SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATBB|TSSBWwiiornInK,B.S7 fIUNSKT.-Thto.^jll^sT'-iC jitypiijy 'Vf-jJnVTMA AIOTIIWIKt •••' . . . ■ "" " . I

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Argyle, ha. Crawford, from Whangarei

LAST RVENINIi. WeUington, ba, Stephenson. tor Tauranga Penguin, 8.8., Cromarty, tor Fiji j OpoQkl, ketch, Rust, for Opottkl TO-DAY. ~, .. « ... i . " We, brig, Christian, for Kalpara j

EXPORTS.

Per Penouin, for Levnka—l7B ken and 16 «a*»bV»t« ttas blsouits. so uwkß brat,. W - bozMonion., IS pleoes lut&ra, 29 held cattle, 37 1 eawspreßeived meats, HO boxes aoap. 101 t>aw DOtatoes;» small plpea. 20 bales hay, U boxw axSll* obbm fruit. 199 pieces rough and «9 pieces aressed kauri timber, 21 doors. 5 jk«B. sashea. 6 pkgs. oasements For Su»a-70 toxes Soio 60»aoBsflonr.35ilerce*and 46 kegs be*f. 12 keu batter. 100 tins biscuits, 20 bu.-ales i spouiing.6ploughs 65sackspoutoes, 160iO»o«^. 10 h«ad cattle, 1 home, 8,757 pieces »"8b «nd A dreised timber. 221 pleoas and 26 bundles mouldings. OtrrWißDß Coabtwtsk,-Kauri, for Port • Charles ;Norw»L for musell. Tha tohooner Louie for Suva, and Bohooner 1 sira tor KKOtonga, enter»d out at the On* - tamat<H)ay. ~ The brig Fawn left Lyttelton tor Auokland yesterday. t*b hardue iioonKana is now on the wayfrom Ho^tlo?trdspwuand may be expected dur ing next week. , The ontter Dapone cleared at the Custonißito «Uv fur Sawarrow, In ballast, she will sail thU evening. The sis. Douglas will not leave for Meroory Bay until Monday next. Some slight neoeaaary repairs will be effected before then. * The brigantine Magellan Cloud, is exported to Ball for Suva at an early date. The B.S. lona was docked to-day for an over haul. The barque Clyde, weather permltttaK, will be berthed at the outer western T of the Queen street early to-morrow. The New Zealand Shipping Co/s latest advices from London are to thtf effect that the Glanoe andßuttermere, aIBO the ship Qrasmere, a vos ' I gel at im tons, will be plaoef on the berth for this port. TheWestport Coal Company'fl ; new steamer tfimtiri is expected to arrive from Lyttelton SffiSSUrmftirtfli afuilcarKo of Bra Oem nroduoe From here she prooeeds to Westport. The Union Company has the Anoklana agency. She as. Southern Crosß, from the South, is due early to-morrow. th« Anrrle errived at 6 a.m. with 173 kheap. S7klSs^te?,Bt»o»« eg«B,loßaoks Juntos. 46 saok?BunuandtheiollowU.gP«i9enjrers:-MIBB Whltelaw M<!BJrß Mllanrn. Manning, Waye, Worels/Al^oo™MaomlUan Fotwr, dtewart, I S, SnKn Fairbucn, Ohurohward, Uar .'STp^f^nTu. Young, Green, Ser geant-Msjor Hislam. . -

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Rubsbll, this day. Arrived: Penguin, from Auokland, 7 ajn. ArnTOT B Ltttlbton, yesterday. ■ Sailed: Tythonus and Herba,for the United Kingdom. ■ . , , _

COMMERCIAL.

Bvrawo stab Otaoe. Friday. ' M&9BW E. and A. Isaacs sold yesterday the Ihlp^ewres ex Ittnglukei,.also a large oonsKm ment of general grooere'and ollmertßtoraMind about SiOpicfeasoß ot wines, Bplrits.aod beer. Atoit«l,soo value was quitted at fair prioee. VB ALTBBD BUOKtAHO'B WBBKI.Y RBFOBT. -Oo Fnnay. at the Hajmarket. nay raoned fcomS«3dtosßSd per owt; miize. l»s oats,2« 811 perbushel. The thoroughbred horee s»ok owsßiocea a nutnerons attendance, lhe flnt • o^rTdwas tha Hlpuo-Slander fliiy. Bhe wsb withdrawn at the auction, but has ainoe baen - geia »rrt*tely for «i». BiUlngßgate. the next oflsred. brought 120 guineas: Kilerslie, 87 nutaeaJi Karfpo, « Knl«e«: Tatters. «S0 10s. Hnlderwaß withdrawn, but will be sola at ihe same time as Vampire, in » few weak*. There waa a lance master of aotlve draught bones, and good demand throughout the tale, at prloes wytng ftom «18 to «31 lta. but ho/sj ttook ot a ilgntdesoriptlon are at low values. At Papa kura on Wednesday, there was » better in quiry (or store cattle than ot late: aU yarded were Bold. HUNTER AKP HOLAU'S WiBKLY BSFOBT. ■ Hones: Thare baa been a alight improvement in iho market. About aa average number were dlsDoeed of. and prices were unaltered. At the Durham Yarde. on Friday, a good many were entered for dUooaal by auction. Competition was steady, and mot>t of toe lots were cleared, although prfoes icarcely reached the exeeota tlon ot vendore. Wo quota-tiacfca, at from £.', 15s to £11 123 6d i light draught ho st-a. £13 »o £23. WooL Hldea. &nu Akls: Woo), incmall p*oko ■» aod Inferior, sold at from *i& S *a p« ibs ■bides, in mid o^dltion id to 3 o«r lb; shins, from isto 2b 9* eaoh. Cattle: -rue aimuly ha> bwn rather dhorc. and r«tulted Is an uvward tenancy for beet, but there wbb bo advaoOß In other de-orlptlons. At Nawmuset, on Tueeday .there was a moderate muster. fairy stook were UuUteied in value. Grown atore Bteera, in S«hT condition, have » allßhtly upw.rd tendency, but for other deiorlptlonspricea ruled te favour ot the purchaser. £at beasts advanced in nrioe. 24a per 10011 m having been given for top mil stow were penned In moderate nnm- Knfat Newmarket, on Tuesday. Competition wa» BteidyVlß 8d per 81bB. Lambs sold at from jSTSi to U» 5aT >Ibb were yarted lnUmlted iumbera. Good porkers obtained 3d per lb live weight. -

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Wholesale. Betall. ' a d. s.d. a. d. c, Sutter.ffl.lb 1 0-0 o|Butter,ts,lb 1 8-0 0 OheewltooaDO 6-0 6 Cheese - £ 8-0 0 DoCanfc 0 7-0 0 I Eggs, doz. _ 2 3-0 0 Km. dotT 3 0-0 0 AIIIK, quart 0 4-0 0 SSSlß^nslO 6-0 0 Lard.& - 0 7-0 8 Hams, new cum Fowls, each 2 0-S 0 jbajTe) - 011-0 0 Duckmeaoh 2 0-8 0 B^e) I*-^^ 0 Sy^ U Bread, BJS per fflb loaf jams, per oase, 6 doz. 88a JBUTOHKRS MKATI Retail lbk lb UmV),fi»e-9uarter )_ _ MJ """"•hmdH,narter/-! Po&M»4Veal _ - - » Hzll »: fi mixed! Bi*>lo"' - ItOHB MABKR. Wnolesale. BuiwrflMWrar,Bflkoießsed,i»rton* 11 0 0 iESSnr.dWoj household _ - 800 Adelaide,jei ua - - - - '"OJ 6* „ Oamaru, per ton •«. .. ~ — ~totn n DS.P«ton " - - : WXJ 0 Z -GOO Sharps,perton ... - - « gu v QJMn^Bread - - - - fiU uw o Oatmeal — — ~ Jl 0 0 P«*rl BKIg lV - Am, " O o B irMAWMT." . "* Wholesale. ; : o - ■'■ fed. B.d flB, « UKim (Bvd.) none Hay merdow "^fflflWß 8-0 n tonpreßßed 410—S 10 Retail. a. d. B. d, b. d. s. d. u.i M tanhel6 0-0 01 OaftiJiayowtS 0-7 O »*OB^SS°eU S» F^ MABKM. omtounctoge^ThefbUowingareftelateßt 48^ P« ton SSSotS " Z Z _ 21dto2idperlb SSroMB.-Bonedußt. Sydney, «l0sw»10s. *^Sgto duality; Auckland. «7 to «8 10a; S^JSm Guiio. £17 to aiß; Meidjn leland; «t Huonurtano, email lots. £5 to m, baKB to olujlX: Burst"b Ohemtoal Manure, fill 10a; **a*&m*'a ßinwvm MAißßiAia Tmßiiß.-»»« 1» and Soantllng.looa, best. •li^MOOnd olass, 8a 6d Tlest, planed. "Tititna oAillne aootatlonß. •■sr'.isS tetWbauT) «s per LOOO i Town Yards «J?J? j^imred £3108. Drainplpesatworks.per gSet|^> o yi^ B-pKo I ,-Whole. 9 toSdperlb; pears. Id to 3d per "^ : tAXKSoaB™ Jemons, per dozn is 6d to S»; lb. jW w riJiK. ia to lid: grape*, istolßtoper ****%£%£«* doi* al fcSs: oeler/, dm dois.. It,• »s»*ffii*93 per doz; fins.2d to Id per 18 *° UiJß?ak to U per ».; pumpkins, per bwanasT«aM2ids oranges. ; f^h"aPii lea- ooooanuts,Bs per 100: tomatos., | 18 *.i." Sd to M; Jwais, Is per peok. Re- SSim m faTyard weam).l7e! nousehold, sla; oSrerea, **• Miranda, at yard (household), »j»^D-Uncunatwharf(oKgo).BßMto i Pa Klper ito; d)iv«ed,»fl6di out. 16s to 175.,

