SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATBR[?o^rroTMorning, 10.35

ARRIVALS.

LAST ■VENINGI. nmnnnrp s s.. Webster, from the Ponth CttSeS Bchoonor, Ross from Rarotonga lonSI 3is?, Crawford, from Whangarei

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVKNING. Glenolg, 8.8., Stcphonson, for Tauranga Douglas, 5.8., Peterson, for Jlangawai TO DAY. Reliance, ketch, Haultain, for Whangarei

VESSELS EXPECTED.

From London.—Westmeath, e.g., H.D.K.F., tailed Msroh 17: RanßitUel, ship. V.N.K.P., J»nnary 28: Cly«e. ba que. Q.C.G.F., Febrnarr 31 Lion Ken, bwa J.'*.O.W.. Febrnarj 8 Bait Lothian, shfttTlHiirOh 19; Glance, Olonlor*. md Cumbria loaitoK. -. „ „,. 1?hom Ban Fbanoi«oo—Australia, P.M.s.b. Ann M»y 27. „ FaOM i»ew York,—Ransom, Jannary 30: Mendoza.Ftjbruwy 26. Hanfia Isle and Stanley. lOio3TB Sea Isr.ANPS -Agnes Bell Foaßrsezs, Stxon, Golden Is>e. Mazeppa. and Pirate. Newo'Stlu.- Tongoy. bsrque, Apiil «; Weoons, barque, May 1. kouthekn forts — Johsn Theodor, barque, from JJu, edln ; Fawn bripr, Kllerton. sphoorer. from lyttelton ; H B. ateenkin, brig, from Oauuurn.

IMPORTS.

Per Cygnet, from Earotonga: 165,000 oranges. Per Omaporo, from the South: 2000 sacks wheat, 40 bugs malt, SO cases jam, 244 sacks potatoes. 84 cases iron, 22 blocks Btone, 14 cases honey, 10 cases meals.

Tha Vrttnet arrived from Rarotonga at o'olooklast ovonli.K. rf ter n pjsmfje of 22 days.

Thesobooner Saxon was expected to leave Rarotonaa for Auokland about April 25.

The lona, from Whangarei, brought 12.000 ft. tlmher, 60 cases frolt, 66 baga gum, and tho fol lowing passengers: Mr and Mrs Fraser. Dr Vance, Messrs MoDonald. Ross. Mallabond, Aubrey, C. Woodward, R. Love, H. Tindall, J. Ritchie, Armstrong, Bulttm, Munroe, White, J. White. K. Matheson, U. Burnett, U. Bidlington, Caaco, J. Cousins, Alberto, and 12 in the steer age.

, The Omapere aTived at 11 p.m. yesterday. Pas-angora:—Messrs Dudley, Hrloe, Fox Fltton «>, Flolay, Flatt. bright, Davy, Noble atd (amiiy, Speight, Large, Maser ooott, Misses Moore. Meßdsmeo Kinlay, Gibbons and family. Noble, 9 in steerage.

The throe-muted Echoon-r Kllerton lei Ljttolton for this port jesteidsy.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

keutkr's cables.

Melbotjbne, May 10. Arrived, this morning: The s.s. Te Anau, from the BluC [PEB MKBOHANT SHIPPING AND UNDEB WBITEBB ASSOCIATION].

London, May 9. Arrived: Ships Jessie Roadman, from tho Bluff, January 31; Nelson, from Fort Chalmers, February 22.

COMMERCIAL.

evening Star Office, Friday. Mr K. C. Greenwood held a sale of books and plotures at his mart to day, bat owing to the rainy wenth-r. tha attendance was not large, and the plotores were not all sola. A number of books averaged 3a vet vol." UomesUo tyolo imdia," 10s and 12.4, pictures in frames, 6] to 12s each.

MR ALFRAD BUCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT.

At the Haymarket on Friday, fodder wes offered in larger quantities than jßuaL Prioeo werefnllysnßtaitiert, ann ranged from 3a 3d to 73 3d the owt.; maiza, 3s 7d ; oats, 2« 61 to 23 7d tho bushel. Horse Btook were entered in fall cambers: unbroken draught two years off are si low relative prioes; other descriptions main tained .previous values. On Tuesday hidei ranged from 2Jdto3}d thelb; tallow.2Ba the owt.; ■heep ektoß, Is 3d to 2s 8d each. At Waioku on Saturday a larger muster of stook than average met with a steady enquiry at satisfactory prices from the sattlets in the neighbourhood. At Pnketcohe, on Monday, there was an nnusualiy large musier of stook. The enquiry was limited, prlcea were in favour of the buyer, ana about One-third of those enterel remained uneulo. MBSSR9 HUNTER AND NOUS'S WEEKLY BKPOHT. . . ! Horses: The demand has not been so brisk as during the previous fortnight, nor have a great number been brought forward. There was an average number oc entries for sale by auotlon at the Durham Yards. Competition was tolerably spirited for those of a good stamp, but for inferior animals It was Blow. We quote— Haoka from £5 2s 6i to £11; aotlva draught horses, from £19 to £27 ld«. Hldee, skins, and wool: On Tuesday thara was ratber a lesß juui ber of hides than usual, ana prices rated at last rates, skins are g'adnally rising "o fold at {rom lid to 3i 31. wool In small lots, from 311 ti) i\\ per lb.; tallow. 23s pjr owt. Cattle: The supply Has been an averaxe one, and the demand Steady tor stores and fat bc-a*tc, aud for dairy rjows at their profit, an advance was given. At Newmaraet, oa Tae&day, soaroeiy an average number were yarded, but st Pake kohe, on Wednesday, the yards wera well filled. Btore Bteers were in good demand and prices w«re sllKhtly in favour oc thn ven dor, bat calves were at low values. Dairy 09WS sold at from £7 2a 6d to £9. Bheep: A large number have been brougot forward. Some of the fat cheep were of superior quality, and 2Ua each was given for top eorts, and for 250 an average of 17s 94 was given. Light weights wore relatively lower. Store wethers sola at from 7s 6d to lls; ewefl. lit 6d; lambi, 9s to 12s BVTJPIga: But few yarded. No noteworthy alteration in valne.

BAKES AND COMPANS'IJ WBSSLV EBI'OBT:

At Parawal, on Tnnrsday, fat oattle were in larea supply. Though mostly cows, they were good beef, and brought 21s to 22a per lOOlba. bheep wero plentiful, and at Jate values.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS,

Wholesale. Retail. ■ '- - S. d. St CU 8. fl* 3. Butter, fe,lb 10- I Batter, Is, lb I'o-0 0 §Seie(lobal)o 8-0 6i Cheese - 0 8-0 0: Do., Cant. 0 7-0 U I Eggs,dOZ. _ 2 3-0 0 Kciza doz. 2 0-0 0 MUk, quart 0 4—o 0 S»Db(Uiis>o 7-0 8 Lard.lT) . OWJ Bacon and Hamß, Fowls, eaoh 2 0-3.0 pSSrtnolal 0 8-0 9 Duoks,eacta MO Canterbury Hams Geese, eaoh 6 o-7 0 and Bacon (In Turkeys _ 6 0-8 0 Bread. Sid per 21b loat Jams, per case, 5 doss, 38a BDTCBKKB MXATI BetaU lb, lb. Bouttasßeef - - - -o*tope Boiling Beet - - - .. 04 —OH *»*»«s££:: : :84=8 § - -;;-' BSSBT*I^ = : : -olz°ol o^i^ i a b^lw loteßaie)-MuttoS. &/ mIU • la toSOek FLOUB MABKKT. Wholesale. A B. 0. I Snp6rftneFlonr.Bflkdreased,perton_ U 0 0 flneVionr. ditto, household _ - 13 0 0 Adelaide, per ton _ _ - .. (»«>«"* gS=.Kn : : : : g.^^ 011- : : :;: i j nntmml _ — — — w Id 10 0 PmS Barlay Z - - - «» a0 0 Wholesale. fed. B.d AB. « ' llalxetßyd,) none Hay medow 0-0 0 ton pressed 4 10-810 " tOoast) S 6—3 9 Lncenw, do 8 o—o 0 Oata -2 4-2 9 Straw Coad) 0 18-110 -mftrti 9-3 •Igf^a.i-TOg e'o tSen fieha fl .«10s BetalL d. d. B. d. B. fl. B. tt. itato.trnßhol S 0-0 0 OatfahayowtS o—7 0 OaS/ditto ..8 0-3 6 Straw, ditto 3 0-4 0 BnS.lOOlba.l -7 6 Chaff, ditto Wheat ((owl) 8 9-4 0 goaipe) 6 0-7 0 Hay, owt. - 6 0-7 0 Potatoes, Id and 2d Lucerne, perowt.7 8-8 6>b.

