SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATBR}™ m^ n M or° U^.lo.s2 BUN3RT.-Thla Kvonlng, 7.1 BONRIBB.-To-morrow M°™in«' h 6-S J 1 ,, n m MOON'S AGK.-Last Quartor, 11th, 8.18 P m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Ringaroome, a v., Chatfleld, from Russell Qlenelß. bT. Stephenron, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY.

Mariner, schooner. Queen, for Rußsell Bingarooma, a.a., Ohatfleld. tor the South

VKHSKL9 KXPKOTBD. ParKwpJQ S.G.W.). from London: wfltf AteStS'SSSiS IHXUHW froraLiverpool. via Arnold'Von Blppon. barqno, from Now York; A WSta£*"ta«iae. &om New York: AdaiSfint WJ^ifta). 'Rom London; load- Crownthorpe. barquo (M.X.8.1).), from London; Oabarfoidh, barquo (3.Q.M.J.), from New York i gnllod No vomlwrl

EXPORTS.

Per Kyvor for Now York-2,G3l cases Rum, 781 baloa flax, 2 bapja manganone, 1 ease personal etfocta. Por Ringnrooma for WoMoßton-100 pack ages sugar, 103 casoa salmon,© boxes tin plutoa, 70 boxes soup. 6 canes tobacco. 30 packages mndriS; For Lyttelton-t oasoa harvester 18 bales hops, 3 oisos loathor. 11 sacka and 17 casks innrt For Dunpdin-S drama. 200 cases and 75 packages canned goods. 120 JnßOta tta. 1 tax m .chlnory. 6 hhda m< lasaesa. 2 trunks boots, 10 Saokaßos snndrina. For BlufT-15 boxes r00p,70 oasea brandy. For Melbourne-2 parcels.

iNWAnra OrusTWisit:-Kanp;aUra. from Har rier, with 40 tons firewood and 20 W 0 shingles: Broiy from Kcnnorty Bay, with 21,700 ft. timber; KtaKaroaraa, from Kuaaoll. with 230 torn, coal; G6m from Ngnngurn. with 23.000 ft. tlmbor; Totara. from" ort Oharlos, with 30,100 ft. timber. Outwards Ci>A3TWiM!.-ahor>t. for Thameß, ■with 25.000 foot timber ; Kangatiru, for Omaha; 'Bessy, for Kennedy Bay; Gem. (or Ngunguru; Toturn, for Port Charles; Zillub, for Thumos. Mr ffm, Holmea; of Nortli Shoro, i 3 about to commence a twin acrow steamer for tho Uppor Thames trade, to ordor or a privato pan/. Tne vessel will draw but 2(t 61n of water, with dimonaiona as follow-Length of kepi. 05ft; breadth of beam. 13fc; depth of hold, 4ft 61n.

The B,s. Taiaroa ia undergoing a general over haul slongsldo the Railway Wnarf. She will be docked next weok. preparatory to resuming her regular running to Fiji, for which place sho is advertised to leave about Monday, the 27th Inst.

A consignee Is wanted for 40 paokagoa gun powder marked Z iv diamond, per barquo Dun ralg.

The BObooner Calodonla ontorod out at tho Customs to-day for Noumea via Whangapoua. and the sohooner Marion for Norfolk Island and Noumea.

Tho 8.8. Gleneig arrived from Tanranua to day, she left Tanranga at 4 p.m. yesterday, and arrived at Auckland at 8 a.m. this morning. Pasßengers: Mr and Miaa Crlasons, Mra Men zletr, Mra Wilson, Mias Stewart, Miss Newbold Messrs J. Mills, Fraser. Pole, IGill. Stewart, Bitters, Bills. Brown, Maher, Judge IHeale, Wooding. Swift, Matthewa, Comlskey. Kelly, H>ors, Ur. Law. Soloman, Banks, Keeßing, Hepton, Edgoombo. Roberts, Kdwards, Meyer, Sorrison, and 18 steerage.

The B.a. Ringarooma left for Melbourne and Southern ports at noon. Passengera: For Hla borne —Mr Urqnhart. For Napier —Mrs E. Andrew. Mlsa MaomlUan, Messrs Spray and Lake, jror Wellington — Reva. Mossra S. J. NelU, A. Macintosh-, T. Maoky, Rev. MoCallum. Mr and Mrs John Lamb, Messrs Q. W. Sare, J Speight, G. C. Jordan. Jones, May, V. Kummer and two ohlidron. For Melbourne —Mr J. Dodds, Mr and Mra Brook.

The sohooner yaoht Asteroid, of the R.M.Y.S., owned and commanded by Mr J. H. Burton, with two friends, Messrs T. A. R. Littlewood and A. Deacon, on a tour round the world, arrived at Lyttelton from Dunedtn yesterday. Her crniso commenced as far baok as AngUßt of last year, •when she left Liverpool and went to Gibraltar, making various stoppages in the Mediterranean before making for tbe Suez Canal, through which she waa towed, and then came to Co lombo, where sue remained for five weeks. Tbenoa Bhe went to Singapore and Javtt,oominK from tho latter port to Albany. From there she went to Adelaide, and remained there from the 27th of July until the Ist inatant. After calling at many plaoes of interest in Australia, sho came over to New Zealand, touching at first well to tho southward. Mr Bnrton, wo nnaeratand, intenda .calling at most of tho principal seaports in New Zealand, inolndlng Auckland, and proceeding henco homeward. Tho Asteroid (quoting from the " Melbourne Age")is anew vessel, built at Cowcs in tho Isle of Wight, by Messrs C. Hanson and Son, and ia what may be tormod a yosael of moderate speed, with excellent sea-going qualities, her lines being avmmetrical and good bearings, •uffloient to lift her over any sea on a moderate preaauro of canvas, notwithstanding that she Is only flfty-flvo tons rogluter. She is sallod by her owner, Mr Burton, who, from tho ordor she is in, takes a pride in her looking her bBBt. Tho accommo dation on board is all that can be deaired for comfort, and she ia, in fact, for a soa-going vessol, olaboratoly fitted up. Tho length of tho vessel ia 76 foot 6-lOths; beam 17 feet, and donth of hold 10 foot G-10th8. She ia fore and aft achoonor r]f«ort, with a reefing bowaprit and carries In all a largo soroad of canvas. Of boats hanging to her davits she baa three, and her complement of oraw is nine all told, .for whom their ia amplo room, and likewise- for four or flvo moro passengers.

LAUNCH OF THE ALEXANDRA.

The new ferry steamer built by Mr Holmes at the North Shore yarda was launched at 10.30 atn WO-day. Mr •*'. H. Brown auperintondod ooorattons, owing to tho illness of the builder, who although presont, felt unequal to the task. Owing to the level natare of the ground botwon the builillng yard and water, and the distance t io resuul had to bo lnunohed. tho undertaking wasnota particularly e»3y pne. and somo littlo troublj was experienced In'getting the steamer underway. When over the roadway, howovor, she went off with a run and sent tbo outer logs flying, amid, the ohejra of the onlookers. The ohriatenlng oeramony waa performed in the orthodox inannor by Miss Holmes, daughter of tho builder, who named tho Bteuner the Alexandra. Thore was a largo congregation ot North Shore rosidonts, among those preßont being Mogsra It. M. Stark. Alison, and 0. J. Quick, directors of the Devonport Korry Company. After the steamer waa ob served riding qulotly at anchor a short dißtanco from the Bhore, an adjournment waa made to Mr Holmes's residence. Here the usual toasting was done. Mr Alison proposed "Success to the new boat." Ho considered her a very otedltable production, and hoped she would Drove a success. Mr Holmes responded, re marking that he was very glad to see tho directors of tho oompany preaont. He hoped the veßSol would give eyery satisfaction. As for finishing the steamer, he was bound down to oertain things, and ho woald en deavour to carry out his instructions to the satisfaction of all. Mr Stark proposed, •'Success to the Alexandra. Mr Holmes, he gald. had had tho vasßel on the slip for fifteen months, and was probably oegtnning .to think she would bo allowed to grow there. The Steamer was built to order of the old ferry com pany, with the intention of showing the North Shore people a boat worthy of the nineteenth century. The new company came upon the scene and agreed to take the Bteamer If she possessed oertain capabilities. 8o far as he could see, Mr Holmes had made a very satisfactory job. Mr W. H. Brown said the steamer had very ■ fine lined, and if the machinery provea up to the-markshe would oertalnly steam well. Her (tnaranteed speed was 10 miles an hour, several other gentleman made complimentary remarks about the vessel, some making special . notice of thefaot that while the directors of the present oompany Bhewed great Interest in the event, the direotors of the old oompany be oame consplououa by their absence, not a single representative being present. -The dimensions of the Alexandra are ~m foltows:-Length of keel. 05 feet; beam, ISft; depth of hold, itt* 21n. She has two oablns, one being SOft. by 15ft.' and the other 20ft. By 15tt., eaoh having a spaoe of Oft. 2in. from floor to oelllng. The deck is about 80ft. in length. In most other respeots the new steamer will resemble the Tainnl. The machinery la dally expected by the barque Crownthorpe, from London, and will be got into position as soon as possible. The Alexandra will be added to tho North Bhore and Auckland ferry fleet.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARKIVAIi. Macgregor, s.s., Maouregor, from Waltftra

- The Northern Co.'a steamer Rowena should arriTo from Hokianga Bomo tlmo to-raorrow. Tho B.s. Macgregor arrived from Waltara at 7^o a,m. to-day, with 6 bale 3 and 35 bags fungus, 8 Daokagoa batter, and the following passengers —Misses fcodder, Pntt-, Mrs Carter, Bey. Mr •Worker, Profeuaor ThorntOD, Messrs Nodder, i Goodacret Qrlffltha and Lewis (2), Mra Howell. she was announced to return thither at 1 o clock this afternoon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Port Chalmers, yesterday.

