SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

■ .-nis j_vening* _»2p , — HIGH WATERUJ^orrow Morning. 4.3! BUNSET.—This Evening, 6.*6 fl ~ BUNUISE.-To-morro^terning. 0«l MOON'S AOF-Now Moon. -tn, bio »•■"

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. glwklVotrmon.tn^ner. Jao.ba. for a orulao

TO-DAY.

Mariuor, sohoonor, Queen, for Russoll Marmioo, schooner, Johnson, t™ Ealpara KriemhilAa. Bohooner, Bathurst, for W hangaroa

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Facm London.-Warwick ship. P-g'B.3- Balted Doe-uib«r 11; Aurga. barque, J.HX.L,, D.oe-obe-25; G.o-ge Bewiw refine, 8.08.0, Januarys; Rangitt-ei. ship, Y-N- X' e",J» n 1 oaJ,£ s?"Clyde baique, g.C.G.u.. ljooh Ken. barque. J.*C,V... i-eU-uary 7. Loading! Cambria Ea«t Lotht&n, Glance, and Gloaiora. . FkoM NEW YorK.-Johan Theodor, barque, Bailed Uecember 19; Dovonport, barque. Janu rarylO; KB-BOni, b_l_.anilr.e, January 30, Men floza, barque, Kebruny 20 ,„.,.,._.. AasTRAt,iA.-_.obln Hood, brig,£om La-* ---oeston; Wenona, barquo, from Moloourno. Sooth Ska .slaves.-Blsinore. Fairy Qaoen, Masseppa. Pirate, Kato MoOregw Ryno. S-uth«b-t P"RTS. -Olive jnurlow, barqu). from Dunedin; 8,-hoor otts Onwardandß'lorton, _..m Tnnam; sofcooner fnnlo Wilson "om Dnnedln; baique Freetrader, ttomijitumn, Rio, three-masted schooner, from WoUlngton.

IMPORTS.

" Por L'nda Weber from Kockhimptoa-i.o tons manure.

EXPORTS.

Per Manapourl for Sydney -350 ft timber. ICO kegß butter, 80 bales fl.x 16. saoks flour. 5 casks honey, 36 sacks oy.teis, il oases 0n.0.e, 25iao-s boneduet.

Inwards CoASTWiSE.-Doveron, from Coro mandol, in ballast; Waiwora, from Whangarol, with 60 tons coal.

Outwards Coastwise. — Whangarol, for Whangarci; Mariner, for Russell; Kriemhilda, for Whangaroa.

Tho brigantines Clansman and Linda Weber are anchored to tho eastward of the Railway Wharf. The former will most likely be berthed to-morrow.

Tho barquo Wenona, from St. John's, New Brunswick, arrived at Molbourno on March 27. Sho has part cargo for thisppot. The schooner Annie Wilson left Dunedin for this port yesterday.

The Now Zealand Shipping Co.s.barque Tosgoy is now loading at Newcastlo for this port. She will load homo for London dueet.

• The soho-rnor threo Cne.r. proceeds henoa to Mercury B>y In ballas; to load t'mber for Save.

_h. briga-tine Myitis will leave for Tonga Bhl Samoa aoont Monriay next, tho Ifith inst. Bho entered outward, at tbe Customs to day.

Ti.o 8 8. Suva loaves for Fiji, v.a Rn.sol. at S p.m. 10 morrow.

The ba- que Mataura has alroady loaded 1900 caroaacsmmter.S loos 15 ovit bark, 10 casks tailings, and 20 tlaro.s b_et.

The BOhoonor Marmion loft for Kalpira in batiastear.y this mornlnsr. Stto will load umber tnere, and proceed to Sydney.

The threr-masted Bohooner M»l.y is now anchored to ihe westward ot Queen-street Wharf, -he will ba dooked as soon as possible.

The schoorer Sea Breeze (Short) arrived at Norfolk Island, from Auckland, on Maroh 4, and Balled for Noumea with homes, sheep, and sun dries, on March 17.

Theba ques Faroenoih. Matatsra and Phllll. pine, and actio-_.r Thieu Oheera were along side Of the Rallwa) Wharf to da.-.

Trie following venr>t_l» wo c alingslde of tha Queen-i-u-et -Vh»rf to-day :—steamers Us-'a pourl ana tuva; ship Brahmin; baraues. Looh Cree, Fieetwii g. ihvie. and Ai draa Kii.; brlgintlnes, Myrtle and Kaullworth.

HI (i M.S.' arola _i ft the harbour early this morning for gun praotto*. Sho will probably return on Friday.

