SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

___, l This Evenlnß. 0.12 HIGH WATER j- ra . morr ow Jfominß.o.lo BUNaWT.-Thlß Kvonin«, i_M aUNBiaK.-T.>mnwow Mnrnlnff. .3 MOON- AGK.-.B_-t Quarter. 25tli, (1.23 p.m,

ARRIVALS.

LAST 17-NIITB.

Fldiral a.a., Norris, from Mercury Bay ._.__- barnne. Harrison, from J.ntelton _?ffin; -rlf-intliie. McKay, from Dunortin SSSSm-M-. Mnoonor. Jobb, from Lfttalton Columbia, sohooner, Conway, from Napier TO-DAY. Rotoma, s,B. ToKsr, from «assell

DEPARTURES.

TO- nAY.

Rotoma, s.a , Toner, for southern poita

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London-Halclone, lriarllng Sydney-Arawatn, Wednesday _»Si-_»%T&Wan. Monday or Wh_?g-?ei a5and Whan gavel -Toa-ii-Argyle, Tuesday and Friday Manaawal-Flngal. 'ihursday Mercury Bay-Fl-gaL Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

r.orreow, KosterhUl, ship, mn.ilntj March 10 Lairo, barnno lX T-H.H 1. sailed, ITob I n_K &c I W.P.G S.). nailed, FebS Glonlora, barque (W.G.P.T.). Wmllnir. Feb 34 Vangnard. b»rq«e,(t_.l.B.r>.i. sailed March 8 Chilli barquo, s.uleii March 1 T.IV-Hl'OO-. MenrlOJia, harqnn i(J.GiL.F. : sailed Fab. i SBW YM-C, RapldiJ. barquo; loiirtinrt ?Jh.ID Annla Bnrr, hsninontlim (J.G. WT.R. K olearnd . Feb 11 _ , Kiunim, barqun, (mm Now York aon-rH-Kir ports. Clurindn. schnonnr, from Dunadln Kmlly, bria. from Dnnedin Lonhrlau, uohnonor, from Lyttelton; stilled May 17 Jaltna VoKol, schooner, from Tlmarn; sailed May 3i Claniiman, brlßantino, from Nelann Crest ot the Wave, ach, front Ttmai -, aaUarl May 33 ATJHTHA_rA. An._Vwll. brig, from iyimey; loadlns Cab_rteitih, barque, from Newcastle Eatalle, schooner, from 80UT- 9SA TB-ANDB. Ryno. brlirontine, from Rose Island Soverolxn. aclioonnr, from Tahiti Edith, schooner, from Suva Paarl. ketch, from Rarotonga Agnes Donald, sohooner, from P.arotoußii Wtoifl-d. schooner, f.-nm Taviani Myrtle, brigantlne, from Tonga; sailed April 8 JAPAW, Sybil, schooner, sailed April

IMPORTS.

Sx Handa Isle, from Dunedln-100 aaoka bran.—Adam Lay bourne.

Par Defiance, from Dunedln-50 bags bonep, 1170 sacks Honr 11185 sacks oats, 170 sacks bran. 58 sacks pollard, 308 aaoks wheat, 105 aiickß oat meal,, 4- socks and 3 packages paper, 2 roll' -beetle nd.

Per Planter, from Lyttelton—lo sao^s gras' seed, 132 aaoks barley, 749 sacks potatoes; 18 sooks onions. 1401 aaoks whaar, 284 bjtga flour. 200 bags bran, 100 tugs beans, 2 coses hams and bioon.

Par Catty Sark, from Lyttelton: 1550 sacks Hoar, 11)0 sacks bran, 37 sacks potatoes.

Ikwabds COißTWlSE.—Pukapuka. from Omaha, with 110 poats. 230 sleepers ; Adah from Thames, with 33,0(11) feet timber; Tavlot from Tryphana, with 350 poats, 5 tona flrewood ; Mercery, from Tairua, wirh 33,000 feet timber; Porasveranoe, from Waiheke, with 200 bnahelf lime; Paku, from Talma, with 2.1,300 feet timber. 33 bags gnm, 8.000 ahinglea, Ootwauds Coastwihis, — Pukapuko, for Mahnrangi: Teviot, for Trypbena; Saxoa, for Rus»ell; Columbia, fan Rnesell; Perseverance, forSandsplt; Paku, for Tairua. The barque Planter, and the schooner Cutty Sarlt, arrived from Lyttelton last evening, iboth Having made a Una weather passage of aeven days' duration. The briga-tlna "Ocflanca left Ounadln on May 16th ; had fresh N.K, variable winds and Calais to C»pe PaUUer, which was passed on May 18: thonou. till ro'-ndtng Jilast Cape on May 31, a, and 3. it winds, and light variable winds tilt arrival laat evening. Passengers .—'aptoin W. Barry, Messrs H. w\ Carlson and H, Parkins. The barqne Virginia, arrived at New York, from Auckland, 102 days ont, on March 24. The T.-ihltjan schooner Lillian was in Sydney harbonr on May 13. 9ho was expeoted to ratnrn to Tahiti shortly after tnar. date. The borine Ansilell Is loading at Newcastle for Aauklaud, The schootuirAilvancß left Mercury Bay for W.ingannl, by way of North Capo, witu 10,000 ft aawn timber, hut overling:

The brigantlne Linda •vahernnri ketch Jssblb Were loa" ing at the lower mill, Mercury Bay. yentsrilay.

The n. 3. Flngal arrived from Marcnry Bay lost evening, with 50 backs mm and six pas gangers.

The following were pasaangers by tho Rotoma from RiisßeiHnis morciig:-Mrs Mcpherson, Messrs Mai shall, li'Brlen. Uuxgm. Isom, and McLarthy.

__-'._,_> Rotorna left for MalßOurue- via Southarn poets at noon to-oay, with a cargo or sundry merchandise and tho following pas BC-gars :— For Glsborna—Wins {Tlemlng,, Me and Mrs Magni: c, [Measra Walker. J. Mat-aey. Mer B_tt». TOr N*piOT—Messrs P, GCrmsc. land R. Hawkins .Tor Wsllinatau—Mr Wald™. For Lyttelton—Mrs and M later Mays, Mr Lolly. For Bluff— Mr Cotfciui. For SHobatt—Mrß Freer, Mrs R, Kantian, ami 2 Children.

Ob Tuesday afternoon the new ferry ataamer Ale-aniliina hrtd an e.-nglnr-.efa trial fn tho har bonr, among those on baitxi being Mr Buchanan, Mr Wm. Holmes ibnildcr). and Mr McCoakrie (engi-oer). Kverything was found vi work satfifacwrlly. the speed attained being abont-S. Knots. The Alexaudrl-a also had a run with the Tai-ui, and proved herjeif a much faster boa*. The offlctal trial -arip will probably take place this week.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Maenegov, s.s. Amodeo, from Waltara

The s.B. Macfrregor arrived from Waltara about 9rfclock this morning, with 50 heac cattle, 73 sheep. U sacks bran v 7 packages, and the following passengersi—Mrs Humphrey Bayley and ohlld; Messrs Owen, Daltnn, Light foot, Clements, Brogue, and three steerage. The 8.9. Lalla Kookh, was to leave for Waltara this afternoon.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(BT TBLBGBAPB.—OWN CORBESTONDBHT.)

Kaipaba Hb-ds, this day. Sailed, on Sunday : The Stella, Vision. Wavei Syren, Albert the Bood. schooners Aratapu and Colonist. Arrived and goneup the Walroa: I llarah Hie, from Wellington. Loaded and readyforsea: Boreolls. »____ galled, this morning: Torea, for Lyttelton. T_ Koytrßtr, this day, Arrlv-d; Prince Alfred, barquontine, from > Lyttelton. Loading: least Lothian and Aurora. The barqna Orasmere Is having her forefoot repaired, and will be ready in a few .J-. days, j AB-TiPrr, this day. Loaded: Magellan Cloud, Maungawhare. I Discharging t Moa. Loading: Marmion, with B" B" Ma-aba.", this day. Loading i Kentish Lass. H-T.mwaviT.-n!, thla day. Sailed: EO-salls, for Lvttelton. Arrived: Thomas and Henry, from Port Chalmers,

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Post CHAiMsmg, "Wednesday, I Soiled; Te Anau, for the North, Passengers: I ForAneWand—Mr Coup. For Sydney: Messrs j 3. Hntton and J. Or 17.

Mail Notice.

haii- will c-08k as -kdkk.- Thih Da.. For Tauranga, Ohlnemutu. and Opotllci, par Glnnolg, at i p.m. For Trypheno. per T.iviot, at 4.30 p.m. jor Thames, per Ruby, at 5 30 p_n. Fri-Av, -6th Instant. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 7 s-m. For Waltara, New Plymouth, etc., per Mao gragor, at 11 a.m. For Talma, per Pakn, at 11a.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Coro mandel. at 13 30 p.m. For Whang-ret Heads. Waipn, Paraa, Whan garel, Tongihua, and Mangapai, per Arsjjlo, at 1 p.m. __r ._ara_9, per Enterprise, at 5,30 p.m. Saturday. 27th Instant. For Walwera, Mahnrangi, Matakana, Manga wai. Sea., per Kose Casey, at 10 a.m.