Arrived : Westland, Bhlp, Moffatha.. from Glasgow. 90 days out, with passengers; all well.

COMMERCIAL.

EVBNINCI Stab Office, Thursday. Mr R. Arthur offered today the valuable freehold property in Jormyn-street and Kdon nreßoent. adjoining the residence of tho Hon. Wraaeriok Whitaker. but neither of the lots ware sold. We understand Hint ithe property IB Btlll open for private sale. Mr Arthur's fruit ■ala wasi lately attended by the trade. Grapus brought6dtoßid;passion-fruit,sa6d per cane; lemons, 12s 6d : fllborts, 9d and 914; Auckland apples, lid to2ld; plumß 2]d to 3Jd. Messrs Lambert and Co. sold at their sale y BrdßGreat North Road yesterday, stock of all kinds, fair prices wero realised. There was a mod demand for fat sheep and pigs. Messrs Carhinos and Taylor sold to day for the Auckland Harbour Board the leaso of aheds on SujQueen-street and hallway Wharfs as fol lows :-Shed A, Paolflo Mail Oe., at £12 per SmthTa Union 5.5.C0..J313; D,W. Crulck- Bhank, W; X, Union 8.8. Co., £6. Mr. W. Dowden held a salo of wines, spirits, bottled porter, cider and light wines at tho Bxohanae Mart, but bidding was not brisk. Most of the lines were Bold at satisfactory prioefl! *

MR ALFRED BUCKLAND'S REPORT.

At the Hayiiwrkot on Tuesday, boat hides bionght 3Jd to 3ja the lb; pelts, 3Jd; shoop- Uttnt, lOd to 4a lid; lambskins, 2s Id each; tallOW. 2UDdto2sa3dthoowt, showing aoon liderablorlßeta orioe: lambs-wool. WJ ton*, wool, la grease, 7d to 7ld; merino -wool, Bid the AtWaUfltuon Saturday, a moderate supply of cattle met with a fair enqulry.tho attendance at the Hftle being loosened by the meeting of the " Koad Roartl. ' '. ''•':■■£ j At Pnkekohe on Monday, an unusually full "■ market of atook met with a good demand, there being a stead; enquiry throughout the Bale.

Mail Notice.

MAILS WILL CLOSB A8 UNDKH.- THIB DAT. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at i p.m. For Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, and Lord Howe's Island, per Devoron, at 4 p.m. For Wangaparspara per Makaran, at * p.m. For Thames, por Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m, Thursday. Oth Instant. For' Walwera, Te Kapa, Craigiohurn, and Warkworth, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Waltara, New Plymouth, etc., per Mao grogor, at 11 a.m. For uiaborne, Napier, Southern porta, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Ringarooma, at 11 a.m. For Thames, ocr Kotomabana, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotlkl, por Glenolg, at 4.30 p.m.

Friday, 10th Instant. For Australian Colonies, por Hero, at 11 n.m. ForMangawal, por Fineal, at 3 p.m.

N.B.—The name of tho Postoffioe known as Kapaoga has been changed to Coromandel. On and after Ist instant, mails for Henderson b Mill bo despatched and received daily. Tho Poßt-offlco hithorto designated Richmond Will In futuro bo called" Matata." A Post-ofllce has been oponed at Oropt, bo tweon Tauranga and Rotorua. Mai's will be dospatohod and received three times a week. 8. B. U139. Chlat POBtraostor. Ohlof POflt-offlce. Anokland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

FEimuARV 9, 1882. Thoatro Royal—Mastodon Star Minstrels and Champion Dancers, 8 p.m. Ponoonby Rocatta Clnb and others Interested In 1882 Regatta, Ponsonby Hall, 8 p.m. Y.M.O.A. Rooms-Devotional, 7.30 p.m. Masonic Hall, Newton-Court Nil Dosporan dum, A.0.F., A.D., 8 p.E.

Notices to Correspondents.

SUBURBAN.-The " Hawthorndon" is n very flue apple for so small a tree, and muoh prirod in tho old country. According to Bovoral authorities thonamo was given to tho applo by Ben. Jooson at the time of his visit to Wm. Drummond, tho old poet of Hawthorndon, In Scotland, who died, it is said, of griof for tho loas of hia friend—Charles tho First. Jessie.—Surblton la a hamlet of the town of Kingston, Surrey, and numbers about 800 In habitants. Working MiN.-Yoa, the (anniversary ot tho Introduction of the eight hour system ia cele brated in Sydney. PnffiNix.-A. wins the bet. It la a reoognlsod rule that all beta made on the course «o to the howo first past the post, unless it ia ox proßSly stipulated at tho lai ing of tho wager that the money goes with the stakes.

Birth.

ORISPEN.--On February the 7th, at her resi dence, oil' Nelaon-street, the wife of James Crlspoc, of a son.

Death.

PORTER.-On tho Bth Fobruary, 1882, Jane, rellos of the late William John Porter; aged 78 years. The funeral will leave her late roaldonee, Symonda-Btreet, to-morfow. (Friday), at i o'clock p.m. Friends please accept this invi tation.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1882.

Tot tho causa that tacks auiiuwc*,* For the wrong that need] resistanc For tho future in the distance, And tho good.that wo con An,

The aisessment of gold-mining properties for Property Tax purposes is a problem which has not been settled very happily. To t.ako as the basis of value the capital of a mining company, as in the caso of other commercial corporations, would manifestly be wrong, because in too many instances the paid-up capital represents nothing but the losses and misfortunes of the shareholders. To tax that under an Act which proposes only to touch accumulated wealth would be something more trying than a winding-up call. The tax would kill all mining indus try. Recognising this, the department adopted the market rate of shares on the Ist of October of each year as the fairest assessment of the actual value of mining property. But everyone knows how uncertain the sharemarket is. Stock may bo worth £1 one day and only a few shillings the next, and in neither case would the ruling rate represent tho actual value of tho mine. But it is much easier to point out defects than to suggest a snitable remedy. Some suggestions have, however, been laid before the Premier by Captain Thomas, of the Kopanga Company. Tbo Company was assessed on the capital stock. Cost of tho shares in 1881 :— 50,000 shares cost 12* 6d per share, £31,250; exemption, £500. Total, £30,750. At Id in the £1 the amount of tax paid was £128 2s 6d. After payiDgthe above, the secretary of the Company wrote from London, March 24th, 1881, viz.,—"l do not understand tho assessment made on us by Mr Sperrey. Of course, you know whether or not it is in accordance with your mining laws—it cer tainly is not with ours. The course here is to levy an assessment on the royalty and on the profits, the former being paid by the receiver of the royalty, and the latter by the Company. It is scarcely right toas3ess the ■Company on the market value of the shares, which are not the property of the Company, butof theshajeholderspersonally. It appears to me that it should be assessed on its profits-or on its plant or machinery, less a yearly deduction for depreciation, but certainly not on the market value of Its shares, which may happen to be unduly inflated some day, at the date of assess ment, without the actual value of the pro peity owned by the Company in general being in any way affected. The share holders of a Company represent partly an amount subscribed to develop and make a certain piece of ground profitable, and the other part represents the purchase of the same ground. Now, can it be right to tax capital buulc in an undertaking ? I must say, that if such be the course of your colonial laws, no surer way of frigh. tening foreign capital from your mines could be desired. Take for example a Company just brought out here to work some mines in the Thames goldfield, the capital being £100,000, and the pries of the shares to-day being at par. No machinery in the mine. Will your authorities tax this Company on the £100,000? I think you should protest strongly against any such as soaaiuent.and see Mr tiperrey on the matter, I cannot too strongly point out that the shares are the actual personal property of each individual shareholder, &nd that the only property, real or personal, that the Com pany posses is the mine and plant." For 1882 another assessment notice has been sent for £96 Is lOd. Tax on £30,750 at Jd in the pound. There would probably be a dfficulty in applying the English system to mining companies in thin colony, but it is certainly worth considering, and may lead to the adoption of a better plan than that now in force.

