SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKR}^ 0 BX lDMo? B ig.9.39 BONBKT.-Thls Bvenlng, 6.48 BUNRIBK.-To-morrow Moniißg.S.U MOON'S AGE.-First Quarter, 2ath, 9.10 am.

ARRIVALS.

LAST BTKNIKO. J Son Broezo, schooner, Sylva, from Rflasell Sanoy Kato, schooner. Lowis, from Russell Argylo, 8.3., Crawford, from Whanßarel

TO-DAY, loaa, 8.1 , Taj lor, from Ruasetl

DEPARTURE.

LA^TaVBMNO. Wollinßton, E.S., ffarquhar, for Kuosoll Olenolg, 8.5., StaphenßOn. for Tauranga Kohimarama, Government sohooDor, Greig, for Stewart's Island

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

t/ondon—Antareg, loading Levuka—Taiaroa, about Monaay, 27tU flydnoy—Arawata. Tnosday Melbouroo and Eouthern ports-Hero, Friday,

2tth Taranakland South-Penguin, Tcesday Rusaoll, Whangiroaand Monecaul— Wellington or Glonelg, Monday * Tanrantta—Ulenelß or Wellington, Monday or

Tharsday WhsnKarei and Whangarel Heada — Argyle Tuesday and Friday Walwera and I'.nssoll—lonn. Saturday Walwera and Whangarel—lona, Wodncoday Mangaw&i- Ifingal, Thursday Meroux7 Bay— h iugal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Zealandia, P.M.S.S.. from Sydney, February 28 Haloione,Bhip(J.N.M.S.), from London; loading Oxford, ohip, (M.T.L.S.). from London; sailed

Decembers „ . Paroora, ship, (Q S.S.W.), from London; sailed December 23 , , Alccatis, barque, (H.aM.N.) from Livorpool, via Wellington; sailed. November 7 Arabella, barque(P.K.Q.V.).from London; sailed

A. T. atallknocht, barque, from New York;

sailed December 8 Adamant, barque (N.J.F.3.), from London; load-

ing Crownthorpe, barque (M.X.8.D.), from London;

Bailed Oct. 31 Bndfleld, baroue, from New York XCermalo, barque, from Sydney, via Nowcastle. Mendoza, barque, from Livorpool; loading Iteminuton, barque, from London; loading Hohamyl. barque, from New York; loading Anmiboll, brig, from Sydney Boreali?, brlxantino. from the Islands Coronet, schooner, from the Islands Edith, schooner, from Suva Kntelle, schooner, from Dunedin Pirate, schooner, from Hnahlne Belle Brandon, schooner, from the Islands Pearl, ketch, from Karotonga

IMPORTS.

Per Arawata from Molbourno—l33o m%ts>, -300 pockets, 120 packages, 42 bags sugar. 115 or casks, 30 casea wlno, 26 qr-oasks Bhorry, 118 half chestß, 10 qr-oheßts,6lß boxes tea, 4easeß cigars; 10 marble slabß, 200 bags rlco, S bales, 28 bags ■ooffeo. 17 cases ciur*nts, 20 oases poas, 25 oases •whisky, 8 paokages hops, 100 wen Rlucose, 10 Vjaloaoorn saolts, 10 qr-casks, 10 hoKB troaislo, 200 baga wheat. 5 drums putty, Vi kens paint, 3 oases vurniih. 48 plates iron. I caaos, 2 packages machinery, 30 packages sundry morohandiso. STom Dunedin-W hhrln., 3 brla. ale. 2 rams, 10 aackß aeed, 20 sheep, 6 cases glass, 225 packages sundriea-FroEi Lyttelton: 25 sacks malt, 14 Oißoa oheese, 3 cases bacon, 11 oases tea, 12 oases stationery, 36 packages sundries—From Welling ton : 28 boxes tin platee, 8 \ casks. 5 octaves, i 5 oaaes whisky, 153 bars Iron, 30 bars atoel.4 axle arms, 5 oases meat, 62 cases butter, 7 casea cheese, 101 paokagos sundries— From Napier: 19 saoks grasa seed, 8 caska beef. 3 packages— From Glsborne? 9 cjses apples, 100 Backs grass seed. 1 pony, 7 packages sundries.

InWards Coastwise.—Corallo, from Mer cury Bay, with 24.000 feot timber; Paku. from Talrua. with 25,030 feet timber; Mana, from Morowy Bay, with 27.000 feat timber; Reward, from Whangarei. -with 03 tons coal: Lizzie, from Tairna, with 27.000 feet timber, 222 bundles shingles ; Sea Breeze, from Russell, ■with 80 tons coal. Outwards Coastwise.— Elsmoro; for Mer oury Bay; Paku, for Talrua: Orpheua, for Thames ; Bea Breeze, for Russoll.

The ketoh Reliance is for sale. The brigantlne Rachel Cohen was at Mel bourne on February 8.

The barque John Knox left Newcastle for Auckland on Fobruiry 6.

The ketch Fanny Thornton in announced to proceed to Hoklantra. to-morrow. The schooners Advance and Cutty Sark left JLyttelton for Auckland yesterday.

H.LG.M.b. Habiohtoame out of dock to-day, and Bteamed to tbo usual anchorage.

The barqno Cabarfeidh berthed at tho Rail way Wharf to day.

The s.B. Rotomahana leavos for tho Thames on Friday morning next at 7 a-m.. instead of Thnraday as previously advertised. The weekly time table is published in the usual column.

The brigantine Doflanco left Port Chalmers on Sunday last for Timaru, whero she is to com plete her loading for this port.

The barque India -will be sold at Mersrs B, Tonka and Co.'s mart on Thursday next.

The brigantine Ltoda Weber arrived at Melbourne from this port on February 4.

Tho brigantine Kthel (Yates) oleared at Molbonrne for Auokland on February 6, with a cargo ol 230 tonß bonedost.

Messrs Cruickshnntc and Co., agents for the barque Dunorat k, request that all claims against that vessel will bo furnished to-morrow.

The British men.-of-wnr DreadnouKht. Devas tation, and Neptone, are to be fitted with Independent electric-firing gear, the guns in eaoh turret being fired from the inside. It is under consideration to fit the turret-ships with eljotrio apparatus for discharging tho White head torpedo, ■ . . .

The s h. Argyle arrived from Whangarei at 8 o'olock last night. Cargo: 10 sacks gam, 6 sacks sharps, 110 cases fruit, 2 horses, 3 tons furniture, ZOpaokageSßundrieß. Passengers: MissGracey, Mrs MoMann and two daughters. Captain a). H. MoKenzle, Messrs Brown, W. Low, J. MoDonald, James King, O. and A. Brown and 2 sonn, Porter, W. B. Buckhurst, K. McGregor, W. Kaye, Broomhall. Cameron, Mitchell, K. Lewlß, Marks, Bate. W, Viokery, Bedllngton, Sandenoa and son, Bissett, and 3 steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Rubsell, Monday. Sailed: Midge, for Fiji; Sea Breeze, for Whangarel; Banoy Kate and lona. Arrived: Wellington and Staff a. from Auck and.

Waitara, this day. Sailedi McGregor, as., for Onohnnga, 11 a.m Lyttklton', yesterday. Arrived: Vision, brig, from Kaipara. Sailed; Asteroid, yacht, for Melbourne,

Fobt CHALMKR3, yeatorday. Sailed: Wanaka,as..fot|heNorth. Passen ger for Auckland—Mr Bent. Btu fk, yestotda. Sailed: Rotomahana. s.a., for the North. Pae songera for Auckland — Miss Jennings, Mrs Hasty, Messrs Stubbs, Mason, England, Syme, Abbott,Uaroy, Mr and Mrs Bavey, and fourteen steerage.

Melbourne, February 20. Arrived, this morning t Albion, from the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

KVBMiNd Star Office. Tuesday. Messrs S. Coohrane and Sons sold 80 acres of land, about halt-way between Northcoto and Lake Takapuna, for £10117s Od.

Messrs J: R. Lambert and Co. offered to-day, at tbelr Wyndham-Btreet mart, lot No. 8 of snb dlvialon of No. 9, seotion 7, situate in Souths street Newton. The oomnetltion was Rplrited. and, finally, the property was knocked down to Mr Miohael Hlggtne, for the aum of £187. Mr Babriel Lewis sold a number of tierces of alasßware. vmob, and dinner sorvices, some of them remarkably handsome. Uood prlcoa were realiied.

Smokerß, whoie indnleenoe In the weed la continuous, Bhould nso just such a oordiai as UDOLPHO WOLFU'S fCHIBDAM ABpMATW Schnapps, for these palpable reawMJ Tob««9 drains the salivary glanda »nd deranges tne nervons organism. It Is a poworlul drag, that tella on the Btrongeat oonßUtutlon. :« invites dyspepsia, heartburn, indigestlODt napoa, orten brtoging on tremors; and Its «mea Impair the vialon. While this elixir may obviate these results, R will certainly brace the Bystem against ts pernicious effects. ~.

Mail Notice.