Kaubi Gum and Flax Market. Gum Is-eaaler. The following are the latest Seipta (or Mar, to date, 135 tons. FLAX^-Hnest quality £38—£Z1 per ton Tnw _ _ — — 6 — 9 - i 7CNSIJB - - - - 2idto2Jdperlb UaHUßKS.—Bonedust, Sydney, £610s to ci 10s according to qnality: Auckland. £7 to £8 10a Priuvlaß CJnuao, £17 to £18; Meiden Island. *£■ Htton Gnano, small lots, £5 to £6, baxs In. Siied: HursTs Chemical Maonre, m 10s "Bottaoar. g ljna)l j r0 uhhbuis. imßxa-liaarda and Scantling. 100 ft, best. Us ; «e«md class, 8s 6d : test, planed. " lau.'Ju-tfi and grooved, first-class, 16a; medium, S^^ond ditto, lfi MlUsi Cargo, best, Ita j SobndSaßS, 7s i Baulk, 8a 6d. _ Now ZeSd PaUngß,sft(sapl,los6d;Brt (heart) lfa- MtlSfl;Ti-tree Rails,«3los per 100; Purirl SSte «8 mtq&lOa; BhinKles, )8s per 1,000.; gobirt Town P%W 6ft, ißs; 6ft, ex; Hobart "feffi ffWSSStMOO: Town Yard. Ml&:ddivered,£3ioß. Dralnpipesatworkß,per W T»inches bore), 10e; i tacnes. Us; Staches,9a: gtachS?^ 10s per 1,000; socket glazed pipes.id U>ohM^6dperfoot;ls nches, 2s por foot; 12 IncW la 6d per foot; 9 indies, Is per loot per tnc&S, 6d pet foot; 4 Inches. 4d per GuSIIS AND OBCHABD PBODUCE.-Whol9 -•iS : Applae 2d to 3d per lb; pears, Id to 31 per iSTto toOipSr case; lemons, per doz., is 0d to 2) «Tt onions, por 1b.,1d to lid; grapes, la to Is Ed por it,*• rhubarb, per doz.,Sa fSd; celery, per doz.. ( 2s 'tail I nlaes. W per doz; flgs, 2d to 4d por doz.; SK lie. 3d to 4a per lb. ; pfugion trait, lid to 31 pet ocz.; puinpUns. per cwt.,3a6d ;baDanas: IJa £o 24n; orangea. Is Sd to Is 8a; coooanuts, 8b per SeTteßUUoe.. per to, 1» to !d; beans. 2d. Re tZi;_ iomatoes, id to td; piums. 8d to Is ; mu«eo.2«to UM per.doz; lemoßß, 24 tc3deach; Sto ier lb. 3d; apples, Per lb, 8d to 6a; pe« B Si toU7> tnubarb, per traodtojtd ; grapes. 2s3d to -a: beam. M: bananas, fia to gd per lb.; n^s. war dot. 6<i; oetary, per &u«ftk. Wto 6d; pines, iiito*i: garilo.Bdto9l p« I*-! I P«B«toisJruw,ia *) 61 per doz; vuaiukio l(i to ljd p«r ib. Coal a»» Fibbwood Uabkkt. OoA^«-^ewcaB^ielBhJp■esla*),clMKo,26stoi7B |WrtSn>ard Sis *°/ bliJ*'& Maria, at I'Bjrd., 87s; tcreentd, 80s! ditto M,b iSS/ltot abipV Bide, 26* ( »?2* Walkato, »i mWsßsUiAookiwd.ltoOawaj*. Kamo.i2. BecM*»tl(M4«>Xicroaod. T&upi*l,*t mice, 6s gd to }U-. i.t ik<U 20j to tte. WlUHsnl, at mine,&* 6d; jwd »tesm),l7s; houaahold, 21 S • eeaveted, sia. Mkandn, at yatd {hosaeholdj IRa * btoam«l£& ■ pf i jtßißWOpn^-Uneun at wjiarf <o»«o), 8s 64 to jOiWPW ton; denverefl.lSaMl out, li to 17™

Mail Notice.

Mail? will close ab undib :— THIS DAT. For Whangarel lieadn. Walpn, Whangarol, Kamo, 'i'noKihua, and MangapaL per lons, at For Thames, per Kuterprteo, at 6.30 p.m. Saturday, 12th lnstanti For Walwera. Mtvhurannl. Mataiana, Man- Rawal, e«a, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga, Ohlnemaiu. ard OjiOllkl, per Ro-omabaoa, at 3.30 p.m. for Thames, per Kowmahana. at i p.m. For Oißboroe, Nepler, and Sontborn Ports por Taiarca, at 6 p.m. MOBDAY. U<h IDBt. Kor Wa'tara, &c. per Argjle, at 11 a.m. Vor Coramandei. per Cororaandelj at 11.90 a.m. For Whitlangl and Upper Mill, per Douglas, at 3 p.m. For Tanranga, Ohinemnta, and Opotlkl, per Wellington, at i v.m. COT Kusaell, Kawakawa, Wanararoa, and Mongounl, per Gleoelg, at 4.30 p.m. Tuesday, 15th Inst. Per 8.8. Walhora. ea follows, v>z : - For RnesflU Kaw-kawa. Anstrallan Colonies and United Kingdom (via Brlndi&l or NbdlobH. lor letters, etc, Bpeclnlly fit paid and addressed, at i p.m. For money oroen, rsglatered lettars, and newspapers, at 3 p.m. Late letiers for Sydney and Melbourne only at 110 p.m. Also for Mauritlna, Sorobellea. Mtdagaaoar. Ad/n. Franco, and Alcerla (per French Packet from Sydney) at 3.30 p.m. TOBSDAV, Kind test.

Per s s. Zealand!*, as follows:— For Sandwich Islands, United State! Of America, Canada, British Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United g'wgdnm and Continent of Kurope* at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and Newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late totters bearing an extm Use of sixpence, is addition to the postage, will be xeoaiTed by tho Mail Asenton board the steamer np to toe time of sailing. This man will be due In London, on Moc flur, Jnly toßi' &%SB. Chief Postmarter. Chief FoHMfflna. Auckland.

meetings, Entertainments, Ect.

MA? 11.1883. Abbott's Opera House—lliaa Jennie Lee, " The Grasshopper," 7 45 p.m. St. Thomae's HaU-"Blaok Diamonda," 7*Bo p.m. Newton Athenronm - Musical and literary entertainment in aid of Newton Bast School Library, 7*30 p.m. Wesleyan Church, Onehnnga—Gospel Tem perance Mission, 730 p.m. Wesleyan Sohoolroom-Rev. J. J. Westwood: lecture on "Missionary Travels and Adven tures," 8 p.m. Ponsonby Rowing Club — Ponsonby Hotel, 8 p.m. Acceptances and general entries for Taka puna Races—Mr Perolval'a office, 8 p.m. Young Women's Association—Annual meet ing r.M.C.A. Roams; tea, 6 p.m. Temperance Hall—Hminrr-,8 meeting of Auck land Band of Hope Union, 7*30 p.m.

Births.

OIiARK.-On the 10th May, at "The Tower," Remnera, the wife of J. McCosh Clark of a daughter. MABTER.-On May dth, at Upper Symonds street, Mrs F. W. Mar tor of a son.

Death.

BEGLKY.-On May 10th, 1883, in the Provincial Hospital, Cornelius Besley. . The funeral will leave the Hospital at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Members of the Hibernians are expected to attend.

PENNY.—Killed by accident, at Onehunga, on May Wth, John Penny, aged 29 years (son in law of Mrs. Blsmore, Bhortland street). Deeply regretted by all who knew him. Funeral will leave his late residence, Nor man's Bill, Onehunga, to-morrow (Saturday), at 3 o'olook p.m. Friends invited.

VKRCOE.-At Park Road, on May 11th, Kliza tieth, relict of the late B. Vercoe, ol Auck land, seed 78.

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

For the causa that lacks assktan For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And thn good that we can do

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1883.

THK outbreak of hostilities between the French and fl nnameae in Tonquin, reported in our cable messages to-day, re-opens the interesting subject of French colonisation, English people, accustomed to thick, since the successive decline of Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch colonising effort, that their own nation enjoys a monopoly of the business, have regarded with an amused complacency the efforts of Frenchmen to found colonies in different parts of the world, supported by the firm conviction that the attempts were destined to end in failure. As an example of the tendency of English opinion in regard to the French we may quote from a recent article in the London "Times" on the decay tl population in France. Quoting the figures fir the Geiman jEnapire.the Uadiug journal remarks: " The increase, as compared with that of France, is very remarkable, the French population during the la.t five years showing;aS increased only 389,000 while be increase of the German population; during the same period was 2,000,000, t£e, Sir™ rate in the latter country being 8:91 per 100, Whereas in France it is only 2-47.' there is also.this great difference between the two, that in France the increase has.

