SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATEB}^^ 155' 0 ; n t 1? .9.39 BUNBRT.-ThteKvening,6.l6 BUNBISK.—To-morrow MorDln«, 5.11 MOOTra AOft-Krat Quartor, 26th, 8.10 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Griffin, schooner. Bishop, from Russell rings!, c.8,, Nonis, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Sea irdoze, schooner, Bylva, lor Russell Blsinoro, schooner, Urquhart, (or Meroury Bay

PEOJHOTSD DEPARTURES. London—Antares, loading Biovuka-Taiaroa, about Monday, 27th Sydney—Botorua, 27th Melbourne and Southern ports-Hero, Friday,

24th ■SParanafcl and South-Wanaka, Tuesday . „ KusseU, Wbangtroaand Mongonul—Wellington TaStS w 7 Wellington, Monday or Thursday WlutOßarei and Whangarel Beads — Aigyle Tuesday and Friday Walwera and KusseU-lona, Saturday Waiweraand Whangarei-Itmii, Wednesday Mangawal-FinKai, Thursday Mercury Bay-Flngal, Monday

VESSELS EXPORTED.

Zealandla, P.M.B 8;, fromßydnesr, February 28 Haloione,ship (J.N.M.8.), from London; loading Oxford, ship, (M.T.L.S.). from London; sailed December 9 Pareora, ship, (Q S.G.W.), from London; sailed

December 23 , , Alcestls, barque, (H.0.M.N.) from Liverpool, via Wellington; sailed. Novombor 7 „. Arabella,barque|P.K.Q.V.),from London; sailed

Deo. 9 A. T. atallknocht, barque, from New York

Bailed December 8 ,' Adamant, barque (S. J.F.S.), from London; load-

ing Cteownthorpe, barque(M.K.B.D.|, from London sailed Oot. 31 Bndfleld, barque, from New York

KXPOHTS. Per Ada O. Owen for Sydney-HO.OOO feet sawn dressed timber, IB.OUO feet undressed timber.

Per Arawata, tor Sydney :-57 oaskß oil, 26 bales rags, 188 bales tow, 61 bales Sax, 18,000 foot timber, 3 boxes gold, 9 i-oasks and hogsheads brandy, 50 boxes candles. 10 nannies and 10 mats sugar. 5 saoka seed, 2 boxes soap, 68 paokages sundries.

Inwards Coastwisb.—Nancy, from Thames, witn 17,000 feet timber : Iris, from Patua. Wlin 17,013 feet timber, 18 bags fungus.

Outwards Coastwise.—Ooean, for Russell Ooralio, for Whltiangi and Meroury Bay.

ThobrigantinoAda C. Owen oleared at the Customs to-day for Sydney.

The barque Thames arrived at Sydney from Now York on January 21. She is now loading for Auckland, , The three-masted schooner Handa Isle left Fort Chalmers tor Sydney yesterday.

Thesohooner Golden JCelo was at Mercury Bay yesterday... .„„ ~..., ,

The s.s. Fingal arrived from Meroury Bay at 9 a.m. to-day, with 17 hides, 3 bundles, 3 bundles skins, 2 tons sundries, and tho following passen gers: Mrs Beonot and 2 children, Mrs Mc- Carthy, Mr Jones and son, Mrs Wilkie, Misses Wilkie (3), and Master Wilkie.

The Alfred, a small trading vesael, of eight or ton tons, belonging to Mr X, Graydon, has been discovered on the rooks near Orakel. Mr Gray don states that he lent the vessel to some young men about a week since, and it would appear that they leftttho veasel at anchor there, and that she subsequently went on the rocks. The rudder is lost, and the vessel generally has been greatly knocked about. The owner intends to go down to Orakel this evening, and make as attempt to get her off.

THE SCHOONER GRIFFIN ASHORE.

Information reached town by the Flnpral, which arrived from Mercury Bay this morning, that a small fore-and-aft schooner was high and dry on the Bangitoto reel near the beacon. It was stated that her bow was well clear of the rooks, while from amldsbipa to the atom ena was jammed in the rooks, ap parently very seriously damaged, ■ Several men were observed underneath the vessel endeavouring to patch ber up, probably in tending together afloat at high water, The description of the schooner given answered nearly to the appearance of the Mary Hogan, and It waa generally concluded that she was the nnfortunate vessel. Capt. Bargees, pilot, oamo over from Nocth Shore this morning, and reported a vessel on the rooka. He could not make oat the name; but said it could not be the Mary Hogan. aa the vessel carried no topmast. Tbe Oostomslaunoh with Mr H.Parker in charge weatdownto make enquiries this afternoon, returning at 2 p.m. Mr Parker informs us that the vessel is the schooner Griffin, coal-laden, from the Bay of Islands, bound for Anokland. Captain Blahop, who is in oharge of the schooner, states that he was coming up the channel last evening, and just before nine o'olock gave the wheel to the man and told him. tbo course to steer. A fresh westerly wind was blowing. Captain Bishop then went down below, but had not been there over tan|mlnutea when he heard the vassal strike heavily, as if on a rock:. He went oil deck and. found her hard and fast on the reef just outside of the beacon. She lay till this afternoon, when she was got off minus a por tion oQher false keeJ, The rudder, which watjun snipped on .the concussion with the rock,-was again placed in position, and the master ex pected to bring the schooner up the harbour to night. Mr Bishop la both master and owner of lie Griffin,

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

."■■"M : - ARRIVAL; Maogregor, a.c,, Ambdeo, from Waitara

DkFARfDBH!. Roweua, 8.5., Scott, for Hoklanga

The s.s. Kowena left at 10.45 a.m. today, With 25 tons cargo and three passengers—Judge Bymonda, Messrs Witt and Woolley.

The s.b. Mooßtegor arrived from Waitara at 0,30 a»m. to-day with U homes, 1 rain. 488 sacks grass seed, 36 kegs batter, 16 packages sun dries, land the 'following passengers—Mr and Mrs Dlttanw, Mr and Mrs Birrell. Messrs T. dole, B. Piggott, J. D: Baker, Walker, John son, and Mrs Allen. S tie was to return thither this afternoon. » ■

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Ot <i -,i.-, ,■ ,; Russell, this day.' Arrived: Aiawata, b.s.. from Auckland, 6 a.m.

New Plymouth, this day. Arrived: Penguin, s.b., from bnehunga, 6 a.m.

Pokt Chalmkbs, yesterday. Arrived: B. H, Bteinkln. brig, from Hong S:ong, sailed November 25tb. Sailed: Canter ary, ship, for London; Phasia, ship, for Lon don ; Manx Queen, barque, lor Glasgow.

Lyttklton, this day.

Arrived: Wakatipn and Te Aoaa, from the North; and Wanaka, from the South. Bailed: To Anaa for the South.

COMMERCIAL.

Kvbnino Stab Offlco, Monday. Mewsra Coohrana and! Son. held a laud ana property sale today. ■ The I allotment and, cot taga thereon, situate at Onehuoga, sold for£l2s; 80 acres of land at Mata, realised 13s per acre The book Bale was satiafaotory, and brought In numerous lnßtanoea hinh pricßa.the bpofta being now editions and new .works.

Messrs B. and A. Isaacs held a nlearinß-ont sale at their mart, viz.. grocery and oilmen's tores. The result will-be given in our next.

Wolfe's Aromatic Schiedam Schnapps, to Induce the destruction and prevent the im proper use of their wrappers and labels, and thus further proteot the Publis against fraud and deception, havo enclosed in the wrappers, or under the label on the quart bottles, since Ist October, 1878, and oontlnue toenotose m bvbby DAY'S PAOKINS THBOCOBOOT *HJ» YKAR THBKB 41 ORDBBB, which are drawn upon the undersigned, and whioh will be cashed by them on presentation. To secure these Gilts, the Public must be careful to ask tor, and addapt nothing but, the Gknohik Udoi*ho Wprtvs Bobwapps, with our nanto upon the top label, M. Moss & Co., Wynyard Lane, Sydney.

Mail Notice.

Mails mix uwsa 'm Undkb.— This Day. . , For Thames, per Kotomabana, at 4 p.tru For Thames, per Enteitttlao, at 6,30 p.m. ,fap»fitUY, 23rd instant. For Port Flcfoy, per Waterllly, at 8 a.m. For Tairua. per Lizzie, at 9 a.m. For Walwera, Te Kapa, Cralgloburn, and Warkworth, per Bose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 3.30 p.m. . For Tauranga, Ohinemuto. and Opotlkl, per. ulenelg, at i p.m. ; For Mangawal, per FingaL at fi p.m. KstDAY, 24th instant. For Glstwrhe, Napier, Southern ports, and AUB tr&llan Colonies, per Hero, at 9 a.m. For Thames, per Kotoma&ana, at 6 a.m. For Whangare'J Heads, Parua, Walpu, Whan frarel, Tangihne, aadMangapal, per Argyle, at i p.m. Tukbday, 28th February. Per b.b. Zealandia, as follows :— For Sandwloh Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders registered letters, and newspapers,"at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence, in addition to the postage, will be received, by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be duo in London, on Mon day, April 10, 1882. N.B.—Payments on acoount of Property Tax will be received at this office between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. 8. B, 8188, Chief Postmaster. Chief Postoffloe. Auokland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

February 22,1882.

