SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

HIGH WATBR^^MoSril.sa BUNBKT.-Thlß Evening, 7.0 ,4&* m BUNRIBB.-To-morrow Morning, 5.M MOON'S AGK.—Last (jucrtor, 11th, 8.13 p,m,

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Glenelg, as., Stopheneon.from Tnnranga Wellington, 5.8., Farquhur, from Ruaeoll Fanny Kelly, ketch. Williams, from Whangaroa Reliance, ketoh, Ware, from Qreymouth Cygnet, sohooner, Brown, from Whangaroa,

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Argylo. 5.8.. Orawford,[for;Whangarel TO-DAY. Caledonia, schooner, PUllDger, for Whanga poua

IMPORTS.

Per Relianoo from Greymouth-90 tons coal.

UWakds Co*STWiBE.-Opptlki.from Whan narurn; Iris, from Patua, with 17,738 foettim ber ; Jenot, from Whanßarei Beads, with 800 buahols Hnio; Pukapnka, from Omaha.

Outwards Coastwise. -- Pukapuka, for Omaha.

The ship Roman Kmnhe oloared at tho Cru toma for Lyttolton to-day.

The brlgantino Krno has olearod at the Cus toms for Rose Island.

The sobooneV Atltritic has entered ont at the Customs (or Karotonga.

The b.b. I'o Anaa from Melbourne via South orn ports will arrive about 10 a.m. on Monday.

The sohooner Atlantic and as. Glenelg wore dooked to-day tor outward oleansinff.

The fl.B. QlonelK, from Tauranga this morning, brought 13 oases frnlt, a large quantity of sundries, and the following passengers:—Miss Bitltl, Captain Dannie, Roy. KlUln, Messrs Boraaford, May, Mitchell, and 5 steerage.

Thoaa. Wellington arrived from Rnseell early thla morning. Cargo: 184 sacks of gum, 32 hides. 4 rams, 8 tons sundries. Passongsrs.-Mr and Mrs Wicmore. Mr and Mrs Freer, Mrs Colqunoun, Misses Baker, Marver, Graham (2), "Putin, Shepherd, and Begge. Hon. Laler, Rev Barrows, Messrs Barton, Moss, Qoulton, Smell, Sneddon, Speckman, Haley, Panny, Carter, Hntohenson, Treach&rd, Hall, Marks, Waites, Robaon, Hiokson, Millbank, Mountain, Sinclair, Andrews, Beach, Kolleaton, Henrloker, Bourko, And U iteerage.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

The Union Co.'s steamer Ha woa should arrive trom noiithern ports about 1 o'ciook to-morrow afternoon. She Is announced to return South onluesdayat3 p.m.

The strong westerly winds which have pre vailed for the last two days having aomewhat moderated, the Northern Co.'s steamers Rowena, from Hoklanga. and Maogregor, from Wditara, may be expected to arrive aome time to-morrow. They are advertised to leave again on Monday at 1 p.m., the former for waaganul and wny ports, and tho latter for Waltara.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

IJBOM OUR OWN COBRKSPONDENT),

Hblbnsvillb, this day, 'Loaded: Nightingale. AtMakarau Loadingr.Vlndox, Annio Mcl 'huiab.

The Stag left for Pabl to-day.

Port Albert, this day. Loading: Anedoll, barque. ■

Kupaka Heads, this day. Arrived: Speedwell,barque; Transport,brig, both trom Port Chalmers,

Windbound: Agnes, Jessie, Santa Cruz, vision, Bannockbarn, Moa, Oamaru, biigan tinea. The wind la westerly, with fresh

TE Koi'uitu, this day. Loading; :—The Bella Mary, Kliza Mary, Thomas and Henry. The Bast Lothian la in the stream laid up. Jane Anderson is on the way down the river. AitATAPtr, this day. Loading :-Bmlly, Look Out and Colonist,

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

WELMHaTpN, yesterday.

Arrived: Albatross, aohooner, from Suva. Balled, OretLfor Napier; Te Anau.for Northern ports, Passengers for Auckland : Mrs McKay, Mlsioa Dawson (2), and Keep, Hon. Mr Fraser and party (S). Master Bluing. Messrs Powell, Barnard, Snow (2), Steadman, Dawson, Halner, Griffiths, Oarr, Bray, Deana, Stansfield.Ransom, Qordon, Clark, Billing, and Studholme.

liTTrffiLTOir, yesterday. Sailed; Lady Jocelyn, for London; Magellan Cloud, for Kaiparo. MsmoußNir, yesterday. Balled thla afternoon: Tha Union Company's aa. Alhambra for the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

Evxninq Star Office, Saturday.

Mr It. Arthur reports of his weekly sale of poultry, produce, etc Fowls, la to Ss; chicks, 7d to lOd; ducks, la Id to 2s 2d; pigeons. Is id. to la 6d; Roeso, is ; piga. 6a fid. to 17a; potatoes, 18 3d to 3a; onions, U to Id: carrots, 2s 6d; pumpkins, 2s 3d japolea, Id to 3d; pears, jd to 2jd; peaches. Jd to 2Jd; piuma, 2Jd to id; dam- Bono, 2d to 2Jii; Cape gooaeberrlea, 6d to 7d; honey, butter, Id to 7d; cheese, Hd to ad; baoon, 2d to 81d; wheat, 3s 9d to 4a 3d; oats, 2a 6d to Sa; sharps, 6a; oatmeal, lid; flour, £11 to £12 103: chaff, &: sugar, 3|il to i\A ; box tea. 2is: coffee, la 3d; halfoheat tea. Is 7d; rice, lid to 3d; white lead, i\i; mustard, 6d to 8d; blsoults, 6d to CJd. Meaarß Carbines and Taylor report: Fowls, Is to 2s (M; ducks, la (id; rabhita. la 3d eaoh; oanariea, 3s to 9a 6d; pigeons, 2s 6d; young pigs, 4a to 15?, Produce: Hams and bacon, Canter bury, BJd: Americas liamp, 3jd to 5d ; Wairoa cheese, 3Jd to sd; salt beet 2d; mutton, id per id ; oarrots, it per owt; cucumbers. Zd per dozen; table potatoes, £3 to £3 10a; onions, }d to Id psr 1b; rhubarb, 2d per bundle: cabbagea, la to 2s per bnc; oats, 2a 3d to 2a lOd; bran, 53 6d to 6a per bug; iharps,Ss 6d to 6a; flour, 8s 8d to tfs; oatmeal. Ijd per ft. Fruit: Applea, Id to 2Jd; plums, 3d; greengages, Sid; peaohea, 3d ter dozen; bananas, Id per lb. Grocerioß: Tea (baU-ohests), la Id to 2s per lb; boxes, 20a to 24a; soap, 7a to 10s per box; starch, fid; oornflonr, fid; caudlos, Bjd; korosono, 2a per gallon. The clothes and sundries were all deued.

Mr Alfred Bnokland reports ot his sale at the Haymartcet. Fodder flentiful, and brought from Is 9d to 4s per owt.; small loads, 16s to 393, and straw, 13s to 22a por load. Horses were yanlod in large nnmbers, and those of a good ftarop Iv all olasseß brought good prices—very few being passed. Superior he»vy draught colts brought from £3310a to £35 10a; medium col to, £2310a; light medium ooits £8 15s to £15; light harness horses, £10 to £17; and hacks, £5 to £1310a.

Mail Notice.

' MAIUI WItX ULOBB AH UNDSB.— THIS DA*. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 9.30 p.m> Monday, 13th instant. For Waltara, Now Plymonth, eto., per Mao trrogor, at 11 sum. For Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 11,30 a.m. For i-nvuitn and Suva, per Mlflg", at 3 p.m. For Whitianßi, per Fingal, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemuto, and Opotild, per Wolllngton, at 1.30 p.m. For RnsieU, Kawakawa, and Haklanga, per TeAnau.at 4 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and! Mongonul, per Ulenelg, at 1.30 p.m. I Tuesday, Uth Distant. For Tarana&l and Southern ports, per Hawea at 1 D.m. For Tanranga, GlsboVno, Napier, and soutb, per Oretl, fct 3 p.m. Fot Whangarel Honda, Waipu, Wanstarel, Kamo, and Mangapal, per Argyle, at 4,30 p.m. a. B. BJBb. Obiei Postmaster. Chief Poat-otßco. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

FEBBUABY 11,1882. Theatre Royal-Mastodon Star Minstrels and Champion Dancers, 8 P.m. Welleelay-street Baptist Kvangolloal Service, 7.30 p.m. Frenoh Literary Class, 7.30 p.m. Young Men's GhilatUn Association — Devo tional, 7.30 p.m. Working Men's Club-Look-out Men, 7 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Constant RKABBR.-It iB ountomanr for a gioomßman to give a bridesmaid hia right arm on leaving ohurch after marriage. KHQuinKn -The Georgia Minstrels appeared In Auckland, in April, 1877.