Jen almost entirely in the large towns, Uereas in Germany the increase is general irouehout the tommy us well as the )wn.' Reasoning from these facts, 10 " Times" arrives at the conclu on that — " Before fifty years are ver, France will, at her present low rate of increase of population, have unk, if not to the level of a second rate, t least to the bottom of the list of the reat powers." From other sources we jam that the state of things thus com dented upon is causing some nueasi iess to French economists and poli icians. For the past fifty ycara he decline in the rate of natural increase n France has been going on, so that it is 10 mere temporary check, such as might have jeen caused by the Franco-Prussian war, mil the slaughtering under the Commune. From 1821 to 1841 the increase in the popu lation was about two-thirds of 1 per cent, mnually; from 1841 to 1861 it fell off to about one-third of 1 per cent. ; while from 1861 to 18"<1 it was only ona nuarter of 1 per cent, par annum. In the face of these facts it may be thought strange to find France striving to promote colonisation, which means the expatriation of thousands trom her shores. The move meuts in Tonquin, in Madagascar, and on the Congo, not to speak of operations in the South Seas, all point in the direction of an active awakening on the part of France to the work of founding colonies in distant parts of the globe's surface. People could understand and sympathise with such a movement, did it originate with Germany, a country which is hiving oil' mary thousands annually to the United States, in order to make room in her own over crowded borders for her rapidly-increasing population ; but in the case of Franco the tbirjg teems inexplicable and contradic tory. It would not seem so strange, perhaps, to Englishmen, if they could lay aside their ancient prejudices for a moment and take a calm view of the former French colonising achievements. It will be admitted that French colonisation in North America has been carried on under great disadvantage;. There was firstly a climate much colder than the emigrants had been accustomed to; next, the ravages of war and such in human treatment as is recorded in Long fellow's " Kvangeline"; and lastly, the actual competition of British colonists side by side with them. To those who beliuve the Anglo-Saxon is the destined coloniser of the globe, the last-mentioned fact in itself would seem sufficient to stamp out the French element in Canada. But what are the facts? The "Montreal Witness" lately had an article pointinc out that the French were rapidly extinguishing the British colonists throughout Canada, despite the fact of the continuous immigration from Britain, while scarcely any French immigrants were arriving. The "Witness" says:—"The increase in the proportion of French in the province of Quebec in 30 years has been from 75 to 79 per cent, of the whole, an increase of 5 per cent, reducing the English element in that time from a fourth to about a fifth of the whole. During the past ten years the in crease has been just one per cent. If any one is surprised by this figure, it will prr. bably be those who are most familiar with the phenomenon, and who would probably look for a greater change than the figures show. In fact, the French race has made quite as great progress in the other pro vince?, excepting always Manitoba and liritish Columbia, as in Quebec. In Ontario the increase has been from 465 per cent, to 534 percent., or two-thirds of one per cent. ; in Mova Scotia from B*s to 9-35, somewhat less than o°e per cent., while in New Brunswick it has been from 15.8 to 17.6, or approaching two per cent. In Pribce Edward Island the French have probably made similar progress, though that province not having been in the Dominion in 1871 we have no comparative figures. Just now in ihat pro vince the French are a tenth of the whole. In Manitoba they are over fifteen percent,, and In British Columbia under one. Thus the same process that is going on in Quebec is going on with equal steps throughout the older parts of the Dominion." The reason assigned for thi3 precrss, which has led to the entire displacement of .English communities by Frenchmen, is the domestic instincts of the French, as con trasted with the enterprisiog and migra tory spirit of Britons. The large number of old American colonis-ts to bs found in Australia and New Zealand shows how true is the latter part of the explanation. And it may safely be averred that it is the very domesticity of Frenchmen which hai kept them so mucti out of the work of colonisation. The experience of Canada, however, shows that, once they take ro. t in a place, they prove the very best of colonists, being ao industrious, home-louDg, and (when free from the restrictions of European life) most prolific people. The causes which led to the emigration of French families to North America are not in operatiou at the present day; but other causes equally powerful are influencing the course of events; and it is not improbable that the foundation of large and populous French colonies may be laid as the outcome of the proceedings in Tonquin and in Africa, The heads of the Republic are not blind to the advantages which accrue to a nation from having large colonial possessions ; and as Frenchmen have proved good colonial sub jects of the British Empire, why should they not do the same to the Government of the Republic ? Tho coarse of the hostilities in Tonquin will be watched with interest, and the issue will be awaited with anxiety.

A tbleoram from Wellington states it is understood that the New Zealand Govern ment have received a communication from the Pacific Mall Steamship Company, inti mating their willingness to continue the San Francisco mail service, on the reduced terms agreed npon by the Government of New South Wales. It wonld thus seem that this colony is assured a continuance of the service which is of the greatest use to it, without being forced to make any addi tional payment because of the attitude of New South Wales. Congratulations wonld, however, be premature until the extended contract is signed.

The Stab Satukday Supplement will this week contain: "A Yankee Stage- Driver's Story," "Kambles Kound the World," "That Bad Boy Again-Fatal Effects of Egg-Nogg," A Tale of a Snake," " Mixed Liquors—Summerbreeze's Little Joke," ' 'A Warning to Voong Lovers," "Our London Flaneur—Social, Theatrical, and Literary Jottinge," " Teetotal Mayors in London," "For the Ladies," Choice Extracts, Odds and Ends, &c. &o. A largo shipment of paper having now come to hand by the George Bewley, and further supplies being advised by the steamer Westmeatb, we shall be in a position to resume next week our Double Supplement, and shall signalise the occasion with the opening chapteis of a thrilling story entitled "The Wend Sisters," a romance by Richard bowling, author of " The Mystery of Killard."

With reference to the petition presented to him praying for commutation of ike sentence passed upon Mikaere te Papa for mnrder, His Excellency the Governor told the deputation who presented it that it was against all precedent to re-open the case of a convicted person unless new evidence bearing on his case was forthcoming. In the exceptional circumstances of this—a petition of Maoris for the release of a Maori prisoner—ho would, however, lay the matter before the Council at Wellington, and make a fall enquiry into the case.

Oar weekly market price list published to-day contains a few alterations worthy of notice. Gum produce for the month to date has been about 13S tons, good ordinary being worth £39 to £40, and East Coast £50 to £51 per ton. Potatoes are wortk about £5 per ton, and bran , £fl, the latter having risen in price very recently. Bntter is scarce, but remains at last week's quotations, viz , lOd wholesale, and Is re tail, per lb. Eggs are more plentiful, the ruling prices being 2s wholesale, and 2s 3d retail, per dozen.

It appeara that the shipment of fish for England in the refrigerating chamber of the Mataura will not by any means he confined to mallet. About forty dozen flounders, otherwise known as flatfish, .vere shipped yesterday, and it is the intention to supple ment the consignment by the addition of a quantity of schnappers and gurnet. Both tue latter fish are plentiful in and around the harbour. The venture is & plucky one, and Is certainly deserving cf success.

The snbji ct of the local railway manage* mont has for a long time been occupying the attention of settlers in the Waikato, and we observe from the " Waikato Times" that those inteivsted in Te Awamutu intend to hold a meoting to-morrow (Saturday) evening to discuss the subject of railway iares. Mr 8. Vaile, of Auckland, will attend, his letters on railway reform having attracted some attention among the settlers.