—-rha members of the Ponsonby Choral! ' if MVaa srand concert on Friday evening- ; Ponsonby. in aid »eXtl aL«f«crfthe Society The first part will 01 yStSttSSk Selections,eto..flndthe second

Mail Notice.

Mails Triix Olobb as undib :~ THffl DAY. ; For Whangarel Head?, Parua. Walpu, Whan- ( gsrei. Kamo, Tau^ has. and Mangapal. per Fot Thames, pel Knterprlsa. at 5.30 p.m. I aiXDBDAY, 2nd lnstanti [ For Waterfowl, Tauranga, etc, per Rotoma-■ FoV^arnU PpS"Bowniahana,a»93o«.in. ! For Walwera. MahurangL MaUkana. Man-, ftawal, eta! par Bo«e C«wy. at 10 a.w. For Buwarrow, per uaphne, at 1 p.m. For Taltua, ncr Man», at ljp.m. I For Westport, per Ka wattri, at 5 p. m. j MoßDAT.lthlnsl. j For Coromandel, per Ooromandel. at 11.S0 a.m. ■ For.' Whitlanga and Upper Mill, per Douglae, j For 'lauranga, Ohlnemutu. and Opotlki, per Glene)g.at4p.m. -,'"-1 ■ ■ ' ■■ For Kussell, Kawakowa, etc, perßotomahana, For Kuaeell, Kawakaws. Wangaroa, and Mongonul, per Ulenelg, at i 30 p.m. TuasDAY, 6th insi. . For Taranakl and Southern Ports, ncr Wanaka, at 6 a.m. ROBT. K AYE, Actiust Chief Poatmaator. Ohio: Pout-offloo. Auckland. i i *—

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Jukk 1, 1883. Theatre Royal-Mr awallow'a Oonoert, 8 p.m. Working Wen's Club — Trade and Labour Council, 7,30 p.m. Lorne-etreet Hall—Bricklayers" Bana.uet and I Ball, 8.30 p.m. Albert Hotel—Meeting ot Members ot Coar. lng Club, 7.30 p.m. Newton CongreKatlottl School, Hdlnbureh Btrent, to form • Literary.iSoleuilflo, and Debat laji Clasa, 7.39 P.m.

Notice to Correspondents.

J. 8.-We are unable to sire the date of (bo flre lit Cox's Chapel, Haokoey. near London. Haokner oo»ohe8 are ot a much older date (ban commonly supposed. Tney did not originate lo Baekney, bat in Paris. Otbs were flnt Introduced In London in 1823. and omnibußes, by ShUlibaer, In 1829. CmesN, Pabhkix.—Your grievance Is a purely private one, and cannot be made the subject of newspaper correspondence. A Sdstbbbr.—You must oonsult a soUoltor, laying before him all the facta.

Marriage.

BOOTH-ASKEW.-On the Ist of May, at the Registry Office, Auckland, damuel Booth, fourth son of Douglas and Jane Booth, Dum fries, Scotland, to Prisoilla Smith, saoond daughter of George ABkew. Tiverton, Devon- HMre.--Australian and Home papers please copy. : ■ ■ ■ ~ ■

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 1883.

For tho cause **»■* lacks For tho wrong that noedi nulrtanc*. ' For tho fu tora in the distsncftj And tho good l^ at we con do

Thb closing up of the Mutuul lusurance Company by the disposal of its business to the Union Insurance Company is accom panied by a statement whioh is cheering to insurers, if not to shareholders in companies engaged in under-writing. It ia an ill-wind that blows good to no one. Mr Dob son, the general manager of the Mutual, has placed the whole case before his directors in a report which does the greatest possible credit to his financial foresight and integrity. There are not wanting instance* —indeed in the history of insurance tbey are only too common—where men placed in Mr Dobton's position have staked the last iota of their shareholders' credit in a ruin ously losing game,' nniil the inevitable crash carried misery mid suffering far and wide. There are always tempta tions to follow such a coarse, when a man may thereby prolong his tenure of a lucrative and influential position. And though such acts bring down in the end universal wrath and indignation, and sometimes— though rarely, as in the case of the Glasnow Bank directors — the penalties of the law, yet the chances of escape are so great, and the hope of confining the losses within moderate limits, or re covering them by some lucky stroke, so dominates the minds of men indifferently honest, that the lessons of the moat start bag examples are quickly lost. It seems appropriate, therefore, to distinguish with a special mark of pnblio approval an in* stance where a man, having at bis back the entire fortunes ola large body of share holders, has refused to continue to stake them the moment he perceived that the risks outbalanced the prospects of success. With the consequences of reckless over. trading by the Gnthrie and Larnach Com pany, until every shilling of a large capital was gone, fresh in our mind, we may tfati more forcibly commend this example to the attention of other managers of companies engaged in an unprofitable business, and who are concealing the fact from the people whose money they are squandering. In making these remarks, it must of course be understood that we are guided solely by the report which Mr Dobson has submitted to the shareholders, and on the assump tion that bis action will involve, a personal sacrifice. The Company does*no seem to have incurred any losses of con sequence yet, and the possibility of pro spective losses arising-because the busi ness of under-writing generally is being carried on at an unremunerative rate, night be an equally good reason for closing up any other insurance company's doors. There is, however, this difference, that the losses of the Mutual wonld fall upon the uncalled capital of the proprietary, while the first losses in the other case would come upon capital already subscribed. The entire virtue of the action taken by the general manager of the Mutual, and recommended by the directors for the approval of the share holders, depends upon the accuracy of the review upon which an immediate winding up is suggested. A new company is in a ltis favourable position for carrying on a cutting business than an old one,' because their expenses necessarily absorb a larger per-centage of the profits; and if, as Mr Dobaoa endeavours to show in his report, insurance premiums have been cnt down to a margin whichionly large companies with a widespread business can stand, the fact, while justifying the winding-up of the Mutual, is not a thing about which the generality of the public will greatly distress themselves. For many years It was the pre valent conviction that the rates of insurance were outrageously high, and if rednctiona of fifty per cent, have, as Mr Dobson states, been carried into effect, the original impres sion cannot have been far astray. But for a long time past the balance-sheets of onr local insurance companies have shewn that very little profit was being made out of under-writing. Jn the face of that fact, the Mutualstarted, relying upon the assump tion that a Company without capital could cut things finer than a Company with oae. The general manager of the Mutual has now come to the conclusion that the foundation principle of the Company, for whose active existence he ac cepts the personal responsibility, was wholly faulty, and that in a business the very essence of which is security to cus tomers, the proprietary must be able to exhibit unexceptional guarantees of sound ness. In several distinct ways, therefore, the surrender of this Company's business conveys useful commercial lessons which should not be lost to the community.