Tha bit que Loch Cree will hive oomnleted her loading .or London to night, and will clear at the Caritoms to-n-orrow, and Drobably sail on Friday. Up to noon to day ibe folio "lug cargo had been bean nl.iup.-d :—-888 ca.es gum 171 bal-.s cotton 70 ba'e. flax. 303 bales wool 611 bass wool, 91) col- wire, 121 ca.k_ tallow, Si i_. b sees 1310baiiBflaur. 10 ogs woori.nnc 22 o_.es Bener-lmo candise. •

The brigantlne Linda Weber, which arrived yesterday afternoon, left Rookbampton on Fob. Hist, but anchored in Keppol Bay. windbound, until the 28th; left for Auckland on Ist March; llad a heavy galo from B.E. to E.S.E. undor cloao reefed fore-and-aft canvas; 2nd, still blowing a heavy gale with terrific squalls, attended with rain and thick weather, shipping large quan tities of water on deck; g-lo still continued up to tho 6th, when wo bore up for Port Curtis to repair damage; hovo-to for the night, next day; 7th anchored in Gladstone harbour. Port Curtis; lay thero until the 13th: sailed again ■with light northerly winds and lino weathor; bad E.S.E. and east wind to tho 29th; thon S.W. wind; rounded North Cape on April 2, at noon; thenco to arrival, fresh S. W. breeze.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURE. Bowena, b.i , Sooit, for War gannl

Tha f.s. Hannah Mokau was to leave this nft-rnoou for R.glan.

The p.p. Rowe.a left at 11 a.m. to-day for "Wangannl. with sevaral psßseogeri and about _-_tonsßU-dr.es.

The s b. IVfacgreg r Is expeo" od to arrive from Walttra to-morrjwmor ing. and reiurn .hitter In tha aftsreoon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Lyttelton, yesterday. Sailed: Loch Fergus, barquo, for London, r A Port Chalmers, yesterday. Sailed: Benan, ship, for Calcutta. Bluff, yesterday. Sailed: Arawata, for the north. Passenger for Auckland: Mrs Hansen.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Oflice, "Wednesday.

Mr L. W. Baton he'd a fruit rale today. Oranges brongbt la to is 2_ ■ per doz; apples, l_d to 2_d; pears, 1 id to 1.1. Mr R. Arthnr .old to day: Apples. Id to Hi; pears, Id to 2jd; medlars, Hd; bananas, 2s; peanuts 2d -, qulnoee, ljd to ljd; Hobart apples, G_ to 10s per case;pears, 6. to 7s 3d.

Mr W. Dowden's general sade was well attended. Potatoes, £3 to £5 10s, according to Duality; bacon. 7d; cheese, Id to 7d. Othor goods are proportionate prices.

K. and A. Isaac, report en their yeßtcrd.ys ..notion aa follows :-Shlp Btorrs lold at fair prleo.. and a large quantity ot toas a rd other groceries realised very well.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Clos_ as undhr :- THIS DAT, For Thamos. Per Enterprise, at S.BO P.w, TUUBBDAY, 6th instant For Thames.'per Rotomahana. at 9.30 a.m. For Waiwora, To Kapa, Cralgleburn, Wark worth, Por. Alberi and Wellsford, per Rose 0« ssy at 10 __m. ForTalrun, per.OiOUkl at 10 a.m. For Gisborne, Napier, ..outhern Ports, and Australian Colonios, por Wairarapa at 11 For Russell, KawaUawa. Levoka, Suva, and Samoa, per Suva, at 4 p.m. Bor Tauranga, Ohlnomutu, and Opotlkl, por Wellington, at 1 p.m. FitIDAV, oth Instant. For Walheke, Oowes, and Coromandol, pi I Oorom&ndel. at 2.30 p.m.

For Friendly Islands and Samoa, por Myrtle, on or about Monday, 16th Inst.

Tuk-d-Y, 21th instant.

Per s b. City ot Now York, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, Uniton amiss ot Amorioa, Canada, Britlßh Columbia, Central and Bouth Amerloa, and BrltlHb and Eoroltm Woat Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Oontlnen. of Buropa, at 1 p.m. ,__,,__ „ For money orders, registered letters, and Newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra feo of sixpence. In addition to tha poatags, will bo received br the Mail Agont on board the Btoamer up to tho time ot Balling. This mall will be dne In London, on Mon day, Juno.glth, 1883,

N,8.-The s.B. British King leaveß Lyttelton on Saturday. 7th Inst. Si B. BIBS, Chief Postmaster. Chlet Poa_-0..1ce. Anokland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Apbil i, 1883. Abbott's Opera Houbb—Drama tlo Com .-any, 8 p.m.