So far as the fear of internal dissension is concerned, all is pcaee once more in Egypt. KevolntioD, armed intervention, and annexation have been averted by a most easy and natural coup-detat, The resignation of Cherif Pasha has been ac cepted, and his successor, Mahomed Pasha, has to-constructed the Cabinet; the "Assembly of Notables has scored a substantial victory, and is content; the now Premier has " reassured " tho British representative as to his policy in regard to financial and other matters; the military officers (who constitute the most im portant factor in Egyptian politics) have waited upon the Khedive to thank him for the confidence he has shown in the National party; the Khedive has graciously smiled upon thn military, and thanked them for their allegiance • and things all round wear a decidedly pleasant aspect. But while Egypt has thus quietly settled her difficulties, the Great Powers who are interested in her future do not appear to be much nearer to a state of com plete accord in their views regarding her. The British circular note in reply to the Sultan's remonstrance does not seem to have been possessed of all the healing virtues claimed for it; and Karl Gnraville has been constrained to adopt the unusual course of writing o the press contradicting the state ment that the Anglo-French note to the Khedive was tantamount to a declaration of the intention of these Powers to employ

armed intervention in Egypt in the evont of civil disturbance. At the same time we Isam that Kussia, Austria, Germany, and Italy have, through their respective am bassadors, assured the Sultan that no alteration of the status quo in any part of his dominions can bo allowed to take place without their consent —a declaration which can ba made to apply to Tunis, which, though a Turkish dependency, has been occupied and virtually annexed by France. There is thus a casus hilli ready to hand; tha gage of battle is thrown down, if anyone chooses to pick it up. In view of this aad other serious complications, many high European author ities apprehend an early outbreak ot war ; but we think there is still room to hope that diplomacy may avert the threatened catas trophe. ____^________

Mr. J. A. Pond reached Auckland to-day by the Bingaroonia, nnd his injured foot has been examined by Dr. Moore. We are glad to learn that the wounds are not so serious as was apprehended from the tele gram relating to the gun accident at Russell; no bonea are broken, and no serious operation will be necessary. It is hoped, therefore, that Mr Pond will shortly be able to resume his business duties.

A general meeting of the members of the Acclimatisation Society will bo held to morrow (Friday) afternoon, h: the Museum Buildings, Princes-street. Business :To decide what recommendations to make to tho Government lespccting the duration of the approaching game season, the amount of license fee, etc. Holders of game licenses for 1831 are reminded that they are members of the society, and arc invited to attend and take part in the proceedings.

Captain Fairchild has presented the Auckland Museum with a numbcrof ganuof, which lie caught on White Island, and also several interesting specimens of the lizard species, known as tuatara, from tho island of Karewa. Tho latter vary from ono foot to twenty inches in length, aud aro of a darkish colour with white snots hero and thero on the head and back. They will provo a very acceptable addition to the present collection of curiosities, and Captain Faircliild certainly deserves thanks for his generosity in thus making them public property.

A lady writing from Melbourne to a relativo in Auckland says :—•'There is a great scare hero about small-pox. Harry was vaccinated yesterday from the cow, I was afraid to havo it done from arm to arm. Do had to wait his turn out in the sun, and fainted. Just like men's manage ment ; they charge 5a each, and men, women and children aro treated all together like pigs. I went the week before and saw a number of people with bare arms, and the cow made me feel quite sick. One poor man died at the quarantine station this morning. He was wrapped in a sail and buried. Another girl is not likely to live."

The laying of tho telegraphic cable from Shelly Beach Point to Morthcoto was to have takon place this morning, but owing to the water being somewhat rough it was deemed advisable to postpone the opera tions till to-morrow. The cablo, which i 3 of the same description as that used for the Cook's Strait cable, is composed of three wires, and is about li miles long, It runs about nine tons to the mile. Three telephone stations will be fitted up at the North bhore side of tho harbour, viz,, one at Devonport, ono at Takapuna, and one at Northcote.

Light is thrown upon tho question of the (Jtago runs by mapi which may be seen at tho oilice of Messrs Vale and Douglas, Shortland-street. According to these maps these runs appear to embrace the larger portion of the Government land in the pro vincial district of Otago. Intending pnr chasers and others can inspect these maps and Obtain every information from Messrs Vaile and Douglas. Tho maps disclose a considerable provision for settlement. Full particulars ns to locality and boun dary accompany the map?. The sale takes place in Dunedin on the 27th inst., when there should be a rather large turn out at Watson's long room.

On Tuesday evening, at the regular weekly meeting of tho Sir Henry Havelock Lodge of Good Templars, under the New Zealand Constitution, tho following officers for the current quarter wero installed by Bro Lye (Lodge Deputy), assisted by Bros Young and Marsden :—W.C.T., Bro Clif ford (re-elected); W.V.T., Bro Lawford, senr. j W.S., Bro Montrose; W.A.S., Bro Nymbourns; W.T.S., Bro Dysart; W.T., BroGoldie; W.C., Bro Whittcm ; W.M., Bro Anderson; W.D.M., Bro McManus ; W.1.6., Bro Backhouse, ibis lodgo is rapidly increasing in numbers and in fluence, but during the summer months the attendance at tho weekly meetings has not been so numerous as it might be, and hopes were expressed at the last meeting that the absentees would put in appearance during the quarter.

A conference of workers In fhe cause of total abstinence will be opened to-morrow evening at 7.30 in the Temperance Hall, and continued on Saturday and Monday evenings. Several papers bearing on im portant questions will bo read by (heir authors. The papers for to-morrow evening will be of special interest, viz., "Tho his tory of the temperance cause in Auckland," by Mr J. AY, Carr, and another, we under stand, by Mr Edger, on "Compensation." On Saturday the new Licensing Act will be introduced and its clauses discusaed. On Monday two papers will bo read—tho first, on "Our work in relation to theyouug," by Mr W. J. Macdermott; and the second, " Our work for the future," by Mr John Jenkins. Other particulars will bo seen in the advertisement. These meetings, if pro psrly conducted, may prove of much public advantage and worthy of public notice.

A special meeting of tho parishioners of St. Luke's, Mount Albert, was held on the evening of the Gth inst., when the question of enlarging the church was considered, the Her. John Haselden in the chair. The chairman informed the meeting that, ac cording to the rules of tho Anglican Church in New Zealand, one-fourth of tho sittings in every church must be free seats, and that more than three-fourths of the sittings in their church were let at the present time, und that they could let more if they had them, Mr H. S. Wallace proposed, and .Mr Thompson seconded, " That, in the opinion of this meeting, tho time has now arrived when the church should be enlarged." Carried. A general desire was expressed that the money should be raised before commencing the work. Mr A. K. Taylor offered to give £100, provided the parish raised £200, or a sum in the same ratio up to £100, On the motion of Mr Beck, this offer was accepted, and a vote ot thanks was passed to Mr Taylor. It was further resolved that the clergyman should issue collecting cards to eligible persons, and Mr Beck be appointed treasurer to the fund. A vote of thanks closed the meeting.

The Mastodon Minstrels were favoured with a good house on the occasion of the presentation of their new programme last night. It was an excellent compilation, and. every item upon it appeared to give satisfaction. There was an Improvement in the singing of the sentimental songs, and the comic ones caused any amount of merri ment, Billy Wilson of course being encored as usual for the exuberant by-play which he associates with his vocal contribution. Messrs Morton, Young, Gilmore and Moody gave a song and dance ; Billy Wilson followed with another, and J. Gilmore fur nished an amusing character sketch entitled "The Villain still Pursued Her." The clog tournament of the opening per formance was repeated, the orchestra executed in capital stylo some fresh selections of instrumental music, and two laughable farces, viz., " Black Justice" and "That Boy Pete," were performed. The programme gave great satisfaction, In the arrangement of the next one, however, the Minstrels should seek to introduce some good local " hits " as a means of flavouring and rendering piquant their dish of wit and humour. At present it partakes too much of insipidity, many of the jokes and con undrums being quite familiar in Auckland.

! A gathering of members of the Wesleyan communion was held last night in the school-room, Pitt-street, for the purpose of hearing from the local delegates to the recent conference at Christchurch a report of the proceedings thereat. 'Ihe meeting was opened with devotional exercises, after which addresses were delivered by the Rev. W. Morley and Messrs J. I/. AVilson and James Buttle. They spoke gratefully of the cordial welcome they had received in the South, referred to this and previous conferences, and dwelt at some length upon the scene associated with the formal retirement of the Bey. Thomas ' Buddie from active duty after 47 years con tinuous ministerial work. A statement of Ihe condition of the Home Mission and educational funds was made, and par ticulars given concerning the establishment of a church loan extension fund for the purpose of reducing the debts on the dif ferent churches, as well as information being supplied on various other matters, A vote of thanks was passed to the repre sentatives tor report. The proceedings were brought to a close with the pronoun cing of the benediction.

