SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIQH WATERJ^KMMnfnK, 10,21! BUNBKT.-Thiß Kvoning,fi.23 80NRIS_-To-morrow Mprtlna, 5.59 MIrON'aAQE.-Laat Quarter, 13_,9.7 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

tABTBVSNINO. „ _ Australia. P.M.B.B.,tiargiU, from Ssn Francisco

TO-DAY. Oxford, ship. Brad-llck, from London Asteroii, schooneryooht. Burton, from Wel-

Ungton Elslnore,Bohooner,Urquhart, from Mercury Boy Argylo, s.s., Crawford, from Whangarel Orgaet, sotiooner. Ross, from Whangarel aisborne, schooner, Skinner, from Poverty Bay

DEPARTURES.

LIST BVBSINQ.

Glenelg, s.s. Crawford, for Tauranga

TO DAY. Ethel, brlgantlne, Yates, for Sydnov Australia, P.M.s,s..Cargill, for dydnoy

IMPORTS.

Per Oxford from London — Plain cottons, fiISCO; coloured cottotiF, £1090; printed cottons, 8909: woollens and worsteds, fiZSOO; flannels, £1310 i linen tin bales), £209; linen (in easel, £100; cotton and woollens, £1500; silk and velvets, £100 ; ribbons, £10<J ; shawls and mantles, £100 { milllntry, £200 ; Btays, £309 ; hosiery, £1000; haberdashery, £1800; umbrellas, £200; ootton aad linen shirts, £100; apparel, £7100; blanketß, £1000; carpets and rugs, MX); counterpanes, £100; felt hats and oaps, £1000; dressed leather, £30 ; wrot. leather, £110 ; saddlery, £710 ; floor - cloth, £260 ; sewing machines, £230 ; vestas; £t7O : agricultural Implements, £110; agricultural machinery, £210 ; rails and general machinery, £190; books, £100; paper. 6Sscwt; stationery, flllO; paperhanglngs, £20: horsehair and seat ing. £10; upholstery. £880; iron bedsteads, £100; brush wars. £50; toys. £10; planes. £150; clocks and watches, £60; porfumary, £10; agricultural and garden seeds, £80; day pipes, £10; othor sorts of pipes, £110 ; iron tanks; £20; chain and anohors, 2 tons; hardware and cutlery, £1800; bar and rod iron, SO tons: galvanised iron, 12 tons; sheet load, 1 wn ; tin plates, 261 boies; ingot tin, 2 owt, iron nails, 23 tons; wire and wlra rope, Id tons; lin seed oil, 810 galls: animal oil, 60 galls; olive oil, 30 galls: varnish, £30; whiting, £6; paint colors, £3SO; pitoh and tar, 19 barrels; flint glass, £130; plate glass, 1 case: china and earthenware, £320; glass bottles, £20; bran and Hour bags, 43280; canvas, £60; cordage, £290; lines ana twiaes, £130; slates, 25 tons; marble, £70 ; cement. 1150 barrels; cigars, 1301bs; brandy in bulk,26oogalls; brandy incase. 220«a11a ; Tarn, 2t6ogalla : British spirits in bulk, lOOgalls; ditto in case, 570ealls ; perfumed spirits, lflgalls ; rod wine. Slogans ; white wine, lUOgails: beer (glass), 118 bcffrels; malt, Iflqrs; flah (preserved not rated). £30: salt fish, £10; assorted oilmen's stores, £1620; vinegar, lOOOzalls; Foreign salad oil, SOiolls; pepper and Bplces.'lswt; Isinglass and gelatine, £10; mustard, £63; starch, £60; blue, £60; vermicelli and maooaronl, ?.a wt; rioe, SOowt; ohloory, lOowt; white salt, 30 tons; soda crystals, 35 tons; bicarbonate soda, 20 owt; candles (British and Foreign). £311; soap, 11 owt; dates, 29owt; raisins, 156 owt; currants, 2050wt; almonds. 6owt; figs,23 owe; liquorice Jaloe. 1 owt; confectionery and peel, £250; chemicals (not described), £150; apothe cary ware, £309; tart acid, 3 owt; cream tartar, 20owt; conuenaed milk, £170; cornflour, £10; canary seed. 3 owt; coke, 30 tons. Total value Ot cargo, £51,309.

Fsr Oxford-S drums bsnsollno, I cases of Dfuggista sundries.—T. B. Ml.

Per Oxford from London—4o} barrels white herrings.—John Reld and Co.

Per Australia from San Francisco and Hono lulu—ll6 packages iron pipes, 10 barrels salmon, 81 oases paint, 15 Husks quick silver, 2 boxes telephones, 21 oasi-s metal plates, 20 bales broom corn, 33 paokages hardware, etc., 3SO barrels sugar, 20 bales hops, SO barrels ealrnon, i cases leather. 0 oases rubber goods, IS packages sundries.

Ihwabds Coabtwibb.—Mana, fron Tairna, with23,ooo feec timber; Klsinore, from Mercury Bay, with 11,178 feat timber; South Carolina, from Barrier, with 31 Backs gum, 35 touu wood; Zlllah, from Thames, with 20.000 feet sawn timber.

Ootwabds Coabtwise.—South Carolina, for Barrier; Rangatira, tor Omsho.

Tha sohooner Glsborno arrived from Poverty Bay and Hast Coast ports this morning with 10 saoks maize. 31 sacks wheat, 97 sacks fungus II saoks onions, 268 sacks grass seed. 15 hides, 13 kegs batter, 6 bales wool, 1«0 plus, anla quantity of sundries. Passengers—Mr Thomson and family, and three natives.

The barque Gazelle has entered out at the Customs for Sydney, and the sohooner Adelaide far Sydney via Whangaroa.

The brltrantlne Ethel has cleared at the Cus toms Kot Whargaroa in ballast. She loads timber there for Sydney.

Tho schooner Mary King is reported ashore at whangapouo. No particulars are yet to hand.

H.M. sohooner Lark Is expected to leave for Solomon Islands to-morrow.

The barque Annie Burr, 650 tons, was load'ng at New York for Anokland and Wellington on February 15.

Messrs Statey, Radford. & Co. quote rates from London to Auckland j— Rough measure ment, lOs ; floe, 10s; liquids, 535; weight, 30*; cement, 6s per cask; beer, lOd pS? doz; salt. 30s.

The tonnage loading on the berth at London on January 19 tor India; China, and the Capo of Good Hope, amounted to 12.709 tons; and for Australia and New Zealand, 30,712 tons.

The Cumbria, 611 tons, and the Lalra, 191 tons, were loading at London for Auckland on Janu ary 16.

The barque Orient. 493 tons, was loading at Liverpool tor Auckland on December 19.

Tha Charlton, s.s.. of Sunderland, official number 02,517, whioh sailed from Newcastle (V.B. W) for Hong Kong, with ooal. on Septem ber 28 last, has not since been heard of.

The P. and O. Co.'« steamer Tasjoro, to 1-ave Ventao on February 10. has one passenger- Rev. A. Penny—booked for Anokland.

The Now Zsaland Co.'s Remington (Captain J. Nicholas) left London for Anokland on Janu ary It (consigned to the new Zealand Shipping Company), with the following passenirers :— Second oabln—Mr James Blackwood, Mrs 9. Blackwood. Miss Mary A. Blaokwood, and Mlas Margaret Blaokwood. Steerage — Sarah At Fronde. Sarah D. Fronde, Annie Froude, Isa bella Fronde, Lillian Froude. George E. L g ham, Mar/ Ingham, and William Hlmner.

Part of cargo saved from the barque Port land, from Tlmara, wrecked at Dunkirk, waa gold on January 6, at about £3 10s per ton, and &omo 70 tons at £18s per ton, A second salvage contract has been signed, the salvors to receive 55 per dent.

ARRIVAL OF THE OXFORD FROM LONDON.

Messrs Shaw, Savill and Co.'s ship Oxford arrived from London this afternoon, after a good passage' of 93 days from port to port. Many residents o( Auckland will be glad to again welooma this fine ship and har worthy and Bootable commander, Caotain Braddiok, who made so many friends on his pre vious visits here. As usual, ho has made the trip under the average time, and brings his vessel into port in a clean and seamanlike condition. She has a large number of passengers, the following being a com plete liBt:-Baloon-Mr W. P. Harris, Mrs K. Harris, Oliver Harris, Gertrude Harris, Leonard Harris, Stanley Harris, Ethel Harris, Mabel Harris, Florence Harris, Herbert Harris, Arnold Harris, Rev. — King, Mrs King. Constance King, Harrold King, George Galbraith, Miss Galbraith, Miss J. Galbraith. Dr. Langstafl. A. Helps, Miss Clarke, Mr Douglas, and Mr Smith. Second Cabin—lsaao Burgon, Mr C. Kemp, Mrs O. Sargent. Frederiok Sargent, and Catherine Sargent. Steerage — Miss Sohumaoher, Miss Christiana Hohumacher. William Walters, Martha Walters, Mrs BldUke, Albert Bidlake, James Anderson, Mrs Anderson. William Ganderton, Harriet Ganderton, Fred Gander ton, Charles < -uderton, Ellen Ganderton, George Ganderton. William Woodward, Mrs Woodward. Elizabeth Woodward, Edith Wood ward, Edward Clemence, Harry Jenkins, Wil liam Strahan. John Leonard, James Deans, Margaret Deans, and Henry Smith. Captain Braddiok reports of the voyage as follows: The ship Oxford, 1332 tons. W.N. Braddiok,master; owners Messrs Toraperleys, Carter end Duke, London, obartered by S.S. aud. Co., left itast India Docks on December 1881, and prooeeeded to Gravesend where em barked passengers, and at daylight on 3rd slipped from buoy and' proceeded down the river In tow ot steam tug Scotia: landed Downs pilot same evening, and at 2 a.m. on the Ith December, oast off tug, and made sail, Beachy Head bearing N, 20 miles distant. Had S.W. winds and showery weather till noon of tho sth, when we landed Channel pilot at Portland Bill, wind then being W.tf.W. and fine weather. Westerly winds and moderate weather followed, and we took our farewell of England by dipping tha Lizard lights at- S p.m. on tha Bth December. Crossed Bay of Blsoay with Una northerly winds; passed Madeira at noon on the 15th and St Antonio (Cape de Yerds) On tho 30th, having experienced fine north-easterly winds since leaving the Bay of Biscay, which, continuing, carried us to latitude IN. on Christmas D»y (being 17 days from the Lizard), en whloh day we had our first experi ence of tropical rain, thunder, and lightning, the latter being very vivid, and the"thundor doaren in*. Crossed the equator at 1 p.m. on the 30th December. Light B.E. winds and rainy weather — carrying light and moderate S E, trades and lovely weather to 25 S. lati tude, when we lost the trades — two days previous experienced very heavy rcokers from W.B. W., whioh lasted for 33 hours. From thonco to tha Cape Meridian, which we passed on the morning ot tbe 23th Jan. 1882, in latitude 13 (17 days from Uzard), had a succession of IS.W. to f.K. winds and rainy weather, which continued till after passing north of the Grozel Group. Carried strong and moderate N.W. to B.W. winds and line weather to meridian of Cape Trenwith, whloh we passed on the even ing of 13th Feb.. and the south end ot Tas mania wrs rounded on evening of February 18 (72 days from Lizard), and every prospect of a qulok passage; thence light baffling head winds and calms, with thick fog. to Three King*, whloh wero sighted on Ith March (86 days from Lizard); had head winds do wn the coast, beating down tbe whole way. Spoke off Three Kings the sohooner Josephine, bound to Auckland.

