SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIV* WATMMjSJIiSKI'^SiB. 4.18 pyNSHrr.-Thto Kvenlng, 5.50 BUNRIHK.-To-m<MT«w Momtatt, 8.82 MOON'a AQK.-FuU Moon, 'illh, 8.63 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY.

Agnes Donald, sch, Roger?, from Whanaarel Argyle, sb,, Crawford, from Whangarel

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING, Sarah Pile, brlaantlno. KowerlH, forTalrna Wellington, 8.8., Amod«o, for TanraDga Fingal, b.b., uorcia, for Mangawai

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Cambria, early Melbourne and aouth^To Annu, Thursaay. Bydney-Arawata, September 5 Kill—Talaroa, Septombor 19 Taranaki and South-Penguin, Tuesday Russell, Whangaroa. and Mongonul— WeUlnK ton or Glenelg, Monday Tauranga—Glonoig or Wellington, Monday or

Thursday Whangarel and Whangarol Heads—Argyle, ■rnattlay and Friday Mangawai-Flngal, Thursday Meroury Bay-Fingal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

lONnoir, Ashmore, ship (Q.S.J.K.). sailed May 20 Woto Qnoen."hip !t.Q O. J.). loading Juno Margartt Oalbrilth (JK.L.D.), ship, loadlnt? liOOh Urr. barque, loading July 13 Coroinandel, barquo. loading July 13 MVRRPOOL. Afltorlan, barque (H.Q.D.W.); sailed. May 12 NEW YORK. Rapido, barqne (P.G.R.Tj ). sailod AprU 12 Karnan, sohoonor, sailod May 16 Gemsbock. barquo (H.J.G.W.). sailod May 9 Andrea RUa (J.8.N.T.). barquo, loading Juno Qronßvaer, baiquo, called July 1 Byvor, barquontlne, loading

EXPORTS.

Per Elelnorp, for Raratonga—2o mats sugar, 20 bass Hour, 10 o&hcb koroslne, 15 kegs salt baef. 13 oasoß olßonlts 785 plecoa sawn undressed andß7B piooes dresaed timber.

Thwares CoißTWißn—Janst, from Whangs-' rol Heads, with 800 bushels limn; Morning Wuht from Cabbago Bay, with 700 feet ship's timbers; Paku, from Talrua, with 26,(00 feat timber and 100bundlea shingles; Agnes Donald, from Whangarei, with so tons con). Outwards OoiSTWiRE— Jsnet, for Cnvar Ouvnr; Morning Ligbr, 'or Cabbsgo Bay; Start, for Coromandel; Venus, for Opoiikl. The lirlKantino Camilla entered out at the Customs for Kaipara to-day. The three-masted lohooner Energy arrived at Qlßbone (ram Kewoastle yesterday. Bhe ex perienced bad weather along tbo coaat. Tho brlgantlno Aurora from Auckland via Kaipara, arrived at Wellington yesterday, The Wi Aißylo arrived {com Whangarel early this morning' with 30 socks gum, 8 oasus lenionp, 23 boxes eggs, and a quantity sundries. Pub songeru: Messrs MoKoiw.le, Kelsay, Bootr, and Satherland, Master Sioano, Moasrs Allisoo, Sloane, Evans, Credln, Rnok. Kayo, N. AloLoan, Simpson, «, J. Clark, Broadgate, Hall, Whlto bMo. Qulnn, H. Reid, and 8 othera.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Gishorne, Thursday.-

THK WAIWERA MUCH DaMAGKD.

The schooner Walwora, whioh went ashore , last Tuesday while being towed into the rivsr, la very muoh Injured, Tho keel is wrenched out of her, and tho lower portion of the vessel is muoh damaged. Fart of the oargo (coal) has been landed.

(FROM OUB OWN CORRKBPOKDENT),

Lttthmos, thia day. Balled t To Anau, yesterday. Cargo for Auck land—37 oases ohoeso, 11 saoka wheat, 11 paok- Bgea Bnndrloa, 2 kildorkins ale, 22 cases bacon, 15 socks oats, 10 horses.

Donkdin, this day. Arrived: Peter Stuart, Captain Kanatone, 93 days out from London.

COMMERCIAL.

X vknino Star Offlco, Friday. MR AIVBID nWOKLAKD'a WKBKLY REPORT.

At Romuora, on Thursday, dairy oowa woro very dull of Bale, and many withdrawn, thcwo 'sold, good young cattle, brought from £3 to £6 . each, there waa a fair inquiry for young store cattle: oalvos brought from 18s to iOs; two year-old steers, 72s (id, but oo«rs were from Ma to 60a each. Fat calves in good num ber and enquiry, prices ranged from 20a to 63a eaoh. Fat cattle generally of ex cellent quality: and heavy weights were at la>e values, from 20a to 23a the lOOlbs, hut those not well finished were very dull of sale and at lower values. Averages (or oattle were-8 oxen, Robert Ball. £10 16a 9d; 28 oxen, J. Cameron, £10 2a Bd : 19oxen, F. Jacks 00, £913a: 20 oxen, J. Winka, £3 3s ; 8 Oxen. W. Taylor. £9 tla Bd ; 11 steers,. Auclilur.d Agrionltural Com pany, £3 Us 9d; SBteera. D. MoNlool, £7 53 3d; 9 steers. A. Maine, £B 12s 9d; 8 steers, 7. Ger mane, £6 6a Od; 8 steors, X, Fisher. £6 5s eaoh. Fat sheep were In nausl supply, and late valnes. A oholoe draft of wothora from Mesars Grice and Parker averaged 21s Bd, bat pens ot mixed sexes were from 143 eaoh and upwards. No store sheep yarded. Pigs were unusually plen tiful, bat In good demand. MESSRS lIUNTEB AXD NOLAN'S WEEKLY RE PORT. - Horses: Thero has been but a limitednumber brought forward, and a corresponding demand has existed, with little alteration In value. The numbor submitted by auction at tho Durham Yards waa below tho avorage, but an improved prioo was given for those ofl'ered, but scarcely unflloiont to warrant altoration in quotations. Hides, Skins, and Wool: The demand has beta continuous at last week's quotations, but a marked preference waa given on Tuesday for tho3o In good order. Hides sold at 3}d; skins, from Is 7d to 49 6d. Cattlo: Thoro has beon an .Increased number of dairy and store stock, notwithstanding holders of tho latter ore holding back for tho Soptembcr falra. At Nowmarkct, on Tuosday, an unusual numbor of dairy stock was yarded, and found ready purchasers. Grown store stock waa also moderately plontiful, and sold at prices leaving little margin for tho grazier. Fat beasta In modorato supply: competition was steady, and thero waa no notoworthy alteration In value, 25a per lOOlbs. having boon given for a few animals, and for the balance from 20a to 245. Sheop: Thoro has been but a moderate supply, but a brisk donund. Boat wethers sold at from ITs to 21a 9d. Pigs: But few yardod, and thero ■was an unsatisfied inquiry. IfEBSRB BAK KS AND OO.'H WBKKIY BEFORT, At Parawai, on Thursday, fat cattlo wore unusually plentiful. For prime ateers, tho demand was brisk, at prices which occasionally reached 27s 6d per lOOlbs., inferiorsorts ranging from 203 to 21«, Shaop wero offered in full numbor, and wore rathor lower in valuo, best wethers making 3id to 3Jd per lb.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Wholesale. Retail. B. d. B. d. b d. a. d. Hotter,ft.H» 13-0 0 Butter, fß,lb IMO RnttoJalt.lbO 9—l 0 Butter, salt 0 o—lo oK'docaUO 7-0 0 Cheese <coU 1 0-0 0 no Cant. 0 8-0 8i Kfjgs.doz.- 1 0-0 0 BawldOT. 0 10-0 0 Milk quart 0 4-0 0 iS'lbTtinßjO 7-0 8 Lardlb _ 0 0-010 Bacon andHama, Fowls, eaoh 64 Provincial 0 8-0 8 Dnoks, each 2 6-^0 «S"Ss?ff ssari its i A^OVOB^^-OMI. Bread, Id to HA per 21b loaf Jama, per case, 6 doz, 38a 6d to 37b 6d BUTCHER B M&4TI Retail. lb. lb Boastlßgßeef 3 3 = _ 0 5t07 0 fore-quarter «, — - 02j— 0 0 ft?» w : :. «: : S Si.' I tWowbStl^o eUe)-MuttoS. Bta^Sel 6 01 to FMUB MABIEIST. Wholesale. a B.H. Bnperflno Flour, rilk dressed, per ton _ H 0 0 iKioFiour. ditto, household „ „ 13 0 0 Adelaide, per ton - - - MS 16 10 0 Oamaru, per ton .. .. - « 1210 0 Dnnedln, per ton .. - ~ 1210 0 Canterbury, per ton „ _ .. _ 12 10 n Bran per ton (uooka taoluded) Bcaroe _ 7 0 0 gSSftfiKT- •: : : *: «8 8 Oatmeal I - ~ £1710a 18 0 0 pSart Barley - - - - *Z0 21 0 0 Hay and Corn Market. Wholesale. B, ft, B. d As. All Malae(Srd.) none Hay me'dow • 8-0 0 Stonpreßsed 4 10-6 0 ' " (Coast) i 6-4 9 Luoerne, do 6 0-610 no!& .. -3 8-4 0 Straw (load) 0 18—110 Wheat (fowl) 4 6-4 9 Chaff „ _ 3 10-0 0 Potatoes, £3 to £310s. Hay (oaten) 5 0-6 10 Canterbury potatoes (aacka inoludetit, £163 to **109* Oaten chaff, fis Kotuil. B. ft. B. d. B. d. 8. d. 21alze.bUBb.eJ 5 3—B 0 Oaten, owt 6 o—7 0 OataTditto ..4 0-4 6 Straw, ditto 3 0-4 0 BrsuilOOHJs- -1 6 Chaff, ditto Wheat (fowl) 4 9-6 0 (Bcaice) 6 0-7 "0 Hay owt. -8 0-7 0 Potatoes 4 0-4 5 2uoerae,owU 6-8 01 wheatseea^ 0-7 o Seeds.—Rstail. B. d. b. d. b. d. a. d. nvßOtam -6 0-7 6 Cooksfoot,bl.7 6-8 7 TtaliaSdO.-.8 0-8 6 Trefoil, lb. 0. 7-0 0 Sid Clover,lbO 9-0 10 Ratetall, lb. 1 6-0 6 WUteCloverr 0-1 3 Timothy lb. 0 7-0 0 Afevke lb -.1 2-0 0 Lucerne, lb. 1-0 0 oSweraes. lbl 2-0 0 Kape. lb ..0 fi 0 0 V?ooSabfeß In quantity, 3b 3d to 3a 6d eaoh mmnßaokß 8a to 9a 6d par dozen. Fencing wire ES!«f? andß.aßiiorto<l.£l6iOato£l7Derton W OOAt AND FIREWOOD MARKET. COAI»-Nowoo8tle. cargo 28a per ton; yard, S2a to 84s! Bay ol Islands, at yards, 2Cs; Sroened 28s 0i; *tto at the mine, 13s; ship's Slab zSi 6dT Tanplrl, at minea, 10a to 12a; at 'Srf I&toZJs;delivered,26s to ita. Whauwha, Sinlne Sa 6d; yard (ateam), 17s; household, 22a wamo (household), 258, deUrered ,• Bteam. 20s. , BCwooD-Uncut, at wharf (cargo), 10s to Ala per ton; deUverod. 14a to 15a; cut, 10s to 188 kabbi arm and Flax Mahebt. Gum. tinohanged. Iho following sales have toon effeoted slnoo last Friday l — Good ordinary Kalpora and Whangorel at £37 to £10; East Coast, £17 to £i(i; receipts for August, SOB tons. Flax.—Finest quality fiß-JB2l per ton TOW - « - -7 — 9 ffosrana - - - - -.3d.porib BUILTirNCt MATEBIAtB. - vocbbb.— Boards and Soantllng, 100 ft, best, lte ■ second olasa, 8a 0d; best, planed, taniued and grooved, flrst-clasa, 16g6d; second , SttfWfliM. Millsii Cargo, best, Us; second. • Sass.' 68 : Banik. 8a to fiatid. ■New Zealand Palings, 6ft (sap), 10s; 6ft (heart) if• 6ftTSaTTi-tre« Ralla, £3 108 per 100; PuriU WMta t6 6»S ShlnKles, 16a periLOOO; Hobait i ISm-MUMp 6ft, 17a? 6ft, lfej riobart Town rallfl. 90f", b?lHhk quotations. ■ , I

