resided. The speaker then referred to the good which ministers received from associating with each other occasionally, and stated that in the South Island they had already made a very promising beginning in this direction. A fqw mouths ngo they had associated together in Dunedin representatives from Christchurch, Timnru, Uamaru, Port Chal mers, Lawrence, and South Dunedin. They proposed to hold the next meeting in Christchurch. They looked forward to having representatives from Wellington and Nelson present. Auckland—which contained the strongest, richest, and most prosperous church of the Congregationalist order in the colony—should also bo repre sented. He looked forward to the Auck land cnurch joining in this endeavour to promote the united co-operation and fellow ship of churches of their order in the colony. He brought to the church the cordial and affectionate greetings from their brethren from afar, and the Dunedin church con gratulated them in the successful prosecu tion of the Master's work. In conclusion, he said lie hoped before long to again have the privilege of preaching in the church in Auckland, and of addressing a meeting ot the Congregational people. The Rev. J. Robertson hoped the union of the Congre gatioialist churcbe* iv New Zealand would soon be brought about. Rev. W. Morley delivered an interesting address on the " Use of the Bible," while Rev. W. J. Habens spoke in reference to the desira bility of union. In past years, he had written several times to Auckland asking the ministers here to consider a proposi'ion tor union. He thought a Congregationalist Union in New Zealand was not far distant, and it accomplishment would be a subject for congratulation, '''he speaker then refrrrcd to the immense improvement that hid been effected in the acoustic pro perties of the church by tho erection of a gallery. Regarding the pastor of the church, Mr Habens said ho was a man whose straightforwardness, simplicity, and sin cerity wore patent; a man who meant what he said, raid what be meant, and who spoke so that all who heard him must know this, and this went a long way to make a good preacher. Selections ot vocal music were rendered at intervals during tho evening by the uhoir, under Mr Hooten.

THEATRE ROYAL-HAMLET.

" HAMLBT," with Mr D. H. Harkins in the title rOlc.and a full company to take up the other parts, was produced at the Theatl» Rojal last night. There was a good lower "houae," but the dress circlo was rather indifferently patronised. The occasion was MrHarkins's.first appearance upon the local boards in higher class drama, and the result ha 3 not belied, though it may have corrected and modified somewhat the anticipations entertained with respect to his capabilities for character impersonation of a difficult and exacting order. It is quite evident that he has studied, with ad vantage, the works of the great bard, and that he has formed of "Hamlet," at any rate, a scholarly and thoroughly consistent estimate. He represents " the melancholy prince" in the opening scene as sunk In deep dejection of spirit, lays only slight stress upon his irresolu tion and inGrmity of purpose, renders him acutely sagacious, and shews that the " antic disposition" is feigned and that revenge is the goal which is ktpt steadily in view. The actor is a ma«tcr of stage business and by-play, and with a look, a gesture, or a vocal emphasis he fixes lila meaning of many passages that otherwise would admit of ambiguity of signification. - He adopts the traditional readings of controverted rjassngos, but varies the construction a littlo here and there by inflections of voice ana modula tions of tone. It becomes more and more evident, as sceno follows scone upon the stage, that the leading character has been patiently thought oat, and definitively fixed, that its peculiarities and idio syncrasies have been notad, and that the tragedian is endeavouring to give proper embodimtnt to his conception rather than devoting his whole care to the effec tivo delivery of the soliloquies. Mr Har kins's elocution does not merit the measure of praise that may be freely conceded him for his acting. An exaggorated drawl and a laboured utterance mar the effect of some of the finest passages, reminding one for cibly of " the windy suspiratiou of forced breath," to which Hamlet himself contemp tuously refers, wbile in some of the more passionate scenpi the actor's voice rises fre quently to the pitch of shrillness. Both Rbortcomingß were especially noticeable in the iirst act, but subsequently they were much less apparent. It may in some part baa natural failing. Tho voice of the artiste Is clear and penetrating rather than iobust or mellow. Still there were one or two, fine pieces of declamation and several of the soliloquies wore delivered with undeniable effect, particularly the one con cluding the second act, " Oh, what a rogne and peasant slave am I." For this he re ceived a call beforo the curtain. His his trionic ability was fully displayed in the scene with Ophelia at the beginning of the third act, and later on in the interview with the Queen. 'Ihe playing scene, however, was rather overdone. Miss Maggie Knight took the part of Ophelia, and played it with groit care. Her representation of the luckless maiden was soft, tender, and affec tionr.to, and she fulfilled very creditably the rather arduous requirements of tho tran sition to grief-stricken madness. Her act insr as the distraught girl was good, and her sineing of the snatches of song that inter laid the dialogue was pleasing. Miss Jennie Watt T&nnerniade a very fair Queen, Mr Arthur Elliott an excellent Laertes and a passable player king, and Mr McGowan, of course, sustained his old and familiar rfile of Polonius, with his accustomed ability. He also took the part of the first gravodigeer, and though it is not in his line, nude a by no means Indifferent pre sentation of it. • Mr Gerald Dillon gave a satisfactory portraiture of Horatio, and Messrs J. P. West and J. J. Welsh, as the king and ghost' respectively, acquitted themselves with success. The former gentle man, however, has contracted a peculiar mannerism in reciting blank verse, that he would do well to tone down. He is a capa ble actor, but the defect nllud< d to spoils Homo of his best efforts. Miss Adelte represented Oaric very happily, and Mrs Lachlim McGowan did justice to the role of the Player Queen. A word of commenda tion ia duo Mr C. D. Robertson for his studied delineation of his dual part— Guildenstern and the second gravedfgsrer, and Mr frank Gerald was equally deserving of notice as Kosencrantz. " Othello "is an nounced for performance to-night.