Two gentlemen from Otago propose to toku up land at Moiigonni for the purposes ( of fruic culture. The Waste Lands Board ] has agreed to offer for sale certain sections i which they wish to acquire. > i Mr E. Hamlin, M.H.K., purposes ad- ] ■ drcf.siiif! his constituents before the com- . ' mencement of the session. i ] The Waste Lands Board has deputed its . chairman (Mr D. A. Tole) to confer with. the Mount tfden and Mount Albert High-s way Boards with reference to a dispute that; has aristn between them concerning a j gravel pit. \ A singular application for reduction of the 5 dog tax was made to the Inspector yeater- i day by a female possessor of a dirty-looking , poodle. She expressed her inability to pay I 10', and as the animal was a very Bmall 1 one, offered one-halt the amount. This! was refused, aud as the lady persistently declined to pay the full tax, her canine pet was l«d up Queen.-street to the kennel, where it was to have been offered for sale by public auction to-day. Mr John Tyrell, proprietor of the " Evening Star," Westport, has been com mitted for tiial for criminal libel. Tho alleged libel was inserted ia the corres pondence columns of his paper, and was directed against Mr Chas. Wrißht, borough valuer, who ia also proprietor of the "ISuller News." Behold, how tbese journalists love each other 1 It will be noticed from our City Council 1 report that steps are to be at once taken to more effectually light up outlying thorough fares at night; 20 additional Jamps are to be erected in Karangahape, 11 in Ponsonby, 4 in Grafton, and 5 in the old. city wards. The prospectus of the Auckland Farmers' Co-operative Association appears in another column. The capital is £100,000, and it is proposed to ereot flour mills", ereot stores in the city, and supply bakers, storekeeper!', etc. One object of the new venture^ is to mako advances to farmers at the beginning of the season In our report of tho discas^on at the Waste Lands Board meeting yesterday up on Mr Chambers' application far extension of lease of Manukauforeshoro, Mr Xole was made to say tbat the prosent term of leaEe "did not seem too short when such a large expenditure of money was contemplated." Tuo insertion ot the italicised word " not " v a typographical error. Tho regular parade of the A Battery Artillery wa9 held last evening in the Drill shed, 57 members being" present, including the officers—Captain Payne, Lieutenant Norrie, and Sub-Lieutenant Geddea. Major Withers was unable to attend, owing to illness; the roll was therefore called by Sergeant-Major Uaslam. The preparatory exercises and square-gun drill were per formed, all the members taking part in them, thus receiving the benefit of the in struction. 1 here was a large attendance at the Gospel Temperance Mission meeting held in All Saints school-room last evening. Dr, Knight occupied the chair, and in his open ing remarks referred to the evil effects of alcohol. The Revs. T. G. Carr and J. Guy, andMrjS. Parker, gave short addresses on the temperance que>tion. During the evening, several of Moody and Sankcv's hymns were sune, Mr S. Adams presiding at tho harmonium. At the close of the meeting 71 persons joined the Blue Kibbon Army. On Thursday evening next a I similar meeting' will be held in tho Primi tive Methodist Church, Franklin lioad. The Rev*, J. T. Hodgson, O. Carter, and J. K. Davis will be the speakers on that occasion. In 1881, Thos. Alva Edison, of America, made nine applications to the New Zealand Patsnt Office for letters of registration, each application coding £10. In 18S2, the same gentleman made thirteen applications, and in the same year Mr Marcellus Hartley, of weir York, nude nine applications, thus showing that the " Yanks are tho most liberal patrons of patent offices. The Wairoa (South) Public Hall sub scribers held their anuual meeting on the evening of the 7th mat., Mr K. Bain in the chair. The receipts for the p-st yea amounted to £82 2s; disbursements, £52 3s 9d, leaving a credit balance of £29 ISs 3d. The following members were elected on the new committee :—Messrs George Munro, Hugh Sutherland, Frederick J. AVilson, David James Bell, W. Hampton Tborp, and \Vro. Moore. Messrs X, Bain and I), Crawford, auditors. Ten pounds' worth of books, the gift of Mr J. A. Tole, member for the district", will l>'i uiven at the school entertainment, at Dr Wallis'<* Church, totbepupilsof tho Newtou fn-t School who obtained scholarships at the late examination. The use of the catapult is beconing sn common in many part* of the city nnd suburbs as to be dangerous. When some body's eye is made to Euiler, a stop may be pat to the use of that instrument. Several of the members of the Kden Terrace Highway Board are endeavouring to raise a baza ir in order to obtain the means of improving Sussex-street, which c .nnot at present be traversed the whole length by vehicles. Tho Board has not sufficient money to do the work, and hence this rather novel idea. Csnsiderable enterprise appears to characterise the efforts of tbo promoters of tho blue-ribbon movement iv Auckland. Meetings in furtherance of their objects art being held every evening with marked succe3?. It is jww understood that negotiations are proceeding for the rental of tho Theatre Royal one ni^ht ia each week, the object being to hold regular monster meetings for the inundation 0! the piinciples advocated by the movement. To the Editor: Sir,—l was much pleased to find by your issue of yesterday that the gallant rescue by the little boys of Professor Tucker, in the late boat accident, has created a foclinj? that those worthy benefactors are entitled to fomn substantial recognition. I can fully endorse the sentiments contained in " Honour to the Brave's" letter. That they have undoubtedly saved life at the risk of their own, there cun be no question. The day was very rough and stormy, and had they not been highly favoured, their frail little craft might have shared a similar fate, in which latter case would Dot public sym pathy have been' unbounded ? And would it riot have been re-echoed from every breast that those poor little creatures, hud they not been lost, each deserved the highest reward that tho h'oyal Humane Society could bestow? 1 trust that this matter will be attended to.—Yours, &c, Befoke the Mast. The minstrel entertainment by the Black Diamond Minstrels took place last IUL-ht in the 'temperance Hall, and was a marked success. The proceedings opened with an overture by the orchesrra, fol lowed by a chorus and a series of comic and sentimental songs, including "Let Yonr Tears Kiss the Flowers," Mr E. Salt; "Possum up a Gum Tree," Mr 8, Barchard; " Bmpty Is tho Cradle," Mr F. Pitt; '-Mary Blanc," Mr H. Mi Stowtll; "Ellereo," Mr F. It. Perrot; " Kazors in the Air," Mr S. Barchard; "Take Ma Home," Mr F. Barchard; "Upidee," Mr H. M. Htowell. Messrs Barchard and Stowell distinguished themselves in their song and dance, "la tho Days when we were Young " (encore;'. Mr f.noch Salt'i rendering of " Beautiful Isls of the Sea" was a great success, and subjected the singer to a re-appaarance. The remaining portion of the entertainment was Stowell and Barchard'a " Challenge Clog Dance," Mr Eoberts' "Sweet Spirit," the hornpipe by Mr nlder, "The Grand Plantation Walk Round," and tho "Big Sunflower." The hall was crowded, and the listeners were perfectly satisfied. The case of Anderson v. Bound, which was reported in our account of R. M. Court proceedings yesterday, resulted in the plaintiff being non-suited. The defendant swore positively that he noi her ordered the flour nor accepted it when sent to him. In the case of Campbell v, Herbert, brought to recover £6, the price of a borae alleged to have been purchased by the defendant, it was a question of the ani mal's identity. After the plaintiff bad given evidence the defendant confessed Judgment, the amount of claim to be paid in two months. Mr Tole appearod for the plaintiff, and Mr Theo. Cooper for the defen dant.—ln the case, of Shaw v. Smith, an action for detinue brought to recover a lady's dress, or its value (£8), a legal dis cussion arose as to whether plaintiff's soli citor could institute proceediogs (without proving his authority) in the absence from the colony of his client and his client's wife. His Worship reserved judgment. Mr Theo. Cooper (instructed by Mr JJufaur) appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr S, Hes keth for the defendant—Woodward v. Hayes (claim, £20), was an action for wrongful seizure of goods. The defendant Is a grocer in JVewtpn, the plaintiff (a glazier and glasscutter) was his tenant, and the action arose out of a seizure of the latter's goods and tools for arrears of rent, Mr Cotter (for the defendant) contended that there was no proof of damage for want of due notice, and His Worship upholding the objection, plaintiff, through his solici tor (Mr Keetley) elected to take a nonsuit. —This was all the business: '' '

We desire to correct a typographical jrror that appears in the City Council re« >ort pnblished on the fourth page of this ssue. Clause 4of the Streets Committee s eport should read, " That the levels of Hbercrombie-street be fixed before its for nation, kerbing, and channelling axe un> lertaken." Cr Boardman's motions re water charges, etc., have been postponed till Tuesday next. The Banks will be closed on Monday next (Whit Monday). Tho trustees in the estate of the late_Mr E. Coatleyhave, after mature consideration, determined to sell by auction all the city properties belonging to the estate. The property includes the Auckland Club, the Custom-House Hotel, Shera Hros'. premises, Fisher and Co.'a new building?, Cole's shop and adjoining shop (Queen-street), Hulmejs shop and premises (Queeu-street), Easdown's and Cullen's shops (Queen-street), Bed fcion Hotel and five houses (Victoria street), Lonergan's shop and premises (Wyndham street), a house and two cottages (Hobson street), etc. Messrs ts. Tonka aud Co., who have been entrusted by the trustees with the disposal of this valuable property, have fixed June 13th as the date of. sale. Quite a number of persons attended at the city dog-kennels to-day, to witness the sale of the canine waifs and strays which have been "run-in" since last Friday. There were dogs of all shapes, sorts, and Bizes, from the slender greyhound to tne unprepossessing bull-pup. All the lots offered were sold with two exceptions, and these formed tho subjects of a subsequent execution. They were placed in a cage, which gradually lowered into a tank full of water, this being considered the easiest and most effective means of destruction. The regulations provide that dogs must be kept at least a week before they can be offered foi sale or drowned. Persons who may happen to lose their canine pets should therefore remember to inspect the kennels before Friday morals. Iheie are now on view at the offices of Messrs Hickson and Co., Queen-street, a large collection of oil and water-colour pictures which are to bo disposed of on the art union principle towards the end of tho present month. They are all excellent as works of art, and no difficulty should be experienced in obtaining the necessary 550 6UDBcribers at £1 each. The drawing has been authorised by the Government, and the object in holding tho art union is to enable tho owDer, Mrs Wanon, of London, and her daughters, who are teachers of drawing iv all its branches, painting in oil*, water-colours, &c, to take up their residence in the colony, fruiter Information may be obtaiued from Messrs Hoffmau, Hickson, and Finch, who are als» autho rised to issue tickets to persons desirous of becoming subscribers. It is anticipated that there will be a largo attendance at the Wesleyan school room, Pitt-street, this evening, to hear the lecture by Key. J. J. Wostwood on his ex* periences as a missionary in the colonies during tho la*t twenty-five ye«s. The school-room has been kindly lent for the occasion.

The question of profit and loss in con nection with the recent visit to this sity of tho Taranaki cricketers is still being agitated. At Saturday evening's meeting of the Hawera Cricket Club, the financial affairs of the Taranaki team's trip to Auck land were mentioned, and a letter from Mr Barton to Mr Cunningham was read, in which the writer said ho, in common with Kobinson and other leading Auckland cricketers, admitted that unquestionably certain items charged should not have appeared in the accounts against the Tara naki team; bnt, at the same time, they should have been charged with cost of ground, £20, which they ha* escaped. Mr Osmond had mismanaged the affair, but he was a pecuniary sufferer to the extent of £14 on account of not charging tho Taranaki team with cost of ground. During the discussion which followed several members expressed the opinion that the cott of ground was not chargeable against Taranaki. Tho arrangement was that Taranaki should hare two-thirds of nett gate, which they interpreted as meaning two-thi'ds of the amount re ceived at crates, less actual colt of collect ing it If it bad been t wo-thlrds of the nett balance, then the cost of ground, and also ihe charges admitted by Barton and Kobineon to be unfair, should have been in cluded.