1 Bricks (at Whau.) 4Ba por 1,000; Town YaMa, IfiS: dolivorod, £3 10a. Drain pipes, per 100, I (fl inches bore), 80s: i inches, 14s; 3 lnoheß,9s: 2 inoheg, £210a per 1,000 sooket glazod pipos, 18 inohea 2s fid per foot; 15 lnohos, 2a per toot; U ' inohea. Is Gd per foot; 9 iaohes. Is per foot; 0 I inches, Cd pei foot; I Inohea, Id per foot.

Mail Notice.

Uitia wiix Closh as Untibe.-- I'HIB DAY. Fop Whangarel Heads. Parna, Walpu. Whan isarol. Kami), and Mangapal, per Argyle. at i p.m. For Thames, ror Enterprise, at 6.30 p.m. SATURDAY, 2Bth Instant For Walwera. Mahurftngi. Mutakana. Man gawui, oto., por Hose Cawy, at 10 aju. For Tairua, per Venice, at 10 a.m. MONDAY, 28th Instant. ForCoromandol, per Coromandol, lit 12.30 cm. Kor Friendly lalande, per Cygnet, at 1 p.m. For WhltlaDgl and Upper Mill, por Fineal, at S For Rnssoll, Itawakawo, otc. por To Auau, at i p.m. For KnosolJ, Kawakawa, Wangaroa. and Mongonul, per Wellington, at 4 p.m' For Tauranga, Ohlnemutu, and Opotlkl, per o:ono!Bt at I ('<»< Titkboay. 20th lnek. For Taranakl and Southern ports, por Penguin, at!! a.m. TUESDAY, Sept. 12. Por t.9. City of Now York; aa follow :— For Sandwich Inlands, Unltoa Utateß Of America. Canada, British Colombia, Central ud South Amorloa, and British and Foreign West Indlos, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Bnropo, at 1 p.m. For monoy orders registered letters, and newspapers, at 11.30 aan. Late letters bearing an extra foe of sixpence, In addition to the postage, will bo received by the Mall Agent on board the steamer np to the time of sailing. This mail will be due In London, on Mon day, October 23rd, 18S3. Si B. 8183, Chlof Postmaster. Chief Post-offloa. Auckland.

meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

AUQDBT 25, 1832. Woodyear and Rosa'a Royal Australian Circus, 8 p.m. Kohlor's Wax Works, adjoining Mr PhlUlps'a Shop, Queen-street, 10 a,ni. to 10 p.m. Y.M.O. A.-Mußloal and literary Kntortaln mont, 7.30 p.m. Avondale Public Hall.—Bolree In connection with the Mount Albert Purple BUr Orange bodge. 7.30 p.m. Clarence Ball, Devonport.—Oddfellows' Ball, 9 p.m. Drillshed.— Monthly Inspeotion Parailo of Auckland Naval Brigade, 7,30 p.m. St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, Romuora.— Sabbath-Bohool Anniversary Soiree, tea IiSO. Epiphany Church Concert at Newton Hall, S P.m.

Birth.

GEORGE.—On the 25th inst., at her rosldence, Graf ton Road, the wife of Mr. C. &Sha>la George, solialtor, of a eoni GILBKKT.-On August 19th, at her residence' Hobson-streot, ttie wife of 3. Gilbert, chemist of a daughter; both doing well

Marriage.

LAKE—FRENCH.—On August 16th, at tho re sidence of the brldo'a father. Mount Albert, by-the Rev. J, Koberttoii, M.A.. Charles Jeeson Lake, of Cambridge, to Jano Kirkland. eldest daughter of A. tfronch. iLi., teacher, Mount Albert.

Death.

BRO WTT.— On the 2Jth August, Lnor Catherine, the belovod wife of Samuol Brown, Vlotona- Btreet, Auckland, aged 60 years. Friends are respectfully informed that the fnnoral will leave Victorla-atroot at 3,50 on Sunday af tornoon. BURQKdP.—On August 15, at Conquest Plaoe. Ooorgo Unrgeea. aged 60 years. The funeral wiil le«ve his late residence on Sunday, fur St. Stephen's cemetery. JTrlonda please accept this Invitation. HKAD.—On ADRost 25th, at her residence Grace-etreot. PoneoDby, ilory. the beloved wife of William Head, agod 53 joars.

Notice to Correspondents.

Volunteer.—The first detaohment of volnn toeis for notivo aorvloo loft AnoltUnd In July, 1863, undor the command of Captain Uerrom, with Mr .Andro wa and the present Councillor Thompson as subaltern officers. The men were drafted from several companies and embraced members of tho Victoria and City companies, the latter then being oommandea by Captain Clark, now Mayor of Auckland.

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25. 1881

For the causa that lacks assistance For the wrong that.needs resistant* For the future In the distancd, And tfaa good that we can do.