Lord Lurgau has died at Brighton, in his 52ud year. Ho was best known for the in terest which he took in coursing.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Reuters Teleqhams.]

EGYPTIAN PROMOTION,

CAIRO, March 13,

Aribi Bey, the Minister of War, and six other leaders of the Egyptian military partj have been created Pachas,

SIR HENRY PARKES,

WaSHINuTO N.March 13,

Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of JSew South Wales, has started from the United States for England.

A DECORATION REFUSED.

CAPETOWN, March 13

Telegrams we to hand from Bloemfontein announcing that the Volksrad ot aOranee Free State has pasied a resolution requir. ing President Brand to refuse the honour of Knight of the Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George which has been recently conferred upon him from England in recognition of hig eflortß fo bring abjut peace during the late Transvaal war.

ATHENS, March 13. GREEK MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

A political crisis has occurred hero, and the Ministry of M. Conmoundouros in con sequence has resigned.

POLITICAL CHANGE IN FRANCE.

PARIS, March 13,

In connettion with the statement recently current to the effect that M. Blignieres, French Controller in Egypt.had resigned, it has transpired that M. Brediffhas been ap pointed to temporarily succeed M. Blig. nieres iv that position.

THE SOBRAON SAFE.

LONDON, March 11,

The ship Sobraon, which left Melbourne for London, via the Cape, on 6th nltimo and for whose safety fears were entertained' her head board having been picked up on tho 13th,was subsequently spoken at eea oa the 19th ultimo.

AUSTMALIAN,

A BIG FIRE,

ADELAIDE, this day,

The loss occasioned by the recent fire on the premises of Marshall, draper, Kiudlny street, is estimated at fully £70,000.

TRAMWAY ACCIDENT IN SYDNEY.

SYDNEY, this day,

A collision occurred last evening on the tramway line to Camben, and several per sons were more or less seriously injured. A_ carter has been awarded £250 damages for injuries sustained at a tramway colli sion, which occurred sometime ago,

A FIRE IN BRISBANE.

BRISBANE, March 13,

A serious fire occurred to-day at the office of the " Brisbane Telegraph" news paper. The machine-room was completely destroyed, and the remainder of the build ing considerably damaged,

FLOODS AND LOSSES IN QUEENS

LAND,

Owing to recent heavy rains, serious floods have occurred in the Clemout district. The losses are estimated nt £4,000.

ALL-KOi GLAND V. AUSTRALIANS,

MELBOURNE, March 13. The cricket match between the All Engluml Eleven and the Australian team was resumed to-day. The weather was very fine during the day, but the attendance of spectators wai only moderate. The Australians continued their first innings, and were all disposed of for the total of 300. The following are (he re mainder of the Australian scores: — Macdonell, c and b, 53 ; Blackham, o, 6; Garrett, c, 10; Palmer, c and b, 31; Spoffortb, not out, 3 ; sundries, 13. Th» Englishmen then commenced tkoir second innings, and when the stumps wero drawn for the day they had scored 234 for the lost of only two wickets. The following are the scores : Ulyett, caught, 64 ; Barlow, run out, 54; Selby, not out, 48; Bates, not out, 52.