The catastrophe of Wednesday, bywbich several people lost their lives in New York in the circumstances detailed in our cable news, while it shows that man's gregarious instincts ate at times stronger than his reason, will have the efiect of drawing at tention to that marvellous engineering triumph-the suspension bridge between ti ew York and Brooklyn. It is a magnifi cent structure of about'a mile in length, spanning the waters which separate New York from its populous suburb, and is one of the largest suspension bridges, even in America. It has cost no less a sum than fifteen millions of dollars, which is just three times the contract price, and was constructed by the joint Board of Works of the twoplaces con nected by it. The opening of the bridge, we learn, was fixed for the 24th of May, but this intention was departed from, because of letters being received, sup posed-to be from the Fenian miscreants ■who virtually control New York public affairs, threatening some vague disaster if the authorities dared to honour the Queen's Birthday in such a fashion, The public mind was thus preatly agitated over tho j opening of the bridge, and was ia that I state of excitement which made it npe ( for the unfortunate panic of Wednesday last, There waß not the least ground to

believe that the bridge was insecure ; and the unreasoning stumredo undoubtedly owed its origin to the hellish malice of some depraved wretch, or the senseless fears of sime hytteriaal person. That the msptn sioti bridge stood the test of the iu«h and crush consequent on the panic is the best proof of its stability, and should establish the public confidence in it. If it could be shown that Fenian malignity wan at the root of,the disaster, it might prove the straw which would break the back of American toleration of those plotters of mischief and murder; but at present there Is no reason to suspect that such is the case. ______^__

Sir George Grey has definitely resolved to deliver a lecture on "The Principled which should guide the People of Auck land in founding their Public library and Art Gallery." The lecture will be de livered on Tuesday evening next, but the details are not yet decided upon. Not only the admirers of the veteran poli tician, but every one who knows how to appreciate large-hearted munificence, will rejoice to learn that Sir George has resolved to enlighten an Auckland audience upon a subject which he is so well qualified to treat, and which they would be deeply interested to hear. At a time when the question of erecting a suitable building for the reception of its artistic and literary treasures is forcing itself upon the people of this city, the promised lecture will be most op portune, and will doubtless bo pro ductive of good results. The splendid Kawau library, donated nearly a year ago to J the people of Auckland, still remains in its 1 old home, for lack of a suitable receptacle for it here ; and Mr Mackelvie, whose gifts of paintings to the city form the nucleus of a splendid Art Gallery, has ceased sending on more of these treasures because of the inadequacy of our accommodation for them, Very few citios of the world suffer from an embarras de richesse of this kind, but in contradis tinction many of them have grand buildings imperfectly stocked, and are spending large sums of money in securing, with toil and difficulty, treasures similar to those which are being freely thrown into our lap. It is nothing to the discredit of a new city like ours that she should be as yet destitute the noble buildings which older cities have reared; but it is conspicuously to the credit of her citizens that the gene rosity of a few bas already dowered her wiih such enduring and valuable treasures. It is to be hoped, after the address which Sir George Grey will give next week, that our civic and other authori ties will agree upon speedy action, which shall have the result of placing Auckland in possession ot a building which shall reflect honour upon herself, and be worthy of the high intrinsic value of the gifts made to her people.

To-morrow's Stab Supplement will con: tain the usual quota of " Uandom Shots," by " Zamiel;" continuation of the exciting story "The Weird Sisters;" a complete tale, entitled " Mils Greco's Illusion;" "A Lady's Letter from London;" " The Literature of the Victorian Age," by J. 1). Davis; "Onr London Flaneur—Social, Theatrical, and Literary Jottings;" "The Garden," by Bortus j " " Outrages on Jews in Morocco— BhocKing Disclosures;" " Love and Religion ;" "A Sensational Crime in Berlin;" "a Population Ques tion;" "Shocking Tragedy in France;" "*. True Woman's Ideal of Life;" Sporting Notes by Hippona; Field Sports and Aquatics by Acttoon ; English Spott ing Notes, by our Special Correspondent in London; Ladie 'Column, Interesting News Items, I'octry, &c, &c. Our weekly market price list, published to-day, contains very few alterations from last week's quotations. Batter, wholesale, will now reali>e 1b per lb, and retail, Is 3d per lb; while eggs have advanced in value 3d per doz. The cum market con tinues quiet, the week* receipts being 4SO tons. The election of two auditors for the City of Auckland is taking place to-day. There are three candidates viz : Messrs George Fraser, John Miloe, and Thomas Leigh Wttte. 'I he superintendent of the Auckland Fire Brigade is becoming alarmed at tbe net work of telegraph and telephone wires tint are stretching in every direction along tho leading; thoroughfares. He is of opinion that in cosa of conflagation in these streets, the wires will impede the use of the life saving apparatus, and suggests that in future telephone wires should belaid under ground. Tho City Council do not seem inclined to take any action in tho matter, so it is probable we will have to wait for the usual accident. We understand that the only objection yet made by ibe public to the granting of any license in the city or suburbs, is the one re the Nottingham Castle Hotel, Aberorombie- Btreet, About fifty residents and property owners in the vicinity of the hotel nave ad dressed a petition to the Auckland East Licensing Committee, praying that the license be not renewed, on the ground (hit the bouse is conducted in a disorderly manner, and drunkenness permitted i herein; that the quiet of the neighbour hood Is disturbed by the persons frequent ing the house, and, moreover, that a licensed house la not required iv the vicinity. Drivers of vehicles do not seem to be pro foundly impressed with the policy of com plying with the regulation which enjoins tbe carrying of a light after dusk, and policemen would appear to be sceptical as to its efficacy. Last night, while a throng of people from tbe Opera tf ouse was surging down the footpaths of Quoen-street.au un lighted buggy turned the comer of Victoria street very sharph, and by t.o merest accident several people escaped being run over. The crowd called angrily upon the driver to stop, but he only whipped up his horse the harder, tearing up the hill at a break-' neck pace. A constable was spoken to, but he remarked that it was no use inter fering, seeing that it was so bard to get a conviction. In the interests of public security, it is desirable that greater alacrity should be shewn in the enforcement of thi» and other by-laws. To the Editor : Sir,—l don't t know whether the horrible stench which pervades Wyndham-street and neighbourhood almost daily, outers your sanctum; perhaps it has the prudence to keep outside that sacred chamber. If it does, you are, indeed, blessed. Ab I write, it is hardly tolerable. It is rather worse this morning than usual, hence these tears. Whence the plague proceeds, there cannot be much doubt; and this makes it the more surprising that the Inspector of Nuisances has not put mi end to our troubles long ere this. His attention has been called to the matter more than once; and his explanation why things remain in stalu quo would be in teresting. Surely the health and comfort of hundreds of people are of more importance than the fostering of a tiny "local industry." Manufactories emitting offensive fumes should be outside the city at least.— Yours, &C, LONG SUFFERING. A lecture by Mrs Dr. Potts, to women only, took place at the Opera House this afternoon. There must have been close on 1,000 present Mr Mackelvie, of London, has more pictures which be has bought for Auckland Art Gallery, but delays sending them until proper arrangements are made for their safe custody here. Mrs Dr. Potts has the knack of enliven* ing her lectures with anecdotes and jcux d'esprits, the humour of which consists quite as much in tbe grave manner of tell ing them as in the inherent drollness of the one or wit of the other. Last night she convulsed the audience with laughter by telling bow an old man came to nor to be treated for a "spine" in tbe back, and how a young man who did not seem to be very musical dolorously complained to her of having a '"guitar" in the head. in another occasion a lady applied to her for advice concerning a " 'cataract' inside her head." "My dear woman," the doctor replied, "you certainly have a waterfall on the back of your head, but I am sure you can't have a cataract inside." Both lady and gentleman, of course, bad been shipwrecked upon the word " catarrh." In announcing that her afternoon lectures were for ladies alone, Mrs Potts managed to score a point against the lords of creation, She said that the men could hardly complain of this exclusiveness, for they had their Mason's meetings, to which women were not ad mitted, their Oddfellows' meetings, and so on, and she had no doubt that the proceed ings thereat were very often " odd" enough. The manager of the Bright Smile mine telegraphed to-day :—" Fifteen pounds of specimens to-day from drive low level, going east.—(Signed) J. Gabvkt." As may be seen by notice In another column Messrs A. Sevore and Theo. Cooper have this day retired from the firm of i Kusiell, Devore, and Cooper, and have ! entered into partnership as Barristers, i Solicitors, and Aotaries Public. Their chambers are in Fisher's new buildings, Queen street,' .

The paiiihioDcrs of St Thomas's held a social rc-uoion last eveuing in the hall, in commemoration of the anniversary of the arrival of the ttev. Humfrey Davis as the incumbent of the parish. The hours were pleasantly passed in social conversation, vooal and instrumental music, etc, by members of the church and choir.

The annual licensing meeting of the Pon sor.by District takes place to-morrow, that of City North on the 4th, Karangabape on the sth, City East on the Oth, and Grafton Road on the 9th.

The members of the Blue Ribbon Army marched last evening to the Parnell Hall, under their respective leaders. The meeting1 wa,n largely attended. Mr 1 lios. Hodgson presided. Addresses were delivered by lieva. John King Davis, M. A., W. G. Pareonson, and Mr Brume. The Farneli Wesleyan Church choir gave a number of musical selections and hymns. About fifty persons joined the army, and several/were adorned with the blue ribbon. The proceedings were orderly and the speeches effective.

The Mayor is expected to return from Wellington in about a fortnight.