The voto of £6000 taken last night, for the assistance of public libraries throughout the country, is one that will, if judiciously administered; return fall value to the country. The proposal of the Government is is that the method of distribution shall be in the proportion of £2 for £1 subscribed locally in country districts, and £1 for £1 in towns. Wo hope our settlers will exert themselves to raise an amount that will secure them a large share of the giant Well-selected libraries afford the very best means of entertainment in country districts, where the recreations tiro few. There is one thing, howovor, that ought to be attended to in distributing this grant. Public money ought not to bo wasted in the purchase of works that are not. of utility and literary merit. Lists from which a choice of books may be made should be very carefully prepared—special attention being given to books on agriculture, and the cultivation of economic plants adapted to the climate of New Zealand. A sum of £1000 to aid technical education 'by means of_ night schools has been placed on the estimates, in compliance with a resolution of the House.l Xhfl same object might be «üb served oy the judicious choice of books purchased with this grant

Possible complications still threaten to arise in the course of the Egyptian cam paign, although all the aotive operations undertaken by the British forces up to the present time have been attended with com plete success. The danger ahead is a Pan- Islamic agitation, which may array against Britain all the Mahoramedan peoples in Europe, Asia Minor, and Africa. In the state of Tripoli, adjacent to Egypt, as also in Syria, tho religious feeling of the popula tion bas been deeply stirred, so that anti- Christian risings were feared j and now the intelligence reaches us of apprehended disturbances in European Turkey from the same cause. Hie cablegram states that "no serious outbreak" has yet taken place, leaving it to be inferred that minor disturbances had occurred- The likeli hood is that, under official fjneourage ment, outrages aginst Christiane .' in Turkey will assume serious] magnitude, with tho upshot of Turkey being forced into war with England. It is evi dent that the British have no faith in the Sultan's professions and their feeling of suspicion has found expression in Sir Garnet Wolselev's cutting of the overland telegraph cable between Cairo and Constantinople. This distrust haa been strengthened by the departure from .Rhodes of the Turkish troops which were recently landed there to await further orders. It is stated that the vessels con* taming the troops steered in a south

easterly direction fuoin Rhodes, and though tUis news is of tho vaguest description, the movement seems very suspicious. Their destination may be either Syria or Tripoli, where they could act as the. nuclcuo of an army to proceed to tbe assistance of Arabi. The action of the British forces in seizing thu Susz Canal, and the moral effect of their dashing exploit at Chalouf, appear to have struck with terror the predatory bands of Egyptians and Arabs, who had taken up commanding positions along the banks of tbe Canal. From all these positions the hostile bands are retreating in disorder, and will probably join tho largo body of rebels, said to number about 25,000, which has collected at Tantah, an inland town some fifty or sixty miles to the south-east of Alexandria. It is probably also to this place that tho more disorderly of Arabi's followers at Kafradowar are retreating, burning and pillaging as they go. This gathering must be dispersed before Sir Garnet Woisoley can operate against the entrenchments at Kaf rndowar, and a few days may bring news of a serious engagement there. Undor date, 23rd inst., it is stated that a strou« force of cavalry had been larded at Ismniliu, and would advance that day ajjaiust the enemy. This advance might merely be apainst the outposts of the Tantah force, which reached to within ten miles of Ismailia; and as there is no news of a brush with them, they have doubt less fallen back on the main body. The desertions from Arabi's ranks continue to iticrease, and it ia believed that thousands have been unwillingly pressed iuto the field who have no sympathy with the National movement. Arabi, with tile best part of his nrmy, seems dctenniued to make a stand at Kafradowar—the previous report of his evacuation of that position being emphatically contradicted.

To-morrow's "Saturday Supplement will contain tho continuation of tho thrilling story," The Leaveuwmtli Murder," and the second paper by Dr Simms on " Skull, Brain, and Mind." A humorous story, "MiDui's Sad Fate," lecture by Bishop Cowio on " University Life at Cambridge Thirty Years Ago," "Dogs as Drunkards," "A Coal-heaver Succeeds to au ifnglish Earldom," "An Extraordinary Story," a •'Poem by Garibaldi," and a viuiety of in teresting extracts,

Mr W. L, Uces, who is now in Auckland in connection with the East Coast Native Lands Settlement Co , intends, wo beliove, to conveno a mooting in the Chamber of Commerce rooms, at which ho will lay be fore tho morcautilo men of the city an ac count of the position and prospects ot tho company.

Mr Kohlor's Waxworks Exhibition was well attended through the day, and tbo Queen and other representations attracted favourable atteution, Tho exhibition will continue open this evening until ten o'clock,

Several gardeners In the employ of Mr Macdonald, nurseryman, ot XScwmarket, commenced this morning to plant a num ber of fine trees around tho Law and Police Court, in High-street, Tho trees are of a, healthy and choice kind, of considerable growth, and will give a graceful and wel come nppearanoo to tho place.

Seven undefended and two defended cascß are sot down for hearing at the District Court oq Monday next. Undefended : Nathan and Co. v. Haose, Craig v. Waller, Christie v. Flavell, McArthur v. Huxtable, Buchanan v. Waller, Press v. Thomas, and Murt&gh v. Bnckland. Defended : harbour v, Clark (Mr Alexander for plaintiff and Mr Tyler for detendant), Randerson v. Swindley (Mr Thome for plaintiff and Mr Browning for defendant).

The members of the Auckland Dramatic Society have determined upon another of their gratifying entertainments, at .the Theatre Royal, when tho popular play of "Our Boys" will bo producud, with now sconery and mechanical effocts. From what we hear we believe that the perfor mers will bo successful in this favourite comedy, which will be far the benefit of Mr C. D. Robertson.

A concert and ball was held at Wliata whata ou the 18th imtant, to defray iho balance of the organ fund. Mr La Trobe ably occupied the chair, Siugero from Hamilton and Whatawhata were present. The comic and sentimental songs were well sung and gave general satisfaction. Messrs Salmon, Shepherd, and Corbett, also Mr Mitchell from Hamilton,were particularly noticeable. Mrs Crawford nnd Dawson also assisted the players. A vote of thanks to tho singers and chairman terminated the proceedings.—(Correspondent).

Tne monthly inspection of the Artillery Company was hold last night, in the drill-shed, nndor Major Withem, In specting Officer of the district. There was a good muster of mon and mem bers of the band, under command of Captain Payne and Lieutenant Norrie. The company, at tho desire of Major Withers, was exercised in bayonet drill. After drill, tho company marched out, headed by the band, and passed through Quoeu-strci-.t, The band performed several national airs and popular tunes on tho march, to the satisfaction and pleasure ot the public.

To the Editor : Sir,—The best answer that can be given to the letter which ap peared in your columns last evening res pecting the past and present working of the Yonng Women's Instituto Is to invite the writer to visit the Institute and prove for himself the untruth of the greater number of his statements. I have :i Btrong objec tion to newspaper correspondence, and great faith in personal investigation, by which I have myself " proved " the Insti tute, and not found it "wanting."—l am, etc, A Genuine Wbll-Wisher.

Messrs Glanville and Kllyett announce their intention of closiug their grocery and provision establishment on and after Satur day, the 2nd of September, at 6 o'clock p.m. , Tradesmen who take the lead in favour of this or any beneficent movement, calculated to afford necessary recreation to their assistants, deserve encouragement, and will receive it from well disposed and thoughtful citizen*. The long-hour system has proved a great evil in the old country tending to Intellectual dwarfish ness and social degradation. It is gratifying, there fore, to sec tradesmen stepping forward In advance of the early closing movement.

Mr 'William Cooper read his well-con structed essay on " Confucius," the Chinese philosopher, last evening, before the mem bers of the Pitt-street Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Association. Mr Cooper gave an excellent sketch of the sage, who flourished 550 years before the birth of Christ. Confuting was the ton of a Loo mandarin, Loo being one ot the petty king doms into which China was then divided. His manly independence, virtues, and love of truth, were elaborated by the essayist, who shewed.with rjiueh literary ability,that the influence of Confucius upon the Chinese was due, in a large measure, to tbe charac ter of the philosopher, as a moral teacher and honourable politician. The criticisms of members were favourable, and the essay ist was complimented on his labour of love. It was announced that Key. H. K. Dows bury has kindly consented to deliver a lec ture on "Evolution" on Thursday evening next.

The' meeting last evening in the St. Thomas's schoolroom was well attended, the object being the establishment of a branch of the Church of England Tempe rance Society, The Rev. Humfrey Davis, the minister, occupied tbc chair and intro duced the proceedings, stating briefly and succinctly the aim of the association. Ad dresses on the subject'of Temperance were delivered by «cv. B. T. Dudley, of St. Sepulchre's, and Mr Ewington, enforcing the claims of the cause upon tbe community in general. The hoars were enlivened by a pianoforte duct and several songs by members. A number of persons cnrollod themselves under the banner of temperance, and a committee was appointed to draw up a set of rules and by-laws to bo submitted for approval at the next meeting. The monthly concert in connection with the church will be held on Tuesday evening next. i

To the Editor : Sir, —About a month ago there appeared In your valuable paper a statement in which were presented cordial thanks to friend-1 in Auckland and its vicinity ior their subscriptions to aid in defraying the expenses to be incurred In re pairing the scotch JPresljyterian Church in Pollok. Now, Sir, the writer of this notice considers that a public acknowledgement of thesemccsof the KeT.J, M. Smith <jn behalf of his am till congregation is due to him. Some year* back » church was built, find Mr Smith collected the most of the money for defraying the expenses. Subsequently a house was erected for Mr Smith's residence. It was simply ft weatherboard edifice. The minister, not feplfng very comfortable in such a house, got its walls lined and papered, and by his own efforts raised the funds for paying the expenses. Once raore Mr Smith haß succeeded fn collecting nigji. as much as is necessary for completing the' repairs of the church and fencing church property. For these efforts thanks ara duo to Mr Smith, as well as for his perseveranca in hia ministerial1 work, notwithstanding privations' and discouragements.-.Yours, &c, PotWK,

The usual bi-weekly sitting in Chum bora did not take place to-day, there being no business to bring forward.

