SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

i Thin Evening, 3.13 HIGH WATER ) tHiOitow Morning, 3.53 BUNSET.-Thla Kvenin.nr, 0.15 gfflsoSlWsota^"M P.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO DAT.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. London—Antares, loading Sydney Rotorua, 23rd Melbourne and Southern porta-Rlngarooma,

Taranakfand Bonth-Pengnln, Tuesday RussoU, Whangiroa and Mongonul- Wellington ligAt Wellington, Monday cr Whanwirel and Whangarei Heads — Argyle Tuesday and Friday Mongowal- Fingal, Thursday Moroury Bay—Fingal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Pareora, ship. (Q.S.G.W.). from London; sailed HaloiSlup (J.N.M.S.). f«om London; sailed AlcSbSqne, (H.C.M.N.) from Liverpool, via Wellington; sailed. November 7 AraboUa,barque(P.K.Q.V,),fromLondon; sailed

A. T. stallknecht, barque, from New York sailed December 8 , Adamant, barque (V.J.F.S.), from London; load-

Orient, barque, from Liverpool, loading Lalra, barque, from London, loading Cambria, barque, from London, loading Endfleld, barque, from New York Mendoza, barque, from Liverpool; lo<iding Remington, barque, from London; sailed Jan 14 Sohamyl. barque, from rtew York: sailed Dtec 11 Lovo.prlng, barque, from Nowoaßtle Thames, barque, from Sydney Annlo Burr, b_rqnei-.liio, from New Yori. Vision, brig, from Lyttolton Annabel, brig, from Sydney Boroul-?, brlgantine, from the Islands Albart the Good, brig, from Melbourno Caledonia, BCbO-nor, from Noumoa Aurora, brigantine, from Newoastlo

EXPORTS.

Per Antares, for London-827 bolos wool, 2 bales bnslla. 176 cn«ks tallow. 2.12 cases gum, 155 ton 3 mangano.e, 89 tons and 320 bags cobra, 110 bales and 3 bags cotton, 17 tons bark, 133 cases Shells, 1 casotHotnreß.l case arrowroot, IK pieces timber, 11 cases curios, 2 oases moats. 382 bales flax, 1 cose effects, 5 kegß butter, 39-0 horns, .6 owt shank bones, 2 tanks and 6 casks oil, 1 cases jam, U bales ragi, 38 bales and 15 cases, not described.

IMPORTS.

For Rln-raroomn. from Melbourne: 120 paok- Bges tea, 23 gas stoves. G_ packages, glass. 337J packages sugar. 306 bass bono'tu.t. 12a caaos oastor oil, 8 ousop oadt Iron, 17 stones. 100 pack ages. From Dunortin: 37 packages tobacoo, 93 lengths plpo. 10 sacks pearl barley, GS hhds ann . barrels *10, 5 qr-caskH brandy, 88 ca .os. 2 oheßts drags, 100 saokß grnßS seed, 10 boxes tin plaios, 1 horse 130 packages .undrlos- From Lyltnl ton: 33 caaos hacun ami ham.. 23 sacks grass need, 17 sacks barley, 9 cases cheese. 8 ooils rope, 5 oases chicory, 22 packages .nndrlos. Irom Wellington^, bales corks. 3 rolls Bheet lead, ii tons pltr Iron, 3 bars Iron, 0 paokages sundries. From Napier-1 ploes timber, (i packages. From GiKborne-227 bags grass seed, 19 Eooks malt, l horse, 6 paokages sundries.

The barque Alcestls entered out at Welling ton for this port yestorday.

The brigantine. Defiance, Is discharging at the outer eastern T, Qasen-streot Wharf.

The as. Ringarooma leaves for Rnssoll at 5 p.m. to-day. She will return on Friday morn ing, and proceed South at 10 a.m. Th 9 bar.no Antaraa cleored at the Costoroi for London to-day, with a large and valuab o cargo, as per export list.

The schooner Saxon cleared at the Onstoms tic Talma this morning. She goes thence In ballast to load timber for a Southern port.

Tho s.s. Wellington leaves for Tauranga at 6 p.m. to-morrow, conveying excursionists to the Tauranga Regatta, whioh takes place on Friday next.

The schooner Garlook cleared at Melbourne for this port via Newoaßtlo on Feb. 20.

Owing to the prevailing boisterous weather, the ss. Argyle will not leave for Whangarei until Friday evening!

Stormy weather still prevails. Most of the vessels In harbour are riding it out welK but several Bmall pleasure boats have suffered considerably. The yaohts Zodlao and Bipplo were piled [np against tho Btone wall in Meohanlo's Boy . nring the night, and the wreckage was floating about in that locality to-day.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Penguin, S.s.. Anderson, for tho South Waikato, p.s., Marshall, for Port Waikato

Tho Union Co. 's steamer Fengoin left at 3 p.m. yesterday for tho South, with the follow ing passengera:—Misses Curtis, Go. sett, Ciivo, Bci-umaker (2). Mesdames Wilson. Christian, Bey. Mi and Mrs Andrews, Mr and Mrs Pitt, Colonel Farrington, Re v. D. Bruce. Messrs w. Gardner. Buohanan, Ryla. Kaih, C. F, Powers, Spratt, Colebrook, Comlakey. Clive, and Le Cron.

The p.S. -Waikato left for Port Waikato yesterday afternoon, with 20 tons bone dust, 12 piles, and a quantity of sundries.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Kaipara Heads, Mils day.

The Freetrader barque. loaded atMakarau, fa anohored oil -heiiy Beach. Wind strong from eastward

Paiii, this day The Minnie Casey has not arrivod at Pahl.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wolf j. s Aromatic Sohikdam schnapps, to Induce tho destruction and prevent the im proper nse of their wrappers and labels, ana thus further proteot the Publl. against frond and deception, havo enclosed in the wrappers, or under the label on the quart bottles, sincei Ist Ootober. 1878, and continue to enclose in "vkrv DAY. PACKING THROUQHOUT THB YEAR THREE 61 ORDERS, which are drawn upon the undei-lgned,and which will be cashed by them on .presentation. To secure these Gifts, 'he Publio must be oareful to ask for, and accept nothing but, the Gknuink Udolpho Wolf fs Schnapps, with cur name upon the top label. M. Moas & Co.. Wynyard Lane. Sydney.

Man Notice.

MAIM WILL C_OS_ AS UNDEB.—

THIS DAT.

For Talrua, por Dream, at 4 p.m. For Busse-l.Kawekawa, etc., per Ringarooma,

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

| Thursday. 16th instant, 'or Port Fltzroy, per Wanderer, at 8 a.m. ! For Thames, per Bctomahana. at 9 30 a.m. 1 For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Craigleburn, and \ Warkworth. per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For CoromandoL, per Coromandel, at 5.30 p.ra. For Tauranga, Ohlnemutu. and Opotlkl, per Wellington, at 1 p.m. Friday, 17th Instant. Per s.s. Ringarooma, as follow :— For India, China. Japan, Meditoranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 8 am. For Gisborne, Napier, Southern ports, Chat ham Islands, (via Lyttolton). Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Brindlsi, for letters, &c specially so prepaid and addressed, at 9 a.ru. For late letters till 9.20 a.m. For money ordorß, and registered letters, the previous evening at i o'clock. For Whangarei Headß, Parua, Walpu, Whan garei, Tanglhua, and Mangapoi, per Argyle, at _ p.m.

Tuesday, 28th instant,

Per s,s. City of Sydney as follows i— For Sandwioh Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For money orders reglstexod letters, and newspapers,'at 11.30. a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee Of sixper.ee, In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be due In London, on Mon day, May 8. 1882.

N.B.— Payments on account of Property Tax will be received at this office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. A Poßf-o£_oe has been opened at Whitford, near Howlck. Malls will be despatched from this offloe every Tuesday and Friday, at 2.30 p.m. He-urn mails will arrive every Wednes day and Saturday, at 10 a.m.

S. B. BI3S. Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offloa. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Maboh 15. 188?.

Theatre Royal—DeLlas's Specialty Company: " London Assurance," 8 p.m. Wesleyan Chnroh, Pitt-street — Leoture on "Africa and the Africans," by Mr Gow Juku flfar, 7,30 p.m.

Monnt Albert Public Hall—Licensing election. 0 a.m. to 6 p.m. Newmarket Concert and Ball, at 3 o'clock, in the Newmarket Hall.

Notices to Correspondents.

Hyd.bpks.—The ship Hydaßpes (Capt. Babot), arrived from London on the night of Nov, sth, 1874. Scarlot fever having broken out on the voyage she was placed In quarantine. She brought 297. adult Immigrants, and 20 cabin paißengers.

Birth.

HOLMES.-On the 2nd March, 1882, at her mother's resideno., Norfolk-street, Spring bank, Ponsonby, the wifo of Charles Holmes, of a son.

Death.