Birth.

AMODKO—At hor resldenoe t Nelson-street, the wife of Captain Amodeo of a bod. LITTLE,—On February 7.1882, at her residence, corner ot Victoria and Chapel Btr6ot«, the wif» of O. Little ola danghter.

Marriage.

WEBB—PATTERSON—On February 3rd, at Ht. Paula's Church, Auckland, by Roy. O. M Nelson, Alfred Webb, to Mary Jane, fourth daughter of Mr Alexander Patterson, late of Coal bland, near Belfaat.

Death.

DALK.-At Onehunga, February 10, 1882, Taa man Fleald Dale; aged 6 years and 6 months. LANG.-On the 10th February, 1882, at the Pro vlnoial Hospital, William J. Lang; aged 80 jears. • The funeral will leave hia daughter's rcal denoe (Mrs Hopkins), Freeman's Bay, at 3 p m, on Monday next. Friends pleaae accept thla notice.

TRKNWITH.-On February Hth, at Edwin street, Newton, Edward Laadham. the Infant son of John and Louies Trenwith, aged i months.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1882..

For iho cause that faclu auliUuc*. For tha wrong that needs rests.aac Tor tha future in tha distance, And the goodlthat we can do.

The creation of elective Licensing Benchei has produced unexpected results. No one anticipated, when the famous clauso wai passed, that its effect would bo a fratorni. sation of Good Templars and publicans; but the Conferences which have already been held in Auckland, and the amicable agreement actually arrived at in tome li censing districts of the South, prove that there is no middle wall of partition between "thetrade" and its opponents that can not be broken down when there is an object to gain. That common standing-ground for both may be found in the issue about to be submitted to the people, has already been shewn, and has received a common acknowledgment ; but we very much doubt whether there is auch harmony of judgment and readiness to forege personal preferences among the repre sentatives of the two parties, aa will secure the final selection of five men in each district, qualified to hold the balance fairly. The nominations yesterday were the inde pendent selections of both parties, out in each case tbe influence of the outMde pressure of public opinion has prevented, with two or three exceptions, any attempt to force the elections along the track of party rancour or subserviency. Each side haa felt the absolute necessity of promoting the can didature of man possessing the confidence of the public on other grounds than a past prominence in connection with the liquor question. The names put forward give a very excellent choice, and should the whole of the candidates go to the poll, we hope the ratepayers will repress any im pulse towards " ticket" voting, and will exercise their judgment solely with a view to the return of the very best men—those who may be relied upon to administer the Act with strict impartiality and firmness.

It is the tendency of all well-managed com mercial institutions to grow, and we find in the statement of the Auckland Savings Bank, published in our advertising column! to-day, that tne popularity of the Post office Savings Bank system has in no way checked the onward progress of the institu tion that preceded it in this city as the chief- repository for the savings of the industrial classes. The bank in 1872 had only 1,310 depositors; at the close of 1881 it bad 6,330. There are between these periods evidences of fluctuation. The' deposits have, in some years, fallen below the average of progression. Such variations are taken as tide marks of the ebb and flow of our city's prosperity. Tho accumu lations last year ara altogether unprece dented. The number of depositors in creased a thousand in the twelve months, and the deposits roseM from £157,923 to £211,214, leaving a clear increase of £53,291 in excess of withdrawals. There is reason to hope from these figures that many work men have wisely laid by from the earnings of the last year's exceptional prosperity a nest-egg for a rainy day. Of the individual deposits, 3,733 are so small that they do not amount to £20; 1,007 are over £20, but under £60; and 740 over £50, but under £100. There are thus 5,480 accounts of less than £100 each, amounting in the aggregate to £107,307. The other 849 accounts, of over £100 each, represent £103,907, or nearly one-half the total deposits. The accumulation of money even in a Savings Bank is not always a sign of abundant work. It may signify nothing mere than a dearth of investment and a low rate of interest in the general market. But the deposits of less than £100 are, as a rule, weekly savings, unaffected by the ebb and flow of the great tide of accumulated capital, except through the influence of a tight or relaxed money mar ket upon employment for labour. In the Post-office Savings Bank last year the deposits exceeded the withdrawals by £51,005, the year closing with credit balances amounting in the aggregate to £171,488. We think this an ap propriate time to remind pur readers that in the nature of things "hard times" will come, work will Ret scarcer, and food, perhaps, dearer. It is the part of a prudent man to lay by a little store for the rainy day now, while an industrial har vest is on. These Savings Banks afford an admirable means of investing small sums at fair interest, and available on immediate call. A comfortable little bank book is always better than a month's credit with the batcher and grocer; and anyone who has once known ihe luxury will relinquish it only after a desperate straggle

Ms Gladstone has lost no time in giving J notice of his intention to introduce into Parliament rules for the establishment of a species of cldture. It cannot bo denied that these are urgently required ; and, however distasteful they may be [to British idea*, they must bo accepted as the lesser of two evils. The abuse of free Parliamentary in. stitutioni, which has becomegencral owingto tbedeterioration resulting from the rapid ex tension of electoral-privileges, demands some check; and this check, to be effective, must

perforce savour somewhat of absolutism. In I the proposals which Mr Gladstone intends! to submit, however no great inroad ia made on the cherished liberties of Parliament while they seem at the same time to pro vide an easy remedy for wilful obstruction. It is proposed to enact that a bare majority, of the House shall have power to close a' debate, but with this safegunrd — that not fewer than 200 members shall vote for tho clOtnre, and that not fewer than 40 shall oppose it. This would secure that a small House could not exercise this excep tional power, while it respects the rights of the minority provided that the minority can reach the numerical strength of 40. The leader of " Her Majesty's Opposition " has given notice that he Will oppose the pro poßal, but it does not appear whether this policy ia prompted by objection to tho prin-; ciple involved, by a desire to conciliate tho ] Irish element, or by sheer contrareity. It can hardly be on the score of principle that Sir Stafford Northcote will base his arguments against the cl6turo, for the proposal is eminently Conservative in its nature, The result of the debate, and above all, the working of the new rule, if adopted, will be waited for with considerable interest. Our New Zealand Legislature has need of some similar rule to counteract the tactics of the " Stonewallora," and maintain the dignity of tho House; and other colonial Legislatures will no doubt bo ready to profit by the results of the legislation, of the Imperial Parliament in this matter.

There are only five days now in which to lodg« objections to the valuation lists of the various districts. Forms of objection may be obtained at the Star ollice.

A special meeting of the City Council is to be held next week, for the consideration of the new building regulations.

Hunter, who has lately been under treat, ment for lock-jaw at tho District Hospital, was discharged to-day, having quite re covered.

Mr Gough, tho Tbatnei vigneron; has 4,000 gallons of wine manufactured, by him'- Bclf in stock. It is said to be superior in Home respects to Australian :viao, having better keeping qualities.

I'ho tenders for the erection of pi'omiacs in Upper Symonds-street, for Messrs Robertson and Tyer, V;efo opened at the office of Mr T. H. White, tho architect, and the terider of Mr W. Price was accepted, £568.

The tenders for the erection of promises at Onehunga, for Mr S. Coxon, wore opened at the olu'ccs of the architect, Mr T. 11. White, and wore as follows.—Pago, £500; Munro and Son, £488; Thorpe, £475; James and Denizo, £450; Smith and Home, (accepted) £398.

' The Hospital patients desire us to return thanks on their behalf to Mr Linuolu and members of the Bercsford-strcet choir for the concert of sacred and secular selections which they gave last Thursday evening,

The list of subscribers to Ckas. Iflom field's Art Union of oil paintings is com pleted, and tho drawing will bo hold in she shop of Mr Leech, Shortlaud-atrcet.fon Monday, the 20th mat, Tha hour will be stated in a future advertisement.

The engineer of the ferry steamer Taka piina, on going on board that vessel at 7 o'clock last evening, discovered that a quantity of hot ashes had fallen upon the iron plating which covers tho keelson, nnd heated it to such a degree that the surround ing timber had caught fire. A few buckets of water judiciously applied prevented any serious damage. John Laing, an old sawyer, was admitted at the Hospital yesterday, suffering from Bright's disease, and died a few hours afterwards. Ho had lived in the colony for 42 years, and was known to many old resi dents.

The boy Butterworth, who fell from a cliff at St. George's Bay soven weeks ago, left tho Hospital to-day. It was at fir«t feared that he would lose both iirniH, but, fortunately, good treatment bas succeeded in saving one.

To tho Kditor: Sir,—By tnis morning's " Herald " I sco " A.E.T." writes : " Did Floyd beat White at tho Mercury 15ay Kegatta?" and it says : "Floyd did not compete." I deny this, "Floyd did com pote." Being niyselt present at tho Kcgatta, I saw the race. Floyd gave up about a quarter-mile from tho winning post. By inserting this you will greatly oblige— Yours, &c, Spobt.