General entries and acceptances for the Waikato Turf Club races will be re ceived by Mr Percival, at hia office, Queen-street, up till 8 p.m., to-morrow evening.

A man named Charles Williams, alias Waters, died at the Mount Eden gaol yes terday. He was undergoing a four years' sentence for forgery, having been sentenced in April, 1880. An inquest on the remains was being held this afternoon.

An exhibition o£ smoke-preventing appli' ances has been opened at the Albert Hall. The Lord Mayor and Sheriffs attended in State, and the Princess Louise, the Marquis of Lome, and several ladies and gentlemen of high social position were present. The report of the committee was adopted on th<! motion of the Marquis, who pointed out the evils arising from smoke, and the desirability of its abatement.

We learn on good authority that the Duuedin resident partner of MeasrsSargopd, Son, and Ewen, ia at present in our city for the purpose of selecting a site, (in which he has succeded in a very central position) whereon to erect a large warehouse for the extension of their present bnsiness as soft goods warehousemen.

Mr John Petford, of High-street, to whom tho contract for lighting the Whau Lunatic Asylum with gisoline was let, has pushed on so rapidly with the work that he antici pates lighting up the building before tho end of the week. There are 2GO burners, for the supply of which three machines, three gas-houses, and a magazine for storing the gasoline aro required. Tho Asylum is, we believe, tho largest building in the world yet lighted by the gasoline process.

A London correspondent writes :—I hear that an anonymous admirer of the late Lord Boacnnsiield has transmitted to his lord ship's trustees the funds necessary to clear Huphoudon Manor of all incumbrances, The sum is something over £50,000, and tho donor gives no clue whatever to his idoutity. Some people believe that ho is a member of the groat firm of Kothschilds, but this is nothing more than a guess, and the only definite fact ia that Mr Coningsby Disraeli will be enabled to tako possession of his uncle's property froo of all burdens.

It is usually supposed that the Queen has laid by a great deal ot money, and, acting on this supposition, it is nsked why she cannot provide for her family. As a matter of fact, oho has not. When Prince Albeit died, manyot the State departments were in debt; these debts have been paid oil. Some of thcniT-such as that of tho Master of the House, for which £10,000 per annum ia allowed—always have to borrow from the other departments, or from the Privy Purso. Although the Court docs not entertain largely, the wise-en- cene is pretty much the same as if it did. Tho Queen really does not put past as much as £20,000 per annum on an average of years. She has always given, I believe, £100,000 to each of her daughters who was married, and this has drained her savings.

The Mayor will move at the City Council to-night, "Thatthia Council, feeling that some recognition of Sergeant Purdy's valu able services is necessary, particularly in the recent capture and prosecution of the notorious Fred. Plummer, which was fol lowed by the cessation of those depreda tions which had become so alarmingly fre quent, respectfully request tho Government to take the matter into consideration, and, if possible, to reward that officer oy promo tion, or in such other way as may appear to the Government most titting.' (2) That plans be prepared with tho view ot fixing tho levels of Custom • house street East from its junction with Fort street to the Strand, also of Eden-street from ita junction with Jennyitstreet to Custom-house-street East. That plans be prepared showing a continuation of Jcrmyn-strect in a direct line to Custom houae-street East, and showing permanent level of such continuation. That an estimate be made of the cost of bringing to their permanent levels the following streets and any in vicinity similarly situated) : Shortlandstreet.Emily Place, Jcrmyn-strcot,

Eden-street, \Vaterloo Quadrant, Symonds

street and Parliament-street, including (whore necessary), kerbing, chanclling, and footpath, and deducting from each tho estimated amount of such cost which could be recouped by arranging with the Govern ment to deposit surplus earth on tho rail way reclamation."

Tho Devonpoit Steam Ferry Company's steamer Victoria is now running regularly between North Shore and Auckland

wharves, and in all respects come up to tho

anticipations of those interested. In the construction of this steamer tho directors

havo not only contributed largely to the comfort of tho travelling public, but havo (•hewn that our Auckland workmen arc quite as far advanced in ninny respects as the tradesmen o? larger and moro im portant ship-building centres. Gentlemen from Australia and Southern ports, who havo travelled by tho Victoria, ngree in pronouncing her the most complete and handsome specimen of a ferry steamer yet turned out in the colonies.and quite equal to many vessels on the English ferry services. As compared with tne old steamers, Taka pnna nnd Devonport, the Victoria Beems like a mansion alongsido of a cottage. Her cabins are got up in the richest style. The fore-cabin pannelling is worked with walnu and binls'-eye maple, and tho after-cabin with white nnd gold. The latter is fur. nished with luxurious maroon velvet-plush cushions for seating, and in all other res« pects is most suitably adapted for pleasant travelling. Both cabins aro carpeted with linoleum of a suitable pattern, and the workmanship exhibited is not surpassed even in the largo coastal steamers, The painting was dono by Messrs Sheppard and Hooker, and the upholstering by Messrs Kobertson Bros, With respect to speed, the Victoria maintains a good repu tation, doing the trip from Auckland to the near wharf in an average of eight minutes, while the Tainui and Takapuna take about fifteen or twenty minutes, and the Devonport about twenty.five minutes steaming the same distance. Altogether the Victoria is a very creditable produc tion, and the directors deserve to be con gratulated on the result of their efforts to secure something far surpassing tho old boats.

The Obskrtkr's Valentines (sorious and comic) addressed to Auckland notables. See Friday's paper. Dresses at tub Cricket Match.—A long Hat of all the principal drosses worn at tho All Knuland Cricket Match, in Friday's Obßerver.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Love is the poetry of human nature. '■ I belons to the press gang, you kaow," said Charley, as he threw his .arms about Corinda's waist.

" Why should we celebrate Washington's birthday more than mino ?"• asked a teacher. — " Because he never told a lie," shouted a littlo boy. •:,

A country hairdresser of our acquaint' ance says he is the head man of the town.

An exchange thinks it always seems wrong at a wedding that the bride cannot marry the " best man." Oh, no. She marries the groom. If there was a coach man present, no doubt she would marry him. It's all right.

The Union S.S. Co.'s s.s, To Anau will taice the children of the charitable institu tions on their excursion next Wednesday,

Mr Shcehan, M.H.K., obtained a pro miso from the Premier that he will pay a visit to the Thames, and go via the Upper Thames to Waikato.

Dr. Wilkins, ot Christchurch, has suc ceeded in grafting the front portion of a rabbit upon another animal's eye. The doctor hopes that the time will come when the operation could bo extended to human eyes. In ten years tho shipping trade of N.S.W. has increased by 932,300 tons, while the tonnage entering and leaving Victorian ports has increased 824,874 tons.

A contemporary says it had hardly pub lishod its first nurabor when the editor re ceived a lengthy communication from "A Constant Reader."

Why is not the Old Dog Tray the faithful creature he is described to bs in the song? — Because if he is so very faithful he can't be Tray (betray). The Auckland Gas Company invite tenders for the purchase of 725 shares in the company ; tenders to be delivered on or before the 17th inst. at noon.

The defalcations of Robert Atkinson, mining manager, Ballarat, who committed suicide, are nor estimated at £2,000. In one case Atkinson misappropriated £500 which had been entrusted to him tp invest for a miner, who obtained it from , dividends of various claims.

' The completion of the great St. Uothard tunnel is officially announced, as also the commencement of the regular train-service on January 1, The cost of the undertaking from first to last has been 5(J,508,620 tranes (£2,272,344). The yacht Waitangi was entered for the' Anniversary Kegatta at Sydney, but wbb beaten by the Sirocco, 10 tons. Let us never forget that every station in life in necessary; that each deserves our respect; that not the station itself, but the worthy fulfilment of its duties, does honour to a map.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER.

(By the " Vagabond.")

Sydmey, February 2, SIR 'JENERY.