ARRIVAL OF THE MAIL STEAMER.

The P.M.s.s. Australia arrived from San Franoisuo and Honolulu at 6 p.m. yesterday. We are Indebted to Mr D. Dean, purser, for E'ess parcels, passenger lists, «to.. and thefol wing report:—Discharged pilot off San Fran oisoo. at 2.15 p.m. (San Francisco time) on rho 16th February, Exnerleaced strong gales, with frequent hard squalls and heavy beam sea np to the 18th; light unsteady winds and cloudy weather prevailed up to the 23d; Sighted the Island of Manai at 3 p.m. same day, and was * boarded by pilot off Honolulu at 10.10 p.m. After dlsoharaiag malls, passengers, and cargo, east off from the wharf at 8 the following morn ing, proceeding towards Auckland. Light l winds and fine calm weather prevailed up to li the 23th Instant; crossed the Equator In long. 167-5 W. on this date: light winds and smooth sea prevailed up to March 3, and heavy rain on this date; passed the Islands of Tutuila and > Aanu (Navigator's Group), at noon this day, llifht variable winds and calmp, with frequent Showers, were mot with up to the 6th instant ; passed from east to west long, on the Bth. sighted.the Great Barrier at 11.30 o.m. of too 9th, and was boardtd by tha pilot ac *.5 n,m off Auckland. Passengers for Auckland—Saloon: Mrs Turner; Steerage: Mrs Manahan and three Children, Messrs J. Smith J. Bennett. R. Ohelai. Wm. Hioks, P. T. Reid, o. C. Reia. M. McPhail. In. transit for Sydney. Saloon: Mr J. B. Starr, Mrs Starr, Mr H. A. Harding, JJrA, Ballantyno, Mra Ballantjne, Mr Robert

I Collingo. Mr B. White, Mr. A. Vivian. Mrs A Vivian and ohild, Mrs M. G. Devlin. Mr Thomas Savers. Mr H. H. Hannor. Mrs Hanner, Mons Lnclon Dolon, Rev Kdward ffDwyer, Mr Chauncoy Taylor, Mr J. P. Burnett, Mrs Bur -1 nott, fatally (2). and servant. Mr J. 8. Rice, Master J. Rica. J. W. Mocfie. The Australia left for Sydney at 3 p,n> Ha»- I sengers from Anokland :-Messis G. Goud, J» 1 Treat, P. Dojla. Wm. Cuttle and 2 children, Wm. --'pence, F. W. Reynolds, J. AlnscoUgbt S. Morris, W. Buokland, J. Davis.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL, Eowcna, b.b , Scott, fsom Hokianga

DKPARTURffv Maogrogor, s.s., Amodeo, for Waltara

The Norißsrn Co's Btoamer Macgregor left for Waltara at t p.m. yesterday with the following passengers :-Miss Brian, Mm Hastie. Mr and Mta KobartHunt^r.Mesars W.Walk r F.ROPer. and D. WUkle. Thes.K Rowena arrived from Hokfanga at 8,30 a.m. to-day. with 6 totara pl!e», 191 saoks cats 8 bMr.es fruit. 69 Backs and 1 caiegam.l3 paokagea and Misses WaiUs (2), Mis Leon and two bona Messrs lllack and Milne as passengers.

COMMERCIAL.

EVENING STAR Office, Friday.

MB AII'BKD BCCiaiNiyA WBKKHY totORT. There was a good supply o? fodder at the Havmarketlon Friday. Maroh 3d Oaten and £_dow hay teSughf from 2s 3d.to to; smaU loads, Its t. 30s; and straw lis to 1& per load. Horses were yarded an good num bers, and conßisted principally of an in ferior sort, and althougn competition was dull, the greater portion of those entered was disposed of at fair prices, aotlve medium draughts bringing from £15 to £25; draughts, £25 to £30: harness how«, £8 6s to £15; haokr, £5 to £13 las. At Remuaro, on Thursday, dairy cOws were in good request ot improved values. Store cattle were also in fair enquiry. All fat cattle yarded were light weight, but generally of good qnaiity. 137 head were sold to the trade. Prices were rrther higher than, last week, and for steers ranged from 21b to 23a the lOOlbs. Sheep were in fnll numbsrs aad at previous values. Wethers, 2Jd: ewo», barely 2d the lb. Fat lamb 3in full numbers and of good quality. They were at better values than for several weeks. Pigs ot all daws were again in brisk demand at good values.

IiTISSHB HUNTER AKB NOtAN'S WEMKLTT BBPOBT

Horses: But a limited number have been ottered for sale and tho demand h&o not been brisk. At the Durham Yards, on Friday, less than an average number were entered for disposal by auction, ahd most of those offered bains familiar with the yarae, consequently did not attraot muoh attention. There re mained an unsatisfied demand for good up standing geldings, with trials in harness. We quote hacks from £3 5s 6d to £11 10s: light hir n«ss howes, from fill to £18 ss: light draught, £31 IDs. Wcbi, Hides and Skins: The demand was good, but rather a limited nuantity was brought forward. Wool, in grease, sold at from 7d to 7Jd; hides, from 3*d to Sd per lb; tallow, 23s per owt; skins, Bd to 2b Id. Cattle: There has been a large supply, and steady demand, but no upward tendency in price. There was a large number of fat beasts yarded at NeWmarket. Dairy cows Wore in adequate supply, and Improved demand. At Pukekohe, on Wednesday, thera was a very largo muster, but competition was good throughout and all ware disposed of. There was ho noteworthy alteration in pricei for any description of stook. Sheep: There haa been a Very large numbs* brought forward, and although the Newmarket yards, on Tuesday, were quite full of fat wethers, prices had an upward tendency, sell ing at from 13s 3d to 17s Bd. Lambs: In short supply; demand, britk. Prices realised from 9s to lis. Pigs: In short supsly,and keen corn* petition. Porkers sold at 3d per Id., live weight

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Wholesale. Retail. s. d. b. d. b d. b. a. Butter, fs,lb 0 10-0 o Milk, quart 0 1-0 0 Best dairioß 0 0-0 0 Butter, fs, lb 1 0 -fl 0 Butter, sit, lb 0 8-0 8 Butter, salt 0 10-0 0 Cheese (local) 0 6—o 0 Choose (coL) 0 B—o 0 Do., Cant. 0 li—o 5 Eggs,doz... 0 0-1 « Kggs,doz. 0 0-13 Lard, lb „ 0 0-010 Lard, lb (tins) 0 7-0 8 Fowls, eaoh 2 6-3 0 Bacon and Hams, Ducku, each 2 6—3 0 Provincial 0 7—o 10 Goose, eaoh 5 o—7 0 Canterbury Hama Turkeyß .. 6 0-7 0 and Bacon (in B»oon, lh .. 0 10—1 0 Cloth) ~ 0 101-1 0 Hams, lb .. 10-13 Bread, id to lid per 21b loaf Jams, per case, 5 doz, 3fls 6d to 37s fid Flour Marks*. Wholesale. c a. d. Superfine Flour, silk dressed, per ton _ 12 0 0 to 13 0 0 Fine Fiour, ditto, household .. fill-11 10 n Adelaide, per ton _ _ - .. 14 0 0 Oamaru, per ton .. .. - .. 1} 0 0 Dunedin, per ton U 0 0 Canterbury, per ton .. _ ~ - 11 0 0 BUTCHERS MEAT! Retail. Roasting Beef _ .. - _ 0 Sto7 0 Boiling Beef .. .. ~ ..01-00 Mutton, hind-quarter .. .. -04 —0 0 „ fore-quarter ~ - „ 02| — 0 0 Lamb, fore-quarter ) s B — 6 0 „ hind-quarter/•• " "* * " Pork and Veal .. » _ ..06-07 Steaks - -06 —08 Chops and Sausages 0 6 — 08 Tallow best (wholesalel-Mutton. Sis mixed, 25s to 30s. Bran per ton (sacks Included) .. - 60 0 Sharps, per ton ... _ _*5 10s-6 15 0 Cabin Bread „ .. - _ .. 18 0 0 Oatmeal „_.... fill 10s—12 0 0 PetEl Barley ........ M 7-18 0 0 HAY AND CORN MAREKT. Wholesale. s.d.s. d fls.Cs Malse (Byd.) none Hay me'dow „ CaU 0-0 0 tonpreßsed S 0-6 0 „ (Film) 1 8-0 0 Lucerne, do 6 0-8 10 „ (Coast) 5 6-5 9 Straw (load) 0 18-1 10 OatJj .. -2 10-3 1 Chaff .. ..3 10-4 10 Wheat (fowll 3 9-i 0 Hay (oaten) 5 0-5 10 Potatoes, £3 10s to £1. Retail. S. a. B. d. B. d. B. d. Maize tecaroß). Lucerne, owt.7 6-S 0 bushel ..6 o—6 6 Oaten, ditto 6 0-7 0 Oats, ditto ..3 0-3 6 Straw, ditto 8 0-4 0 Bran,looibs_ «8-0 0 Chaff, ditto 5 6-8 0 Wheat (fowl) 4 6-0 0 Potat'es.new 5 B—lb Hay, owt. „ 6 I Wheat seed 0 0-0 0

Sxedb.—Rstall. b. d. b. a. s. d. 8. d. Ryegrass ..6 0-7 6 Cooksfoot,bl,7 o—7 6 Italian, d 0... none Trefoil, lb. 0 7-0 0 RedClover.lbO 8-0 10 Ratstall, lb, 18-0 7 White Clover 1 0-1 3 Timothy, lb. 0 7-0 0 Alsyke, lb ..1 2-0 0 Luoerne,lb. I—o 0 OowgraßS, lbl 2-0 0 Rape, lb ..0 5 0 0 Woolpaoks in qnantity, 3s 3d to 3s fid each corn Bocks, 8s to 9s Gd per dozen. Fencing wire Nos. 6. 7 and 8. assorted. £1610s to £17 per ton

Coal and Fibkwood Market. Coal.—Newcastle, cargo 32s per ton; yard, 86s to 40s. Bay of Islands, at yards, 2551; screened, 28s Od; ditto at the mine, 12s; ship's side, 23s 6d. Walkato. at mine, 5s ;in Auckland, 17Bod to 22b ; Taupirl, at mines, 8s to 12s; at yard,lßs to 21s; delivered,26s to 295. Whauwhau at mine, 8s 6d; yard (steam), 17s; household,22e; Kamo (household), 255, delivered; steam, 20s. Firewood.—Unout, at wharf (cargo), 8s to 9s per ton; delivered, 12s to 13s; cut, 14s to 16s. Kauri Gum and Flax Market. Gum is very quiet. Tho following Bales have been effeoted since last Fri day:—Good ordinary Kalpara and Whan garel at £35 to £36; East Coast, £11 to £16; receipts for Maroh, 60 tons.