Jar Australian Colonies and London, via Brindist, pur City of ayrtney. Immediately after her arrival from Honolulu. For f aranokt and Southern purt_,per W-naka, immediately after arrival of s.s. City of Sydney. N.H.—Game licenses (to kill or sell) may be, obtained at this a.Hoe. 3. B. 8133, Chief Postmaster. Chief Past^mce. Aac-ln-m.

Meeting, Entertainments, Etc.

May 25, 1382. Abbott's Opera House— Williamson's Royal Opera Comp.ny, 3 p.m. All Saints' Sunday school, Ponsonby—Con cert; in Aid of Shu Funds, 8 p.m. Special Practice of Soloists and Orchestra ot Anc-la-id Choral Society, ".36 p.m. Athenseum (lata Newt.ra Kirk)— Dr. Wallls on " Ciri-anahlp ot Women,- 7.30 p.ia. Mr W. F. B-c-land aad tha illsctors of franklin North—Drary Schoolroom. 7.30 p.m. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Devotional Meeting. 7.30 p.m. St. Andrew's'M.l.-.—Meeting ot Members, .p.m.

Birth.

BANOROFT.-On May 21th. at her residence, Richmond Road, Mrs John Bancroft, of a naught-..

Marriage.

BIi.OH-FARarrfi.-On May 10th, 1882. at Rangier*. Chrfstahiroh, by tha Rev. Wm Mot-ley, Cornelins John, eldest son of W. Kirch, to Frances Jsne, second daughter of A. Fargia, both late of AncStland.

Death.

AT.LSCN.—At Onshnnga, en May 24th. John Allen, aged 73 years. Funeral will leave his lata residence on Friday, the 26th Instant. Friends will please accent this In-matt n

OU ABSFORD.—On May 25th. 1381, -tlaa Isabella Olassforrt, late of Paisley, Scotland, a,ad 63 years. The f aural will leave the residence of Mrs. D-fT, Orey-street, to-morrow (Friday), 23th instant, at 3 o'clon--. Friends ara respectfully Invited to attend.

LAMB.-On May 2lch, at the Provincial Hospi tal, fleorge. eldest son of the late Willi nn Lamb; aged 38 7 ears. The funeral will loave his brother's resi dence, (freeman's Ray (near tha Glass Worts), on Saturday, the27th,at 2.30 p.m. Friends wi, 1 please accept ihfs Invitation.

KUTHicßirOttD.-On May 21th, died suddenly, at Remnera, James Rutherford, senior, aged 63 rears. late of Rama Rama.

Tho faner-t -win take .lace from his lata residence, Remnora, on Friday 26th Instant, at3p.m. for the Cemetery, Symonds-straet All friends are renpec*fally Invitid to attend.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1883.

Far the can.— that lack, assistance. For the wroti_ that needs resistancs For the future in the distance, And the good that we e_n do.

The f aller news now to hand, regarding the negotiations which preceded the release of Mr Parnell and other imprisoned "sus pects," is strongly confirmatory of the former somewhat indefinite statement that something of the nature of a compact had been entered into between the leader of the Government and the leader of the " veiled rebellion " in Ireland. The cable mes sages tell of a "profound sensation" being caused by the exposure in Par liament of the alleged bargain, which though denied by Mr Gladstone, was affirmed by Mr Forater, who produced and read the correspondence which bad passed on the subject, it would ap pear that the scheme emanated from Mr Parnell, who like a trne patriot seemed determined, though in prison, to spare no effort that he could put forth for the good ef his unhappy fatherland. Finding no other means of exerting an influence to chat end, he addressed a letter to Mr Gladstone offering to use his power towards the atop ' ping of the outrages, on condition that all "suspects" should be released at once, and promising, if Government wonld introduce a Bill to wipe off arrears of rent, that the Home Kale patty would give them their undivided support towards the work of pacificating Ireland. Such a proposal as this at once creates a delicate and difficult problem for practical statesmanship to solve ; and it is easy te understand how aa able and earnest statesman, baffled in all his at tempts to restore order to a disturbed portion of the Empire, might be brought to entertain the idea propounded, and ultimately, perhaps, to arrive at some modified undSfatanding _n__fe_ sub ject. It'must _ot be,,isr7,7't_atMr Gladstone is at least —r_«_cere a patriot as Mr Parnell; and ,]T W. --patriotism, unlike that of the latter v£rj_ma._i, embraces the whole British E? .to, and is not confined to a small secths_i-f it; and what he had to decide; in th. faca of this proposal, was, what was the best thing. to be done) in the interests of the United Kingdom' inelading Ireland. Had the' Prime Minis ter been one of the narrow Jingo-patriots, he would h»?e settled the question on the sole ground of "KngJandV' great

uiifls and interests, without at all regarding the welfare ot the sister isle, save as a rebellious province to be sub dued ami made to yield tribute to her conqueror; aud what wan good for England would hive been assumed to be right for Ireland. But Mr -ludstonu Una wider sympathies, juater coneeptious of riijht, and broader views o£ true loyalty, tliau decide the question ou any auoli ground. There was undoubtedly a strong temptation to dismiss Mr Parnell. proposal with loathing i and contempt. To do so would have been to pose an a true patriot iv the eyes of the average Briton, by refusing to liavi! auy truck with treason, and declining to treat with thinly-disguised rebels. On moral grounds, also, this decision would have been widely, if not universally, applauded ; and by pursuing the opposite course, and tor! diplomatic reasons attempting to keep the | understanding secret, Mr Gladstone will aiivo laid himself open to the charges of forming an unholy alliance and practising deceit for Ilia put pose of covering the dis honourable transaction, We have un desire to strain an argument for the sake uf defending Mr Gladstuuc. His past career as an honest and patriotic statesman ought at once to be sullieieut guarantee of tha purity of his motives in the present instance, and the besl reply to his tradncers. Actuated by a desire to redtvss Ireland's wrongs, and at the same time to preserve law ami order within her borders, he could not well have ignored a proposal of the nature said to have been made by Mr far null. If the act of negotiating is held to have been just ilied by the circumstances of the case,we fail to see that in tin*obligations undertaken by the Government there is auy sacrifice of principle. The "suspects" were sure sooner or later to be released, especially as it was found that their seclu sion had no mitigating client on the lawless state of the country; and all practical men were coming to see that it would be impossible for the Irish tenantry to pay their arrears of rent, and that Gov ernment must provide a way of release for them. These two steps arc all to which Mr Gladstone haa committed the Government ; and if the results promised try way of per contra oould be confidently expected to ensue, no one will deny that a great denl was to be gained, both tor Kngland aud Ireluud, iv re turn for a very slight concession. There is to be no relaxation of the extmi !<ive and arbitrary power accorded to the Irish Executive for the suppression of iiis nrder; but titers is instead, the more drastic measure for the suppression of crime in Ireland, which has boen intro duced by Sir William Vernon flar.ourt into Parliament, and which, we are assured, the Government have long had in contemplation. Thus, if the concessions made do not secure the re-estaolishmeut of peace in Ireland, the Executive have fuller powers than before to enforce the law and to detect md punish the perpetrators ot outrage and the plotters of sedition,

There waa a large attendance at the Thames races yesterday. Harkaway won the Hurdles, while Paramena waa hrst in big Handicap.

The first of a series of winter evening lectures will be delivered in the Newton

Athenieum this evening by Dr. WallLs, upon tho " Citizenship ot Women."

It is considered probable that Mr J. B. Gough, the tamous temperance lectin er, will visit Australia and New Zealand. The agent of the Quintette Club intends to opeu up negotiations on his return to America.

Mr W. F. Bucklund addressed the Franklin forth electors at Papaknra on Tuesday evening, and carried a vote of confidence, after a large amount of ones tioniug aud opposition.

A thoughtful and very gratifying compli ment has been paid to the conductor of tha C inral Society. On Tne day evening, after the choral rehearsal, the Knnineer Bind, under Mr Impey, marched to Fferr Carl Schmitt's residence, Grafton Road, where they played a number of German airs and selections in honour of Herr ?chmitt's first anniversary in Auckland. He arrived 12 months ago by R.M.S Australia. After «ome refreshment had hen provided hy Herr Schmitt the baud played several other selections, and when tliiee cheers were given for him and otiefor Madame Schmitt, the hand marched back to town.

Considerable i'utersst was evincetlin the polling at Ponsonby yesterday to determine whether tliere should be any increase in the. [lumber of publicans' lioonaes. The fact that it was intended if possible to obtain a. license for a house in England-street in duced many people who would not other wise have done so to record their votes. Mr McKinstry acted a- Returning Officer, and shortly after six o'clock he announced the result of the poll to be as follows : Por increase of licenses, _3 ; against, 130.

Yesterday Mr James Rutherford, of Rcmnera, died suddenly of hen t disease, at his residence. At 9.30 in the morninj. he went out to chop some wood and shortly afterwards he was found by his wife in a senseless state. The alarm having being given,a number of neighbours ware promptly on the Bpot,and one of them, Mr King, che mist, made an examination and found life to be extinct Doctor Philson having ~iven a certificate that the cause of death was heart disease, an inquest is not considered nece.'sary. The deceased gentleman, who was over sixty years of age, arrived in the province forty years ago, and being per severing and industrious, he leaves a handsome fortune to bis heirs.