As I prophesied, the " S.M. Herald " had a special correspondent to meet our Premier at San Francisco, and the " Evening News " is euchred by the cablegrams which the leading journal has commenced to print anent the starring tour of our own 'Enery. There are unkind peeple who say that their " special" is none other than Miss Pavkes, whose despatches will, of course, be revised by papa; and, really, the tono of the wire in to-day's paper is very amateurish. It may bo that it is " padded " up from a couple of lines, in which case the work is done very badly. We are told that the leading public men of 'Frisco are ppying great attention to 'Eneiy. Cocktails, I suppose, are forced on him from every direc tion ; his name is put on the list for free drinks at the bars of the Palace, Frank's, and Kosicre's; Col. George E. Barnes has given him a champagne breakfast at the Clift House; and DaveNexfield, editor of the " News Letter" has shown him through the Chinese quarter, They are nothing if not hospitable in the city behind the Golden Gate, and 'Enery will be a deadhead every where. Well, if he has a better time than I had there recently I forgive him. I won der what the engineer of the " cable road," which the " Herald" calls " the wire tram way system," thought of the Premier of New South Wales. I can imagine one as I saw htm some three months back, in rough working things, calm, self-possesspd, intelligent, courteous —a gentleman in his demeanour of language, as all true American mechanics are. The other in his shiuy broad-cloth, hat cocked on the one side, with his air of patronage to whosoever he thinks will submit to it, murdering the Queen's English in every sentence, "acharlatau" iv politics as in private life. Sir 'Enery, you may he sure, will bo estimated at his truo value in the U.S. The journals may not say all they think, for tuny are courteous and hospitable to strangers; but I have arranged for private letters from 'Frisco and Nctv York with the true account of the Premier's doings. PATRICK HIGGINS. " Honourable " and M.L.C., but to most of the world known affectionately as "Pat Higgins." An Irish gentleman, a Liberal Catholic, a firm friond, a magnificent host, II genial companion. Ho is indeed a loss to the community. The mere outline of his life has been sketched in the daily papers, but the real worth and charity of the man have not been done justice to. I met him in Victoria, and he was one of my first frienda in New South Wales. It is four years since we had a charming excur sion over the Zig Zag, to Lethgow, Mount Victoria,'and Govett's Leap. Mr Higgins was the life and soul of the party. Strong and sturdy, younger than his years. 1 remember that when he chaffed me on my laziness and infirmities, I replied, " I shull be in my grave ten years before you." And now he is gone ; the one is taken and the other left. Those who do good in this world die in their youth or prime, the worthless alone live, Yet the Rood they have done does not die, and "Pat" •Higgins Hveß in his deeds and the memories of his friends. 1i.1.P. THE STORY OF MRS WATSON. All Australia has been ringing with the account of the heroic death of Mrs Watson, in the history of this continent there is no more pathetic record. The wonderful escape from ths savages who strove to out rage and murder her and her babe, the drifting from island to island in an old mpra tank, the devotion of the China man, Ah Sam, who at last " went away to die," crawling into the boat Unit his ashes might not oSend his mistress, the mother's solicitude tor her child, the fortitude exhibited in every line of the diary —no grumbling,.no whimpering, cheerful almost in the records—"Baby very much better; baby more cheerful,' with the last sad line—"Dead with thirst!" If tho tears do not well up from every man's heart as he reads this, if the first fruits of his sou), brain, and pen, are not poured forth in honour of this noblo woman, for whoso Rako ono would fain believe in a heaven where she should have the highest reward—he is a callous brute indeed. There is a culminating horror in the suspicion that the mother died before tho infant. HOSPITAL MISMANAGEMENT. The directors of tho Sydney Hospital arc quarrelling among themselves as to the appointment of oflicinls, and the names by which they aro to bo known. Mies Osborn wishes to be (called " lady superinten dent," which would give her a superior status to the "resident medical officer." But it has been proposed, and I am sure will be carried out, that a "resident superintendent" should bo appointed who should hare supreme control. It is highly essential, I think, that this functionary should be a medical man. The arguments used by the "Herald" that surgeons might not possess sufficient administrative ability in absurd. How is it in (lunatic asylums, which in New South ■Wales aro elliciently managed by • profes sional gentlemen ? Besides, id time it will be necessary to have several resident medi cal officers, and they must have a head, who should be a doctor ablo to direct and com mand younger men. In English hospitals ■the house-surgeon" is the boss, having under him the assistant house-surgeon and the matron. In this age of snobbery these latter must be called "medical officers" and "lady superintendent." " SHOUTING." My dear friend, Father Dowling, late of Australia, now a Trappist monk at Mount Mallory, told me a good story anent his first return to Erin. Like every Irishman ho was tond of a horse; few men rode better. Many a time I have said, " Father, dear, it's the breeches and tops you ought to wear, instead of tho soutaine." The first morning after his arrival at bis native Kildare ho wont out to see the horses exercising on the Curragh; there he met an old trainer ; who had known him as a boy—"And what do they say in Australia V he asked. " Well, when two old friends meet one of them generally shouts," was tho reply of the young priest. "Shout! Well that's quare anyhow, but d'ye see the spires of Kildare tower miles across the green sod o' the Curragh, > for your father's aon I'll shout a shout can ' be heard there." " Shouting " is essentially | an Australian phrase. It is founded on English and American customs, and is deeply engrafted in our natures. An " Anti-Shonting" Society has just been formed in Sydney. As George Augustus Sala traced all the crime of the American people to an immoderate consumption of pic, so Momberg, the Barber, and Irs' friends ascribe all our evils to the per nicious habit of shouting. At times it may be that the order " set them up again" leads to too much drinking, but this is far better than the practice of lone drinking. A man who tipples by him self is in the very last stage. AMUSEMENTS. Miss Ada Ward had a grand reception at the Queen's on Saturday night. It is more than four yeara since I have Been her play, and she is certainly very much improved; has matured with experience. " Pinafore" has been re-produced at the Opera House. This theatre is well adapted for this form of entertainment. The critics do not like the first performance. All the artistes have become demoralised by playing and singing in tkat trashy piece, " Patience," and it will take them some little time to got up to " Pinafore " form. " Tho Green Lanes " lias been so highly successful that it is running in its fifth week at the Gaiety. But "Michael Strogoff" will positively be produced on Saturday. "Ye Fayro of ye Olden Time" at St. Mary's Cathedral will shortly be open. This is sure to bring a large sum to the Building Fund. The Catholics know how to manage this sort of thing, and some of the best fami lies and most charming young ladies here belong to that faith. I shall be there 1 ETCETERAS. We all want to know what Mr Abbot, M.L.A, for Queensdale wants if he won't take a Stipendiary Magistracy. Such a faithful follower of Parkes is sure to be rewarded. . There are always pickings and stealings for a lawyer, but few medical men have had the luck of Dr. Renwick. A tyro in politics, although of first repute in his profession, to be made Minister in his second session is an event. The " Echo " every week publishes some humorous or pathetic tales from the "S.F. News Letter," Somo of these are very talented, and move one to alternate laughter or tears, The author is Mr D. W, C. Nesfield, who lived in the colonies some years ago. On the California!! press he has acquired a high reputation. The States has recently sent us one good thing, besides St. Louis lager beer. Boyd, of San Francisco, the only Boyd, is now the champion photographer of New South Vales and the colonies. With horror and dread I went the other day to be taken. In two minutes from the time I entered the room I was out again, the result the best portrait ever produced of " the Vagabond,"

OUR WELLINGTON LETTER.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT),

WELLINGTON, this day. MR BRYCE'S VISII TO AUCK LAND. Mr Bryce intends going North shortly to interview Tawhiao and the Colonial Trea surer will probably go South next week to spend a month in travelling through the island. The Premier is expected to return here in about a tortnight. SALE OF ROTORUA. There is some grumbling here at the ar rangements for the sale of the Kotorua township. It is thought that some of the sections ought to be reserved for sale in each of the principal cities instead of all being disposed of in Auckland, where a few well-known speculators are likely to have the best chance of grabbing the bulk of the ' best land. Several persons here who desire to procure sections will either have to go to Auckland to bid or appoint agents, and thus be placed at a great disadvantage over Auckland residents. BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. The Benevolent Society Committee last night adopted a very novel method of at tempting to gag the press. It was pointed out that, as the press had sometimes taken occasion to criticise unfavourably the action of the committee, it would be as well to elect the editors of the two papers members of the committee, and this was accordingly done without the consent of the parties most interested. Most of tha clerical gentlemen present winked and grinned, and evidently thought the thing a capital joke. The " Post" to-night mildly dresses the committee down and an nounces that the editor will decline to act on the board,

THE MONTAGUE-TUKNEE COMPANY.

The Montague-Turner Opera Company still draws crowded houses. People here appear to be infatuated with Miss Annis Montague, and her name is in every fashion able mouth. She is discussed with every meal, and even the papers have gone crazy over her charms—personal and vocal. The " rimes " Ivid a long leader on her the other day, and to-day a sub-leader, in which the writer gushes over the prima donna ad nauscmn.

EDEN COUNTY COUNCIL.