Hails wiu,;ulobb as Undeb.-

THIB DAT. , . ,_.n«_ For Rusaell, Kawakawa, and Australian Kamo. ana Mtngapal, per Argyle, at 1 p.m. . . WBDNEHDAT. Mnd igltant. For \Vhlflangi, par CoraUe, at 8 a.m. FCr Talrua, per Paku, at 8 a.m. For Waltara, &c. per Macgregor. at I|P.m. For Weiwera. Wangarei Heads, and Wangsrei,

Fo^nte^Wctomaba™, aU p.rrL For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.50 p.m. Thubsdat, 23rd instant. F Sr TwL UwXL^V^^glebun, and Warkworth. per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Coromandel, per Coromandel. at 3.30 p.m. Kor Taurangft, OhliCQintu. and Opotiki, per Glenolß, at 4 p.m.

Friday, 24th Instant. For Olsb6rne, Napier, Southern porta, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Hero, at Bun. , Tuesday, s&th February. Per b.B. Zealandia. as followB:— For Sandwloh Islands, Unlted\Statea of America, Canada, Briton Columbia. Central &nd South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. Tor United Kingdom and Continent of Burope, at 1 p.m. For money orders registered letters, and newspapors/at 11.30 a.m. Late lottera bearing an extra fee of sixpence. In addition to the postage, will be received by tho Mall Agent on board the steamer up to the tlmo of sailing. This mall will be due In London, on Mon day. April 10. 1832. „ N.B.—Payments on account of Property Tax will be received at this offlco between 9 a,m. and 6 p.m.

a B. BI3S. Ohlet Postmaster. Chief Foet-011100. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Febbuary 21,1882. Theatro Royal-Mastodon Star Minstrels and Champion Dancers, "Uncle Tom's Cabin, Bp.m.

Drill shed—Hobaon and Viotorit. Volunteers: parado and Inspection, 7.30 p.m. Ponsonby Choral Boolety Practice-Chora! Hall, at tho usunl hour.

Licensing Elections—9 a.m, to 6 p.m.

Ladles' Bonevolent Sooloty, V.M.0.A.—1 p.m.

Birth.

DRINKWATIIR.-On February 14th. at her resldonoo. Tasmanian Villa, Coillngwood- Btreet, the wife of Edward Drinkwater of a son.

Death.

ANBRLL.-On the 2lßt instant, at Newton Road. George Ansoll. agod 68 years. Tho funeral will leavo his late resldeuco to morrow (Wednesday), the 22nd, at 3 p.m. Frlendß please accept this Invitation.

BURNETT.—On February 16tb, at her parents' residence, Eolwyn-streot, Onehunga, after a lingering illness, Leila Jessie, the beloved daughter of Augustus William and Mary Ann Burnett, aged 9 years and 19 months. Her end was peaoe.

WIL9ON.-On February 21st, at his parents residence, Union-street, James, the boloved son of John and Jane Wileon, aged 7 years and 4 months. The fnneral will lsave his father*' residence at 1 o'olook to-morrow I Wednesday). Friends please accept this Invitation.

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1882.

For the cause that lacks assistance, Fift the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

The btanmore Election Petition hai resulted in the unseating of Mr Pilliett on the ground of corrupt practices at the recent general election, Mr Pilliett was elected for the constituency of Stanmore, a district in the province of Canterbury ; but his return being petitioned against, a searching enquiry has been held into his conduct of the election, and it has just been brought to a clone by Judge John ston's decision declaring the election null and void. This is tbc first petition which has been tried under the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act of last session, and in this view baa an importance which could not at all be said to attach to the facts of the case. The enquiry seems, in fact, to hare been a rather humdrum affair, and quite devoid of the elements of sensation or scandal which are usually associated with such cases. The corruptoin was shown to bo neither very flagrant nor very wide-spread, which fact speaks well for the candidate on the one hand and for the constituency on the other, —in so far, at least, as their conduct might have been much more flagitious. Tho chief transgressions of Mr Pilliett were alleged to have been—firstly, the buying off au opposing candidate; secondly, the paying of a clerk to his election committee—said clerk being a voter; aud thirdly, engaging and paying for a largor nnmber of committee-rooms than was allowed by the Act, Supposing the whole ot tho abovo acts to have been committecd by the candidate or his accredited agents, there does not seem to be any ground for deploring the growth of political corruption in the colony. New Zealand ia certainly far in advance of the Old Country ia the matter of putity of election. In Britain it is quite a usual occurrence for an opposition candidate to be bought up, and the odium of the trans action, if any odium is recognised, rents on the man who is bought, and not on tho buyer. The law there allows candidates employ and pay as many election agents and canvassers as they think fit; and though such persons' votes are illegal, it h notorious that dozens vote at each election who are in the pay of the candi dates, and rather think they are doing a clevor thing, so long as they keep the evidence of their engagement and pay from the knowledge of the agents on the opposite side. Then, with regard to committee rooms, candidates regularly engage rooms at fabulous prices which could not be proved to be of any practical use except to act as the meana of conveying a bribe to a corrupt and politic voter. The state of tho law in Britain, in' fact, affords numberless oppor tonities for corruption: and what is worse, the state of public opinion on the question is such that it is hopeless to ex pect any thorough reform for many years to come. The New Zealand Act strikes moit successfully at the evasions effected by means of secrecy and perjury, by abso lutely forbidding the paid employment of voters at elections, and by prohibiting the uaeof more than one committee-room forcach polling-booth. Herein lies the chief sig nificance of Judge Johnston's decision, which we give at length in another column—that the law, as it stands, is effective for the purpose for which it was intended, and that its working must result in purity of elec tion, and in trne advantage to both candi dates and constituents. Any sympathy with Mr Pilliett in his present position would be misplaced. The penalty of poli tical extinction for three years is no doubt a very heavy one ; but he raust just grin and bear 'it. It is a good saying that " Law-makers should not be law-breakers," and it would be well if it were more gener ally acted upon. A man who does not know the law on the question of Corrupt Practices ought not to bo a candidate for Parliament; and if he transgresses the law knowingly, he deserves to -suffer all the consequences oi his act. Tho stringency of the law is also shown by the fact that the only corrupt practices proved against the candidate were those of paying a single clerk, and having one committee-room over the number allowed by law;- and yet tho full penalty has been imposed, though costs were not declared against the offend ing member. The British public would stand aghast if any Judge weie to pro nounce such a sentence for such acts as these. So long as our present law is maintained and faithfully administered, there need be no fear of the demoralisation of the electors of New Zealand con stituencies to the low standard of bngland. And that it shall be rigidly maintained its administration by the Supreme Court in stead of by the House of .Representatives, as before, will assure. It is well that this should be so, because a rich candidate is iira better position to exercise corruption than a poor one, and a rigid electoral law may be regarded, therefore, as one of the bulwarks of a true democracy

The Franchise in England.

No better example could be found of the Way in which, in England,

o "Customslowly broadens down, From precedent to precedent," than the history of Parliamentary repre sentation iv that country. The straggle may be said to have commenced with the stand made b i the Magna Charta nobles against the exclusive prerogatives of the Crown, and the movement towards a wider d j ustcr basis of Government has slowly ? a d down through the centuries to the *, at time, The Baron 3 were the first to