Theatre Royal—Mastodon Star Minstrels and Star Dramatio Company, "Unole Tom's Cabin," —8 p.m.

Mr Alfred SharDe's Art Union Drawing, at Mr lioeoh's Shop, Shortland-atreet, S.IS p.m.

Aroh Hill - General Meeting ot Members of Working Men's Club, 8.30 p.m.

Franklin Road School Room — Excelsior Lodge, Social Gathering, 7 P.m.

St. Paul's Churoh-Ash Wednesday—Evening Service, sormou on "Dint and Ashes," 7 p.m.

Lodge United Sorvlce-7.30 p.m.

Alexandra-atreet-A,0.8.. monthly meeting, 8 p.m.

Death.

JONBS.—On the 22nd February, Edwin, the belovod husband ot Margaret Jones, aged 75 years. Tbe funeral will leave his late residonco, Pukekohe, on Friday, at % o'clock, Friends pleaae Booept this invitation.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1882.

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

The elections yesterday were a victory for the Licensed Victuallers. With the excep tion of Mr Aley, every man on their three tickets was returned. Such a. result shows that great judgment was displayed in the selection of candidates. In the main they were men against whom objection could not be taker; on the ground of having undue sympathy with the liquor traffic. Still.the uniformity of the voting proves that party lines and not personal qualifications have ruled the day. One effect of the contest will be the modification of that dread which some of the trade entertain towards Local Option. A spirit of moderation and fair ness will,as a rule,guide the people; unless, indeed, success should lead to an abuse bringing about a reformatory popular wave, which would sweep all before it. The Benches chosen yesterday will, we believe, administer the Act honestly; and it is as much to the interest of the licensed victualler as of the public that they shall do so, because to act otherwise would lead to a reaction and cause the casting of the vote of that great middle section, which holds the balance between the two ex tremes, heavily on.the aide of repression, Public opinion, like public practice, favours moderation, and the elections yesterday are a record of the fact. '

Conflict with the House of Lords.

The members of the British House of Lords aeom to be verifying the old adage, " Whom the gods wish to destroy they first drive mad." The Lords cannot but be cognisant of the fact that public opinion has clearly and unanimously declared for the abolition of an hereditary Upper House, and yet they are fatuously pursuing a policy which cnn only hasten tbe annihilation of their legis lative (unctions. Their latest step in this direction is tbe appointment ot a Select Committee of their number to inquire into the working of the Irish Land Act. There can be no doubt as to the meaning of this step. A motion to inquire into the working of an old Act of Parliament would probably indicate a desire to adjust certain unworkable clauses or correct abuses; but, applied to a new and untried statute, such a motion only evidences a foregone conclu sion that the principle of the measure is wrong, and a determination to hinder its operation and defeat its objects. This is the only reasonable construction we can put upon the proposal of the House of Lords with reference to the Irish Land Act. Having avoided a collision with the Commons by giving an unwilling consent to the passing of the Act, they have, on finding their existence no longer directly threatened, suffered a reaction of feeling, and resolved on making an effort to neutralise tbe effects of their former action. They cannot pretend that the Act now contains anything, either in principle or in detail, which was not embodied in it when it was before them; or, if they could do so, some valid reason might be found for the proposed inquiry. No doubt the principle of the Act, as shown in its operation so far, is a deadly blow at the territorial pretensions of these modern representatives of feudalism. It denies | the absolute ownership of land by the in dividual, and the implied ownership ef the serfs of the soil which it involves, It asserts the power of the State to protect tbe people's interests, and the legality of in terfering with private contract, when these interests are prejudicially affected. It is, In short, the first step towards a recognition of the doctrine that the State alone is tbe rightful possessor of the land of the country ; and that while It may recognise private ownership, it does not relinquish its claim to see that these lands are properly administered by those who hold them in truit. The Lords, doubtless, see all this; but they had equal opportunities of seeing it before, and ought to have fought out the question over the Bill before passing it into law. It is possible that they have regretted their former pusillanimity, and are now prepared to make a stand; but their mode of pro cedure scarcely supports such a supposition. They may have come to see that the ques tion of tbe existence of the-House of Lords is a secondary one, in view of the fact that tbe Land Act embodies a principle which will accomplish the extinction of tbe Lords as Lords, and notmerely as a legislative body; and feeling that their individual privileges are more valuable than their collective existence, are bent upon letting the latter be imperilled rather than that the former should be in danger. They will probably succeed in saving neither; without the Land Act the Upper House was doomed; and with the Land Act extended to Eng land and Scotland, the fate of the landed aristocracy is sealed. By politic measures the House of Peers might put the evil day afar off, and might succeed in conserv ing a good many of the privileges of the propertied classes; but their present course of action can only hasten the end. They have again placed themselves in antagonism to the House of Commons, as j well as to tbe leading Liberals in their I own ranks. Earl Granville has refused to act on tbe Select Committee, and Mr Gladstone has given notice of a motion in the Lower Bouse —" That tbe proposed inquiry by a Select Committee of the House of Lords is untimely, and wiil defeat the operation of the Act, and prove injurious to good Government in Ireland.1' It is a most unusual course thus to propose to notice the proceedings of the Lords—the House being usually very

chary in interfering with what transpires " in another place," but the extraordinary] nature of the proposal of the Lords justifies Mr Gladstone in his action. The discus sion of the motion will form the occasion of a severe party struggle in the Commons. No matter what the upshot may be, the Lords will probably adhere to their pro gramme, and add another to the many testimonies which they have given that as a legislative assembly they are useless, and worse than useless.

The Te Anau excursion realised a sum of £30, which has been divided among the four orphanages, each receiving JE7 10s. The treasurer of the Howe-street institu tion wishes to acknowledge receipt of the sum,

Ash Wednesday services were hold to-day at the Anglican and Koiftan Catholic Churches,,and tonight Key, C. M. Nelson will preach a short sermon in St, Paul's Cathedral Church on " Dust and Ashes."

We learn that a new lodge of Good Templars, under the New Zealand Order, will shortly be organised in the district of Newton. This order was instituted by Mr D. Goldie a tew years ago.

Bailey's open-boat Elsie was picked up with the grapplings about six o'clock last evening. The sails are a good deal cut up, but the boat herself has sustained very little injury,

Father Walter McDonald gratefully ac knowledges the receipt ot £7 10s, from T. Henderson, Esq., jun,, in aid of St. Mary's Orphanage, being part of tho proceeds of the late excursiou of the Te Anau to Motutapu.

The return cricket match betwoen a Pon* sonby eleven and tho Henderson's Mill team will take place, on Saturday after noon, in the Domain,

A meeting of tho creditors of Kobert Schotield, storekeeper, of Tuakau, was held this morning, when Mr Thomas Mac rtarlane was elected trustee, Tbe debtor's asscsts are .stated at £270 (nominal) and his liabilities at £267 12a Bd,

At the meeting of tho Harbour Board yesterday, tbo following motions standing in Mr McKenzie's name were referred to the Works and Endowments Committee : —(1) " That the Harbour-master's annual report be now taken into consideration " ; (2) " That the shipowners' petition with re ference to wharf accommodation, presented to the Board on August 9th, 1881, bo now taken into consideration."

A man was admitted to the Hospital yesterday, suffering from a mild attack of scarlet fever. All tho other fever patients are convalescent, and threo or four of them grurablo loudly at being detained in tho institution. If Dr. Philson were less firm tho health of the community would bo jeopardised by these imprudent patients.

A girl named Edith Bukowsky wan brought down from Uhnupo yesterday and admitted to the hospital, suffering from necrosis in one of her legs. Dr. Philson made an incision in the diseased member this morning, and successfully took awny a piece of the bono. Tho patient is doing well.

During his late visit to Europo and America, Mr Johustoue, General Manager of the South British Company, carried into effect the amalgamation of all tho foreign offices of the South British, National, of New Zealand, and Adelaide Insuruuco Companies. This consolidation will give great strength to tho com panies intoreatcd, increasing their business and distributing tho individual risk. Mr. Johnetone has been highly complimented by tho directors of his own and the othor companies interested upon the most suc cessful manner in which he carried out the task entrusted to him.

Mr Compton was re-elected Chairman of the Harbour Board yesterday, the members thereby affirming their approval of his past administration. We do not believe in making annually elective positions of honour, to which all wjio give their timo and knowledge to the public may, in turn, aspire, continuous in the person of one holder. But Mr Compton has identi fied bimself with the construction of the big dock, &ad his re-election, therefore, has a special significance, which makes the event alike politic and graceful. We heartily tender our congratulations.

Exactly a. century and a half ago George Washington, founder and first Fro-ident of the United States of America, was born, and the anniversary of the event was cele brated by (American citizens to-day. Tho different warehouses of that nationality in town, and several private residences, flow the " stars and stripes " on their flag-poles, very appropriately showing their respect for America's greatest soldier and statesman.