F__.-Finest quality £18—£21 per too Tow _ 7 — 9 Funuus _ 3d. per lb Building Materials, Timber—Boards and Scantling, 100 ft, best, Us; eecond class, 8s 6d ; best planed, tongued and grooved, first-class, 158 64,; second ditto, 10s 6d. Mills: Cargo, beat, lis; seoond class, Os l Baulk, 6s to 6s 6d- New Zealand Palings, 6ft (sapl.lOs; Sft (heart) lis* 6ft, 13s; Tl-tree Ralls, £310s per 100; Furiri Posts, £6 ss; Shingles, lis per 1,000; Hobart Town Palings, sft, 17a; 6ft, 19s; Hobart Town rails, 90s, selling quotations. Bricks (at Wh»u,) 10s per 1,000; Town Yards, £2 ss: delivered, £210s. Dram pipes, per 100, (6 inches bore), 30s: 1 inches, lis: 3 Inches,9s 2 inches, £210s per 1,000 socket glazed pipes, 18 inches 2s Bd per foot; 15 Inches, 2s per toot; 12 Inches, Is 6d per foot; 9inches, Is perfect; 6 inches.Gd per foot; I'inches. Id per foot. Limb, slacked, Is per bushel; quick lime in Back. lssd to 2s; ground lime Is Od.

Mail Notice.

_a_s will clobk ib undlb.- Ihis Day. For Whangarel Heads, Paruo, Walpu, Whan garel, Tangihua, and MangapaL per Argyle, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomaihana, at 4.80 p.m. ror Thames, per Enterprise, at 6 30 p.m. Far Mangawoi, per Flngal, at 6 p.m. Saturday, llth Instant. ForWolwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wal. Sec, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Rarotonga. per Transit, at 10 30 a.m. For Thames, per Kctomahana, at ISO p.m. Monday, 13th instant, Fdr Wanganul, per Rowona, at 1 p.m, For Tonga and Samoa, per lidia, at 3 p.m. For Whitiangi, per Kingal, at 3 p.m. For R—sell.Kawakawa, etc, per Rlngarooma, at 1 p.m For Russell, Kawakowa, TOangaroa, and _onnonm, per Glenelg. at 4.30 cm. For Tauranga, Ohlnemuto, and Opotikl, per Wellington, at 4.30 p.m. Tuksday, Uth Instant, For Taronaki and Southern ports,por Penguin, at II a.m.

A Post offloe has been opened at Whltford, near Bowlck. Malls will be despatched from this offloe every Tuesday and Friday, at 2.30 p.m. k etura malls will arrive every Wednes day and Saturday, at 10 a.m. N.B.—Payments on aooonnt ot Property Tax will be reoelved at this offloe between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. a. B, bibb, cwei Poetmaater, Chief Post-offloe, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

MiBOH 10, 1882. Theatre Royal-DeLtaa's Specialty Company: " Tho Colonel," 8 p.m. Ponsonby Wesleyan Bazaar. Choral Hall-Anokland Horticultural Society Exhibition, 3 till 9 p.m. Ponsonby Hall—Rowing Club Concert, 8 p.m. 8c James's Hall—Lecture by Rev. J; Rlooombo of Christ church, on" Crooked Btloks," 7.30 p.m. St. Thomas's Schoolroom—Meeting of Suppor ters of St Thomas's Mission Church, 7.30 p.m. Pitt-street Sohoolroom—Wetlayan Hand of Hope, Monthly Meeting. 7.15 p.m. Eden Hall, Star of Eden, L.O.L, 7.30 vMt. Kxoelslor Hall—Karangabape Ratepayers, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1882.

For tbe caua that lacks assistance, For the wrong that need* resistance For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

OwiHO to pressure of mail news we are compelled to exclude all leading matter.

The Hon. Mr Rolleston, Minister of Lands, arrived here yesterday by the Glen elg from Tauranga and accompanied by his wife left this morning for Wafwera.

The question whether Ponsonby shall be formed into a separate berough or united with tbe city will be discussed at a meeting of ratepayers on tha evening of the 23rd instant.

Information has been laid against oie of tbe detective force of Wellington, on a charge of obtaining money under false pre tences.

A inr eting of tbe directors of tbe Thames Deep Level Tribute Company was held yesterday afternoon,at which it was decided to purchase the Big Pump. Mr J. Coutts was appointed manager and Mr James Heighway chief engineer. Operations will be commenced immediately.

Mr James Horon, contractor, says that he offered the Government, through the Dis trict Engineer, Mr Hall, 400 feet of good earth, at Is per foot, to fill up tho reclama tion, and that he was informed that the offer cannot be accepted till the Engineer writes to Wellington.

The monthly meeting of the Pitt-street Wesleyan Band of Hope will be held this evening in the school-room. A good pro gramme has been prepared, full of musical and literary items of more than average interest.

An alteration has been made in the run ning of the coaches to Lake Takapuna, The increase of traffic in this rising dis trict has induced Mr Mays to put on an extra coach, The amended time-table appears in our third page, The trip to Takapuna is a very pleasant one, and the coaches are so timed that Auckland visitors can go and spend a day at the Lake with ease.

Messrs Ellison and Latchmore have taken the Royal Mail Hotel, Ngaruawahia, and fitted the hotel with every accommodation for visitors and commercial men. Plunge and shower batbs, spacious stabling, saddle horses, and pleasure boats, have been pro vided, with all the comforts of a country inn. The new proprietors are well known in tills city, and will be prepared to welcome their friends.

Aparagraphwhichappearedto-daystating that Mr J. Waymouth, junr., had smashed the resiains of bis furniture last night and was afterwards taken into custody, is untrue. He has called upon u», and stated that after the prohibitory notice appeared! in the STAB last night he could not obtain liquor. He is fully satisfied that the stop has been taken in his own interest, and ' will aid him in avoiding what has proved a terrible curse. The remarks of the Magistrate at the Police Court to-day should be made a note of by all city and suburban publicans,

A large number of cricket matches are fixed for to-morrow.

Mr Bloomfield, and not Mr Hobb«, was the winner of the prize for black grapes at tho Horticultural Show yesterday. Mr Bloomfield also carried oil first prizo last year.

MrR. Arthur's sale of Dornwell's valtv j fcble property is to take place at two o'clock p.m., and not twelve o'clock, as >■ advertised. . The treasurer of the PafrieU Orphan ( Home acknowledges with thanks the re ceipt ot £18 l9a from Messrs B. Tonks anil Co., by direction of Mr Thompson and i Mesßrs Stark And Quick, being proceeds of ' sale of Booths at the late Band Contest at the North Shore gardens. The members Of St. Andrew's Mutual Improvement Association held a harmo nious meeting last evening, hltbM'gu Dot so numerously attended is oh the previous week. Tile number present did not exceed twenty. Tho evening avus passed in speech making, extemporaneously, tbe subjects being: "Singing," "The Horticultural Exhi bition," "Phrenology," "Napier as an Orator," "Girls ami Dress," " The Pulpit and the Stage." and "The New Licensing Act." The hour was most enjoyable, and gave members an opportunity of airing their sentiments on a variety of themes. The Bazaar in Mr Rattray's show rooms, in aid of the Wcslcyan Church at Ponsonby, was well attended in the evening, and a considerable addition made to tbe build ing fund by the generosity of friends of the cause. New attractions will be afforded lb visitors this evening, viz., a telephone, weigliilig machine, galvanic battery, microscopic views, mid selections of vocal and instrumental music. ilho Ponsonby Mutual improvement Society held the first meeting of their prcsont session last evening in All Saints' School-room. Several new members wcro elected, ond the following appointments for the year made :—President, Key, J. It, Davis, M.A.; Vice-Presidents, Messrs It, J. Warnock, W. 8. FUrbyj and D. P. Evans; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr 11, S. Hall; Committee, Messrs J. Burrow, J. W. Hall, and G. Done, Tho Sooiety meets every 1 hursday evening .at 7.31) o'clock, and is open to members of any denomina tion. Members of the Auckland Rifle Associa tion are notified by adrertisemeut in another column that the firing for tho As sociation's prizes will be resumed to-mor row (Saturday), commencing with the third match on the programme, viz., EVBHIKQ STAR Cup, Ranges t 400, DOO, and tiOO yards. Five shots at each range. Positions, any, Competitors ate roqucsted to be on tho rango ready to commonso the firing at 1 o'clock sharp. Sighting shot tickets, Cd each, may be obtained on tho »nge, The dispute, hi eoniioctlon With St. Thomas B Anglican Church has boon set tled, and tho building will bo opened again for public worship next Sunduy. A mooting of the vestry at St. Matthew's was held last evening, wbert.tbo proposals submitted on behalf of St. Thomas's wcro considered arid facceptod. The eorvlees next Sunday will bo conducted.by tho Key. Mr Edwards, and ho will continue to officiate until ]tho completion of definite and permanent ar rangements. A moeting of the friends and supporters of St. Thomas's is convened to , beheld this evening nt seven o'clock at St. Thomas's school-room, to receive tho report 6f the deputation appointed at tho previous meeting. The following telegram was received this afternoon by Messrs Stodart and Sons from Mr T. B. Hicks, Mine Manager ot tho Old 1 Caledonian:—" Return of 191 ounces melted gold from S3 loads." I : A sitting of the Supreme Court, in bank ruptcy, was held to-day, before the Regis trar, when Mr Nathaniel Dorrington, debtor, applied in person for his discbarge, which was granted. A discharge was alfo . granted in re Leslie, a debtor, tho applies . tion being made by Mr Oliphant, for Mr Williamson. Fever is still very prevalent in tho city and suburbs, and doatus from this cause are reported at periodical intervals. Steps ' have been taken at all tho public schools to prevent children in whoso families the disease basbrokou out from atteuding until all danger of infection is past. This rulo is a good one, but unfortunately, it cannot be applied everywhere, and its absence is more , particularly to be regretted in the caso of Sunday schools, Superintendents have to ' power to refuse admission to any children t on this ground, aud it would therefore be only showing a natural regard for the safety of others if people in whose families tho di , sease is raging would keep their children at home until all tho sufferers have reached an advanced stage of convalotconco. The ob i aervanco of this precaution might at least bo 0 have the effect of preventing a great deal of *• eickness. and probably pome deaths. t Mr Consul Griifiin received, by mail . yesterday, a despatch from tho Department of State, Washington, acknowledging his report on tbe reduction of wool duty, i,nd enclosing the following letter from the : Secretary of the Treasury, which shews that tho matter has been brought directly nnder the notice of Cmgrcss by the Govern ment, at Washington :—" Hon, F, T, : Frelmgbmysen, Secrrtary of State, air, —I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 25th iost., transmit. r ting a copy of a despatch from the U.S. Consul at Auckland, Now Zealand, in relation to the reduction of duties en 9 New Zealand wool imported into the United States. A copy of the despatch has been ' transmitted to the Chairman of Committee . on Ways and Means, together with a copy of tho despatch and its enclosures referred' <> iv your communication of March 3th, 1881* j relating to the same subject. —V cry respect fully, CHAS. J. Volge, Secretary." i Tho erection of the now Bank of Kcw South Wales is delayed through an extraor dinary difficulty rai«ed by the City Council. The contractor, Mr Philcox, bad applied : for permission to fence in the side-walk ou condition that ho should furnish a railed footpath round the builders' boarding. Tho Council, last night, by a majority ct one, 1 insisted npon a portion of the sidewalk being left clear for traffic. In the new build ing a quantity of heavy stone is to be used, and the contractor will have to erect hoisting machinery. Tho danger ot swinging these stones across tbe footpath is so great that Mr Philcox will not risk the consequences to people prising, and hence, matters are brought to a standstill until tho Council become amenable to reason. ' Their attitude is a thoroughly stupid one. i In Dunedin at the present moment, tha whole footpath—and balf the road, is closed and has been so for months in ' front of the new Bank of Now Zealand • premises. Whore lirge contracts are being ' executed this is inevitable, and public con venience aa well m public safety is best i studied by the Council insisting upon good I broad pathways round a contractor's hoard-