In urging the settlers to enter warmly nun the scheme for Vw treeziag and export of fresh meat, the " Waikato Times " says : —"The success or non-succss of meat freezing must be the test of the possibility of making farming pay in the North Island. With labour at its pioseut price, the country cannot be reclaimed at a profit so long as beef remains at 16s to 20s a nuudred, and cheep realises only SJd per pound. liven on the dchest pastures the present rate does net make tho raising of stock remu nerative. The "country "won't do it, and we should not blink the foot Bnt if the settlers can secure a certain market at home prices— plus coat of freezing and freight—a market which is practically un limited, and subjected to little or no fluctuation, their incomes are at once doubled. Sheep and cattle farming passes out of the region of unprofitable speculation, and the future of the out districts becomes assured. The notice, therefore, which has been issued by the promoters of the "Northern Meat Freezing and Storage Company " should command the most earnest attention of the Waikato settler*. It will never do to permit the whole conduct of this important work to fall into the hands of a knot of commercial speculators in Auckland, The interacts of the producer^ must be protected as well as those of thu exporters and commission apents."

la the event of the weather continuing wet, rases advertised by the Auckland Kicycle Club to take place to-morrow, will be postponed until Saturday, the 19cb inst To the Kditor : fir, —Whilst in my home lost evening at 5 o'clock, 1 witnessed a most ludicrous spectacle, which, perhaps, I might have dUmi»sed with a laugh had it not also a serious aspect. No doubt, sir, you will hardly believe me when I say that at that time of the day, in a public street, not above two hundred yards from the Stab Office, Was to be scon a gentleman Bitting in his buggy, and drivtag a horse at a trot with a cord attached to his tail, the other end of which was fastened to a kerosene can, trailing upon the ground, bumping and hopping about, and of course making a great and unpleasant noise. And this brings me to what 1 term the serious aspect of the affair, for there were many horses attached to vehicles pasting and meeting 1 this poor animal whom the unearthly 1 sight and noise of this can might have caused to " bolt," to the danger of life and property; for on the foot paths on either Bide were also numbers of people besides myself, whoso lives I con sidered were endangered by this most repre hensible proceeding in a public thorough fare. Whatever may have been the object of the gentleman io question I will not attempt to inquire, but certainly think that no justifiable reason can be given consider ing the risk attached to bucli an act in the heart ot the city, and fancy the police might have interfered in the interests of lite and property.—Yours, &c, Observer.—[Our correspondent has probably been unduly alarmed. The horse in question was driven by Professor Sample, the horse-tamer, as a demonstration ot his power. Had there oeen any real danger the police would doubtless have prevented the exhibition.— Ed. E. S ]

The question of street nomenclature again came up for consideration at the City Council meeting last night, and after some discussion, largely charged with banter and " chaff," it was further postponed till Tues day evening next, when Cr Belt is to submit a list of suitable Maori names. This gentle man took exception to the indiscriminate use of commonplace Anglo-Saxon appella tions, and advocated by preference the bestowal npon our streets of historical Maori name?, Ho thought it very strange that hardly one of our thoroughfares bore a name that was indigenous.—Cr Crowther entered an emphatic protest against such an appli cation of Maori words, on the ground that his English relative*, in wilting to him would be so bothered by the Maori ortho graphy that their letters to him would mis carry.—Cr Mourdmnn remarked that nothing mote effectually showed the poverty in in vention of the Anglo-Saxon race than the calling of their streets by the same old class of names. The absurdity of such a course had been proved the other day by a letter addressed to Jerusalem Chambers, London, miscarrying to the Holy City itself.—Cr Devore suggested that when Cr Bell brought up his lit of Maori names he should also submit a supplemental list of their English significations. Through ignorance of the language, colonists had applied Maori words ot the mott abominable and obscene meaning to vessel?, places, and districts. —Cr Aickin bore out the last speaker's remarks, and quoted several in stances of the use of objectionable Maori words having their meaning to be inferred. —lit Bell promised to take due care in the compilation of his list, and the subject then dropped, ,y N

The coatractor for the repairs to the Cam. i bridge Post-office, Mr C. E. Smith, has j almost completed the job. Tne alterations and additions are not on a verygrand scale, but they will serve to render the building more habitable than hitherto. The local authorities at Cambridge (says the"Waikato limes") should take mea sures to secure the approaches of the Kara piro bridge before the next heavy rains set in. The earthwork on the northern side is considerably above the decking of the bridge, which is certain to be covered with mud when the wet weather comes. A most enjoyable social gathering was held in the Catholic Institute last evening by the members of the Newton Christian Doctrine Society and thrir friends. There was]a large attendance, about fifty couples being present. The evening was devoted to dancing, Captain Mahon officiating in tto capacity of master of ceremonies, and Messrs Morris and Eeid supplying the music. Selections of vocal music were intro duced at intervals, and the gathering on the whole must be considered one ot the most pleasant and successful yet held under the auspices of the society. The directors of the Thames Golden Crown G.M. Co. to-day declared a call of Is per share. A meeting of the Gardeners' Horticul tural Society was held last night at Mr James Mason's nursery, Parnell, The rules were submitted and approved, and left to the consideration of the general meeting to be held in June. Several new members were added to the roll of mem bership, and piomises of support were very encouraging. It was proposed and carried "That the Society's first show be held in November, in conjunction with othor local societies." An inquest was to have been held this afternoon on the body of the man Bagley, who died from injuries caused by a fall of earth at Parnell, but it has been deferred till to-morrow. The Constabulary stationed in Cambridge have formed a Waikato Armed constabu lary Football Club. The office-bearers are : President, Colonel Lyon ; vice-presidents, Major Mianett and Captain Capel i secre tary and treasurer, Mr A. O. Hardy ; com mittee, Dr Collins, Messrs Box, Bleasel, Carnachan, Curtis, and ta'.terson. The members of the club play a scratch match to-morrow, in the Government paddock. The arnual meeting of the shareholders of the Wheel of Fortune v.M. Co., which was to have been held to-day, lapsed for want of a quorum, Mr Alexander, solicitor, made an applica tion this morning to the Resident Magis trate for an order to return to Mr Craig certain goods which had been seized by the police on the instructions ot Mr Adam Brock. Mr Tyler appeared for Mr Brock, and asked for an adjournment, as be had not had euffidont time to go into the matter; Mr Brock being ill, and not in a state to properly instruct him. Mr Tyler considered further that His Worship had not power to deal with it; he thought the question must come before the justices who signed the warrant. Mr Alexander replied that Mr Craig was present to show that no larceny was contemplated. His Worship said Mr Brock should have appeared ; he had ample opportunities of instructing counsel if he had chosen. The application of Mr Alexander was granted, and an order made for the immediate return of the goods to Mr Craig. Yesterday afternoon, Walter Thorn, an ironworker, employed in the railway workshops, got his leg_ broken below the knee by a lace-plate weighing 10c wt falling on it. He was removed to the Hospital and his injuries attended to. - To the Editor : Sir,—A correspondence Lai been going on lately respecting tbe naming of streets. I would suggest that ihe name of Grace-street, Ponsouby, should bo changed, in consequence of its similarity to Grey-street. Several mistakes have occurred within the knowledge of the writer of this, which hare been the cause of much delay and inconvenience.— I am, &c, A Resident of Gr&oe-street. The failing race between the large yachts Kita and Arawa will take place to-morrow, provided there ia a good breeze and a beat one way in the courte, which, as before, is from the Queen-street Wharf, around 1 iri titi, and back. The stakes are £20 a (side. Piobably tho race wilt bo started about nine o'olock, in order that the boats may finish before dark. ■ Up to date, 248 licenses to kill game have been taken out in the Provincial District of Auckland; likewise four licenses to sell game. The cause list for the sitting of the Dis trict Court on Monday next includes 10 un. defended and 12 defended cases while judgment is to be delivered in Ball v. Hclgrson and Greenwood v. Vaile and Douglas, An evidence of the increasing interest which is being evinced ia the healthful exercise of rowing is afforded by the Pon- Bouby Rowing Club. Some time ago their four-oared gig Kumea was dam aged to such an extent as to be al most useless, and the club was depen dent ia their competitions upon the Fern leaf, the boat obtained some time ago from Sydney, and which had never given satisfaction. It is now proposed to order a new boat at once, so as to have her in Auckland in time for tbe commencement of next season. A meeting to consider the proposition will be held tbis evening. No information has yet been received by Superintendent Thompson concerning the result of the inquest upon the fire at Kaino Two junior cub football matches are announced to take place to-morrow after noon. Both are to be playxl on the Domain, commencing at half-past two o'clock, One is between tbe *lbc,rt, captained by Smart, and the True Blues, lea by Salt; while the other lies between the young Colonials and the representatives of Newton, Hidings and Smith being the respective captains. A new enterprise is about being tested at the Bombay settlement, near Druiy, by a gentleman living in that locality, who i? daily expecting a shipment of ostriches to arrive by the Westmeath from the Cape. We ("Waikato Times") under stand six birds were put on board tbe vessel, and if these arrive safely it will form a very fair nucleus of an ostrich farm, an industry proved both at the Cope and in Australia, to be of a very profitable nature Begley, who lost his life by the unfurtn nate accident at Varnell, was a well-built and powerful young fellow. He distin guished himself as an athlete at tbe recent Bp-iitn in the Domain in connection with the Hibernian Society's celebration, when he won the two hundred yards race, aid also took first prize for putting the stone. At the national concert on the same even* ing, he was awarded tho prize in the Irish jig contest. Begley was well known, ai d very popular amongst his acquaintances, An iuquost into the cause of the death of J. Penny, killed by an accident at the One hunga sawmill, was proceeding this atter noon before Dr. Philson. It the harbour authorities of Dnnedin are rather hard on their pilots, it must bo put down to the exasperating influence of the bar, and not to any essential defect of 1 kindly feeling in the collective bosoms of those in authority. They know, st all events, how to treat an old and faithful ser vant. At the meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday, it was agreed to accept the resignation of Captain Thompson, har bour-master, and to place on record its recognition of his valuable and lengthy ser vices, to ask him to remain in the service three months after his successor is up pointed (to instal him in the duties), and to present him on leaving with a bonus of £300.