At tho weekly meeting of tho Fronch Literary Society this evening a debate is to take place on the question "Do the Fine Arts and Belles-Lettres flourish better und-r an Absolute Monarchy than undor a Re publican Regime?'1 Mr J, H. Seward opens in the affirmativo, and Mr H. S. F. Peltzer in tho negative.

There seoms to be no decrease in tho number of scarlet fever patients. At the Hospital to-day there wcro ten cases uuder treatment. Since Wednesday last two have been admitted from n Queen-street hoiirding-houso. Mnngarc furnishes one patient, Onehunga two, another was taken ill while in the Hospital, while North Shore, Awitu, Parnell, and Kyber Pass, cau each claim one representative.

The programme for* the Uitlc Associations annual prize firing appears Iv another part of this impression. It is of more than usual attractiveness, and is therefore calculated not only to bring out a large number of competitors, but also to encourage an active spirit of emulation among them, The meeting altogether promises to be the best that wo have had for many years past.

In St. Matthew's church we notico that the second of the course of lectures on " Work" will bo delivered to-morrow even ing. Its-special title ia " Man's Work for MaH|" Mr Warren is still gratifying veiy large congregations with his masterly hand* ling of the lino organ, and the efficient choir, we hear, will render Winchester's service, the Nunc Dimittis of which, especi ally, is so full of exquisite melody.

Mr Gradwell announces that ho is about to open a class for the study of elocution in tho building at the back of tho Supremo Court, next tho Survey office. Mr Grad« well's well known ability and long ex perience iv teaching will no doubt attract a largejnumber of pupils. Particulars will be found in our advertisement columns.

Tenders for the Auckland Oil Company b first contract for machinery buildings were opened to-day at Mr Kwington's office, with the following results:—McConachio and Flatt, £1,042"; Mr "VV. Blowden, £920 ; Mr JobnCurrlc, £927; Mr Ell i ogham, £889; Mr Watson, £870; Mr Holland, £868 ; Mr Maguire, £854; Mr Shepherd, £842; Mercer and Marshall (accepted), £825.

The Mastodon Minstrels continue to at tract good houses-a patronage which the merit of the performance certainly deserves. Last evening the leading features were a sketch by Mr Gilmore, "The villain still pursued her," and a clerer extravaganza entitled " The Pirates of Alakasar." Another change of per* formance is announced for this evening. A sailing race between the open boats Ped and Blanche, for £15 a-side, took place this afternoon, leaving the end of Queen street wharf at 2.30 p.m. Iko Hunt sailed the Ped, while Jack Bell presided at the helm of the latter. A good start was effected and the lioati continued on down the harbour, the North Head being rounded with the Fed about three lengths ahead. Thence the course lay round the chequered nuoy in Rangitoto Channel, round the Daphne's moorings, round the hulk, finishing. oil' the end of the wharf. The raca had not finished up to a late hour this afternooD. A Mr W. H. Gordon writes to the "Sydney Morning Herald" : Z never go upon any of my professional journeys without having a, satchel filled with fruit stones with me, which I either plant myself or distribute for planting, and now there is not a habitation, however humble, on that part of Liverpool Plains in this district that has not an abundance of fruit trees of all kinds around it. Last year I planted and distributed two bushels of fruit-stones. Sunday services are announced in the proper column. Special services will be held at the Congregational Church, Bores ford-street, on behalf of the London Mis sionary Society, conducted by Rev. S. Mac farlane, of New Guinea. Welleslcy-strcet services by Messrs Spurgeon and Harrison. Temperance Hall, evening, " Sigos of the Times," by Mr George A. Brown. Lome street Hall (unncctarian), at 11 a.m., Rev. S. Edger, "Lord, I believe." Service for the people at the Theatre at 8 p.m.—ad dresses, and hymns by evangelistic choir. To the Editor: Sir,—Will you allow me to state that my former letter did not fail to recognise that the Government of New Zealand was the power by which vaccinators were appointed, nor its ability to abuse it, but at the same time it showed what great risk is run of injuring the health of the people by appointing men (e.g., chemists) as vaccinators who are professionally ignorant of the subject, and also entirely unable te aelect suitable children from whom to trans fer lymph to others. This your correspon dent, Mr Henry Clayton (a chemist), cannot understand, and as such, all remarks from him upon medical subjects arc valueless, and therefore they will in future be treated with the silent contempt they deserve by— Yours, &c., Samuel Hknby Edgelow, Member of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, of England

There will be a large amount of business before the District Court on Monday neJct; no less than i defended and 11 undefended cases being on tho list for hearing. The Court will sit at 11, instead of 10.35 a.m.

Wo are authorised to state that there is no truth Whatever in the report, contained in last night'? issue, that Mr Moody of tho Kawakawa Colliery had instructions to buy the coal land at Hikurangi.

According to tbe " World," if Mr Parnell should still bo taking his case in Kilmain ham when Parliament meetß, the nominal leadership of tho iVnellite party will fall to the lot of Mr Justin M'Carthy, who will bo assisted by Mr T. P. O'Connor as chief lieutenant. Both leader and assistant will thus bo journalists. Mr Samuel Pltmsoli, fornierly M\P. for Derby, so well known for his philanthropic efforts On behalf of the sailors of the British merchant service, accompanied by Mrs Plimaoll, is now on his way to Victoria, and may be expected there in a few weeks. They left England on tho 24th Novembar, but stayed a few, weeks in Egypt. Their object ia to avoid the English winter, and sec the colonies, Where somn of their relatives are settled*

Mr D. S. Chambers announces elsewhere that he has removed his machine business to No. 70, Queen-strcot, opposite the Bank of XVew Zealand. We notice that Mr Chambers is a practical machinist, and agent for the " New Family Singer Sewing Machine (hand or treadle)," full particulars of the working of which will be found in a neat pamphlet of directions. The patent self-setting needle and bobbin automatic maohine is an ingenious piece ot machinery, containing latest improvements, Its opera tions arc noiseless, so that pntorfamilias may doze undisturbed ou his couch of ease, while his industrious daughters pursue their useful occupations.

Things were different in our grand fathers' days when the drawing of a priz<s in a lottery was looked upon as a blessing from God. In 1763 tho lottery was highly commended. One Samuel Scabury in vested a little of his spare change in a ticket, and after, drawing a prize thus wrote:-" Thb tickot number 5866, by the Mossing ot God, in tne Lighthouse aud Public Lottery of New York, appointed by law, Anno Domini 1763, drew iv mj favour £500, of which I received £425, With tho deduction of 15 per cent, makes £500, for which I now record im my prosperity my thanks and praiso to Almighty God, tho giver of all gifts. Amen 1"

The Ponsouby Rowing Club has made wonderful progress since Mr 11, D, Mor peth assumed the captaincy. There arc now fifty-two good membeis ou the books, and no loss than thirty of these have joined buicc the opening of tho present season. Several club coutests held recently, havo awakened additional interest in the club, and at a meeting lust n-^ht, it was decided to purchase a now four-oared string tost gig in the place of tho Kumea, which has been damaged by recent accidents.

Tho great emotional play of Dion Bouci* cault's, " Led Astray," is thus described by a Dunedin critic :—''The talo is one that has been worked out soino few hundreds of thousands of times, and forms tho text of 19 out of evory 20 plays ovor written. Urielly it is this—Husband aud wifo—mis uuderstanding—uncongeniality of Boul— another follow—husband discovers—duel — magnanimous husband spares villain's life —villain clears out—husband aud wifo slowly thaw—reconciliation—live happy cvor after,"

All tastes can be easily suited in tho matter of climate iv New Zealand, Tho meteorological returns ono day this month showed that the thermometer at Wostport registered at 9 o'clock in the shado 85degs.; at Auckland, 75degs. ; Napier, 73dogs. ; and at the BlulF 56dees. A difiorence cl 29degs. between the warmest and coldest centres of population offers a variety of temperature that is not often noticeable even in this colony. The Auckland Bicycle Club is already out of tho swaddling robes of infancy. It numbers 14 members, and several fast machines have recently been ordered from England. The members arc endeavouring to muke arrangements with the trustees of the Domain Cricket Ground for tho laying of a cinder track round tho Domain Hollow, on which to practise.

By the arrival of tho Kingarooma on Tuesday last, many of our readers will be glad to know tint, after an absence of 18 years from Auckland, the Hcv. Father Garavel, so well known both to thcEuropean and native population is at present in this city. The rev. gcirletnan having received 18 months leave of absence from Iris parish at Pyr mont, N.S.W., intends visitmg Tau ranga and Hot Springs for the purpose of recruiting hi* health. He will officiate at the 11 o'clock Borvicc to-morrow in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Mr Furby informs us that the cable across tho harbour will not be te6ted until connec tion is established with the land lines. It.will be fully a month before tho North Shore residents will have the advantage of telephonic communication with tho city, as a quantity of the necessary material is not yet on the ground.