The annual meeting of the Eden County Couucil was held yesterday afternoon in Mr. Stodarfs ollice, Insurance Buildings. Present :—T. T. Maseh'eld (chairman), B. Ireland, F. Cherry, J. H. Field, K. C. Carr, J. Jenkins, Garrett, and May. Mr. Stodart, secretary, read the minutes, which were approved. Mr Masefield then left the chair, and Mr. F. Cherry was voted to the position, pro. tern. Mr Garrett then proposed Mr Ji. Ireland for chairman for tho ensuingyear, which was put and carried. Mr Cherry withdrew in favour of the newly elected chairman, Mr Ireland returned thanks for the honour, and hoped all their business meetings and discussions would be conducted in an amicable spirit. He would remind the Council that as the Counties Act was now brought Into operation in Eden, they could hold no other meeting this year except a special meeting to bring the Act into operation, and their business to-day was to divide the subsidies and revenue for the ensuing year. In pursuance of this object, he would move, " 'lhat after paying expenses, the revenue be divided in the following manner, in proportion to tho rates :—One-fourth to the three sub urban ridings, and three-fourths to the county ridings." In proposing this motion ho could only say that the General Go vernment, while having the division of the funds, bad acted in a very different manner to that adopted by the Provincial Council. Mr Garrett seconded the motion. Mr Field said he had an amendment to propose, viz., "That after paying expenses oil monies accruing to the Council be dirided equally amongst the Highway Boards in proportion, to their rates."—Mr Field considered that his amendment was strictly in accordance with right and justice. The revenue was mode up out of a proportion of the land fund, licenses, and fees collected in the highway districts. They recently bad payments from the County fund, and were told that it was made up in this way ap proximately—fees and licenses, £950 ; sub sidies, £500—so that the subsidy was con siderably the smaller part of the revenue. The chairman based his motion on the revenue from the subsidy alone, but that was not a fair ground on which to base it, as it was the least; nor was it equitable that those who contributed the J argent portion of the fees should only get a fourth of their own revenue. He hoped, on tlie-:e grounds, that his amend ment would be carried.—Mr Cherry seconded, and said that in the district which he represented there were six public houses paying license fees of £300 a-year, and if the resolution proposed by the chair man were carried, the district would secede from tho county, and the Council would not get a penny of that revenue. It was only \>\co justice to ask for a fair di vision of the revenue, according to tho rates levied in each highway district.— Mr Jenkins spoke in support of the motion, and Mr Masefield in support of the amend ment.—Mr Udy mado some remarks.— Finally the original resolution was modi fied, and moved by Mr Carr.—Mr Field's amendment was lost; and the altered mo tion, making it one-third to the suburban Boards and two-thirds to the out-district Boards, was carried.—Mr Stodart was ap pointed clerk to the Council, at £25 per annum—the terms of the previous year. - Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Masefield (late chairman), and the meeting separated.

RICHMOND ROAD AND SPRINGBANK.

MEETING OF RESIDENTS.

A meeting o( the residents in Springbank and Richmond was held last night, at Mrs Creevy'a store, to consider what steps should be taken to get the Klohraond Road metalled. There was a good attendance, and Mr Andrews was voted to the obalr.-In his Introductory remarks, the chairman referred to tho disgraceful state in which the road was allowod to lie, through the refusal ottho Ponionby Board to pay its /air share for the maintenance of thn street, lie considered It absolutely necessary that some thing should be done at onoe, or the same dis graceful state of affairs would oontinue to exist throughout the winter.—Messrs Holland, Davis, Datton, Vaulder, and other gentlemen ad dressed the meeting.-It was Btatcd in tha courso of a conversational discussion that the road divided the Newton and Ponsonby DlstJiots, that the Aot provided that the footpaths were the boundaries on either side. Provision for the centre of tha road had been made by a saving olaaßO which Mr Swsnson had Inserted in the Act, and which ruled that the Ponaonby and Newton Boards were equally liable for Cho oost of repairs and maintenance. Several of the ecoaHers Bald that repeated petitions and applications had been made to tho Ponsonby Board to do Boms thing in the way of metalling the street, but each had been refused, 'l he Newton Board, which had always been willing to bear half the cost, wrote to the Ponsonby Truetcoa, asking them to co-operate In the performance of the work, buc they declined, at the earao time expressing willingness to expend £10 In Brown-street, whioh was in Ponsonby district, if Newton would make a similar outlay on Richmond Road. It was also stated that Ponsonby col lected a great deal more ratos in Kiohmond Koad than Newton, the proportion being more than tares to ono. Referenoo was also mado tothe diffloultr of getting goods oarted down the road, and one speaker said that they had to pay fis to 7a 09' a load in summer, while in wlntor tlioy oould not got anything taken down in a vehiole for love or money. In faot they were praotically cut ofi from civili sation, so far as tho carting of goods was concerned. Several residents of Spring bank, who were present, spoke in very dissatis fied terms of the neglect their district had ex perienced at tho hands Of t»o Ponsonby B mrd, and It was asserted that whereas fully £1,000 had been collsotod in rates during the last five yoara only £2,50 had been spent In the district during that time.—A suggestion that Spring bank Bhould join Nowton was very favourably reooived, and Mr Faalder said that the Newton Tni3toeg would bo willing to tako over either the whole or a part of tha dlalriot.—lt was also sug. gested that an effort should bo made to have Kiohmond Road and Springbank represented on tho next Ponsonby Board. — Mr Brown thought the Counties Aot should be brought into force in ibe district, and that would oompel the neoessary steps to be taken for the repair of the road.—Mr Faulder said ha believed tho whole of the members in the County Counoil were pledged to support the hanging np of the Aor.—Mr Brown then suggested that they should wait on the Premier with the objeot of terminating the dead-look which at present existed.—After some f urthor discussion, a motion by Mr Donald requesting the Chair man of the Newton Board $o oall a meeting of trustees and ratepayers to consider the position of affairs, was passed, and Immediately after wards rescinded.—lt was then agreed, on the motion of Mr Lalng, seconded by Mr Davis, " That a deputation of five ratepayers — three from Ponsonby and two from New , ton — wait on the Ponsonby Board at Its next meeting, in reference to tho maintenance of the road." — Mesara Tripp Redforn, Lutton, Andrews, and Holland, were appointed to form the deputation,—lt was also agreed that if tho Ponsonby Board refused to take aotion in the matter, that the chairman of the Newton Board should be requasted to oall a public moeting to consider tho question.—Votes of thanks were passed to Mrs Creevy for the use of the room, and to tlje Kveninq Stab for tending a reporter. ,

" Yes," he cried, passionately, " I love you so true, so true I" " Never mind, dar ling," said she, artlessly, "I'll have my trousseau ordered at once."

THE LIZARD ISLAND TRAGEDY.

THE DEATH OF A COURAGEOUS

WOMAN,

Brisbane, Jan. 22. The schooner Kate Kearney arrived this morning. Captain Bremner reports calling at Number 5 Island, Horwick Group, where he accidentally discovered three skeletons, which on investigation proved to be those of Mrs Watson, her child, and one China man. The bones of the mother and child were found in half an iron tank, in which tliey esooped from Lizard Island. A re volver, full cocked and loaded, was by her side, also a box containing her clothes, ac count-books, and diary. TheOhinama'n, Ah Sam, was found about 20 yards distant, under a tree, with a loaded rifle. They evidently died from thirst, as plenty ot provisions were found. The Government schooner Spitfire proceeds on Monday with Mr Fahey,' Inspector Fitzgerald, and Captain Watson, to recover the remains, which were carefully covered by Captain Bremner, who read the Church of England burial service over them. The tank in which Mrs Watson escaped was half an ordinary ship's tank, used for boiling bechc-de-mer. The Chinaman was speared in seven places. Mrs Watson had evidently extracted the spears and dressed the wounds, as bandages wore found under the skeleton. a The dates in the diary prove that death occurred at least five days before any suspicion of the disaster reached Cook town. The following are extracts from Mrs Watson's diary:—October 9: Brought the tank ashore as far as possible with this morning's tide; made camp all day under the trees. Blowing very hard. No water. Gave baby a dip in the sea. He is showing ssmptons of thirst, and took a dip myself. Ah Sam and self very parched with thirst. Baby showing symptoms. Sunday 10: Baby very bad with inflammation; very much, alarmed ; no fresh water and no more milk but condensed; self very weak. Really thought I should have died last night. Monday, lltli; Still all alive. Baby very much better this morning ; self feeling very weak. I think it will rain to-day; clouds very heavy; wind not quite so high j no rain; every appearance of fine weather. Ah Sam gone away to die ; have not seen him since the 9th. Baby more cheerfnl; self not feeling at all well. Have not seen any bouts of any description. No water. Dead with thirst." The diary ends abruptly, but death must soon have ensued, as they had then been five days without water. , She says a steamer passed on 7th October, and that they made signals, but failed to at tract attention. The island is about 40 miles distant from Lizard Island, and right in the track of steamers.

Tuesday. An official telegram states that the diary shows that Mrs Watson left Lizard Island on 3rd October. She iv as afloat all night, and next day she landed on a reef, where she remained till the Gth, when she left, pulling the tank io No. 1 Island, Horwick Group. There she looked for water, as what they liad bro ight was exhausted. She saw some natives, and left, and reached No. 5 Island, where she died.

UNION SASH AND DOOR STRIKE.

A special meeting of the Bricklayers; Society was held at the Working Men's Club last evening. There were about fifty present, and Mr J. W. Porter, junr., president of the society, presided. Several delegates from other trade societies were accommodated with seats on the plat form.

lhe Chairman announced that the meet ing had been called with regard to the Union Sash and Door lock-out. Mr Gerd moved "That we, the brick layers of Auckland, heartily sympathise with the locked-out workmen of the Union Company for resisting tbe arbitrary con duct of the management to enforce the ten hours, and hereby pledge ourselves to give all legal and moral support and assistance to maintain the eight hours as a consti tuted day's work. The speaker said he was one of the oldest workmen in Auck land, and twenty years ago assisted to bring in the eight hours system. He had strenuously upheld tha principle and was prepared, as far as lay in his power, to give every assistance, not only with his tongue, but also with his purse. He wai sure that his brother workmen had the same feelings in the matter, and would do likewise. Mr Mell seconded. Carried unanimously.