We are requested to draw special atten tion to the advertisement in another column convening a meeting of the choir and or chestra for a final rehearsal of " The May Queen," at the Choral Hall, on Saturday evening. The Ponsonby contingent will also meet at Ponsonby Hall on Friday, as usual. We hear that the business arrange ments for this concert are being made as campteteas possible,and,in order to ensure perfect success, the Board of Management of the Orphan Home have passed a resolu tion pledging themselves to do their utmost to dispose of tickets. This is as it should be, and with such an influential army of vendors the promoters of the undertaking should feel p-irfeetly certain that financial success is placed beyond all doubt. In the Queen of Beauty mine during the last fortnight the shaft has been sunk II feet, making a total distance from the sur face of 598 feet and 61 feot below No. S level. The draw lift is now sunk down sufficient to cut the chamber and the men are at present squaring out ground to take bearings for the opening set. The leader which the manager mentioned in his last report is now in the centre of the shaft. It is the same in thickness and is going down nearly plump. The men will have finished putting in the timber in the shaft in con nection with the opening set by the end of the week, when „Vy will start upon cutting chamber. Provision will be made to pre vent overflow from the reef,when cut,havin<» injurious effect upon the pumps.

A special meeting of the Auckland Li censed Victuallers' Association was held In the United Service Hotel last evening, for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr P. Gorman, the late president, orior to his departure from Auckland. Mr* Kidd, the newly elected president, presided, and after making a few appropriate remarks wishing Mr Gorman future health and happiness, handed to that srentleman the following address which had been beauti fully Illuminated and framed by Mr Palmer, of Queen-street: -"We, the members of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, desire, on the occasion of your leaving Auckland, to express our regret at the loss of yonr valuable services a* president of the asso ciation, which position you have ably filled for the last five years, and to assure you of our warmest wishes for yonr future health and prosperity. The recipient duly expressed his thanks, remarking that ha would accept the gift with pleasure as a memento of his connection with the asso ciation, and would band it down with pride as a family heirloom. Mr Gorman was a passenger for Napier by the as. Rotorua which went South this afternoon.

The long looked for coursing match between Mr J. Montague's red dog, Peasant Boy, and Mr W. Quinton's black dog, Turpio, for £10 a-side, came off yesterday near Tamaki. The dogs were in grand condition; but there was very little speculation on the event, 'I'he dogs were in the slips at half-past ten. After beating for about a quarter of a hour, a start waS made from a very long slip. The red do« drew ont with a lead of two lengths an<£ steadying himself in grand style, did not attempt to kill until his none was fairly on the old hare's back, when he put an end to the struggle by knocking her over and carrying her away in triumph, thus winning the first course. The dogs were placed in the slips for the second course at a quarter past twelve. After beating for nearly half an-hour, they turned up a fine old puss, getting away from a capital slip, though rather short. The black dog took a decided lead, the red dog coming up in grand style and setting to wo-k in real earnest, ran np a succession of strong drive points, never allowing the black dog to get in, and after putting in a lot of work very sharply finished up a well run course with a meritorious kill, thus winning the two events. The slipper was Mr Tom Burton; i judge, Mr Bruce. i

Mr Josoph Newman, of Auckland, has been appointed a Visiting Justice at the Mount Eden Gaol.

A poll will be taken of tiie ratepayers of the licensing district of Karangahapo to morrow, under the Licensing Act, 1881, between the hours of nine iv the morning, and six in the evening, at the Prtmitive Methodist tclioul-room, Upper Pitt-street, Newton.

Messrs A. Sbalders, W. Baker, and F. Beaven, tonic a trip on Queen's Birthday to Riverhead in their Rob Roy canoes. They accomplished the journey up in the exceedingly good time of '2:1 hours, and the return journey (against, the wind all the way) in _ hours.

At a meeting of the members of the First Waikato Regiment, held in Tauranga to discuss the propriety of erecting a monu ment to the officers and men or that regi ment who fell in the late Maori war, it was resolved, on the motion of Captain Turner, to erect the proposed monument in the Tauranga domain, and a subscription list was opened for the purpose of raising funds.

A meeting ot the memoera of St. Andrew s Mutual Improvement Society will be held this evening iv fch. school-room, Symouda street, for the purpose of considering the position of ihe society and the expediency m-otherwiseof prolongingits almost hopeless existence. The essay on the programme for this evening, vi_., " Cobbett and his Writings," by Mi-Gtieriu, will not be given, as picssure of business has prevented the completion of the lecture.

The perfection of the exits in the new Opera House was tested last night. The house was crowded in every part, and yet iv four and a half minutes from the fall of the em-tain every person was out of the building, though leaving in the usual leisurely way. In live minutes the side lights were extin guished and the covers were on most of the dress circle chairs. The public have so much confidence in the facilities of escape, that on Tuesday when ihe market-house lire occurred, scarcely apcraon moved from the seats in the Opera House, then crowded for the opening ceremony.

To the 'rCditor : Sir,—Being unable my self, through press of business, to attend at the Choral Hall last nijjht I purchased four tide eta for my wife and youngsters, taking especial care they started from home in time for the " tea-tight " The mental pabulum they were treated with was pro nounced excellent, but I am thinking they would have enjoyed it all tha more if autue thiug more solid than song or speech had commenced the p ogramme of tl.e entertain ment. Nary tea or biscuit fell to either of their Kits, ami it would have dune you good to have seen the -n.laugbt on the cold meat and pickles when they came home—nut se.L—Yours truly, T. B. HANNAFOKD.

Yesterday, to the disgust ot a large number of travellers, tha Kaipara train, which started for Henderson trom Auck land at 11 a.m., did not arrive at Mount F.den station till 12 noon. Nearly half-an-hour was lost in shunting carnages at that station. It is now a matter of note, and the people are becuming utterly disgusted at the constant delay of the Kaipara train at the Newmarket station. Persons were waiting at Mount _dea till 12, and many went away thinking ao train was coming. To erowu all—the train which came baoK from Henderson, lifting passen gers all the way, had ouly two small first .-lass and two small second-class carriage to accommodate about 50 men, women, and children, thus greatly endangering li vea by over-crowding the platform.

The Bands of Hope demonstration last night was a remarkable success, the Choral Hall being crowded to excess in every part. Interesting addressed were delivered, and some excellent music rendered by tho choir. Copies of the annual report which were dis tributed shew that the work is reviving. Fifteen societies are now affiliated, though at the close of the financial year (March ;Fl) there were only twelve, and three of these joined within "the two preceding in mths. Each of these societies has the privilege of sending two delegates to the Executive Couuo.il meetings, and it is hoped that future operations of the Onion will emanate more from the representatives than from the officers. The total number of members so far as returns have been received is as follows :—Males, li'ili; females, 558 ; total, 11S4. There is every reason to believe that if the work is persevered in, during the re mainder ot this year, the number of mem bers -will be nearly double.

To the Editor : Sir,-To-day I read in a local print, a paragraph abonc Mr Lemur's disappearance, which is as untruthful as it is malicious, at least so far as I am con neraed. It is said in this paragraph that •' lie (Mr Lenoir) embarked m the business of a vigncron (?) with a certain r-ieased Communist from .New Caledonia" and it seem* to be insinuated in it that this wan the cause of Mr Lenoir's ruin. Now, I deny in the most emphatic manner that he was in any way engaged in vinegrowing, or that he '• embarked into partarr.<riip with me; and I think it is a well-known fat that Mr Lenoir's "evil hour" was due to gambling. As regards '• released Com munists " [ shall place before your eyes a small example of what they are. Mr P-.lt zcr, who is an avowed Commuaist.and who was banished from France after the insur» rection of 1371. left Auckland by the front door, esteemed by all those who transacted buaiiie— with him, whilst Mr Lenoir.wfao is an avowed Bonapartiat, took the very opposite door.—l am, &<_., F. Rayer, vinegrower, Mount Albert.

! To the Editor .- Sir,—Doubtless you and : many of your readers have seen, in the columns of the " _»ew Zealand Herald,'' long articles and papers purporting to be translations from articles in Parisian journals, on the transcendant merits of a new infallible nostrum for all diseases and ailments of the human month and teeth, to wit, the Ean de Suez. As a result I, who manage a store at Ohinemutu, in consequence of the demands of my numerous customers, laid in a supply of tha supposed m .qic water—strings ot ail colours. Now, owing to the wet season of late, toothache has been -very prevalent here, and for a time the demand on me was large ; in f.ict I myself had to try the merits ot the much bepuffed " £au." The demand, however, has completely ceased. Ask any of the numerous testers of iti virtues ■ what they think of Eau de Suez, and their reply will be about tantamount to this, in which I, also an experimentalist, heartily concur: "Oh ! .1 Suez and his waters too 1" In no case that haa come und.r my notice has it cured or even eased toothache, though it is a pretty fair dentifrice, but not eqnal to florilinc. My reason for writing is to expose the action of tho "Herald" in publishing aa matter, and not as an advertisement, puffs on a nostrum of which the editor evidently knows nothing, merely ! to suit the purpose of an agent or vendor who is a good advertiser. As a matter of course an editor is not responsible for an advertisement, but when he ioserts an article without indicating that it is an I advertisement, he becomes responsible for his statement.—l am, _c, F. B. Scott, Ohinemutu, May 17.