At the next meeting of the Wellington Education Board, Mr Hutchison, M.H.K., will move :—l. That the Board take inline-

diato steps for the establishment of a night school in the city, at which, in addition to the ordinary and higher branches of educa tion, a measure of technical instruction shall be given, suitable to lads from 15 to 18 years of age, apprenticed to trades or otherwise employed during the day. Hour*, trom 7 to 9 o'clock, 5 evenings a week; fee?, for teaching standards, Is per week ; for higher and technical education, Is (id do.

A monkey witness is shortly to appear iv a murder trial in an Indian court at Sattara. A travelling showman, whose living de pended on five monkeys and a goat, was recently murdered near a village, bis troupe being killed with tha exception of one . monkey, which ran up a trco and watched the assassins bury his master and com panions. When all was quiet, the mpnkoy ran off to the "patel" of the nearest village and made him understand by screeches and signs that something was wiong, Tho "patol "followed the monkey, which led him to the place where his master was buried, and the murder was duly discovered. The monkey is now kept for the identification of the assassins, a plan which recalls tho time-honoured his tory of tho dog of Montagis,—London "Graphic."

I Captain Farquhar writes as follows: — " Sir,—On my rotum from the North this morniog my attention was drawn to a paragraph in last Wednesday's " Herald " by Captain Faircbild, casting doubt as to my statement regarding the rock I with others taw distinctly, (your own reporter amongst the number). Ido not wonder at Captain Fairchild not finding it, as no doubt it is much smaller than the Chatham Islands. The late Cap tain Marks reported the same rock. Captain McGillvary reported rocks about the same place ; perhaps if Captain Fair child's vchfol had drawn sixteen or eighteen feet he might have found it as quick as he did the mud bank off Ponsonby tho other dny.—W. Fakquhae, Master of tho s.s. Wellington. P.S.—I have sinco been in formed by Captain Baker, of s.s. Staffs, that tho Maoris use the same rock as a fishing ground.

The scarlet fever continues to rage iv Onehunga with much virulence, Miss William*, daughter of Mr John Williams, a promising girl of some 15 years, suc cumbed to the epidemic yesterday, and it is only a few days since two of Mt Pecknell's children died from it on the same night. There havo been upwards of a hundred pases in the Borough—of which eight or nine proved fatal, and fresh cases are daily chronicled. Stamping the fever out just now is no easy task, but it is generally believed that had the steps been taken in June last which were recommended by Dr Scott and advocated by the then Mayor, there would havo been a different record■ Up to the present time the Borough Council have taken no active steps to abate the nuisances said to exist in the borough in different places, and this omission alone may be sufficient to keep alive the germs of the disease and assist in its propagation.

A special meeting of the Fonsonby Hewing Club was held last ovening to consider various matters of importance to Its welfare. Mr. H. D. Morpetb, captain, presided, and after the preliminary business.he exj^iined that the club's racing boat, Ktimoa, had been badly damaged by recent accidents, and it was absolutely necessary that an other should be got. A number of gentle men in the district had generously promised donations towards the attainment of this object, and it was expected that their contributions would be largely supplemented by others. Messrs J. B. and H. D. Morpetb, Minefield, and Taylor were appointed a committee to collect subscrip tions, and Mr H. D.Morpoth was requosted to write to Sydney and Melbourne bsat- < builders enquiring the particulars and" price of a boat with all the latest improve ments. Mr W. B. Taylor resigned the position of secretary in consequence of want of time, and Mr C. S. Owen was ap pointed to fill the vacancy. It was also agreed that a concert should be held at an early date for the .benefit ot the boat fund,

The final meeting of tho Tcmperano 6 Conference will be held on Monday evening, when papers are to he read by Mr W. J. McDerniott and Mr John Jenkins reaper tively. A raße between the three small open boats Beryl, Olive, and Amateur took plaeo this afternoon. Tho Course was from Shelly Beach, round tho Sandspit bttoy,.roUod the Daphne's moorings, and bftck. Just .Before we went to press the Beryl had roun'dod the Sandspit buoy, first, the other Boats liking elosfc up.

A few weeks ago a man named Marsh, who owns a small farm at Stokes' Point, and Who took a great deal of interest in the Wade smuggling base, was com; nritted to the Lunatic Asylum for beint; of unsound mind. Three days ago a friend of Marsh, thinking he had re covered sanity, obtained his release* intend-, ing to take him homg. Marsh, however, refused to .go further out »f town than the Scotia Hotel, in Hobson-strcott He kept quiet until last jiight, when the in habitants of the hotel became very much alarmed by his actions. Marsh-secured a knife, and, as he afterwards stated, with the intention of letting the bad blood Out, made three deep cuts in his left below the knee, and also cut one of his arms with a piece of glase. Altogether he behaved in a most insane manner. This state of affairs wai communicated to Mr Fardy, who instructed Constable Maedonald to tako the man to the Asylum. The officer so instructed procured a cab and drove to the Scotia Hotel. He found Marsh in a very excited state, kicking about ia bed, and threatening all sorts Of veogeanco on his friends, who had failed to keep him out of the Asylum. After considerable Coaxing, he was induced to get into the cab, and without further accident was driven, out to tho Whau and placed in custody; Marsh is said to be possessed of considerable propei ty, besides having a few Hundred pounds in trust of a gentleman in Auck la"1?.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brief, for it Is with words as with sunbeams; tho inoro tboy are condonaod the doepor thoy barn.'—Souths*.

A "Bonoof Contention."—The jaw-bono. Turners. —Acrobats. Mr iiobort Browning ia engaged on a new scries of "Dramatic Idylls." What did tho lark-spur, and what did the fox-glovo? A new song for city dinnors.—"O swallow, swallow." Is not every baby-linen warehouse pro prietor interested iv the " early-clothcslug movement?"

How many did tho thumb's crew consist of, and who was it that the centre bit? In 1880, 6,956,000 gallons of French wine were drunk iv England. The Garonne saloon passongers have for warded a letter to tho London " Times," complaining bitterly of unnecess^ry hard ship;. There are 329 unoccupied buildings in Wellington—322 are dwelling-hou6cs, four stores, and three shops. Boy-cotted.—Tho melodious juvenile who sang " Put me in my little bed." The Sydney " Mail" says Tawhiao is probably the only kiug who docs not fear dynamite. "A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind," but not when tho fellow is feeling for your pocket-book. The best description wo have ever heard of a very slow man was that ho was too Blow to got out ot his own way. Forty Shropshire Down owes from Christ church are coming to Auckland by the s.s. Tc Anuu.

6,000 or 8,000 gallons of wine will be sent from Victoria to tho Bordeaux cxbibi tion.

Shipwrecks during the past year havo cost the empire £18,000,000—the price of a great many precautions, Prince Herbert BiemarcK, oldest son or tho German Chancellor, is now in London as mi attache* for a tiaio at the German Embassy. King Oscar, of Sweden, has completed a drama ia five acts, " The Castle of Kron berg," which will be performed during the forthcoming season in Stockholm. Tho "Evening Mail" says t "Tho thermometer registered 150 degrees at 9 o'clock at night at Echuca," We had rather believo than endure it.—N.S.W.

Ihe Victorian rabbit post is to bo tran muted into a source of wealth. One com pany is preparing to preserve 36,000 weekly as food.

Messenger (formerly Carter) hat issued a challenge to scull anyone in New Zealand for £100, but doclinos to row tho match in Wellington. Mr Bunny appropriately appeared as counsel in the prosecution of a Wairarapa settler, for neglecting to take efficient steps towards the mitigation of the rabbit pest, Uncle Moies says something : " Polite ness kin he carried too far. One day I lifted my hat to a lady and lost de hand kerchief outon it."—N.O.

Mr J. Newman has written slating that the only reason why Mr D. Goldie was not nominated for tho Licensing Board was on account of ill health.

Prince Leopold's fiancee is good-looking, accomplished, and an immense favourite at her sister's Court; bo another member of our Koyal family is making a "love raatcb," which in the day» gone by were raro occurrences.

Six persons at a timo can listen to the performances at the Grand Opera, Theatre Francais, and Opera Comique through the telephono recently fitted up by the French President at tho Palace of the Elyseo.

Tho young JJuke of Portland rejoices in an income of £190,000 por year. He allows his mother, the Baroneas Bolcorer, £60,000 per annum, A grand Naval and Military Bazaar, nnder tbe especial patronage ot tho Duchess of Connaught, is to bo held this month at Bournemouth. It will bo in aid of Miss Robinson's work among soldiers and sailors.