The "Australasian" has a vory partincnt criticism of Major Atkinson's panacea for pauperism. It says :—"But we venture to ask Major Atkinson whether he means to see to the application of the 10s a week that his veterans, after they attain the age of 65, are to receive? We presume that he would make it inalienable. But if any old gentleman should take it out in beer, would not (he pauperism and the burthen of its suppoit remain as be fore? In other word?, would not society have to support the drunken old man to the extent to which it now supports him, and have, in addition, to pay him drink money to the amount of 10s per week I"

Horse-TRAINING. — Professor Sample's Class in horse-training will meet at Mr F. Quick's Stables. Albert street, at 7.3D o'clock sharp this evening. All who have signed -the list or intend to do so, are requested to be present and roceivo Instruction. Bear in mind that the instruction is completed in one evening

Working men desiring cheap clothing can get tweed suits, 275; tweed troußers, 6s Od ; moles 5s 6d, at T. McMaster's, Queen-street.— [ADVT.]

Gariick and Cranwell have now the mpst complete Furnishing Warehouse in Auckland. Largo Btock ready for delivery. Furniture to suit all classes; good, strong, and cheap. Great variety of Bedsteads ard Bedroom Furniture.— City HaU Arcade, Queen street.—fAdvt.l

The soiree and annual meeting of the Lidles' chriatlan AseooUt.cn will be held at the V.M 0. &.. Rooms this evening.

Particulars of an art union for the dis posal ot 72 or more oil and water-ooio«r paint in^a appear In our advertisement column,

CABLEGRAMS.

KKUTER S TELEGRAMS,

The PJiocnix Park Murders.— Kelly Sentenced to Death. LOK.DON, May 9 (evening). The Becond trial of Timothy Kelly for the murder of Lord F. Cavendish and Mr Burke concluded in Dublin to-day. The jury re turned a verdict of guilty, and sentence of death was pasted upon the prisoner. Tlireatening a Juryman, LONDON, May 10. The brother of Jo:eph Brady, who wag sentenced to death on the 13th ultimo for the murder of Lord F. Cavendish and Mr Burke, has been summoned on a charge of sending a threatening letter to the foreman of the jury by which Joseph Brady was found guilty. THE FfUHCO-CHINESE WAB.-COM- MitNCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. PARIS, May 9. It has transpired that M. Kergaree is the bearer of a despatch from President Grdvy to Tudac, Kegent of Annam, regarding th« claims of Frunce in Tonquin. The docu ment, after referring to the circumstances under which France guaranteed the inde pendence of the King of Annam against China, by the treaty of Saigon in 1874, declares that the impotence ot government which has been d'splayed by tho Kegent constrains France to adopt measures to secure the better administration of the kingdom, and in view of this the French Government have now definitely derided to occupy the province of Tonquin, and to assume control of the Annamese foreign relations, and to collect customs duties and taxes. President GreVy oilers to grant an unnual subsidy to the King if these terms are accepted. A special to the Prers Association, dated LondoD, May 19, says:—" Admiral Menlir has been instructed to prevent Chinese troops from entering Tooquin. An attack by the local forces of Annam on Jlont has been severely repulsed. The French Government bas determined to insist on a French protectorate of Annam. MR BRADLMJGS AND PARLIA MENT. LONDON, May 10. Mr Bradlaugh addressed a crowded meet ing of his constituents at Northampton last night. In the course ot his address bo promised to persist in bis endeavours to take his seat in Parliament. An enthusiastic ie ception was accorded him. BANK DIVIDEND. LONDON, May 9. The London chartered Bank of Australia has declared a dividend of 3 per cent, for the oast halt-year, and carried forward £15,000 to the reserve fund. THE QUEENSLAND LOAN. LONDON, May 9. The tenders for the Queensland loan of two and a half millions were opened to day. The total amount of tenders received was £2.650,000. Tenders at 97 will receive 93 per cent, of the above in full.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

LONDON, May 9. There were 164 tenders for the Queensland loan, amounting in the aggregate to £2,634,800. l'ho exact average was £97 Is 2d. Wsstgart's firm have taken a million and a-half of the loan. JNEW ZEALAND FROZEN MEAT. LONDON, May 10. The cargo of frozen meat by the Dunedin has realised »n average of 6Jd. FEMALE MEDICAL DEGREES. The University of London has decided to confer the medical degrees upon female graduates. KNIGHTHOOD DECLINED. Professor G. A. Macfarren, the composer, has declined the proffered honour of knight hood. GBNERAL GRANT. General Grant urges foreigners not to abuse the protection of the American flag.

AUSTRALIAN.

WAR-SHIP FOR TONGA. SYDNEY, May 10. The Tongan Government have purchased H.M.S. Saßdtty.* CHAKGE OF INCENDIA.KIBM. MELBOURNE, May 10. At the Police Court to-day, the boy who was under arrest on suspicion of having caused a fire en board the ship Leicester Castle, on the 4th lust., was discharged.

SCINTILLATIONS.

A masked party—the burglar. Another break in the tine weather to day. A Foresters' Court is to be formed at Waitara. His Excellency the Governor returns to Auckland to-night. Entries for Takapuna Birthday Meeting close to-night. >cw Dame for Abbott's—The "Grass* 'opper-y House." Queen Victoria rules 160,000,000 of human beings. Who is that Queen-street draper who tickets umbrellas—" Phormium Tenaz ?" Miss Kloiso Juno commences a dramatic season iv i* apicr to-morrow night. A Trade Protection Society has been tormed by the merchants of Hawera. Sand from Parengarenga is found tojbe excellent for the purposi s of glass-making. John Moore, the missing printer, has been found drowned near Whangamata, Thames. It is suggested that the disputed Maori image, Matuatonga, should be banded over to Auckland Museum. In addition to 7,840 carcases of mutton, the Feostanton took from Dunediu four bass of duck?, , Mr Leedom, of Waitara brewery, fell into a boiling mash tub on Thursday, and was badly scalded. , the Warwick Arms Hotel, Thames, was partially destroyed by fire on Thursday. The building belongs to Brown, Campbell, and Co, Mr T. T. Gamble, Auckland, baa been recognised by the Secretary of btate for tbe Colonies as Acting German Consul in this city. " Buds " —" Orange Blossom "—" Cy press "-are the headings in a Melbourne paper tor births, marriages, and deaths, Mr W. Courtney lectured last night in Waitara on tbe promotion of immigration to Taranaki district, and the advisability of forming a Meat Kef rigerating Company, The Australian and New Zealand Mort gage Company (Limited) have declared a dividend of 10 per cent, for the past year, with a bonus of 10s per share. A dairy factory company, capital £3,000, was formed yesterday in Wanganui. Subscriptions are being raised in Welling ton on behalf of the widow of Captain Murphy, drowned from the Huia. Cornelius Jones has been committed for trial at Duaedin for altering a oheque for £7 17s to £87 17s. The rumour is revived that Mr Gladstone wil( accept a peerage. His projected title is Earl of Midlothian. In Melbourne, £1,200 have already been subscribed to the O'Loghlen Testimonial Fund. There are five bacon factories in Oamaru, cuiing about 1,500 carcases every year. A Town hull Company has been launched at Waitara. The capital is £500, in £1 shares. The Wanganui Sash and Door Factory, hitherto carried on by Messrs York and Cornfoot, is now formedf into a company, with a capital of £20,000. Bishop O'Connor, of Ballarat, died worth £5,493. He bequeaths £750 to the Convent of Loretta at Ballarat. Typhoid fever is reported to be prevalent in Sydney. Many patients have been rer moved to the Sanatorium at Little Bay. A fteefton paper, referring to a fancy dress ball there, says :—" The female leg divine was vety conspicuous, the aSair in this latter respect proving a great success." ) t is understood that the land (let aside for Auckland University Endowments has been fixed upon, and will shortly be gazetted. The Dunedio. R. M. recommends that the cost of the inquiry into the bumping of tbe Monarch on Port Chalmers bar be paid by (iovcrnment. A man] was the other day brought up at G'julburn charged with lunacy. His brother beinj> asked to state the i^mptonis. said the lunatic slept well, ate well, but would do no work. The magistrate Siid if that was all, there were a greut many luna tics in the country. Mr Palmer, the Victorian employer of coolie labour, who recently shot one of his men in the course of a riot, has been trjed for manslaughter at Sandridge," and ad-' quitted, amid applause, ' ' ' s

CITY COUNCIL.