It was resolved on the motion of Mr E. Isaacs at tho meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday, " That a by-law bo made to compel the masters or persons in charge of vessels laying alongside wharves in Auckland harbour to provide for the use of persons coming from or going on board such vessels a proper and secure gangway, and that a bright light be kept burning from sunset to Bunrise,fixcd over such gangway, in such a manner as to light the whole length of it properly. Penalty, in case of conviction, for any breach or neglect or disobedience of the by-law not to exceed £20." The de tails were referred to the Works and En dowments Committee.

Attention is directed to the advertisement in another column, announcing the sale by anction, at Arthur's Mart, of buildingjallot ments at the top of Symonds-street, the pro perty of the late W. T. Fairburn. It will be remembered that the land was offered about two years ago, but on examinatiou of the title it was found that in consequcoce of an ambiguity in the will, the parties who then proposed to sell were not authorised to do so. Since then, however, an application has been made to the Supreme Court under the Sales of Settled Estates Act, and an order made authorising the sale, so that in tending purchasers need have no hesitation whatever, as no title can be a better than one 'given under au order of sale of the Supreme Court. The land has been cur-

veycd iv accordance with the provisions of tbe Land Transfer Act, and titles under that Act can be obtained without any. diffi culty if desired. The Mastodon Star Minstrels entertained a large house last evening with their repre sentation of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." 'Jhis adaptation of a once popular story of Southern slavery and its associations was fairly represented by the minstrels. The most amusing and the most perfect pictures were the dancing and somersault ing of the three happy niggers in their hour of temporary freedom, the delineations of Uncle Tom by Mr Kaston, the tyrant, Simon Legree, Topsy, a wild sample of the fruit* of slavery, by Mr Moody, and the pious and precocious Eva, admirably pictured by Miss May Thornton. Other characters were noteworthy. |do not think, however, that Mrs Stowe ever dreamed of Uncle lorn's introduction into theatrical circles, or she would have been shocked to the heart. We may add that the planta tion and wood scenery was charming, but such touching melodies as the " Sweet Bye-and-Bye and " Nearer, my God, to Thee" in a theatre sounds like satire. " Uncle Tom " will be repeated to-night, with Mr Lewis as the hero.

A young man was arrested htt evening on a charge of forging and uttering a value less cheque, with intent to defraud Mr W. W. Warnock, of the Captain Cook Hotel, Byber Pass. The young man, it is be lieved, has been carrying on his deceptive career tor some months under such names ss Sims, Simpson, Owen, and Brigstock, in Auckland and suburbs. Brigstock, or whatever may be his name, is a plausible, apparently simple,unassumlng young fellow, with nothing of forwardness about his style of address. These peculiarities, however, and professed ill-health, have aided him in winning sympathy. He has been in the habit of speaking modestly of his bad hand, broken by a fall from a spirited racer, and of being hindered thereby in the pursuit of his business as a faimer and fruit-grower at the Wade, where ho has a farm—so he said to one lady—of 1,200 acres, which he intends to sell, in order to settle on an es tate in the Waikato. He shows the portrait of a young lady to whom ho is about to be married, a daughter of Captain —: . This por trait, however, turns out to be a portrait of one of the Queen'a daughters. He says be has a splendid orchard at the Wade, and sold his fruit, this year, to Mr Mays, for £150, He had succeeded In obtaining apart ments at the houses of widow ladies—he has been particular in this respect—hand ing in bis card, on which is inscribed _" Richard Owen Brigstock," and which he invariably left behina him a? a companion memento of an unsettled account. Mr Brigstock's creditors should look iv at the Police Court on Friday morning next, where they will no doubt recognise the features of their "young man lodger," of "strictly total abitincnce principles."

The " MemoriallDiplomatique" publishes a statement that Lord Granvillo will propose to the Powers the despatch of an identical note "courteously rejecting the pretensions of the United States Government" with reference to the Panama Canal.

Captain Wildinan of tho Thames Naval Brigade, has been asked to form one ot the commissioners to report to Parliament on the volunteer force

There is on exhibition in Mr Upton's window, a handsome silver cornet and gold trophy, won by Mr Thompson at the cornet contest at the Sydney Exhibition-.

The preserving of fruit ifbr export, ia becoming quite a Weal industry at the Thames. Already five firms are engaged in the business, and the canned fruit is sent to the market in a neat,business-like manner. One gentleman recently sent fifty cases to tho Auckland market.

Return of sick treated in the Provincial District Hospital for the week ending Feb. 18th, 1882:~- Remained last return, 85 ; admitted since, 18 ; discharged, 8; died, 1; remaining, 94; males, 76; females, 18. Arrangement of cases: Zymotic, 24; con stitutional, 8; local, 39; developmental, 10 j violent, 13. One death occurred, viz. : G.C., aged 28years, male, on 16th instant.of phthisis pulmonalis. Thanks are returned to Mrs Bailey for a parcel of old linen.

A correspondent, "M.R." writes contra dicting tho statement mado by a Mr Jamicson at the meeting of Karanghape District Board ratepayers on Friday last to tho elFect that there were moro deaths from fever in the city than in salubrious Karangahape. "M. X," expresses his surprise that such reckless statements should bo made when, most probably, there is more fever and cause for it in Karangnhapo and Newton than in the city and other suburbs put together. He adds that it is a pity a few small property holders should be able to prevent the ad vancement of the district.

The sorvicoa of Captain Breton and his staff at tho Naval Training School, Kohitna raniara will, it is understood, be dispensed with on and after tho 31«t of March, when the establishment will be proclaimed as a Homo under tho Neglected and Destitute Children's Act. Some of tho friends of Howo-strcet regret tho projected change, feeling that the children will be removed from tho humanising influences of the Sun day School, oonßuctod by Col. Haullain ; tho weekly children's service, conductod by tho Kov. Mr Tobbs; tho Band of Hope Society, organised by Mr D. Ooldie ; the weekly readings, by Mr Shirley Hill; and the singing class, conducted by Mr Frith,

To tho Kditor : Sir,—l was astonished to find on presenting myself at a certain poll ing-booth to-day, to vote at tho election of Licensing Commissioners for the district in which I live, that I was disqualified from voting becaUso, forsooth, my name does not appear on the burgeas-roDi I have re sided in the colony twenty-three years, and during that time I have paid many hundred pounds in rent, and have sup ported a large family in the colony during that time in respectability, and yet the law will not permit me to vote on a question like this, when any man in tho cobny may vote for a member of Parliament without the bur gess qualification necessary in this matter, surely it is a question that affects every man and woman, too, in the country, and we all ought to have a voice in this question. I hope pomeone more qualified than myself will take up the cudgels in this mater. At present it seems a one-sided arrange ment, where tho poor men who work for their living by tho sweat of thoir brow are debarred from saying whether they will accept beer or cold water as a beverage,— Yours, &c, Old Colonist.

The problom that tho Dunedin Harbour Board have now to solve is, according to tho Otago " Daily Times," how to raiso an extra sum of something like £7,000 a-year, and how to distribute it over the imports and exports so that the charges do not fall toohcayily on any one industry. "That is all the more difficult of adjustment because an exception is made in favour of goods landed at Port Chalmers. It will require all tho wisdom of tho Harbour Board and a good deal of forbearance on the part of the public to deal 3atifactorily with this problem, which is practically one of bow to make both ends meet without injuring tho trade of tho port. When vessels of considerable tonnage can discharge at Duncdin wharves the importers and ship pers will not grumble at paying a higher rate of tonnage dues j but there is a good deal of work to bo done boforo that can be attained, and tbe funds at proeont at the disposal of tho Board will not, we fear, last until Parliament meets and authorises fuither borrowing."

The eccentric King Louis 11. of Bavaria, who is extremely fond of solitude, has built a mysterious house on an obscure slope of the Alps, The mountains here are closo together, their white, snowy veils surround the horizon, imposing a profound silenco upon the expanse of sconcry which they encircle. The very step of man pro duces no echo in this s illness, as though afraid of sound. Hero stands a but, entirely constructed of wood and bark, down to the very door-locks; it is the "hunter's cabin," designed after the pattern of the one described in Wagner's " Walkure," the roots and logs of which had to be brought up from low down in the valley. Above the hut is a hermitage, uUo made of wood and bark j below it an artitical lake, its bottom and sides lined with tin, in order to prevent its waters from run ning out. When in hot summer days the snow begins to melt on the mountains and (ills the basin of the lake to overflowing, King Louis loves to retire to this wonder ful solitude, in which, it is said, he is some times visited by chamois—so strictly is every noise avoided.