The concluding case at the li.M. Court yesterday was that ot James Majs v. "i hoe. J. Wells, in which a sum of £10 was claimed by way of damages. Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff, and M/ S. lies keth for the defendant. It seems that the plaintiff was the contractor for erecting a shop at-Uevonport for Oliver Mays, and that he paid the debt (£l3) for glazing the front window. He alleges, however, that the work was carelessly and unskilfully done, wherefore he claims the sum of £10 as damages. The defence was a general denial of the alleged negligence and unskil fulness of the work. His Worship inti mated that he would give judgment on Saturday morning. .

" Mclvor's Farmers' Annual" for 1883 now lies before us, and we have pleasure in testifying to the excellence and usefulness of the work. The information it contains on practical agriculture, dairying, sheep management, aud veteriuary work, is all of the most reliable kind and is presented in concise form. '2 hough bearing to be an "Australiaan agricultural and Pastoral I ear Book," it is more muted for the Austra lian Contiuont than New Zealand. The publishers—Messrs Cameron, Laingaad Co. of Melbourne—deservecredit; bnt we would offer one hint, viz.: Tun price is rather out of proportion to the balk of the work; it is two shillings, while " Brett s Auckland Almanac," containing more information, is only one shilling.

To the Editor:—Sir,—With reference to the letter in your issue of 30th May, over the signatrre ot "Justice," respecting the recovery of small debts, I may state that tbe practice in country places wheie there is uo lawyer Is for the plaintiff to make out hi* account iv duplicate and present it to the clerk of tbe Court, who fixes the diy of hearing and issues a summons also in duplicate. One summons and copy of account is handed to a constable or bailiff for servioe on the defendant. Tho other summons and copy of account is retained in the office. On the day of hearing the plaintiff attends Court with bis account book to prove his caso and answer ques tions, and tbe case is disposed of. I would suggest that, where a plaintiff employs a lawyer in a simple caie in which there is no difficulty, he ought to be compelled to pay him out of his own pocket.—l am, etc., Justice, 31st May 1883.

The New Prince Imperial mine manager telegraphed this morjing as follows; Hetorts on with 3,230 ounces amalgam. No 1 reef thowing in face of crosscut No 3 level. - (Signed) J. S. Clark.

A very handsome new organ for St. Luke's Church is on board the barque Loch Ken, which is now discharging, the instrument is in a fine oak- case, with decorated front pipes, two manuals, ton sounding Btopi,and three couplers.

To the Editor : Sir, -The city accounts issued by tbe Town Clerk, with his office stamp upon them, show iho folio winy errors:- Number 3 puiports to be the waterworks revenue account for the year 1593, ton years hence, ft umber 19 account has waterworks £20,000 loan converted : and waterworks £100,000 loan converted : total, £120,000, The next account (num ber 23) has a waterworks loan of £25,000. There are thus three waterworks loans, amounting to £145,000 in all. It is gener ally usderstood there are only two such loans—viz., £100,000 and £25,000. Total £125,000. In the addition of one of the accounts, as the figures are printed, there is «n error of between six and seven hun dred pounds some odd shillings and pence, (f the auditors' manuscript accounts arc correct, they are not to blame, These errors rest between the Town Clerk and the audi tois. In a former etutement of corperation accounts, the interest of £3,500 for one year at 6 per cent, was put down at £2,100. 1 make no comment. —I am, &c, A. Board-

Mr Koso and his partner were charged with failing to comply with the Building Regulations in not procuring a permit from the City council before commencing to erect a store for Mr Canlmm, in Symonds htreet. i Mr Rose said he knew that a per mit was necessary, but Mr Holland, who was also connected with the building, bod promised to procure the permit, and be was not aware that tbe permit had not been secured uutilMr Ellis, City Surveyor, in formed him to the contrary, Mr Cotter said he believed Mr Rose's statement to be correct; still, defendant was legally guilty, and be urged that a fine should be imposed. The Bench, however, considered that it was not a case deserving of punishment, and asked, in case a fine of la w»s imposed, what would be the costs. The an-wur was, " 11s Court costs and solicitors' feet." The Bench expressed their disapproval of thin system of extorting large costs from defendants in ca-fs like the present. Mr Cotter argued strongly in favour of a conviction, otherwise tbe ex pense woHid fall upon the Council, The Bench, however, recolvod to dismiss tbe oase, and did so, remarking that the Town Clerk, or some one from the Council offices, mu'ht undertake such prosecutions and save expense to defendants, Mr Cotter said an appeal would piobably bs made against the decision of the Bench, and tho question considered ai to the right of one of the gentlemen, being a City Councillor, to adjudioate on such matters.

To the Editor: Mr, —Reference was made in this morning's issua of the " Herald " as to a suitable placs to show the valuable att gallery paintings, &c, at present in possession of the Auckland public. I have often thought it strange that the large, valuable space in the entrance hall of the Supreme Uourt, of which 44ft by 21ft is available, has not long since been utilised. I would suggest that the upper space be divided off fiom the present passage-way, and a floor erected 12 feet broad round the space referred to, with approaches from either end of passage; this gallery could be supported with ornamoatal pillars, thus securing sufficient space for the present wants, and this could bo made available in a very short time at a trifling ex pense. I would poiut out that tbe light from tbe present skylight is every thing that could be desired for such a pur pose, ionsmuch as the light is equal on tbe tour Bides ; and If my suggestion is carried out, the light for the lower part of the en trance hall would not bs interfered with. The Mayor, who has just gone South, could easily induce the Government to per mit, as a temporary measure, the proposed alteration for so worthy an object.—Yours, &c, JBdbn.

The Royal Australian Circus, which is at present wintering in Auckland, will be resuscitated under most promising auspices about six or eight weeks hence. Kfo ex pense is being spared in making tbe uhow a really first-claw one. Letters received from Mr Woodyear, the proprietor, state that be will return by tbe next mail steamer with a variety of novelties. During his stay in San Francisco, he has purchased a valuable trick stallion for £500, cannon for the purpose of shooting the performers on to tbe trapeze, and rendering climbing unnecessary, and also an electric light. Tne latter in vet merit should prove to be a groat draw in itself, while it will be wonderfully effective and con venient for lighting the tent while travelling in country districts. Mr Wood year, at the time of writing, was having ten waggons for the road constructed. So far as taleuc it concerned, he had been equally enterprising. Several performers had been engaged, and be intended travel ling east in search of others. It will thus be seen that the next mail steamer will briog extensive additions for the Circus. Independent of these attractions, Mr It. Love, tho manager of the corcern, has completed arrangements for the engagement of a number of clever acrobats, riders and othernoveltiesatpresentinAustralia. These include the Herbert family, equestrians and trapeze performers, Prof. Sylvester aud his troupe of dogs and monkeys, Scow, a Japanese tumbler of ability, and Albert King, tumbler and rider. Thus improved, the circus will be one of the strongest com binations that has yet travelled tho co lony. It is expected that the chow will open in Auckland about the end of July, and will then staitoun Ne v Zealand tour.'

The nucleus of Auckland's Gallery of Art has received this week an important addition, consisting of three pictures pre tented by Sir George Grey. Oue of the pictures is a final! cabinet, of a girl arrang ing flowers, by a German artist, Caspar JN etscher.of two centuries back; and another is by|the well-known English artist, Stodart, and is a woodland scene. The most noteworthy of the three, however, is a painting by the " visionary" artist, William Blake, and represents " Lot and His Two Daughters." Blake was a thorough Hpiri tualist long before the present Spiritualistic movement was heard of, and ha professed to paint from spiritual "subjects" who honoured him with sittings. Tne painting presented by Sir Georte Urey is one of this class, and, like the other two pictures men tioned above, is a work of great artistic value quite apart from the curious belief oi the painter regarding its origin. We may mention that the picture by Nechter has been in Sir George Grey's family for up wards of two hnndred years, and was, we understand, painted to the order of one oi his ancestors, A ghastly yet affecting memorial of the wreck of the steamer Navarre bas beer found, in the shape of the bodies of a niiiu and woman tied together, with their eyes bandaged. Whether the man and woman were a married couple, or sweethearts, or brother and Bitter, we know not; but theii bodies, fastened together in death, tell a moving story of devotion, just as theii bandaged eyes convey a most pathetic pic ture of resolution and anguish. The " Taianaki Herald " says that the Hon. Mr Bryce contemplates going to Eng land after the next session for the purpose of prosecuting Mr. Rusaen for criminal ibel. When the question of admitting the sub urban districts into the city was under diS' cuasion by the City Council, Cr Crowthei stood out prominently as the principal ob jector to the extension of the municipal boundaries on the plan proposed, and though he has had to submit to the inevit able, the suburbs continue as much as evet his bete noir. At the Council meeting Ibb( night the question of the removal of a brick kiln from Ponsonby was being diicmaed, when the worthy councillor said be did nol know why the residents objected to the kiln, The only,thing that part of Ponsonby was good for was making brioks. The members for the weatern ward looked vii' utterable things, and are still (metapbori< cully speaking) thirsting for too gor.i of t> ( plain spoken councillor for the East Ward.