MoLKOD.-On Maroh 15, Janet, redct of the late laaao McLeod,sen.; aged 67 years. The funeral will leave hsr residence, Holons vllle, to-morrow (Thursday), at 2 o'clock. Friends please acoept this invitation.

WEBLKY.—On the l.th March, 1882, at his parents' residence. Princes-street, Auckland, Henry Webley. of pulmonary consumption, aged 26 years; eldest son of JOBeph Wobloy, and grandson of the late Rev. Henry Webley, Of Bradford on-Avon. Tho funeral takes place at the Cemetery at 3 o'clock to-morrow.

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

For the causa that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistanca For th* future in th* distance. And the good that wa can do.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1882.

When the Premier was at Rotorua, his attention was drawn to the disastrous con-

sequences of an unrestricted drink

traffio upon tho native population. In con junction with Major Mair, he investigated

the matter, and was so satisfied of the shocking demoralisation existing among the nativo residents at Ohinemutu and Wairoa that he instructed the police to rigidly enforce the provisions of the new Licensing Act prohibiting the supply of grog to Maoris. A lucrative traffic having thus been suppressed, agitation for the removal of the prohibition has been Let in motion, and various letters and telegrams assorting a Maori's right nnder the Constitution to nn Englishman's privilege of getting gloriously drunk, have found their way into the papers. We need not stop to examine the sources of these appeals. No doubt Maoris who hava acquired a taste for drink will feel some anger at the deprivation. But if it be true—and we have every reason to believe It is—that when thebulk of the natives wero Induced to sign the pledge through the disinterested labours of Mr Snow, an American gentleman, strenuous exertions were used by persons interested in the liquor traffic to Induce them to accept rum for nothing, and even to force it down their throats, the agitation is not wholly disinterested. The question must, however, ho considered irrespective of the purity of the moti.es of those who msy leadtheoppoeitionorsecretlypullthestr^igs. Believing, as we do,that tbe natives should as nearly as possible be placed on a perfect equality with the pakeha under the law— pqual In privileges and responsibilities—we fcave to inquire whether there are any cir cumstances in the present case that warrant an exceptional treatment. For this purpose let us glance at the position of affairs at the Lakes, and examine the state of things that preceded the action taken by the Premier. The ciwmstances of the ffotorua district differ from those of all other native districts. The place is supported by tourists, chiefly bent on pleasure, and who spend money freely; the facilities for obtaining drjnk are unlimited, and the natives rarely la cfe the means to purchase it. .Never re markable for morality, the race exposed to these temptations may sink to depths of degradation and infamy which no pen could describe. Vyespeakjwit-i authority instating that the debaucheries of Rotorua, rendered possible by drunkenness, and promoted in some instances by the enlightened Anglo- Saxon, shock all sense of decency, shake our faith in the moral elevation of Eng lish civilisation, and almost shatter one's convietioßS of the divine of man over the brute creation. Darwin has bis best apostles among the Intel lectual (?) Englishmen who can find a Sunday night's amusement in tempting with double payment of grog and money, a semi-savage people of both sexes, half-mad with liquor, to exhibit the wildest sensu alities of the haka in a state of absolute nudity. That has happened at Uhinemuta, Drink among the Rotorua natives is associated with disgusting debau cheries, and has been used for the express purpose of overcoming any moral restraint the natives in their sober moments possess. The condition of the Maoris undei a system so diabolical— so disgraceful to British law and decency—has become deplorable. One shrinks with horror at the very thought of it. The natives neglect their plantations and their homes for tbe purpose ot poison ing their bodies and defacing every trace of human nobility. Tourists who have re cently visited the district represent their conduct as something unparalleled.in Eng lish countries—as something heyond the power ot speech or pencil to pourtray. The curses, and yells, and shrieks during their periodical orgies are described as more like those of demons than of the most depraved human beings. Their tangi?, or funerals, which have always shocked our ideas of propriety, are rendered more loathsome than ever with the help of rum and gin. In their debauched and crazed state they prolong their bowlings, and, not uufrc quently, maltreat the corpse around which their disgusting ceremonies are performed. Indeed, it would seem that rum enters into overy phase of a Maori funeral, and that it has completely sapped the foundations of their social system and physical health

; The picture we have drawn may seem exaggerated, but we are assured by these who are most intimately acquainted with the daily life of the Rotorua natives, that it but dimly outlines a condition that has long prevailed in that district. Tourists, with no personal leanings towards teetotal

ism, seeing the dire consequences of Ml bridled license, have loudly declared that the Government ought in the inter ests of humanity to step In and save tho natives. The best-disposed aud most intelligent men in the tribe have made many resolute efforts to overcome the evil, and ate now supporting the Government in their action, Is the lust of gold won atthe price of human blood to prevail against their cry for help ?We trust not. Tlie Government have taken a step in which they will be sustained by the unqualified approval of every right-thinking man in New Zealand. And it is their duty to in crease, rather than* relax, the stringency of the measure which they have now wisely brought into operation.

Colonial Conservatism.

TBB cloven hoof Is hard to hide ; and, dis guise itself 83 it may, it is undo übted that in New Zealand there is a good deal of tlie leaven of Conservatism scattered abroad which, if it only dared, would revert to the " good old times " in tlie matter of class legislation, and the creation of two classes in°the community with opposing interests and aims. Our morning contemporary in this city, though perforce carried along to a groat extent l>y the resistless current of progres 0, never loses an opportunity of seeking to inculcate the principles of an obsolete Conservatism. This is done generally under some flimsy disguise meant to hide the utter repnlsiveness of the doctrines. This morning, under ;the guise of a zeal for justice and fair play, an attack is made on the Irish Land Act, which, In a sneering tone that shows the animus of the writer, aud a treble reitera tion which betrays a remarkable poverty of vocabulary, is assailed as " a piece of heroic legislation." Tho "Herald" has had its bowelsof compassion moved by the spectacle of the landlords of Ireland, in meeting assembled, protesting against the working of the Laud Act ,becauso it is effecting an average reduction of 23 per cent, on the rents charged for land; and because the big landlords of the House of Lords are not to be allowed to meddle with and botch the work of tho Land Courts, the cry of oppression is raised and the sacred name of Justice is invoked; while a touching appeal is made on behalf of "vested interests.•' Our contemporary proceeds upon a number ,of groundless assumptions, aud Igntres not , a few important facts bearing upon the j question, so that amid the dust of con fusion, an appearanco of injustice is given to the operation of tho Land Courts in Ireland. It is, for instance, as gratuitous as it is mean to assume that "tho judges of the Court are under the cosreion of a national necessity;" for these gentlemen are surely entitled to bo considered abovo the influences of public opinion or even Governmsnt pressure, supposing such I to be applied. As a matter of fact they j have in some instance-, actually raised the j previous rents, when the evidence justified ( such a proceeding. Then the reductions made are not so great as to bo ruinous to the landlords, or anything liko it. The reductions, on an averaao, are much less than the abatements which have voluntarity been made by many English and Scottish land-owners; and those causes which operate to depreciate the value of knd apply with at leaßt equal force to Ireland as to other parts of the United Kingdom. But, it is urged, the reductions may be inequi table, as contended by the landlords, and they are debarred from appeal, through Mr Gladstone blocking tho way to enquiry. This is untrue. No demand for recon sideration has been made to Parlia ment in any case or cases, and if made wonld not be dieregarded. All that Mr Gladstone objects to is tho meddling interference of tho House of Lords in an ex ecutive question, which is quite outside of their province.snd In which they could only cause obstruction and defeat of tho law. The landlords' appeal from tho decision of the Land Courts can be mado In the con stitutional course through the House ot Commons, and that House/we are sure, will give the fullest consideration to erery grievance ; and so loug as that course is open and not taken advantage of, tho Irish landlords, or the "Herald" on tbeir behalf, have no canse to ratso tho cry of injustice. Our contemporary deduces from the present aspect of Irish affairs the warning that it is dangerous to "deal with the interests of in. dividualß at a psriod of public oxcitement and under the stress ot public emergency," and contends that the Irish difficulty should not have been approached save in a time of trauquillity. But it forgets that tho very raisond'clrc of tho Act was that affairs were not tranquil, and that its object is to re move the causes of disturbance, so that it is sheer nonsonso to say that the Act should not have been devised until all need for it was past. Further.it cannot be denied that some of the most beneficent legislative enactments, and those, too, affecting indi vidual rights have been pis-cd at a period of public excitement, and which, save at the call nf a public emergency would never havo become law. The "danger,"-therefore, may bo said to oxist solely In tho excited imagination of our contemporary, whose antiquated ideas of the sacred rights of property hsvo received a sovero shock from tho advanced provisions of tho Irish Land Act.

The annual meeting of mombers of the Young Men's Christian Association will be held on Friday evening next. Tea will be provided at 6.30 p.m., and after tea, the annual report will be read, and officers frr the coming year elected.