Theatre Boyal—National Variety Combina tion, 8 p.m. St. James's Hall— Presbyterian Conference, 7.30 p.m. Pornoll Hall-Gymnaalum (Jahn Club), 8 p.m. Drill Shed-Monthly Inspection of Hobson Corps, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

WISEMAN. — On April 2, at hor rosldonce, Wynyard-Btreot. tho wife of Mr Jnmos Wise man, of a daughter.

Marriage.

LESTER-LUSH.-On Saturday. March 21, "S3, at Clapton Cottago, Seatleld view, Auokland, by Mr G. A. Brown, Alfred Novlllo Lester, third son of Robert Lester, Kaipara, to Lydla Ruth Lush, Bocond daughter of S. B. Lush, Auokland.—[Homo papers pleaao copy.

SLADE—GOOD.—On Maroh 81,1883, at Darga villo, by the Roy. O. H. Garland, Henry J. Slado to Elizabeth Good.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1883.

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

Tub late! Anthony Trollope thought aflarge margin had to bo allowed on most occasions for colonial "blow," and we confess that the temptation does come oft and strong upon the founders of new cities to dilate upon -their achievements and projects But if the ''blow" can find an equiva lent in current coin of the realm, we may fairly take it that the real progress of tho community is not much behind the most sanguine estimates. Now, the rapidity of Auckland's prosperity during the last few years has been tbe theme ot the local " blowharda'" triumphal song, but we i doubt whether a typical individual of that great class if asked beforehand what tho city endowments at tbecorner of Sbortlaod-street were likely to bring when re-leased, would have placed the figures higher than those actually realised at auction to-day. Tho opposite corner was leased a few ycirs ago to tbe South British Insurance Company, at the rate of £10 a - foot, and that was considored a high price. To-day, £21 was (riven for no better site. The salo represents a gross increase of £1,000 in rental, and £.00 in rates on the former leases. With a few more such endowments thecitymi»htdispensewithrates. Auckland is a gainer in evtry way by to-day's trans a.tion. An unsightly block of buildiugs gives place to a grand four-storey erection that will adorn the gateway of the city. The moral of the transaction is that if Aucklmders are guilty of somo tall talk when tho future of the city is the topic, there are those among them who are ready to back their opinion with their money.

The Direct Steam Service.

Ok the 30th of this month, the tenders called for by the New Zealand Government for a direct steamship _crv.ee between London and the colony will bo opened, and the decision may be expected to be made publio shortly after that date. The par ticulars received from the Agent-General by last mail do not contain much additional information to that which our special cor respondent in London was enabled to send us a month ago. It will be remembered that the tenders aro to cover a period of three years, and that not lets than five ships are to be provided, each being an efficient first-class screw steamer, and with adequate power for continuous speed, bo as to perform the service within 1,200 hours. Tbo ports of arrival ana departure in New Zealand are left optional with the contractor, and may bs varied each trip: but- it is imperative that the outward voyage shall be by the Cape of Good Hope, and tbe homeward voyage by the Strait of Magellan or Cape Horn, while all the ■reamers mu«t call at St. Vincent and at Plymouth. What ia of importance to note in the conditions of contract as now published is the provision made for penalties and sureties. Tbe tenderers may be required to enter, with two approved sureties, into joint and several bonds to tbe amount of £10,000 ,* and to enture punctuality in tbe service it is stipulated that if a ship shall not be at the port of departure on the day fixed in each month, and roady and properly fitted to perform tho service, a Bum of £100, and _, f Briber sum of £100 per day for each noon that intervenes before the ship Is ready, may be deducted frum the subsidy by the Government, it is also provided that if any service be not performed within the time contracted, the sum of £100 will be deducted from the 1-24 th part of the sub sidy, payable in respect to the service; and if the time occupied in p. rforming any ser vice be 24 hours in excess of the number of hours contracted for, a further deduction will ba made at the rate of £4 per hour in respect of such excess. If, however, the delay should aiise from causes beyond the control of the tenderer, the Government may remit or reduce the penalties imposed, Each ship is to be fitted with freezing chambers and proper machinery, to be ap proved by Government, so as to bo capable of carrying on the homeward voyage fresh meat and dairy produce up to 2CO tons ot; cargo space, It will be ad mitted that, in drawing up the terms and conditions of contract, Sir Dillon Bell has kept tbe interests of the colony most steadily and consistently in view; and the result will, we hope and expect, be a ser vice which will deserve and maintain a reputation for punctuality, gpaed, and general efficiency. In view of the forward condition of affairs in connection with this service, it is some what amusing to find the "Hawke's Bay Herald " advocating a rival line by way of Monte Video and Valparaiso, and hoping that "the Government will pause before finally accepting any tender for a niirect steam service with England that will re strict, and, in fact, establish a formidable opposition to, our opportunities of securing for many years to come so advantageous a means of communication as that by way of South America." The route referred to (which by the way is contingent upon a railway, still to be constructed, across the South American continent) may ultimately be adopted as a preferable route for a united colonial mail service; but it must not be forgotten that the service for which tenders are now called is not intended for' ''cconvev.