Tbe Newmarket Committee of th« Gospel Temperance Mission have arranged for a series of public meetings in Bemuera, Kpsom, Ellerslie, &c. On Sabbath evening a puolio service was held in the Newmarket Hall, at 8 p.m. The Kers. Monro and Partonson addressed the meet ing, orging upon all to become mem* burn, and nut a stop to the liquor traffic, which is the cause of so much crime and misery, and also one of the greatest hindrances to tbe advance ment and progress of Christ's Church on earth. A meeting was also held iv the Lower Kemnera Church on Thursday evening, and on account of its not being sufficiently intimated, the attendance was small. However, it was an interesting and encouraging meeting. The speakers were : ttev. G. B. Monro, Messrs Newman, Mar tin, Hogg, Eeetley, and Foster, in about a month another meeting will be held in this place.

" The best preparation for preaching on Sundays," the great preacher, Whlteflold, used to say, " was to preach every day in the week." This he called " his good thirty -year old medi cine," his "grand oatholioon"; and when the physioians onco proscribed a "perpetualbllster," he said "he found perpetual preaohing more effective." " A good pulpit sweat, or a thirty rnllo ride on horseback, he generally fancied, would set Mm right on the morrow. He es teemed being a field preacher a greater honour " than to be monarch of the universe." George 11. said of him, " Thore is no way of stopping Qeorgo Whltefleld but to make a bishop of him I" Tho Rev. S. Maofarlane will lecture on the life and times of the celebrated divine to night, this being the first of the winter course in connection with the Young Mou'a Christian Association.

The " Auckland Penny Time Table" la once more placed before the public, and a deolded improvement in the binding and papor is noticeable. Still greater improvements, It is Biiid, are oont&mplated — the most important being tho addition of eight pages of information in Angust next, when the publication will have reached its third year of issue. The various Time Tables, &0., for this month have been corrected np to date.

Garlick and Cranwell have now the most nomplete Furnishing Warehouse In Auckland. Large Btook ready for delivery. Furniture to suit all classes; good, strong. Mid oheap. Great variety ot Bedsteads and Bedroom Furniture,— City Hall Arcade, Qucon street,-[Ad vt.l Horse Training.—Prof. H. Sampln, tbe American Horseman, will deliver another free lecture at the Theatre Royal on Monday, Jane 4, 1883, on tho management of horses. During the lecture he will endeavour to prove to the audionco the great need there is for more in tclllKent and humane methods ot controlling the noble steed, and will point out many of the errors In daily practice among horsemen and others, and the way to eradieato them. All persons interested in the welfare of man's most nsof ul friend, tho horse, are Invited to attend. The lecture begins at 2 o'olook p.m.—{advt.l

SCINTILLATIONS.

A wifk is never a-miss. Fiod of tin oro at Whangarei Heads. Sleight of Hand,—Refusing an offer of marriave. Tawhiao is at Tauranga, and strange to say, sober. ' Blue Ribbon Champagne" is the latest tot total booze, Typhoid lever is spreading in Victoria, and many deaths occur. Vicken, who escaped from Dunedin Gaol, has been recaptured. " Help-Myeelf-Society," is the name of a new organisation to encourage thrift. Wellington is moving to have a Univer sity College The Stella is on ber nsual tonrof harbour and buoy inspection. Major Atkinson got a vote of confidence at Patea last night. Another triumph for the barbed wire fence; ft man at Blenheim has cut bis throat with one. An American p'iost lately had a skull in the pulpit to illustrate his sermon. Last month's death rate was the heaviest ever known in Wangaoui. ■ Tho Chinese have one good custom-they allow swindled creditors to drown insolvent debtors. One Victorian J.P. Is charged with em bezzlement, and another with rowdy con duct in a theatre. There are five members of tbe Imperial Parliament who are over 6ft. Sin. high. English fools still send cake and candy to the elephant Jumbo, while poor people starve at their doors. "Music hath powers." Wagner left £10,000 in cash, a valuable freehold, pro perty, and an income of about £16,000 a year from his copyright. The married ladies of Cambridge give a ball on Wednesday night next, in return for tbe bachelors' ball recently given. Mr Nettle was recently married to Miss 'I horn. That's what jou m'ght call a "pricKlypair." I'he Queen has appointed Mr Christian Julius Foxwoerd to be Consul for the King of Denmark in New Zealand. His residence is put down as Lyttelton. An Auckland timber merchant is such a true blue teetotaller that he declines orders for timber which is to be used in the eree tiou of hotels or breweries. The Waogai vi settlers resolve to do all in their power to assist the Wellington Meat JSxport Company, by taking shares, and sending their meat for export to the i Empire City. i The " Herald " this morning tells of the painter Netscher, " who was bora in Prague or Heidelberg in 1839, and died in 1684." Can any schoolboy tell what ogo the artist was when he died T Ktroct coffee-stalls in Melbourne pay a heavy license fee, and one of these concerns, sold recently, broueht aa much as the i goodwill of a city hotel. New style in hair: Barber- "How will you have your haircut, sir?" Man in chair—" In silence," The Visiting Justices are holding a pri vate enquiry into tbe management of Lyttelton Gaol. Mr W. G. Foreusson, a Tasmanian J.P., liai been removed from tho Commission of the Peace for committing a violent assault upon his wife. A Melbourne clergyman has such strong views oq the Sabbath question that he will not even wa«h himself on the holy davi Godliness has thus 24 hours' start of clean liness. 'Jhc Presbyterians of Hamilton intend erecting a manse on the church allotment iv Hamilton. Tenders for the erection of the building are invited. Timber trees for sleepers are grown on American railway embankments; wattle trees on those of Victoria; furze on those of Now Zealand. ''Comparisons are odious," of course. The writer of "Auckland Gossip," in the ''Bay of Plenty Times," alluding to tbe late Hone Werahiko, says :—" Hone's first wife—for he has been twice married—met her death by falling into a boiling spring at. Ohinemntn. The cause of death was dropsy and heart disease." Of course, dropsy ha* something to do with water; , but tbe " heart disease " is rather good I ...... :

CABLEGRAMS.

[RKUTKR'S TELIiCJUAaR] Disastrous Panic at New York.— Several Persons Killed. MKW YOKK, May 30., The Suspension Bridge, between New York and Brooklyn, which was recently; opened, was crowded with people to-day, j when cries arose that it was unsafe, and a stampede occurred. Many people were trampled under foot, and several were killed. lhe Expatriated Irish Informers LONDON, May 81. j James Carey and the other informers against the Phoenix Park murderers have left Dublin and quitted Ireland, but their destination has not yet transpired. ! THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT AND MSW GUIN&A. LONDON, May SO. A bine-book on the subject of New Guinea has been published, and laid before Parliament. The despatches contained in ; it are dated up to January last, and show j I <hut prior to that time both Sir Michael! I Hicks-Beach apd Karl Derby had declined jto agree to its annexation. There is nothing later in the blue-book, except tele grams from the colonies urging the Secre tary of State to approve of the annexation. MAKKET T* LkGRAM. LONDON, May 29. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile i gency Company report as follows—Wool: Market unchanged. The sales progress firmly, Up to date 92,000 bales have been sold.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received Jane Ist, at 11 a.m.) TBE MfcW GUINEA QUESTION. LONDON, May 31. The "Standard " advocates the establish' nient of a protectorate over New Guinea. I

AUSTRALIAN.

PARLIAMENT AND THE SYDNEY

TKAMWAYa.

SYDNEY, May 31. The Legislative Assembly have paasrd a Bill for legalMng the use of steam motors on the city tramway by a large majority. It is expected that the present extra, ordinary sestion will conclude to-morrow. OPENING OF THW SOUTH AUSTKA LI AN PARLIAMENT. ADELAIDE, May 31; The South Australian Parliament was opened to-day by Sir William Robin son, Governor, who in his speech on the occasion expressed gratification at tbe cordial reception accorded by the people of Adelaide on his Arrival in the oolony. In the course of bis speech His Excellency announced that papers relating to the result of the Conf er«nce on the Postal Union would be laid on tbe table at au early date. In view of the importance ot the question of the annexation of New Guinea, the Government had telegraphed to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with the view of securing the rati fication of the action of Queensland. He trusted that the Parliament and the people of South Australia would endeavour to promote the success of the International .Exhibition in Adelaidu in 1886, the anniversary of the jubilee of the foundation of tbe colony. The Land Act of last sersion had succeeded in relieving koltctore, but a Bill would be introduced to enable selectors to terminate their agree ment, and enter anew under the Act referred to, 'Jb.B speech an nounced that a Bill would be intro duced to authorise the subdivision of the colony into districts, and to promote the conservation of water. His Excellency an ticipated that the revenue returns would fully equal the estimated receipts. Rail way construction was progressing very favourably, and a Bill would be introduced to provide for the further extension of lin«j.