An inquest was held yesterday at t_e Whau Lunatic Asylum, before Dr, Uoldsbro and a jury, on the body ot Sarah Yates, who died on tho previous day. Constable H, Clark represented tho police. The evidence shewed that the cause of death was dropsy, from which tho patient had been suffering for several weeks. The jnry gavo a verdict in accordance with Dr. Young's evidence—" Death from natural causes."

Persons who feel an interest in African missions will gain interesting Information from Mr Jnkufifar'slecture, this evening, In the Pitt-street Weslsyan Church. The lec turer will treat of the progress of Christ ioplty in the interior, also of tho manners, customs, pud social habits of the natives, The title of "the lecture la "Africa and the Africans." The lecturer speaks English fluently, and his a keen sense of humour. The chair will be taken by the Rev.Theiaaa Buddie.

It is said that tbe Princess Lonise Is com piling a work relating to her Canadian ex periences, and that the work will be illus trated by a royal hand. The Princess Beatrice's birthday book has already be come such a success that a work from aoy member of the royal family would be sure to be welcome. Whether these interesting details of Canadian life will make their appearance in a complete form, or whether they will be published in a serial, i_ doubtful.

The athletic sporls to be held ajt One hunga on St. Patrick's Day (Friday n__t) promise to be a great success. The com mittee have been untiring in their exer. tions to make the affair pass off success fully, and the monoyprizos alono amount to a total of £40. The principal evont is a Handicap foot-race to oe run in tlireo heats of 100, 5.0, and 400 yards. The prizes for tills event aro £8, £3, and £1. The other events comprise vaulting, jumping, etc. The sports, which commence, et 12 o'clock will be held at Hardfngtdn farm, about three minutes' wajk from the Tc Papa station.

Mr Alfred E. Allen, a gentleman who or two years past has resided at Pokekohe, died rather suddenly at his residence on Monday morniog,at 5 o'clock,Mr Allen was a useful settler, and will be missed in the neighbourhood of Pukekohe, He recently purchased 780 acres of land, formerly belonging to Mr Alfred Buckland. He was treasurer of the local Highway Board, and has been making great improvements on his estate, and in the district, in which he felt a deep interest. Mr Allen appeared in his usual health on Sunday, but was taken ill in the night. The (funeral took place yesterday in the Auckland ceme tery. During Easter week an "Old English Countrie Fayre " will be held in the grounds of the Takapura Jockey Club, North Shore. The promoters, we understand, intend as far as possible to re-produce old English scenes and customs incident to such gather ings. Stalls where all descriptions of articles are sold will be a feature, the stall-

holders being attired in mediteyal costume, while amusement will be provided by different exhibitions. Paddy Doran has undertaken to come forward with three

shows, and no doubt other persons will con tribute in a similar way when the matter becomes more publicly known. These " Old English Fay res " have been held all over Britain within the past two or three years, and have proved great successes. One held in Melbourne recently proved a great novelty, and was visited dally by Im mense crowds of people. An advertisement appears elsewhere calling tenders for the right to erect booths, etc All kinds of shows will be admitted to the grounds free of charge,

Tho Devonport Steam Ferry Company are to be congratulated upon the efficiency of their service, and deserve great credit fot the manner in which they are consider ing the comfort and convenience of their many passengers. Notwithstanding the strong gale which prevailed yesterday and to-day, their steamws ran punctually to their time-table. We understand that over 1,000 of the unallotted shares were applied for during last week.

A facetious writer says : The Czar of of Kussia has invented a very useful way of testing his popularity. He recently ad vertised for any ungiven quantity of young men who resembled him in stature and per sonal appearance, to walk up and down the main street of St. Petersburg between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. The salary was fifty roubles a day, and they were to get themselves up as like the Czar as possible. Out of the fifty men who volunteered to personate the Czar only one escaped, and his name was Ivan Storogoli'Michaelpeanut sovitch. He had the sense to put on a red wig and go round with a bomb in cacli hand, and thus passed for a lover of freedom. The other forty-nine were all assassinated within three-quarters of a_ hour, their last moments being embittered by the rcllcc tion that they had not drawn their salary in advance.

A letter from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, of November 30th, says :—" For the last few months up-country settlers aud agriculturists have been complaining of tho Injury done to the country by ostrich farming,and many experienced and influen tial men declared it would be the ruin of the country. However, they will have nothiug to fear now, as ostrich-farming will bo a thing of the past. The banks have called in all the scrip, and several private com. panics are in liquidation, The liabilities of one extensive farmer amounted to up wards of £300,000, and failures of small farmers are of every-day occurrence. At one timo, when everybody was going in for ostrich-farming and shares, a pair of old birds used to fetch £250, and chicks from £6 to £9 each. A pair of birds can now be bought from £11 to £14, and chicks three weeks old from 3s Gd to 5s each."

Return of sick treated at the Provincial District Hospital for the week ending March 11th, ISS2. Remained last return, 99 ; admitted since, 20 ; discharged, 16 ; died, 1; remaining, 102 ; males 80, females 22. Arrangement of casc3'; zymotic, 30 ; con.tltutional.lO ; 10ca1,39 ; developmental, 8 ; violent, 15. One death occurred, viz,, T.G., aged 25 years, malo, on 7th instant,of typhoid foyer,

The Edison and Maxim light has Just been used for tho first timo in a London ohurch—namely, St. James's, Westmore land-street, Three clear-glass lamps hang under three arches Eepmrating the side! aisle and vestry, over the altar is Ja [strong Maxim, Jand two others in tho pulpit aro enclosed in milk-white globes. The light is brilliant, soft, and steady—more steady than any gas. No one can help feeling that in these steady lamps, burning in vacuo, neither giviog out heat nor using up air—easily stored and carried, and per fectly soft, and, let us add, safe, —we have tho light of tho future for all crowded buildings. The Northern railway com panies are adopting it, nnd in a few days the Paris aud Lyons train is to be lighted by tho same society, tho revolutions of the train's own wheels being skilfully utilised to produce tho electricity, free of all further cost.

Tho Ponsonby Wesleyan Hazsar was brought to a close yesterday afternoon by the fall of Mr Arthur's hammer. The re ceipts yostorday reached £40. A number of valuable articles wero unsold, and reserved for disposal, privately or otherwise. It was suggested that a midwinter fancy fair should bo _e]d,but it is not certain whether this suggestion will meet the general views of tho friends of St. John's embryo church. Tho bazaar his been thorough, but carried on decorously and respectably, without worry and touting. The bazaar committoe anticipate a net profit of nearly £500.

Tho New Zealand and Australian Land Company—the largest holders of freehold in the colony—have made tho following sales of land during tho past four years in Otago and lautcrbury :— i'or year ending 31st Maroh. 1879 .. .. 7,821 acres for £07,552 For year ending 31st March, 1888 .. ..10,870 „ 101,121 For year ending 31st Maroh. ISSI 8.731 „ 53,8(50 Up to date tbls year „ 18,5.3 „ 107,!i7i>

...018 £333,508 The averago prico obtained Is thus about £7 10s an nero, and -tho number of buyora have been 452. Much of the land was Im proved. Only four of the farms havo come back into tho company's hands, two of which havo been ra-soM without loss to tho company,

Upon "Bazaais," "Truth Keeker" writes:—" Dear Sir,—Will you kindly in sert tho following :— I see from your report of the opening of the Wesleyan Bazaar that tho Key. Mr Morley stated "that there was ample testimony, even from Scripture, to shew that it (the bazaar) was quite legitimate." For one I shall erer feel grateful to the Rev. Mr Morley for one passage containing such testimony. Numbers ot Christian men and women be lieve most earnestly that not only arc btizsars not in accordance with, but in direct antagonism to the Scriptures. If the Rev. Mr Morley can speak with authority on thin matter he will remove one great cause of oflcnco. Of courso this question has special reference only to any church ot God, i,e. a Wesleyan Church."