The bazaar in connection with St. John's Wesleyan Church, Ponsonby, has been arranged to be held in tbe first 'week in March; contributions to be Bent to Mes dames F. A. White, Morley, Dewsbury, and Warren.

MAHURANGI AGRICULTU RAL SHOW.

The Agricultural Show at Mahuraugi yes terday was a great success, the weather being all that could be desired. Messrs Hawkins and Carter acted as judges of stock, and Messrs Steadman and Neil per formed a similar duty with respect to produce, etc. In addition to the prizes telegraphed yesterday the other leading awards were as follow:—Best brood-mare, Mr Campbell (Ist aud 2nd prizes). Best cow, Mr Jordan ; pigs, Mr Such; best pen of ewes Mr K. Phillips ; fat sheep, Mr Moore. Mrs E. Morrison took the first prizes for pro served fruit, jams, and jellies, Mr Snook for butter and new cheese, and Mr Wilson for old cheese.

At the dinner which commenced at three o'clock Mr Seymour Thorne George, M.H.K., presided, and Mr Mooro performed the duties of vice-chair man. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, the toast of" The Judges" wasgiyen from tho vice-chair. Mr Carter in responding expressed himself disappointed with the show, which he had travelled 70 miles to see. Tho cattlo and horses were good, but not numerous, and the sheep were not up to the.mark. The fleeces, however,were of good quality, but he would like to have seen them shown in the grease. Mr Haw kins spoke in a similar strain. Mr Neil said there was enly one really first-class sample of butter exhibited. The print was preserved in tins of too great a size, and he thought tinning and pre« serving should do separate branches of industry. A number of fruit growers should combine and get a tinner. Mr Steadman in his speech made reference to the fact that Auckland seedsmen an nually sent £1,000 to Victoria for beans, peas, and other seeds, which could be pro duced as readily here. The samples of grass seed at the show were good. He thought the exhibits should be made in quantity, and not in small selected samples. Fruit ripened in North Auckland six weeks earlier than in the South, and the Northern settlors should supply them in place of Tasmania. The toast of " The successful competitors " was responded to by Messrs. Dibble, Sainsbury, Campbell and Munro. The chairman, in responding for " The Mahurangi Agricultural Society and Kindred Societies," said the show was a disgrace to the district—the worst they had ever had. He advised tjhem not to let petty local jealousies prevail. He com plimented the exhibitors of the preserves and said he discovered that heavy sbeep did not do in the district, he intended to go back to merino. The Rev. Mr McKinney, in responding to the toast of "The Clergy," said flax might be grown successfully, at Mahurangi. Ho came from Londonderry, which was famous for its flax The toasts of "The Press," " The Ladies," and " The Host and Hostess " were then disposed of, and the proceedings terminated.

SPORTING NEWS.

WAIKAIO RACES.

The following entries have been re> Celved by Mr Percival. The entries re> ceived at Hamilton are not yet to hand :—

Turf CluD Handicap.— Maori, LUtd, Kenilwortb; Yatapa', and Dewdrop. , >« ■ MAlii^jr PiiATß.—Magician. IIANbtCAP Huedles.—Kawonata and Harkaway. Flying Stakes,—Kandwick, Komi worth, Paramona, Eata (lato Skylark), Blackcock. Maiden Plate.-Prince Charlie and Blackcock. President's Stakes.—Randwick, Dew drop, JEUta (late Skylafk) and Blackcock.

POLICE COURT.— This day.

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

Dbokkbnniss,—Two persons were fined lor this oitcnco, LAROKNti-GeOrge Barry, a lad, was oharged With stealing a cheque, ill T8 6d, and several other articles, the property c£ Captain Greon leaf. Prisoner pleaded guilty to stealing; the artiolOß, but not the cheque. Mr Pardy Bald tho cheauo had not been discovered; he would withdraw the charge for stealing the ob.eque. Tho boy was employed on the stdamcr, and had baen BUBpected and forgiven on oonfesstons, Hd was from Waiheke.— Adjourned until M°n" AN UUFORTOSATB GIRL.— Lucy Armstrong waa charged, under the " Vagrant Act," with having no lawful Visible moans of a livelihood. The girl pleaded not guilty; she had been in a situation lor Bis months, and only leit on inura day. Remanded nntU Monday* for the purpose of making enquiries. . . Thk Umbh«ixa. - John Thakaberry was charged with stealing an umbrella and pawn ing tbe Bamo on the 9dq Instant, with Intent to deprive the owner. William WUson Dalzlel, Of its use and pd9BOß6ion.—Prisoner flald he re ceived the umbrella, but did not steal H.- Mr Pardy stated, tho case-The prose cutor went Into the Auokland Hotel, and overcome possibly by the oppressive weather, he sat down and fell into a deep sleep, leaving his umbrella behind; the unfortunate !man in tho dock took the umbrella and pawned it at Mr Hart's for 3s. aad sold the tloket for Is.— John WlUi&m Dalalel said the umbrella was worth 20a ; prieonor had no right to it; know him as a barber of Weßt Qno^n-Btreo'.—Bernard Levy, manager at Mr Hart's. ViotorUustreet. lent the money upon it; knew prisoner as a barber, who said it was his own property— Thomas Beeley Bald he took the umbrella out to oblige Thaokaberry; did not thintc he waa dWioneet.-One month's Imprisonment with hard labonri serious Chabqk.— Charles OBem wbs brought up ohargod with laroeny as a biileo of watohea. necklets, ohains, rings, ear-rings etc., value £20: tho property of Jamea Rae, pawn broker. Mr Lalanley appeared la defence. Mr Pardy eald prisoner resided at Cqromtndel, when at homo; he had been entrusted with the goods for sale and had mada use of the proceeds. Homo romarka wore made by Mr. Lalshley, who contended that Mr. Pardy should have been prepared to go on with the case; still he would consent to a remand. Remanded till Tuesday week. ■

CHARGE OF ARSON.

AT the Police Court to-day Joseph Merrick surrendered bis bail, and appeared In answer to a charge of feloniously setting fire to a dwelling in Albert-street on tho let Jan,, with intent to injure James Dempscy; also, with setting lire to a house, on the same date, then ocenpied by D. N. Gamier. Mr Pardy conducted the prosecution, and Mr Samuel Henkcth appeared in de fence. Jainea Dompsey's evidence appeared in our la a tissue.

George William Jones, insurance agent, of Shortland.stretit, knew the accused. Morrick held a policy of insurance on- his goods. Could not produce the policy. It was gone to Kncland. The amount was, —Mr Hesketh took ex ception to the amount being stated. —Mr Pardy urged that it was admissible in this instance.—His Worship stated that it might be admitted.—Mr Jones put in the proposal, shewing that the policy was effected thereon, £40, household effects; £150, on stock-in-trado, etc. The property was situated in Albert-street, and was burnt on the first night of the year. The accused sent in his claim immmediatcly after the fire; it irai an ordinary list signed by a magistrate. The total amount paid to the accused was £157 12s 3d (the valuer, of course, had previously estimated tho lpss); he believed that a portion of the stock was destroyed aud a large portion damaged ; a valuer Was employed epecially. as in all cases of fire.

To Mr Pardy : The salvage produced £5, but had they not been prevented from com pleting the matter, £15 more might have been obtained.—Mr Hall made the valu ation, but defendant knew nothing or. the result. It was a private matter lie tween the valuer and the office. The allowance on the loss was based on Mr Ball's estimate.

Elizabeth Williams deposed that she was a domestic servant. Knew Mr Merriok. Was in his service on the Ist January last, Had been there about three months. On New Year's Eve Mrs Merrick want out to see the fire-works at the wharf. It was midnight. Mrs Mer rick told her to put the sheet before the fire, before going to see the fire- works. The sheet was hung up to air. She suggested that the fire should be put out, but Mrs Merrick told her not to do so. She put water on tho embers. The doors were shut. She locked the bock door. There was no one in the house when she left. She took the key with her. Mr Merrick stopped her and asked her for the key, as he wanted to get his coat. Gave him the key. Left a candle burning on tho table in the middle of the back room. Went across to Mrs Kcegan's, Mrs Merrick's mother. Stayed there ton minutes, before going to the wharf. Stood -outside the Waitsmata Hotel with Mrs Merrick. Heard some one sing out the Black Bull is on fire. Mrs Merrick looked in that direction, and said she was atraid her house was on fire. The rising smoke was very thick. Both went back to Mrs Keegan'B. Stayed thcro until Mr Merrick came. He came about 4 o'clock. He said ho left hii house about one. Re membered scrubbing the upstairs floors on tho Friday before tho fire. Saw no staius of oil on the floor. Thoro wore spots of lime or whitewash, but nothing remark able. The downstairs floors were quite clean. Knew the cupboard under the stairs; scrubbed that at the same time. There were ginger beer and Blood Restorer bottles, a fiddle, and a box in the cup board ; that was all. Bid not know the contents of tho box. The. box and fiddle were removed that evening. Did not know what became of them. Before they left the housq Mrs Merrick told her husband to go upstairs and bring the money down. He did so. The money whs kept in a small drawer in a chest of drawers, They had been up and down stairs more than usual that day. It struck her as un usual, but she did not know tho reason. Wituesß then described tho furniture, beds, boxes, &c, in tkch tapper rooms; also tho contents of tho room's generally. She knew nothing of a policy of insurance—Cross oxamined by Mr S. Hesketh.—Tho further hearing of tho case wus adjonrucd until Tuesday next.