SOUTH PACIFIC PETRO LEUM COMPANY.

the Sydney Directors and the

Local Board.

(BY TELEGRAPH,— PBKS3 ASSOCIATION.)

GISBORNE, this day. A large meeting ef the shareholders of the South Pacific Petroleum Company was held last night at the Masonic Hotel, Mr Stubbs, Chairman of the local Board of Advice, presiding, Mr Maude was elected a member, vice Mr Kentish McLaan, resigned. The manager reported that tbe bora was down 260 feet, but work was at a standstill for want of a. more powerful engine. This want had been made known to the Board at Sydney a long time ago, but tbe directors ignored the matter; but through pressure being brought to bear on them by a cablegram in consequence of the good prospects at present, tbe directors had wired that they were trying to get a new engine at Sydney. The following resolutions were carried unanimously :—(1) " That two members of the Board of Advice retire anoially in rota tion at the general meeting of shareholders, to be held in Gisborne immediately after receipt of the yearly statement in October, 'at which meeting two shareholders will be elected in place of those retiring, retiring members being eligible for re-election." (2) "We, shareholders of the South Paolfio Petroleum C 0.,, residents at Gisborne, view with extreme disappro bation the action of the Boaid ot Directors in Sydbey in refusing to forward a uovv engine a< the earnrsc solicitation of mine manager and local Board of Advice, there by entailing upon the shareholders useless , expenditure of money in wage?, and a still 1 more useless waste ot precious time; and that the local manager be requested to con vey this motion to the directors at the earliest opportunity." (3) "That a recom mendation be made to the directors that the Chairman of the Board of Advice be recouped all reasonable ex penses incurred in the exercise of his duty; alio that Mr Stubbs ba given the sum of £30 iv recognition^ his past services as chairman." (4) "That the directors be asked to advertise the list of forfeited shares for sale'ia Sydney in a Gisborne paper, for the benefit of the New Zealand share holders, in time to enable the JNew Zealand shareholders to buy at such sa'e," The following recommendatiou was also made: " That the directors send tbe Chair man of Directors to visit the work) here and report thereon, in order to give confidence to the body of shareholders, and to satisfy the shareholders outside New Zealand that operations are being vigoronsly earned on."

Mr Weaver, works manager, said the prospects at the new bore were the be>t > they have hitherto had. Gas existed there abundantly, and he had seen oil several times in tbe course ot putting down the pipes. The country wai very workable, and he was fully convinced they were in tho right place now.

SPORTING NEWS.

» (BY TKLKGRAPH-PEESS A8S00IATI0H.) The JSew Zealand Cup Weights. CEKISTCtJURCH, Thursday. The following weights were declared last night for the New Zealaud Cupof l.OOOsovs,. two miles, run at Christchurch in November next:—

At Messrs Hunter and Nolan's rale to-day, Mr George Lendrum purchased the cross-conntry horse, Trovatore, for £00. Trovatore at one time belonged to the well known sportsman, Mr I>. O'Brien.

INSURANCE AMALGAMA TION.

♦ ■ r Suspension of the Mutual Fire and Marine Company. Our readers will remember that some time ago a new insurance company was formed in Auckland, under the title of the Mutual Fire and Marine. The management waa entrusted to Mr Dobson, formerly of Napier, and a prosperous career was anticipated for tho new venture. These expectations have not, however, been rea lised. The business of the company, was suspended last cveuiug, and we now under stand that it ha<9 been taken over by the Union Insurance Company, which has accepted the risks and taken over the in vestments. The Onion Company, we understand, pay a premium of twenty per cent for the business of the Mutual. Its condition when the doors wore closed was one of perfect solvency. It is the custom in ail Home companies to write off the amount required to re-insure all current risKs. Had this company fol lowed that course it would have shewn a profit of £50 for seven months' operations. The terms of transfer are such that the loss to shareholders will probably not ex ceed ninepence in the pound, Xlie transfer is, of course, subject to ratifies cation by the shareholders. The follow* ing report by Mr Dobson, manager, has been submitted to the directors, and explains the position of affairs:—

Auckland, 25th May, 1883.—T0 the directors of the Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand, Auckland, uentlemen, —In accordance with the minute of the 17th instant, I now beg to report upon the position and pros pects of this company. At our first inter view on the 21st of August, you asked me whether I considered the company could be successfully floated and worked. As you were to a great extent, I believe, guided by my reply, when you decided to commence business, I think it due to myselt to give you a bhort history of the events which have occurred since that date, and which have in my opinion greatly altered the proßpecta of all insurance companies doing business in jNew Zealand. Tariffs: In August last tariff's existed thronghout the South Island, and in the provincial district ot Wellington. Rates in Hawke's Bay, Wanganui, and New Piymouth were pay able, with every prospect of tariffs being re-organised. This has since been done in the two former places. In Auckland city there was no tariff, bnt rates were not absurdly low, and full rates were generally being obtained in the country districts Viatorian Tariff: Un 26th August latt I left for the South, to appoint Boards of Ad vice and agents. Shortly after learned that the Victorian tariff had collapsed. This was a matter for regret, as all the English office* doing business in New Zealand (save one) are controlled from Melbourne by superintendents. Canterbury : The A, M, Union commenced business in Canterbury by offering a disco nnt of 20 per cent, off tariff rates. The companies already in business then reduced rates 25 per cent, off old rates, which will now apply to the whole of the Canterbury business. Otago: The Equitable Association of New-Zealand waa regisiered early in November last, and on the 17th of same month the Boyal with drew from the tariff. Rates throughout Otago and Southland fell 50 per cent, during the first week, and the tendency is still downwards. Hokitiki, Greymonth, and AVeatport: In April one company showed fii^ns of vacillating on the matter of rates', and notwithstanding the strenuous exertions of managers then assembled in Wellington^ the rates are being reduced... 1. instructed our representatives to refute business except at .tariff rates, and we have, therefore, no risks upon this Coast: Hawke's Bay: Competition has been cairied on here to a great extent. Kates in wooden blocks have been reduced from 60s to 35*, and the country rates have aleo suffered, though not to the. same extent. Auckland: The competition here has been keener than in any other place in i>ew Zealand, and has now extended totbe country districts. This if. a heavy blow to us. We find that our shareholders in many instances refuse to give us their support as we decliae to underwrite at absurd rates. Wellington : The tariff is still maintained here. New Plymouth and Wanganui: Tariffs- have been es tablished, and await confirmation by Mel bourne superintendents, which possibly may be withheld. Future : There seems but little hope of improvement, and judging from the speeches made at the annual meet ings of some of the powerful English com panies, the competition will continue. Over mmrance : When rates are largely reduced, there is a great tendency to over-insure. Persons who have been in the habit of pay ing, say, £10 per annum for an insurance uf £500. are frequently content to continue the same expenditure, and insure for double the amount. There are always Borne agents to be found who consider their commission more than their company, and when incen diary fires occur the careful agent and honest trader frequently suffer for the guilt and negligence of the impecunious. Commer cial depression : It must be admitted that there exists considerable depression throughout a great part of this colony. Fires always follow closely ia the wake of Dad time?, aud the daily telegrams from the South may be taken as eyidbnee of this fact. Shortly after the Orient ateamers ■ commenced running to Australia, cheap freights were offered to consignors, and large consignments came to haud. At one ' time it was estimated that the Australian bonds and warehouses contained require ments for fully eighteen months In advance. We have now two lines of steamers competing for freights to New Zealand. It would appear, how ever, that the banks are taking the best possible steps to prevent excessive consign ments being poured into this colony. The quesiiou is one of supply and demand which will regulate; itself, but when drastic reme dies are applied it is only the strong who survive. Limited Liability: All Insurance companies formed in New Zealand must, in conformity with the Companies Aot, be un limited. This Act does not, however, pre veuti limited companies doing business in New Zealand provided that they are regis tered elsewhere than in the colony. There is now a limited company with a small paid-up capital competing, and, in my opinion, competing recklessly for New Zealand business The policy of out company has been to decline business at rates which are deemed uaremuoerative. In the interests of our shareholders we cannot afford to alter this policy and join in a struggle which it appears to me will result in the survival of the fittest, for we should find ourselves placed at a manifest disad vantage ; our ehareholdera would be jointly aud severally liable to the last penny, whlUt the shareholders in the company re ferred to could only be called upon to (lie extent of the nominal value of their shares. Extracts from balance-sheets: I append tabulated extracts from balance-sheets of various companies with small capital such as ouis. The opinion h gaining ground that an insurance company, to be success ful, must have a large paid-up capital and underwrite all over the world; but even with these conditions fulfilled, several companies have duritg the year 18S2 faildd to make any profit out of underwriting. Losses : The result of the 18 largest Aus -1 tralasian companies (as published in the In surance and Banking Record) shows that their losses and expenses amount to 78 per cent, upon their premiums. Our losses at the time of writing amount to about £450. This is to some extent the result of our con servative policy and the care and integrity of our agents, but we must be prepared to suffer the sam ■ ratio of loss as other com panii s, and although our losses aro so far small, our expenses amount to a heavy percentage npon onr pre miums. Recapitulation :1. Practically we have no tariffs. 2. Competition is reckles*. 3. Our expenses are too great as compared with our revenue. 4. Without tariff*, and in the face of reckless competition, accom panied by commercial depression and nume rous fires, we cannot push our business. 5. We are competing at a disadvantage with limited liability companies. 6. Our paid-up capital is too small to enable us to extend our business outside New Zealand. 7. Insurance business all over the world does not appearjto have been satisfactory f o some time past 8. Presuming that the existing commercial depression is fempo lary, I am of opinion that the competition for insurance business will be of considerable deviation. 9. The posi tion of the company is shewn by tHe balance-sheet, I also append tables show > ing the state of our capital account, aud memo, cf the amount required to re-insme our current risks. Recommendations : The question of the prospects of our company hiis given me many days and nights of anxious thought, and I am forced to the conclusion that we have not only a very small chance of paying dividends, but that we are jeopardising our capital by con tinuing toe business. I would recommend —1. That the business be sold forthwith. 2. That preference be given to thai compaby (ii any) which will lake over our investments. 3. That all shares upon which the all mueut call has not been paid bo forfeited-. Conclusion: I have lately