In the course of a lecture on New Guinea, delivered at Christchureh, the Rev. S. Macfarlane.pioncer missionary to the island said: - " What was wanted was to open the country by means of missionaries and ex plorers. The missionaries were tho pioneers of commerce, and their labours rendered lito and property secure, As to tho products of tbe country, thoro wero un doubtedly valuable minerals in the moun tains. As to Rold, eighty miners once went there, bnt instead of gold thoy got fever anoVague, There we rocertainly grains of gold in the sands of the rivers, as there were in Queensland, but tho nuggets they came from might be 200 miles away. Gold was one of the most widely distributed of mctalt, and it was possible to go, as these miners did, for SO miles without finding payable Indications of it. But there wero indications of iron and coal. Then there were fine tracts of land, with largo trees, cedar, irony/ood, and island rosewood. Thus there was vegetablo wealth, as well as mineral. Around the'shores wore pearl shells and bee he da met. Ho knew a! man there who had cleared a profit of £3,000 jn one year by trading in the latter, He saw by the papers that Bomo gentleman was trying to get 50 men to go to New Guinea, This gentleman, he also heard, had given lectures, and had said that plenty ot land was obtainable, and that the scratching of the buyer's arm so that blood came would be considered by the natives as granting a valid title. He thought that if that gentle man led a number of people to the fever and ague of New Guinea, they would bo inclined to scratch bis head pretty roughly when they fo^nd ou,t how things really wore,"

The anniversary soiree and public meet ing of the Ponsonby Baptist Sunday-school was held last evening, and notwithstanding the boisterous weather, there was a moderately good attendance. An excellent tea was provided in the church, tho tables being presided over by Mesdamos Carter,

J. Bigelow, jun., Batts, Turley, Nash, Fear, and Misses Bigelow, Owen, Scott, Hebden, acd Wright. An adjournment was subsequently made to the Ponsonby Hall, where the annual meeting and enter tainment was held, Rev, Mr Carter pro siding. Mr John Bigelow, junr., real the annual report, from which it appeared that the scholars on the books numbered 11$, with 14 teachers, Tbe library contained 328 volumes. The report referred in grateful terms to the services rendered by the pastor and his family in connection with the Sunday-school, Mrs Carter taking the younp women's Bible class, and Miss Carter one of the other classes. MrG. W.Owen (treasurer) read the balance-sheet. Balance in hand at the beginning of financial year, £19 14s 8d ; total receipts, £70 16s lid. Expenditure, £36 3s 2d (exclusive of a donation of i five pounds from the school fund to the church); balance in hand, £29 13s 9d, Addresses were delivered on the "Advan tages of Early Teaching," by Mr R. B. Shalders; "The Five Characteristics of the Ideal Sunday-school," by Rev. Mr

Runciman ; "Incidents of Sunday-sohool Life," by Mr Robson ; " Head and Heart Culture," by Mr V. G. Ewington; "The Sunday-school, the Nursery of the

Church," by Mr T. Spurgeon. The following musical selections were rendered during the evening, Mr Baxter presiding at tbe harmonium s— " Come unto Me," by Mrs Taylor; '■ When Thou Passest Through the Waters," Miss Owen ; and the duet, " Lo, at Thy Feet," by Miss Cooper and Mrs Taylor. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, moved Dy Mr Farley, and seconded by Mr J. G. Brown, to the ladies who presided ot the tables, the choir, speakers, and chairman,

Mr Robson commences his series of recitals to-morrow evening at St. John's College. Tlio monthly inspection of tho Artillery Volunteers will be held to-morrow evening. Every member is requested to attend in full uniform.

Messrs R. Keals and Son have received the following tenders for additions to a house in Karangahape Road, as adver tised :-Upton, £1,511; Carson, £1,381; Kay, £1,378; Hutchison, £1,359; Cunie, £1,350; McConnochie and Flatt, £1,334; Malcombe, £1,333; Ellingliaui, £1,297; Jenkinaon, £1,179; Hill, £1,149.

The election of a Licensing Committee for the Mount Albert Licensing District is taking place to-day, the Public Hall being the polling place. The follow- ;ng are the candidates nomin ated .—E. Allen, K. Fry, W. H. Martin, J. McElwain, T. Melville, J. Phillipps, S. Stuart, A. K. Taylor, H. S. Wallace, and T. Young. The poll closes at G p.m.

Shortly after 10 o'clock last evening, Mr George Brown, a clerk in the employ of the National Insurance Company, while work ing late, was startled by hearing the iinmis. takeable sounds of someone endeavouring to open the back boor, Going steslthily to the door, he saw the handle moving, and teeling convinced that a burglarious at tempt was being made, be went out at the front door, and informed the constable on the beat of the occur rence. The two made a detour to the rear of the premises, but were unable to discern anything. They then entered the building from the front, and made an inspection of the back yard, with a similar unsuccessful result. As the back entrance to Archard's hotel is adjacent to the In surance office, it is very probable that the supposed marauder was some thirsty soul who had inadvertently, to use a hackneyed expression, " come to the wrong shop."

The half-yearly entertainment of the Arch Hill Band of Hope, held in the Newton West school-room last evening, was very successful. A choice and varied programme was presented to a large and appreciative audience. Tho musical part of the pro gramme consisted of solos by Miss Light foot and Miss Rattray, and two glees, "The Fire Brigade" and "Ringing Cheerily," by the Frith family, who were loudly applauded. Mr Griffiths gave a telling practical address, which was listened to most attentively. Recitations by Miss K. Goodacre, Dora Whitely, Edward Simp son, Messrs Tattersall, F. Lewellyn, and McDermott, were well lendored, and formed a pleasing feature of the entertainment. The dialogue, " Bill Barrel's License," by members of the Pitt-street Elocution Class, was well performed, and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Sevoral choruses were given during the evening by the members of the Band of Hope, under the conductorship of Mr Radcliit's. Mr R. B. Downey, s«per intendent of the Band of Hope, presided, and Mr G. Sinnstt supplied the Instru. mental music. A vote ot thanks to all who had kindly assisted waa carried by acclama tion.

To the Editor : Sir,—lt is surprising how any ono who takes credit lor having so much "nous" as your correspondent, "Red Cloud," could betray such lamentable ignorance as he does in his letter on the Auckland Savings Bank, His charge against the trustees of "glaring cxtrava gauco and waste of moicy " in removing the old building, simply for the purpose of erecting one " more beautiful," is ridiculous nonsense. If he had taken the trouble to onquiro from thoso in a position to give reliable information, ho would have ascer tained that the old building was not only not substantial, but absolutely dangerous, As regards the accommodation, a visit to tho bank any Saturday evening between tho hours ot seven aud nine would havo convinced tho most sceptical that it was totally inadequate for the enormously in. cicasing business, Tho trustees aro all men of large experience, and I bcliove they aro anxious to do everything in their power to promote tho interests of the bank and its clientsgcntrally. They are certainly not tho sort of mon to squander money needlessly. As a depositor, I am perfectly satisfied to lcavo everything to their discretion, and if last years' balance shoet is any criterion, my views aro largely endorsed by tho in habitants of this city. Every business man fully recognises the advantages of a substantial reserve fund, It would b« interesting to know how much "R.C." considers adequate. With regard to his remarks about high| salaries—a glance at last years' working expenses, will provo ho is labouring under a wrong impression. My only reason for taking up this matter is to counteract tbe wrong impression which "R.C.'s" lotter is calculated to create, and it is to bo hoped he will havo tho good sense to be more guarded in his statements in future—l am, &c., Tbuth. The Melbourne correspondent of a Lon don contemporary writes:—" The arrauee ment-s for a simultaneous intercolonial tifle match aro nearly completed. The event will take placo on some Saturday in AusjU't next, on tho respective local ranges of the Rille Associations of Now South Waloi, Victoria, Queensland, New Zealand, Tin mania, Western and South Australia. The idea originated in the last-named colony, and has been waimly welcomed by all the others except Victoria, which, however, will scarcely refuse to join in tho contest. Each team will consist of fifteen men belonging to the defence forco of the Colony represented. The ranges wili bo 200, 300, 500, and 600 yards, longer distances not being permissible owing to several of the colonies being armed with the Snider rifle. It is believed that

the conditions will allow the teams to meet upon terms of equality. It is thought that a contest such as this will, in a few years, lead to arrangements being concluded for a more satisfactory trial of skill on the same jange." Wo are not awaro that the New Zealand Rifle Asso.iation have signified their willingness to take part in thp contest, if they have done so the fact has not been communicated to any of the shooting men in this provincial district Tho superior shooting capabilities of tho Mar tini-Henri rifle—with \yhich the volunteers of some of our sister oolonies are armed over tho Snidon now on issuo to the New Zealand Volunteers are well-known, and though wo believe that a nulli sccundus team could be selected ia this colony, vic tory would be out of the question against the superior weapons of Victoria and New South Wales. This being so, we feel cer tain that the majority of the marksmen in this colony will be loth to stake their repu tation in a contest on the linos proposed, the issue of which would only bo to de monstrate their inferior armament, without settling'what should be the real point: which colony in' Australasia possessod the best fifteen marksnjen.

THE OPENING OF MOKAU.

Important Mission by order of Rewi.