Mrßrophy, Immigration officor nt Auck land, continues to receive large numbers of applications under the nominated immigra tion regulations.

John Brown, Queen Victoria's favourite Borvant, has about the best time in the spring, as his mistress's salmon fishing on the Dee is at his disposal, and her Majesty's stretch, which extends from Invercauld bridge to Balmoral bridge, is one of ,the linest on the river. On one day last month John Brown landed fourteen jive salmon.

An extraordinary elopement took place last month from Lymm, in England. A ' woman who bad been thrice a widow, and who had just, at the age of 40, married ogam, eloped with a youth of 17. Tho runaways wcat towards Manchester, and have not been heard of since. The woman left hor husband in charge of live step children, while the youth's parents are in consolable, aud searching for the youngster. A petition is in course of circulation, again praying the City Council to form Wellington-street. Tho work is one very urgently required, and it would have been undertaken years ago but for somo local op position. If the street U put upon the per manent level, important improvements will, we holievc, be made to the properties front ing it, rendering this main outletoao of tho most altractivo of city thoroughfares.

To tho Editor: Sir,—We elected the members of (ho General Assembly for three years. Is it in their power to extend that to four, five, or sis years without our con sent.—l nm, &c ,An KLKcroit. fTheir powers are practically unlimited. They have only to pass an Act repealiug the Triennial Parliaments Bill and substituting any longer term they choose. —Ed. E.S.]

Mr Barton Ireland, chairman of tlui Ko;ul Hoard Uonfercuce, telegraphed the resolu tions'carried at the meeting, to the Colonial

Troaauror and the representatives of the Manukau uml Parnell electoral districts.

The following roplics have boon recoived : " Will sco the Funnier aud Treasurer about your telegram botore second ic&diug of Bill to-morrow, if poßsiblo to-day. Will wire result.—CJ. MAtrnicic O'Horkk." " Bill not yet brought up (or second reading. Views of Kciul Hoards nlmll bo represented whon in comtnitteo, if nicessary,—F. J. M<MS."

Tho shop near tlio corner of Queen and Victoria streets, formerly occupied by Mr D. Bloom, aud more recently by tho Gold xmith Hall Jewellery Company, is now filled with a choico and varied collection of china and class wnrc, Indian goods, bronzo and iron art-cisting", while the walls arc hung with handsome pictures. All the goods lirto been nt thu Christ-

church Exhibition, nnd they are now for sale. The pictures comprise both water-1 colours and oils from the brushes of MeAl- Eine, Jayuo, Gioja, Wyngarden, Luzzi, indauor, Jacoby, Rooa, Mnzzolini, and Masou, the prices ranging from 4 to 50 guineas. There aro two paintiugs for sale at the latter figure, viz., "The Penitent Magdalou," by Mnzzoiini, and "On the Avon River," by W. K. Mason, The place soems to attract plenty of visitors. The Btrawborriei consumed In Paris come mostly from Brittany, and the largest market gardens aro near Bro3t, one com muno having upward of 500 aores of straw, berry plants. It is estimated that this place alono prodQoes 3,150 tons of the berry, of which two-thirds are sent to Paris. The crop is, in a fairly good year, about six tons to tho acre, and this is equivalent to au outcome of about §750 ptr aero. The picking of tho strawberries begins about the 20th of May, and lastw tbranghout tho month of June, when the vßiinty ot atrawbtrry known as the Chili plant—imported from South America in 171C—oomea in and lasts uutil the end of July, Tho Plougostel at awbarry beds are upon the dills overhanging the sea, and in very few cases do they extend more than half-a-mile inland. Tho beds arc about fifty yards iquare, and they are inclosed by small fmmcH or stone walls, which protect the plants from tho wind and attract the solar heat. At St. Andrew's Prosbytcrian School, room last evening, Mr Jacob Pitman <ie« livercd a lecture on " Phonography." Tho Key. Mr Carrick presided. '1 ha lecture was divided into three parts, and in the intervals Home excellent munic was discoursed by tho choir, in charge of Mr Culpan. Mr Pitman, in the first part, exhorted the younger men and women of his audience to cultivate habits of industry, truthfulness and godli ness. In the second part ho gave a history of the invention and development of the phonetic system of spoiling, and of writing in phonographic shorthand. The third part was devoted to illustrating on the black board the absurdities of our present style of spelling, and the advantages of writing and spelling according to a system based on tho sounds produced. The JRcv. Mr Carrick inttmatod that he was prepared to teach a class for the stndy of Mr Pitman's system, and to dovo'e the fees entirely to the church building fund. Tho initiation ot the Mutual Firo In surance Company in Auckland led to similar propositions in Christchurch and Dunedin. Overtures were afterwards niarto by tho Dunedin promoters ior an uinulga mation of the companies, they stipulating, however, that the head oflioe should be in Dunedin. Tho Auckland directors re fused to listen to this, and they have now reoeived telegrams showing that it is pro bable that Duuedin will join them uncon ditionally. MrDobion, tho newly appointed manager, has gone down South, and will place matter* there on a Bound footing. Tlioio is great advantage to a city in luving tho direction of such commercial under takings. They find openings for younir men and extend the commercial prosperity of the place. Shares in tho new company are, we aro informed, being freely applied for, and the wholo capital, it is expected, will be subscribed by tho end of tho month. The meeting of ladies which was held in the rooms ot the Young Women's Institute, late yesterday afternoon, for tho purpose of conferring about the future working of the Institute, wan fairly attended, about forty being present Mrs Judd and Mr* Sin clair laid their views before the meeting, and the discussion that ensuod was of a conversational character. Several ladies gave in thoir names as subscribers, and promises of .ictivo help and larger donations were made. No formal resolutions, however, were tondercd. It was resolved to hold the annual con versazione in the V.M.C.A. rooms on tho 30th inst. Mesdames Judd and Sinclair, and several other ladies, have taken a deep and active interest in this Institute, and for the sake of young women without a home, it is eiuc«rely hoped that the Institute will not be permitted to break down foi lack of peenniary support. It ia desired that ladies generally will contribute flowers and works of art for adornment on the evening of tho conversazione, in order to add to cheerful ness and the enjoyment of all who may bo in attendance. The fortnightly mooting of the City Council took place last night, there being present: Councilors Waddel (in Jho cljair), Thompson, Montague, Hemus, Phillips, Fleming and Crowther, It was'explained that the ball which the Mayor had deter mined to give in honour of the Japanese officers was taking place that night, thus precluding His Worship's attendance at the Council, and as all the Councillors had received invitations to it, the ordinary accounts were passed, tho most pressing business attended to, and the remainder adjourned till Monday evening at 6.30 o'clock. Thug, Mr Rhodes (builder) was granted a permit for some additional works necessary for the completion of tho pro jected additions to the Bank of New Zea land, and that the contractor for coal supplies should supply tho Bay of Islands variety. The accounts as passed by tho Finance Subcommittee were ordered to be paid, and the compensation claims of Mr P. McArthur and Mrs McLaughlan (£4OO and £200 respectively) were referred to tho Legal Committee for consideration. An evening party in honour of the Japanese .officers took place last night at the Mayor's private residence, The Towers, JKemuera, and pa9Bgd off very pleasantly indeed. The grounds were tastefully lit up with Chinese lanterns and the ball room looked charming. Captain Kasama, the first lieutenant, and 31 other officers of the Toujfuoa were present, and a corres pondingly good number of citizens, amongst the latter being (iik, Montague, and Waddell, Meßsrs Halcombe, Hamner, Ching, Mackectwie, A. K. Taylor, D. B, Cruiflkshank, Jas. Russell and Dr. Hooper; Dancing commenpod at 8 o'clock; and was engaged in with ;est up till 2 o'clock this morning, the Japanese officers almost monopolising the ladies' engagements, and displaying the utmost aptitude for tripping it on thp light fantastic too. They shewed themselvea," also, to be quite ciufnitmth the gallantries suited to such an occasion, and well-schooled- in the courtesies and refinements of European sucial life, Between cards and dancing, all went " merry as a marriage bell," theplaaaure of joth races and both oozes of gaeats being enhanced by the judicious omission from the programme of speechifying at the i supper.

The Rev. Dr McLeod, of North Bnore, will preach a.Gaelic sermon at St. James s Church on Sunday afternoon at three o'clock.

Mr Morgan-Morris, a Thames journalist of some repute, left by the s.». Oreti, this afternoon, for Gisborne, ffhitUnr he goes to take editorial charge of the "Poverty Bay Herald." We wish him success in his new sphere of action.

Mr D. G. MacDonnell has received a tele gram from Te Arohu stating that the Wuitaki reef ia improving very much. The reef is 6ft. thick and showing gold.

The paymaster of the Japanese war-ship in paying the account for water at the City Council offices to-day expressed himself pleased with the very moderate charges for the supply made here. Ho considered the rate the lowest for water supplies in any town in. the iouthern hemisphere. In Mel bourne they paid £7 for water, here the cost only umounted to £2 8s Od.

Some timo ago we refsrred to the ease of a young woman from the W aikato, who becoming encicntc, lost her reason, and came to Auckland, whero she was taken charge of by the authorities. We under stand she yesterday gave birth to a child, and has fortunately become compos mentis.