SHIPPING. MELBOI/KNE, March 13. Arrived, this morning : The Union Com pany's 8.8. Kotorua, from Auckland.

CABLE NEWS.

[PER 8 8. TK ANAtf, AT THE BLUFF.]

LONDON, February 28,

Amongst otlisr indications of impending war in Europe, Austria is rapidly strengthen' iog her garrisons ou the eastern frontier

iii consequence of tho difficulty which had arisen between the Government and Uia I louso of Lords, Mr Gladstone} has ex jfftesscd his desire for the Home of Com mons to pass a vote of confidence in the Ministry.

Lord Houghton, who has been suffering from a severe illnwis, ia now recovering. The woman Furneaux, who was arrested in Birmingham last month, has been Drought up and charged with having ob tained £20,000 by fraudulently personating Lord Clinton, and by forgery. Lord Clinton was examined as witness, and he stated that all the letters purporting to have been written by him are forgeries. The prisoner has been committed for trial.

JSino hundred Eton boys waittd upon Her Majesty, at Windsor Castle, to-day, and presented her with an address of congratula tion upon her recent escape from assassina tion. The Queen graciously received tho boys, and personally thanked two of their number who were instrumental in securing McLean, and who severely pummelled him after he had fired his revolver.

In Ireland a scheme haß been started which has for its object the payment oi those Irish Homo Rule members who sup port Parnell and his programme in the House of Commons. It is suggested that the members >hall receive £300 a-year from tho fund neceisary for tho purpose raised by a rite levied upon the electors and by £20,000 which the Irish National Land League offers to appropriate for the pur pose.

PONSONBY REGATTA.

MEASUREMENT BULBS DIBPUTK,

Much dissatisfaction is expressed by tho owners of open sailing boats becauto of the measurement rules adoptod by the Ponson by Regatta Committee. Originally the Regatta Club rule was : —" Multiply the length by the beam, then multiply that by the depth, and divide by 20 for feet," the classes being ;—From 18ft to 25ft, 12ft to 18ft, and 12ft measurement and under. It having been pointed out that the first-class race would not' admit of tho entry of the Magic and Shrimp, and several minor objections having been made.a special meeting of committee was called to re-consider the whole ques tion. The result was that the various events for the open-sailing boats »ere re classed as follows :- First class : 25ft long. 7ft beam, 3ft deep; second class: 20it long, 6ft beam, 2ft Giu deep; third dags: 16ft long, 6ft beam, 2ft Gin deep. Tin?, it would now appear, is more un? satisfactory than the former arrangemout, and it is evident that the committee will have to again deal with the matter. The following petition has been got up and for warded t > tho Regatta Club for considera tion:— •

"To the Secretary of the Ponsonby Regatta Committee : Sir,—We, the owners of tho undermentioned boats, think it hard that we are excluded from the twenty-feet open sailing boat race in the Poneonby Regatta through the alteration of the measurement rule made by the committee. We would most respectfully ask the com mittee to place another r.ieo on the pro* gramme for boats over the measurement (20ft long, 6ft beam, 2ft 6in deep), or in the event of not making another race to allow all the boats to compete. Tho boats shut out from competition are all about three to six Inches too large, sojiio having say six inches too much beam, whilo others are about six inches too deep. Should another "race be made, we, the nndemigne'd, will guarantee to compete. We would suggest It bo called ah "AH'Comers' Ka'oe." —Signed—T. Fernandez (Fed), R. Murphy (Gem), J. Hobson (Fraud), J. F. Nelson (Hattie May), O. DeThiery (Foam), J. Hunt (Young Colonial)." ' ' • From the above it will be seen that tho petitioners have good cause for com plaint, for no less than six boats, as shown above, are excluded in the 20 feet open - sailing boat race alone. The courso dow orJen is cither to return to tha old measurement rule, which is certainly the lesser evil of the two, or, as before suggested, make another race for all-comers, to accommodate the owners of boats un qualified for the rule as it &t present stands. We have no doubt the committee, in their endeavour to make tho regatta successful, will ngain give the complaint careful consideration.