attended a conference managers in Wellington, and"hJ,Ti. nr?llw profited loss accounts hS? d?« ■ ' ihown m« (in confidence)." a <™ branch* . ndted the principal towes in New 7 8. "^ and my conclusions have been •alaaii after tfiematnre consideration?uS ci «'■l derived not from one. but C2.™atio» sources. 1 need hardly say «,„?"* recommendations are made with*' *» I gret. .From the day ofa^ifilJ^^ you have placed entire confiienef t o *** '] you have allowed me to manage n ?»• l wri-iogabaolutely, and you^aW'r times given favourable consideraSS. J' * ' snggestlons;' but, as I have aJreaS' oS3r^ I feel that you to a certaifell. * placed yourselves fa my hand. »^* initiation of the company, andT^'ll' fore.my duty to point out to yon ♦?"&*• culties which now beset the fi&fc , course, the bad must be takeki^Ki? 1 good, but the que,C £*,s*.■ to decide is, < "^in it l?[ Job. beneficial to the interests of <ml ?°« holders to continuethrbusineJ. °?^V«' at for an indefinite period; mtoJ*!^ the company t" I have already riv l° (1 W my opinioo.-I am, etc., JkobbbJ 'tom?£ ' General Manager. =«« .uobjoj,

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

(IBOM 008 LOHtOH^OBEKSPOBiaRT,, . VIABRINDISI. air Julius Vogels Return M TmUews during the pastfortalght has "ant % been of an especially important «W, o t. r notabilities, from the, Agent-General ion words, have been out of town for tin E w « holiday*. Sir Juliui and Lady Vogel cot back safely the other day, and Bate taken up their reiidence In the old home in Crom, well Road. I met "the g*eat;nntocieia o iJ into the Bank of New Zealandi last Tuu. day to see Mr Larkworthy. Heaapeati deafer than ever,, but in other rupkto ii undoubtedly better for his trip ]]„,„ rumour* are current at colonial naora «i to Rome mighty but inytterioo* n ra ; J> which Vogel is said to be bre»C your interests in view, I endeavoured to extract the facts from a broker, who pn. tended 4lto know, yon know," yeoterdav! but either there really is a secret,Vdw.fta man was a fraud, and- conid teU, nothing '!• for the only thing he would say was, "Writ a week and you shall hart (all patii julan" Perhaps, after all, it is only an electria light, speculation, Hopkins, the crest authority on electricity as applied to pni. poses Of illumination, lectured last month in the great hall of the Associated Civil Engineers, and I happened accidentally to hear Sir Jalius was present. There are so •igns yet of the Lady Jocelyn and Sir, Job Hall. The owners expect her early' next month. Poor Judge Manning still lingers, though it it impoatible the end can now be fir off, His one hope is that he may live till the in. ward mail (expected to-morrow) cornea iL aud so receive letters in answer to tho* posted last January. The nurses at FlttWy '■'. Square are unremitting in their attentions to the patient, and hir Junes Paget, the great physician, has been extremely kind, A.number of members of Parliament, barristers, and ladles,, have made enquiries regularly during the last week or two, and flowers and fruit In abundance are sent by ' personal friends, ■''■'■'' i<;: ,■ ■ Mr Sam. Morrin, of T, and 8. Morri^ Auckland, sailed for' New York last Sat urday, poing down-to^Liverpool on Thursday, so as to be present at the Grand Rational Steeplechase on Friday afternoon. A number of friends saw him off at Euston, .. ■ ~■) . The Oxford Em {grants. The unfortunate emigrants by the Oiford seem to' be the sport of fate. . first of all, ■ th^y narrowly escape soing to the bottom of the Bay of Biscay, then they are cooped np for six weeks in a depot at PJymontfc, where typhoid fever breaks out, and fiualiy, just as the vessel is ready to make a second start, they are again delayed by farther oates of terious illness. In the Honia of Commons, last night, Sir. Heaty ftelc asked the President of the Board of Tr«d« (1) whether the disease amongtt .then Oxford emigrant' did not arise from over crowding at the depSt; and (2) whether any; compensation was going'to. be made them for the delay. In reply, Mr Chaberlain said an enquiry had been instituted intj. She causes of the outbreak, and it had been liscovered that it was not due to overi crowding. As to compensation, the etnl> ;ranta were entitled by statutory declaration to Is 6d per day. The Oxford was to have sailed for Wel> linaton this afternoon, but owing to the fresh cases of typhoid, it is expected a week: or ten days will have to elapse before the ship can clear.> lhe Nei» Steamer loni The New steamer, lonic, chartered by the N.Z. Shipping Company, whioa saila for.Lyttelton (via the Cape) on the 26th lust., is now in dock and on view. A more complete contrast to the British King and^ British Queen it would be difficult to im agine. The lonic is a leviathan liner of 5,000 tons, and 3,000 horse-power; superbly. ■ fitted with all the latest improvements, anq, capable iof carrying an enormoui cargo, The general opinion Is that the is too large tor thetrade, butotherwise tneredoesnotseem a fault to be fonnd with her. I fear, how ever, saloon passengers will not bennmeroae' The rates are too high. As I have bo often pointed out, people don't see tho force of paying 70 guineas for a direct trip, when for £65 they can secure the but. accommodation on the P. and 0., and see Gibraltar, Malta, Port Said, Suet, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney Into the bargain. I hope,, however, thiaiUte or things will soon be changed. Mr Cosier, the energetic manager of the Company, la •'.; on' hid way home from Cbrlstehurcii |ia uot, leaves New York for Liverpool to-d»y), and he; is sure to get the measure of, things before long. .' , ■*• •. Captain Ashby and the Padfi^ Mail Company.' Ihe Pacific Mail and CnnarifComiaWes are conjointly making great tfforte to Induce'^ travellers'to the colonies to (atomise the American route, and have" persuade* Messrs William Ashby *ria Co., the; well-known firm of Australian and New Zealand passenger; brokers, to accept a special agency on 'their eenalf,1 Captain Ashby takes * great interest la, everything directly or indirectly contttnlng l New Zealand, and i», moreover (Uka moat Anglo-Colonials resident in London},, ex* tremely anxious-that, the admirably con ducted San Francisco mail service sbonra, not fall through. He may therefore be re lied on (apart from business reasons) to «• s commend all he conscientiously can to go via the States,-and as his firm/aeldoni despatch fewer than 100 *aloon pasteogWlj to the colonies in a month,; this niana something. . '. Miscellaneous Notes. ■ Messrs W. J. Danger and Wiliianq lew*; for Auckland, via America, 6a the 2W instant, crossing to New YorkintoeSerrt»> B.S. Mr and Mrs John Knoxwill bepMjen' gers by the Bornes.s. to Dunedin, «»«*,: bouroe, on the 17th hurt., aodMr \Jm Kandali goes to Lyttelton in .the ««n8 : steamer. _„; ■■■•„. Commander Spencer Mealey, *»<>»«* l I told you last mail, has bwkri.to Wefflng. ton with his wife and daughter; by the Rome, will be accompaniedbytuieeotfoot friends, whosa names, Uowewr, have no* as yet reached me. •_ *■ a'_'<■• At the Mes«rs Ashby's offica J*4* 1 W^ Baw designs for veljthwoW"" .HjT gateway* and railing*, ¥bi* ■■■^*« D!KrV specially manufactured by Messrs Mactat. lane, of Glasgow, for ttKUW*Wen«s pi Messrs Nathan, tfean, and floneymaß, B gymonds-street, Auckland. ■; : W'"-j;'i. The f'ev. W. H. Cooper. dwcribejlM being well-known in New Zealand, is tfWKj to make a tour on behalf of tto'SMWI**.' the propagation of the Gospel in Caniofcv The committee of the London 8to« Exchange announce that shares Not. * w 31,500 in the Thames Valley Land Gun" pauy (Limited), have been marked taken np. They have also granted a quotation for the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand. ■ :'■! Sir Heroulea Robinson Somes homeine» month. He is not popular at the O»F' -Sir Saul Samuels (brother-in-law of Mr Isaacs of Auckland) attended the funeral or the late Master of the R?'lls,.«fr O««W Jessel Ho was a great frieiid .^X?? ceased.—Mr Edwin Cuthbert, of Christ* church, New Zealand, member of tho In.tltute of Civil Bnglneew. -Sir Dillon Bell is .advertising in the London papers fora lady prUCipal to tola charge of the Dnnedin HighSchi.ol. ' .Sonjo frczpn meat from Melbourne^ pel O^iimborazo, is selling very ,wslL 'i»»» realUiog BJd per lb. £*£ ■. Mr Prootor, the; asttonomiW.-talki ■■« making another tour through the colonies,