The Auckland Working Men's Friendly Aid Society held its tenth anniversary soiree last evening in the Parnell Hall. A good and plentiful tea was provided by the committee, of which more than 200 persons* partook. The hall was nicely decorated for the occasion with flowers from Newmarket and ferns from the dells, which gave an animated appearance to the general scene. Mr E. Burgess-was voted to the chair, and spoke as follows of the position of the ■ society :—Efe said it gave him pleasure as secretary of this society to present the tenth annual repor*. At the present time they have 64 members on the roll, and three candidates waicing for admission. The receipts from all sources for the year had been £99 13s Id, expenditure £42 13a lOd, showing an increase for the year of £56 19s 3d after meeting all demands, while they had in the hank to the credit of the trustees the sum of £150. They had to record but one death daring the year the financial allowance being £10, while their period of sickness had only reached 22 weeks 1 day, equal to £22 3s 4d, showing a trifle under i three days' sickness per member tor 1 the twelv. months. During the year j thirteen membere haa been admitted, ihe programme was attractive, although there were several blanks which were un avoidably left op;n—one through the indis positinn, and the other through a misfor tune of persons who had premised recita tions. Items rendered were as follows :— Mr Tremain, song, "Meet Me at Twilight, Sweet Bessie," sung with happy effect. Mr George Hayter next gave an address, being a sketch of the Auckland Working Men's Aid S»ciety,from its commencement, with the incidents and struggles of its pioneers, who had watched, and cradled, and nursed it until it was able to run alone. Mr Hayter was loudly cheered on his ap pearance after a year of indisposition. Mr A. Burgess followed with a recitation, " My Breeches, oh, my Br.eches " (O. W. Holmes), the recital of which drew laughter and tears. Miss Tremain gave a musical selection from " Lucia de Lammermoor'' on the piano; Mr Cossen, song, " Together Lads;" Mr Tremain, song, "frosty Leeks;'' the whole closing with th; National Anthem. Dancing was kept up ontil on. o'clock this morning. j

We have beeu requested by the Hospital authorities to acknowledge (he receipt of a parcel of periodicals donated by Mr Batger.

There was fair business done on 'Change to-day in Queen of Beauty shares, which were sold at lis u'd to 12s. This is an im provement of _s since Tuesday last. Waihi shares were also more active, and sales of Young Colonial were effected at ss, there being buyers at that figure; Mr F. A. White received a telegram to-day stating that the battery had started all right, and that the Martha aud Young Colonial mines were looking well.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court held a sitting iv bankruptcy this morning, when applications for orders of discharge for Reuben _J icholia and Henry Charles Draper Serjeant were made and granted. Serjeant applied in persou, and Mr C. F. Buddie applied for Nicholls

A meeting of the creditors of Mary Kerr, restaurant-keeper, was to have beeu held to-day, but a quorum was not obtained, aud the Registrar, in pursuance of the powers vested in hira—appointed Mr Thos. vi aclfarlan. trustee in the estate. The liabilities are stated at £35 18s lid, and the assets at £70 Its Sd, of which £.10 is repre sented by book debts.

To-morrow's o_s_iu_k will contain a preliminary notice ot the "Observer" Art t'niou, to commenco next week; "Family Jars " particulars ot the Lewis case; " Ovor tho spanker- Chair," tit bits and Parliamentary gossip; "Mercantile dnobs;" "A Matrimonial Conspiracy," by Mr J". M. Gediils ; "Lovers' __ta ;" " The Lidiea' Drei sea at the Opera" a toll list; "Rejected Addresses;" a cartoon and bio-nvphy r,( Mr Ju itleu Gillies, Sea.

We understand that Mr Bishop, Store- Icosper, Franl—in Road intends, within a few dnys. to remove to larger and mare suitable oremluoß in tho immutilate neighbourhood at his pruseut shop, where ha will continue to give his best attention to tho favours ot his pranont unit liny now customers who may favour blm With a call.-[-DVT.]

TELEGRAMS.

(pas pnkss ASsocrATiO-.)

PAERO-, this day, STARTING OF THE MARTHA

Battery,

a atari has been made with the Martha battery. 120 visitors were present from Katikati, Tauranga, anu surrounding dis tricts. The bottle of ohanipugne was broicen by Miss Comptoo. Mr Nicholls, one of the directors, ad dressed those present at some length, .v spread was provided by the contractors, and the usual toasts were proposed by J. H. Nicholls, G. V. atewarf, and A. Porter. The tutal cost of tha works at the battery and water race was £3,300. The battery is working all right, and a Food return is looked for. Gold is eas-ily seen in the stone.

NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. FALL FROM A TRAIN.

A semi-drunken man jumped off the train yesterday between Hawera and Norman by, and sustained some nasty bruises about hia face and head. Mr Hurley, of Manaia, in trying to stop the man,lost his balance, and fell also, but was nut hurt. Tha train was going about eight miles an hour.

CHRISTCHURCS, this day. Oppenheimer ami Co., of Auckland, have been awarded a certificate and gold medal. Over 10,000 persons vinitcd the Exhibition yesterday. The sports in Lancaster Park yesterday ware attended by about 1,500 people, but the actual running waa nothing out of the common, except the 5-mile bicycle race, which was won by Lungdowu in Trains. Isaecs. There was a very large attendance at the Exhibition, the town Detng swamped with couatry people sight-seeing. i DuiNEDltf, this day. THE RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEET ING. At the Volunteer gathering but night a resolution was carried ren-oxting Colonel Stanley to call a public meeting ot Volun teer and citizens, to consider the advisa bility of having the next meeting of the >«w Zealand Rilie Association ia or near Dunedin. SMASH ON THE RAILWAY. A stock train going north with sheep, early this morning, waa thrown off the line by the engine striking a horse near Shag Point Junction. The engine was just entering a bridge when it went off, and it sma-hed the bridge considerably. Fifteen wagons tilled with she-p ran off, and many of the sheep were killed and a number injured. The engine turned over. The driver w.-is thrown twenty yards ahead of the engine, and escaped unhurt. The fire man, however, landed among the d.bri>, and it was two or three hours before he was got out, when he waa found to be badly bruised and scalded. It has been st.-v.-d in the evening paper that the engine 0 river and fireman were on duty for thirty six hours previously, but this is incorrect, a* they tome.i the train at Palmeraton, and were on duty less than an hour. The line was blocked for seveial hours.

COTTAGE BURNED.

A four-roomed cottage in the suburb of Stratb.earne, owned by D. Fairweather and occupied by Mr Pennefather, was burned down yesterday. It was insured for £100, and the furniture for £150-the latter in the Colonial. The adjoining building, owned by E, Rogsr-», was considerably damaged, but the loss was covered by insurance in the Hanseatic.

INCENDIARY FIRE AT CAMBRIDGE.

(BYTB-EGBAPH. OW„ C ____PO__>E_T.)

CaMBRIDG-, this day. A Fnt_ occarrad here this morning at _ o'clock at Mr Thomas Ryan's farm, HamiV ton Road, burning four wheat stacks, separated 800 yard 3 apart. It is evidently the worse of an incendiary. The damage is estimated at £600—insured in the National tor £337. No clue as yet to the author.

DROWNING CASE.

The s.s. Fingal. which arrived here last night from Mercury Bay, conveyed the sad intelligence that during the trip up a young gumdigger named Walter Sayershad fallen overboard and was drowned. It would appear that Sayers came aboard the stea mer at the Bay in a state of intoxication, and for his own safety, was wrapped ln a sail and lay down. When the open sea was reached the rolling of the vessel caused Sayers to get on his feet, and commence rolling about the deck, He was warned several times of the danger he ran, but with tue heedlessness of a drunken man, he scouted all advice. Presently a lurch of the vessel caused him to lose his footing, and he was precipitated into the water. The master, Norris, did all he could do under the circumstances to save the young man. He threw over a line, and lowered a boat. Sayers, who was a strong swimmer, kept himself afloat, but unfortunately he kept swimming away from the steamer. It was ten minutes before the hoat came up to him, and just as the men were reaching over to grasp him, the unfortunate man sank to rise no more.

SERIOUS BUSH ACCIDENT.

A Strange Story.

AN old bnshman named Charles Hoy was odmitsed to the Hospital last night from Waikomiti suffering from several bad con* tuitions on tiie aide and a gaping wound five Inches long on the top of the head. There were also several severe burns on the back of the neck. At the time of his admission, he was in a semi-uncoiscious state, and when interviewed by a Star reporter to-day appeared somewhat dazed. His statement, incoherently given, is to the following effect;—On Saturday, while walking through some bush near Waiko miti, the dead limb of a tree fell on him, causing the injuries. He was stunned, and mast have lain in a comatose state till Sunday morning. On coming to his senses, he managed to crawl to his whare, some distance from the scene of the accident and again relapsed,into unconsciousness. He resided alone, and though there wa3 plenty of food, he was too feeble to reach it. He lay from Saturday afternoon till yesterday morning with his wounds undressed and totally without food, and he must have perished miserably had not Mr James Cant well discovered his lamentable plight. Mr Cantwell had the wounds dressed, and sent him to town by yesterday afternoon's train. He is unable to accoant for the burns on the neck. ..

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

AT twenty minutes to twelve o'clock to-day, a porter, named A. McMillan, met with a very serious accident. -It would appear that he was wheeling a load weighing three hundred weight to Messrs B. Tonics and Company. Auction Mart. Aa he wua backing the handcart against the kerb the vehicle tilted up, lifting McMillan's legs from the ground While endeavouring to bring the cart to a horizontal position one of the shafts broke, precipitating him to the ground, and fracturing his ancle badly, aud Mr Speight and Mr Garrett, of the firm of Garrett Bros., observed the acci dent, and promptly sent McMillan to the hospital in a cab. He was, accompanied there by Sergeant McGovern. McMillan is oue of the old identities of Auckland.