The regular weekly meeting 0 « «, n X Council was held last *i 2° f *he <% CouncUlorsWaddeKiatUech^^' Thompson, Montagne, Harper Jr®*' Phinipp S , Devore, BoardZ 'b?111^ Mackechnie, Burn.,, B.H, Ga.rett &lT n and George. en>Ctowther, CORRESPONDENCE. -. Letter* ceiveda.ddisposedof as follow™ ml '<< manager of Saviogs Bank stall„' $«» the trustees are desirous of 3 «** object named (the applicatioHu? ?» funds towards the purposes of^M Library and Art Gallery), r^ovidS %• necessary powers are obtainedVtheTl^ present unable to fix any amonnf!^ »t (2) From Hancock and Ci,£S2*>,*» architects (M es£r s M»hiue, S2"** had prepared plans, ftc.^^a s*' baildmg to be erected L 4?* principal Mr 8. Jaffeerl nnAi. ** of the Army and Xy HoU) 8 «"• that in the absence ol,^' ,N nite settlement on the Con^i? des< re the acquisition of the prorjerti t« J** Hall purposes, the erection^' y he '°'N plated building would be prMeedL $*' (3)FromJ.F.Robert ß ,calli n g2? ft 11^ state of Stuart-street andffil^^ matlon of a footpath fteferref tl>&J*' Committee. (4) From J. A To.. ing out that the excavaa^ •**■ recently made in Upper Qneeßn?^?*l caused 40 or 50 tons ore.rST.l-^ *■* lot. 8 and 9 (opposite West.»r«et «Sj!lltt and requesting that steps micht' £, i!? Dl> to prevent further damage. R.iJS 64 Streets Committee.-(sj From M P? to bers, requesting that tbe toatoto?' front of writer's promises W ? street should be erarellU the drainage improved. ffiL," 11 Streets Committee.-(6) From r^ ,^ Devore & Cooper, urging tfce G™^ behalf of Thomas Keliy'i creditor" 2,1 * enforce the penalty against him fa. J*f log his contract, time. Aereed i^?' time penalties -(7) FmmdSSiSS applyius; for leave to constrnct iTSS way trom Union-svreet to •omeeeffl.' is building at the back of bis iffi Kesolred to inform appUcant thaiSii will be prepared to consider^W soon as he forwards a certified BcaUtf of the property in question.*-(ffl / Kichard Salter,' compidrf^f J?g oppouta «e a t.street (Newton), vffZ undermined the verandah of tohout

SPORTING.

(BY CABLK.-BPECIAI, TO PHESS ASsnori TIOU.) .; , M

lhe vhampagne Stake*

At the Second Newmarket Spring MeW Splendor, the property of Mr Q. Q, gt,aj| o«! Christchurch, woa the dumpagul

Weights for the Wanganui Handicap Steeplecase.

[BY TEI.EOKAPH.-PKEBS i&OQi'nOS.] WANQANTJ.S.tSi.day, By an error on the part of thehandlcappa (Mr Hately), the weights for the tangum! Handicap Steeplecaae were-not;stilted with the top weight of l&t - Tlfr. note the Great National Steeplecbaia nta, The following are the amended weight! as received from the Jundtcuroen •- Mount, 12st 71bs; Reform, 12st51fo;loth Lomond, list 12ibs; Chandler Hit lOlbs; Diomedes, list lOlbs; Lad* Bab, list 51bs; Christmas, list 41bt t Parnell, list; AG, list; Bnahine, list' woodpecker, lOst 91bs; Tan, lOat 91bs: Ngata, lOst slbs; Kat«, lOatj Pastime lOat; Chudeen, lOst; Calamity, lOst,

The racehorse Paramena, by Sutor- Minamina, was sold at Buckland'a sale .to. d«y to Mr Potter. The price was forty nine guinea. X,^.

THE LATE FIRE IN CHRIST CHURCH.

Charge of Incendiarism,

CHRISTCHFKCH, this day,, David Stbacohan, who was arrettedkii night on a charge of having set fire to Mi premises in Victoria-street, with intent to defraud the Standard, Mercantile, Union, and Colonial Insurance Companies, mi brought up at the K.M. Court this mom. ing. Be had sent in a proof of bis loss for Bt <ck to the value of £1497 19s 7d, bnti witness, who had been in his employ, stated that the total value of the itodc destroyed was only about £700. Wbfl« this witness was Riving hia evidence tbt accused fell in a fainting fit. The cm wu finally remanded to Tuesday next.

THE PORT CHALMERS BAR.

The Harbour Board and ttfs, H.Z. shipping Company. \

(BY TEIiKQKAPH—FKESS ASSOCIATION) •*'' DUNsDIN, Thirsty, AT to-day's meeting of the Harbour Bod, a letter from the manager of tbe flew-Ze* I land Shipping Company, dated 7ih insti was read, as addressed to the Btt&W master, to the effect that the company intent. despatching the b b. Fenstanton from fop Chalmers on Thursday (this daypua;;, that they thought that the Harbor Bo»»i should have a tug in attendance, to MM". iv getting the vessel over the b^jjjFfj therefore called on the Board ty W™pl tug. To this the Secretary^bst MpßWtfi according to instructions, that tbe ttwf would gladly supply a Wg W-j".;"!*1 terms, bat on no other. On th»Btfil«flWS a telfgram was received from Mx,#l«»»^ Gibbs, secretary to the cotopUftMOT*l what depth of water it would be saw » • load the renstanton. To W»» !«#>!{•*; sent that the Board uDdewtoooVt&al s» ship was loaded to a depth QjSMtSlnari was to sail to-day. The. ,Ch«jr|Da|jpß Fish, M.H.R.) faid he thought .the*-w something unique about »f».'JrJ, He was not aware that ;».,*», ™ Board's place to supply toga1 free ; Jojaj vessel that might be in •wbfljW««" under special circumstances. ■£Wj£ i munications seemed to suM^ttheWeatw* the company werepreparedtodoweiJHn* in their power to discredit: tbe pon » Utago, and make Lyttelton tbe««« departure for their wudfc in4;W&£! view they raised all *• difW*i|ttß poseibly could. He thought »* W^ do mere good if the ChamWGwdnwW; instead of passing idiotic WolniWJW" ing the Board, looked after a »•«««"" sort, and ascertained whether wmeo"?" shipping company wonld not; sk*i.«ft"- traSe, if the New ZeaLgiSWPP"1?^ pany'would not do so.: »'&VS£R that the s.s. Sorrento, which •belwy another company, passed ont of toen« "£■ in perfect utety. tdeo^'tartMig more than the Fenatanton, «' ««»» thought the Chairman's temart»*"J quite correct B'^ b?& I iHW with the New Zealand Sn'PP"?^ to pany's doings seemed to M °«¥ ~((« throw mud at Otagoharbour,»4»JS and telegrams were only futt*e. rJSgßo of their having a fling at it. T"«JJSto doubt that there were plej^.Sflu which would be glad to get the 'J*"™^ port, and in the face of tbir»n. oi: the mercantile community BhonUW**"1" for such a company.

POLICE COURT. This Day.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, DBUNK.-Five persons were J^KHft this offence. MaryßMYra,aTWoiae*j W was sentenced to 11 days' taPrT^»M «»d * Darrell was fined 10a for drunkew!" 8""" orderly conduct. »i««nd«r *# Shutting a SHrKT.-Mary Charged with stealing a shirt, value jfSiggg. 10th instant, the property of Josopn. Vzifotti) On the application of Sergeant w«»»WT was remanded until tomorrow. «u s rf charged with stealing a bridle, wWJft* : propirty of William -Astley, on %W&i 4 The prisoner pleaded guilty.-Mr-MJ"'^ j that he was a draper, resldingatMoOT^S and on the morning in QnesUOT «• £i£jrf j town, put his horse into a stable at weoj^j i the Pacific Hotel, and hnng the bridleon^,,, j Subsequently he missed flic teidlfc-^^) Andrew Clarke was going off dug M*^ and 10 that morning, when lie P et_ffifJiclJ«rt r in Abercrombie-street, and J^Jy^SmeW character and observing that he n<«LH concealed under hiscoat, he (the efWHrtrJ* r' him what he had there. • rieoner »«5"5»* ; and confessed that tie had stolen lt'™?, BfcS«l near the Pacific. Prisoner being a '^^9 thief and an old offender, was g^^t '-- three months'imprisonment with haroui^ Eemandbd fob a WBEik-wonaru-rf horn, for stealing itowt. of lead, the pro^ • Mesai-s Laurie and Hornsby. j his was all the biulnesi.