" Yes" said an eminent physician, when the topic was being discussed at a dinner table after the ladies had retired. " When you see a dark woman with largo busby eyebrows, which nearly grow together, you may bo pretty sure that shn can grow on imperial if she will only take tho necessary pain*. Hirsute adornments are not so frequent in young women, although they sometimes occur, A girl often haß a heavy growth of down upon the npper lip or tho chin. It annoys her and she keeps feeling it and pulling it continually. Perhaps she endeavours to clip it with scissor*, or in some ca?es to'sluve it away. The result is a heavier growth next time, which bocomes so prominent that it must be removed, ihe most frequent place where the hair makes its appearance is on tho upper lip or chin, although it sometimes appears on the side of the face, and even on the throat. As a general thing, I believe those bearded women who are advertised by shows are frauds; but in tho coarse of my practice I have seen more than one woman who could raise a heavy beard if she only wished to cultivate it." "Do many women shave?" " Why, yes, a groat many more than is generally supposed. > hey hide the traces that the shaving leaves with heavy doses ef powder and plaster. Whenever you see a lady, especially if she be middle-aged, wearing a heavy coating of lilywhite one of the conclusions is that she has been shaving, although it is not the only inference. One thing is certain,a lady who shaves must use powder in large quantities, and there are many ladies who shave."

The several bandmasters of the Auckland Volunteer Bands, viz,, Messrs Jas. Inipcy, J. McComish, and A. W. Hunter, conferred ■with Mr Thompson last evening, with res pect to the coming musical contest in the garden of Mr Stark, Worth Shore. The conterence was held in the Koyal Mail Hotel, and it was determined that the competition take place on the 4th March, on the following clauses of agreement: - 1, That each band play a selection of their own. 2. All the performers to be members of the particular band in which they are entered, and not selected Irom other bands; no performer, on any considera tion whatever, will be allowed to play in other band than his own. 3. All members must be bona fide members of the bands contesting. 4. Each band must play the selection as printed, and no rearrangement whatever will be allowed. 5. The order of playing to bo decided by ballot on the ground. 6. Any dispute aris ing touching the qualification of any band must be referred to the manager of the band contest, then he will hand the same to the judges, and their decision shall be final. 7. All the awards will be made at the dis cretion of the judges. 8. In the event of the test piece not arriving in time, the compet ing bands will select any piece they prefer. 9. The following gentlemen will be asked to stand as judges :—Messrs Schmitt, Cailliau, Forrest, and Owen. 10. The contest will commence at thren o'clock sharp. 11. The first prize to be a gold medal to all members of the band winning first prize, and a baton set in gold for the bandmaster of the said band, and silver medals for the members of the band winning second prize, and a baton set in silver for the bandmaster of the said band. 12. At the finish of the band contest all the bands -will amalgamate, and play "Kissengen's Grand Slow March," conducted by Mr Thompson, thepromoter of the band contest. In order to make the affair a success as far as possible, the Bandmasters have tcreed lo play from their different Band-rooms. The .Engineer's Band wili start from the Choral Hall at 2 o'clock; Artillery, from Hobson-street, at2o'clock; Hobson'?, from Pitt-street, at a quarter to 2 o'clock; and the Thames Scottish, from the Queen-street iirebell at 2 o'clock sharp, so as to proceed to North Shore by the 2.30 boat.

In Russia an Imperial order has been pro* mulgated appointing a snecial commission, under tho presidency of M. Kochanoff, a member of ithe Council of the Empire, to collect the different projects Concernittf! \§A reorganisation of the Provincial Govern mßnts and District Councils, As well as the proposed modification's in the agricultural; communal, and local .peasant (.admini^tra tions. Ujnis is .regarded as foreshadowing Important changes in the direction of local self-govornment.

The Sydney tramways have proved a de cided financial success. There are at pre sent twelve miles of track in active opera tion, and 16 miles under construction, while tenders are shortly to be invited for 11 miles more. The capital expended up to the present time is £188,000, and the earn ings are over 12 per cent. In England, up to the end of 1880, a sum of £ 5,665,465 had been expended, the nett earnings having been £222,839, or about 4 per cent. At tho same date the Mother Country had 368 miles open, or one mile to every 100,000 people, while tho passengers carried per annum per mile of road numbered 470,291. New South Wales had one mile to every 62,000 people, and the passengers per mile were 834,758, showing that the practice of riding is very much more general in Sydney than at Home. General Skobeloff, who has just dis tinguished himself by his bellicose anti- German speech, was serving as commander ot the 4th Army Corps in Poland, and has been granted four months' leave oi absence, to proceed abroad. The hero of Plevna is still in disgrace in high quarters, and, although appointed member of the Commission that has recently been in vestigating the condition of the army, re ceived no invitation to take part in its deliberation. Among army men the con tinued shabby treatment he is receiving at the hands of the Emperor provokes a deal of indignation and csnsuro. Re cently extensive narratives hare been published in tbe Russian press of his operation) ia the Turcoman region, and these have provoked such admiration ot his military qualities that it would not be at all surprising if the feeling in his favour led to some passionate expression of dis content on the part ot his troops. Appli cations to serve Under him are so numerous that the Government has refused to receive any more until farther notice. Skobeloff makes his officers work hard and expose themselves to all manner of danger, but he does his utmost to promote the future ot deserving subordinates, and every cadet recognises that there could be no better training.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brief, for it is with words as with Bunbeams; tho more they are condensed the deeper they born."— Southby.

We met; 'twas in a fog. Kid-nappiug.—Baby asleep. Patent flight Lights. —Stars. An Ex-plainer.—A retired carpenter, Pood for Reflection, —Butcher s meat, A Mortal Coil,—The hangman's noose. JNauiefor an Ostler.—Wili-o'-tbe-Wisp. A volume that is certain to bring Tears to your Eyes.—A volume of smoke. Farrell's wharf, Sydney, sold by auction to Messrs Dalton Brothers, for £35,200.

The foupdation-stone of the first Lutheran church in Sydney has been laid. Duastrousbushfire at Lancefield, Victoria. Farms, stock, and homestead burned up.

Apparitions of tho Virgin are very fre quent in ell tho devout churches of Kurope just now. Mr Henry Williams and Mr E. J. Stevens are the Government's two first appointments to the Upper House, The four old buildings in Queen-street owned by Mr Phillips, clothier, are being pulled down to make room for a handsome block. Maurico Joel* Bed Lion Brewery, Dunedin, is to be thrown into a limited liability company. Mr Adam Gibson, who has been acting Town Clerk, Duuediu, has been appointed to tho ofllce at a salary of £500 a year. The total estimated revenue of the Dunedin City Council tor the year ending March, 1883, is £41,168 sa, which is 20 per cent, more than last year.

Mr Hogan.on behalf ot the committee of the Howe-street Industrial Home, begs to return thanks to the Key. Mr Tebbs and the Sunday-schoolteachers of at. Matthew's Church, for 51 copies of tho new Sunday, school Hymn-books, received for the uae of tho children.

Getting Kid of Them.—Maiden Aunt (on a visit)—" Well, Nellie, I'm very sorry to hear that you are such a good girl" JNellio : " Oh, why, auntie?" M.A.: "Because I much prefer bad child ren ; they are so much more often seat cither oat of the room or off to bed."

Sir A. Gordon has informed Major Mair that H.M.S. Coruorant has been despatched to Espiritu Santo, to investigate the murder of Mr Mair, Government Labour Agent. The Wellington police are taking steps to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Education Act.

' Walter Beyer, proprietor of the Victoria Hotel, Wellington, was fined £5 and costs yesterday for selling liquor on Sunday. Dr, M'Croa savg that in the case of a per son of dissipated habits he has known death result from the prick of a pin. The diamond drill at Kilcunda, N.S.VC., has atruck coil at & depth of 410 feet—a 22-inch seam,

Twenty-one ladies attended the lectures at the Adelaide University last year.

the election potition.Ballance v. Watt.is fixed for the Ist March, and tbo petition, Buckland v, Harris,for the 7th, both before Judges Pronciprgast and Gillies. The engineer of tho Thames Harbour Board has recommended the construction of a wharf at Tararu to cost £3,140.

An attempt to form a branch ot the Irish Laud League at Napier has failed. No room to meet In can be hired. 'I he clergy refused tho use of the Komau Catholic school.

Tho Chrlstchurch City Council, anticipating a rush of visitors during tho Exhibition, have established a lodging house register at tbe Council Chamber,

The school Committee, Dunedjn, intend asking the Minister of Justine for a special constable to make » house to house visitation to enforce compulsory education.

Mr Bent says 900 odd free railway passes were given to distinguished visitors in Victoria last year. The late Colonel Anderson, Victoria, died from cancer, said to have been brought on by smoking Mexican cigarettes.

9000 miles of country on the Herbert River is leased in Adelaide at £10,000 per annum—one-third of a penny per aero. A lad, aged 13, shot himself in Mel bourne. Be had previously been chastised by bis mother, and thrashed by a boy. The consumption of beer in England is 25 gallons per head of the population j of wioe in France, 15| gallons per head.

A civilising agent had 200 puncheons of rum shipped from Liverpool last year to the west coast of Africa, only 320 to all the rest of the world.

Last year's rainfall was below the average of 21 years by two inches, less than the previous year by eight inches. The Key. Mr Bull, being about to leave Cambridge, has delivered a farewell lecture on "JohnKnox, the Scottish Reformer," and received a handsome presentation of books.