(Special to the Stab,)

KIHIKIUI, this day. IN consequence of the repeated refusals of the Government to grant Native Land Courts for Mokau, Mr Grace, the influen tial native agent, was roquested by Rewi Maniapoto, to go to Mokau and see tho natives, and ascertain if there were any objections beyond Tawhiao's pre tended claims of nnna and ownership to tho holding of ' tho Court. Mr .Grace proceeded three weeks ago by steamer to Taranaki, tlieuco overland to the Upper Mokau and Tnhua' country. Large meetings of the rjat'ves we,re held on the Upper and Lower Mokau, and dis content was expressed at the action of the Government in refusing Land Courts and throwing the people back on Tawhiao's rule. The assumption of Tawhiao to ancestral ownership was ridiculed as a native office and a pakeha-maori canard. Tawhiao's lan 's were asserted to be at Taupiri and Ngaruawhia, and the Land Court was held to be the proper place for him to put in his claim to Mokau. As to his mana the natives alleged that the Maniapoto tribe separated themselves from the king movement at their -Hikurangi meeting last year, Tho natives decided to follow Rewi and have their laud put through the Court, and Mr Graco was requested to inform Rewi to that effect, Mr Grace returned yesterday and explained the position and attitude of the natives to Rewi, who has written again to tho Native Minister, urging him to listen to tbe request of the Mokau pcoplo for Land Courts. He states In his letter that by giving water to the trco it will continue to grow, Rewi has also applied for a Court for lands of his own on tho Taupo side. To Wetere, of Mokau, who came up with Mr Grace, returned to-day overland.

SCINTILLATIONS.

brief, for it Is with words as with sunbeams; the more they are condensed the deeper tney burn."-SouTHEY.

Let not the stream of your life always be a murmuring stream. We are easier to be laughed out of our duty than persuaded into it. A noble heart, like the sun, showetli, says Sir Philip Sidney, its greatest coun tenance at its lowest estate. If a man have love in his heart, he may talk in broken language, but it will be eloquence to those who listen. Miss Leaf has joined Kaphael s English Opera Company in Australia. Wilhelmj and Dr. Simms, the physiogno mist, were both doing well in Hobart Town on February 21st. To prove an alibi it is not necessary lor a man to be present. She told him that she could read his mind like an open book, and then softly added, " blank book." Mrs W. Fraser, of tho Thames, died on Sunday, much regretted. The "Adver tiser " says Colonel Fraser is a legatee for £10,000. . ~. c . The contractors who excavated the St. Gothard tunnel are estimated to have lost upwards of £100,000 by the job. One-third of France is owned in large estates, one-third in estates of moderate size, and only one-third by the peasants Princeßoland Bonaparte has been sued by a Versailles hotel-keeper for £1,800 for the board and lodging ot his mother and sister and money lent to them. The new product of condensed grape juice is now manufactured to some extent in Italy, being evaporated in a vacuum pan until reduced to one-tenth of its bulk. A thousand shares in the North Shore Ferry Company were taken up last week. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated at Ngaruawahia with a regatta, and at Kilu kihi and Morriusvillo with races and BPMr Vesey Stowart has been elected first Mayor of Taurang. by an overwhelming majority-Stewart, 10G ; Jordan, 42;, Norris, 31. ~ , ... , Val Vose, lately in New Y ork, challenged E D Davies, who advertises hinnelf as the "premier ventriloquist of the world," to a performance for a certain sum, but the ( challenge has not yet been accepted. _ Mr Gow Jukufifar, the native African missionary, will deliver a lecture this even ing in the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church. Tho Napier-Bluff Breakwater promoters havo resolved to obtain a professional opinion on Mr Goodall's scheme of a harbour for Napier. A joiut-stock company, with a capital of £80 000, has been startsd to build a new theatre in Hobart. Mr G. R. Johnßton, of Melbourne, is to be the architect, and the site is nsxt the Ship Hotel, Collius-strset. Mr H. N. Abbott has imported from Melbourne for his new Oppra Homo a number of chairs, precisely similar to those used in the leading Now York theatres aid the Bijou Theatre, Melbourne. Ihe Duke of Sutherland is extending his deer forests—a Rociaily suicidal policy, Ho has turned his sheep farm ot Lochniver, Sutherland, carrying 10,000 sheep, into a deer forest, and it is stated that the farm of Comar, in Strathglass, is also to be given over to deer instead of sheep. The three Ministers-Messrs Whitaker, Rolleston, and Bryce—returned from Wai wera yesterday. Johnny Moran, whose Irish jigs and stick-twirling used to make his audiences yell, is now stone-blind, and led about hy his little son. However, he still follows his profession. Two boys, aged 14 and 16, sons of Mr Ryan, of Castle Rock, Southland, were drowned in the Oroti river, yesterday after noon, while bathing. The Waikato Steam Navigation Com pany have ordered a now steamer to cost £10,000 for tho trade between Manukau and Waikato, via the Heads. Tho yield of wheat In the Tuapeka West district, Otago, this season will be at least 60,000 bushels, and the quality is good. Frogs are now fashionable for female jewellery. They are chosen, we belieTe, on account of the sentiment exprossed in the old nursery ballad, " Tho Frog He Would A-wooiog Go." At a benefit in Melbonrno lately Miss 1 Nellie Stuart was the recipient of "one of ' tho most beautiful bouquets with streamers of ribbon " that could possibly bo made up. - Her admiror is said to have b«en an officer of the Russian squadron. Tho Ringarooma yesterday brought Mr IlorstaH- King Quail from Dunedin, and one of Mr Canlton's horses from Gis borne.

To raise money for her church, Rev, Miss Anna Oliver, " the black-eyed girl pastor!" of Brooklyn, is to issue 13,C00 shares of stock at a dollar each, the certificate of stock being a portrait of herself. One of her male parishioners will take 500 shares.

Walter Reynolds has been playing the Butterman to Miss Carry George's Mary Melrose. Tho Hobartonians liked both im personations. Hearn and Messenger aretraining assidu ously for the championship boat race at Wellington. Betting at present is even,

Tho Cambridge Road Board having re ceived a donation of £30 from the Colonial Bank towards the construction of Victoria street, have resolved to go on with tho work.

Mr Stewart, formerly Wellington mana ger of the National Bank, and lately one of tho travelling inspectors, has been ap pointed manager of the Dunedin branch. Lady Emma is the favourite for the Cup at the Hawke's Bay meeting to-raorrow, 6 to 4tol is offered, bar one. A large num ber of strangers are in the town for the races.

Tho Christchureh North Licensing Com mittee have determined to snbmit to the Attorney-General tho question whether the now Licensing Act prohibits an auctioneer from holding a wholesale wine and spirit liconse.

It Is said that Mexican ladies, oven among tho wealthiest families, make their own dressos, almost as a universal rule. Perhaps that is tbo reason why there are so few changes of fashion in that country, When a suburban schoolmaster entered his temple of learning, a fow mornings ago, he read on the blackboard the touching legend, *'Onr te.cher is a donkey." Tho pupils expected that there would bo a com bined cyclone and earthquake, but the philosophic pedagogue contented himself with adding the word "driver" to the legend, and opened tho school with prayer as ususl.

Moody and Sankey are reported as about to visit Paris tor a scries of meetings. Tust Jiow Mr Moody will get over the barriers of pi foreign 'language does not appear. His trench would be even less elegant than Mark Twain's at the Montreal -banquet, but Sankey's singing would be " all the same " in any language.

A highly intorestingexhibi Hon will shortly be opened at the Westminster Aquarium, s-iys a London journal, whioh outfit to have a great attraction for ladies, It will consist of wedding dresses, marriage trous seaux, wedding favours,bridos.cakes,bridal bouquets and articles suitable for wedding presents. A few bridegrooms might be thrown in to help the oxb.ibl.ion out.

PARNELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A bpscial meeting of tho above body was held last evening. There were present—tho Mayor, Councillors Mulllns. Hood, Winks, Clayton, Barber, Davies, MeK.en.ie, and Herbert.

Manuka. Road Levhls, &o.—A plan em bodying the proposed gradients of this thorough fare was laid on the table; also the alterations to tho plan suggested ,by the Engineer. It was resolved on tho motion of Cr MoKenMe " That Mr Boylan be consulted with regard to tho pro posed alterations in Manuksu-road, as to extra cost, and how it would affect Hobson-street."— Cr Mulllns drow attention to the fact that Hobson-street, though on the plan, was not a dedicated road.-Consldoration of certain pro jected levels for privato streets was deferred. that Nuisance.—Mr J. M. Mowbraywroto complaining _£ the nuisance caused bythedrain from Mr Sadler, property. T_o writer said, to abate the nuisance, ho would permit a properly jointed pipe to be carried through his paddock, —The Council expressed satisfaction at Mr Mawbrny's conduct in the matter.

Pbrß-Anbst Levels, Draikaoe, &c—The plans showing tho permanent levels and drainage levols wore laid op the ti.b'o. Tho estimated cost of the dratnsgo scheme wasiset down at £0,990. Tho roport recommended that tho fixing of the per manent levels ot a number of private streets in tho vicinity of Avenue Road be postponod till a futnro period. Good gradients could bo ob tained in regard to other private, roads at a moderate expense —It was decided, on the motion of the Mayor, to request tho onglneer to meet tho Council and explain tho scheme in detail.