Shipment of Sewing Machines Mr**" injat u,B. Chamber* Ift> c»nvM«eifc

f vrumuea on fourth Pagt,)

11



Bpeolai Advertisements |>ank holiday. The Bants will te OLO3kD on MONDAY, Uth last. (Whit Monday). OPEOIAL ADVERTISEMENT NEW BROCHE RIBBONS PKKIN MOIRE RIBBONS SATIN MER MEILLEAUX RIBBONS RAINBOW STRIPED RIBBONS BROCHE PLUSH RIBBONS FANCY TARTAN RIBBONS LACE-EDGED RIBBONS COLOURED OTTOMAN RIBBONS OMBRE PLUSH RIBBONS COLOURED ORIENTAL RIBBONS BLACK ORIENTAL RIBBONS COLOURED SASH RIBBONS BLACK SABH RIBBONS SASH RIBBONS (all widths) THE LATEST NOVELMES IN RIBBONS. NOVELTIES in WOOL SHAWLS NOVELTIES in WOOL OPERETTAS NOVELTIES in SILK SHAWLS NOVELTIES in WOOL SQUARES. •^ ILLIAM JJATTRAY Has Opened Up a Choice Assortment of the Latest Novelties in WOOL SQUAREa T SHAWLS, AND Black, White, and all the Fashionable Shade* ot Colour; Wool Shawls, for street wear; Wool Squares, for street wear; Wool Operettas, for evening wear s Bilk Shawls-most beautiful goods-tor evening wear New Wool Goods, In the latest Btyle, to suit every taste, and at all prices. "\^7 ILLIAM JJ,ATTRAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIBR. & SILK MERCBB, NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, 178, 180, & 182, QUEKN-STREET, AUCKLAND (Four doors below the Now Savings Bank). Important Announcement. MESSRS S. OOOMBKb ft CO. have again to make »n announcement of the Purchase of a Large atock. comprising that of Me»f>ra j, COS GR.LV.K & CO.. and that having Purchased the Goods »t a Low Figure, ha will be enabled to dispose of them to the publio at about I A3 IN THE POUND. OK HALF OKIGINAL j This stook la well known to be one of the Largeßt, cheapest, and Best Selected In or around Anokland, and Messrs 8. Coombes and Co. h»va determined to dispose of it In ONB MONTH <>■■» the very favourable terms above mentioned. The Bale will oommenoe on MONDAY NEXT, APRIL lfcwr, In the promiaes lately ooonpled by Meaars 3. COSGRAVB & 00., Quoen-streot. For Fuller Particulars, see Advertisement In another column. S. COOMBES & CJ,, QUEEN-STKKKT, TN THE INSOLVENT ESTATE OF A. LINABURY AND CO. JPOBBRAVH AND po. . LnjSGRAVK ANU K/0. Being the Saooesafol Tendetors In the above Estate, beg to annonnoe to the Inhabitants 02 Anokland and Its vicinity that a CJALE k?ALE OF THK SAME WILL B8 HBLD ON TBE PREMISES LATELY OCCUPIED BIT A. LINABUKY AND CO., QUBEN-STRBET, AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE ENTIRE! STOOK Id OLKARED OUT, REGAHDLES3 OF COST I J. CoSGRAVE AND Co, . UOKrtTOM, SMITH AND FIRTH HAVE FOB SALE I "Or wn" Floor, In sacks, IOO"B and W8 Champion" do. do. do. "Cantab" do. do. do. Sharps Branl Fowl Wheat • Important to Ladies SMITH AND CAUGHBY. Importer*. 800 and SO2, Upper Queen-street, resDeotfully Intimate to Ladles residing In Newmarket ana surround ing districts that having secured the servloes of a Flrat-olasa Milliner and Saleswoman, they have added the Millinerr and Underclothing Departments to their Newmarket Branoh Ketabllahmen*. This addition to their Stock will Include a, Complete Assortment of ladles' and Children* Underclothing. New Mantto, Jackets and Ulsters, Flowera, Feathers, Trim mod and Untrimmed Hats, So. Their premises having been recently enlarged, they bare aIBO Increased their stock of New Winter Dress Materials and Velveteens. Flannels and Blan kets, Men's and Boys' Clothing, &c, Sea. All Goods marked In plain figures. Prices as at their Queen-street Cheap Drapery Warehouse. -STATIONAL INSURANCE COM- J3I FANS 07 NSW ZBAIi&ND. CAPITAL..-. ..-£2,000.(00 PAID UP AND KKBBRVEB._-..._-«ifil,BClO AUCKLAND BRANCH -85, QUXaR-BTBBRT. LOCAL DIRKOTOR- D. B. OBUIOKBBIRK. XIQ, ' This Purely Local Company accepts Fire and M tine Bisks of every description at LOWKSr CURRENT KATEd. Seoutity Undoubted, Losses Liberally and Promptly Paid. WILLIAM TAIT, Braaoh Manager. UCKLAND GAB COMPANY LIMITED, KfiTABLiaHED 18(2. PURVEYORS OF &IGBT, HKAT, AND POWER. The Company sell and ereot eaa-fittlngs, In oludlnn gas appaißtuß and gas-power engines. Stook lnoludes Otto Gas Engines, Office and Show-rooms, Fort-street. THE ■JjTORTHERN JU_ EAT J^RBBZING • ;**■) '■ • --'■'Axii ;:::.■•''' STORAGE f\OMPA»Y. Vfi ;■ .f': .-I--— ?0 The Promoters of theabove enterprise, having accepted the terms ot the Harbour Board tot a Bite, desire to give everyone an opportunity of taking an interest, however email, in an under taking which will be of great benefit to the com munity at large, and which Is anticipated to yield a fair return for capital invested. It is not the intention of the Promoters to confine the ad vantages of this enterprise to a few large capitalists. They desire smaller investors to take an interest in it. Their object Is to estab lish the Company on a broad basis, and to con duct tho enterprise as far as possible by colonial men and with colonial capital. Before forming a Provisional Directory, the Promoters desire all who wish to co-operate with them to forward their names and addresses, not later than May 12th, to the Secretary, Mr Craig, at the temporary offices of the Promoters, New Zea land Insurance Buildings, Queen-street, Auck land. A Meeting will then 'be convened, jat whioh a Prospectus; will be, submitted for npproYEJana aProyi«iono,lDirectory appointed.



Special Advertisements] William -R>» Bkidgman Is Now Showing k>b the Wintib 3KABOK A LARGE LOT 08" HKW GOODS IN THB VARIOUS DBPARTMKNTS, . And which will bo brand apeolally Good Value i -600 jards New Btrong Tweedi tor Boys. Is Bit Vory2 B«rxing "no Cotton Tweeds for Boy*. Bllehtly damuiici, la 3d: worth 2s Good Swot New White Blankets, from 6i od valr Good uolouted Striped Austrian Ruga trora 6a Crimean Shirtings from BJd yard 00 yards Coloured Hop Drees Material, strong, slightly damaged. 6Jd Homespun wlnoey. 7}d y«rd isales-Blaok Cloth Jackets, in great variety, from 9a 6d Children's N«w Ulsters Ladles' New Ulsters In great variety Kxtra Good Value In Wlnoaye „,. . Baibroygan worsted, very strong. Is 94 head Ladies Leather Bags, all sizes, from Ss 91 Boyß' Knloner *nits from 6a lid Large otock Men'a Tweed Tronaeis, splendid lien's Tweed Trousers and Vcßts, 12a 6d, 15s 6d, 18s 6d, 2ls &o. Men's Tweed H»t» from 1b 9.1 Felt Hats from 2a 6d Men's Cotton nhlrts f'om Is ii. a Lame Stook u£ Wintei Hoslety Just Keoeived—A Large Lot of Men's water proof Coats Lot of Che»p Job Lines in various departments Vive per cent Cash Discount on all Pnrohases of 20s and up wards. JUNCTION DRAPEBY WARBHOUBB, UPPUR QUKgN-StRKBT. New Story. THE WEIRD SISTERS A ROMANCE. By KICHARD DOWLING, Author of Thk Mvstkbx of Killabd. The above story, whioh Is one of the most fascinating works that has issued from tlio Press, will bo commenced in the STAR SATURDAY SUPPLEMENT ON Saturday. May 19th. THE PLOT Lj very oleverly worked out, and it gives in the few characters introduced a most remark able ploture of the working of human passions, and the gradual develop ment In the mind of a generous man an overmastering lm pulse to crime. The Opmmra Chapters in the SUPPLE MENT of SATURDAY WEBK are- Pakt t—A Plain Gold Guard. A ConßOlontious Burglar. A Qeneroua Banker. COUNTRY AGENTS who desire a Larger Number of next Saturday's lesue, with the DOUBLK SUPPLEMENT, and the NEW STORY, must notify the PUBLISHER by WEDNESDAY next.