strike a blow at despotism, nn'A their influence bad accomplished a good deal in the CAiise of liberty before the Commons Houne of Parliament had gained any roal power in the State. It suited the nobles, however, to enlist the aid of the Commons in their struggles against the Crown, and gradually the people began to feel their power and exercise it. Starting hbw evcr, with a property basis of representation, the result has been^ not to Rain equal rights tor the wilolo community, but to create now additions to the privi leged classes in the State. Not even the most despotic form of Government ever known to exist has been more successful in perpetuating the evils arising from class legislation than the English system of Par liamentary representation. Inch by inch the battle has hecu fought by different sec tions of tho people for themselves ; ami after each section had gained its point, it las seemed to be content to rest upnn its achievements—to be received, to some extent, into the ranks of the privileged classes, and to raako little or no effort on behalf of those who were still unrepre sented. The privileges which have been most persistently sustained hare been those of property; and the present crisis in Ire land is the undoubted result of long years of class legislation in favour of property. On that subject, however, wo need not at present enter. In the matter of extending tho franchiso, progress has been at the normally slow rate. Since tho great Ue form Bill agitation an advance has un mistakably been mado, but not by any means such an advance as ardent reformers promised. Though the franchise in boroughs has been lowered so as to embrace nearly tho entirai householding male population, the lodger franchiso has only fiomo tardily and after all in a very restricted form, while year after year the Parliamentary representatives elected under this extended franchise have refused to take steps to abolish the anomaly of county representa tion, or to reduce the qualification to the same standard as in boroughs. No ono now-a-days attempts to defend the unequal state of representation. It is just the obi story ; the boroughs were able to domain! their rights, and having secured them they are iv no hurry to redress the grievances of their brethren in the counties. The borough franchise, in effect, uives a vote to every man who pays rates on a rental of £4 a year and upwards, while in county districts the possession or routing of property of the annual valuo of £14 is the condition of representa tion. In this way ninny thousands of people are disfranchised, and have literally no voice in the Government of tho country, cither imperial or local. Since tho last creation of Parliamentary Boroughs under William IV., many new coutros of popula tion have sprung up, with the result that towns with 20,000 inhabitants, both in Scotland and England, have only the county franchise. Around sonic of tho large cities aubnrban towns of this kind have arisen, often inhabited by a class of people, whether as regards intelligence or any other test of fitness for exercising elec toral privileges, superior to those of the adjacent city, and who have still only the fragmentary county franchise, In short, the phraso " Electoral privi leges," which we have just used, and which is employed on all hands iv Britain, shows the state of public opinion on tho subject, and discloses tho reason of the con tiuuance of the injustice. If the franchise were recognised as a right, and tho term "privilege" no more applied to it, public opinion would manifest a healthier tone, and progress would be more rapid. No doubt there arc practical ditlicultics in the way of the assimilation of tho county and borough franchise. With tho present elco torates, it would be found tbat an oxtensinu of the franchise would make sorao consti tuencies so large that the inequality of representation prevailing would only bo tho more apparent* The only junt and comprehensive measure of reform in the circumstances is feltl'to be a cqmplote re distribution of seats, accompauied by the lowering of the county franchiso, and this is a work of such magnitude tbat it would seem to have deterred successive Parlia ments from undertaking it. This measure, howover, cannot be much longer delayed. Year by year Conservative and Liberal Governments aliko have opposed the re peated motions Introduced by Mr Trevelyan with the view of extending the couuty fran chise, but the opposition was bused upon the plea that the question should form ttic subject of Government legislation. Mr Gladstone's Government is pledged to deal with the subject in the present session of Parliament, but party rancour and Irish obstruction may combiue to prevent the redemption of tho pledge. Tho Conservatives will make a strenuoiu effort to carry out thoir views in the re-distribu tion of eeat.j, so that thcro may be no loss of party influence; but they recognise the futility of attempting to secure a con tinuance of the present state of tho reprceutatiou of tho people; and while they claim with some show of reason that the enfranchisement ot tbc agricultural labourer will be a great Tory gain, they are not blind to the certain loss which they will sustain in the' abolition of the county representation and the sweeping away lor ever of tho small pocket boroughs of England, which return the majority of Conservative members. The ntcp contemplated is such an important one, and its issues are so problematical, that we should not be greatly surprised though the question should not bo successfully grappled with for some years to come.

Another horror ia reported from Duncdiu this morning—foor children, ranging be tween the ages of four and fourteen, having been bnrned to death. Tho fire does not appear to have been discovered until the flames had got a complete hold of the building, and then all access to the bed-room of the poor little victims had been cut off. It is comforting to believe that before they could be reached by the flame?, smoko would have made them unconscious, and then death would be perfectly painless. Mr F. E. Compton was re-elected chair, man of the Harbour Board this afternoon,? Amongst the passengers to tho South by the Penguin"to-day was Major Murray, tho manager of the Thames Branch of the Bank of New Zealand, and the gentleman to whom the present efficiency of the Thames volunteers is in no small mcasuru due. Major Murray is at present enjoying a well-deserved holiday. In announcing in our last issue the arri val of the Native Minister, we erroneously stated his private secretary to be Mr T. W, Lewis, whereas it is Mr D. Butler. Mr Lewis is the Under-Secretary of the Native Department, and he arrived by the same boat.

Tho following gentlemen havo been elected members of the Licensing Com mittee for the Mauka district:—H. Crispe, J, Watson, J. Moore, J. McCullough, and T. Kavanagh.

Messrs E. and A. Isaacs will sell by auction to-itorrow £4,500 worth ot groceries and oilmen's stores, on account o£ Messrs

Hull Bros., who have dissolved partner ship.

The Thames) men who have been selected to represent that district at the forthcoming meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Associa tion at Nelson left by the Ponguin this morning. They seemed to bo in excellent health and spirits, and appeared to have a kind of quiet confidence in their ability to bring back tho carbine belt to the Thames once more. We may mention that since Christmas, Armstrong has been practising vigorously, having given up all manner of bard work during that period. Advocates of temperance may gain some consolation from the fact that,with two exceptions, the Thames sbootists are strict teetotallers. It is not improbable that Petty Officer Potts will take part in some of tho matches.

Messrs Mercer and Marshall, tho success ful tenderers for the new, building for the Auckland Oil Company, "commenced worn this morning, operations being under the superintendence of Mr Errington, engi neer. The premises, which will be situated near the dock, are to be constructed of brick, on & pile foundation, and will occupy a ground space of 50ft by 30fc.. There will be two stories and basement fitted up for the reqnirementa of the Company. The re quisite machinery is expected to arrive by the ship Remington, from London, about April next.

Lovers of high-class fiction, &c., should make a point of being present at Cochrane's book Bale to-morrow morning. The cata logue includes nearly a>l the now novels published within the last twelvemonth, complete sets of Lever and Thackeray (superbly bound and illustrated), the "Bel gravia," "Temple Bar," "Scribner," and "Cornhill" Magazines for 3880 and 1881, and a number of otber important works of art, poetry, and belles lettrcs. We notice amongst tho historical books a copy of the first edition of the " Grevillo Memoirs," from which it will be remembered a large amount of matter was excised. This work is excoedingiy valuable even nowadays, and in a few yearß will be simply priceless. There arc plenty of copies of the second and expurgated edition of the " Grcville Memoirs," to be had, but the first and com plete edition is as rare as the dado.

Mr C. J. Stono left for the South by the steamer Penguin today. Ho will bo absent until the middle of April.

A correspondent asks "vhst in tho matter with the street gas-lights or the Ran supply, the latter being most r/rctcUcd for some time past. Captaitl A. tarquhar lias roceivod a tele gram stating that the only injuries received by his son through the accident at the Ohi nemutu races was a sprained ancle and a severe shaking.

Tljc Hon. Sir John O'Shannassy, of the Victorian Parliament, who arrived by the Arawnta yesterday, went on by the Glenelg, under tho auspices of Captain Way, to spend a few weeks at the Hot Lakes. Several tourists also left last night in connection with the game agency. .

Tho s.s, Rotomahana will mako a special trip from Auckland on Friday, returnins: in the evening, for the pnrpose of allowing persons from the metropolis un opportunity of attending the Congregational Church bazaar, to bo held in Grahamstowii on that day.

Frederick Archard, late of the Wharf Hotel, has tiled his petition in bankruptcy, being unable to meet his engagements with bis creditors ; the first meeting to be hold in the Supremo Court Buildings on the 27th iust., at 11 o'clock a.m.

A general meetinp of the members of the Archhill Working Men's Club will be held to-morrow evening at 8.30, when tho report and balance-sheet will be introduced, and other matters pertaining to the institution discussed,

Messrs Gudgeon and Co., have just issued an enlargement of -their Commercial Map of last year. It has been ncoily doubled iv size, the extra space being taken up with coloured representations of the New Zealand code of signals, ami a compendious array of valuiblo statistical information. Thin, iv one column tho census returns fur boroughs, comities, and is-lands arc (given, aud tneso arc supple mented with Custoniß ami oducatioual rotums, etc., while full particulars aro supplied concerning the mails. The map will be found to be a very handy means of reference for men of business.

A woman named Rachael Volcu was arrested at noon to-day, by Constable Stratheru, on a charge of bigamy. It would appear that on Saturday last the fair but erring li'achacl was married, at the Registry Oilica, to a man named William Uonlau, her husband, licury Volcn, being still alive. Iho prisoner, who has fre quently appeared before tho R.M., for vagrancy aud kindred offences, married Volflu, a lish-hawkcr, some six years ago, and has, from all accounts, given him a particularly lively tiino sinco his plunge into the sea of matrimony. William Donlan, tho husband No. 2, is also well kuown to tho police. The too-mucb. mar ried female will make her debut in tho rdle of bigamist, at the Polico Court, to morrow.

A novel illumination took placo the other day in llomo on the occasion of the Queen of Italy's birthday. When their Majesties appeared oh the balcony, everyone struck a match and hold it in the air ! The effect was quite pretty. It seemed as if the air was tilled with tiro-flies. The reason for this novel kind' of illumination was that all tho gas of the town was turned off, on account of a tremendous lire that hud burst out in a palace near tho gasworks, and for prudence the gas was turned off, and Koine was in pitch darkness all night. The city of Milan sent tho Queen 'an album of congratulations for her birthday, signed by 52,000 ilaucsc ladies and gentlemen.

A branch Lodge of tho Protestant Alliance Friendly Society, bearing the name of tho Star of Ouehuiiga, was opened at the Oddfellows' Hall on Wedncsduy evening, February Ist. Mr V. T. Douglas, K.W.G.M. of the Grand Council of New Zealand, actod as Chairmau The follow ing otlicers were elected and duly in stalled i —Mr J. KoberUou, W.M.; Adam«, D.M.; Coldlmni, Secretary; Franklin, Treasurer; Flotchur, Senior Elder; Allen, Junior EUor. A voto of thanks was accorded to Past Masters Joynt and JScilson, who were the moans of smarting this lodge. After tho cloiing of the lodge a cold supper was spread in the hall, to which the brcthron did ample justice.