ing instead of forcing pedestrians to run the gauntlet of flying stones and debris. A very good letter on the subject appears in another column. It has been in type for several days, but crowded out.

The University Senate met again this morning, the Chancellor presiding. The matters which received consideration were tbe style of robes to be adopted, per iods in French literature, entraoce examin ations, publication of names of winners of junior scholarships and matriculated stu dents, finance and regulation of fees. It was resolved that the Chancellor's robe should be a black velvet gown with scarlet velvet collar and facings, embroidered wiih gold. That the Vice-Chancellor's robe should be same less richly embroidered, That the Registrar's robe should be black silk with scarlet silk collar facings. It was pointed out that an error had been made in the recommendations and amend ments with regard to the period of Literature in French for the piss exami nation in 1882, in making it terminate with the end_ of the XV. century, but it was deemed inexpedient to alter the phraseology new. It was therefore agreed that tbo examiners should prepare tbelr papers on the literature of tho XlV.and XV.centuries. The _ examiners in mental science and political economy are also to be directed to put no questions on the history of either subject. The Chancellor, Dr Hec tor, Revs. Habene and Andrew, Pro fessors Brown and Shand, and Mr Heale were appointed a committee to consider the results of the entrance ex aminations of 1882. It was also agreed to publish the names of wiuners of junior scholarships, and of such candidates as have passed the matriculation examination. The financial report shewed that the estimated revenue for the coming year is £3,250; while the expenditure would be £3,385. It was, therefore, decided to increase the fees iorB.A. degrees by a guinea; for M.A., LL.B., B.Mus, degrees, by two guineas; and for LL.D., D. Mus. degrees, by five guineas; while graduates "ad euudein gradum" and "ad eundem statura" will be required to pay two guinea", instead of one guinea, as heretofore. It was also resolved to discontinue advertising the times for receiving applications for ad eundem. degrees, and the date of the November examinations and to reduce, by 25 per cent,, tuo allowances made to members of the Senate. A committee was appointed to consider the desirability of undertaking the Civil Service examination in connection with the entrance examina tion,

ARRIVAL OF THE MAIL STEAMER.

Measles on Board

IN our isßue of last evening we announced that the P,M,S,S. Australia, from San Francisco and Honolulu, was signalled at 430 p.m., and that shortly after the "yellow flag" was shown. The Australia came round the Heads shortly after 0 O'clock, ilud dropped anchdr at the how quarantine ground, off Point Resolution. Tho hulk Clara Helrgreavtis nltould Have been hnro, btit was not; It is now five Weeks siubo the Gdvetnmcut btirehased that Vessol for quarantine purposes, and yet the necessary apparatus for fumigating the mails has not been fitted up. Fortunately, however, the absence of tho bulk did not materially hinder tbo passage of the mails, for, as afterwards transpired, Dr Philson did not insist upon their going through the usual procesj, About six o'clock the Customs launch, in charge of Mr H. Parker, with Dr Philson (Health Officer), Mr Biss (Chief Postmaster), and Captain Burgess (Harbourmaster), on board, left the wharf and proceeded to tho mail steamer. These gentlemen wore met at the Vessel's side by Captain Cargill, who stated his case as follows :— Tbe Australia left San Francisco on Feb. 10th tit 415 p.mi When two days odt a case of measles oppeaicd in tho steerage and again on tho 21th a fresh patient was reported. The first caso was regarded us well on the &>th. Altogether live cases of measles were tteatcd during the passago, all being steerage passengers. Twd Were bound for Sydney and three for Auckland, of the latter only one (a child) being at the present time ill, Two others are suffering from bronchitis, following measles. The two Sydney patients are convalescent. Dr. iiains, ships surgeon, gave it as his dpiuian that nbue of the patients were likely to communicate the disease. Dr. Philson directed that the Adcklnnd passengers should be sent to Motrtibl for the present, Captain Cargill consenting t6 proceed thither aud land tbctn. Respect ing tho mails, ho did hot conßidor it neces sary under the circumstances that they should bo fumigated. Ihe Auckland por tion was therefore transferred to tho Cus toms launch and conveyed to town, arriv ing about 7 o'clock. Tho Arawata, which hud been waiting for the Southern mails, piocecded alongside of tho Australia about 10 p.m. and took the bags on board. Ths mail steamer resumed hor voyago to Syd ney thia forenoon.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before J. E. Macdonald, Esq., R.M.)

Deunkrnniss. - Four persons were puuished for thia offence. — Jobti Way; mouth; jun., was charged with being drUnk last night in Grey-street. -Defendant siitd ho was ostoniahed to find himself in tbe lock-up. — Fined 5s and edsts. — His Worship said, in respect of the order miide yesterday, that he should shew no com migration whatever towards any hotel keeper tound supplying tho defendant with drink, after such prohibitory order, espe cially if it could bo shown that tho vendor had a knowledge ot tho man and tha order.

Stealimo a Blanket.—Elward Mc- Lean, a vory old man, was charged with stealing a blanket and pillow, value 12s, the property of Patrick Smith.-Mr Pardy said tho old man was inoffensive, and had never been known as a thief.—Discharged. Exposure of person.-Five boys from tho North Shoro were chnrged under the Vagrant Act with exposing their persons in the Victoria Road, Dcvonport, en the 4th inst.—Mr Pardy said thero was another boy implicated, but not in custody.—Re manded until Wednesday next.

Breach of Bye-Law.—James Rams bottom was charged with not keeping his yard clean, and on pleading guilty was fined 10«.—James Murray, charged with a similar offence, but in which ho could scarcely be held responsible, was fined Is. - John Fowler, of Mills Lane, was charged with alike offence and was fined X—Mr Cotter, solicitor, appeared for the City Council in these cases and explained par ticulars.

BREA.CH OP PUHLIC HEALTH ACT,— Thomas Hill Was charged with a breach of tho Public Health Act, viz., that ho, tbo said defendant, being the holder of a house in Hobson-street, knew that Florence Mabel Hill was sick therein of scarlet fever ou tho day in question. Mr Hill said he would plead guilty, but ho was not aware of it.—Mr Cotter appeared in this and the following case. Ho might say that, as this was the first case, the Local Board would not press for a heavy penalty.—Fined Is and costs. John Henry Hooper, a duly qualified medical practitioner, was charged with neglecting to give notice of tho above case to the Board of Health, in accordance with the provisions of tho Act,-Dr. Hooper spoke at some length in vindication of his conduct in the matter. All was done that ho could possibly do, and every precaution taken,—Fined Is and costs.

A SLAr on the Face.—Michael King was charged with assaulting Jane Jenkins on the 7th March, and trying to choke her. —Defendant pleaded not guiliy.—Jane Jenkins, widow, deposed that prisoner struck her, caught her by the throat, and tried to choke her.—Prisoner : There, hold on, Jenny; no lies now,—Julia McKellar was called.—Prisoner: There's another beauty.—Witness: Now then, Mike, be quiet. (Here a sharp altercation ensued between King and Mrs Jenkins until stopped by the Court.) -Mrs Garrard then made a statement. Saw King trying to choke Mrs Jenkins, George Wm Garrard was called, when King broke out: He knows nothing about it, he was not thero.—Mr Garrard then gave a description of the scene. It was alarming. He aaw King give Mrs Jenkins a frightful slap on the face,—Jane Arm strong and Sarah Rudd, lodgers in King's house, deposed that they were abused by complainant. They simply served in King s grocer's shop. Thoy saw King strike the blow, bat ho was provoked.—Mr King wished to vindicate bis character, aud to show that he was a father to the girls, but was cut short by being informed that he must pay a fine of Is and costs. Breakiho and Bntehinci.— Charles Parker was charged with breaking, and entering the dwelling-houao of Edward Morgan, on tho 28th nit., and was re manded, on- the application of Mr Pardy, until Wednesday next. Parker was fre quently in the compiny of Bloomfield, tho burglar, and it is not unlikely that several charges will be brought home to Parker.

Application.—Mr Tyler made an ap plication under the Destitute Persons' Relief Act on behalf of John Edmund Kclsall, tbe putative father of an illegiti mate child, for the custody of tho said child. An order was made on the 19th of Juiy, 1878, by Mr Barstow, l»to K.M., upon defendant for the payment of 10a per week, which weekly amount has been paid, Tho mother of the child bad sinco married, but he, Mr Tyler, bad nothing to say against the mohcr of the child or her husband, but Mr Kelsall thought it would be better for all parties if the father of the child was removed from the custody of her mother. Mr Brassoyappearedforthemothcr and strongly opposed the application, on the grounds that Mr Kelsall was a single man aud not in a position to take due care of the infant, and tbat such removal would be against the wish of the mother.—His Wor ship listened attentively to tbo arguments on both sides, and said he would look into tho case and give his decision as early as possible.

Bigamy.—Elizabeth Darrah was charged with feloniously marrying Francis M. Hewson, on the Ist of September, 1874, ber former husbaud (John Darrah) being then alive,—This case will bo taken to morrow at 10 30 a.m.

Assault.—Cbai. Webstor was charged with assaulting Wm. Allen with a glass bottle on the 9th inst.—On the application of Mr Pardy, this caso was adjourned until to-morrow.—Prisoner was admitted to bail, himself in £25, and one or two sureties to the same amount.—John Heath was also charged with assaulting John Cheyne on tbe 2nd inst., by striking him. Adjourned in tho prospect of an arrangement. This was all the business.