Tho annual hobnobbing of tbe Austrian and German Emperors will tako place this year in August, at Gastein and Ischl or Salzburg. These meetings are looked upon with great satisfaction by the two nations, the pooplo believing that tho embrace aud the endearing and complimentary terras exchanged are guarantees of the Austro-Gormau alliaucu. The Austrian Premier, and Bismarck with his dog, the latter muzzled, will nli» attend the coming meeting.

The European telegraph statistics fam ish the following facts :—Kussia comes lirnt with 50,090 miles ; Germany is next, with 4-1,265 miles ; Franco has 43,650; Austria-Hungary, 31,015; Great Britain, 2G.4C5; Italy, 10,430; Sweden and Hot wuy, 12,625 ; Switzerland, 4,097; and Belgium, 3,505. in luugth of wires, howevpt, Germany stauas first, having 159,910 miles ; Kussia is second, with 134,466) France third, wtth 125,265, and then follows Great Britain, with 121,720; Austiia-llungary with 89,960; Italy with 53,962; Sweden aod Norway with 23,445; Belgium with 16,345, and Switzerland with 10,010. Uunsia's length of wires, as will be seen, is much less in proportion to hor length of lines than that of most other countries, a fact which tho tjoographical nature of the country will easily explain. Kngland, for instance, has ii miles of wire to every mils of line. For ruessagos Bent the figures are thu.se : Kngland, 29,820,445; France, 19,882,628 ; Germany, 16,312,457 ; Austria. Hungary. 8,729,321; Kussia, 7,298,422; Italy, 8,511,489; Holland, 3,109,230; and Sweden and Norway, 2,028,505. Kngland on this ruckoiiiiijj, thorefoio, surpasses ltussia by more thin four times as many mcsaiigLvi, and bus nearly double the num ber of Gerinauy. Tbo figures for the

United S'.ates wore 110,340 miles of line, 327,171 miles of wire, and 32,500,800 me*' sagea sent.

" The increasing sizo of station properties nil over Australia can hardly," tho Sydney "Echo" observes, "escape the notice of

anyone glancing over tho sales announced,

Not many yoaia ago a leasehold of 100 or 150 square miles of country, capable of carrying about 20,000 sheep, was considered a fair run, and many a good fortune has been taken off such by practical resident equattow. But tho advertisements of tho past month will show that under modern iniluencoa the industry U taking a new shape. There aro offerod for sale partially stocked runs—one of 150 square miles, and another of 1750, and dozens of 300 to 1000 square milei; besides un stocked blocks in South Australia up to SOOO pquaro miles, or 5,000,000 acre*. It is said that to induce moneyed men to embark iv squatting, it la necessary to give great Bcope in securing country ; but the proper ties will be all worked by "syndicato*,1 or corporations of capitalists, and that eventually they will subdivide themtelvea when wantod for settlement. Looking down the list, there appears farther »ontb for sale a, station in a more advaa:ed stage, 22 mile* river frontage, secure i by the purchaso of 30,000 acres freehold land. This dooa not look much like a disposition to subdivide, and going further south yot we oome to the Murrumbidgec, where we find one freehold of 330,000 acres just sold, and another on tbe Edwards of 145,000 new, ' splendid sheap oiuntry and well adapted for wheat growing' offered In tho market. Thsso two are both on railways, in a centre of towns and traffic, and in tho very nucleus of the Und feud, where selection was hottest of all. Iv reality, theso aro specimens of the matured fruits of selection. They have been fought for, every inch, till at length the power behind the squatter, ia defence of bank assets, has secured every inch of tho ground, and has bought every lolector out."

The members of the Loyal Devonport Lodge of Oddfollows will oolobrste tho opening ot their new hall, ClarenoO'itr*et, tbls evening by it ball, under the oondnotorshlp ot Mossrg Edward Hynw and Thomas Ingles. A soiree and entertainment, in connection with tho Mount Albert Purplo Star Loynl Orango Lodgo, will be hold this evmlng la tho Avondßlo Publlo Hall. " Tho cry is still they coma ;" another pawnbroker has cotmo to Ilia, In tho portion of Mr J>a»o Bloom, who hu decided to try hlB fortune) In Newton, where he has taken control oremliai. We con only Bar he o.ona In an untried district, and we Heartily wish him look, A musical and literary entortainment Will bo hold this ovenlng in tho largo room of the Young Men'a Christian Association. The programme la a v«ry attractive one, conaUtlnit ot giftos—"Lot the Hills.Rwound," and "All Among the Bailey," by the Beresford-sh Chnroh oholr; bolob by Mlsros Paaoo, Spry, Gee, and Hayloi: pianoforte dueta and rahtlnßS by Mr Trios. Spurgoon and others. Mr Hooton will aot as oonduotor and accompanist. Home Ccmforts,—Tea. being a foreign product 1b otton adolteratod, therefore those oonsamers who are not yet using " Itew'g Tea," guaranteed free from all adulteration, are rooommendod to do bo. It is Btrong. doUclons, warranted pure, and sold at lowest market prloes.-City Tea Mart, Victoria and Albert b tree to. Mr K. J. Kandernon, of Mount Albert, has at last been Induood to out no his ohoioe farm of about fifteen acres. The property for sale la oort%lnly one of tho choicest In Mount Albert. It Is sltuatod In the very oeatre of the township, and surrounded by the leading roods to and from the oity. The soil li second to none, the wholo being of the richest quality of voloanlo land. A vast amount of oaeh and laN>or has been spent on tbe property. It Is all oleared. ploughed. In splendid graaa and omhard groonds, and has a first-class stone wall all round. The view Is good, and from Its central position, the plsoe must become of immense value in tho future. The proprietor had the whole Into convenient pieces of about a qnartor a-ro each, thus securing tho rlnhtolaja of people to «ottle upon the sites, Thehonso and groands around It will also bo offered. The Bale takes place on Thursday, September 7. No doubt there will be good competition for tho various seoklong, as land like This does not often happen to be in tho market.

ANNEXATION OF PONSONBY.

Mr Peacock, M.H.K., has telegraphed to tho Mayor that the proclamation bringing Ponaonby withia the city was gazetted yov terday. By this stroke the population of Auckland is increased by at least 5,000 souls.

FIRE AT TARANAKI.

Stratford Hotel Burtied.

(BY THLKdBAPa.— PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, this day, AT five a.m. this morning tbe Stratford Hotel Was burnt down. Most of tho furni ture was saved. The fire is supposed to have originated in the spirit store, under the stairs, and went up tbe lining to tbe roof. The insurances are :—On the build ing : Victoria, £500. On stock: Norwich Union, £250; United, £150.

NEW PYLMOTTIH PRES BYTERIAN CHURCH.

Verdict of Incendiarism,

(BY TELJJQRAPII.—PSESS ASSOCIATION.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. AN inquiry Into St. Audrow'a Church fire

as held yesterday, and occupied the whplo day, the jury retiring at about 10 last night, The following verdict was re turned :—" The Scotch Kirk was ruthlessly net on fire on the morning of tbo 10th August, bat the evidencn is not aafficient to implicate any p«rson or persons." The following rider waa added to it;—" The jury recommend the authorities to offer a reward for any evidence that would'lead to the conviction of the perpetrators, and that a free1 pardon be granted to an accom plice giving such evidence!"

ALARM OF FIRE.

Narrow Escape of the Waitangi Store.

The Waitangi Store, at the foot of Queen- J street, had a narrow escape from destruc tion by fire this forenoon. Shortly after 9 o'clock, the city fire alarms tolled out their ominous warning, and a general stampede of excited individuals took place In the di rection of the wharf, and assembled round ] the store occupied by the Waiting! Com pany, of which Mr P. Martin is the man ager. No smoke or other sign of fire could be seen on the outside of the premises, ' and after waiting a short time the multitude dispersed, with the comforting assurance of Sergeant Clarke that it was "only a box of matches." Inquiry into the cause of the outbreak demonstrates the danger connected with the storage ot matches. It appear* that Mr Williams, who carries on the business of a Bailmaker on the upper floor of the store, was sur prised about nine o'clock to see rnnoke issu ing from the crevices in the flooring boards. Concluding that an outbreak of fire had taken place in the store beneath, he ran downstairs and burst open the door, the Htoremun being absent at the time. The cause of the alarm was not difficult to discover. Flames were issuing from a small, square, tin-lined case packed on top of a number of cundle boxes, and placed close to the ceiling. To seize the case and carry it outside was the work of a moment, and all danger was then past. A liberal application of water was effective in extinguishing the ilamo?, The case was found to be filled with boxes of plaid ves tas, and looking at all the surrounding cir cumstances, there 1b not the slightest doubt that they ignited from spontaneous com bastion. It was impossible that the rays ot the sun could fall upon them in the position where they had been placed, and it is equally unlikely that rats could have found their way into the case. It is a matter for congratulation that the outbreak did not take place at night. Had it hap pancd at a less fortunate time, the conso quences would undoubtedly have been much more serious.

CONDENSED CORRESPON DENCE.

We have a large accumulation of letters to the editor.