THE OP ERA.-" PATIENCE."

"Patience" was repeated at the Opera House last night to a crowded assemblage, by whom it was received with every demon stration of pleasure. The opera certainly improves upon acquaintance, and after a second hearing one is more disposed to speak laudatorily of the music than at first. Some of the airs are highly engaging; while the concerted selections are, without exception, of great merit. Recollections of tunes in " Pina fore," "The Sorcerer," and "The Pirates of Penzance" are suggested from time to time, but this fact does not detract from the enjoyment derivable from the piece. Some of the songs, as for instance, " I Cannot Tell What this Love May Be," "If You're Anxious for to Shine," " A Magnet Hung ia a Hardware Shop," and " Love is a Plaintive Song," are sure to become popular favourites, while the duet between Jane and Bunthorne " So Go to Him, And say to Him " by it 3 very absurdity, but chiefly by the laughter provoking acting of Mr Vernon, has carried the "gods" completely by storm, three encores each night marking their unbounded satisfaction with this num ber. Miss Alice tCees sings the lines en trusted to her with great taste and sweetness, and her acting is well con ceived, and is thoroughly natural. She is entitled to unqualified praise. Her vocalisation is a treat in itself, and her naive and unaffected manner iuvesta the part with much grace and rustic attractiveness Miss Novarre acts with much ability, and her apparent unconsciousness of anything ridiculous or nonsensical en hances considtratly the effect. H.r render ing of the recitative and air at the beginning of the second act, and ncr by-play with Buuthorue, arc never-tailing sources ot en tertainment. Signor Verdi, the baritone, has a voice of singular fulness, excellent quality, and great capacity, and he sings with decided effect. The music of his part in the duet with Patience, in the first act, is beset with some difficulty, and anyone un familiar with the score would be apt to imagine that in this piece he frequently sins>s out of time. But it is aot. The ar rangement is a caprice ou the part of the composer, and the linger simply follows the course marked out for hi_i. Siguor Riccardi makes an admirable i oiond, and both sings and acts with the care, and therefore the 3uccess,fnr which he has acquired a repute in Auckland. Mr Armes Beaumont last night had somewhat recovered from his comparative hoarseness of the previous evening, and he executed the music of his p.rt with great spirit. He has a tenor voice of good range and quality. Mr Haward Vernon is a buffo vocalist of undoubted merit, and a l«w comedian to boot ot considerable talent and versatility, tie is a host ia himself, and would easily succeed in moving the moat stolid and imperturbable people to hearty and uncon trollable laughter. Mr John Forde, who takes the part of the Major, is also a clever comedian. Miss Evelyn -hired as Lady Angela, Miss Lily Ford as Lady Saphir, and Miss Bessie Royal as Lady Ella, sus tain their respective idles very creditably. and materially contribute to the success of the r*p eseutation. The choruses, and par ticularly the male ones, are capitally given. Ta fact they form ooe of the most commend able teatures in tho performance. The ■lunerb manner in which the piece has been mounted, and the richness and appropriate ness of tbe costumes have been snffieieutly advened to, and it only remains to re peat what we have already said iv other words, that tha performance is of a kind very seldom seen in .New Zealand, and that it deserves the liber.l patronage of the public. It will be performed again to -i„hr.

To-morrow (Friday) night is announced as a grand fashionable night, and there will no doubt be a rush for the box office at Wayie's.

BANDS OF HOPE GATHER ING.

The United Bands of Hope gathering was held lust evening in the Choral Hall, and was mo-it successful. Tea was provided in the ante-rooms, but owing to the large attendance, frequent relays were found nacesß-ry, and it was fully eight o'clock before tha real business oi the evening com menced. Mr George Hemus presided at the puhlic meeting, which was crowded to the doors. The plat form was occupied by lievs. Buddie, G. B. Monro, P. Mason, Thomson, Spurgeon, several other ministers, and the choir, while the united children's choir occupied the aeati at the back. Even the gallery was ciammed, and those who arrived after eight o'clock found it an utter impossibility to get even inside the doors of the large building. The following temperance organmtions were represented: — Arch- Hill Band of Hope, Beresford street Congregational Sanday-school Band of Hope, Gralton Koad Wesleyan Sunday schcol Band of Hope, Newton Congrega tional Sanduy-ttchool Band of Hope, tka huhu Band of Hope, Parnell Wesleyan Bmd of Hope, Ponsonby Wesleyan Metho dist Band of Hope, Pukekohe East Band of Hope, Pukekohe West Band of Hope, Rem_era Band of Hope, 8„ David's Bund of Hope, United Methodist Free Church Band of Hope, Wellesley-street Baptist Band of .-lope.— A hymn and chorus opened the pro ceedings, and the chairman then delivered a short address. He felt grateful for the support that had attended their efforts, lor the sympathy they had received from the general public and their Templar frie_d_, and to the many parent- who had extended to them the encouraging intla-uce of their presence. Be was sorry so many people had been unable to get tea, but they had nit expected such a large attendance. Tea was again being prepared, and those not already attended to would be supplied later on in the evening. They would be better prepared for such a contingency in the future. Sir W. fox then delivered an in ter.atiag address, with particular reference to tbe ladies, wbo had, he con sidered, a great responsibility in this matter. If they had the ladies on their side the gentlemen would soon follow. A great campaign by the women of America di.l more to shake the foundation ot the liquor traffic in that country than anything else. Greater opportunities of effect ing reform ware possessed by women than men. The speaker referred to the injudici ousnes of yonng women becoming united by marriage to .men who had con tracted habits of intemperance, and proceeded to touch upon the great danger which arose from parents giving Intoxicating > liquor to their children. This practice waa frequently the cause to which drunkards conld attribute their acquirement of the baneful taste for liquor. One of the greatest curses of the land was the employment of young women as barmaids in hotels. — early two thousand girls were thus en gaged in the colony, and it was painful to think tbat many of these would be amongst the mothers of tha future. The speaker concluded with aa appeal to the ladies to continue their labours in tbe great cause, and called upon husbands and brothers to render their aid. Their operations, should be en a united basis, and with the assistance of God they would yet drive the driok fiend from tbe country."— Mr T. Spurgeon delivered a short address, in the course of which he related several anecdotes in connection with his early experiences as a Band of Hope Boy.- He alio exhibited a silver medal which had been presented to him seventeen years ago, on the occa sion of hi. joining the organisation.— Rev. G, B. Monro moved votes of thanks to the previous speakers, the conductors, the choirs, and to the others who had assisted. Mr J. Newman seconded, and the votes having been passed by acclamation, the proceedings were brought to a close with the National Anthem and the benediction. Some excellent music was rendered during the evening by the adult and children's chorus, under the direction of Messrs Tudehope and TanfieM. Solos were pleasingly rendered by Misats Gee and Peace, the latter being an orioina! parody. Recitations were also well de livered by Misi Dora Whitely, aged eight yeais, and Mr R. French, The gathering was, one,of the moat successful ever held in Auckland, ...-,.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Reuteh's Te_e__a__.i

Shotover Winner of the Derby,

LONDON, May 24. The following is the result of the Derby run at Epsom to-day :— Shotover 1 Quicklime 2 1 Sachem 3 , TH_ SULTAN APPEASED. CONSTANTINOPLE, May 23. Further communications have passed be tween the Porte and Ambassadors of Eng land and France on the subject of the despatch of the squadron to Alexandria. Satisfactory assurances have been given, and the Sultan has been appeased. The Grand Vizier, it has transpired, haspromiaed that if the squadron are now withdrawn they shall be called upon to return in the event of any necespity for their pres ence in Egyptian waters arising. THE CRICKETERS. LONDON, May 23. The Australian cricketers are going to Epsom to-morrow to witness the Derby. GATHERING TROUBLE I.N EG.PT. CAIRO, May 23. * It has transpired that the informal par leying which was proceeding with a view to bring about a termination of the existing crisis has failed. Ministers are actively undermining and inflaming the country, and decline to negotiate with the Foreign Conauls unless the Drench and English squadrons are withdrawn. DEATH OF SIR JOHN HoLKICR. Tho death is announced of Sir John Hulker, aged 54. The deceased was Attorney-General in the hurt Beaconsfield alministration, and was, in January last, appointed Lord Justice of Appeal. MR PA„N_LL WILL NOT RESIGN. Reports, which have been current, to the effect that Mr Parnell intended to resign his seat in Parliament, are now declared to be without foundation. LONDON, May 23. Consuls'advanced Jto l_-\\. Sew Zea land securities: 5 per cent. 10-40 loan, 106 ; 5 per cent. ISB9 loan, 10. ; 4_ per cent. 1579-1-04 loan, 104; Colonial breadatufrs unchanged. Australian tallow : Best beet, 42s (id ; best mutton, 43s 6d. At to-day's wool sale a good demand was again experienced ; 9,200 bales were offered. To-morrow, being Queen's Birth day, all markets will be closed. HOM-WARD MAILS. The homeward mails, via Briudisi, which left Melbourne on the 13th April, were delivered in London to-day. . [Pee Mehchant shipping and Ukd_b. we-tebs' association.] Arrived: Ship Lady Jocelyn from. LytteL. ton ; Jessie Readman from the Bluff, THE IRISH LEGISLATION CARRIED. LONDO.V.May 23. In the House of Commons to-day the motion giving precedence to the Irish Re pression Bill, which has heen introduced by . the Government, was carried by a substan • tial majority, and it was further decided i that the payment of arrears of rent in : Ireland should be dealt; with, after the Re pression BilL The House will sic to morrow for the purpose of dealing with the latter measure, which was read a second time to-day by a majority of 112. !A RE VERSa FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CRICi-ETERS. LONDON, May 22. i In the cricket match, Australians v. Orleans Club, at Twickenham, Palmer . bowled splendidly, taking 6 wickets for 90 runs in the firnt inniags. The Australians , h-d lost at the close of the day's play 1 ■ wicket for 53 runs. Mnrdoch wa3 caught , for 32, and Griffin, not out, 23. LONDON, May 23. ! The cricket match, Australians v. Orleans Clab, waa continued to-day, at Twickenham, when the Australians were j all disposed of for a total of 75. Griffin was stumped for 24, and McDonnell was caught ' for 25, The bowling of the Englishmen was dead on the wicket. The Australians fat- - lowed on their second innings, aud when . the stumps were drawn tar the day, had put together 240 for nine wickets. Murdoch, not out, had 107, having played a splendid 'innings, and only given one chance. * McDonnell was bowled for 28, and Jooes 1 bowled for 23. The match w_s drawn in t favour of the Engliahmea. There was a large attendance at the match to-day, but ! the weather wis showery, and the bowling I of the urieans Club was dead on the wicket,' : and the fielding was excellent.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE SUEZ MAIL.