,. . 8Mb. Stlb. Mate.. .. _ 9 6 Sir Bedevere ..7 2 SirModred, ..9 6 Hyacinth _ ,,j j Bundoora .. M t S Kalo.. .. ' „ 7 2 Welcome Jaok ..9 8 Minerva _ „ 7 2 Salvage .. ..8 9 Leonata .. ..7 1 Tasman .. ..8 9 Nonpareil .. .. 7 0 Cheviot .. ..8 9 The Jilt .. ..7 0 Lady Emma ..8 8 Adamant „ ..7 0 MiBohief .. ..8 8 Hlppodamla ..7 0 Vanguard.. ..8 7 Poll 6 IS LordBurghley ..8 6 The Poet .. ..6 12 Betrayer .. ..8 6 Water Nymph ..6 11 The Dauphin ..8 6 Fair Agnes colt .. 6 11 Tmquoiao .. ..8 4 Fame .. ..610 Jieos .. .. ..8 0 Bluejacket .. (j 9 j™ .. .. ..8 8 TueCurate ..6 9 Mignon .. ..8 0 Kubina 6 9 Emir Bey .. ..7 13 Dan 6 7 Sir George.. .. 7 12 Capt. Webster ... 6 7 KingQoail.. ..7 12 Matanaka.. '..6 7 JeBsTe .. ..7 12 Kadamea .. ..6 6 Nonsense .. .. 7 12 Ilerculauoum ..6 6 Ijaonora .. .. 712 IiOopold .. ..6 6 Murat .. ..7 12 Soolloeram 6 6 Neptune .. 7 10 Matakau .. ..6 6 TimWhiffler ..7 10 Trinket .. ..6 5 Oudete .. ..7 8 Barnaby .. ..6 "2 July .. .. „ 7 6 Trickator .. ..6 2 Louie 7 6 Malinger .. ,. 6 {, Hilda .. ..7 6 Water Colour .. G 1 Knvy fllly .. ..7 4 Speargrasa.. ..6 0 Sou'weBter.. ..7 2 Islann Robb ..0 0 Taiaroa .. ..7 2 Briberyoolt ..6 0



* apeotoi Aavertasemente 5! OK O S S B, DENTAL SURGEON, May be Consulted at his Rooms, Queen-street (opposite Darby-fltreet). Hours: 10 to 6. E*NGLIBH. TWEEDS, SCOTCH SAXONY*. IRISH HOMESPUNS. jy 8 X V X N O A8 B S W § XX SHIP WABWIOK. « M. M UE C HIE, Merohant Tailor & Importer, Shortiand-itreet, AUQgLAND. ... ■ TN THE INSOLVENT ESTATE OF A. LINABUBY AND CO. J. C3S£S and ca Being the Buooesaful tenderer* In the above Vstate, beg to announce to the Inhabitants ot Auckland and lta vicinity that a SALE ALB OF THK SAME WILL BK HBIiD ON THE PKEMISES LATELY OCCUPIED BY A. LINABUBY AND CO., QUKEN-BTRKET, AND WTLI. OONTINUB UNTIL THR ENTIRK BTOOK IS OLEaRED OUT, REGAKDLE9S, OF COST J , J» CoSGRAVE AND Co. FLESH FOBMINO FOOD for lit/antsT AIOKIN'S FOOD for INFANTB is prepared locally from malted oereals, aooordlng to the raoipa of Baron Liebig. It la an apfbovhd BnBsriTUTB for Mother's Milk: la Fattbn inq, NonBiBHrNQ, and iNviaoßAimo. . •' QuEEN-BTBBBT. , . AUCKLAND GAB O«>MPA»Y LIMITKD, RBTABLISHED 1802. PURVEYORS 07 UGHT, HBAT, AND POWKR. The Company b»I1 and ereot tctu-flttlnaa. in- Olonlnv gat apparatus and gas-power enßlcoa, Hioofc Includes Otto Gob Engines, Offlos and Show-rooms. Fort-itreet. ■-.' JSvw Winter Hosiery. JUST LANDED, . EX GEORGE BEWLEY, A SPLENDID STOCK or ttitintbr ttoßiery, VViktku Hosiery, •bom J. &R. MOBLBY'S. . | 293 PACKAGES BTFPKO Ik, PLAIN BLACK & NAVY MARONB ft CAR DINAL GRKNATft SEAL BROWN WHITS & SKY BLUE CLARET ft CHOCO LATE STEEL ft CLBRICAL T.^TVTKH ft CHIL DREN'S HOSE ft HALF HOSE. "Y^ILLIAM RaTTRAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, ft HOSIER, 178,180, & 182, QUEEN-STREET. JUST RECEIVED, . EX 8.8, POTOai. THE VSRY LATEST STYLBfI DOLMANS, In Batln, Broohe, Oahmere, Cloth, Stc : , ■ JAOK BT 8. ' In MatelamiS, Cloth, Sealskin, &o, FOUR-IN-HANDS, In Ladles', Maids', and Children's. - USBTBRB, In Ladies", Malde'.and Children's. FUKB Of all deftcriptionn, boib by the . jua and In Jacket and : ■ ' Mantle Seta,,., ■ M ILNB &~C HOYOB AUCKLAND, \TATIONAL INSURANCE COM JS HANI OF NBW ZEALAND. CAPITAL..- .~&mM PAID UP AND RBSaKttVKS.-...—-fiisl.Bo AUCKLAND BRANCH US, QUEEN-BTBSBT. LOCAL DIRKOTOR v. b. cnmoKsaAßK, £bq> Thia Purely Local Comoanr aecepta Fire and Mtrine Risks of every dttorlpUon at LOWEST OURBBNT BATES. Sooarity Undoubted, j Losses Liberally and Promptly Paid. WILUA.M TAIT, BraaoblMannger r|iUOB»TON, BMIXH AND FIRTB * HAVEFORBALBI-^ • "Orwn " Floor, In Backs. VWo and Wt Ohamplon" do. do. do. "Cantab" do. do. do, . :l Sharps . Bran Fowl wheat ___ *v&un ° ° X * 44 AHD 46, VIOTOEIA-STRKET, Beg to draw, the attention of Ladles and Gon Uemen furnishing to their LARGE AND WELL-ABSORTED STOCK OF ■pURNITURE, comprlfling Drawing and Dintag-room Suites, Iron and Wood Bedßteads, Wardrobe! glass panels. Sideboards, Cheffonlen, Hall Tables and Hatatands, Office Tables, Chimney and Toilet Glasses, Dining Tables, Cane Chain in great variety, Toiletware, Drawers, Wash- C ARPETS, including Brussels, Tapeßtry. Kidderminster, and Felt Carpete, Hearthrugs, Coir and China Mattings, Stair Carpets, Linoleum, Floorcloth, Door Mata, Wool Mats, Bed-room Rugs Jfta \ T>EDDDJG of all kinds and of the best quality. Hair, Wool, llasse T. & H. COOKE, 48, ViOTORIA-STRB (Fftotory, BUlott-atreet. THE BAKING- POWDER par wMum AICKnrS iERATED BAKINGPOWDBR. " The Most BoonomicaL" 1 "Yields more Yeast Gas." Pore Material only. Not Mixed with Rice Flour or Alum. In tlna at 1b 6d and 2a Cd. Special Prioa Wholesale. ~;..-.■'. ... . THK PHARMACY, Qdekn-Bteeet.