Tho art union drawing for Mr C. Blom. field's six oil paintingi took place last even* ing in the shop of Mr Leech, carver and gilder, Shortland-street. Tbo prize-takers wore :—lst prizo, " Homo of tho Kauri," Mr Champtaloup : 2nd prize, "Scene near Henderson's Mill," Mrs J. McCosh Clark j 3rd prizn, " Auckland Harbour," Mr 11. Brett j Uhprizo, " Koto lii," Mr S. Vaile; sth prize, " Mud bcysers, Tikitore," Mr JamesKussc!!;Gth prize, " Roto Ehu," Mr) F. Woollums. To-morrow (Wednesday evening tho annual drawing for Mr Alfred Sbarpe's art union will be hold at tho same place, at 5.15. . •

A well-attended meeting of the German Liedertafol, or Musical Society, lately formed by Herr Carl Schmitt, was held on Wednesday evening last, when the neces sary arrangements for putting tho affair upon a permanent basis were made. Herr Schmitt tested the voices of those present and expressed himself satislied.ivith tbc re sult, and he trusted to bo able to form a good quartette from amongst the members. The next meeting will be held to-morrow night, when it is hoped that all German residents possessing musical taste as well as any Englishmen who arc able to sing in tho German language, will attend, Two Englishmen have already joined the Liedertafel, and it in known that there are others in the community who are equally qualified for membership. The Society has been successfully inaugurated, and it will doubtloss bo carried on with spirit under the direction of its talented conductor.

To tho Editor : Sir,—l sco by tho adver tisement of the Kaipara Steamship Com pany that they are going to issue a cheap return-ticket from here to Diuguville tor tho racos there. Now, as-the said cheap faro, only extends from 'Tuesday next until Friday, tbat is only giving any person just the two days to romaiu there; oi, I suppose, if they were to remain until the following Tuesday, they would have to forfeit their return-ticket and purchase a fresh one. Now, it could not hurt the company to extend the time for persona returning beyond that. Besides, arc we to under stand that all the public are to bo crowded on one boat on Friday, for if so, I can't see how the company can conform with the rules affecting passenger accommodation. If, on the other hand, persons are allowed to wait for tho other boat on the following Tuesday, 1 am Bure a groat portion will do so, and neither the public nor the company will be put to any inconvenience—l am, &c, Excursionist.

A singular instance of the effect of alcohol on the brain ot a cat was witnessed yester day at an hotel not far from Karangahapo Koad. A respectable milk-vendor, out not a Good Templar, whose'milk is noted for its purity, has for somo time been in tiic habit of serving the hotel referred to, and of taking a glass of rum and milk. Just be fore taking his quantum yesterday, he was called by a persou to the -door, and on turn ing round, saw a fine tabby cat at the genial mixture, and apparsntly enjoying it. Iho cat immediately rushed away, as if conscious of having broken the eighth com mandment, Tho remains werp thrown away by the exasperated dealer in milk, and nothing was seen of the domestic pil ferer. Presently, however, a noise was heard in an adjoining room, and, on looking in, poor intoxicated puss, the alarmist, was spitting, scratching, and making the most hideous screams, to tho terror of the house hold. The generous milkman expressed his willingness to pay for the broken glasses, but the landlord thought that ho, being tho owner of the mischievous animal, ought to bear the loss. He felt that puss was under a delusion, and had mistaken the rum and milk for golden cream.

Mr J. C. Rainer's panoramns of the American and Russo.Turkish Wars are just about finishing a most successful tour through South Africa. Oji their return they will again visit New Zealand. At the latest they were being exhibited in Cape Town for the fourth time, and were drawing crowded houses. .The managor there states that " although doing immense business, our receipts being during our African tour something over £10,000 " he had to fight against many troubles. " The colony of the Cape," he writes, is passing through a period of serious financial depression; meetings of creditors in tho com mercial community arc of daily occurrence ; and, to add to tnc disasters, ono of the principal banks in Cape Town has stopped payment. At present Mr Martin Tavarcs, the Mexican Tragedian, who has lately arrived from London, is now (20th December) playing at tho Theatre Royal here, appearing ;i9 Sir Har court Courtlcy, in London Assurance, under the management of Captain Disney Koebuck. The remnants of tho Victoria Lottus Variety Troupe, who some timo since appeared in New Zealand, have been showing on the diamond fields, but not to very good business.

The annual tea and anniversary meeting of tho members of the Otahuhll Baptist Church will be held in the Otaliuliij Public Ha}l t oh tho evening 6i Tuesday next', tho 23th ins>. Tb'p fine stallion, Matchless, the proparty of Mr Walters, died yesterday. The animal was in good condition on Sunday, but in tbc evening showed signs of pain and restlessness, and died within twenty four hours of the attack.

By the inadvertent insertion of a very small wordin our report, of,the Hunua depu tation yesterday, a somewhat serious mis-, reading occurred. Mr Rhodos stated that he was prepared to give one-third of the cost, £30—not that he would give £30, which reprcScntcs tho entire cost of tho proposed road.

Mr Harrison, of Mr Spurgcon's college, gave His farewell address last evening, in tho Wcllcsley-atroet Baptist Church, to a full congregation. The address was full of fervour ana feeling, nnd listened to with devout atteution. Mr Thomas Spurgeon otfered a few prefatory remarks, stating that Mr Harrison was now about,to leave, via Sydney and Melbourne, for England. He and Mr Harrison came out together, and tho latter gentleman, after labouring in Tasmania, for some time, had subse quently made a tour of the several colonies, being ongaged in evangelistic work. Mr Spurgeon, on behalf of the church and con gregation, thanked Mr Harrison for his services, and wished him "God gpced. " The deacons of Wellesley-Btreot Church then presented to Mr Harrison an album, in morocco, gold edged, containing a scries of twenty-tour beautiful views, 12 by 10, of New Zealand and Hot Lake scenery by Mr K. H. Bartlctt, photographer, of Queen street. The meeting was of a mo»t intei cstiug nature.

Tho operations of the Auckland' Stud .Qompany have been attended with such a marked degreo of success that the directors have decided upon and concluded the purchase of an estate on tho Camp Koad, between Olahuhu and Panmure. It includes tho properties of Mossrs N. Kobinson, atowart, Hainlin, and others, and cost more than £7,000. Sylvia Park Is the name given to tho new estate, which eml/races an area of 640 acres, and here it is iutended to erect extensive and com modious new Btables, manager's residence, fee; prior to the removal of the stock and staff from Glen Orchard. Messrs Koals and Sou have prepared plans of the new build ings. They will bo of rusticated boarding outside, with roofing of corrugated iron. Tho stablc3 will have a frontage of 130 feet, with a depth of 72 feet, forming a quadrangle, and divided into a series of loose boxes to suit the different Classen of otock. Some of these will be 20 x 12, but tho majority of them 14 x 12, and number ing fourteen in all. At the rear of tho ex treme wiugs are the fodder rooms, and in the centre of the qua drangle is a largo harness • room. There is a quadrangle in front surrounded by a Yeraudah Oft. wide, no a* to enable visitors to inspect tbc stock without going into the boxes. Water is to be laid throughout the building, and hose laid 1 down at intervals ready for instant use. The water i.s supplied from an independent tank, capable of holding 20,000 gallons. There is a staircase to the roof, which leads to tho "look-out" station constructed thore. It is also proposed to erect a hand some nine-roomed reside uco in tho Gothic style, for Major Walnicsley, the manager, and included in it will baa stud library and visitors' room. The company possesses un extensive stock at present. They have three thoroughbred stallions (Musket, Antsros, and Cap-a-I'ie), twenty thorough bred marcs, including Sylvia, Onyx, Atlan tic, Ueigere, Koutts, Clytemnestra, Sister Agnes, Madcap, Mewey, Uaupo (dam of Mata), Hannah, and others (iroported)i besides forty others of all ages.

Tho members of the Excelsior Lodge of Goo l Templars, of tbo N. 2. order, will hold a social Rathnrlng to - morrow evening, In the Franklin Koad Bchool-room.at a nominal charge for admlsalon. Kefreßlimonts will be provided and a eorlos ot obolco readings; ballads, and recitations gtvon.

Mr P. Doran and his newly organised oomp»nyof mlnntrols will start to-morrow on ttiolr musical tour through tho northern settlo monta, opmlnft wltn n variety ornoitatnmont on tbo 21th innt., at HolonnvlUe, and at Di»r«avulo on tho oToninß of tho 25tb, In time for iho racon. Mr Doran will present two huudaomo riding whlpß to tho successful jockoya of tho onp and hurdle races. The company will thiin proceed to Tauranfra, for the purpoßO of amusing the Buttlorj.

SPORTING NEWS.

NOTES ON THE DUNEDIN KACE3.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PHESS ASSOCIATION.)

DUNEDIN, Monday. Tins morning there was an excellent gallop dono by King Quail, and Adamant did two miles in 3tnius 37secs, LibofW did the Cup distance in trains 6secs. Chancellor, Matakau, and Dauphin finished the Cup distauco at racing speod. The last-named appears to have tbo most weight, and tailed off at the finish. Chancellor went unkindly, leaving Matakau with the best of it. Nonsense and Siesta did tho-Cbampagne distance fast, Siesta in front at the finish, but her companion had been pulling hard all the way. The following are the final acceptances for the Duncdiu Cup :~• at lb ««lb Chanoallor .. 712 ThoPoot.. .. 7!! Dauphin .. ..7 11 T'tanla .. ..JO Matakau .. ..7 0 Hilda .. .. «}3 Libeller .. ..7 8 Adamant- .. 611 LadyKinma ..7 6 Nonpareil.. ..6 8 King Quail .. 7 i Tasman .. -67 These include all penalties.