CITY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

The usual fortnightly meeting was held last evening. Present:—Messrs Schmidt (in the chair), Thwaites, Campbell, Knight, Carr, McMaster, and McNab.

Standaed Examinations.—The result of the standard examinations in the Wel lesley-strect and High-street schools was read. The former showed that out of 266 boys sent up, 236 had passed ; while out of 283 girls presented, 228' passed. At the High-street school, from the' first, second, and third standards, 24 boys and 12 girls were presented, and 19 boys and 9 girls passed. The Inspector remarked of the latter that he felt it only just to the teacher to say that the average of those presented was only 7 years, and that the attendance of many appeared very irregular. -—lt was decided that three members of committee should attend at the Wellesloy atreet school on Friday next, at 11 o'clock, for the purpose of presenting the certificates. Chokal Sol Fa Union.—Mr Thomas 801 l applied for use of the room in the Wei lesley-atreet school for weekly practice.— Deferred.

Teachers.—The committee resolved to draw the attention of the Board to a resolu tion come to at the late conference in August, with reference to teachers, and aak what action had been taken towards providing permanently a first assistant mas ter for Nelson-street school, and a second assistant for Welleeley-street.

ACCOUNTS.—The annual acconnts were passed for payment, and several smaller matters dealt witb, after which the meet ing terminated.

Of the £7,000 subscribed, or promised, for the Young Men's Christian Associa tion's new hall, Sydney, £6,000 comes from six gentlemen. Coughing ia an old device to silence an unpopular preacher. It was vainly resorted to, however, in a Roman Catholic Church at Mill-street, County Cork, to stop the Key. Canon OrilEo, in a denunciation of boycotting. The local papers report that there was a " deafening chorus of cough ing, which silenced him for several minutes." He declared, however, ho would not be stopped, and effectually stopped he was not. Several of the congre gation left the church.

TELEGRAMS.

A DENIAL,

(FROM OCR OWN CORKESFONDKNT.)

COROMAND.KLj

this day.

, Stanley. — twenty pounds of rich specimens from the Stanley were obtained in the winze sunk 6 feet on the floor of the level. The whole block of ground, 60 feet to the intermediate level, is intact, SUDDEN DEATH. Mattheus Quiuton, a little girl, died sud denly this morning. Mr Schroder, of the Tiki, ran a rusty nail in his finger, causing a severe wound. Mr Vanderspeck's little boy, aged six years, was lost all yesterday on the Tiki Flat. He was discovered at 9 o'clock last night,

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

WELLINGTON,

tliia day.

THE AMERICAN CONSULAR AGENT. W»H. Levin, M.H.E., has been appointed American Consular Agent in Wellington, vice Captain Mclntyre, who has removed to Christchurch,

DUNEDIN, this day.

The " Star " has authority for saying that j amalgamation has never been contemplated by either the National or Standard Com panies. fatal Fall, John Allan, aged about seventeen, in the employ of Saunders, McSeath, and Co., while shaking out a duster from a window on the second floor, overbalanced and fell through the skylight,' sustaining injuries in the abdomen, resulting in his death shortly after admission to the hospi tal, He is the son ot Mr John Allan, of £ast Taierei,

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

William Pollock, a sßn of Mr Pollock, butcher, of Queen-street, met with a rather serious accident this afternoon. He is employed as a carter by Mr W. Cruick shank. About two o'clock, in pursuance of his usual duty, he had partially loaded the dray in Wilson's Lane, and was about to jump upon the front of the dray, near the shaft, when the hors.e, which was a rather lively animal, took' fright. Pol lock missed his footing, and fell in front of one of the wheels, which passed over his back, just above the hips, while the horse and dray continued down Queen-street at a mad rate of speed, eventually beingbrought np near the owner's yerd, Pollock was assisted to his feet with some little diffi culty, and although he did not complain it was evident he had suffered considerable internal injury. The suffererer was con veyed to his father's house in Queen-street, and laid down in bed. I)r Murray Moore wos in attendance 20 minutes after the occurrence of the accident. He pronounced the suffarer to be very severely bruised and shaken. The exact extent, of the injuries had however Dot been ascertained.

THEFT AND MUTILATION OF A HORSE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

W. Weight, native policeman, on his way to Hokianga with the Hon. John Hall, received intelligence that a valu able horse bad been stolen from M r Smith, of Kaitaia. The horse was stolen out of Mr Smith's paddock and ridden to Hokianga by a man named Hi Hanei, a half-caste. He wan bringing him back when he wad seen by a native who recognised the horse as belonging to Mr Smith. Be fore reaching Kaitaia, he led ihe ho 83 into the bush and mutilated him tearfully—cut ting his ham string, stabbing him with a knife behind the ear, and leaving him for dead. Wright found the horse in the Dush still alive but unable to jniove. He went in search of the thief and found him at Kaitaia, and brought him into Mongonoi, where he was lodged in the lock-up. He was brought before H. Wyles, J.P. on Saturday, and remanded till Friday. Mr Smith had just got the horse from Auckland about six weeks previously.

GREAT FIRE AT NAPIER.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION),

NAPIEK, Friday evening. Tub most disastrous fire for years past oc curred this evening just after 8 o'clock; It broke out in the building occupied by Mr Fair, draper, who bought the stock of Messrs Price and Innes, about a month ago. It is conjectured that an explosion of gas was the cause, as the (ire seemed to burst out simultaneously in all parts of the shop and spread with unexampled rapidity. In twenty minutes £15,000 worth of property was destroyed. The Fire Brigade had just been out practising, and had put the steam engine into the shed and let the fires out, and this earned delay, as the lire had to be built, the boiler filled, and steam got up. In tho meantime the band engines and hose, supplied from high pressure, seemed to have no effect

The offices of Mr Cornford, solicitor, 'and Mr Cornell, photographer, next went, and though the contents were saved they were much damaged in the removal. Large and Turnley's large furniture establishment next caught, and a small building at the side was gutted, all the carpets and oilcloth being destroyed. Most of the furniture was removed, but the brigades, by almost superhuman exertions, saved the main building. Part of Feddie's old hotel was burned, but tho new building now going up was saved. '

It is impossible to give the exact losses or tho insurances, but a rough estimate is as follows :—Value of the buildings, which wero very old, about £1,000; Fair's stock, £9,000, recently bought from the trustees of the bankrupt estate of Price and James for £3,600. Carnell's loss is about £400, chiefly through damage in removal. Large and Townley, about £500 by fire and £200 by damage?. l'cdihc, about £200 by the fire and damage to fiunituro removed. Mr Cornford's loss is slight if all the deeds in the safe are secure, which, cannot bo ascertained yet The Xcv, J. Campbell is the owner of the buildings destroyed. The insurances, as far as known, are :— £1,000 each in the Royal, Scottish, Union, Victoria, pa Fait's stock; National, £500 re-insured' from the Victoria; Carnell'e stock, £200 in the South British; Large and Townley, not to the full amount of the loss iv the Union. It is not known where the buildings wero insured.

LATEST ACCOUNT OF THE LOSSES. Tho following are the losses by fire, as nearly as can be estimated :—fair's stock, at wholesale value, about £5,000. When he bought it, it was put down at nearly £7,000,1 but he gave only lls in the £ for it, or £3,600. Mr Cornford's loss is slight. Mr Carnell puts tho damage to his plant at from £300 to £400, chiefly from removal; Mr Blackwcll, horses, £150, not insured; Mr Peddic, of the Clarendon Hotel, about £200, from tho fire and damage; the con tractors for the now hotel, about £100; Large and Townley, about £700 to £800, of which nearly £600 is from fire, tho rest from damage. Another £100 will cover slight damages to other buildings, Ihe correct insurances are :—Royal, Union, Scottish, Imperial, £1,000 each; Victoria and National, £500 each, all on Fair's stock. New Zealand, £200 on I buildings, £100 on Cornford's books and furniture. Carnell, South British, £200. Large and Townley'a : Union, £300 ; New Zealand, £200: South British, £700. Victoria, £330 ; National, £500. Peddie : Union, £600.

NEW FLOUR MILL AND GRANARY.