" Merchant" complains of the irregularity of the time kept by the Union Company's steamers.

'•U.S.IJ." sends a letter attacking the Board of Education for not keeping its oflicers under sharp control. He says :— I expected a great deal from Messrs Uoldie and Laisbley, bat these gentlemen having ground their own axes in appearing before the community as reformers, have new sub sided into the normal condition of the other members, ;and adopted their laittea alter systnm equally prejudicial to the public and the subordinates of the Department.

" Robinson Crusoe " sends ku opinion on tho Land Question. He contends thut the only solution of the question is that all land should be vested in the State. He thinks :—"The time is cniiag in England when the State inurt owu the lands. The landowners in Ireland do not own the land. They hold it jointly with the Uoverment or people, Can a man be said to own land it lie is not allowed to do an he wishes with it, or get as much rent for it aspotaible? Note Land Act. I think the time will como when we shall toe that it will not be to our advantage to tax land 1 believe the lund should be as free as the air we breathe. The difficulty in tbat case would be, through competition, farming would uot pay the individual; but would ba very profitable to the State, as food would be cheap, and the land be made to yield her increase. When food is cheap we all roap the bonclit. Mow is the tine to buy the King Country. When the railway is made the Maoris will bo made rich at the public expense. They will get the bouetit of this hard-earned increment. The Government could buy the land—as tracts were beught, extend the railway, lease agricultural land, and sell town scctiom. ihe latter would defray tho first coat, or [present value, of the land."

Mr TUoh. A. Gubb writes with reference to the late correspondence between the men employed at the Toponui Sawmill and Mr Seymour Gaorge, Xke substance of bis letter is this: —" That signing of the rcqui»ition distinctly pledged those signing to vote in favour of the person for whom they were signing. Mr Nicholson did make a. personal canvass, and I know those who would have voted otherwise than they did, had they not signed the requisition. Mr George spoke strongly on this requisition business in the Public Hall, Jforc Albert, in November, and yet now we are told •Wo tako the earliest opportunity' to ro fate Mr George's statements." Wo have abo received & copy of the reply sent by Mr t cymour George to the letter sent on behalf of the Toponui mill. Mr George aays: Tho mere denial by yourself and those of your fellow-worknioa who were at the meeting, that you were so inti midated, if) quito enough to make me with draw the statement in reference to that •übject, in so far as it relates to yourselves, and you aio authorised to make public this withdrawal in any manner which is nost consistent with your own feelings, a« I wish fully to repair tho error which I fell into io this respect. In regard, however, to tho signing ot a requisition to any gentleman, asking him to contest a seat, I still think doing so ought 11 mean a pro mise to rote for him, if ho complied with the requisition ; and I am strODgly of the opinion that the system of signing requisi tions described by- you might be open to abuse, and Is not in accordance with the spirit of tho Ballot Act, and may also be comidered as coming indirectly under the Bribery and Corrupt .Practices Act.

"Q> in a Corner " roplies to the Rev, Mf Dewßbury's remarks on " Evolution." He says Mr Dewsbury gave the difference between the brain capacity of the gorilla and the lowott savage incorrectly, and lie maintains that animals such as the dog poseoss a higher degreo of reasoning than that of instinct, and monkeys higher than other animals.

" Anti-Bosh" roplies to Mr Brown's lectures on "Spiritualism." lie denies that Spiritualists reject the idea of sin, and says the existence of planes in the other world proves the contrary. They also do not r»ject the Bible, but select from that, and all other books, what is good and true. He repudiates the suggestion that the world will cope uuder the dominion of the devil, and maintains that there ii evidence everywhere that tho world is getting bettor, not worse.

"Timothy " enters tho ranks of those who have repudiated Mr Brown's interpretation of the passage referring to wicked spirits in aorial regions. Ho states that Dean Alford translated the passage In 11. Peter, 2c. 4v., "D^ns of darkn«s».

"Dnty at all Costs" writes very strongly against the Contagious Diseases Act, She says :—" If there is a God, in his sight the most degraded woman in existence is sitter to Victoria, and an Insult offered to the one is au insult offered to the other; and if our wives and mothits only knew what the Contagious Diseases Act means to women, they would never rest until they had secured its repeal. The Act makes prosti tution to be a necetsity by legalising the same—in other words, woman is to be treated like a beast, that man may sia with impunity. Many ot the noblest women in England, led by Harriet Martineau and Florence Nightingale, have done much to create public opinion upon this subject, and I have in consequence valuable informa tion on the workings of thu Act to offer to an audience of women only, if there are good men in Auckland who will' giva me the use of a public bnildiug for the purpose. To the women of Auckland I wonld say : If you love your husbands, sons, and brothers-—if honour, truth, and duty are dear to you, fear not to attend such a meet ing to petition the Council against the en forcment of the Act."

_ "Resident" hopes tyr Wood's applica tion for a slaughterhousa at Kllerslie will be refuded by the Board. "Waimate Plains" sends a letter ad vocating that in the construction of the North Island trunk railway southwards, the line should be taken as far as Taupo, and from thence one line be run to Napier, and andthor line carried from Opunake to a point between! TaurJo atid Te Awamutu, crossing the New' Wymbuth-Foxtonl line somowhere hetween Stratfold and Hawera.

THE CIRCUS.

Tiierb wa» again a good attendance at thp Circus la*t evening. The programme of the previous evening was repeated; A number of new tricks were performed by the Japanese jugglers, while the jokes ot the clawna were new and amusing in the extreme. The p«rforraanbe of "Bick'Tnr pin's Ride to York" concluded the pro gramme. ■ • ■ ■ • ■

TURFIANA.

[BY CHEVAL,]

THE improvements now in progress at] Ellcrslie will, when csmpleted, make our beautiful race-course nvlli secundus so far as New Zealand is concerned. I do not know if the saddling paddock comes with in the range of the improvements; if not, I would respectfully suggest to the committee of the A.R.C. that it be raised about six inches, rolled and sown with as little delay as possible. During the rainy days at the autumn meeting, the paddoclc ffas a perfect quagmire. Three highly-bred mares have been pur chased by the Auckland Stud Company. They are to leave America shortly, but will be served first by stallions related to Iroquois, who some time since startled the racing fraternity of the old country by carrying away a number of rich prizes. The mares should prove a great acquisition to the already grand stud belonging to the company, and will no doubt, at no very distant date, fully bear out the old adage, " stick to good blood." The Hawkesbury Handicap, the first of the three great spring events in Australia, is to be decided to-morrow (Saturday), and the reault will doubtless be looktd for ward to with interest, as on more than one occasion the winner, and even second and third horses, have been the medium of some heavy wagering on the other two handicaps that follow, viz., the Metropol itan Stakes and Melbourne Cup. The course is beautifully situated on the banks of the Hawkesbary River, and is only 34 miles from Sydney. The meoting always attracts a numerous crowd of sportsmen from the city, and generally is very popu lar with racing men. The distance is one mile and a half, and the event, last year, was appropriated by Trump Yoss, who is credited with having done the fastest time on record in the colonies—he carried 7st 91bs, and won it' in toe' splendid time of 2miu 37»ec. There were 86 nominations this year, and though the number is sure to diminish, still it is only fair to suppose that a good field will go to the post. It is a eomowhat difficult, mud at the same time unthankful task,to attempt the selection of a probable wiener, information concerning the gallops of intending competitors being of such a meagre description ; trill, I think that of. those left in, I shall expect to see among tbe leading division, The Barber, y.t; Saionara, Bst 41bs; Kiagsworth, Cut lOibs; Harebell, Gat Slbs; and Mas querade, Cat 21ds. The three-year.old race (The Guineas) was to have been run for yesterday (Thursday), and it will bo re membered that last year Chester's brother, Monmouth, won, and never afterwards dis tinguished hirruelf, thereby disgusting bia numerous friends.

I was favoured the other day with a peep at Mr Symu's promising three-year-old colt, Kalo, by Yattendon out of Gipsy. He has wintered well; and all connoiiscurs who have seen him agree that in appearance, at least, he is the beau ideal of a racehorse. His best points are his neck and quarters. The former has nothing of the grosaness so common amongst stallions, and the latter are perfection. 1 lully expect this youngster to distinguish himself dining the forthcom ing SI'IUOU.

BREVITIES.

Mr Chitham refused £160 for his geldiug Dan the other day.

A private letter from Wanganui states that Landseer is looking well, but has not yet made an appearance on the training ground.

The late Mr John Ssith's team is for sale by tender. " hir Launcelot" fancies King Quail for the U.J.C. Handicap.

Mr John Coldham's Grassdale stud is to be formed into a company, and then dis posed of oy art union. The principal prize will be the Stallion St. Albans, whose stock have ran so well in New Zealand and Tas mania. Mr Byron Moore has the manage ment of the affair.

The Dunedin Jockey Club ia going in "big licks," They propose to.give away £1,025 at the Spring Meeting, and £2,935 for the Auiumn—the former an increase of £500 and «ii latter of £1,000 over last year's amounts.

Clarsnce is top weight in the Tally-ho Handicap at the JJunedin Hunt Club Steeplechases with 13st 12lbs; Katerfelto, list 121bs ; and Young Sledmerc, lOst 51bs, " Mazeppa " thinks the son of ttavensworth can do tbe trick.