THEATRE ROYAL.-UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.

A DRAMATISATION ot Mrs Harriot Beecher Stowo's eclobrated novel was produced at the Theatre last night, and satisfactorily played beforo a large audiance. Tho pUfce has beon performed hero before, and it Is comparatively familiar, therefore, to the ordinary run of playgoers, so" that it is un. necessary to enter into a description of it. "The adaptor has taken somo of the leading passages from tho talc and strnug them to gether as best he conld, but like moat such adaptations the effort has not proved very successful. Still the story is so widely known that tho mere representation of a series of sketphci illustrative of its leading incidents subserves the end in view. This is what the Minstrels do, and as a mixed audience docs not insist upon histrionic talsnt ot a very high order from the exponents of nigger minstrelsy, they may bo considered to have made a "hit. If the performance, however, relied mainly upou effective acting for its success it would have to be spoken of with considerable reservation, but as this is ostensibly not the cato, critics ncod cot be exacting, Tho play is made to afford opportunity for songs and dances, planta tion walks round and negro antics generally, and the medley appears to be very popular;. The scenery is'good, and the tontuming and stage accessories sufficiently appropriate to lead an air of vraisemblancc to the various situations. Tho boat delineations of charac ter last night were undoubtedly Ilosea Easton's Uncle Tom, Mr \V. H. Leake's Simon Legroe, Miss May Thornton's Eva, Miss Lucy Ashton's Ophelia and Cassia, Mr Drayton'B St. Clair, and Jimmy Moody's Topsy. Tho others are hardly worth consideration, Hosea Easton's Uncle Torn is quite unaffected, and is con sistent from beginning to end, while little Miss Thornton impereonates the! child-heroine* with great doiicacy I and with a skill far tfeyond hor years. It lisa very pleasing portraiture. Mr Loakc brings out into strong relief tho brutal ferocity of Lcgrce's character, and Miss Asbton sustains her dual rrtlo with much spirit. Topsy is also capitally impersonated. Some of the scenes are rather overdone, as, for instance, the flight of Geo. Harris and his wife to the Canadian shore, but im provements will doubtless be eft'ectod as the piece becomes more frequently rehoarsed. Tho apotheosis is well contrived, and it forms a pleasing finale to the performance. Several songs and choruses were very naturally rendered last night, and the dances aod funnyisms were received with lively manifestations of pleasure. The same bill will lie presented to-night and until further notice.

Young ladies and gentlemen about to start honaokeoplng will be relieved ola great deal of trouble by calling on the undersigned. You can ascertain in a few minutes tho coat of furnishing a three, four, rive, or six roomed lioubo. Not only can you form a correot estimate, but you can see all the goods ready for delivery at tho various prices. Gurllck and Cranwoll keop a larger stock of carpets and bodßte&ds than any other house in Auckland; also the greatest variety of household furniture, most of it manufactured by their own workmen. Five per cent, discount allowed for oaah at time of purchase New-comers aro Invited to stroll through tho City Hall Arcado, and satisfy themselves by an inspection of the Block of the good value we offer, and tho readiness we are enabled to exeoute orders entrusted to our caro. -Oarllck and Uranwell, City Hall Arcado.— (ADVT.)

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brief, tor It la wltli words as with sunbeams; the rfioro they are condensed the deopor they barn,"-SouTniHr. '

Band of Hope.r-An engagement ring. On Fatigue Duty.— The tiring woman. A Pat of Butter.—A blarneying Irish' man.

The Eastern Question.—How to decant Sublime Port. Do river oarsmen obtain their " feathers from the " bed"of the stream?

A revolution in Ireland that the moat en thusiastic patriot does not appreciate.—The treadmill.

Tho Latest Yankee Rendering.—lt takes two to make a bar gain, and one maßt pay for the drinks. Why is the letter " R" like the face of Hamlet's father ?—Because it's "more in sorrow than in anger."

A man in Augusta,' Ga., on receiving a doctor's bill for medicine and visits, wrote that he would pay for the medicine and return the visits.

Fond Mother (who hak been teaching) - " Now, Augustus, and what is tautology ? " Augustus (making a dash for it) —" Any ology that's ' tftut.'" Captain Morris, M.H.R,, accompanied the Premier to the Thames, He is namod as probably the new Government whip, having filled that post before. When the stopper of a glas3 decanter becomes tight, a cloth wet with hot water and applied to the neck will cause the glass to expand so that the stopper jjaay be easily removed. The best way to cleanse gold is to vasn it in warm suds made of delicate soap, with ten or fifteen drops of salvolatilo in it. This makes jewellery very brilliant. The steamor Kose Casey yesterday conveyod 365 schoolchildren, teacheri, and parents from Warkworth, &c, to the Kawau, where they were kindly wel comed by Sir George Grey. One for Missus.—Mistress—"Bridget, I really can't allow you to receive your sweet heart in the kitchen any longer." Bridget —"Thank you kindly, mum, but he's too bashful for the parlour "

Seaside Whisper.—Lady in black satin to lady in cream tulle: "Of course her watch-chain is very heavy. Her husband keeps a sausage-shop; and so she weara heavy links to keep her in mind of the trade."

Practical Economy.—Host—" Now, that wive cost me a guinea a bottle nearly 20 years ago, Now, apart from the prime coat, look what the yearly interest on it comes to." Guest-" Well let's have another bottle, and get rid of the interest on that, at all events." The Wellington Artillery haß beaten the Nelson Artillery in a carbine match, each firing on own ground, The population of New South Wales U estimated at 781,255, an increase by 80,000 since the census in April, • The election of the licensiug committees at the Thames excited little interest. The following were returned :—For tfle Thames North—Messrs Tricker, Wilson. W. Praeer, Thornburn, and F. G. Comes. For Kauwacranea: Messrs A. Hart, G t W. Bull, S. J. Neil, J. S. Walton and W. Deebble.

" Many people lost in the Shannon, Donerty ?" "No sorr, divil a wan 1 Mike Smith was drowned on Thursday, to be sure, but we found him again on Satur day." The Bright Smile Battery has been sold for £2,000. It cost £14,000. The manager of tho Suffolk Urewery, Christchurch, has been fined £20 for not allixinc a duty sjamp to a barrel of beer i which ho presented to the railway employe's ; for their picnic. Tho New South Wales Marine Board in ?[uiry into the loss of the .steamer Fiona ound that the evidence showed a good deal of drinking among the officers on the day of the accideni..

The Newcastle miners notified the A.A. lay, that unices the -Id eliding sealo were adopted, instead of tho present rate of 3d, the uieu would strike on the 25th February. The company then gave the men fourteen days' notice. Probate to the will of the late James Hcnty was granted on the 9tb, for £74,000. A company, with the Duke of Mancbes tcr and other influential directors, has been formed tor the purpose of introducing the electric light into Australia.

The assessed annual value of the piopcrly in the Karangabapc district is £11,711, yielding rates amounting to £585 lls. Tlie Mount Albert Wesleyaos intend to erect a more commodious church. £250 are subscribed.

Protcstnntisn appears to be making quite good progress iv Syria. According to a re cent letter thcro arc over 11,000 children in evangelical schools, o£ whom Dearly one. half arc girls. This docs not include Pales tine.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before Moesrs Coseravo and Prime, Jußtloes of

tho Peace.)

Fading Beauties.—Sarah Jones and Ellen uurtls wore charged under tho Vagrant Act with having no vinible lawful means.—Servant Gamble nain enquiries had been made into the state ments ot tho girls, and they were found. to bo false. The caeoa wore remanded until to morrow.

Lakusnt.—Mary Igoe, on remand, was again brought up en c oharge of stealing night dresses and other thirds, value £10, tho property .of Lena Pluming, on the 12th last.— On the appli cation of Mr Ltalshley, the case waa adjourned until to-morrow, and prisoner admitted to ball, herself in £10, and one aurety £10.

Mr lliNNafukd AND HIS Doi). — Thomas Brown Hannaford pleadol not guilty to keep ing an unregistered dog, within the city of Auckland. Thomas Hodgers, Sab-inspector, deposed that he did not know Mr Hannaford personally; had heard ot him; saw a black dog oa defendant's promises; spoke to a lady about it, and she said a collar should bo procured.— Mr Hannaford, with the Aot under his arm, croae-oxamlnod tho witness at some length.— He whistled the dog. and tho little animal ran in. "Now, Sir. do you see that dog?" Wit ness, " Yes."—" la that a proper collar on that little dog V That was not the collar he had on whon I saw the dog.—lnspector Uoldio B&ia Mr Hannaford had not registered tho do* In accor danoe with the Act.—The Bench: Mr Banna ford, have you registered the dog this Tear or not?—Defondaat hesitated, and then produced the summons to show that the Information was dofootlvii. It said nothing about "within the oily."—Mr Hannaford: I myself am a registrar, —Sorgoant Gamble Bald this was no answer to the charge: his offloo was In the city,-Tho Bench: The fact appears to be this, Mr Hanna ford registered his dog at Waitakorel to save 6s. It Is a mere quibble.—Mr Hannaford bald tho feo was tho name in both plaoas, therefore. it wu no attompt to avoid the fall 'amount of fee —The Bonch : The foe is 10s in the city.— Sergeant Gamble snowed that defendant ihad tried to evade the payment of 10s, in faot had not,taken out a collar at all.—Mr Hannaford said ho was tho victim of a spooies of perse cation from Mr Uoldio, and he must appeal to tho Court for protection from him. The Bonch ropndi&ted the idea, they Bald they had known Mr Goldle for years and did not believe that he would be guilty ot such nioasnres as that attributed to him by defendant. Flood Is and costs. Defendant Immediately paid tho amount, whlßtled his doer, and left the court.