Eably next week there will be issued the prospectus of g. company for the purpose of erecting a large flour mill and granary in the city. Messrs G. W. Owen and Co., ylio have taken the initiative in this im portant matter, inform us that the capital will be £100,000, in 50,000 shares of £2 each, and that the project has been very warmly taken up by Mr F. E. Compton, Mr Wallis, and otber gentlemen. The former has testified his taith in the concern by investing £2,000 therein. Upwards of £75,000 of the capital has already been promised, The promoters havo a site for the mill and granary in their eye, but it h not considered advis able to make any fuller particulars public for the present. Eight thousand tons of flour are annually imported from the Strath, and about one million bushels of grain. The promoters of the company hope to reduce the importation of the manufactured article, at any rate, to the

mcrcHt fraction, by means of the large amount of money they will be able to bring into the business. It is also believed that in the course of a year or two Auckland' will be an exporter, instead of, as at present, au importer of grain; indeed the agricultural statistics of this provincial district show conclusively that our farmers are paying far more attention to the raising of grain crops than formerly. This being the case, the new concern will prove of immense advantage to our farmers, indeed to them an almost immediate benefit will accrue, as it will increase the conu petition for their produce. We have no doubt but that the Company will be a great success.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEALAND.

RESULT OF THE EXAMINATIONS,

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATIOS.) Chbistchtjbch, Friday. Tiik Chancellor of the University has re. ccived from London a telegram of the result of the examination of last November, tot which the papers were sent by the examiners in England,

According to the telegram the following students have succeeded in passing :— First B.A. Examination. — W. H. Airey, John Anderson, A. Burnie, D. W. Burne, E. W. Burton, C. Clayton, L. Cohen, J. Golding, J, Grant, Janette Grossman, J, P, Grossman, G, Hamilton, C.E. Harrianr, JS. Hewitt, R. W. Drioer, K. Johnston, J. Johnston, W. H. Key, W. Knee, W. P. Lindsay, G. McDermid, W. McDowall, D. O'Donoghue, A. J. Pard, J. J. Patterson, W. E. Percival, A. T. Purchas, W. A. Keilly, K. L. Skeen, K. Small, Jae. Smith, J, A. Smith, J. W. Smith, W. A. Stout, E. G. Wallace, H. Watson, H. Wilson.

Ihe Final b.a. Examination.—W. D. Douglas, F. K. jFornie, T. Fleming, G. Harkness, J. Hendry, F. S Jeffoott, ». B. Kirk, J. MoFarlane, A. Furdie, E. JRobert shaw, J. W. Salmond, W. Waite, G. Wat son, and J. C. Webb, Honours,—First class : C. Chilton, B. Connell, J. A. Davis, M. Edgar, T. S. Fob. ter, J. Innes, A. Montgomery, and V, B.- Wilkinson. Third class : W. Hindlcr.

M. A. Examination.—X. Edger, first class; A. K. Fitchett, third class. LL.B. ExaminaTlON.-J. Hay, W. Tig. dall, W. S. West. . ' The following are first in order of merit for Senior Scholarships :—J. P. Grossman, K. F. Irvine, Janctte Grossman, h. Cohen, and A. J. Parke. The detailed list, with any correction that the telegram may require, will arrive by the mail reaching Auckland on April 3.

SUBURBAN ENTERPRISE.

VICTORIA PLEABUKE GaBDENS.

Among the improvements which are being effected along the whole expanse of country lying on the opposite side of the harbour, there is none so immediately interesting to the people of Auckland or ao calculated to 'stimulate the progress of the North Shore itself as the formation and equipment there of extensive pleasure grounas that are now being laid out near Niccol's old slip, on the 's&ith-western side of the Flagstaff Hotel The project has been undertaken by two well-known residents, who are determined to spare neither pains nor money in the endeavour to render it a complete success. It will be the scheme which Mr Robert Graham had in forming the Ellerslie Gardens, but carried out on a far more elaborate and extensive plan. The promoters of the affair perceive that the North Shore is destined to become the popular holiday resort of a large metro politan population, and their enterprise has therefore been shaped with a regard rather to tnture requirements than to the mere necessities of the present. It will be a Westminster Aquarium on a small scale, and, af the same time, it will have the at* tractiveneu of Woodward's Gardens, at San Francisco, without any of their grosser associations, A description of the plan will serve to indicate more clearly the scope and character of the concern. Five acres of land, some hundred yards or so to the west of the nearer wharf, and con tiguous to the beach, have been purchased from Mr Niccol, as the site of what will be known as the Victoria Pleasure Gardens, and they are already enclosed by a concrete wall eight feet, high, so that no time has been lost in commencing operations. An entrance lodge, having a tower to it, is also approaching completion. On the left of this lodge, which, by the way, will over look the-'main entrance, there will be a lawn tennis court, and, on the other side, two tanks, 60 and 30jfeet square respectively and connected together by a concrete tunnel will be placed for the reception of a number of sea lions, which it is intended to procure tor the purposes of- exhibition! This will form part of the aquarium. Ihe tanks will be furnished with or supple mented by "rockeries," upon which the amphibious monsters will be enabled to dis port themselves tor the gratification of enri -1 ous sightseers. Beyond the tanks, in an angle of the gardens, a 12-horse-power en gine is to be placed to perform a dual office, viz., in the daytime to pump fresh supplies of water into the tanks, the waste water being allowed to run off by a nine-inch main to the sea, and, at night, to work the electric light with which it is purposed to illuminate the whole place. Brash's Edison's, and Swarm's lamps ore to be need, the order for them having already been transmitted to England.' The Aquarium proper will be 75 ft. long, and will comprise two rows of nine taaks each, one lot being filled with fresh water and the other lot with salt water, and they will be to arranged us to form a continuation of the sea-lion tanks. 'Ihey will all be roofed over and fitted -with plate-class fronts, while the necessary light will be thrown through the water. There will be a main walk going straight through the gardens from the main entrance, with a fresh water fountain erected midway between the two gates. After leaving the seal tanks, the visitors will pass down some terraces to a level piece of greensward encircled by a shelled track for bicycles and foot nice?. The inner area will be available for circus exhibitions. Beyond it a pavilion, 150 feet by 60 feet, will be constructed for dancing purposes, with a stand for an in strumental band. Adjacent to them, ano ther fountain and a small bijou theatre will bo placed. Further along still, an aviary will be fitted up, and, opposite it a monkey house, and, at short intervals between them, show-cages for wild aDimals such as lions, tigers, bears, buffaloes, and Australian animals, all of which it is in tended to import. Indeed, provisional ar rangements have already been made in America for a full menagerie of carnivora. Another section of ground, having an area of 160 feet by 130 feet, near Graham-street, will be reserved for picnic parties, for whose accommodation small and tastefully designed arbours will be put up all round the sides, and in order to enhance the appearance of this ' cosy retreat, a fountain will be placed in the centre of a neat lawn. Here, refresh ments of all sorts, excoptjintoxicating beve rages, will be obtainable at a moderate charge, as well as fruit and other delicacies of the season. In another part of the Garden?, tanks will ibe fixed up for the storage of the water required for the fountains. The gentlemen who have the project in hand propose to spend some £4,009 or £5000 in carrying it to a successful issue, and they are determined to so manage the affair as to secure and maintain the public confidence, It will bo conducted on strict temperance principles, and the proprietors reserve to themselves the right, which will be rigorously exercised, of rejecting or .re fusing-admission to brawlers or persons of Ul-repute. No unseemly proceedings will be allowed to take place within iis precincts, and the utmost care and vigilance will be used to promote the comfort and entertainment of.its patrons. Special arrangements are likewise to be made with the Ferry Company for the cheap con veyance of visitors to and from the city. Messrs E. Mahoney and Son are the architects who designed the gardens,and Mr Wilson is contractor tor the erec tion of the wall and Mr Chas. Rhodes the contractor for the: wood work. The work is already well advanced, the supply of all the adjuncts and appoint ments has been provided for, and it is ex pected that the gardens will be ready for opening in October next. We trust the proprietors will be amply repaid by the result for their public spirit. The Gardens arc cure to become popular if the promised care is taken to keep away undesirable characters and to prevent the sale ot strong drink. t

Wo understand that Mr Thompson's pro jected baod contest will take place in tbo gardens, which, though unfinished, will, on that occasion, be thrown open to the public,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB. SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 11.