Mr Hunter said the resolution he had to movehefeltrather diffident in doing, butstill he did so with considerablepleasure. It was, " That those workmen who are still in employ at said works will earnestly con sider the obloquy of their conduct in lend ing themselves to an obnoxious precedent by continuing at work, thereby causing bad feeling when fraternity should exist." In looking at the Union Sash and Door Company th<;y found a big banking institu tion connected with it-the managing di rector of the company was the manager of that bank. He asked the company, ii grinding the men down was treating them Fairly, was it " doing unto others as they wished to bo done by?' He wondered how the directors would feel were they placed in juxtaposition with the men.' He wished the resolution he had moved to go forth to the world with no uncertain sound. He looked upon the action of the company as affecting the whole working population of Auckland. They should rally round the lock-outs, and give them moral and pe cuniary support to enable them to resist the incursion on their rights and privileges. Tne speaker briefly sketched the history of the "lock-out." He said he was sorry toheartbat when one of the management had been a workman at the mill, he got along har moniously with his fellow workmen, but now—well it was an illustration of the old adage about " putting a beggar on horse back, etc., etc," There was one thing that bad occurred to him in considering the action of the company. It was this : If they were not prepared to put on extra bands, they had no right to monopolise large orders which they could not complete by working on the ordinary working hours, thereby bringing premature old age upon the workmen. There was a rumour current that the management of the company had been going round the othci mills, making requests that the "lock outs " should not be employed. He did not know whether it was true or not, but would like it to go forth to the public, It behoved the whole vorking community to assist. He would be prepared to do so morally, financially and if it came to the point he would not have the slightest hesi tancy in doing it physically. (Loud ap plause.) Mr Crouch seconded. He fully endorsed all that had been said by the mover of the proposition. . The motion was then put and carried without dissent.

The delegate from the Amalgamated Society of Jsngineers said that thu society to which he belonged had distributed a number of subscription lists among the steamers and workshops. The Union men had come out pretty tii ,

and he thought they should have amplt, support to make them independent of all circumstances. The action of the -work men of Auckland in supporting these men would show the people who allect to look down on labour that there was something noble in the working classes—a steadiness of purpose and consistency of principle, It would thow that they were determined to support the eight-houra system, They had a hard battle before them, and capital was an implacable enemy, but he felt it would terminate in victory. He reminded his hearers that those whose hands -were browned with honest toil, and who earned their bread by the Bweat of their brows, were tbe noblest of men.

Mr Crouch suggested (hat If the mon would not come out their names .should be obtained, and they might be made use of at some future time.

Mr Kipley, one of the lock-outs, said from the biggest man to tbe smallest boy, they had determined to stop out till their just demands were met. The representative of the Engineers' So ciety recommended the formation of a Trade and Labjur Council, which would bo of incalculable service to the working classes in the case of a dispute like this. It would be the Archimedian lever that could be used when necessity required it.

The meeting here took a conversational turn, and broke up with » vote of thanks to the chairman.

Along the line route of the cable across the Waitomata, as great a depth as 84 feet has been found in places.

Rfr Robert Hew, Victoria-street, has been appointed agent tor Mossrs Bird and 80113, of Birmingham, the woll-known manu facturers of the celebrated blanc mange, cus tard, and egg powders. One oaee sample packages having been received, Mr Row will be pleased to supply ladies, desirous of experi menting with these really good seasonable and genuine articles, a sample package of any of the | various powders free of cost.

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

Three Trains WrecJced in a Tunnel.

SERIOUS LOSS OF LIFE.J

A sad accident occurred at an early hour on Saturday morning on the short branch railway running out of tne North London line at the Canonbury Junction aud ter minating at the Finsbury Park Station ot the Great Northern Railway. The branch is not more than a mile and a quarter in length, aud of this distance about five hun. dred yards is occupied by a tunnel runninij underneath the high ground of Highbury The line was constructed to give an access to the city by the Broad-street Station for the many residents in the northern suburbs of Hoinsey, Bigbgage, Barnet, Southgate Enlield, &c, who without it must perforce have used the Great Northern line to King* Cross only, and thence travelled over tne Metropolitan underground line into the ci.y. There are three block signal stations ' between the Finsbury Park Junction and Canonbury. One of these lets the trains on to the branch at Finsbury Park; another is situated about midway within a quarter of a mile of tbe northern end of the tunnel; and the third is at the Southern end of the tunnel, within about a quarter of a mile of the Canonbury Station on the North Lon don Railway. The branch is worked by the staff k of the North London Railway for the Groat Northern Railway Company, who are the owners of the short connecting line, and who)jprovide the pointsman and signal men at the Finsbury Park box, and at the midway signal station. The third signal box on the south side of the tunnel being upon the JM orth London territory is manned by a North London officer, who is supposed to control the junction.

This was the condition of affairs on Satur day morning at the Fiiisbury Park Junc tion, -when a train from East Barnet, timed to leave the tormer at 8.54 a.m., ran into tbe station. Having taken in a tew pas sengers, it was passed on to the junction line, and proceeded at its usual speed to wards Dalston. Upon reaching the southern end of the Highbury tunnel, the train was brought up by the North London signalman at the junction box, who telegraphed back its arrival to the Great Northern signalman at the midway box. From this moment, unhappily, there appears to have been a most unfortunate and indescribable misun derstanding between these two signalmen, the effect of which was that as the next three following trains—the first from Finsbury Park at 8.58 a.m., the second from Knfield at 9.3 a.m., and the third from Finsbury Park at 9.8 a.m.—arrived at tbe midway signal station, they were severally telegraphed forward, and successively struck into each other with terrible force in the darkness of the High bury tunnel. The first train managed to get out of the tunnel with some difficulty, and was the earliest to convey intelligence of tbe collision that had happened to the stationmaster at Canonbury, who im mediately telegraphed to Broad-street station and got together as quickly as possible such aid as could be obtained from the neighbourhood. Bat before any real assistance could be afforded the* two succeeding trains had crashed into each other, the engine of the Enfield train tele scoping that which had been just pre viously wrecked, partially mounting the ' debris and doing serious damage to many passengers prostrate and helpless from pie ceding shocks, when the engine of the fourth train ran violently into the guard's van of the third, thus com pleting the wreck of three trains within the short compass of a tunnel less than sis hundred yards long. The shock of the several collisions had extinguished nearly all the lights in tbe carriages, and the horror of the catastrophe was increased by tbe almost total darkness in which, the tunnel was enveloped. The cries for aid and assistance on the part of many passengers were drowned by the noise of the steam escaping from the several engines, and before aid of any kind had arrived a great many first-class passengers and others had escaped from thadelris, and made the best of their way out of the tunneitolhe Canonbury Station, whence many proceeded to their destination in trains over the main line of the North London Railway, carrying news of the disaster to the city. Meantime, aid was arriving at the scene of the accident, and, lights having been obtained, the injured persons were first extricated and conveyed,on shutters hastily obtained, to the mouth of the tunnnel, and thence to the German hospital, where every care and attention was given to the several cases. Those who had succumbed to their injuries in death were next extricated from the debris of the crushed carriages, and con veyed to the mortuary building in Hollo way-road to await a coroner's inquest. A gentleman who was a passenger in the middle train, and who, fortunately for himself, occupied a seat in a iifat-class carriage in the centre of the train, gives the following account of his experiences : —" I was a passenger from Enfield. I oo enpied a centre carriage in the middle of the second train. A gentleman sat opposite me. When we entered the tunnel we found a train in front of us. Our train seemed to have touched the one in front and caused, a slight shake. Very soon after another train came rushing into us from behind, putting out the lamps In my carriage, and knocking me and the gentleman opposite against each other. Neither of us was much shaken. As soon as possible I got out of the train and groped my way for some distance along the tunnel. I saw nothing of the last train, but saw enough to give me a shock I shall never forget. As soon as lights were brought, I endeavoured to give assistance, and then came away along the line to the Canonbury station."

DOMAIN BOARD.

Wk conclude our report of yesterday* Domain Board meeting from the point at which it was broken off in our last impres sion :—Acclimatisation : The following re port on this subject from a commit tee of the old Board was presented: '■ Tbat the , funds at the disposal of the Domain Board and Acclimatisation Society for the purpose of propagating and acclima tising trees and plants of economic value be administered by a committee representing both bodies; such committee to consist of five members, to be appointed by the Domain Board and Acclimatisation Society in propor- , tion to the amount contributed by each body towards the objects stated."—After some discussion, the consideration of the report was deferred, and it was further agreed that in the meantime the Acclimatisation Society be communicated with and in vited to state their views with regard to the management of the gardens, and also with respect to their future action.