A break in the overland tclcßraph liuo between Port Darwin and Adelaide, leavea us to-day without our usual supply of English cablegrams.

We learn that tho New Zealand Timber Co. have been served with a writ by Capt. Hargrave, of the s.s. Coromandol, for in juries received list October, which nearly co.t tho captain his life. Tho case will come before His Honor Judge -illies, next week. Damages are laid at £500. Mr Thos. Cotter, and Messrs Hcsketh and and Bichmond are retained for the plain. tiff.

Dr. Goldsboro's numerous frionds and patients will be pleased to learn that be has returned from Molbourno in n much bettt r state of health, Ho is already actively in practice, and Queen-Btreet scorns to have resumed it. normal appearance sinco his familiar presence is onco moro to be noted.

Iv tho Waiknto ojectmcut case, tho second ohargo of forcible entry into tho wharo ot Tapa To What a for which an in f .rniation was laid by the natives against (ivo .persons, and the Magistrate dismissed the case, was brought before tho Grand Jury on indictment yesterday, nnd a true bill returned against the wholo nineteen accused. Two true bills have, therefore, beeu returned in this case,

Tho shipment of mutton por Mataura is proceeding rapidly. To-day*, instalment ma> 0 a total of 1,930 carcases, received within the past fortnight, which is ilmost 1000 per week. Altogether, the Matauia will tako botweeu 0000 and 7000 carcases. In addition to this sho will load a quantity of gum, b.rk, etc.

At an early hour this morning tho Gor man nmn-o'-war Oorola loft the harbour for tho puri ose of having some target practice and for tho adjustment of compare-. She was expected to proceed outside Tiritiii and tomain theio until Friday when sho will probably return to port.

Tho rowing race between the North Shore aid Ponsonby senior amateur*, postponed irom Easter Monday, took place last even iog, resulting in a win foi the former, which pissed the winniag post about two seconds ahead of their opponents. The scullers' race and maiden raoo will take place some evening this week.

An excellent lecturo was delivered last evening at St. John's Mutual Improvement Association by Mr Wilson on "The Histories of Shakspearo." The subject wna handled in a masterly manner, and attracted very considerable attention. Mr Wilson had evidently devoted many hours to tho studies of this section of tho dramatic repre sentations of tho world's greatest poet. The criticitms were favourable, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer.

The annual meeting of the Albert Foot ball Club was held last evening in Tilly's, tobacconist, Queen-street, for tbe purpose of electing officers for the ensuing season. Mr J. Lecchy occupied tho chair. Mr J. Miller was elected president; Messrs McDcr mott and W. Johnson, vice-presidents ; G. Smart, captain ; J. Smart, secretary ; and J, A. Finlayson, treasurer. Committee: F. Hard wick, J. McDcrtnott, D. Stewart. and A. Pritcbard. After the discussion of varl rus matters, the meeting was adjourned with a voto of thanks to the chairman.

The Otahuhu Mutual Improvement Soc ety has cimmcncod its tenth session with a very attractive programme. The nnbjcot of debate for Monday evening will be " In the present jucctnro of affairs, ia It advisable that England annex Egypt?" Bey. C. Gould, tho president, will opon in the affirmative, ana Mr Box will reply in tho negative. We notice tbat Mr Gould takes an activo interest in this society, and do.a his best in promoting tbo welfare oi the young men of the township.

Messrs E Mnhoney & Sons, architect bave prepared plans for three two-storied brick shops, which are to bo erected for Mr Sim«, in Grey-street, adjoining the Market Hotel. The following tenders havo been received for tho work;— Hill & Flood, £3099; Robert Kay, £2640; Keys Bros., £2570; Mr Gil, £2550; Honry Sboilcr, £2519 ; J. J. Holland, £2525 ; Rose and Clarke, £"2518 ; Mr Kossor, £2498 ; BniMen and Stephenson, £2475; Mr Blewden, £2450 ; James 'Heron, £2424 ; Hill & Lee, £2417; J. W. Joneu, £2407; A. Pollard, £2381 (accepted).