The juveniles amongst the passengors of the steamer Rome had snowballs made for them upon Christmas Day, in the freezing chamber of the ship.

On the wall of a railroad station in Indiana is posted tbis notice : " Loafing in this room is strictly forbidden and must be observed."

A fastidious man is one who is peculiarly shocked at vulgarity in others, but who exercises great forbearance toward himselt when he does tbe same things. An advertisement in a daily newspaper says that a cook is wanted for "a most comfortable gentleman's establishment."

Tho average life of a circus aotor is under forty years. The average age of a circus joke is 250 years. Tho latter is •' worked almost to death " every year, too. JEyes that are very large and at tho tame time of an extremely clear blue, and almost transparent when seen in profile, denote a ready and great capacity ; also a character of extreme sensibility, difficult to manage, suspicious, jealous, and easily excited by others; much inclined like wise by nature to enjoyment and curious inquiry. The Duke of Nivernols was acquainted with the Countess de Kocheford, and never omitted going to see her a single evening. As she was a widow and he a widower, one of his friends observed to him it would be more convenient'for him to marry that lady. " I haye often thought so," said he, " but one thing prevents'mo; in that caße, where should I spend my evenings?' There was once upon a time an elderly gentleman, who had paid attention to one young lady and then married another young lady, and when at the christening party, nuney said to the former, "Oh, Miss, ain't he the living image of his dear pa," she replied, " Yes, certainly, he is very much like his father—without a tooth in his head 1"

SPORTING NEWS.

(Blr Aftar/s.)

"No Jupiter iuldorn omnibus placet." THk DUNKDIN , CUP.

This event, to wbloh more interest attaches tttan perhaps any other of the big races in New Zealand, will be ran to-morrow. Oat of an entry of thirty-eight originally, the nnmbera have gradually thinned down till only twelve remain, and of these, two will probably be non- Btarters, viz., Tltania and Nonparlol, so that a field of ten will most likely face the starter s flag. It 1b perhapß the hardest job to pick a winner from these ten, that was ever set to a tipster; at anyrate, one who baa no chance of seeing the horses In their gallops. So far as can be learned by telegram and private information, coupled with form on paper, seven at least appear to have an equal show of catohing the judge's eye first past the post: these seven being Chanoellorjst 121b; Dauphin,7st Ulb; Mataknjsi 91b*LlbeUer,7Bt8lb:KingQuail,78Ulb; The Poet, 7at 21bjand Hilda, Bat 121bs; while Tasman, 6st 71b; might upset all the seven, and score a win for Kb popularowner,DanO;Brien. It will be re membered that this plucky colt won the Presi dent's Handioap.lJ miles.at the Dunedln Spring meeting in November last, with 6it 12Iba up; beating Volunteer, Chancellor, and Adamant, In the good time of 2mlna 43secs; and on the came day made a grand struggle for the Bt. An drew's Handicap, two miles, getting fourth.olose no to Chanaellor, Adamant, and Volunteer,wno finished in the order given, the raoo being iun In Smins 47secB, Taaman carrying Bat lalbs, or Elba more than he has to carry tomorrow, With three months added to his age, given good con dition, he ought to make the best travel to beat him. In spite of all the derogatory remarks by Southern writers on Mr " Bates's " pair (" Spur " goei so far as to Btamp Hilda as a "very Borabby-looklng mare," a summing up in wh.ch he only betrays his ignorance of horse-fle.h), I have a "strong weakness" for both ot them The only time Mr Bates was known to blow about his cattle was just prevlouj to bringing them up here at Christmas, when he remarked, in company, that "no one but himself knew the value of Hilda," and I fanoy ho has satisfied the knowing ones that he was right and they wrong. And I think, when the final question is asked! that tha one he seleots will about win the Dunedin Cup. Poet reads the best of the pair, for he haa proved that he oan carry weight,, as he had Bat lib up and won the Wellington Kacing Olub Handicap, H miles, in Smins. lfoecs.. while hia time in the B»me event in Auckland, 3mln. lljsoo,, is rea'ly ollpplng. OhanoeUor, the top weight, has carried more weight to viotory frequently, bnt he is aooh an in and out runner as to make mci shy of standing him. The Dnnedln people made him a favourite two months ago. and though hehas baen supplanted by otherg now, Le still holds a good position at 100 to 20. Dauphin and Mataku are a good deal enquired for, th» former's price being 6, and the latter'i 3to 1. There is hardly sufflolent justification for the short prloe about the latter, bnt aa I don't know enough about either to give a decided opinion aa to their chances, I will content myielf with tloketing them both, on hearsay evldenoe, dangerous. Libeller, the old Auckland favourite, apwiars really well in, but he belongs to a stable which has been terribly unfortnnate for years in j oat getttog "pipped1* for aU big events, however, rosy their dunce looked; and Libeller has bean the most unfortunate ot all their representa tives. "Tie a long lane that has no turning, and this might be the turnlngjin Mr Walter»'s luok. I sinoerlly trust it may be, as there is no more piuoky sport in New Zealand, nor one who has more thoroughly deserved a friendly torn of fortuno's wheel. Libeller's price yesterday was 100 to 25 (taken). Lady Kami ran at Wellington aa if two miles was beyond her reach, so the will like two milesaud a distance sunless. King Quail, the Auokmnd Cup winner, has the same weight as he carried In that event, and will gallop every yard of the way. His backward running in the Wellington Kacing Olub Handioip is explained by ihe fact that aa the top weights did not accept, the weights wore raised 171b all round, so tbe "sneaker" was crashed with Bst Ulbs; and anyone who knows the Quail, knows that he can't carry weight and win. He has here jnst what will suit him, and enable a good boy to ride him, and.will certainly have many friends to-morrow. It will surprise no one to see his name first in the telegram. Tltania, should she start, will find her day is past; Adamant Has a few admirers, bat I don't know much aboat him. aid dont expect him to win this Journey; Nonpareil is not mentioned in tho betting, and, as I said above, is a doubtful starter. To sum ud, and attempt, from bo much that is good, to piofc the best: i shall stand on Mr fiatcs's selected one, most probably the Poet, to win, with King Quail and Libeller filling the places, and reserve Tasman to boil tho pot over.

Dunedin Races.

(FROM OUR OWN COBBESPOSDBKT.J

DUNKDIN, Tuesday night. BETTING.

The Uup acceptances are highly satisfactory, considering that there were originally only 88 entries. There is every probability of an ex citing raoe. There wero a tew alterations in the betting market after they were posted up, and the following may be taken as the latest DrIODS S— 6 to 2 agst Libeller 3 to 1 agst Matakau 5 to 1 wrat Chancellor 100 to 16 aget The Dauphin 100 to 12 agst King Quail 100 to 12 agst Hilda 100 to 10 agst The Poet 100 to 10 agst Tasman 100 to 10 agst Lady Kmma 100 to 9 agst Adamant 100 to S agst Nonpareil 100 to 2 agst Tltania MORNING GALLOP 3.

(rhowery weather interfered somewhat with training work at Fortran coarse this morning. Nevertheless, some satisfactory gallops were got through, and it Is s pleasing feature ot the meeting that, so far, almost every horse en gaged appears Bound and well. Cntts sent Chancellor, Matakan, and Dauphin—the last named with a rag on—about three miles at half speed. Nautilu* ntrlpped and went a mile nt throe quarter speed, when Gasaivelanu* and Hiss King flUy loined In, and the pair rattled home together at too speed. Both moved in good style. Bates'* pair Bhowaft, once more on the course. Hilda has been sent three times round left handed, finishing np {oat. Bho evidenced perhaps the least touch ot soreness, but otherwise rotma fit, Tho Poet wont the Gap dlstanoo alono at three-quarter speed. Lady Emma was sent three miles at halt speed, and put on the paoo towards the finish. Wad del gave Talro and Loughlen Ahonn three quarters ot a mile as tast as the latter could go. King Quail had a hurdle companion In Kobiu Hoo.i, the pair covering three miles at hall- i ■peed. Nonpareil and Holderneea compassed their oustoraary two miles together, while Siesta and Nonsense had only a light cantor. Butler sent Luna and Mata a short flatter, and the Agent for two miles at a strong pace: Clarenoe also went two miles (ait. Poster's Rooket and Sailor Boy did a usefal gallop : Dandy went twloe round alone, and Kmpress finished another mile with him; Titanla and Adamant were out, but did not work. Dan O'Brien's and Cowan's lot were out, pre paring to work later on. The Latest. DUNKDIN, this afternoon. A largo muster of sporting men mctlastnight, but not a great deal of business was done. Adamant was baok at 150 to 10. and shortly < afterwords advanoed to 12 to 1. Ohtnoellor's party offer to baok the brown at 10 to 1 up to £1,000, bat the books would not lay at the prloe. Matakaa hardened considerably, and now ho Is considered first favourite, for although both he and Libeller are quoted at the name prloe. the oolt is quite firm. No one Is anxious to lay him iwhile plenty of money is to be had about Libeller. The odds offered last night were:— 2te 1 Matakau, 2 to 1 Libeller, 11 to 2 Hilda, 0 to 1 Chanoollor 6 to 1 King Quall.7 to 1 The Dauphin, 10 to 1 Taaman, 10 to I Lady Kmmm, U to 1 The Poet, 13 to 1 Adamant, SO to 1 Noopariel, 25 te 1 Titanla.

the Champagne Rtakes and Cup, 10 to 1 on Field; Sießta and Matakau being freely backed The titeeplcohaae and Gup, 11 to 10 on field. Champagne Stakes, 2 to X on field.