The principal event at the Geelong Winter Meeting—th« Winter Handicap— resulted as follows:—Mr VV. Branch's b c Little Jack, by King C^le, 3 yr», 6.t 61b3, 1; Mr J. Whittingham's b tt Larpenr, 6 yrs, 9at 2lb>, 2; Mr D. S. Wallace's h g Don Qu xote, 4 yrs, Bst 51bs, 3.

The late»t scratchings are : —Metropoli tan—Lord Lisgar, Hosper, Kettledrum, Joker, Crowned dead, Hill Top, Rainbow, Sir Joseph, Waterloo, Pride, Lochinvar, Piracy, The Drummer, Vaucluie, Silver Arrow, Miss Whifller, Master Avenal, Kal Kal, Batburst, Segenhoe, Hecla, and Nau tilus. A.J.C. Sires' Produce Stakes — Master Yattendon.

Hawkesbury Handicap Betting : 100 to 12 Harbell, 100 to 10 Sting and Kingsforth, 100 to 7 Paul, 100 to 6 Waxworks, 100 to 5 Lord Orville, 100 to 5 against the rest.

Writing anent the Canterbury Cup, "Muzeppa " says:—" i shall be content to select tttu following half-dozen as from pro sent appearances most likely to include the winner: — Mata, Betrayer, Watator, Sir Modred, the best of the Hon. W. Robin son's colts, and the best of Messrs Mason and Yallance's fillies,"

ATHLETIC ITEMS. The football team selected to play Tauranga on the 16th proximo will meet a team of IS all-comers at the Domain ground to-morrow. The teams are :—Weoster, Arncil, Ryan, Carter, JR. Whiteaide, Davy, Croxtot), Henderson, O'Connor, Sims, T. Sib bin, Maoky, F. Clayton, Biggs, W. BindoD, and Leckie; emergencies—Joughin and Orchard. All-comers: Joughin, Orchard, Newell, Spencer, Braund, F. White, Jordan, Stewart, Skeen{2), Clayton (2), McConnell, J. Bindon, Ansley, T. Wbiteside, Burgess, Inais, Pilkington, Watts, Yon isturmer, Watson," and War brick. North Shor? 2nd v. Albert.-A foo Jball match will be played on Saturday after noon, at the North Shore, between the above clubs. The Albert team will leave by the 2.30 boat. North Shore : Bartley (2) Hnrle (2), Bailey (2), W»od, Spraggon, Patterson, Beer, Quick, uorman, Ashtoo, Gratten, and YVynyard; emergencies: . lattery, tiilmer, Logan. — Albert: G. Smart (captain), J. Smart, Kinlaysen, Miller, Stuart, Gillespie, Danks, Goodman, Pritchard, Pulman (2), Binney, Hardwick; MeDcrmott, and bkinuer; emergencies : JJoue, Stewart, and Bruce. The secoud' deposit' of £10 a man in con nection with the Monnock—Pickering match will be paid to-morrow. The race takes place on Sept. 30. A tew weeks ago tho Auckland foot ballers wrote to Sjdney offering to guaran tee £100 towards the expenses of a New South Wales team to New Z-aland. No reply has yet boen received, but from refer ences made in the Sydney papers it is evi dent that the visit has been decided on. One journal-says alt the financial arrange ments have been completed, the only difficulty now being the obtaining of leaye of absence for the players. ' The Sydney men evidently do not underrate the New Zealand kickists, and they are determined to b-ing to the field " foemen worthy of our steel."

The " best record " has once more been beaten. Hitherto, Ridley, of England, ia credited with running a mile in 4mins 20secs, and although many had csayod the task of beating this time, until lately none had Succeeded. I now learn that tuo per formance has boon belipse'd, for W. G. George; in KDgland, has run the distance named in 4mins 19 2-sths sees, beating his own previous time by three seconds. Myers, who, it will be remembered, lately distinguished himself in the "ped." line, has also had to succumb to a new and shining light from the Yale University, a Mf Brooks. Tbe distance was 220 yards, and the " champion sprinter " was beaten by more than a >ard, the time bcinsr very fnat-22 3-sths sees. h ™

The Australian cricketers, who, by the way.have now suffered three defeats by the Butishers, came in for a lot of chaff at the hands of the Yorkshiremen, whilst playing a match against them lately, at Sheffield. Some of the on-lookers nick-named them, and amongst others Massie was called "The Deer;" Spoilbrtb, "Spider;" Murdoch, "Eagle-wings;" and Bonnor, who is a perfect giant, was given the Barnum-like title of "Jumbo.'" Notwithstanding all, they managed to beat their opponent?, so that the laugh, if any, must have been on the side of the "antipodean?." It is whis- Eered that trie venture will prove at least a nancfal success, for they are said to hare titcen no less ihan £1,500 at the match spoken of above, and over £1,000 at the Oval. Kensington. In their ntatch with' the Gentlemen.3o,ooo people are said to hivo been present. ■ Some or the occupiers of houses in the vicinity made a "little pile" by letting their windows at a small cost for the day.

PARLIAMENTARY.

P«y, a copy of whicb/K* >V Co«- I !. 1? w ', wa9 laid on the taM2rf?S U<s wi «i I and has been print.d andl ciS *»*>», > xhe JPProacning &J .What looked very much like H.A muz of the end occurred in the A b*1* terdav afternoon. Members We ? e T Je'" ing when sundry pi i vate B g *•* *»«m. jeurnedto. Some suggested «» Mr1"1 «& and others Thursday.^MajoS^^y, ' formed hon. gentlemen thwfliSSSjfi' get Monday, and he did not fM ? ld D°' ; would get Thur.day, a 8 the (ft* % required the rest of the «„£ G<Sin^ t remarks n is generally believed fi™* <*&'>■ will close under / fa£tot"&* "« a few, however, %„ hold out that three JSI "M. not seethe prorogation. One If J* is Mr J. Evans Brown, who saw"* ""*> be trouble yet over the til committee appointed to innni, -rom tb« railway taxation, but ° m 't heartily sick that the maioril ****■■". < matter what the report raav LyMy Oo : will be done until the X t' ? otllV Parliament. . Bst *"*»g i «J.,.. Pay of Police Force On Tuesday next, Mr Pvkfi ia t' i I Miowter for Defence wh«tß?thefc* 1 I ment will place on the mmamS^'^ mates a sum sufficient to test*™f?h y the police force to the formerX VV whether he will " tako infn m. ' • .Alao sideration» the circulf "peCul «* 1 which certain fto^SfiSg^ I double reduction—first in /„*■ *°% secondly in pay of rank to S *? nd were reduced, with a view ai^ such olficew redress by a" £ C r°i. SbS 1' I ; present pay. «""«8 oi Uieir Questions. Replying to Mr Wright, M t Jonw™, I said the Agent-General wouldT° quested to obtaia full information uto r Keplying to Mr Feldwick, Mai m - Atkinson said no provision would be mad this session for the continuance of di e?t grant, to aid local bodies, as the matter would be provided for by the BoXwd i: Bndges Coßstruction Bill. M 4

Kepiymg to Mr Hutchison, Mr i; : Johnston said tho increased rate Ot'ZM had been given to all railway labourers, South Island Native claim, i The claims-of the South Island native pressed by Mr Taiaroa, have obtained a recognition from the Native Affiun Com. - mittee that premises were made which were '■"'■ not carried out, and they rccommeud the matter to the consideration of the Govern, ment, 2he Bcv. Mr Worker's Claim.

Power is taken under the " Special Powers and Contracts Bill" toissueaCrom grant to the Rev. Mr Worker for GOOacrei of land purchased by him from natirei which was found to be included in the' Pakiri block, acquired by the Crown. ' 'xaxaUon by County councils.

In reply to. Mr GEOEOit, the CoiiOXUt, Seuretaey said that a County Council had no power to levy a general rate o»er the whole of a county, with the intention of only collecting such rate from the out lying districis. Mr 8. Stephenson's Petition. The Petitions Committee report oathe petition of Samuel Stephenson, of Mount ' Albert, for compemation for loss sustained ~ through refusal of the Licensing Bench to ! grant him a license—".That as the subject "' matter of the petition is now under the con sideration of the House, the committee have no recommendation to make." '.'.', Subsidies to Public Libraries,

Mr Smith moved that the resolution le reported from the committee iv respect to - subsidies to public libraries. Ml DICK said ' that when the rote of i'GOOO on the esti- I mates was brought down, ho would also ' I Hubmit resolutions as to the equitable dlitri- ' button thereof. He asked that the reßota" 1 tion be withdrawn. The motion was carried, and the resolu>, ; . tion was agreed to. Bills Passed. Mr Tole's Patents Act Amendment Bill 1 was passed. The Bill reduces the present 1 fee_ of £1 to 10s, and provides for offices I being opened in various towns in the" ' colony. The Public Health Act Amend ment Bill was passed with amendments; the Resident' Magistrates Act, 1876, Amendment Bill was passed with amond inents; the Small Bird Nuisance Bill was agreed to. Elective Land Boards. Sir George Grey's Bill, making Waste Land Boards elective, was passed through commit tec, notwithstanding strong oppoai- 1 tion from the Government, Sir George Grey's Donation. When the Public Libraries vote was tm> der consideration of the House last night, ' Mr Shrimski alluded to Sir George Grey's ' munificent gift of his library to Auckland, and thought it was worthy of some recogni- I tion from the House. Fencing Act, The Houtc continued, after 1.30, in com mittee on the Fencing Bill. Captain Mo Kenzie moved to report progress, as it 1 would be littleloss if the Bill died a natural 1 deatb. The motion was carried, on division '■■> by 22 to 20. Progress was reported, | Gold Duties Bill. After some objection from Major Atkl'n- -1 son, Mr Seddon's uold Dutios Act Amend* m ment Bill was passed through committee, reported with amendments, read a third .. time .and passed. The Honse, at 2.15, adjourned until noon to-day.