Mr Angelo Forrest has not boen ablo to steer clear of professional jealousies among the amateur musicians of New Plymouth. A conceit was projected in connection with tbe Philharmonic Society, and tho " Tara nakl Herald" thus refers to the rupture and its causes *. "It appears Mr Forrest engaged tbo tervices of a tenor, who resides at Wel lington, to lake the principal solos in "Maritana," and our local tenors have taken umbrage at this, and decline to take other parts at thn concert. Mr Forrest is, therefore, on the horns of a dilemma, but it iB probable be will do as Mr Maccabe d_pcs —viz.,earry the proceedings through regard- Irs. of the accevsurics in the shape of scenery and voices,"

A correspondent wi _es to know if bar men generally aro afflicted with deafuess, like persons in the northern connties of England, wbo aro employed in factories, among the ince. _ant roar of machinery. A young barman in tho Cosmopolitan, noted for a quick sense ol heariag, was sharply taken to taak by Mr Tyler for his con tinu.l " Beg pardon, sir. Vot did you say?' The learned counsel said: "You can hear well enough what I ssy I Why do you not answer, instead of asking me continually to repeat my questions ?" Tho rebuke had the desired effect. We learn that this young man was suffering from cold, and had not taken the wool out of his ears.

■. A meeting of St, Stephen* Mutual Im provement Society was held last night. Rev. C. Carter, pastor of the Baptist Churcb, gave the inaugural address to a large gathering of members and friends, the subject being, " Ceylon; its peoples and religion." Ihe lectu'o was well de livered, and was listened to with marked attention by tho audience. The lecturer described several of the towns and their surroundings, the different races whioh in habit the island, different fruits, animals, &c, Mr Carter also gave several native traditions conceroiog Buddhism—the re ligion of tho Cingalese, A hearty vote of thanks was given to the lecturer on tbe motion of Mr Barton, secondod by Mr Field.

At tho mooting of the Harbour Board yesterday, Mr Knight's tender for asphalt ing the wharf was accepted. No tenders for the erection of Ponsonby wharf having been received, it was resolved that tenders bo again invited. , Mr Swift's contract de posit was returned. It was resolved that the committee should tako into considera tion the desirability of providing a more exteDsivo dredging plant, &c, An offer from IMr unborn to sell two cranes was declined, the machinery not being considered .uitable. On tbe reeommeudation of tho committee, Mr F. D. Fenton's oiler to exchange allot ments was accepted, and it was agreed that the ailt accumulated at the mouth of the sewer.be removed, that tho beach at tbe mouth of the sewor be excavated to tho bed rock in order to retain the tilt when discharged from the sewer, tho cost of thofo works t j be borne by the City Council, and that the attention ol tho City Council be drawn to tho urgent necessity for taking moaaurqs to prevent tho sewage of tho city from being discharged into tbe harbour,

Tbo following donations havo been mado to the Library and Museum of tho Auck land Institute during tbo month of March. 1883 :— Report of the Smithsonian Institu tion for 1880; reports of the American Association for the Advancemont of Science for 1880 and ISBI. Marsh'o monograph of the extinct toothed birds of North « morica —received through tho Smithsoniin Institution, Washington, U.SA, _ Stoko's Australian Discoveries, 2voK —presented by Mr W. P, Gordanj collection of 105 framed water-colour, eba k, and pencil sketches by eminent artists, deposited by Mr J. T. Maokelvie j human skeleton, in oxcbange from Profes sor H. A, Ward, itocbester, United States j skins of gsnnet, Captain Fairchild; eight f. ew Zealand birdskios, F. H. Coombo.; skins of long-tailed cuckoo, X, Cliffo. young of wallaby (in spirits), S. T. George, M.H.R. f New Zealand land.shells, J, Adams. New Zealand land.shells, Captain Bronn; specimous of Janthlna comniuui', Major Mair; diamond found at Raglan, Messrs Courtney and Douglas j large blooir of native copper from Nelson, K. Bleszird. collection of coins, Mrs de Lias; stream tin and asbestos from Nelson, A. D. Bayfield ; Tasm.nian tin ore ar_d smeltod tin, «, Bell.