NAPIER ACCEPTANCES.

NAPIER, Tuesday. The following are the acceptances tor the Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting:— Napikb Handicap — Viritinla Water, Dau phin. Libeller. Mischief, sir George, Lady Emma, urand Ouohosp, Soukar, Luna, Mavis, Blander Qlly, Klngoralg, My Dream, Dan, Envy filly, and Lome. Rjilway Handicap. — Mlsohlef, Liboller, Lnna, Lsfly Kmma. Grand Dnohess, slander fllly, Soukar, Dan. Sydney, Knvy flily, Louie, and CrlMloge. Huhdlkb. — Clarence, Lone Hand, Loch Lomond, Grey Momus, Lady Mary, and Te Whetumaramn,

The acceptanoea for the Dargavillo rices olosa to-night, and nominations for Henderson's Mill Cnp close on Friday.

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE

AUCKLAND RIFLE BATTALION.

The usual monthly inspection of tho com panies attached to tho Auckland Rifle Bat talion took place at the Drill-shed last evening. The attendance was small. Major Withers was inspecting officer, and Major Dcrrora, who was also in attendance, put the Battalion through a number of movements. The officers wero called to the front and informed by Major Derrom that he did not consider the number present a sufficient representation of the Battalion, and he had decided to postpone the meet ing.

MEETING OF VICTORIA COM PANY.

A meeting of the Victoria Rifles was held in the Company's rooms at the drill shed after parade last evening, Captain MahoD in the chair, It was proposed by Hub-Lieut. Self, seconded by Corporal Baker, and carried unanimously, " That it in the opinion of the Victoria Company, Auckland Rifle Volunteers, that in order to preserve their vitality as a Company an immediate secession from the Auckland Rifle Battalion, as at present constituted, is absolutely necessary, and that the officer commanding the Company be respectfully requested to convey to the Defence Office, through the proper channel, a request that the Company be allowed to recede and to continue their services >to the Go vernment as an individual Com pany retaining tbe title they have so long held of the Victoria Rifles." It was further resolved that every member attend Company drill on Tuesday next, and that a meeting be held after parado for the purpose of receiving tho annual statement of accounts, and to sign the petition with reference to the secession of the Company from the Battalion. The meeting having expressed its confidence in Captain Mahon and the other officers of the Company, adjourned till Tuesday next.

THE FATAL FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

Further Particulars.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DUNEDIN, Tuesday night. About 4 o'clock this morning a fire broke out in a house in Smith-street, near its junction with Dowling-street, opposite the High School building. The house was in the centre of a row of houses owned by Robert Greenalade, an employe" of P. Speight and Go.'s brewery, was of two stories, and constructed of wood. It was occupied by another employ^ of the same firm named Julius Bischefski, bis. wife, their four children, and nephew, Thomas Crefts, whose parents reside at Pinehil), but who happened to be staying at Bischef ski's. The origin of the fire is not known, but it appears to have been first discovered by the inmates of the house, Mr and Mrs Bischefski, who were sleeping in the front bedroom upstairs, and had their youngest child, Beitie, aged 2J years, | with them, while their nephew (aged 12), their children, Frank (7) Minnie (6), and Martha (4),. were sleeping in one bed in tbe back bedroom on the same floor. Mrs Bischefski stated that she was awakened by hearing her boy Frank cry out, " Mamma, its smoking." She imme diately pdt up and rushed to the door of the childrens' room, out on opening it was driven back by volumes of smoke and flames. Her husband then broke through the windows of the front bedroom, and dragging her and child to it, all three half sprang and half fell into the street below, a distance of about 10ft. Mru Bischefski was much cut about the face and legs by glass in the framework of the window, and. thd child was a good deal shaken, but Bischefski was not hurt. By this time a large crowd of persons bad assembled, but it was not imagined that anyone had been left in the house, tbe Bischefskis being in go frantic a state that no one could gather that the children were still unsaved. At any rate, however, there could not have been the slightest chance of saving them after the escape of the parents, for their room waa by that time a mass of flames. The Brigade were delayed iv arriving on the scene through their horses refusing tor a time to face the ascent of Stuart-street, but .they also could not have reached the spot in time to save the children's lives. Soon after the fire got hold of the floor of the bedroom it fell through into the kitchen below, ~and there, about an hour after the alarm was given the bodies were found lying in the bed, which had fallen inthesame position as it stood in the upstairs room. The bodies were so much charred as to be unrecognisable. Mrs Bischefaki, who, in addition to her injuries, was in a dreadful mental state, was removed to the Hospital, where she was carefully attended to, while the child that was saved was taken to Mrs Creft's place at Pine Hill. In the meantime the fire had spread to the buildings on each side. That on the south was occupied by Kobert ureenslade, whose wife and family had barely time to escapo with their lives,' and merely saved a few articles of clothing. Their eldest son was awakened by Biscbefski crying out "Jfire"; and seeing smoke oozing through the dividing wall between tbe two houses, he speedily roused his father and mother. The house on the north side was of two rooms, and was occu pied by a married man named JBrydson, who also lost almost everything. He pos sessed three houses, wbicn were almost totally destroyed. They were insured by Greenslade in the Norwich Union office for £160, but there were no insurances on any furniture of any of the occupants. Mr and Mrs Bischefski remain in a deplorable staie of mind, and it is impos sible to outajn from them a detailed ac count of the circumstances.

THE LICENSING ELECTIONS.

DECLARATION OF THE POLLS.

The want of interest to which we referred yesterday, as characterising the elections of the Licensing Committees for the city and Parnell districts, disappeared in the after noon, large numbers of voters being brought to the polling booths between the hours of three and six. Roughly speaking, about one half of those entitled to vote exercised the privilege. This compares favourably with the elections at Dune din and otner Southern towns, where scarcely a quarter of the ratepayers ie> corded their votes The result o! the elec tion mast prove a very great surprise to the Temperance Societies, who for some time previous had been working hard to secure success for their party, and perhaps made too certain of success crowning, their c ■• deavours, AUCKLAND EAST. At the declaration of the poll tor this district, a good deal of interest was dis played. An hour and twenty minutes were occupied in totting up the votes, when the result was declared by Mr Macdonald to be:— ; John Chambers ... ... 215 C. B. Stone ... 182 George Harper ... ... 155 Graves Aickin 148 - v Moses Montague ... ... 140 JJ. H. McKenzie ... ... 125 Joseph Newman ... .... 103 Thomas McMaster 87 Alfred Aley ~. 65 He declared the first five gentlemen duly elected. There was considerable applause, after which a vote of thanks was accorded to the. Hetorning Officer, on the motion of Mr Montague, seconded by Mr G. Aickin. ■ Mr Aley's low position on the list is in some measure due to the fact that it was discovered yesterday afternoen that his Domination was invalid, Mr Shortt, one of his nominators, not being a ratepayer. AUCKLAND NOETH. At a quarter past seven, the Returning Officer, Mr Cotter, announced the result to be:- T. Thompson ;„ 140 D. H. McKenzie 137 J. M, Shera 124 W. R. Waddel ..: ... 117 D. G. MacDonnell 90 J. Buchanan 85 G. W.Owen 84 0. C. McMillan ... ... 79 J. Newman 75 Messrs Thompson, McKenzie, Slicra, Waddel and MacDonnell beine declared elected. Ten of the voting papers were informal. . Three of the candidates, Messrs Sbera, Thompson, and Waddel, returned thanks. AUCKLAND NOETH. The counting of the votes in this district occupied upwards of two hours, The re sult is as follows, the first five being de clared elected :— T. Thompson 188 T. T. Maaefield ... ... 183 A. Fleming ... 177 Y. Warren 153 T. Thwaites 136 G. W. Owen 130 D. H. McKeDzio ... ... 127 J. Newman 123 C. C. McMillan '. 107 J. T. Garlick..., 104 TARNELL. The result of this election was as fol lows :— Robert Walker .. ... 52 Frederick Irelaud 51 Mark Rawlings 43 John W. Robinson 43 Joseph Fiiar Clarke 36 George Raynes 36 The Returning Officer gave his casting vote in favour of Mr J. F. Clarke, and de clared the five first-mentioned gentlemen duly elected.

Sir Richard Temple attended a meeting nt,. Liverpool is favour of the Christian Vernacular Education Society for Jndia, and stated that thero were 400,000 native Christians in India, 200,000 boys and girla in mission schools, and 2,000,000 children altogether under education in that country. The ratio of increase was 50 per cent, in a dccldcof years, and a great and good work was being done by the training of teachers and the diffusion of wholesome literature in the vernacular.