A sweepstake sailing race, for open-sail ing boats under 20 feat measurement, has been arranged to take place to-morrow afternoon.

The mail steamer's Auckland cargo was transhipped into the s.s. lona to-day, and brought up to the Queen-street Wharf.

A meeting of the Board of Education, was held this afternoon when a number of country applications and a grant to Bcres ford-slreet library was referred to the Exe cutive Committee.

A formal meeting of the shareholders cf the Union Hash and Door Co , for tho pur pose of confirming resolutions passed at a previous meeting, was held at the head office this afternoon. The resolutions were confirmed, and the meeting ad journed, Mr G, S, Kissling presided.

CITY COUNCIL.

TllK regular fortnightly meeting of tho J City Council took place last night, , Present! The Mayor and Councillors : Oiler, Waddel, Hemus, Goldlo, Crowther j i Fleming, Thompson, Aickin, and Monta gue, CoftBtePOSDKNtIK. — Letters were re ceiVed and disposed of as follows s—From J W. Stringfellow declining the Council s offer to erect tt retaining wall to his property la Upper Queett-street i from J. W. Knight asking to be provided with asphalting work sd that he should not be obliaed to discharge Borne of hia hands- Agreed to have Park pathway from Park-street to Wellesley-street asphalted ; tiom Q. Rafton applying for a per mit for the continuance of his shed at the Market-Refused j from J. Heron, requesting permit for enlargement of area enclosed by boarding at Savings Bank; from R. Gould returning thanks for the granting of his application; from J. Kelly, Wakefield-street, begging to be excused from completing the drainage of his pro perty as ordered by the Council—Refused ; from Baldock and Ratty asking for a reconsideration of Mrs Short's request for extension of lease-Resolved to adhere to previous decision { from Hughes and George applying for permission to form a right of way on the site of the Cottage of Content Hotel-Referred to Streets Com mittee ; from J. Dufaftr calling attention to the imperfect drainage of dermyn street; and suggesting the formation of a Concrete channel, also complaining of the footpath-Referred to Streets Committee; frOni Union Sash and Door Company, requesting leave to replace the present water pipes to their premises with 4-inch mains, and asking for a tiro alarm post-- Fir*t request referred to Finance Com mittee, and second to Fire Alarm Com mittee ; from K. P. Martin, making certain complaints re action of Corporation offi cials, add staling trat it was impossible for bird to drain into Hobson-street.—The Surveyor reported that Mf Martin was only, reqdired to1 connect with the HobsfJa-stteet dtaifl-Answfcr to be returned to this effect; frotn' Brown riud Barrett on a similar subject-A like rinswer to be given j from Alex. Smith, complaining of injury done his property in Korangahape Road by certain excavations made by Mr Faulder—Decided to inform writer that the matter is a private one; from R. McElwain, offering to lease certain allotments in Ponsonby Road— Acreed to inform writer that Mr Herapath holds lease of property ; from A. Ncwburn, seating that tho cutting of the footpath in Franklin Road had resulted in the sinking of the retaining wall of the Primitive Methodist Church, and asking that it should bo repaired—Referred to a Committee of the whole Council with power to actj from Thompson and Graham, and C. Thorpe atld Others, requesting that 9-iilcn drain pipes be laid in Dock-street—Referred to Streets Committee; from J. Stevenson, asking for permission to place a coffee stand between sunset and sunrise at the corner of Quoen and Durham-streets—Re ferred to Finance Committee; from J. liirkman and others, asking the Council to make a footpath in Upper Nelson-street, so that they might have access to their premises -Referred to City Surveyor, with power to act. _~,.. Street Tramways.-Tbo following letter was received on this subject :—" To His Worship the Mayor: Sir,— Having been for some months past in correspondence with parties in England with regard to the construction of a street tramway in the city of Auckland, to whom I forwarded tracings of plans and specifications, I regret to say that the latter are deemed unsatisfactory in the extreme, and being of such an uncom monly stringent nature preclude the possi bility of a thought bcißg entertained («s thoy now staod) of its being tendered for. notwithstanding the paragraph appended to the rules and regulations by the City Coun cil that any tenders will be considered. The fact that their haviog previously called for tendars, and there being no response to the invitatiou of jour respected City Council in that respect, and on this second occasion, their having received only ono tcuder and a request from one other party that thoy should grant an extension of time for ono month from the 4th inst., and both from residents of Auckland is, permit me to suggest, a sufficient proof that the terms of the proapectua issued by the City Council seemed to be alto gether of a too one-aided and strin -1 gent character, and hence the scarcity ' of the tenders. Should the City Council !be pleased —if not to publish new ' regulations on an entirely different basis— ' at least to remodel nnd^modifv the ones al ready issued, with fewer restrictions, then, ! with a further extension ot timo (say the beginning of next summer, tho proper time , for the commencement of such an under taking), they will receive tenders from England and America as well a« from hero; and tbe streetß being to their proper permanent levels ! tbo work can be pushed on with ; rapidity. Tbe plans issued by the City Surveyor arc everything that can be desired, ' having the streets and the proposed route, with time-tables, etc, etc., properly de. fined. All plant, Including rolling stock, rails, etc., etc., will bo from the best manu -1 facturers.-lam,&c.,AH. MoOAUSLAND." ' —After some discussion, in the course of which the action of Messrs Oireo, Jones, 1 and Co. in the whole matter was freely condomned, it was agreed, " that the letter ! bo received, and that tho writer be informed 1 that so soon as ho is prepared to make a '. definite offer for the construction of tram ways, the Council will be prepared to give ' it their best attention." PaTITiOKS.—Cr. Thompaon presented a petition from A. Dornwell, in reference to tbo bursting of a pipe in the public street; ' referred to Finance Committee. Cr. Hemus presented a petition from residents in Liverpool-street, drawing attention to tho ' want of drainage and the dangerous condi tion of the street; referred to Finance Committee. A petition from the residents 1 of Sheridau-street was referred to tho Public Works Committs, and a petition from the residents of Chapel-street was referred to tha Finance and General Purposes Com mittee while a petition from the resi dents of Day-street was referred to the Streets and Publio Works Committee.

Works Committee.—This committee recommended :-(l) That Mills and Co. be not granted a permit to erect an iron build ing in Albert-street; (2) That as soon as the ground in Franklin Road is fit, the footpaths bo asphalted in their turn; (3) That re W. O'Meara's communication con cerning valuation, the Council's previous action bo confirmed; (4) That the con sideration of the clause in the Surveyor's report re private drains be deferred, the Surveyor to snbmit conditions under the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act as would secure the desired effect; (5) That re gully drainage, the works be recommended to be proceeded with; (6) That re the permit applied for by W. Phil cox, the Council decline to grant any special concessions.—Adopted. Strsbts Committse.—The report of this committee contained the following recommendations :-(l) That whenever Mr C S. Wright is prepared to excavate his property fronting Upper, Union-street to the permanent level, the Council have the bank opposite the same out down to street line and to the permanent level, and that £12 be awarded to build a dwarf wall and slope from top to wall, work to be done to tho satisfaction of City Surveyor; (2) That £7 be awarded J. Mcintosh towards the erec tion of a retaining wall in Upper Onion street, work to bo done to tbo City Sur veyor's satisfaction; (3) That £25 be paid to Mr Elliott towards the cost of retaining walljand sloping of earth on same conditions as previous awards; (4) That Abcrcrombie streot, between Symond and Wakefield, streets, be drained, also about a chain and a half in same street from Alexandra-street towards Wakefield-street- Adopted. Park Committee.- The report of the Park Committee recommended :-(1) Tbat the Council offer tbe two allotments in Wellesley-stroet, indicated to Mr Bryce, with the sum of £1,250, and all tbe internal .fittings, for the site at present occupied by the Armoury—Adopted, Firb Alarms Committee.—This c om mittec recommended tbat with reference to the offer of the Government to take over the fire alarm plant, and to enable penal ties for damages being enforced, the offer of the Government to take charge of the same on being Bold to them for a nominal sum be agreed to, conditionally that the Council can upon six months' resume pos session—Adopted. Firk Brigade.—The Superintendent of tho Fire Brigade wrote ro speed in going to fires.—Agreed to reply that no directions had been given by the Council as to the rate of speed.

Burgess Boll.—lt was agreed tbat Messrs Ridings and Harrop be requested to give an estimate for compiling tho burgess roll.

Reception of Tawhiao.—lt was re solved to pay accounts amounting to £54, being expenses incurred in tho pnblic recep tion of Tawhiao.

Congratulation to Her Majesty.— On the motion of the Mayor it was agreed that the congratulations of the City Council on Her|Majesty's escape be for warded to the Governor for transmission,

Notice to Officers.—Cr. Montague moved, " That motion No. 673, passed at the meeting held on the J23rd inst. |be res cinded," with a view of moving " lhat all the officers of the Corporation be notified that they hold their offices subject to three months' notice.—Carried, Water Closets.—Cr. Goldie moved, " That the Sanitary Inspector bo instructed to report to tbiß Council, at its next sitting, the number (if any) of water closets in the city that are not constructed in accordance with clause Mo. 42 of tho Public Health Act."—Carried, Closing op Cemetery.-Cr. Aickin moved, " That as the limits of population are especially extending beyond the city, and thereby surrounding the present cemeteries, regard for the public health requires that this Council do forthwith make representation to the Governor in Council that he should Carry out the pro visions of the Burial Ground Closing Act, 1874, as to discontinuance of burials* subject to the provision therein set forth as to burial of blood relations, maintenance as a public reserve, etc."—Tho matter waß after some discussion referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee. Stanley-street Drain.—Cr. Thomp son moved, "That resolutions of the Coun cil under date 16th June, 1881, setting apart a sum of money for the purpose of i contributing towards the Stan'.ey-sireet ! drain, be rescinded, so that the drainage ! works reported on by the City Surveyor on | 23rd February, 188Z, be proceeded with. ' —Deterred, seven days' notice being re i quired for tbe resolution, i Government House Grounds,—ln answer to Cr. Montague, the Mayor said that no reply had been received from the Govornnor in reference to the opening of Government Hoflse grounds. This was all the business.

HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

The Horticultural Show was exceedingly well attended during yesterday afternoon and evening. Tho Engineer and City Bamd v*ns in attendance, and enlivened the pro ceedings with several new and graceful selections, The exhibition opened this morning at ten o'clock, and will remain open until nine o'clock this evening. We give the balance of the prize-list: CUT FLOWKBB.