W_T_tß Bur.ly.—The Mayor road an ex haustive report on this question, which the engineer had supplied to the Council in 1880, showing that tho oost of providing a water supply for tho borough would probably bo £2,010, Anothor calculation, made by Messrs T. & 8. Morrin.eetlmated tho oost at £1,050. -In tho dlsoajßlon which followed, there was a unanimous fooling In favour of the adoption of a carefully prepared water and drainage scViomo for the borough, and tho scheme sub mitted was generally approved of, tho aggre gatoamountof tho loan nooosßary for the work being variously stated at from £10,000 to £12 000, Tho dlso-sslon was postponed till this evening,

CABLEGRAMS.

[REUTEK'S TEI_E(_BAMS.I

FOUR TOWNS DESTROYED BY EARTHQUAKE.

LONDOiN, March 13.

Intelligence is to hand that a severe earthquake has been experienced in the State of Costa Kica, Central America. Four towns have been completely destroyed, and in the town of Alajuela alone several thou sand persons have perished.

THE QUEEN'S ACKNOWLEDGE. MENT3. LONDON, March 13.

The Queen hns addressed a letter to Sir Wm. Vernon Harcourt, Home Secretary, In which Her Majesty states that she has been greatly touched by the enthusiastic loyalty and affection and devotion to her person, as shown by the congratulations upon her escape from the recent attempt upon her life. Her Majesty tenders the heartiest and warmest thanks to the highest and the humblest of her subjects, and states that she will continue Increasing efforts to uphold the honour and glory of her dear country, and maintain the pros perity and happiness other people.

AUSTRALIAN.

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET MATCH.

MELBOURNE, March 14,

Owing to the heavy rain which fell for two hours this morning, rendering the ground unfit to play upon, the cricket match between the English and Australian teams was not resumed at the usual hour. It is teared that this delay will prevent the com pletion of the match. . Evening. Owing to the inclemency of the weather to-day play could not be continued, and the cricket match, England v. Australia, wa3 therefore drawn, THE SUEZ MAIL. ALBANY, March 14. The P. nnd O. Company's steamship Clydo arrived In King George's Sound to-day, with the inward mails via Suez and Brindlsi, dated London, February 16.

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

The very boisterous weather last night did not prevent the hall from being filled with a large audience on tho occasion of the second concert of the season. The interest attaching to these concerts has largely increased during tho past twelve months, mainly owing to tho enthusiasm inspired by the society's talented conductor, Heir Schmitt. We were glad to notico among the audience the members of the University Senate, for whom special seats were re served by tho committee. Our visitors will carry away with them a favourable impression of the musical resources of this city, even if they cannot commend the, state of the weather, which has been excep tionally bad during their stay in Auckland. The orchestra, filled with ladies and gentlemen, over 150 in all, pre sented a very pleasing appearance, and the prompt and general response to the conductor's baton betokened a marked im provement in discipline. Haydn's " Im perial Mass " was performed first, the solos beingundertakenby MissKempthorne, Miss Tole, Mr J. A. Tole, and Mr Rhodes. The last named gentleman sang the exquisite solo, "QulTollis," with much expression, but the chorus accompaniment was hardly subdued enough. Miss Kempthome in the " Benedictus," and Miss Tole in tho "Agnus Dei," produced a favourable im pression ; and except for an awkward break in the "Quoniam Tv Solus," the choruses wore very fairly rendered. The chief interest was reserved for the second part, Mendelssohn's " Athalie," a work which has becomo in Auckland a general favourite. Tho overture was played witn very much greater proci9ion than usual, and the march of the priests needed only a complete supply of brass aud a larger proportion of stringed instruments to make it a perfect success. The choruses were rendered well, considering that the music was new to many of the singers, Mrs Upton sang cbo treble solos with consider able success, aud Miss Mackay must be commended for her performance of the very difficult alto part. Mrs Judson, as second soprano, did good ser vice throughout. Tho trio, " Hearts Feel That Love Thee," was certainly the gem, and its repetition would have been demanded did not a. sense of propriety (? custom) forbid applause. Speaking generally of last night's per formance, the greatest improvement is discernible in the orchestra. Herr Schmitt has succeeded in obtaining an a'most unanimous attention to marks of expression, and the precision with which a lead is tikeu is due to the nerve and steadiness of his beat. There are still one or two in struments wanting to complete the band. Time alone can supply the want. Certainly Auckland may be proud of its orchestra.

The chorus has both number and power, but tho last is not proportionate to the first, The basses have improved. The trebles were vigorous, but did not rise to the crescendos with the power to be expected from them, while in certain piano passages the voices were too strong.

These are defects which will be gradually remedied. Herr Schmitt spares no pains in bis work, and we are much mistaken if the results do not in time realise his ex pectations. Constant and steady work at the rehearsals will do it.

THEATRE ROYAL.

It is a matter for rogrel that there was not a large attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening on the occasion of the initial representation in this city of " Othello," by Mr D, H. Harkins and the Specialty Com pany, The rude blasts of Boreas, coupled with tho strong counter attraction afforded by the Choral Socitty's concert, are no doubt the circumstances to which the sparse audi ence may be attributed. Mr Harkins's con ception of the rflle of the ill-starred Moor is what may justly be called tho orthodox or conventional reading. There is no straining to draw out some subtle trait of character undiscovered by previous delineators—no attempt to out-Othello Othello In the dis play of his jealous madness—and altogether Mr Harkins is one of the best of the many Othellos who bare loved, doubted, and slaughtered their Desdemonas before an Auckland audience. Considering the natjiral slowness of bis habit of speech, the rapid impassioned utterance—yet clear and intelligible to a word—rwith which he endows the last thrilling scenes of the play, is astonishing. Mr Harkins displays a thorough acquaintance with the text, and this point is especially appreciated in the many oti-quoced passages in Shake spctian drama, where the alteration ot a single word has a jarring effect in tho ears of even the most superficial student of the works of tho " immortal bard." Mr West's lago is a masterful personation, betokening much study, and a thorough acquaintance with the exigencies of tho part. Without endeavouring in a singlo instance to obtrude the cold-blooded vlUany'of the Ancient en his audience, Mr West dots not permit one psint to tall flat. His acting in the scene where he first plants the insidious seeds of jealousy in Othello's breast was especially fine, and wo have seldom hoard tho passage commencing " Good namo in man and woman is the im. mediate jewel of their souls," rendered with moro telling effect. The Ca.sio of Mr Elliott calls for praiso, his acting in the drunken scene leaving nothing to be desired. Mr MoGewan made a sufficiently dupable Roderigo, but the other male characters do not call for special mention. Another instance of tho versatility of that charming little actress Miss Maggie Knight, was atforded by-her really excellent rendition of the riMs'of the wronged Dcsder. on&. Though pathetic parts are certainly "not hey forte, sho did not get beyond her depth, and won the unanioions approval of her audience. Miss Jennie Watt Tanner creditably assumed the character pf Emilia The piece was well mounted, and was, upon the whole, ono of the most successful represen tations of the " legitimate drama " wit nessed In Auckland for some time.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before J. S. __acdon_ld, Eeq., R.M.)

Drunkenness.—Maria Drommondand Patrick Martin were charged with this offence, and fined 5s each.

Larceny.-George Payne was charged with breaking and entering the dwelling of Michael Quigley, at the North, on th e 13th inst, and stealing moneys therefrom amounting to £2 5s Gd ; also, with stealing 4s and two gold rings, value £2 ss, the pro. perty of John Andrews,—Sergeant Gamble asked for a remand in these cases, which was granted until Tuesday next.

Kavan Mason.—This advanced youth was again brought up on a charge of damaging the door of the house of MrCoad of Newton, damages 30s, on the 11th inst! —Prisoner said he had paid for the damage to Constable Henry Clark.—Prisoner was discharged.

Bessie Best. — This irrepressible woman, a resident of Chancery Lane, was charged under the Vagrant Act with having no visible lawful means, etc.—As the prisoner had left Auckland for a situa tion at Wairoa (South) the charge was withdrawn.

Absent without Leave,—Benjamin Stewart and Jobn Coleman were charged with being absent without leave, on the 14th inst, from the British ship, Crown thorpe, now lying in tho port of Auckland. —The prisoners pleaded guilty.—The captain said Coleman bad given him a great deal of trouble.—Prisoner promised to reform, and expressed a desire to go back to the ship.—The captain gavd the prisoners their choico between Mount Eden and the ship.—Both prisoners cried "the ship, the ship, not Mount Eden,"—The captain agreed to take them back, and they wero ordered to be placed again on the vessel.