Tonne; ladies and gentlemen about to*l start housekeeping will ba relieved of a great deal of trouble by calling on the undersigned. You can ascertain in a few minutes the oust of furnishing a three, four, flrr, or six roomed hou°e. Not only oan you lorn) h correct estimate, but you can boo all tbo goods ready for delivery at the various prices. Garllok and Cranwell keep a larger Btock of carpets and bedstead b than any other house In Auckland; also tho Krentwt v&rioty of household furniture, most of it manufactured by their own workmen. Five per cent, discount allowed for cash at lime of purchase. New-comers are invited to BtroU through the City Hall Arcade, and satisfy themselves by an inspection of the stook of the good valuo we oiler, and tha readiness we aro enabled to exooute orders entrusted to our care. —Garliok and Cranwell, Citj Ball Arcade.— Advt.)

CABLEGRAMS.

[Renter's Telegbams.]

MELBOURNE EXHIBITION COMMia SION. "* LONDON, February 21; A meeting of the English Commissioners for the late Melbourne International Exhl bition was held to-day, the Prince of Wales presiding. In the course of a speech which he made on the occasion, H.R.H. ex. pressed his gratification at tho succeuj" which had attended the two exhibitions and stated his opinion that they bad vastly tended to further the interests of Australasia and strengthen the bond of union between England and the colonies, '

• THE CZAR ON SKOBELOFF'S SPJtECH. :■• ST. PETERSBURG, February 20. An official communication has been pub lished here by the Government, having re. ference to the recent speech of General Skobeloff to the Servian students at Paris.in which it is merely stated that tbe Russian policy is not affected by the utterances of private individuals, and that the Govern ment intends to continue its present pacific policy. THE HOUSE OF LOttDS MEDDLING AGAIJV.

LONDON, February 20. Earl Granville, Foreign Secretary and leader of the Government in the House of .' Lords, has declined to share In the forma tion of a select committee which that Cham. ber recently decided should be appointed to inquire into the working of the Irish Land.' Act. It has further transpired that Mr Glad stone will,onMondaynext,moveintheHoniie of Commons, " That the proposed inquiry by a select committee of the House of Lords is untimely, and will deteat the operation of the Act, and prove injurious.l ' to good government in Ireland." Mr Gladstone's proposed motion is likely to meet with strong opposition from the Con« . - servatives, several members of that party I having already protested against the motion. THE CLOTURB. LONDON, Febnmry2l. if In the House of Commons last night, Mr 1 Gladstone introduced the motion standing in his name providing for the new rules to ' govern the procedure of Parliament! In 1 the same the Premier made a lengthy speech, in the course of which be expressed his willingness to modify tbe rule for the adoption of the cloture, so as. to provide that the minority by which the ' same may be opposed should exceed 100, instead of being less than. 40, as set forth in the motion before tbe House. On the con- ■'~ elusion of Mr Gladstone's speech, Sir Stafford JVorthcote rose, and formally opposed the motion, explaining his objoo> tions to the proposals of the Government, The debate was then adjourned. I

AUSTRALIAN.

THE MINING BWINDLE, BYDNEV, this day. The Milburn Creek trial it expected to be concluded to-morrow. BRISBANE, this day. News has been received that a boat cap. - sized near Flattop Island, and that three of its occupants were drowned, CRICKET MATCff. SYDNEY* February 21. i The cricket match between Shaw's ADtfe England Eleven and the Combined Aaatinß lian Team was concluded to-day, tttifljl resulted in a victory for the latter byfivtvib Wickets. The Australians in iheir second:,'! *>§ innings scored 169 runs for five wicketaiS Heran 21, Macdonald 25, Murdoch 49, Garrett (not out) 21, Jones (net ont) 12, - SHIPPING.

MELBOURNE, February 21. ; Hailed, this afternoon : The Union Com* )>any's steamship Rotorua, for the Bluff,

AUCKLAND LADIES' BENE VOLENT SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the above society - was held yesterday afternoon at the

V.M.C.A. Rooms. Mr Thos. Macffarlaae occupied the chair, and there were about ■ .. 20 ladies and gentlemen present.

Ihe Chairman said that he had been asked, .to preside in the absence of His • S Worship the Major, He then read the annual report. It stated that there: was great decrease of poverty and y destitution in Auckland. The cases'> coining under the notice of the ; society were principally widows with "; young families. Owing to the rapid ' growth of the Fonsonby district it had been decided to divide what had hitherto been one district into four, and addiup, there* fore, to the committee six additional visi tors. Although the usual subscriptions aud donations had not been supplemented by the proceeds of any entertainment, the funds had been equal to all the require ments, leaving a small balance. Daring the past year 125 cases had been relieved. The report concluded as follows j—Tba committee feel that they cannot close their report without a passing allusion to the more comprehensive plan of dealing with the sick and destitute, contemplated by. the Government in the Charitable Aid .BUI. How this may affect the Auckland Ladies' Benevolent Society in the future it, is impossible to say; but, as it ia the only society existing at present for the relief of the poor, and, as some months must elapse before any such Bill can be So working order, the subscriptions will be col lected to meet these wants ia the meantime, The financial statement. was aa follow :— Receipts : Balance in hand February, 188!, £29 18s ?d; ordinary donations and buY scriptions, £315 13s 3d ; received on behalf of inmates of Home, £5 ss; money at interest in bank, £70; interest, £15 5s lOd: total, £436 2s 3d. Expenditure: Printing reports and advertising, £64s 6d,j relief of poor and * maintenance of Old* Wometfh Home, £325 Is lid; money at interest'ln" bank, £70 ; balance in bank, £31 19s Id; balance in hand, £2 17s 2d: total, £436 2sßdi -I

! Mr B.K. Tyler, in moving tW adoption of the report, expressed the pleasure ha j felt at learning that poverty was on tb'e, decrease. There were always peraoiw i seeking for relief—■whether they were d«-* serving caso3 ho could not say,, but he . always followed this course—whe^ asked ia the.street for relief, and where ha had any doubt, he always referred them to thß > : •Ladies' Benevolent Society, and he felt sure that' that society, before granting relief, would: make inquiries and ascertain that the case waß deserving. ; ' Dr. Goldsbro' briefly seconded the motion, which was carried without dissent. On the motion of Mr Shalders ; seconded by Dr, Kenderdine, the following Indies we're elected office-bearers and committso for the ensuing year:—President, Mrs Phil son ; treasurer, Mrs Gillies; secretary, Mm Aickin; committee, Mesdames AicktQ, Beveridge, Bigelow, Bree, Clark, Dew« bury. Gillies, Gittos, Hay, Kenderdine, Morloy, MaCffarlane, McKenzie, Philson, Pritt, Pcrchas, Powell, Russell, Quick,: Warren, Runciman, and Miss Tevors. A vote of thanks to the Chairn,an termi nated the proceedings.

ONEHUNGA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A special meeting of tho aoove body vh - held on Monday evening. Present: Bis Wor ship the Mayor, Crs Waller, Tapp, Jaokeon, ; , Hartnett, Hastio, ana Hills. A memorial was received from sovoral residents with reference: to the' administration of jnstioe. Tub present Resident Magistrate (Mr J. K. Mao donald) has to perform the duties formerly undertaken by Mr Barstow and himself, and in J consequence was seldom able to attend at One* hunga Court. Tho memorialists suggested the appointment of an additional Magistrate and also of several additional Justices of the Peace. The insuffloenoy of the police was also referred to. Alter aoma discussion, it was reoolved "That these requests being most necessary, be referred to the Government," The Medioal Offlcor reported that only three fresa < cases ot ecarlet fever had oocuried since last meotiog. It was decided to appoint Mr J. Huckstep, Inspector of Nuisanoes. This was all the business. I ■ •- - i'iS

King Solomon's advice to the ne'er«dov ; well tfaeto go to the ant. Now-a-days, acting in the spirit if not the letter of the proverbist, he goes to the uncle.

The great engiueering feats either accom plished or in progress throughout the world, have inspired an idea not less notable than the Channel or tho Panama Canal. It is now seriously proposed to connect Urdat Britain to Ireland by an isthmus, along which trains may travel, and the discomf orts of a sea voyage be avoided. This sounds more like a chapter from Jules Verne's stories thaa anything else. But it is a sober matter of fact. The site hai been selected, and all that is now wanted is capital, which is being privately but diligently sought.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WFD^

SHAY. FEBRUARY 22.