Henry Coomos was fined Is and costs under tho same Act, Several other charges were withdrawn.

Bkkaoh ok Customs Regul vtionb.—Wil i liara Pet«r Nollson was charged with a breach of the Customs Regulations, by evading duty on 33 boxes ot cigars, with Intent to defraud H.al.'s Customs, on the 21at lnst., thus rendering him self liable to a penalty ot £100.-Mr Hudson Williamson, Crown solicitor, appeared for tho prosecution, and stated the Cue. — Prisoner pleaded not Rollty. - Thomas Hill, Col laotor of Customs, deposed that be know prisoner, who was an itlnorant showman. From information which had come to his knowledge, he was accompanied by Mr Parker to a certain placo where prisoner lived. To the Bench: Ho kuuw the duty had not boen paid on them.—Henry Parker,, tlda surveyor, saw prlp.omir this morning at one o'clock. He, with Mr mil, visited the housj in Lorne-Btroot where prisoner was staying. In a onpboard ho found 18 boxea of clears, and in a bag 17. They were worth 25s v bos, and oach box contained 50 cigars. The prisoner said ho had brought them in a dingey from Rangitoto. — Borgeant Andrew Clarke deponed to going to prisoner's house, in company with Mr Bill and Mr Parker, and to finding the cigars as de scribed. To prisoner : Did not find any umlor yonr bod. To tho Bench: Had not known defendant as a tloalor in cigars. The prisoner had nothing to say in defence. —Mr Williamson said as defendant ha-1 made no disclosures, nor assisted tho ofHuors of tho Customs in any way, it must be obvious to the Bench that he was not alone in tho matter. Tho Collector of Customs, Mr Hill, was not therefore disposed to ask far a mitigation of the penalty.— The Bench lmposod the full penalty ot £100 and costs. Prisoner said he was unable to pay, and mu't go to gaol. This was all the business.

MINING NEWS.

New Goiden Crown G.M.C.—-170ft Level: The contractors driving cross-cut (Cure section) have made good progress, upwards of 30ft having been driven during past week, tho drive going through a good claBS of sandstone country, A promising leader about 4in in thickness was met with at a distance of about 15tt from starting point. Winza from 100 ft to 170 ft levels: The reef here still continues about 2ft in thickness and showing good indications, although no gold has been seen in the last 15ft of sinking. It h*c now reached a depth of 59ft. The * stopes above 100 ft level: A good supply of payable quartz coming to hand both from Nos. 1 and 2 reefs. Footwall leader at brace le^el: The small vein that junctions with this leader still shows a little gold and picked stone still coming to hand. Cure section : Kendall and party, tributers, have crushed 16 loads for a yield of 40ozs. 2dwts. melted gold. Nothing fresh to report on any of the other workings sines my last.—T. A. DUNLOP.

OUR WELLINGTON TELE GRAM.

, ■ m '••■ i>■•:•. ,■ (FROM OUR OWN COKRESFOSDEHT.)

WELLINGTON, this day. I, THE VACCINATION OF JEM MACE. JEM MACE, the celebrated pugilist, was a passenger by the Wakatipu, which* ar. rived yesterday. The health officer ex amined the lighting man's bicepa to see if he had beea properly vaccinated, and find ing that he had not, placed Jem Mace m quarantine along with another saloon pas senger and two steerage passengers, BREAKAGE IN COOK'S STRAITS CABLE. Yesterday afternoon ie was discovered that the old three wire cable connecting Lyell Bay with White's Bay had broken, and all communication through the cable was consequently stopped. During . tbo evening a rough test was made from^the Wellington office, and it whs ascertained that the break had occurred at about the Bame place as the former break, which occurred some three years ago. The cable was working well enough on Sun day morning, and the break, therefore, was sudden. It is supposed that the outer casing had been gradually eaten away, and that the strain having become too great at one end the wire had snapped asunder. The result Is that tele grams to and from the South will not be so expeditionsly transmitted as heretofore, as there arc only two single wire cables on wnich the work of transmission can be conducted ; one of these crosses the Strait from Lyell Bay, and is worked by the duplex system. The other is from Wan> ganui to Wakapuaka, to which the duplex system has not been applied. Telegrams to and from the Southern stations will be sent and received on both these wires, and every effort will be made by the depart ment to expedite the business as much as possible. With this object .in view.a num ber of operators were to be shipped from this to Wanganui last evenin(?,and a detach ment also leave Blenheim for Wakapuaka, to overtake the work which jwill accumu late on the cable there, Dr Lemon went out yesterday morning to Lyell Bay, for the purpose of ascertaining by test the exact locality of the inter ruption. It is probable the Agnes, which is now at Singapore, will be tele graphed for to come on here to effect re pairs to the cable, but if it is fonnd that her engagements prevent her coming at once, some local steamer will, in all likeli hood, have to ue fitted up for the purpose. It is thought, that under the most favour able circumstances some six weeks will elapse before the cable can again be put in working order, Dr Lemon returned to night, and confirms the rough test. It is supposed there is a sulphur or copper bed in the vicinity, and that the cablenas been eaten through.

MR PILLIET, M.H.R., UN SEATED.

FIRST DECISION UNDER THE COR RUPT PRACTICES ACT.

CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. JUBGJUNT was given in the Stanmore election petition case at 3 p.m. to-day, by Judge Johnston. After formally stating the nature of tbe petition, which was to sot aside the election of Mr Filliet for Stan more, HU Honor referred to the second petition, which had been withdrawn. The grounds for the petition were certain cor rupt practices, which it had been sought to prove. It had been urged upon the Court to deal leniently with the case, as the first under an unusually stringent Act. The Court held themselves bound by the Act. If it was stringent, no doubt it was so far good, and sufficient reasons and experience at Home had'shown the necessity for thestringent suppression of corrupt practices, and the colonial Act would compel candidates to use extra cau tion. The consideration of the hardship could affect the Court only to the extent of causing them to see that the charges were fully proved. In respect to some of the charges there was a conflict of evidence, In these the Court had been asked to compare tho credibility of the witnesses, bat they were compelled in this case to consider the manner in which the case had been pre pared on either side. They were bound to consider the employment of a piivate detective, the manner in which a letter had been obtained, and the treating at the White Hart, allot which suggested that the petition had b'cenpre ferred on personal rather than on public grounds. (Hear, hear). His Honor threatened to imprison any one who mani festad feeling. His Honor resumed :On the other hand the evidence as to the res pondent's engagement of the man Scott wag open to criticism, tiis Honor then pointed out the classes of'practices which the Act forbade, and o£ which evidence had been led. The first of these was the inducing of Mr Toomer (a candidate who retired) to use his influence and support for Mr rilliet. The Court was satinficd that, on the whole, the charge was dis proved. The next charge was the engage ment of Scott, an elector, as secretary to the committee. This was an illegal prac tice. The evidence on this charge was to ascertain tho extent to which the evidence was conflicting, and the petitioner relied upon a promise of future payment. The respondent said he did not make such pro mise, and affirmed that he did not know Scott to be an elector. The respondent's letter forced the Court to conclude that there had been a clear understanding for payment, which was an illegal act under the law, Scott being an elector. The next offence charged was that of illegal treating. This cbarge had been virtually abandoned. It did not appear who had been treated : but, considering the nature of Scott* testi mony, the Court could not take It as proved. The conveyance of voters to the polling likewise wa« unproved. The non giving of lists of the scrutineers would not affect the election. The last charge camo within the illegal practices—the paying for moro than oae couimittee-roouv in one dis trict, It was uncertain whether tho hiring of a tent would be -withiu the meaning of the Act, as it was • quite withia the probabilities that the owner of the tent was not in the district, and not, therefore, to bo influenced by Huch hiring. Tho Gordon-street houso had been given gratuitously, so that the school-room was the only room coming withiu the Act. The Court concluded that they were bound to declare that an illegal practice within the knowledge or consent of the respondent had been committed, that he had not been duly elected, and that the return of the election must bo void. They were not satisfied that the respondent,-entering into the ongaßenientwith Scott, was awaro that he was transgressing the Act. The Co art. refused to make aDy order as to caste, hold ing that the time ot tho Court had unneces sarily been taken up in trying charges which were not substantiated. The Court made an order, calling upon John 'Scott to appear on February 23rd, at 3 p.m., to show causo why the Court should not report that he had been guilty of illegal practices, After the case was finished, a small crowd went down to Uavick and Cow lishaw's office and gave groans.