A two-hearted calf was born on Mr Faulder's farn, Archhill, on Sunday. It died soon after birth.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. TIiESF>AY. MARCH 14



Candidate H. H. Luak .. R. Maoky .. K. Bartlay .. W. H. Brown W. H. Font on T. J. Harbutt J. Milne _ A. Cox

Dev. Lake. N'oote. .. 38 20 1 — „ 31 21 2 - .. 39 17 — - .. 36 lfl - - _ 28 18 - - .. 27 3 - ..28 2 - -

Tl. 69 67 5li 52 42 BO 28 11



Seeds i Seeds i Seeds i W. J. HK • C 8: Have Juetp Landed thoir NKW SKASON'3 CUXViIKS. which are of Very Huporkjr Quality. White Olover, Knsllsh and Dntoh Hod Clover, Knglleh and Anifiricun Cuwgraea, lingliab and Amorlean Atßyke, Timothy, Trefoil, Kapa Lucerne, Xitnßoed, &o , &«., &o. Having purchased prior to the rfpo, onablcs them to offer th« above at wholesale rates, luspootlon Invited. Also, Poverty Bay Rye Grass, machine dressed a splendid sample Southern Bye Grona. Italian Rye Grass Cocksfoot. Prairie Grass, Poa Prcateisia And all oihor kinds of Agricultural and Garden Bboghj bonedustl Sonkdust At the City Council's desire, we have dote* mined to dear out our present stock, and in order to do so quickly, we have reduced the prices for cash. Oar quotations are from £6 to £9, according to quantity and quality. IN Stock : Bell's Celebrated i Inch and Boneflosr: Sydney 2 Btar and 3 Star Bonednst and . Boneflour; and a limited quantity of Bop pet'a local manufacture. We have also for Sale: t New Roboy's 6 and 8 h.p, Knglnos and Thrashers Coulter's Brills Keareley'a Combined Roapcr and Mower Oomess' Patent H.P. Chaff-cutter Also, Oorbett & Pool's manufacture Donblo-turrow Plouehß, well worth lnapeetlon Single furrow Plonghs, Horso lines Oahlvators, isollora and Clod-ornghers Winnowers, Cheeso Presses ChooßoumkorH, Chaff-cuttora (small) tea, &»., &o. • Also, Food nnd Seed Oats, Muro, t'aploy, Flour, hharpa. Oatmeal, Chaff, Bran, Fowl Wheat, «c., &c, &o. Prime Samples ot Picked Table Potatoes O U A N 0. Peruvian. OhlendorlTs, Dissolved Peruvian 1 Maiden Island, Huon Island, and other Che mical Mannres. W. J. H™" & C o ' 101. OIIBKN-STRKBT, '-^Ka&and. w DASSftafGEBH1 LIJVJ! OF JWigbw X PACKKTS TO NKW ZKA ■MCWI"* OWNKD BY~MiiiKS. BHAWJ HA VIULE, & CO,, Si, IjoadonhaU-Btreet, London, Tho above line of nhips are regulw traders wall.the principal ports In New Zealand. 'I'hej ere (dipper Bhlps, olassed M at Uoy dfl', and com manded by experienced jnaatere. The bill "of taro ta most substantial, md of the bent quality, •Bd. the accommodation roomy and convenient. ■JSJSSPKSSS64 ■"■eempowered to grant pas. Full parUoolara on application to h. D, NATHAN 8c CO.. 1