anceofmails,andwillinnownyconflictwith , Major Atkinson's lectures (says the any arrangement tbnt may bo made for tho "Lyttelton I mica ) remind us strongly of speedy transmission of let'ors. The South 1 certain tieatises ou humbug that wo once American route would be as usbluss as the . heard dohvered and saw m print. 'Frisco route is at present for the purposes of \ telegram has been received by Mr commerce between How Zcnlaud and the Seaman from Mr Sheriff, Lake Takapuna, Home Country, and it is as a commoiC-1 the father of tho missing lad intimating service that the direct lino of steamers that tho wanderer has been found all right via the Cape and Magellan Straitis being pro- near Waiwero. moted. Our Hawke's Bay contemporary has creditors ore info mcd that sums of failed to read the signs of the times, if be has monoy pai( i into tUe Uoutt fol . the d -. 8tr _ ctß missed Boeing that tho most essential feature o£ Qtahuhu aud Onehunga, will be paid on of the direct steam service is the levolii- Wednesdays at the la.t mentioned place, tiomsmg of tho carryinu trade between tins and on Mond . vys tho clerk of tlle COUI t wi __ colony and the Mother Country. | ha nt onehunga to receive summons. The Auckland Field Naturalists Club will take an excursion to the Kakino Islanda on Saturday uext by tho p.s. City of Cork, returning in good timo in tho evening. At the meeting, last night, of tho Con versational Class in connection with tho Lome-street II ,11 Congregation, it was sug gested that a small Bheet might be iseued periodically lor the discussion of advanced views iv matters pertaining to religion, A little girl threo years of age, answer ing to the inline of " Annie," strayed from hor mother's doorstep in Albert-street at 8,30 this morning. Tho child is dressed in black, and has on a white pinafore with print band. Her name is Soloman, and her mother lives next door to tho Fire station. ') he Variety Company at tho Theatre Boyal had another great houso last evening. Tho programme included a number of diffi cult feats ou the trapesc, sovoral amusing farce?, and other exhibitions of a varied character. Mr t_. Love sang two songs in good style, and was deservedly applauded upon each occasion, A complete change of progranimo is announced tor tli's even ing.

The men »f tke Victoria Company under went their regular monthly inspection last evening in the drill shed, under Major vVithers. Fifty-nino members wore pre. sent, oLo Captain Million, Lieutenant Skinner, Sub-Lieutenant Se'f, nnd Or. Dawson. At the close oi tha inspection, Sergeant-Major Haslem iostnictou, and tho men were exercised iv inarching and other movements with neneral satisfaction. To tlio Kditor: Sir,—l make no defeuco of the Itailway system, but object to a piinstuking and eilici.nt public servant (whose mouth is flint) being accused of " dishonest swindling " for simply perform ing hii duty under tho tteilway By-laws, especially when it is admitted by 1' Traveller that tho Is lino was exacted by tho station-master at Newmarket, and not by tho guard. I am informed that tickets were proourablo on the morning in question, and on that I base my defence of the latter.—Yours, &c., E. Hadiuli..

At the close of the inquest on the boy Wain, at Dunedin, yesterday, tbo coroner strongly commented on the grossly inhuman treatment ot the child by its parent.. The jury brought iv a verdict at iirst that death was caused by tuberculosis, accelerated and induced by ill-treatment and neglect on the part of the father and stepmother. - The coroner pointed ont that this was equivalent to a verdict of murder, and the jury even tually found that the child died from natural causes, adding a rider that he had been subjected to gross brutality and ill treatment. Mr Bryce leaves on his journey through the King country immediately after tbo termination of tho cases against Mahnki and othor prisoners. Ho will bo accom panied by Tc Wetcrc, aud it is expected that tho journey will occupy iive days The " Waiknto Times " says : - "In refer ence to Mr Brycc'B proposed trip through the King country, tho prevailing opinion at Alexandra, gloancd from a variety of sources, is that, unless ho obtains a large party of natives as a guard, he will un doubtedly bo turned back, or possiily somo greater catastrophe might happen. It entirely depends upon the force at his dis posal ; if bis party is strong enough, well, but if not determined oppoaition will bo oll'ored." >,

Two complaints woro received yestor day by the Harbour Board regard ing alleged damage done to tbe works which they havo undertaken, by stcamors oomiog along-ido tho wharves. In the first instance, Messrs Rncketraw and Ramsey complained that the erection of tbo shed on tho main tee was retarded by voxels discharging alongside, aud chimed compensation for dolay. Their lettrr was referred to the Works and Tariff Com mittee. Mr Sutherland, contractor for additions to the North Shore wbarf, for warded a complaint concerning the loss ho had been put to while carrying out bis con tract, by tho Devonport Ferry Company coming alongside and damaging tho work, and also causing loss of time. It was pointed out that Mr Sutherland had bis remedy against tha company by law.