Dahlias (twelve dlstlnot varieties, exoluslve of fancy kinds or pompons)— Six exhibits, Ist priza. 20s, Mrs Clark; 2nd, 15*.', Mrs Speight; 3rd. S. Monln. , „ , _ . , Dahlias (six dlstlnot varieties, lnoluslve of fanoy kinds or pompons)— Seven exhibits Ist prize, 10b, Mrs Clark; 2nd, 7s, W. J. Palmer; 3rd, Mrs Speight. Hoses (twelve distinct kinds)—No exhibits. Roses (six distinot kindi) -Three exhibits, lfit prize. IDs, James Mason; 2nd, 7i, B. Bailey. » ollyhooka (six distinct kind»)-No exhlbitß. Antirrhinums (nine olstlnct klndal—Two ex hibit*. Ist prize, 7j 6d, R. Evans; 2nd, 6s, W. Phloxes (perennial, nine dlstlnot kinds)— Two exhibits, lit prize, 7s, W. B, Kesssll; 2nd, ss, R, jcvan3. Pentstemons (nine dlsUnct kinds)— Two exhi bits. Ist prize. 7s, S. Morrln i 2nd, 6a, Mm Clark. Toroenas (nine distinct ki»ds)-Two exhibits. Ist prize, 10s, Mrs Olark; 2nd, 7s, Mrs 9p«lght. Pansles (twelre distinct kinds)— Four exhibits. Ist prize, 10, Mrs Speight: 2nd. 78, W. J. Palmer. asters (six distinot xinds)— Two exhibits. No Gia'dloll (alx distinct kinde)-Two exhibits. Ist priza. 10s, W. J. Palmer; 2nd, 7s, James MasOu. Zinnias (six distinot _ndß)-lflva exhibits. Ist prize, 7s, Mr Justice Gillies; 2nd, si, S. Morrla ; 3rd. K. Kvans. , _. African Marigolds (six distinot kinds)-Three exhibits. l»t prize, 7», J. Hay. r\o2eaprizj. Preach Mangolds—One oxhibit. Ist prize, J. Oo'lleotion of Cut Flowers (not less than twelve aiitlnct ktnd>)-Five exhibits Ist prize, 10s; James Mason; 2nd, 7b, Mrs Clark; 3rd, Mr Justice Gillies. Model Flower Garden—Two exhibits. Ist pri_,|2os, Miss Y. Mpelght; 2nd, 15s, Mies E. Kelly. Hand Bouquet—Five exhibits, Ist prize, as. Miss Violet Speight; 2nd, 3s, Miss MUly Sp«ight;Srd, W.Vettoh. , Kaod Bouquet of Native Flowers — Fire exhibits, Ist prize, ss, James Mason; 2nd, 3s, W. Veitch; 3rd. C. C. Speight. Bridal Bouquet—Two exhibits, Ist prize, sr, Violet Speight; 2nd, 3s. C. O. Speight. Seedling Florists'flowers of all Kinds (prizes at the discretion of tha j udges)—No exhibit. Best Collection ef riowers of any Kind (grown and exhibited by cottagers or day labourers only)-lst prize, 20s, H. Knight; 2nd, 10s, W. Kelly; 3rd, W. M. Warner. Kxtro Pelnmls-A. E. Isaacs. Kxtra Drankers-A. K.lsaacs. Extra Sunflowers -X Bailey. FRUITS. Grapes, Block (grown nndor glass, two bunches)— Three entries. Ist prize. 20s, S. Mor rln (two entries): 2nd, 15s, W. J. Palmer; 3rd James Mason. Grapei, White (grown nnder glass, two bnnohos)—Three exhibits. Ist prize, 20s, S. Morrln (two entries); 2od, 15s, James Mason; 3rd. K. Hesketh. „ Grapes (gi own la open alr.two bunches)— Four exhibits. Ist prize, 15s. R. Hobbs; 2nd, 10s, J. Blomfield. Figs (twelvf>l—Four exhibits. . Ist prize, 10s, Mlts Bryce; 2nd, 7s, Miss Mcintyre; 3rd, Miss Goeborne. Peaches (nine)-Five exhibits. Ist pilze. 7s, It Hobbs ;t20d,6 i,H.J.Hawkins; 3rd, T. Buddie. Peaches tthroe varieties, pine of each)-Two exhibits. Ist prize, 10s, R. Hobbs ; 2nd. 7', U. J. Hawkins. Dish ot Pow)*ies (extra)—K. Hobbs, Ist prize. ■ Nectarines (nine)—No exhibits. Plums (twelve)— Seven exhibits; Ist prize, 7s, | R, Hobbs; 2nd, 6s, H. K. Sharp. Dassert Apples (twelve, may be of different kinds)—Klovea exhibits, lit prize. 10s. jc. A, Msokechnie; 2nd. It, R. Hobbs; 3d, 1L J.Haw kins. Culinary Apples (six. may bo of different kinds)—Klghteen exhibits.. Ist prize, 10s, W. R. Fossel; 2nd. 7s, J. Jones: 3rd, W. J. Palmer. Apples (collection of twelve distinot _ad«,flve 0( eaoh klnd)-Kigbt exbibiti. Ist prize, 20s, W. J. Hawkins; 2nd, 6s, S Morrln; 3rd. It, Scar borough. Apples (collection Of twenty-tour distinct kinds, jflve of each kindl-Four exhibits. Ist prize, 40s, W. Hawkins; 2nd, H. B. Sharp; 3rd, G. eraser.

Apples (best collection of not less than forty varieties, five ot eaoh variety—the colloctloas shown m classes 62 and 53 may be included in this)— Two exhibits. Ist prize Silver Cup, value 45, H. E. Sharp: 2nd, £2, W. J. Palmar. Oessort Pears (alnemay be of different kindr) —Seven exhibits. Ist prise. 10* R. Hobbs; 2nd, 7«. Rev Mr Hobbs; 3rd, J. B. Young. Culinary Pears (six may be of different klnds)-Po»rexhibits. ißtprize, 10s, W.Kelly; 2od, 7s, J. Wilson ; 3rd, J. »'. Sharp. Quinces (six)— Ten exhibits, lit prize. 7s. T. Buddie; 2nd, ss, R. Scarborough; 3rd, A. E, Isaaoß. . ... _.

Medlars (twelve)-Blx exhibits. First prizo, 7s, James Wilson; 2nd, lis, K. Scarborough; 3rd, Mrs Clark. Mulberries (nttyl-One exhibit. First prize, 7s, A. X, liaaos. Almonds (forty)— One exhibit. First prize, 7s, G. Frater.

Cape Gooseberries (dish of fifty)-Four ex hibits. First prize, 7b, Plowbaok ; 2ad, 5s W. R. Kossell; 3rd, J. IL Garnler. Citrons (six)— One exhibits. First prize. 7b, J. fl. Garnler.

Lemons (six)— Five exhibits. Ist prize, 7s. J. H. Garnler: 2nd, 6s, J, Jones; 3rd, Mrs Clark. Oranges (six, fruit mußt bo attached to the bratcb)—four exhibits. Ist pries, 10s, J. Jones. Nuts (dish of flftj)-No entries. Filberts (di _ot flftjl—No entries. Walnuts (dish of flttyl-Two exhibits. Ist prize, os. G. Osborne; 2nd, Is, R. Wynjard. Scarlet Flesh Melon-Six exhibits. Ist prizo, 6s. W, 3. Palmer; 2nd, 4s. *. McDonald. Green Flesh Melon—Bight entries. Ist prizo, 6s, W. J. Palmer; 2nd, is, W, F. Buoltland; 3rd, A. McDonald. Watermelon—Bight exhibits. Ist prize, 6s, R. Hobbs; 2nd, Is, A. McDonald; 3rd. J. Falrburn, Best Collection of Fruit grown and exhibited by cottagers or day-labourers only—Two ex-; hiblts. Ist priza, 20i, W. Kelly; 2nd, 10s, W. M. ! Warner. Kxtra—Rook Melons, J. 11. Garnler. Extra—Passion Fiult James Wilson. VEGKTABtjKS. Tomatoes (12)— Ten exhibits. Ist prizo, 6-. Jas. Mason; 2ad, Is, E. 11. Houlton; 3rd, H. Gent, Tomatoes I b»st collection!— Five exhibits. Ist prize, 10s. Ono. Maeoo; 2od, 7s, R. v. Oarstow; 3rd. W. F. Buoklanrt. Cuoumbers (21—Nine exhibits. Ist prize. 6s, W. R. Kessell; 2nd, Ib, W, J. Palmer; 3rd, _ B. Houlton. Peasldlehof 50 pods)— Six exhibits, lstpriz*, 6s. K. Hesketh; 2nd, Is, K. B. Houlton. Kidney Beans (dish of 10pods)—Fiveexhiblts. Ist prize. 6m. W. Knight; 2nd, Is, E. Bailey; 3rd, E. B. Houlton. Broad Beans (dish of forty pods)— Four ex hibits. Ist prize. 6s, W. Knight; 2nd, Is, A. K. Isaaea • 3rd. K. Bailey.

Cau'iflower (two heads)-Two exhibits. Ist prize, 7s, W. Heat-; 2nd, Is. E. B. Houlton. Cabbage (two heads)— Six exhibits. Ist prize, 7s, W. heay; 2nd. Ib, M. Burke; 3rd. Qoo'rgo Mason. Lettuce (four heads)— Two exhibits. Ist prize, 6s, George Mason; 2nd, Is, W. llosy. Turnips (sixl—Two exhibits. Ist prize, 6s. E. Bailey : 2nd, Is, G. Mason. Carrots (six) -Eleven exhibit-), lit prize.6*. W, Knar; 2nd. 4s, J. B. young: 3rd, W. J. Palmer. Parsnips (six!— Seven exhibits, lft prize, 6*. W. Rear; 2nd, Is, E. B. Houlton; 3rd, W. Koight. Beetroot (throo)-Seven exhibit*. Ist prize, 6s, K. Bailey ; 2nd, Is R. O. Barstow; 3rd, W. Knight. Celery (two headsl-One exhibit. 2ad prize, Is, George Mason. Onions (send, twelvel-Eleven exhibits Ist priz». 6s, H. C. Barstow; 3rd, W. Koight; J. B. Young, oommended. Kxtra Potato Onion Prize—J. Blomfield

Potatoes, «idney (eighteen)-Twelveexhiblts. Ist prize, los, H. Gent; 2nd, 7s, W. F. Cheese man ; 3rd, W. F. Buckland. Potatoes, Round (lghteen)—Twenty exhibits. Ist prize. IDs, E. B. Houlton; 2nd 7s. W. F Buokland; 3rd, R. White; extra, J. B. Young. Potatoes (collect'on of not less than twelve varieties, s'x'of each)— 'Ihree exhibit). lßt prize. 25*. W. 1. Palmer; 2nd, 15s, jF. Bailey; 3rd. T. Churches, Vegetable Marrows (twoi—eleven exhibits. Ist prize, 6s,H. Gont; 2nd.ls, B. Bailey; 3rd, W. Knight. Pumpkins (two)— Seven exhibits, Ist prizo, 6s, W. Reay; 2nd, Is, T; Harrison; 3rd, tt. C. Bars tow.