ST. JAMES'S SOIREE.

The anniversary soiree in connection witb^i' St James's .Presbyterian Church was held last evening in the hall. A large number ;? partook of tea, the trays being either prq« ■.'■■ vided or presided ever by the following - I»die9 j—Mesdamos Macnicol, J. Gol^le, fliacKay, Sinton, R. Sims, B. Gilmonr, Misses McMillan, Mackie, M. Go«r, Keid, MacKay and Lloyd.' Tlw' concert and entertainment cpmmenced soon after the tables were cleared. Key. K. F. Macnicol presided, and amongst those on the platform were JKe.ra. T. M, Fraser, A. Reid, D. W. Runciman, and J, Robertson. In his opening address, the Chairman expressed pleasure at seeing *o many of the congregation present. s|i« object of the gathering,' he said, was social? Christian enjoyment, and he. trusted all h would spend a very pleasant evening. , ■Their career as a congregation last year h»4 been gratifying.- The attendance had been as good as usual, and they had a degree oi prosperity for which they ought to feel,'■;< thankful to God. As a congregation, they had contributed liberally in eon; ■ nectiou with the church extension and j; augmentation scheme. The sostentation , fund had never been popular with St. - James's congregation, but the nSKn organisation was more likely to gain favour, and he hoped the loading congrega tions would continue io support it. He wm gratified and proud of what had been done > by St James's, and ho hoped they would, ; accomplish greater things in the future/ < Excellent addresses were d|livere4 ' W ■ '■'•'■ Revs. T. Mackenzie Fraser, J? Bobertson, and A. Reid, the latter gentleman giving an interesting account of his recent travels. At intervals during the evening, anthems were rendered by a fall choir ■unajSr the conductorphip of Mr (Julpan, Mr Wsm J. K«es presiding at the' harmonium; Solos were rendered by MisUs Mercer, Mackay, Waddel, Uulpan, and Mr Jfc- Coskrie, a duet by Mrs Culpan and MtMK Coghill, and"also a double qaaitette. Pf; solo, " Consider the Lilies,": by Miss Col pan, was, however, the musical gem ol^jf c evening. Votes of thanks were passed to the ladies, choir, and speakers, and the pro-• ceedings concluded with the benediction, pronounced by the chairman.

About seven thousand decorations have been tjiven to distinguished persons," 1 Franc c during the past twelve years. It w surprising to fiod that contemporary French poets have had little snare1' in this showflt of honours. Only tljree lyrical poets. Fianoois Cop^ce, Sully-frudhoanae, and Andre-Theuriet, have been decorated.' Four dramatic authors have won the ribbon, and one dramatic poet, Kraiie Angier/has roeeived the Grand Cross. Only on« of the modern romance writers, Jules Claretie/ has won the distinction, and that he owes, it is suspected, to his popular history CJ the .Revolution of 70-71, .

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. FRIDAY. AUGUST 955.



Bpeoial Advercißemencß ' W. J. H URSX & C°" ' HAVK ON SALK PRIME WHITE TUSCAN SEED WHEAT TARTARIAN SKBD OATB BELL'S j In. BONKDUST BKti'S BONKFLOUR ' NKWOABTLK BONBFLOtJR VICTORIAN BONBDUBT AUCKLAND BONEDUST PKROVIAN AND OTHBR QUANOS BUPKR PHOSPHATE HURBT'S MIXTURK, &0,, &0,, &O. Also, PRIME TABLE POTATOES And. ) OATEN CHAFF (Suporior Sample) MAIZE, OATS, BRAN BARLEY, FOWL WHEAT WOOD'S FLOUR. SHARPS BARLEYMEAL. OATMEAL fto., &0., &O. WE HAVE ALSO IN BTOOK AND TO ARRIVB. AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY O» KVBRV DEBORIPTIOS, BXHAME N O I N X 8 THRASHING MAOHINEB, DRILLS, &a, &a, &o. W^« J» Hurst & Co., 101, QUKKN-STREICT, Auckland* GrREAT Clearing-out Sale OF WINTER DRESS GOODS WINTER DRESS GOODS WINTER DRESS GOODS MANTLES MILLINERY MANTLES MILLINERY MANTLES MILLINERY AND GENERAL DRAPERY '- GENERAL DRAFERY GENERAL DRAPERY PREVIOUS TO STOOK-TAKINQ. JJWTIP.K BTOOK RBDUOKD. AJIO, XBN PER CENT, (or TWO SHILLINGS in the Pound) DISCOUNT allowed on all CASH PURCHASES otsb One Found. THIS Clearing Salk TO UST SIX WEE X S O|N U V After whioh no DISCOUNT WILIi BE ALLOWED; A | INABURY & rift, 301 & 208, QOKKN-STRKKT.D



13amagbd Shektingi BELOW ENGLISH PfUCK ! Damaged QAMCO BELOW ENGLISH PRICE I | WILLIAM RATTRAY, having bought a Parcel of SHEETINGS and CALICOS, Slightly Eamaced by Rain Water, la now Belling them Much Bblow KHGLISH INVOICE PRICE I



tyILLIAM "OATTRAY DRAPKR AND OLOTHIEIt, NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, 178, 180, & 182. QUBKN.BTRBET. AUCKLAND. J« C/OSGRAVE&Co Beg to Inform the Inhabitants of Auckland that they are DIVING UP BUSINESS IN NEW ZKALAND. THKIR STOCK 19 TOO liARGB TO OAUi FOR TENDERS, And to realise aa qulokly as possible they find It imperative to hold a 8 ALK of their NEW GOODS. XHK BTOOK CONSISTS OF 000 WORTH OF T^RAPERY AND QLOTHING, Pttrohased principally in the Home Marketer, i No Consideration of Cost wilt, be Fbb MUTED TO INTEIWZIIE WITH THIS IMPORTANT SAIiB, TO BBALISS ON THB GOODS BKINQ THE OBJECT DKBIRED. TINDBRS WILL HE CALLBD YOB BaoKTIV iron THB BALANOB OF TIIK STOCK AND FIXIUBES. All Aooousta owing to the Firm are requortoa to be paid immediately. no qopna will be entered for thi .FU^URB. '



Speoial Advertiaemeata. THE VICTORIA INSURANCE COM PANY (LIMITED). Capital-.. •• . .._J3I,OOO,(KK). Agents for Auokland Distriot: JOHN HKID & CO.. 26. QuJMSR-SrREKT. liOsses by Fire, Sea, or Dishonesty made good. rriHORNTON, SMITH AND FIRTH HAVK FOB SALE I '> Crown Flonr, in sacks, 100*9 andlW's "Champion" „• „ „ .. "Cantab i' „ ■< Sharps Bran Fowl Wheat Wharf Mill, Auckland



WOUlfa AROMATIO SOHIBDAM HOHNAPPB,Of nduoe tho deßtruotion and provent tho lm proper use of their wrappers and labels, and thus further protoot tho Vublla against fraud and deception, havo cnolosod In the wrappers, or under tho label on tho quart bottles, dlnoe Ist October. 1878, and oontinuo to onoloao in jcvbby DAY'S PACKING THROUGHOUT THJI TEAR THRKK fil ORDBRB, which are drawn upon the undoreigned, and whioh will be cashed by thorn on presentation. To secure these Gifts, the Publio must bo careful to aßk for, and acoopt nothing but, tno Genuine Udolpho Wowb's Schnapps, with our name upon tho top label. M. Mobs & Lo. Wvnyard Lane. Sydney.



Wo linve opened another lot of onr remarkably Rood valuos in Belfast Cam brio Handkerchiefs and Llnons, lnolndlng Children's Cotion Coloured Borders. Ijd eaoh; Ladlos' Puro Linen Cambric. 2s Cd lor halt down packages; Best Quality,sa 3d per half dozsn; Gonis' Scotch Cambric, IJcl eaoh; all Llnon, full size, Ss 9d per dozen, and lla 6d; usual Auoklanrt prloo for tho samo. 18j and 20s per dozen; Tablo Napklnß, from 6Jd to to oaoh; Tablo Cloths, from 2i upwards; fil-inoh Tablo linen, la por yard; other qualities np to la lid por yard; So., So., &c.-Wm. H. Smith's Cheap Drapery Warehouses, 300 and SO2. Qason-streot, opposite Army and Navy Hotel, and at our Nowmarkot Branch Warehouse.—[ Advt.].