Stealing Biscuits.—Thomas Martia Roe and Thomas Chappell were charged with larceny of biscuits, value 2s, on the 14th in»t., the property of Edward Hay lock Percy.—Prisoners pleaded guilty.—Ser. geant Gamble stated that the prosecutor was a baker in Pitt-street, and they stole the biscuits from one of his boys. When Mr Percy expostulated with the men on the impropriety of their conduct, Roe struck him on the mouth.—Prisoners said they were labourers working in Grey-street, and had been taking a drop. They wero not particularly hungry. The prisoners were then charged with assaulting Mr Percy by striking and kicking him.—Mr Percy gave evidence. The prisoner, Boa, struck him on the mouth, and Chappell kicked him violently on the leg. He should not have brought the case forward, but his boys were frequently robbed by men in the streets.—His Worship ordered the men to pay 2s each for the biscuits, and 20s each with costs for the assault, or seven days' imprisonment.

Alleged Robbiby.—John Parker was charged with entering the dwelling of Mr Morgan at Newmarket, on the 28th alt., with intent, etc.—Mr Hesketh appeared in defence.—Mr Pardy said as the evidence was not sufficient to convict Parker, he would ask for a withdrawal of the charge. The suspicion arose in consequence of Parker having beon seen in bad company, —Mr Hesketh refuted this statement, and prisoner was allowed his liberty without a stain upon his character.

Plummer's Friend T_-APPBd.—James Bloomfield was brought up on two charges of burglary, viz., with breaking and enter, ing the dwelling-house of Mr John Buller, of Epsom, on the 7th iost., and also with breaking and entering the house of Mr Wm. Morgan, of Newmarket, with intent to commit a robbery therein.—Mr Pardy opened the case, and called evidence.— John Buller deposed that he resided at Epsom. He was a settler there. On the night of the 7th inst., the family retired at about 10 o'clock. He left the windows and doors secure and fastened. His bed room was on the ground floor. About mid« night he was aroused by Mrs Buller, who said some ono was trying the bed-room door. The door was fastened inside. He listened and heard a noise. He immedia tely got out of bed, unlocked the door, and went into the passage. The front door was wide open. Saw a man in the hall, who immediately ran. He gave chase. The prisoner shut the gardon gate, tie continued the chase as far aa Mr McCrae's house. When ho got close up, tho prisoner pnt his hand to his breast pocket and drew out something, as though he was about to shoot. He caught hold of prisoner, and they bad a desperate straggle. He succeeded in throwing prisoner upon the ground. He bound him, and took him to the police and handed him over. Mrs Buller picked up a knife and piece of wood (produced). He conversed with tho pri soner, and asked him how he got into the house. He said he raised the parlour window with a knife, and then struck a match. Be. then opened the front door, and then tried to get into his bedroom. He (Mr Buller) asked him what he ex pectedto get. Prisoner replied "Money." The prisoner is the man.—Ellen Guyon Chambers, a married lady, was staying, with Mrs Buller on the 7th instant. Re member, d tne disturbance and the chase. She picked up the knife and stick at the bottom of the front door step,—Jamea Barnes, gardener, employed by Mr Dihvorth, deposed that on the night of tbe 7th about 12.30 he heard cries for assistance. He got np and went to assist Mr Buller, who had the prisoner In his custody. After prisoner was secured, he found a pair of boots ia the hedge close to the gate. Prisoner was without boots and stated he had thrown them there. He handed the boots to prisoner, who was now wearing them.—This was the case for the prosecution, and the depositions were read over to the prisoner, who had nothing to say.—The second charge was then investi gated.—-William Morgan, saddler, of New* market, deposed that at one o'clock on the morning of the 28th of February, he was disturbed by a noise in his bedroom ; some* thing fell; had no light in in the room ; he got out ot bed, struck a match, and im* mediately some person rsu down stairs j he saw a msn's legs turning the psssage by the house ; went to bed that night be| tween II and 12. The doors were fastened, but the window was a little way open to admit the air. Found that it was the screen that fell. The robber could not have got into the lower room without re moving the screen. Found a hat (produced) in the bedroom. It was a strange hat. Handed it to Detective Sullivan. The screen was fastened by brass bolts.—Geo. Fisher Morris, of Remuera, formerly kept a boarding-house, Prisoner lodged at his house, but left without settling up. He left his clothes, trousers, and hat in his charge until he should return and pay. He paid the score, and took the clothing, also the hat, which he was positive be. longed to the prisoner, A copy of tho "Bible Standard" was in the bat. Mr Morris continued : The prisoner.was in the habit of reading this religious periodical, and recommended it to witness. —To prisoner : Am certain tho hat is vour's. Had often had the hat in my hands,—Joachim Radjen, recently land lord of the Royal George, Newmarket, de posed that prisoner called at his hotel on the evening of tho 28th of February, and took tea there. It was at 6 o'clock. He stayed until 12 or a quarter past. He wore a similar hat to tho ono in Court, but ke could not swear to it.— To prisoner : You and Harris left together. Charles Moiris, gardener, deposed to seeing the prisoner on the evening of the 28th nit, very near to Mr Morgan's house. Stopped and talked to Bloomfield, and then left him,' Could not' swear to the hat Ho kept the boarding-house formerly kept by his father.—Detective Sullivan deposed to receiving the hat and screon from Mr Mor gan. Ho searched prisoner's lodgings,— The prisoner was then fully committed to take his trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court.

Application.—Mr Laishlcy made an ap plication to the Court on behalf of the tiyo small children of Mrs McDowell,who were in destitute circumstances, for the purpose of getting an order for their admission into the Home for neglected children ; tho chil dren were too- voung-Ho do anything ifdr tlieiiiselvcs. lie (Mr Laishlcy) utidei'i stood that this really was a case of neces sity. The unfortunate woman's husbantj Trent'.o America two 'years ago, arid she had heard nothing of him since.—His Wor ship said he liac_hpard of this case, ftfrg McDowell was called upon arid he advised her what to do. Mr Pardy believed that Mr Graham would allow tho woman rations for her children; perhaps tho case might be adjourned until Saturday. Sergeant Gamble was sworn, and deposed that he had known Mrs McDowell for some time ; the woman, since she had been left alone, had endeavoured to get a respectable living for herself aud children, by opening a lodging house, but she had failed! She had since been, disposing of her goods piece meal for their support, and she was now destitute of means ; she could earn a living in service, but was unable to support the children. The Court then made an order for their admission to tho Homo, to be brought up in the faith of the Church of England. ' This concluded .he business,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. WEDNESDAY. MARCH 15.



New Plymouth, this day. Arrived: Fen_nln, from Onehunga, 5 a.m. WW*********************** SSSSKS««9S««aSB3K3SSS3SPSISPS9SOS«««_ fooooocooooooooooooooooooo _.-_-._-_.:- ~ "HS-r-r- — — —r-:-T- —:-r-r-r-r-H BoooSoouoooooooooo&oooqoo oaaao®ooQ&®istsc3aczocscscicicstsacics BSaEaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa EEN^E-i^^^HHrir-iHHHHHr-ir-irif-iE-it-iEJHB Sbobooooqqqoqqqooqoqqooqqo 23233Ji35hiJmi3iJi3iJJmh_3h_3hi.>.i_ jgg2 -yyTNTEi.. 50 CASES 50 The first portion of tho NEW GOODS for this Season aro now on view, amongst which are some Maoswiokht Links os- BOYS' AND YOUTHS' CHEAP SUITS. Parents and Git ardians will find it advan tageous to make an Early Selection. The STOCK of MEN'S CLOTHING Is Simply superb, and tho Variety ov HATS, HOSIERY, SHIRTS, BLANKETS, FLAN NELS, &c, second to none in New Zealand. AuojclaSd Branch: QUEEN-STREET, Opposlto Theatre Royal; Am. at Albert-street, Thames. J. ETTZSIMONS, Manager, QPpPPI .PPPPPPPPPpPSPOPPPPPP 3HHBBsaBaaBBBBHaaa«aaaBBaB Haßßßßßßßßgßßagagggggggggg ltoga9aaßßßßaaa«aaaaa£taasaa £ H HchHHEhHEhEh_h_h_hEhEhEhEhEhEh_h_h_h6h_h_h_hEh



TT TJ S 1 RECEIVED Per Steamer, BLACK BROCHB GR NADINE, for Dresses and Mantles BLAOK AND COLOURED MADRAS NETS BLACK AND COLOURED MADRAS MUSLINS BLAOK SPANISH FIGURED NET BLAOK SPANISH LAOES WATERED SILKS AND RIBBONS A Very Complete Stook of BABY LINEN and CBILDRENS' and LADIES' UN DEROLOTHING TABLE LINENS. SHEETINGS CALICOS .FLANNELS, &0., &C. Milne and Choyo;e, Queen and Wki_._bley.stre_.tß, auckland.



TTJST B ECKIVED Per May Quaer. and Coroinandel. LABOR SHIPMENTS OF bbu33el9 as d tapestei Qabpets, (ALL NEW PATH KHVS), A Splendid Assortment of Frenoh and English CRETONNKH. LAOE AND NET CURTAINS In Great Variety. Brass and Ikon Bbdsteads and Cots, iron venetian blinds (aU colours). VERANDAH BLINDS, PERAMBULATORS. FUHNrrORE of e~ry description In Btook and made to order. IHS_ EOTION INVITED, •W IHKB AND DT Ali L, Wholesale aud Retail cahinktk___cers and uphoubtkkkrß, aud oakpet warehousemen, SliOK'rr-A-VD-STRJ-ST.