I Plemelon—Two exhibits. Ist priza, 6s, G. ' Mason ; 2nd, Is, J. B. Young. Collection of Vegetables (not 10.-s than twolre kinds—Two exhibits. Ist prize, 255, W. Reay; 2nd. 20s, R. C. Harstow. Collection of Vegetables (grown and exhibited by a cottager or day-labourer)— Four rexhtbits. Ist prize, 20*. W: Knight; 2nd, 10s, J. Harrißon': 3rd. H. N. Warner. Extra Shallots—W. J. Pnlmor, extra. Extra Kootoh Kale—A. E. Isaac*. , Extra Rhubarb—W. Rosy, Ist prize; E, Bsiky, 2nd. ExtraGoard— 3. B. Young, extra. Extra Soarlet Runners—H. Pottor, Ist prize.

A first-class sextant with all the latest improvements is advertised for sale.

ARRIVAL OF THE P.M. S.S. AUSTRALIA. WITH THE English and American Mails.

GENERAL SUMMARY,

LONDON, February 15. Lours A CHARD, merchant, Manchester, has filed for £200,000.—1t is reported that Gen. Skobeloff intends joining the Hcrze govinians.—The British Government ad vances £5,000 towards a new Polar expedi tion to search for Leigh Smith. Capt. Markham commands. —A detachment of Yemen rebels is advancing on Mecca to pro claim tbespiritual deposition of tbe Sultan, and the restoiation of the Arabian Calipb. —It has been ascertained thar the explo sion of H.M. Tiinmph near Chili, was ex actly similar to that which destroyed H.M. Doterel.—A rifle match baa been arranged between the British volunteers and United States National Guard, to be fired at Wim bledon in 1882,—The wreck of the balloon has been found in France. Powell's dead body in the car.—Mr Fleming, one of the City of Glasgow Bank directors, who es caped trial before b yflight, has returned to England, and been arreted.—Diptheria and scarlet fever are raging in Belgravia and fashionable parts of London. —A clam orous crowd surrounded the Union Generals Bank, France, on its failure becoming known. One Frankfort banker com ' mitted suicide. The chief Legitimists | and representatives in France lose heavily. Christine Nillson lost everything by the failure,—An important unpublished work by Carlylc, on a tour in Ireland, has been discovered, It was unknown to Froude.—Russia contemplates annexing Corea to strengthen her position on the Pacific—General Garibaldi is lying help lessly ill at Naples. -The Earl of Lonsdale is dead.—Bull and Wilson, cloth merchants, of London, hate failed, liabilities, £124,000.— Tobin, tbe Fenian, on trial at Leeds, has been sentenced to seven years' penal servitude. — The British steamer Cosmo foundered in tbo Black Sea ou February 5, bound from Sebastopol to Galveston, Texas. Ten corpses wcro washed ashore at Kiilrk.—After months of deliberation, the Supreme Council of Edu cation in Madrid, nas decided to recommend to the Spanish Government legislative and administrative reforms to promote tha spread and improvement of the education of womwi. A remarkable report by the Council shows tbat several hundred Spanish girls are attending the lectures and classes of the free institute founded tor them six years ago in Madrid. Hundreds are taking their degrees as teachers and professors for their own sex. Many have vainly asked for admission to telegraph offices and post offices and to commercial pursuits, to all of which the Council recommends that women be admitted and that means be provided to aid in their education.

" The Commissioners under the Land Act ■ made remarkable redactions in the renin. ' The rent of a farm on Lord Egmont's pro- '. perty, was reduced from £84 to 33, and the j rents of several others were reduced 45 per cent.—Mrs Langtry has received two pro posals to vuit America, but she has ac cepted neither for the present, being re solved not to go there this year. She cou- ' tiuues until May at the Hajmarket Theatre where her success is confirmed.— The Rev. George Sanger, vicar of Carlton in-Cleveland, has been arrested in London on a charge of having wilfully set fire to his own church in Oc ober last.—Russia is evidently bent upon making herself a strong navnl power in the Pacific. A large torpedo factory, for the manufactnris of all kinds of torpedoes, at Vladivostok, it is reported, is nearly complete, and a purchase of £6,000 worth of machinery abroad has been sanc tioned.—The Marquis de Villeneuve is to marry, next month, Princess Jeanne, daughter of Prince Pierre Bonaparte, her dowry being 2,000,000 fr. AMERICAN. Captain DeLong and others of to Jeaoeettc are still missing. The search is proceeding.—There have been floods in Tennessee. A million dollars damage.— Blame's policy brought the United States to the verge of war with Chili, which was i only prevented by the complete change of attitude by tho President. He is now charged with undue timidity and vacilla tion, and with having approved of Blaioe'i note, and then repudiated it.—The British ship Walton, coal-laacn for San Francisco, was burned at sea. Hue boat has been picked up; two are missing. Tho captain and wife are in one of them. They were suffering terribly when last seen. The wife was near hor confinement.—Mr Sykes, of Cheshire, libs bought 45,000 acroi in Dakota, and will settle it with Eeglish farmers.—With the exception of an excur sion round Golden B»y, no public attentions were paid to Sir Henry Parkcs In fan Francisco, He was repeatedly interviewed by newspaper men. Mr Diamond, agent of the Pacific Mail Company, nccompaned him cast.- -Many arrests have been made in San Francisco for breaches of the Sunday trading law.—Jenny Lee, J. P. Kinoett, and Mr Vivian, were passengers by tbe Australia.—A gentleman named Hayward, an intendiug passenger, was found dead in bed in San Francisco. — Auti-polj gamy meetings have been held throughout America, The Mormons are threatened with lynching,—Half the population of Port Au Prince are down with yellow fever. —The country is financially desperate.—A grain panic has occurred in Chicago, owing to the failure of large commission firms. - The Marquis of Huntley, a fugitive noble man, proposes to settle in the Western States of America.—Miss Lizzie Willis, a beautiful and in'cresting young lady, who delighted in visiting prisoners at the San Francisco gaols, bringing them presents of flowers, books, &c, conceived a violent passion for a shock-headed wife-mardcrer, named Gottung, and married him immedi ately after be had been sentenced to ten years in the State Prison for stabbing wife No. Ito death. The infatuated girl is twenty-two, the uxoricide and bridegroom forty-two.

Colliery Explosion.—Terrible Dis aster in a Virginia Coal Pit.— Thirty-two Men Believed to Have Perished.

BICHMOND, Va., February 3.—lnformation was received to-night ot a gss explosion at Grove's shaft in the Midlothian coal mines, Chesterfield county. Thirty-two meu were caught underground. Later despatches state that thero is little or no hope for any of the thirty-two men in tbe shaft. Gas fitters went down nearly to the bottom of tbo pit three times, but were forced to re turn on account of the suffocation caused by tbe smoke and g»s. They report tbat tbe pit is on fire, but will make another effort iv the morning to search for the un fortunates. News of the disaster spread very rapidly, and in a short time a crowd had gathered. The scene is most distress ing, as nearly evoryoue has some relative or friend among tbe entombed miuers, efforts to rescue the victim*. Nkw York, February 4tb. — The " Herald's" special gives the following ac count of tbe attempts made to reach the raenoDtombcd in the mine in Virginii :— Safety lamps were procured, and the Super intendent audjthe pit boss, Marshall, and Edward Coxon went aboard the cage and descended to a point about 300 feet down the shaft. At that point they discovered that tho signal wire was broken, and their lights were extinguished by a strong current of air from above. After attempting to re light their lamps,they returned to the top of the pit. A second and third attempt was tben made to obl.iin some communication with the men in tbe pit. There was an effort to repair the signal wire. In order to do this it was decided to endeavour to attach a cord to the broken wire and carry it down with them. Tbe wire was intact to a point 400 feet below the surface. The first impulse was to cover the break in the shaft brattico i with canvas or sail cloth for tho purpose if restoring ventilation. But this was aban doned. Marshall, Coxan and a man named Crump then went down agaiu. They carried a rope with them which they attached to the signal wire, and after descending a short distance beyond that point were forced to return by encounter ing carbonic acid gas. This was the final effort to leach the mine or open communi cation with it. HARROWING SCBNHS. When it became fully apparent to those engaged iv those efforts that all the inmates of the pit were dead, upon their return, which was about two o'clock, all hope was abaodoned, and the most harrowing scenes of wailing women and children and grief-stricken men followed. A majority of 'the entombed- wete married, and many leave large families. Most of these had by .this time assembled at the mouth of the

shaft, and tho scene is said to have been heartrending in the extreme. Amid all this it had to be decided to make no further attempt to reach the bottom of the mine until all the bsiler fires below had gone out It was feared, and almost positively known' that any effort to restore ventilation would" only create a disastrous conflagration from the boiler fires, and nothing could be gained by the attempt. The crowd, which num. bered about one hundred, remained about the shaft until nearly dark, then nearly an the women and children went wailing to their fatherless and husbaodlera homes and only about a dozen remained watching by the awful tomb. It is said that 24 of the 32 men in the mine were married. An effort will be made in the morning to reach the men, and if there are no indications of fire ventilation will be restored, and a search for the bodies of tbe men instituted.

MINERS THOUGHT TO HAVE FERISHBft New York, February 4th. -The "Post'a" Coalfield, Va., special says: The Grove shaft at the scene of the horrid explosion ' yesterday, in which thirty miners were buried alive, is surrounded this morning with women an 4 children. Despite the fact ' tbat the ground is covered with snow and it is falling rapidly, hundreds are about the mouth of the bhaft anxiously watching the men in their preparations to descend to succour the entombed | miners. T ne appeals of wives and mothers for aj. sistanco in getting to their loved ones are heartrending. The Superintendent of the mines has a large force at work endea vouring to communicate with the bot tom of the shaft. To add to the terror of the situation, it is feared that the mines art [on fire. If thero is evidence of ihisths men will have to stop work and abandon all hope of opening the shaft to permit the air to reach the coal damp in the pit, as it would cause another explosion and add fuel to the flames. The Superintendent is one of 1 the most experienced miners in the country j and will do all that is possible to assist toe j miners imprisoned fonr hundred feet below I tbe surface of the earth. It is believed ; now that all of the thirty-two miners have I perished.

Account of the Last Polar Ex ploration.