ALBANY, Wednesday.

Arrived : P. and O. Company's steam ship Peahawur, with the Suez moil, dated London, 21st ApriL MELBOURNE, Wednesday. The Government printing office haa been partially gutted by the fire which occurred to-day, and which haa now been extin guished. The damage is not so great as was at first believed, but considerable loss has been occadoncd. ADELAIDE CUP. - ADELAIDE, Wednesday. The Queen's Birthday Cup was tun for to-day, and resulted as follows ; Darebin, 1; Crystal. 2 ; Topsy, 3. There were Ig starters, and Dare-in won by a length and a quarter. SYDNEY, May 25. Sailing this afternoon: Steamship Arawaia for Auckland. GRAND REVIEW. A grand review ot the permanent artillery and volunteer forces took place yes-' ter lay in Maore Park before the G.vern0r .1,545 men were under arms, and they were warmly complimented upon their appear ance and efficiency by His Excellency. FIRE BRIG-DE DEMONSTRA.ION. MELBOURNE, May 24. A greatdeimnstratfouoftheFire Brigades took place here.lait night. A torchlight procession was formed, in which fully 3,000 persons took part. The demonstration passed off with great eclat. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE BUtiNED. MELBOURNE, May 24 A great fire broke ont In the Government Printing Office, Treasury Gardens, to-day. It is believed that the building is com pletely guUed.but the fire, notwithstanding all efforts to extinguish it, is still burning. THE LATE HON. R. RAMS AY. " MELBOURNE, May 24. . Both Houses of Parliament adjourned last night as a mark of respect for the late Hon. Robert Ramsay, formerly Chief Secre tary far the colony.

Captain W. Jackson Barry, of Otago fame has arrived in Auckland, and intends to deliver one or two lectures. His style is to be exceedingly provocative of fun, and no .doubt he will meet with a fair amount of patronage. We regret to learn that Mr Josiah. Mar tin is suffering from severe indisposition and is nnable to fulfil his engagement to morrow evening to give the opening lecture of the annual series connected with the I Young Men's Christian Association. It ! will be seen, however, hy reference to onr advertising column* that the committee have availed themselves of the presence of f W; Fox, who haa very kindly consented to hU Mr Martin's place by giving a lecture descriptive; of a trip to England through America. Sir William's well-known repu tation as a lecturer will no doubt secure a full house. _"oung ladies and gentlemen about to start housekeeping will be relieved of a great deal of trouble by calling on the undersigned, xou can ascertain In a few minutes the cost of tnrniahlng a three, four, five, or six roomed nouse. Not only can you form a correct estimate, but you can see all the goods ready for delivery a., the various prices. Garlics and Cranwell keep a larger stock of carpets and bedstead-. than any other hoase In A nit land; also the greatest variety of household furniture, most of it manufactured by their own workman. Fivf per cent, discount allowed for cash at time of purchase. New-comers are Invited t. stroll throuzh the City Hall Arcade, and satisfy themselves by an inspection of the stock of the good value we offer, and the readmits, we are enabled to execute orders entrusted to oar care —Garlic- and Cranwell, City Hall Arcadei— ■ ADTT., ,;: .:,

IMPROVEMENTS TO ST. ANDREWS CHURCH.

Laying the Foundation Stohe.

Oaa report of the above ceremony had to be taken out of our first edition to make room for late news and telegrams. It «m appear to-morrow.

WHALESHIPS REPORTS.

(BY TKLKGEAPH.— OW- CORttK:P(J„B_ij- V

RUSSELL, this day. It is blowing from the eastward. Wind, bound, Mariner, Griffin, and Start. Arrived* —Whaleship Robert Morrison, which re ports taking 170 barrels sperm oil s i ne " January. Also, whaleship California, Can. tain Bright-nan, which reports taking 630 barrels sperm oil and S3!) barrels whale and 6,of>2lbs whalebone in 12 months The Adelane Qibbs is reported with 650 barrels oil all told, and the Alaska with 80 barrels sperm since leaving here last month, .be James Arnold, Captain Chase, has taken 400 barrels sperm oil. The whaleships are expected in early next month.

SPORTING.

[BY THLEGBAP-.—OW- COEEH_POH__JJT,I

THE TE AWAMUTU RACES.

TB AWAMUTU, Wednesday! Th - races ware poorly attended, hut the -affiles In each event ware closely oantested, rgfleotlng great credit on the handicapper. Mr Rook. also deserves credit tor tho manner ia whioh ha discharged his duties. Two objection, wara entered against the first and second hora aa la the Cap, hut neither were sustained. T_ B totallsatar aid a very poor buainoas. HttßD-E RACE. Sportsman (Bond) Bluchar (_-cHu_n) _ _ Doric .. .. „ _ .! Jed water and Bakau also run; Qrakau and King were scratched, Laiag, who waa riding J.dwater, had a, tall ac Che third hm-.le, and was considerably braised. Maidrw Plate. Strathern.. .. .. _ _, I Wee Lad _ 2 Little Nelly, a good third. It was _ goad race. Won by haLf-a length, MaIDE„ StekP-CH—S-. Bally _ 1 Doctor .. - 2 Jedwater 3 Tha flrat two horses had tha running, but Rally won without difficulty. 3l_ started. Th AWAM-Ttr Cop Hahdioap. Venture (Wilmot) .. .. _ 1 Eav-nshoe (E-sglnson) _ ... ccukar (Clarke) _ .. _ 3 It was a good race all the way. being won by a nee-, lamn distance between second and third horse. Six started. Lara was scratched. Waikato Staos Handicap. OrakauiMcH-gh) .. .. _ I Wee Lad .. 2 Stanley (Higfrfnaon) _ .. _ 3 V. t__z__n was scratched. The winner kapt the lead throughout tha race, and eventually wan by a length. P-B-IC-N-' PrjHSB HA3T)r_AP. King Quail, Bst 81b (Byers).. _ 1 t-obsrt the Devil .. _ .. 2 Venture ... _ .. _ _, 3 This waa a very close race. Rally, Sankar Stratheam, Little -__, Lara, and Stanley, were scratched. CoNBOLATIOrsr. Sonkar, 7st 7lb (Clarke) .. ..1 Robert the Devil (Hlgginaon) ..2 Or_k_u, ostnb _ 3 Wan after a good race by a neci-

THE WANGANUI STEEPLECHASES.

(by T___aß_p_.—f__ss AgaacrATioa.) WANGANUL Wednesday. The Wanganui Annual Steeplechase -fasting took place on the racecourse r. day, and waa fairly t-uccessfai. The attendance of the public was scarcely so large aa last year, though, tha stand and lawn were well patronised, Tha totaliaater was well patronised. £1000 waa pot through. The principal event won a great sur prise, as Alaric the winner, waa supposed not tn have a show. He was bought as a hack: _.r-.n muntns ago for _:!). Accidents were numerous, but the most serious was that which ba.'el Edwards, tha rider of Te W__tt_. Ha wus, however, able to get -bout after a short time. The events are aa under :— •*-\_ rG-a,-i Handicap St__f__chase, o_ 2-3-ovs. 3 miles. K. Higgle. Alaric, by Day Dawn, 10at albs ■ t__atani .. .. . _ _ .. .. i Wilson's Now Year.br Rav__aworth,l_at_bs (Coital .. .. _ _ „ ~ _ _ J. Rue'a Grey Momus, lOat 12lhs (owner) _ 3 Lone nr.nd. Baron, Te Whetu, Catoh'em, Ch indler; -unray, and S-ylari. also ran. Lone Hand aid .atch'em refused at the stona wall, and wers ta-en back to tie paddock. Tha Baron finished nowh.re. Time for three miles. Brn_j.lfiji.es. JfAiDH-f S-FKKPX.-C— asb, of lOOsovH. 2} miles. _-. EL Gil-JOna- itoant, aged (J. Rae)_ _ 1 W. _oagl_>_ a- G., .yrs (A Keith) .. _ 2 tfr Connolly's Dhudeen, aged (W: Nicholson! 3 P._ven. New Year, -unray. and Parekaranga also ran. It waa a good race between the Unit t-.vj. Time. Smins.. 31 jaecs. GHA.VU STAJfD STICI PL-CHASE. Ci-rlas Douglas's Dawn (Keith)_ .. _, _ W. Douglaa's A.G. (tleatori) „ _ _ J Te Whetu. Lona Hand, a__ Gray ______ also r»n. Lone Hand ba_lk»d at the stone wall and caused O-rey viomua and Te Whetu to stop also. None cf the Mo got any further, and Douglas's Dawn can tand over for tha stakes. Co-Ho___icir ____:__, Naw Yaar, io.s KT.bs (Potts) .. i Chandler, list (Watt) ~ _ Lane Hand, Hat 71hs (McCoy) .. „ \\ j Lane Hand waa the favourite, and took hia j umpa in good style, but the Weight told nn him, ana although ridden right oat, ho coald only fl_i__ a had third, Gray Momoa fourth.

NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE.

C_Hi_TC_r__B, Wednesday. 1 The weather was baa. ;if ally ftoa for tha Grand National Steeplechase, and the atten dance at the racecourse' to-day was very large. In the Grand National Handicap. Sailor Boy broke down shortly after the first mile waa covered, and at the end o£ three miles onlj .-OQsetrau, Qt—x-by, Clarence, and Katerfelto were in It. the last-named having the lead nearly all the way. Saw Z __LASD G__nd Natiosae H_-_KUP o{ .ODsovs.. with, a sweep of Saova. each tor acceptors to go to the second aorse. __tan_a. about 1 miles. D. Christie's b g Katerfalto, 6yrs. lOrttCHX ford) _■ „-..... J J. Pilbrow . b _ Clarence, aged, 12s. IflUw (Lnnn) .. _ j BaUer'a b h Quamby, 6yrs, list Slhsl-.Ly ford) " _ .. _ _ .. _ .. J B-stsr-b g Sailor Boy (aged. 12st lOlbg).Saun ders's eh g Why Not (&_ed. list 71-8), Jones's <_. g Young tledmere (8/rs, list 31b8), Hnngerford'a g h Carrageen (aged, 10st). and Ma-den's g _ .-oosetrap (aged, lust aids, including -lbs overt also ran. Maidics- Platb of laOsava, with a awesp of - ova each for acceptors to go to the seco-d horse. Weight foe age. Distance, about . miles - Lnnn'a eh g Canard, by interns—Gosain.fjTs. lis: (-.Cord) £ W. V. Keeves's g Overdraft, aged. _£■. alia (VtrA-BoyU) _ f;J°^K a 9 * Rocket, aged. _3_£ 31ba (McKay) .. s Jones's c glGangaway (Byrs.Ust 31-ts), Fried land's g g Mol_B_{__rß,l2gt 3ib a) , Adams's bh Kn-atasco (syrs. list I_l_b). Jndgo. br g Brawn Boy (sjts. list l_lris|, and 1). O'Brien's br Z Trovatore (./ra list). Won easily. Hun. Onus Cgf. of 130SOV8, with a sweep of S soys for acceptors, to go to the second bona. WatghSforage, About 3 miles. J. Pilbrow's b g Clarence, agad. list lOlba (Dunn) _ .. ~ j P Butler's b h Qnamby, oyrs, list 121 ha |_y. . ford) .. * j Pr Jones's eh g Young _le-r_ere,__Tß,'_lst. io lbs (Owner) 3 The betting was any odds "on Clar__ce. .Young riledmere fell earlyin the race. Clarence and Qaaraby ran almost neclr and neck to tho last fence, when Clarence drew away, and won Cos_otATiON Handicap of SOsava, added to a swesp of Spots each far acceptors. Adams's b h Koso ns(».iirrH,loat3lbs,inc__ii_g 3103 over (Sheenan).. .. _ —____» P. Jones's eh g Gangaway. sjra, list 31b. Sauaderj's" eh gWh'y Not', aged. 12_t 71b. * (tyford).. .._,... 3 The betting wa» even against Why Not, who feu at the :h lid fence. Koectasco led Gang* war toll the secmd fence from homo, when Gang away clcied with him, but he fell at the last fence, leaving Kosoluaco to canter oa

DUN-DIN JOCKEY CLUB.

DONEDIN, Wednesday. The Dunedin Jockey Club's Queen's Birthday Mee-in* was well attended, and fine weat__r favoured the meeting. The principal raca of the day w_3 the Birthday Handicap, and a grand race ensued betwaen Sir Modred and the --vyaur. the former's victory being very pona- Th_£u re9_? J taUsa, tora did aaood bnsC-fls. ihe police did not Interfere with the sweeps. ih- results were:— H_?)Dto_p Hcbdu. R_a-, of .Oaovs.,the second .. {y™ to recsive osqvs. One milo and a halt Mr if:sl-J ASgaxi'a b B J*oo4l* Hood, aged, ShtlOl.s. 10-ner}.. _ ■<-=-• Mr J Allen's b g Little John.' aged, llgs (AJen) 3 Mr C. Hohba's Mokarara. syr_, lOst Slbs (owner) ...._. s Haricot ilOst I0lb»). and -Wild BorlUO-t fib alao ran. Claud fell MS one of the hurdfaiao waa killed, his j ocSey escaping unhurt. Rabin Hood won with ease. -»■--» ______ Pr.ATir, of Iflsov?. One mile and a ■ -■ Quarter. HS« (3A_-_) L3an' a ia(terdenialo. 3yra. Bst I*Ss^H2_i_>^»^ui_j :: _ I GjCuttsaArmorea 3yis,B«3lbj _ ..3 -lu-erina and Spray also ran. legerdemain wis a strong favourite, and won easily, B wStI-? A? D,£? p' of MOsova, the second w r?^ ™re<s a _"_ S? om Distance. 1} mile. i %_ rfrSSSS rt br f Sn?j m-Zsia> 6,t s G Bates.cgPoet, _j-_,6_t 81bs- _ '.". 3 Adamant (But 131-s/ and Leserdemafn (Sit slbe, aiso srarted, TE_D»SJiEa'a H_n_ic_p of6„ova. Dlstanca.l r> t> ~ _. t tni' a and a distance. p _?1 tl9rt _n„ m Lnn(|. h? Tradnc-I-Flylng -__.ag»__at2lb3tuenftt) .. ... 1 Hon. W. Robinson's br f Envy Ally. 3yra. Est 12iba .... ■■..•-• g The Poet, 6jt Wlbs; Whitebait, 6st _b.: Leger demain,, 6it 6iba; Redcliffe, 5„ _21ba; and Eugenic. —it lOiba ; also ran. Luna won with ease at the __i_h. Time, .mina. liaeca. 8_« w-s a strong favourite. -~.

THE AUCE.S_A.ND EVENING STAB. THURSDAY. MAY 25



IX»Y RoYAL LETTERS FATEUT, Gold Medal. Parts, 1878 : Special Award, ___a_eta_- I JBTBfflow-*Bd_l, ay-nay, •< \ "■■ ' mStmm W*w_ Vmimv.. ass*; Gold I .. '.YyWtMi. Melbotime, 1831. { . Hum liuremi ■■ J ,- . 7'"' CA*mML_ & OOCHBASIfS J [■ : CKMBKAraO MRATZD WAtSBK' j|l,£. aiQSIBKrtBATLI-T-UUICK.CHAMPA©WB .' a tlflai;l.<s?i"/lfl» Noa-Blohoiis H.v.rage, at . HoteMand-Tabs; M JS9£ bottle, ill YlA^MkrK};.. nmam. j&k t. ts>. mtfm jl l*r_lass Gl-ger.A!*, so jostly celebrated at | { S'StS'Sis: UnufateiA Cl-i. i M por bottle, I J; «_'' '■ --"" ' p . ■ Wat__3 ara the sara-ottallfy Is , Hqjjf, faßtrMted for s-_*n-W supplied to The j 7 -" -„ &»u_--.-, Ro.! I-,-ii-Yitre«l as. Co, |: fli-lnsur- US, Co.J Oeeanlo 5.3, Co.; ft* -J_tf.nal 8.8, Co. 4, the Pacific I ! 8 &> Co;; Anchor, 9.8. Co, h Kingston and Holyhead, I -CM., CO, |7'v, WHOfcIWAtW A-KWT, AICKW, i IjIBOI IHIB .ATE, ft PER1 CIUNT' 0 Wit- B* ALLOW- \. OS I ALL CASH PtrRCHASES FBOM lOnk Pound 7 AWB UPWARDS, j, ;oosgkave & CO. !T> E L 0 W ALL. I JL> ' „ s.a. Walt-am Watohos 3 6 6 1 X-gl_mWatches _ „ ..-3 8 6 HewOenevM- 2 10 0 iifl -i 'fc__*_',tt?l«o«nev»B - -.700 UM (W»lirbl_ji'l»«wlw.. _•_2O 0 8 :, r, U. MCWIIBUN, !o»»««|t«lJnlor.han-. i ;_HI_- '