Special Advertisements QMITH AND ARNOLD, ARCHITECTS, OLD CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, T~U S T KECBIVED Per May Queen and Coromandel, LARdE SHIPMENTS OF BHUSSKLS AND TAPESTRY £JaRPETS, (am. nkw pattkbnbk A Splendid Assortment of French and English CRETONNES. LACK AND NRT CURTAINS In Great Variety. Bras 3 and Ikon Bedsteads and Cots. , iron vknktian bunds j (all colours). VKRANDAH BLINDS. PERAMBULATORS. FURNITURE of every description In stock and made to order. INSPECTION INVITED, THINKS aTd JJ Ah L, WHOWE9AUK AND RETAIL OABWKTMAKBRB AND UPHOLBTERKRS, AND OAKPKT WARKHOUSEMEK. BHOBTLAND-3TBBKT. I DON'T PUT MY JEWELLEKY IN THE WINDOW TO OBT DDSTY. I have the Largest and Beat Selooted Stock of GOLD AND SILVBB JaWafiHSOTf, DIIMOHDB. SU.VBR PU", ElßOraO PIAW, GOLD AKD BILVBB WATOHM, •Wkdwno Prebsnts, MAWinoa Famb, Hib»i day Gifts, and OnKtBTSNiNd Prmksm. In New Zealand. flhe BmaUeßt Shop and Grandest Assortment. F. H. LEWISSON, WATTHMAKBR AND JEWKLIiftR. AMERICAN GOODg (Just Akbivsd) ON BALE BY G ABU< GKARLICK & CRAN^L^L. \ Fplndle Grecian CHAIRS York i>o. Do. CHAIRS Kxtra Wanhlngton Do. now Bent Qulncey Do. LANDiKa Oak Dining Do. Danclas (Arm) Ho. OABABFEIDH chuSren'a High Do. 'Rom American Wood ORADLE3 NOW York. Fa^c y Carpet 6HAIRB ; American PKRAMBULATeiW Tub Trade supplied.



AUSTRIAN BBNT WOOD FURNITORH Now Landing, ex Orownthorpo \ Ladies* Kasy and Rooking Chairs Gents' Do. and Do. Do. Shop Chairs and Piano Stools English Birch Folding Chairs, Now with or without Arms English Carpet Voiding Chain, Lawdiho HlKn Baoks X* JUST Ophnbd Dp -OBOWN.te n|n r d 00ebTd arwSnt and Tapestry and Brussels Carpets bam Ladies' Occasional Chairs ifac , . ■ Drawing-room) London. New rjeelgns in Cornlcefl Do. Do. Cretonnes New Fringes for Mantle ShelVMk ) Cornices, Tables



TOILETWARE, to arrive ex Pareora. NEWCA.RPKTB. do. do. do. NEW DBBIGNS IN LINOLEUM, to arrive ex Arabella. Oak Dining-room Suite FbameS Just Keckitbd. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. /^AKLICK & QRANWELL, GENERAL HOUBE FUROTBHBRa AMD CABINETMAKERS, QUEEH-BTRBET AND LOHNK-BTOBKr, Auckland. MmffIUUbanSIBMWEWWWWWwwMWBPQwffIw p^JgiHHHHHHHHHHHHEHHEHE-iHE-iHgggg _AJUTUMN. 1882 50 CASES 50 The first portion of the NEW GOODS for thla Season are now on view, amongst whloh are Bomo Magnificent Links op BOYSr AND YOUTHS" CHEAP SUITS. PARENTS AND GUARDIANS Will find It adVOD taKcons to make an Eably Selection. Tho STOCK of MEN'S CLOTHINGis NSIiS, &0., second t» none In New Zealand. AT7CKLAND BranOT: QUBEW-STREBT, Optostlo Theatre Royal; And at AiBBRT-iyrßHßr, TuAma J. FITZSIMONS, Manager (— ' —-p—— XUST RECEIVED Per Steamer, BLACK BROCHB BB NADINF. fcl Dresaofl and Mantlea BLACK AND COLOURED MADRAS NETS BLACK AND OOLOURKD MADRAS MUSLINS BLACK SPANISH FIGURED NET BLACK SPANISH LACHS WATERED BILKS AND RIBBONS A Very Complete Stock ot BABY LINBH and CHIMJRKNS' and LADIES' UK DBRtTIiOTHING TABLE LINBNS. SHEETINGS CALICOS FLANNELS, &0., &0. Milne and Ohotc^b, QUBEN AHD WKLLESLEY-BTEKBTB, AUCKLAND. TAST W & E X oirwia GREAT CLEARINfI-OUr SALE OF SLIGHTLY DAMAGED GOODS AT A TINABURY & /JO. '8. I £250 WMthot REMNANTS to bo sold at H A h F ■ P X I [C E, We have made farther RednoUona on |the General Stook In order to clear oat % lame portion ot Goods SLIGHTLY DAMAGES. AN INSPECTION INVITED, A. L I N A B U R V & C 0." MMlanaiaofl, Queen at, i