Mason's Nursery.—Mr Mason wrote complaining of defective fencing along the ouriage road from Parnell.—The letter was referred to Messrs Barstow and YateF, with instructions to report to next meet ing.

Hamilton's Gardens.—The lessee ap. plied for a reduction of his rent.—Referred

to Messrs Mackecknie and Macffarlane. Dwarf Apple Trees.—a. report was r«. coived from the Ranger upon the fruit growths of dwarf apple trees. SOEGHUM.—A letter waß received from Dr. Hector, forwarding samples of sorghum seed of two varieties, with a re quest that the Board will be good enough to arrange for its being tested in this dis trict, the object desired being to ascertain how far this plant is suitable to the climate and soil in different parts of New Zealand for the production of sugar and syrup. By-laws.—The newly-drafted by-laws were considered seriatim, and the clauses passed with some verbal amendments.

Accounts.—The ordinary accounts were passed, and ordered to be paid. Special Meeting.—lt was resolved to call a special meeting to confirm and adopt the rules and regulations (by-laws). The meeting then adjourned.

The programme for the Auckland Rising Club's Autumn Meeting, which takes place on Easter Monday and Tuesday, has been published. It is a liberal one, and promises excellent sport. The following are the raceß provided for ;—First day :— Tradesman's Handicap of SOsovs., Mares Produce Stakes (for two-year-olds) of lOOsovs., Hurdle Race Handicap of 60sovs.. Easter Handi cap of 150sovs., Selling Bace of SOsova., • Publicans' Purse of 60sovs. Second day i - Flying Stakes ot SOsovs., Handicap Steeple chase of lOOsovs., Autumn Handicap of 150sovs., Ellerslie Handicap of 200sovs. (for two and three-year-olds),Bhort's Handi. cap of 80sovs., Consolation of 25sov». Nominations for Autumn Handicap, Easter Handicap, and Steeplechase, close on Friday, March 17,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 9.



Special Advertisements QMITH AND ARNOLD, ARCHITECTS, OLD CITY COUNCIt, CHAMBERS, 1 £»O BOXES CHOICE NEW SEASON'S TEA, Ex Mall Steamer, 223. BACH. KEW'B, Victoria-street, MOLESKIN TROU3KRSI MOLESKIN TROUSERS Sinco tho AboUtion of Dnty on Piece Goods, THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY ARE AdAIN TO THE FRONT, , And can now Bupply thoir Cufltouiors with MOLESKIN TKOUSERS At 25 % lobß TnAN Usual wnor.KHALE PniOß. TRY THKMII! To be had at all tho Retail BRANonna of the NKW ZBALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Attckland Branch : QDKKN-STRKET (Opposite Theatro Royal). And at Albert- stroot, Thames.



"CIKOM "pAKIS. The Most MAGNIFICENT (|BITONN!IS Kvbb Shown in Auckland, Bz Orient Steamer' Garonne.' Jubt Opened, And on Sale by GABLIOK to CRANWKLIi, TWIOKEL pLATKD FRENCH AND HALF-TESTER IRON •T3KDSTKAUS, Very Handsome, and a Novelty, Just Landed ox Hermlone. LARGEST STOCK OF BEDSTEADS IN AUCKLAND AT THK ' pITY TTALL A ROADE, /^ARLICK "&~jri RA|NWELL. HOUSE FURNISHERS, FANCY GARDEN TABLES. CANE LOUNGES FOX VERANDAHS. Black and White Wool Hearthrugs, tape9try, brussel. & stair carpet. church pew seating, Vbby Nice, and PrtEintiußiE to Cushions. GaRLICK & CRANWELL, JUNCTION DRAPERY f WAREHOUSE. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN. 150 Yards boat quality 27 inch Cocoa Matting, 2b 3d yard 250 Yards beat Quality 36 inch Cocoa Matting. 29 9d yard Large Lot ot Hearth Rugs, 7a to 8a 8d 80 Large size Coloured Alhambra Quilts, Is 6d 260 Yards Marono and Scarlet Moreen, la yard, formerly 2a 6d 200 Yards Russia Duck, ali llnon, Is yard 300 Yards Army Duck. lOd 1200 Yarda 72 taoh Hoasian, 6d yard, s}d by the ploco Largo Lot good BUok Crape (bought ohsap), 2s9dto4aGd , _ , 40 Pieces Pink, Blue, Groen and Yellow Book Mnslln, is 6d pleoe Large Lotof Ladioa' Flohus and Capes, from 2a Gd to 25a 30JGood Black Silk Jaoketa, from 25s Great Variety of Ladies' Print and Satteen Bummer Skirts, from 3s Bd Good Stock of Ladles' Umbrellas (all prices), from Is 6d Good Stoofc of Gents' Umbrellas, from Is 6d Goad Stock of Men's White Shirts (plain and plaited fronts), from ie 6d Boys" Knioker and Norfolk Suits, from 6s 6d Large Stook of Men'a White and Coloured Male Trousers at a small advance on Men'a Morlno Pants and Shirts from Is lid Carpet Bags, from 6a 6d Loather Portmanteau, 27s 6d WILLIAM B, BRIDGMAN, Upwr Queen-street A ICKIN 3 HYPOPHOSPHITaS. AiCKiN'a Syrup of Hypophosphlte of Lime Is guaranteed equal to the Frenoh 1 preparations of Dr Churohill, and loaa than half tho price, The great expense of the imported preparation to the sick, and the fact that BUohjPharmaceutical preparations can be manufactured equally well in Auckland, has Induced the proprietor to engage In making a really reliable artlole of Standard Strength and Chemical purity that) may be recommended with confidence by the medical faculty to their patienti and others. Aroma's Hypophosphites will answer all the requirements stated, and a trial will suffloe to show that in therapentloal action they are quite as effloaolous in all diseases for which the continental pre parations ara eojuatly colebrated. Sold In bottles at 2a (kl each. Dose, two teaspoonf uls only; AIOKIN'S STB UP OF HSTOPHOB PIIITEB OF LIMB AND SODA, GBpOOially suitable In some oases of lung diseases, and is most palatable and cordial, eaoh teaspoonfnl contains three grains pure hypophoephite of lime and one and a half grains hypophosphlte of soda. Sold in bottles at 2a Gd eaoh. Request your medical adviser to try the Local Syrups ot Bypophosphltes, made by Ajckin of definite uniform Btr6nßtlU AICKIN, * Wholesale Manufacturing Chemist, The Pharmaor. Auckland



O PE CIAI O A L E OF TjiinST-OIiASS OUMMER Q.OODB. i TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. MS- A (HUC AT SALE TS* OP DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Will be hold on the promises ol J. COSGRAVE & CO., QUKKN-STRKBT, AUCKLAND, It will bo perhaps surprising to many that we ' adopt the prosont course at this season of the year, bnfc we do It on prineiplo nlono. First t To counteract the influonco brought to bear on the publlo In these extraordinary times. Second: > To give the Inhabitants the benefit of some very 1 extensive Shipments, as well as largo purchase \ made at auction. And third: To let the people ' of Auckland see whore they can get the best ' value for their money. ! The Duty on all Manchester Goods being re duoed by 1G J per cent, and being large purchasers lately> this reduction will be a great boon to Housekeepers and the public in general. No Goods will be Entered daring the Bale. CASH MUST Bit PAID FOR ALL PUR CHASES. T pOSGKA^E & riO,, QUKEN-STBEET, AUCKLAND. TtTEWMARKET ROAD DISTRICT. TAKE NOTICE. The Valuation List for the above District, for the year 1882, Is now Open for inspection at the Offloe of the Seoretary, Mr M. Dlnnison, New marcet; all Objections thereto most be left at the Newmarket Hall on or before the 15th day of FEBRUARY, addressed to the Assessment Court; and a Copy of every snoh Otajootion must be left at the Secretary's Office, as above, not Ibbs than Seven Dayß before the nest Bitting ot the said Court. OHAS. BUTTON, • ii j. ; ,- chairman



Wolfe's Aromatic Sohikdam schnapps, to Induce tho dostruotion and prevent tho im proper use of their wrappers and labels, ana thus further protect the Publle ogainot fraud and deception, have enoloaed In tho wrappera, or undor tho label on tho quart bottles, sincei isi Ootober, 1878, and conUnue to enclose \m KJBBY DAY'S PAOKINQ THUOnQHOOT1 THB YSAR THREE fil ORDB B S> which are drawn upon the underßlKn o eA it ? n n n d which will be cashed by them gn presentation. To secure theao Glfta, tho PoMloi mnst be oareful to aak for, and accept nothing bnVthe QENOINE UDOLPHO WOL»B% SCHNAPPS, With our name upon the top label. M. Moss & Co.. Wynyard Lane. Sydney.