AUSTRIAN BKNTWOOD Cane Chairs, Austrian i*fiffi£fi£fi3Xßentwdoaaaiie Couohesand liftQnewtl'Btraet Lo^gea, Austrian Bentwood Pane Rooking Chalra. WALNUT DRAWING KOOM SUITES In i£l£&£m;rt£3L'suk> Tapestry, Rep,and Ore -138, Queea-atreet. tonne> WBinat TaWeß> what. 11 note and Canterbury a M" AHOQANY, CKDAR Rimo, and Kami Din iifQnlJ££t££:'toß-roam Baltea In Leather ins, «neen-street. Hflrolotli, and American ;'■' " ■'■ ■" ~.. Cloth. | . ; I— KON Half-Tflßter Bed ateads. Iron ifrenoh Bed-' J23,Que«n-streßt.g (;eaflßi Fo i alllg oualr /:. ; *'■ Bedsteads, Iron Cote. PATENT Spring Boiler Blinds and Venetian !23. Qoeen-etreet. Blinds, Gilt Cornioea and Fgenoh-pollahed Cornice Polea pARPBTS, Bearthmgß, T. &H. COOKK, \J Unolenm, Floorcloth, 123, (Jaeen-etreet. Matting, Door Mats, Bath Mats. In great variety. L"~ IBKHAii DISCOUNT to Pali Purchasers. All txTcSk^SS^. KM** delivered free in town. t cation. m fc „ „„ TJBDHOOM FUBNITUBK T. & H. OO'JKB. JD in Choloe Mottled ffanrJ,. 133, Qoeen-Btreet, Waxdrobeii.Bedsteads.'Waeli- BtaniaaiidTolletTablea. SELLING OFF I SELUNQ OJF 1 ' To Kk-Build Pbbmises. N. GOIiDWATEK, Clothier (opposite Bank Of New Zealand), Queen-street, finding, that bis present' premises are not commodious enough for the increasing trade, has decided to He-bull d. Therefore he intends to Bell-off for Four Weeks only thn balance of his Stock of Clothing at Prices that will astonish everybody (regardless of cost). A call will convince the most sceptical that this is a genulno Clearing-out Sale, and not a men draper's puff. Note tha Address—N. OOLD watbb. fid, Queen-street (opposite Bank of KewZealand). ' mHS NEW BOSIiOiNQ SOCIEXY. INJUSTBIAI, AND PBOVTDBNT PKRMA NKNT BUILDING, LAND AND INVEST MENT SOOIKTy Of AUCKLAMD. OOBNBB 07 . QUKBN-STBKKT and VULOAN LANB. All olaaaea are Invited to take np Inventing Shares, payments weekly, interest remunera tive. LOANS granted on security of Freehold or Leasehold Property for the purpose of Btrnuo, Building, &C in snins of £20 to £6000, repay able—for overy £100 advanced— at the following Kale, by weekly, monthly, or quarterly Instal ments:— Be-syments Per Repayments Per extending over Week, extending over Week. 8. d. 8 yeaxa .. 1610 7 years _ 8 i years .. 12 6 8 years .. 7 6 years - 10 sfl 10 ream _ 6 8 SPKCIAL FACILITIES are given to Bar lowers for paying off part principal money and reducing weekly payment, or the whole rom may be paid off at any time—the Society grant. Ids r.ißwtAt pisooitnt. ■ ' OKO.3QE FItASKR, Manwwt. I



Special Advertisements Q MI T H AND AS NOL D, ARCHITECTS, OLp crre odbNciL chambers. JgQBOXKS OHOIOK NEW SEASON'S TEA, Ex MattiSteamw, IISs, Eacit, BEW'B, Viotorta-strOrt.



ff ARLICK & CBANWELL atlll sell all, VJT Drapery and ClDthlnKOnthopO'OPEßA-i TIVE Cash Principle. Pilpea ffiuoh] lnwnr than If they dla a ol&ait oubiuoss, : lower than u^ y^^ ARCADBi | DRESS GOODS.—The greatest Variety arid a beautiful aasOrtn&ntiS to be found at our HStablishment, with Trimmings of Various kinds to match, and sold at Co operative' Cash Prices. GAULICK & CKANWELL. MADRAS MUSLIN, Is 8d and Is lOd per yard; Coloured Lustres from 6d to 2a 3d, our own Importing and s eoial good value: Blaofe Silks at various prioeß, but those at 4s 3d and 5a 3d are unusnaUy^oheajk & CRAWWBLLt MOURNING GOODS. — Black Cash meres. Crape Cloths, Balmorals, Drees and Bonnet Crapes, Mourning Goods, to Btiit all classes of Customers, at the City GAULICK & CRANWELL. fTMBRELLAS AND SUNSHADES.— \J Fashionable Sunshades, plain and fanoy, in satin and other kinds of coverings. Jnst opened, some vary pretty Children's Parasols. We advise an early selection. GARLICK & CRANWELL. MANCHESTER GOODS. — Sheetings, Calicos. Bed Quilts, Blankets; large lot of White Lace and Muslin Curtains. CITY HALL AKCADE. #~IRBTONNES.— Upwards of 60 patterns \J to select from, some of them the hand- Boinest in Auokland, varying, in price from 8d to Ss 2d, Linings and Trimmings tor same, White and Fancy Dimities. GARLICK & CRANWELL. MILLINERY AND FANCY GOODB. —Large Stock of Trimmed Hats and Bonnets. Milliners on the premises to exeoute orders in best style and with despatoh. Straw Hats, all the leading shapes, a capital line just opened at Is. GARLICK & CR AN WELL. FANCY GOODS.—SiIk Mantles, Che nille Dolmans, Capes, Fancy Scarfs, Children's Fancy Dresses, Feathers, Flowers, Underclothing, &o.; all at low oash prices. GARLICK & CRANWELL. TVrB-N'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING-A J.U. well-assorted stook at Cooperative Cash Prioeß. Men's Trousers and Vesta, Suits, Men's and Youths' Imperial Sao Bolts, Boys' Tweed and Enioker Suits. Some special lines in Trousers, Waistcoats, &c, worth inspecting. r± ARLICK & QRANWELL, CITY HALL AROADB, Auckland.



JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. WILLIAM R. URIDGMAN. ISO Yards best quality 27 won Ooooa Matting, 2a 3d yard 250 Yards beat Quality 36 Inch Ooooa Hatting, 2s 9d yard Large Lot o( Hearth Kugs, Ts to 8s Bd 80 Laws size Coloured Alhambra Qnllta, 4s 6d 250 Yarda Morone and Scarlet Moreen, la yard, formerly 2a fid 300 yards Rusßia Duok, all linen, la yard 306 Yarda Army Duck. lOd 1200 Yards 72 Inch Hessian, fid yard, 6fd by the piece . LorneliOt good Blaok Crape (bought cheap), 2a9dtola6d 40 Pieces Pink, Bine, Green and Yellow Book Muslin, in 6d piece Large Lotof Ladies' Fiohua and Capes, from 2s 8d to 25a BMSood Black Silk Jaoketa, from 25a Great Variety of Ladies" Print and Satteen Summer Skirts, from Ss 9d Good Stock of Ladles' Umbrellas (all prioea), from la 61 Good Stock of Gents' Umbrellas, from 4a fid Good Stock of- Men'a White Shirts (plain and plaited fronts), from ia fid Boys' Kniotter and Norfolk Suite, from 6a 6d Large Stock of Men's White and Coloured Mole Trousers! at a small advance on Men'a Merino Pants and Shirts from la lid Carpet Bags, from 6s BA Leather Portmanteau, 27a 6d WILLIAM^BIiDGMAN, Upjer Queen-street



J AS T T^ E> E X OVXBK GREAT CLE&KING-OUT SALE OF, SLIGHTLY DAMAGED QOODS Aj T.INABURY V VjO.'S. ,(j"r >\u A■> v j ■■) - yi i '"■" £250 wotlhoI ' B B M N A NT S i A L F. P R ,1 0 B. We have made fatther Bedaotlona on .'the General Stock In order to clear ont a lame portion of Goods SLIGHTLY DAMAGED, AN INSPKOTIIION INVITBD, • ■■■'■■*"■: - .... A. LIHABURY & C 0., aWana2o6,:Queen;st.



JUST JRECEIVED, ■ Per May Queen and Coromandelt ; ■ ( ' ' lakgb shipments of brussels and tapestry \'"^ Cabpbts, JAM NOW PATTSBNB). IA Splendid Assortment of Trench and English 4j, ; CREtONNES. ; LACK AND NET CURTAINS j ~ In Great Vwrletr. Brass and Iron Bedsteads and Cots, ' iron vknbtian bunds . (aUoolomo). VERANDAH BLINDS, PKRAMBULATORB. ■ FURNITURE ol every description in atoofe and made to order, . " rasrEonoN invited, AND pp ALL, Whojusale and Ketaiii oabinktmakkrs and upholsterers, and carpet warkhousemkn, SHOBTtiANP-STRKET. pOX SALE OB LEASE, Takapuna, Nooth Shobb.—Desirable Store, Dwollldk, and Onthonsea, almost new and In Ucat-plasa order, together with 6 aores Splendid ♦BS, a ({pMfflslon main road and In the Yloinlty SSJSIPoj^SSm 'SH?'ttnd oommandlng splendid ASSrtl^ihMl)0'lr' A most daslmWe property, and well worthy Inapsmiou. ,„, ■ ' V. Ui D. F. BVaNS, sa Bstate Agent