LAND SALE AT ARATAPU.

Tub sulo of Government lands at Aratapu has juatbcon completod, and purchasers are already Betting about clearing their ground, preparatory to bulldiug, ana sanguine expectations are en tertained that, ere long, another township will ■be success fully formed. The site for the Choroh ot Kngland has boon selected, and the land cleared, Tho Her. Mr Baker informed, (ho congregation attending Divltto aorvioo on Sunday ovoning last, that the sum realised by the soiree would add oonaidoraby to tho funds in hand. This is satisfactory, end spoaks well for the advancement of Aratapu, Tho site for the Courthouse, Police Station, has also been solooted. Tho public road is commenced, at least, preliminary pie parations hava been started; namely, laying down the trams of mettaiing, etc. The road will extend from tho ballast wharf opposite the Cosmopolitan Hotel, along by the Union Sash and Door Company's fence, and on to tho road which loads to Dargavillo and Mang&whare. Mr J. Chad wick intonds oponing a More noxt to tbo abovo-memionod hotol, in afowwcolts. He ia levelling tho gronnd, und making a great many improvements, and certainly deserves credit tor his enterprise and perseverance. The public generally will bo very greatly benofltted by this road, aaihoy will bo able to traneaot business without trespassing upon the company's ground ; and the gumdlggerx, who form a prominent portion of our community, will shortly bo in a position to interview their worthy friend, Mr James Brawn, the village blacksmith, regarding gum spears, and procure stores trom Messrs Chadwlck and Staokpole's establishment, and also refreshments from tho Cosmopolitan Hotel, without performing the arduous duty of jump ing the fenco. Regarding gum diggers it may be eaid that they are certainly a very indepen dent class of people, and it would be well for mon who are out of employment in Auckland,if they would turn their attorn ion to the gum-fields hero, for it is an acknowledged fact lhat any man who Hkeß to work can, at the very loaitt, cave $2 per woek after all expenses aro met; and the more fortunate ones consider it a " bad weok" when they do not clear from four to five pounds; and they anticipate gioater wind falls when the swamps aio thoroughly dry, for in tho swamps they expect tho richest finds. The nominating of candidates for the offices of members of Licensing Committe ia, at prosent, engaging public attention here.—Cobbespon dent.

CABLEGRAMS.

1f.,, .. ...., [RETJTEIt'3 TELXOBAMS,]

OUTRAGES ON JEWS IN RUsSIa!

LONDON, February 20.

The official Blue Book has been issued containing consular reports to the .British Foreign Office, which fully confirm the past intelligence as t> the serious nature of outrages which have been committed upoa Jews in Russia. Tho documents, moio. over shew that Russian officials have die. played the utmost apathy in dealing with I attacks on the persecuted race, i .. kUSSUN OCCUPATION OF MERV. ST. PETERSBURG, February 20th.,, A strong detachment of Cossacks, form, ing part of the Russian Army in' Central Asia,hag been ordered to occupy.Merv. SIR H. PARKES IN NEW YORK. NEW YORK, February 20th; " Sir Henry Parkes was entertained to-day by the Lotos Club in this City, and wftj accorded an enthusiastic reception. SKOBBLOFF'S WAR NOTE. LONDON, February 20. Tlfere is a consensus of English and foreign public opinion that the Czar will disclaim the speech of General Skobeloff to the Servian students at Paris, and will reprimand the General for his action. ARREST UF A RUSSIAN IN BUL GARIA. CONSTANTINOPLE, February 18. Intelligence is to hand from Sofia that a Russian named Gantzoff {sic) hae been arrested in that city for endeavouring to! foment a disturbance on the part of the Bulgarian inhabitants. NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE PANIC. NEW YORK, February 20. The panic on the stock exchange, occa sioned by the failures in wheat and cotton trades, has subsided, The state of the money market is improving, and the ap prehensions of further difficulties are subsid-

AUSTRALIAN.

THE MINING SCANDAL. SYDNEY, February 20. The trial ot Messrs Baker, Waddle, and Mathieson for conspiracy to defraud the I shareholders of the Milbum Creek Copper mining Company, was commenced to-day, when the case for the prosecution wai opened by Mr Want. The prisoners pleaded not guilty. INTERNATIONAL CRICKET MATCH.' ■ SYD«EY,'Febrnary2o. The aicket match between the All Erig. | land Eleven and the Combined Australian team was resumed to-day. The weather.: was again very fine, and the attendance; large, The Englishmen resumed their second innings, and were all disposed of for 232. The following are the individual scores :—Ulyett, lbw, 67 ; Selby, c, 28#ft Bate?, c, 5; Barlow, c, 62; Shrewsbury,^.1 22; Midwinter b, 8 ; Scottott, lbw. T&iiwk Bmmetr, c, 9; Pilling, b, 9; Shaw, bj 19 Pcate, not out, 0; Extras, 6 : Totals 2& ■ The combined team, requiring 169 towiD ( have now gone in for their second innings. When the stumps were drawn for the >'M day, the combined team bad put'':lk together 35 runt, for the loss of two wickets, Blackham scored 4, and Maal»y|| fHE MIRZAPOKE RELEASED. MELBOURNE, February 20. : •The P. and O, Cdtapany's steamship:. Mirzipore and her passengers were released1 from quarantine to-day.

ADDITIONAL CABLES^,

LONDON, February 14. I The new Ministry in Egypt is exhibiiinmf? strong national proclivities, and dcaiceaa re movar of the restrictions hitherto con« * sidered necessary. It is now announced M I probable that early action will be taken by ' | them for the establishment of freedom of the press in Egypt. Concessions have been obtained from the Persian Government by a French Company B jg for the. purpose of constructing a railway ± from Teneran, the capital, situated seventy miles South of the Caspian to a seaport on:'11 the Caspian in , the Persian province of I Zhalan. The distance is about a hundred and thirty miles. PH The insurgents in Bosoia are displaying great activity, and collisions with the Aus< trians are frequent.

The Government have despatched large I reinforcements In order to suppress the in-1 I isurrcctiou,but military operations are much 1 > hampered by the severity of the weather. - The sufferings of the troops from severe cold • are declared to be of a most painful dencrip tion. »^

AUCKLAND INSTITUTE.

Tub annual meeting of members ot the Auck land Institute was held at the Musotim last evening. There was a largo and Influential attendance, and the President (T. Peacock. Kbq.l ■■ presided. The minutes oC the last general meeting having been confirmed, the secretary (Mr T. F. Cheeseman) read the annual report. It showed the total membership, of the Institute to be 3u2, The revenna had been £61318 6d. and , : the expenditure £503 4d. There were, however, £10 outstanding accounts to be llquidateo, which '; would show a small deficit. During last session 2ii papers were r«ad, and a large number ot soeclraons added, to the Museum, amonust t&em being some valuable casts oC fossils. Referring to Mr Maokel vle'a valnable present of picture?, the report Bald: "It should be mentioned that Mr Mackelvte reserves to himself the right of removing the pictures from their present home •if at some futuro time a building more especi ally devoted to art and antiquities should bo orected in Auckland." Lengthy 'reference was made to the checks to ' ' the progress of the Masoum-the want ot a;; toKul&r Income being the prinolpal drawback, i : The following referenoe was made to endow- v* mont;— "a suitable endowment lor the museum is the obvious remedy tor the disadvantages described aboro, and the Council havo urgently pressed this upon the notioe Of Government. Early in tho year tho Hon. the Minister of Lands was addressed on the question, and engaged to bring it under the notice ot bis colleagues. Prior to the Besalon of Parliament a oiroular . was forwarded to the Auckland members, ex plaining the position ot the museum.and asking for their aotire assistance. Unfortunately, the yt M members dif [bred aa to the proper mode ot brine-. ing the matter under the »otloe ot Parliament, and much valuable time was lost. Ultimately, tho Government admitted the justice of the claim, and introduced a Bill to provide for a landed endowment ot tho .capital value of £10,000. It is with great regret that the Council havo to atate that, owing to the late period »t which the Bill ww brought forward, it was found impossible to pass It through the Honsa in time, and it consequently lapsed. The Council trust that better suocets mar attend their endeavours during the next ses- , ■ Bion ot Parliament."—The (Jotmoll boggoi to, ■ acknowledge their -indebtedness to Mr Mao kolvio for the donation of lW volumes on S| the early history o£ the colony: to W. K. ■ Graham and Co., and Mr Hugh Craig, as agent* ot the Institute in lxmOon and San Francisco respectively. Thanks were also due. an In many,; previous years, to the Pacific Mail Steamship ompany, the New Zealand Shipping Companr. Messrs Shaw SaviUo and Company., and other firms and establishments, for oarryiog tree, packages intended for the museum. . ": The president said it waß not necessary for him to make any statement In connection with the report and balance sheet. Next year he hopod justice would be done to Auckland and the Musoum, by the passing of a Bill to provide "■ endowment, and thin plaoe the Auckland :. -. ■ Museum on an equality with the Museums of . the Pouth. Be had much pleasure in moving toe adoption of the report, ', ' : Mr.Justice GllUeß. In seconding the motion, said he roooKnised iho difficulties under which the Institute had laboured,and joined with the ; • chairman in hoping that before the end Of the present year an adequate endowment would be _■ ■. provided. At tho a.uuo time, ho thought they : ought to congratulate themselves on tne publio Interest evinced by the increase In the r ■ number of member?. If the Institute pro* ;. . gresaod it would cot be so much by means oi the addition to its f unds-whioh ot itself la an important matter—as by tho personal interest taken in its advancement by each mem ber collecting, and giving specimens, i They should therefore endeavonc to inorease the number of active members j it was qmte •»> n, if dexirable as tho andowmsnt. The report was then adopted. j, .: The Cnalrman then proposed MrK. A. MM kechnle as president for tho ensuing year. He had taken an active interest in the Instltuto, oontributinß man; valuable and thouh'htiui papers, these papers had been more of a literary than a soientlflo charaoter. but n thought it was meet that all departmontß sbotua be represented in the ohalr. , , I Mr G. Aiokin seconded, and It was owned unanimously,. Mr Maokeohnle briefly returned thanks. The following gontleiijen were then elected * council for the ensuing year:—Mr Justice 1>»" j 11ns. Bishop Cowie, Messrs T. Peioook, J. M» Clark, G. Aiokin, \eil Heath, J. A. Pond. Dr. Purchaß. S. P. bmlth, Joslah Martin, Colonel Hanltaln. . - Mr Thomas Maoffarlane baying been M- , elected auditor, votes of thanks were aocordea to the retiring president, to the secretary, ana to the auditor, and tho meeting terminated.