Special Advertlßemei-tB INSURANCE COMPANIES ASSOCIATION. Insurance Companies Offices will be GLOBED ou FRIDAY, 17th inst, (3t ?»&.(*£, DM).! H. J. WUKor, Secretary. rpHORNTON, SMITH AND FIRTH HAVE FOR SALE : •> Crown " Flour, In saoks, 100's and 50's "Champion",, ■• •• " "Cantab" —L >• " " Sharps Bran Fowl Wheat Wharf Mill, Auckland. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. WILLIAM "rTbRIDGMAN Desires to Inform his: costomars. and P«™^™ of drapory generally. <ha' n 8 M£^promises, win enable him to Sell at a small rate of . rbnt, The f-Uowing Lines ore Special Value, and are a«?K» 8,f 68 aDd makM' Ate viAaZ! 2 nX'f'rom Is yard fc Unhb/eachsd Tvrill Bh.oting, 60 and 72 Inch, A^argfand Well-assorted Stock of White Calicoß, all makes, from 2_d Bpleadld Value in Grey Calicos, from 2_d Black Volveteens (extra value), from 2s 3d yard Flannols in Great Variety-English Makes from 7Jd; Colonial, aU prices Balance Summer Prints and Dress Stuffi. at greatly roduced prices (to clear), from 3_d niMts and Coats's 200-yard Reel, Is 6d dozen A Largo^nd WeU-asscrted Stock of Block and Gold Cashmores and French Morinos to be A BNloe hAßßortmont of Carmelites. Costume Tweeds, Dress Serges, Foul 6 Belge», and other Dress Materials In aU the Newest | Shades ■ The Stock Is Well-assorted, and continually being added to, and will be Sold at Prices that will ensure satisfaction. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN.



npHE LADIES OF AUCKLAND 5 PROVINCE aro requested to Inspect the HRAND SHOW of AUTUMN and WINVKB GOODS in the Window of the'CITY HAIA A.ROADK. QOE_N--TI.KI-_. ON VIEW this W6ek' GARLICK & CRANWELL, Proprietors. /A UTUM N\j£ y WINTER GOODS \ / NOW OPENING N / UP. NOVKLTIKS In Dress Goods NOVELTIES in Dress Trimmings NOVELTIES in Millinery NOVICLTIKB in Jackets end Dolmans NOVELTIES in Cretonneß WWW HATS BONNETS, FLOWERS NEW MEN* AND BOYS' CLOTHING NEW BLANKETS, FLANNELS, So. FOR AND SPRINH-TOP KID GLOVES. VGARLIOK AND CRANWELL^ \CITY HALL AROADE,^^ /•_\ Q0 X E N-8 TR E Ktf, /* V -aS. AUCKLAND. y/tft, •gj __ <j\ jj /^ WE NOW ALLOW ON ALL CASH PAYMENTS 5 PER CKNT. DIBCOUNT on Furniture PER CENT. DISCOUNT On TarpetS 5 PER CKNT. DISCOUNT on Floor-cloths PER CENT. DISCOUNT on Furnishing SP«R CKNT. DISCOUNT on Drapery [Qoods PKR CENT. DISCOUNT on Millinery X PER CKNT. DISCOUNT on Clothing 0 PER CENT. DISCOUNT on all Pnrohsseß over One Pound, IN ANY DEPARTMENT AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE. ONLY ONE PRICE"! CASH PRICE I EXTRA OABH DISCOUNT I GrARLICK & CRANWELL, CITY HALL DRAPERY AND FURNISHING ARCADE. QUE.-_-S--.E-T, Anokland.



MEN'S ) In preparation tor and I Stook-taking. WlilUam BOX'S CLOTHING ( Rattray is of-Vrlng his I splendid Btock of Men's and Boys' Clothiwo, Shirts, Ho-iery, Collars, Scarfs, Ties, &0., Sec; at nnnsoally Low Price*. MEN'S ) 75 Men's Tweed 3 TWEWD L button Sao Suits, worth SAC SUITS l 70s. are now offered at / 50s at v. ifllam Rattray s Central Drapery Ware house, 178-8., Queen street, Auckland. \M EN'S ) William Kattray is ivl TWBED Lnowselllng Men's Tweed TROURI-R8 AND ( Troußers and verta(well VE3TS. /cut and well made) at 17s 64 and 21s. at the Central Drapery Warehouse, 178, 180, and 182, Queen street, Auckland. MEN 8 . Two cases of Men's WHITE I White Shirts (Military SHIRTS f Fronts) well worth 5a 6d Military Fronts ' and 7s 6d eaoh, are now offered to the public at 3< lid and 5s 6d at Wil liam Rattray's Central Drapery Warehouse, 178 ---62, Queen-street, Auck land. BLACK ) 10 Dozen Black Felt PELT . Amerioan Hats (usual AMERIOAN HATS' prioe 6s 6d. arenowsell lng at _s 9d at William Rattray's Central Dra -Bery Warehouse, 173-83, aeon-street.



MEN'S AND) 10 Dozen Men's BOYS' fStraw Halo at Is W, and BTRAW HATS >12 dozen Boys' Straw Hats, in various new Styles, to be cleared at Dost Frioe at William Rattray's Drapery Ware house, 178, 180, and 182, (.aeen-Btreot, Anokland, | CMITH AND ARNOLD, ARCHITECTS, OLD CITY COUNCII/ CHAMJIEE3, Seeds i Sebds i Seeds i W. J. Hif£ & CS: Havo Just Landed their NEW SEASON'S CLOVERS, whioh are ol Very Superior Quality. White Clover, English and Dutch Ked Clover. English and Amerioan Cowgrasa, English and American Alsyke, Timothy, Trefoil, Rape Lucerne, Linseed, &o, &o„ Sec Having purohased prior to the rise, enables them to offer the above at wholesale rates. Inspection Invited. Also, Poverty Bay Rye Grass, machine dressed a splendid sample Southern Bye Grass. Italian Rye Grass Cooksfoot, Prairie Grass, Poa Prcetensis And all other kinds ol AgrionHural and Garden Seeds. BONEDUSTI BONEDUST At the City Council's desire, we have deter mined to clear cut our present stook, and in order to do so quiokly, we have reduced the prices for cash. Our quotations are from £fi to £0, according to quantity and quality, Is Stock : Bell's Celebrated J inch and Boaeflour: Sydney 2 Star aud 3 Star Bonedust and Bono-lour; ajid a limited quantity of Sop- Hot's local manufacture. We have alao for Sale: 2 New Rohey's 8 and 8 h,p. Engines and Thrashers Coulter's Drills Kearsley's Combined Reaper and Mower Corneas' Patent H.P. Cheffoutter Also, Corbett & Peel's manufacture Double-furrow Ploughs, well worth Inspection Single furrow Ploughs, Horse Hoes Cultivator 3, Rollers and Clod-crushers Winnowers, Cheese Presses Cheeeemakers, Chaff-cutters (small) Ice, Sec, SCO. Also, Feed and Seed flats, Maize, Barley, Floor, Sharps, Oatmeal, Chaff, Bran, Fowl Wheat, Sec, See., See. Prime Samples of Picked Table Potatoes GUANO. Peruvian, Ohlendorff's, Dissolved Peruvian' Maidon Island. Huon Island, and other Che mical Manures. w. j, h™ st & c°" > 101. QUEEN-STREET, ' Anokland. j



Important to Ladies. —Wm. H. Smith, Draper, Upper Queen and Alexandra streets, announce* the opening of a New Showroom, on Saturday, wltti a dl.play of Ladles' and Child ren's Ulsters and Jackets. Millinery, Flowers, Feathers, Sateen., Vel vet-tens and other Season able Goods at the Lowest pon-ible Prloes for cash. Inspection invited. See Wanted Column, —(ADVT.)



Young ladies and gentlemen about to start housekeeping will bo relieved of a great deal of trouble by calling on the undersigned. You oan ascertain in a fow minutes the oost ot furnishing a threo, four, five, or six roomed house. Mot only can yoa form a correct estimate, but you oan sco all the goods ready for delivery at tho various prices. Garllok and Cranwell keep . larger stock of carpets and bedsteads than any other house in Auckland; also the f:roatest variety of household furniture, most, of t manufactured by their own workmen. Five per cent, discount allowed for cash at time of purohaoo. New-comers are Invited to Btroll through the City HaU Arcade, and satisfy themselves by an inspection of the stock of the good value we offor, and the readiness we are enabled to oxecnto ordors entrusted to our care. -Garllok and Cranwell, City HaU Arcade,- ADVT.)