Ihe recent transit of Venn*, and tho elaborate observations made of it all over tho world, have revived tho old speculations as to whether that planotis habitable The •Times," in reviewing the results, in so far as they have been made known, pays ; —*' We can safely infer thot that the in completeness of tho arc of light round Venus on tho 6th was duo to clouds iv tho air of Venus. Spectroscopic analysis indicated tho presence aqueous vapour in the atmospbet c of Venus at that time. Hence, beyond all doubt, thoso clouds wero like ours, clouds -jf water drops, or cirrus clouds of ice particles. It follows that Venus must havo seas like ours, that tho same kind of material vitality which is shown on tho earth in meteorological phen omena exists also on Venus, but whether for thob-.neiit of living creatures there no man can safely say,''

' Iho ever-popular Bland Holt is ngnin to the fore with one of tho strongest dramatic combinations known in Melbourne, where, on Saturday, March 24, he opened- tho season at tho Theatre Koyal, with '• Man kind," and drew the largest audience seen thero for many yoars. Ho has sinco con tinued to draw crowded bouses, notwith standing big opposition from companies playing at the tipera Hduae, aud the Bijou aod Princess Theatres. In the cast of characters in "Mankind," we notice, among other well-known names, Messrs Alfred I'ampier, B. N. Jones, James'Car don, Bland Holt (in tho fow comedy character, of Barnaby, the costertnonger), and the Misses Blanche Stammers, Lena Edwin, and Marston Leigh, After playing tbe other colonies, Bland Holt, with whom is still associated Mr W. H. Soagrave, as business manager, will make another tour of New Zealand, when amongst fresh novelties will be included the sensational drama, "Pluck."

The development of tho " lond-spenking" telephone opens up an e_. teusivo vista of possibilities in the use of this scientific machine. Though Auckland and other New Zealand cities, and even somo insig nificant country districts, have the telephone system in full operation within their own limits, the people hero have only got a. fore, taste of tbe advantage, of an improved method of transmission. From America we recently learned that speaking bad been successfully carried on over rSOO miles ot wire; and now wo hear from Europe that it is intended to put Paris in telephonic communication with fioueo, Rhcims and other cities, In working tho telephone, as in oilier matters, it may bo claimed that " thoy do these things bettei in France." At Rheims, where IGO adhe sions to the telephonic system liave been re ceived, a now latitude of action has been allowed by the Minister of Post aud Tele graph. Tho subscribers will not only have tho right of communicating with each other, but also with tbe telegraphic system pro per. That is, one may, with tbe telephone, dictate a telegram to a telegraph office, and the reply, having come in the usual printed form, will be at once transmitted tele phonieally. This system would ba moat useful in Now r'ealaud, where the telegraph is so universally in use for ordinary com munications.

Democrats will be forced to admit that thoro may be worse ways than the despotic one of settling a trade dispute. The police rto.'ivTd a warning that the workmen at sovoral manufactories in Southern Russia went about to strike for an increa .c of pay. The authorities thereupon sent emi'anries to tho various proprietors of tho factories, ordering them to comply with the demanda of their workmen, and an intimation was further conveyed to thorn that.l. their meana weio insufficient to moet'"'this In. creaso they would be eubsidisod by the Government. The action of the nuthori'tes shows to what extreme lengths they are willing to go lather than allow any pretext for disturbances, It also shows that a pat.mat Government has a power to 1 pacify a popular movement whioh the most powerful demagogues may envy in vain, Tho workmen in this caso received their demands, and thero was no loss to the capitalist through a protracted strike, no wssto of the accumula _d funds of th. Trade Society, and no loss of productive wealth through- the stoppage of operations, A Cfwr would be a baody thing to have on the premises whon a strike is imminent •. and not the least noteworthy feature in his utility is that the money which ho requires for subsidising purposes he can extract from the pockets of tbo recipients in the shape of taxes.

At a meeting of the creditors of John Simpson, of the Waikato, held to-day, Mr A. D, Bennett was olected trustee.

Tho April number of " Le Neo Z&andais" i has just been issued from the Fress, and is now on sale at the various agencies. It is | a highly interesting number, tho contents j being both varied and very readable, -lie first article is founded upon a letter from Mr E. de Montalk, of Chrlstchurob, in which be draws attention to the selection by the University Senate of Voltaire's " Candida" as a subject of study for the year 1885. In placing this work upon the list, he remarks that either the members of tlio Senate have read it, or they i have not. "In the first case their conduct i. vory strange ■ I wish to remain polite— ia tho second it is very imprudent" 'Ihe editor (M. Villoval) expresses similar opinions. Be also reminds the Senate that tho students are drawn from both sexes, and declares that he for one declines the responsibility of explaining " Candide" to lady pupils, "i he remaining content, are " ..omanticitun in Ancient and Modern .-»rt," by Mr K. Watkins, a critique of the recent conctrt in the Choral *a-l. "Notes on tbe Philology of tho French Language," by E, do Montalk. "Liter ary and Art News," "A Christchurcli Letter," "Musical Gossip," "Thoughtsand Maxims," tbe concluding part of V, C. de L'nau'a story "The Revenge of a Crime," tho student.' c -lumn, and a selection of facetious paragraphs.