fir Fitzwilliatu Wcntworth, of Sydney, has bought for £440,000 the estate of Barta boßie, Victoria, comprising 336,000 'acres. Mr Gilbert Carson, proprietor of the " Waoßanui Chronicle," is visiting Auck land, accompanied by bis brother. The remains of explorer Lowe, lost five months ago, wore discovered at the Gas coigne Rivor entrance, "Western Australia, whiclrpolnted that death was from thirst. The Titirangi school committee have voted for Messrs Laiahley, McKenzie, and ,

T ompgon.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. TUJbSOAY. FEBRUARY 21



a ICKIN 3 HYPOPno3PHITa3. Aiorin's Syrup of Hypophoßphlte of Lime la guaranteed equal to the Frenoh preparations of Dr UliurctiiU, and lew * than half the prloe. • The great expense of the Imported preparation to the alok, and the fact that », HuohiPharmaoeutioal preparationß.oan be Manufactured uquully well in Auckland, has induced the proprietor to ucwgo in making a really reliable article or Standard Strength and Ohbmioai. purity thatl may bo recommended with confidence by the medical faculty to their patients and others. Aickin'b Hypophosphltea will answer all the requirements Btated, and a trial will suiflce to show that in tberapentical notion they are quits as eiScaoioua in all diseases for which tho continental pro curations ore bo justly oelebratod. Sold in bottles at 2b 6rt "nch. Uose, two teasDoonf als only. Aiokin'B Syrup of Hytophos i'iutks ov Lihb Ai^u Soda, oapecially sultabla in some o .ces of luug diseases, ' and 1» moat pnl stable and cordial, eaoh teaspoontnl i.uatalna three grains pure hypophoap'ijite ot lime and one and a half grai ..a hypophosphite of soda. Sold iv bottlea at 2s 6d eaoh. Request your modioal adviser to try tho Local Syrupa ot Hypoptosphltea, made by Aiokin of deilnlte uniform Btr6nKth> AICKIN, Wholesale ManufacturlnK Chemist, The Pharmaor. Auckland T I-QUOR TEA COMPANY, •*"* LONDON. The undersigned haa just reoelved, per Roman jCmi'jkjs, a Largo Consignment of the above Company's rpEA AND yOLUMES. THK TSA poßsessea great pungency and power, and is full flavoured. THE BOOKS are Hanwomkly Bound and by FOPCTIiAB AnTHOBS. 2s 8d pbrlb 3s W. S. COLLINS, PARNSLL, AUCKLAND, Sole Agent for New Zealand. Orders by Doet promptly attended to. and Goods delivered to all parts of Town or Suburbs. Thumb Strictly Cash. Tho Gustav Adolf Verdn, a society in Germany which assists in the building of Protestant churches in Catholic countries, last yeir received £38,000, and built twenty* two churches and six parsonages.



Special Advertisements '■ ooooooococoooocoooppoooooo SSBS6BSoSSooSqSSSSSSSSqqbb ciocsaaaicsacsocsaoocsoaaacijpagcsg iiiiiiieSisHiiiiSßliSpiii Sbbbbbbobqqoqoogoqbgqqqooq Xgg^ \V^ TER' SO CASE 350 Tho first portion of the NEW GOODSJar tfas YOUTHS" CHEAP SUITS. Pakents aot> GimsdiAjts will find it advan ta^u to mX on Early Selection the STOCK of MEN'S CLOTHING is NELS7&C., second to none in New Zealand. AUCKLAND BIUN-CH: QUE EN-STRKET, Oppoßito Theatro Royal; And at Albert-street, Thames. J. FITZSIMONS, Manager, illliiililiiSil" lilliirfllilralii JUNCTION DRAPERY WARKHOU3K. WILLIAM X, JJRIDGMAN. 150 Yards boat quality 27 Inch Cocoa Matting, 250 Yards boat Quality 3fi inch Cocoa Matting, Largo LoTof Hearth Regs, 7s to 8a M 80 Large size Coloured Alhambra (jullta, is M 250 Yards Marone and Soarlet Moreen, Is yard, formerly 2s 6d 200 YardH Russia Duck, ali linen, lo yard 300 Yards Army Duok. lOd 1200 Yards 72 inch Hessian, 6d yard, old by the Large Lot good Blaok Crape (bought oheap), 40 Pieces Fink, Bine, Green and Yellow Book Muslin, Is 6d piece Large Lotof Udlea' Fichus and Capos, from 28 6d to 25a 30|Good Rlaok Silk Jaokots, from 258 Great Variety of Ladies' Print a&d Satteen Summer. Skirts, from 3e fid Good Stock of Ladies' Umbrellas {all prices), Good Stook of Gents' Umbrellas, from Jb 6d Good Stock of Men's white Shlrta (plain and plaited fronts), from 4s 6d -« Boys' Knloker and Norfolk Suits, from 6s 6d Large Stock of Men's White and Coloured Molo Trousers at a small advance on Cost - Men'a Merino Pants and Shirts from Wild Carpet Bans, from 6s 6d Leather Portmanteau, 27s 6d WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN, Up.wr Queen-street.



XUSX RECEIVED, Per Steamer, BLACK BROGHB QRKNADINB. tor Dresses and Mantles BLACK AND COLOURED MADRAS NETS BLACK AND COLOURED MADRAS MUSLINS BLACK SPANISH FIGURED NBT BLACK BPAXISH LACKS WATERED SUiKS AND RIBBONS A Very Complete Stock of BABY LINEN > and CHILDREN'S' and LADIES' UN DERCLOTHING TABLE LINENS, SHEETINGS CALICOS FLANNELS, So., &C. Mu»K AND (yHOYCE, QPKBN AND WKLLESLBY-STRBBTfI, AUCKLAND, rum RECEIVED, Per May Qaeon and Uoroinandel, LARdE SHIPMENTS OF BRUSSELS AND TAPESTRY (^ARPETS, (ALL NEW PATTERNS). A Splendid ABSortment of French and English CRETONNES. LACE AND NET COBTAINB In Great Variety. BKAS3 and Ikon Bbdsteadb and Cots, IRON VENETIAN BUNDS (all colours). VERANDAH BLINDS. PERAMBULATORS. FURNITURE of every description in stock and made to order. INSPECTION IHVITBD. T¥T INKS AND [TALL, Wholesale and Retail CABINETMAKERS AND UPHOLSTERERS, AND CARPET WAREHOUSEMEN, SHOBTLAND-STBBKT. DMIIH AND ARNOLD, ARCHITECTS, OLD CITY COUNCIL OHAMBSRS,



15Q BOXES ( CHOICE NEW SEASON'S TEA, HxlUaUlSteamer, 225. Each, BEW'S, Vlotorltt-Btreot. ■piBOM TJAKIS, Tub Mobi MAGNIFICENT (}RETONNEj§ kvbh shown in Auckland, Ex Orient Steamer' Uaronno.' Just Opened, And on Solo by GAItLIOK & CKANWKLL, . pLATED B"RENOH AND HALF-TBBTER JRON JDEDSTEAUS, Very Handsomjb, and a Novbwy, Juat Landed ex Hormiono. LARGEST STOCK OF BEDSTEADS IN AUCKLAND AX THE QITY JTALL A ROADB, pARLICK & /"^RANWELL, HOUSB FURNIaSERS. FANCY .WARDEN TABLES. CANE LOUNGES FOX VERANDAHS. Black and White Wool Heabthbpqs. TAPKBTHY, BRUSSEL, & SrAIR OARPBT. CHURCH PEW SEATING, VBHV NICB, AND PrKFBRAIILK TO CUSHIONS. GaRLICK & CRANWELL,