AUSTRIAN BENT WOOD ».«,*.. w.. .x .* ~ .Can? Chairs, Austrian 123. qaeen-Btreet. gSSSS?A <SS*£ RSSSg^Sd , Cane Rooking Chairs. WALNUT DRAWlNG ioVueen^treot. ? uk- TaP«>atry, Rep, and Cn*. *"*•wee BFreec< tonne. Walnut Tables, What note and Canterbnrys. MAHOGANY, OKDAR . v, ... v.uuivn, Klmu, and Kauri Din __^ Cloth. TRON Half-Teater Bed- T. &H. COOKE. T S* 60? 8' *«"» French Bed lfflUiimMttmt steads, Iron Stamp Bed- Bedsteads, Iron Cots. I t.&h.cooke.p as's as^jsas 133, Queen-street Blinds, Gilt Cornices and ffrenoh-poUahed Cornice Poles " T. ft H. COOK R, C Linoleum,' Floorolofhi 123, Uuean-Btreot. Matting, Door Mats, Bath Mats. In great variety. LIBERAL DISCOUNT to * vui*. i>w,«v.v Gash ParohaaoML' All oatlon. T. & H, COOKK. JD in Choice Mottled ffaurJ, 123, Quoon-Btrcot. Wardrobes.Bedeteada.Wash stands and Toilet Tables. FKEDK. WHITE HEAD'S BBTAIL TEA ADVKRTIBBMENT. FINKBT CHINA TBA SHTTINGS, 1/1 per lb. Seleoted from the London market, and re markably cheap. Uivoa a etrong, thick, and puogent liquor. OHOIOKBT PURK FIRST CROP BROKBN PA.NYONGUONGOU. Thia Tea for value in the cup is worth pence per pound mpro money. Price, 1/6 per lb. The ilk c raroly comes into this market. AMrl#n£i D DARJKKWNG FLAVOURED JSF. D2£E B, uorS? ltßed a blßnil <" Pore India and China Teas. Price, 1/8 per lb. "T X A EXTRAORDINARY r The ready sale this Tea commands proves it worthy tue name. Prioe, 2/per lb . „ . ."FAMILY MIXTURE." A Wend of extra highly cured flr»t orop India and China Teas; will carry well, and Id> prove with lengthened brewing in the pot, and prove itself an economio ' high-olaaa Family Tea. Prloe, 2/6 per lb. "VERY RICH DEEP BROWN TEA.' A combination o( some of the purest, the strongest, and the richest flavoured Teas imported. Give it a trial. Price, 3/per lb. WBOXKfI"FOOK OAN PEKOB TEA." About the Finest Importation of the Season, Price, 28/ per box. JREDK. Vf. HITBHEAD, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TEA DEALER, 95, Victoria-street, Auckland. J^ E M 0 V A L. CLARK & GANE HAVE REMOVED TO THOSE CENTRALLY . BIXUATBD PEEMIBES. next to / Uasfleld, Grocer, QUKKH-STBEKT, AtJOKLAHD. Xgo BOXES " - CHOICE NEW SEABON'B ': ,TBA, •■■ ; ;#^ Ez Hail Steamer, 225. Each. KEW'S, - •* Vtotorlwtreet,



Special Advertisements JUNCTION DRAPERY WABEHOUSE. ' WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN. 160 Yards beat quality 27 inoh Coooa Matting, 250 Yarfs^beat Quality SBlnoh Cocoa Matting, ■m Ywaa Marone ana Soarlet Moreen, la yard, 200 r a?d8 mßStamck,alHlnen.lB y atd i j§B i£S^IB* B&-S.«yard. 651 *«»: LraeLot good Black Crapo I bought ohoap). ISO PJeooa Fink, Blue, Green and Mow Book Muslin, 3s 6d piece • Large Lot of Ladles' Klohua and Capeß, from Za6dto2oa „ SdGood Black Silk Jaokots, from 25a Great Variety of Ladles1 Print and Satteen Summer Skirts, from 88 9d . Good Stock of Ladles' Umbrellas (all prtoeu), Goodßt£kof Gents' Umb"Ua| from *fl 6d Good Stook of Men's Wnite Shirts ipiain Men^Merino Pants and Bhirts from la Ud Carpet Bags, from 6s 6d Loather Portmanteau, 27b 6d WILLIAM^. BRIDGMAN, Up Mr Queen-street MOLESKIN TROUSERS I MOLKSKIN~TRbuSERB Since tho Abolition of Duty on ' Piece Goods, THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY AKB AGAIN TO THK FRONT, And can now supply their Customers with MOLESKIN TROUSERS At 25% less Than Usual Wholesale Price, . TRY THEM 111 To be bad at all the Kbtail Branches ol the NSW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. AUCKLAND BKANCH : QOKKN-STRKKT (Oppoelte Theatre Royal). And at Albert-street, Thames. -piROM pAX IS. Thb Most magnificent CkktonnkS Kvbh Shown in Auckland, Ex Orient Steamer' Garonne,1 Just Opened, And on Solo by GARLIOK & ORANWBLL, TCTIOKEL pLATKD FRENCH AND H ALF-TK 9TKR JKON T)KD3TKAIi3, Very Handsome, and a Notiltt, Just Landed ex Hermlone. LARGEST STOCK OF BEDSTEADS IN AUCKLAND AT THE rjITY TTALL A ROADB, pARLICK & pRAINWELL, HOUSK FURNISHERS. FANCY HARDEN TABLES. cane lounges fok visrandahb. Black and White Wool Heabthbugs. tapestry, brussel, & stair carpet. CHURCH tttW SEATING, Vbhv Nice, and Prkoterablx so Ddshions, GaRLICK & CRANWELL. TUST KECEIVBD, Per Steamer, BLACK BROCHK GRENADINE, to Dresses and Mantles BLACK AND COLOURED MADRAE NETS BLACK AND COLOURED MADRAS MUSLINS TOiACK SPANISH HGURKD NET BLACK BPANISH LACES WATERED SILKS AND RIBBONS A Very Complete Stook of BABY LINEN and OBILDBENS' and LADIES' UN DERCLOTHING TABLE LINENS, SHEETINGS CALICOS FLANNELS, &c, &c. Milne and Choice, QUBBN AND WUIXESLGV-STBKETS, AUCKLAND. jt ICKIN 8 HYPOPHOaPHITM3. AioKiN'a Syrup of Hypophosphlte of Lime is guaranteed equal to the Frenoh preparations of Dr Churchill, and leas than half the price, The great expense of the Imported preparation to tho sick, and the foot that ' BUon|Pharmaoeutlcalpreparatlons:oanba manufactured equally well in Auckland, has induoed the proprietor to engage In making a really reliable article of Standard Strength akp OnmnoAi purity that) may be recommended with confidence by the medical faculty to their patients and others. Aickin's Hypophosphltes will answer • all the requirements stated, and a trial will Bufllco to show that In therapentloal notion they are qnlto aa efficacious In all diseases for which the continental pre parations are so justly celebrated. Bold In bottles at 2s 6d each. Dose, two teaapoonfnls only. Aickin's Sybup of Hyfofhob pbites of Limb and Soda, especially suitable in some cases of lung diseases, and is most palatable and cordial, each teaspoonful contains three grains pure hypophosphlte of lime and one and a half grains hypophosphlte of soda. Bold In bottles at 2s 6d eaoh. Request your medical adviser to try the Local Syrups of HygophSßphltes, made by Aiokin of definite uniform strength, AIOKIN, Wholesale Manufacturing Chemist, The Pharmacy, Auckland qPECIAIi HALE OF pUBBT-OLABS QUMMER nOODS, TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, 49- A GREAT SALE TEJ OF i JDRAPEKY AND CLOTHING Will be held on the cremises of J. COSGKAVE & CO., QUSEN-STREET, AUCKLAND, It will bo perhaps surprising to man; that we adopt the present course at this season of the year, bat we do It on prlnoiple alone. First sTo counteract the Influence brought to bear on the pnblio in these extraordinary times, fceoond: To give the Inhabitants tho benefit of some very extensive Shipments, aa well as large purchase made at auotion. And third: To let the people Of Auokland see where they can get the beet value for their money. The Duty on all Manchester Goods being re duced by 16} per cent, and being large purchasers lately, this reduction will be a great boon to Housekeepers and the publlo in general. No Goods will be Entered during the Bale. CASH MUST BE PAID FOR ALL PUR CHASES. T pOSGKAVE & pO,, QUEKN-STKEKT, AUCKLAND. C< M ITH AND ARNOLD, ARCHITECTS. : OLD CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS.



WOMB'S AROMATIC SCHIEDAM SCHNAPPS, to Induoo the destruction and prevent the im proper use of their wrappers and labels, ana thus farther protect the Pablio agataßt fraud and deception, have enolosed In the wrappers, or under tho label on the quart bottles, Blnoe lßt October, 1878, and continue to enclose in eveby DAY'S PACKING! THnoUOnOOT THB YBAB THRKK £1 ORDBRS, whioh are drawn upon tha undersigned, ana which wfll he cashed by them on presentation. To Bocure these Gifts, the Publip must be careful to ask for, and accept nothing but, the GKNDINB UDOLFBO WolWfl 80HNAPPB, With our name upon the top label, M. Moss & Co.. Wynyard Lane, Sydney.