Soeciaa Aavertisemen_a. npHORNTON, SMITH AND FIRTH HAVE FOR SALE i "i Crown ' Flour, In sacks, 100. and 50. "ChMUPlon* ~ " Cantab i' '~ .. •• •• Sharps Bran Fowl Wheat WHAKB> Ml__, Auoklonrt . «• O I BE R N I A" (B_N_-MA__ AND HAND-B-TBaOID-RffiD) UNDERCLOTHING. WILLIAM RATTRAY Begs to draw especial attention of the Ladies of Auokland to his Uurivallcd Stock of "HIBBRNIA" HAND.MADE UNDERCLOTHING, IN THE PUREST IRISH LONG CLOTH, Being the Beat Undergarments ever Imported for Fit and Qnallty, at tho aame prices as machine mado Goods. Complete Seta, suit able for Marriage _-onsaoau_, trimmed with Real Laces, Sao., &c WILLIAM RATTRAY Has olao tho most e_nulslt_ "CHAPEAUX DE PL E U R," BRIDAL WRKATH3. f AND -B_ LArEST NOVELTIES IN PARISIAN | MILLINERY IN AUCKLAND. N.8.-Aix Goods Mauk-d in Phot Fi_ni_a. 5 PER CHNT. DISCOUNT Allowed on all Cash Pnrchaaea to the amount Of ill, M "William JR,attr.v_'S Central Drapery Warehousb. 173, 180 ffi 132, QtrtJISIWI-B---, ADC—LAND. »tr_ HaVE received 500} IS {500 Large White Blanket., gr,iGirrr.v n__r_ot_r>. Thsy Will B_ Sold at 12s. fin. a Paxr. J # Cosgravk & O , _- | J. TONSON GAKLICK.] [ROBSKT C-A-WiCLL, WISTIiH, 1882. OUR SHIPMENTS OP NEW GOODS for the SEASON are now upaned nn.iud for Choic i Assortment; and Good Value cannot be surparned. From this date we ahall me only aim at Mark ing our Goods lower than ordinary Trade Prices but ahall allow _ DISCOUNT of 5 PER CENT, an all cash purchases over One Ponnd, In every department, viz. :— DRAPERY, MILLIN-KY, CLOTHING', FTJRNITI7BE, AN v ALL Xl NDS OP FURNI-HLVG GOODa GARLICS: & CRAN WELT NEW GOOD 3 DRE33 DEPARTMENT. sr -look and Coloured Gros Grain Silks *-' Black Moire Antique p-jpp -lack and Coloured Nation rj>" astamene, Foule, French, and other CHNT. Serges n. m Beautiful ?rßnch and English Double v-.-ri caghmer^ tor nolmana and Jack.jta n Ulster Cloths, a l_rg» Jeock to select " from I Fast Ptla and Fast Bye Velv.teens,' q all colours Louisa. Persian, and Kumjall Cords O Douhln-waro firllli.wta and Lustre* r, New Znaland Tweeds and Roumanian v Twills C Magnillcent Value in Black Coahmeraa M and Merinos Homespun .lannclettan and Melton T Cloths NBW FANCY GOOD-. The fJarland or Fancy Trimmings Watered and Brooh- Velvet for Trim mings IS -Coloured and Black Plush for Trim ruing* Waural, and Satin Sash Ribbons up to IN 11 inches wide Black and Coloured Fnrs forTrlmming THW Plain and Fancy Hosiery and Bpeolal makes <_ Mother Hubbard Collarettes cv Ifeather, Satin, and rheniUe do. Novelties in -carves and ties A Far-lined Spring To. Gloves Chenllie Flowers and Feather Trim _, mirgs Bronze and Peacock Feather, and L Wings Block and Br.__e Hats O Very Pretty Costumes far Children New Style Children's Dresses and W Pelisses Ladles' Skirts, French designs X Handsome Jackets and Dolmans Pelt, Beaver, and Seal Hats D Fancy Wool Capes and Shawls Splendid Assortment Kid, Taffeta, and Cloth Gloves „ c. Sec. Sec. NEW MANCHB3T-R AND FURNISHING GOODS. 100 Patterns ln Cretonnes. French and English The " Duplex " Lice Curtain Mantlesbelf and Gipsy Table Fringes Cretonne Tassels and Trimmings JS.Z. Blankets and Flannels MSN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING. Lwnca K^tTAt to WHo.itau-; P-icne, 33 Men's Witney Overcoats, lined j throughout, 2os _d 23 Men's Beaver Overcoats, 37a __. Imperial Sac Suits, Colonial mode, 39s 8d Boys' Long Trocser Suits, from 30s Boys'and Youths' Color, lal Salts Special Line—Boys' Knicfeer Suits, 8a lid Special Line—Boys' Military Salts, 15. 6d _ Trousers and Vasts, from 12s 6_ Tweed, for Boys' wear, from Is 6d GOOD STOCK OF ALL OUR ORDINARY G-OD3. Geelong Trousers and Vest White and Printed Moles Mercery, Foot'oail Jersey and Hose A Large Assortment of Haberdashery and Tailors' Trimmings AM. Gooes MiR-»n for Cash Ar timz of Pcbchask AND 5 P5tE -TOT. Drcohht, G-ARLICK & CbANWELL, HOUSE FTJRNI3HKR3- BIUPKR3, AND .XN-B-Ii OUT-'ITT-RS, OITY HALL ASCAD2, Qo__i* a.v_t LOKSTWH'-iitTS, Aocldand, GfBXAT CIEAEINS^UT SaIR OF WTB-1H DESSS GOODS ' WINTER DKES3 GOODS WIHTEB DkEM GOODS MANTLES ,„ MILLINEKY MANTLES MILLINERY MANTLES MILLINERY AND GENERAL DRAPERY GENERAL DRAPERY GENERAL DRAPERY PREVIOUS TO STOCK-TAKING. TPNTIRE STOCK REDUCED. Also, TEN PER CENT, (or TWO SHILLINGS In the Pound) DISCOUNT allowed on an CASH PURCHASES ov-b On. Pound, THIS Clearing Sale to __b* « iSix TtYeeks Only After which no DIBCOONT WILL BE ALLOWED. A. L IWABUBY & C°" Ml & .08, UEEN-BTREaT. j



Special Adv^rTaHeineniia. Sbeds i Se-DS i Seeds i W. J. HBIH * CS Have Jubt Lasdbd their NEW SKASON'S OLOV_HS, which aro of Very Superior QuaUty. White Clover, En«lt-_ and Dutch Red Clover. BnsUsh and American . Cowjtr-ss, »n(?l__i and Ama-oan Alsyj-t, Timothy, Trefoil, Rape Lucerne, Linseed. Sea.. Seo., Sea. Having purchased prior to the rise, enables tham to offer tho above at wholesale rates. Inspection Invited. Alao, Poverty Bay Bya Grass, maohino droaaed a aplendld sample Sonthero Bya Gross. Italian Rye Grass Coo-afoot, fralrle Grass, Poa Proarenals And ail other kinds of Adriouitaral and Sordon Seeds. BONEDUST*! BONEDUST Atthe City Conncll'a doaire, wahave deter ! mined to clear out our present atnclc. and in ardor to do bo (inlo-ly, we have reduced the priooa for cash. Our quotations are from __ to r -11 according to n-aniicy and qoality. IW STOCK ! Bella Celebrated J Inch and Bnnoflaur; Sydney 2 -tar and 3 Star Banednat and Bonellour; aud a limited auantity of Sop pet's local mnntifaotura. Wa have also for Sale I . New Kobey's fl and 3 h.p. Knßines and Thraahera Conltor'a Driila Krtoraley'a Combined Reaper and Mower Cornosa' Patent H.P. Chaff ontter AIBO, . Corbett _: Peel's mtuinfaeturo Double-furrow Plou_h9, woll worth Inspontlon Sinfflc furrow Plonghs, Horae H.ies Cultivators. Rollers and Clod-orushora Winnowers, Cheese Preaaeß nhoiißomakorri, Chatl-outterslamalll ' .tc, &».. .ta Also, Feed and Seed Oata. Malza, Barley, Flour. -hurpß, Oatmeal, Chatf, Bran, Fowl Whoat, So., &c, Jfco. Prime Samples of Flokod Tablo Potatoes GUANO. t ParuvUin, OhlonilorfTs, Dissolved Peruvian M-litan Island. Huon Island, and other Cha mioal Mannres. W. J. ET Rsr & C°" 101, QUKKN-aTR_KT. * AndkUtnd. ■a BOVE ALL. Larneat, Beat, and Cheapest Stook of W_TOHH!3 In Now Zealand, all Ib my window, and marlrad In plain il«ur«H. ) F. H. LKWI-iSON, Qnaen-atreet, Oppaslco Union -.ink.



Wc_n-8 Aromatic 3chi_dam schnapps, w nduca tha destruction and prevent the Im proper ase of their wrappers and labels, and thus further protect the Publia against fraud and deception, huvo enclosed In the wrappers, or under the label on the quart bottles, since Ist October. 1878, and continue to enclose in bvkbv DA.'3 PACK—TO THROUGH-OUT TH- Y-AR T H R B - JU ORDBR3, whioh are drawn upon tho undersigned, and whioh will be cashed by them on presentation. To secure these Gifts, the Publlo must be careful to ask for. and accept nothing but. the G-S-cra U-olpho Woi_nr» Schnapps, with our noma upon the top label, M. Mobs h Co., Wynyard Lane, avdnav.