THE JBANNETTB SUBVIVOBS,

New York, February gtn. — The '4 "Herald's " Paris special sends the follow- | ing dispatch from Lieutenant Dantnhower, < dated Irkutsk, February 4th, which turn iust been received there :—

WHEBE DE LONG 13. De LoDg's party is between Stations Bui eur Bolinoi and Siaterouck Ustoleonsk, iv a narrow wildcrnefS near tbo shores of the Arctic Sea, eighty miles long, devoid of habitation and game. Jerome J. Collins volunteered to stand by a dying seamagJH Hans Frckson—and let the othera of D« Long's party push south The new searcn'S party builds huts and s oes over every inch of tbe region which is ploughed by heavy drift ice every spring. THE JEANHETTE'S VOYAGE, We visited Nordenskjold's winter qnar. ters, and found he was safe, before we entered the ice near Herald Island. The general health of the crew during the twenty-one months of drift was excellent; no scurvy appeared. We used distilled water, and bear and seal meat twice a week. No rum was served out. Divine service was regularly held. We took plenty of exercise. Everybody hunted. Game was scarce, but we got about thirty bears, 250 seals, and six walruses. No fish or whales were seen. All possible observations were made , duiing the drift, the result showing a north- 1 west course. Tne ship was keeled over and | heavily pressed by ice most of tho time. j The mental strain was heavy on all the I ship's company. The result ol the drift for ! the first five months was forty miles. I There was a cyclical movement of tbe ice. m j The drift lasted six months and was very rapid. ■ 0H SOUNDINGS ANB SCIENTIFIC OBSERVA TIONS. Soundings were pretty even. They were eighteen fathoms near Wrangel Land, which was often visible seventy-five miles distant. The greatest depth found was eighty fathoms, snd the avcrsgo thirty-live. , The bottom was blue mud. Shrimps and , plenty of algajlogical specimens were brought np from the bottom. The surface water had a temperature of twenty degrees above zero, Tbe extremes of temperature of the air were, greatest cold fifty-eight degrees below zero, and greatest Jg heat forty-four degrees above zero. Tbdßj first winter tbe mean temperature wafm| thirty-three degrees below zero; tho I second winter thirty-nine below sero; the first summer the mean temperature was forty degrees above. The heaviest gale showed a velocity of about fifty miles an hour. Such galea were not frequent. The . barometer and thermometer fluctuations were not great. There was a dis turbance of the needle coincident with tbe auroras. THE ICE—GEOGBAPHICAL DISCOVEBIES. The winter's growth of ice was eight feet. The engineer states tbat tbe heavy truss saved the ship on November 21st from being crushed. Ihe telephone wires were broken by the movement of the ice. The photographic collection was lost with the ship. Lieutenant Chipp'a 2000 auroral observations were also lost. The naturalist's notes were saved. Jeannette Island was discovered on May 6th, in latitude 76' 47' north, longitude, 158' 56' east. It was Rmall and rocky, and wo did not visit it. Henrietta Island was discovered and visited May 24th, in latitude 77.8' norrh, longitude 157, 32'c_t. It is an extensive island. Animals are scarce, but glaciers plentiful. Behnet Island lies in latitude 7633 north,longitude 14820* east. It is very large. On it we found many birds, old horns, drift wood and coal, but no seal or walius. Great tidal action was observed. The coast is bold. A rocky , cape on the south ooast was named Cape Emma. LEAVING THE VXSSEL. We drifted back during the first week of the retreat, twenty-seven miles more than '. we could advance. The bhow was knee-a deep. We had to go thirteen times over and over the track,B seven times with loads. Lieut. Chipp'a I boat did better than ours (Melville's). I'hea afternoon of September 12th, the three! boats having got clear of the ice off Semin- 3 ovsky Island at noon that day, about dusk H he was one thousand yards off our weather■ quarter, and lowered his sail as if rounding I to, and we lay to for twenty-four hours under a triangular drag. Nothing Was seen-1 of Lieutenant Cbipp's boat at daylight. He | could not get back to the island in the3| north-east gale. He was unable to carry 9 his share of provisions. I observed » 1 strong easterly current near the Lena delta. I There were masses of driftwood between ' the Siberian Islands.

The Wimbledon Mystery.-Ver dict of Wilful Murder.

Mr Hull, coroner, for West Surrey, re sumed the adjourned inquest on the bodgfij of Percy Malcolm John, in connection with whose death Dr Lamson now stands charged | with murder, in Wimbledon Drill Hall, I yesterday morning. Dr. Stevenson was M examined by Mr St. John Wontuer, who::ii again the Publio Prosecutor; m He said he received instructions from tlie Home Office to analyse the contents of the Btomach of Percy John 5 blbo some I pills, powders, vomit &o. He found « found that the cake, sherry, sugar, M capsules, and wafers were free from poison' | Some quinine pills were also free front || poison, He found poison m three of the quinine powders. It was aconite % In one | of them there was certainly sufficient to | destroy life. He fouud tho same substance; ft! in some pills—more than sufficient to de- vj Btroylife. The stomach,viscera.and vomit ; also contained aconite sufficient ito cause S; death. He also found aconite in the urine, j Dr Dnpr6 assisted him. By Mr Gladstone : The smallest quaiitity J of poisoa he had known to cause acath Was.■,;•.;■ one-sixteenth of a grain. By tho Coroner: Aconito produced ,i: death by paralysing tbo heart _It ■ $ acted as a direct poison on all tbe nitro genous tissues. Dr. Dupie" stated that he had assisted 1 Dr. Stevenson, He] corroborated the eri* :• dence of Dr. Stevenson as to finding poison, I etc. He had formed au opinion as to boW, '■; much acouit) deceased took. He should.^ say he must have taken considerably over | a grain. By Mr Gladstone : Ho judged that dt ceased must have taken over a grain of aconito irrespective of what was fouud iv tbe wide

By a juryman : In pne powder they found enough aeonita to make eight fatal doses.

The Coroner then briefly summed up the j evidence. He said he must point out to the jury that Dr. Lamson would, through his wife, come into money by the death of : tbe deceased. It was clear that he had attempted to take the life of the deceased hy pills and powders, and finding that they : hid no effect he must have come down to Wimbledon himself to see that the poor :,;. boy did take the poison, It was proved

rHE . AUCKLAND EVENING STAB. FRIDAY. MARCH 10



Special Ad-vertisemeata GARLICK & CR AN WELL still sell all Drapery and Clothing on the O )-OPEBA TIVK Cash Principle. Prlcea much lower than if they did a credit business, CITY HA_L AKCADE. DRESS GOODS.—The greatest variety and a beautiful assortment's to be found at our Kstabliehment, with Trimmings ot various kinds to match, and sold at Co operative Cash Prices. GAKUCK _ CKANWELL. MADKAS MDSLIN, Is 8d and is lOd per yard; Coloured Lustres from Gd to 2s 3d, our own importing and s eolal good value: Block Silks at various prices, but those at Is Sd and (is 3d are unusually oheap. GARLICK _ CRANWELL. MOURNING GOODS, - Black Cash meres. Crape Cloths, Balmorals, Drees and Bonnet Crapes, Mourning Goods, to suit all classes of Customers, at the City Hall Arcade. GARLICK & CRANWELL. fTMBKELLAS AND SUNSHADES.— %J Fashionable Sunshades, plain and fancy, in satin and other kinds of coverings. Just opened, some very pretty Children's Parasols. We advise an early selection. GARLICK & CRANWELL, C^RKTONNES.-Upwards of 60 patterns / to select from, come of them the hand somest in Anokland, varying In price from 8d to 3s 2d, Linings and Trimmings for same. White and Fanoy Dimities. GARLICK & CKANWELL. MILLINERY AND FANCY GOODS. -Large Stock of Trimmed Hats and I Bonnets. Milliners on the premises to I exeoute orders in best style and with j desnatoh. Straw Hats, all the leading 1 shapes, a capital line j ust opened at la. GARLICK & CKANWELL. I IJIANCY GOODS.-Silk Mantles, Che- X? nlllo Dolmans, Capes, Fanoy Scarfs, Children's Fanoy Dresses, Feathers, Flowers, Underclothing, &o.; all at low cosh prices. GARLICK & CKANWELL. EN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING -A well-assorted stook at Co-operative Cash Prices. Men's Trousers and Vests, Suits, Men's and Youths' Imperial Sao Suits, I Boys' Tweed and Knicker Suits. Some I epoolal lines in Trousers, Waistcoats, &&, I worth inspecting. I Q. ARLICK_Tjn RAN WELL, j; OITTT BALL AROADB, I 1 Auoklana, J1



Special Advertisements. JUNCTION DRAPERy warehouse. William r. brimman Desiroß to inform his customers, and »^««« of drapery generally, that ho haanoW com pleted extensive impWjementsto Wspremises, which have been Uinch _laH^i, tod tt«reby much more Convenient for«arrying: oneness. Ho is now opening Up audial£"^AKflJ *{": VMiei AsßortmentOf Now aoodsfiuTtabteforthe coming^eaflonTahfl which WIU be marked at much fern thm? uinal rates, as a large return wttlon-ola hmi to SeU at a small rate Of ptoflt. Th"toSSwtag L_e«Tart Special Value, and are continually being added tot soo Pairs No* Blatmebi, all arses and makes, wtendld value, from IDs Bd pair WhMTwlLsheeUnjrß,72lnon.j^ralsyard Urtleaohed Twill &«tlhß, „ &hd ft lnoh, A lLa_o,Bnd Well-assorted Btook ot Whits Calicos, all makes, from SJd . Splendid Value in Gray Calicosjrrom E|d Blaok Velveteen* (extra valtte). from 2a 3d yard Flannels in (fc-aat Variety-English Makes from 7Jd; Colonial, all prices , _ _ . Bafenoe summer Prints ahd Dress Btuffaat greatly reduced prices (to clear), from 3Jd Clark's and Coata'a *00 7»rd Reel, la 6d down A Largo and Well assorted Stock ot Block and Gold Caßhm'eres and French Merinos 10 be sold cheap „ . A Nice Assortment of Carmelites. Costume Tweeds, Dress Serges, Foulo Beige;, and other Dress Materials in all the Newest Shades The StoOk is Well-assorted, and oontinualiy being added to, and Will be Sold at Prices that will ensure satisfaction. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN.



hUIIH AMD ARNOLD, AIUJHITECTB, OLD CITY COUNCIL CHA_BKBS, EN'S , In preparation tor asp Utook- taking. WUlllam BOY'S oLoTHlN9(Rattray is offering hit / splendid Stook ot Men's and 8071* CL')»hiko. fchtrta, Hosiery, Collars. Scarfs, Ties, &o . Ac; at unusually Low Prloes. EN'S ) 75 Men's T,.eed 8 TWEtD [.button Sac Suits, worth SAC SUITS 1 70s. aro io» offered at 1 60s at W lillam Katcray ■ Central Drapery Ware house, 178-82, Queen street, Auckland. MEN'S ) William Rattray is TWKKD Inowselllng Men's Tweed TRODBKRB AND J Trousers and v»rt«(well VESTS. 1 out and well made) at 17s Gd and 21a, at tho Central Drapery Warehouse 178, 180. and 182. Queen- Street, Anokland'. MEN 8 ) Two oases ot Men's WHITE L White Shirts (Military StiliiTS[Fronts) well worth Onßd Military Fronts / and 7s Gd each, ara bow offsNd to the publio at ?< lid and to M at Wil liam Rattray's Central Drapery Warehouse, 178 ---82, Queen-street, Auck- land. LACK ] 10 Down Block Felt FELT f American Hats (Usual AMERICAN HATS' price 6s Od) are how sell ing at 4a 9d at William Rattray's Central Dra- Sory Warehouse, 178-82, ncan atrect -IS_ ANI/) lv Dozen Meh'a BOYS' t Straw Hats at Is 91. and STRAW HATS 1 12 dowra Boys' Btraw Hats, in various new Styles, to ba cleared at Cost frioe at William Rattray's Drapery Ware home. 178, ISO. and 182, Queen-street, Auckland.