SCINTILLATIONS.

A sphere open to all -Tho atmosphere. The Anglican Synod opened at Napier yesteiday. Whore to find the in-try-casos of the law —In the court-room.

Similia similibus curanttir—lho Blue Kibbon for '• blue dovlls "

American evaugelists have been very successful among the Olnhuhuites. Batumi Jacob, a Maori who killed his wilo through jealousy, was sentenced to death at Cliristchurch yesterday. Ferrets aro being let loose in Canterbury aud Southland, to war against the rabbits. Iho portrait of Dr. Chambers was pre sented to the Dunedin City Council last night. 0 Mr Wylde, late Town Clerk of Kutnara, is ou trial on charges ot omb.zzlciueut and larceny.

The steamer British Queou left London on Murch 24th with 250 emigrants for Wel lington ai.d Canterbury, Mr. Fish, M U.K., has also a rival scheme ot national insurance to promulgate. The foreign missionary socioti-'S of the world gained over 300,000 communicants in tho pas t year.

Some of tho emigrants by the Oxford are doubtful about making another start for New Zealand.

Two men, named Murray and Jamleson, wero drownedat Aloxundra South (Otago) yo-terdny by the swamping of a boat. Mr Kennedy, the Scotch vocalist, was to leave for Australia at the end of March,

William Gourlay, the popular Scotch comedian, well known ia Australia, died at Glasgow recently. Little drop, of wator (in tho milk) aud little grains of sand (in the sugar) aro what make the big fortunes of the humble milk man aud the obscure grocer, Profer-sors Huxley and Tyndall, Mr Herbert Spcncor .and others accused of atheistic tendency in their writings aro threatened with prosecution by tho -Society for the Suppression of Blasphemous Literature.

It is said that Mr Fawcett contemplates appointing n lady doctor to look after the female employes in tho Post Office. If this design is carried out, it will add dignity to the position now held by ladies practising medicine.

An apple tree at Nelson yielded 53 bushels of apples this season. It is 30 years old, and its branches shade a spaco 105 feet in ctrcumforence.

In hi. addiess at tho oponing of the Anglican Synod at Napier yesterday, the Prima.-, strongly condomned the Deceased wife's Sister Marriage Act, and the mama}., of divorced persons, especially the guilty parties. Said a poet to an unfortunate speculator, "Don't you thiok that tho opening liife. of Tennyson's little poem, 'ISr.ak, break, break,' are plaintive and sad?" "Yes," was the ni'lancholy reply, " but I think that ' Broke, broke, broke,' is a good deal sadder."

At Major Atkinson's second lecture in Dunedin last nis.br, Messrs Green, Fish, Bracken, and Stoat all dissented from his anti-pnnperi m views. It a cheerful heart is a continual feast, there must be a large'number of people who do not got a square meal once a year. Why is tho birch rod in echool liko the food furnished to bruin in the menagerie? It is now and then brought to bear.

There are about 500 appeals against the property tax valuations iv Waipawa County, Hnwke's Bay.

Tha additions being made to the great wooden building at Wellington will (says Ihe "Times') "give members tho moil comfortable club in New Z.-aland ia which to pass their time whem not actually en gaged in their duties in the chamber." . " Hnw are you today f" asked the bene volent Dr. P. of ono of his Irish patients at the Hospital. "Fuith, doctor," groaned tho poor f.llow. " I'm that bad if anyone was to tell me I was clano doud, 1 would not be surprised at all,"

London papers .ay that thero has lately started into cxistenco a now clerical journal at noma, and the proprietors have adopted quite a novel devico for increasing its circulation. Tho paper is called "It Goffredo," and each auoual subscriber is to bo entitled to 000 mas.es each year. A lady, moro favoured with tortune than educ.tion, at a soiree which she lately gave, desired her daughter to play "the fashion able new ' milady * she got from London last weok." The pretty girl obeyed, and it was very catcbin_t. The Anglican Primate of New Zealand joins tho Catholic Bishops in condemning our " Godless " system of secular educa tion.

A German citizen has got ahead of Wig gins in the storm business. "Look here I" said he, tho other day, " I dell you vat it is. You petter don't dake no stock in dem weader bredictions. Dose beople don't know noding. They can't dell no petter as 1 can." "But, my dear sir," said a porson present, " they foretold the storm we have just encountered." •' Veil, dat ish 30," re plied the German, contemplatively t " but I dell you vat it is—dat shtorni vould have come yußt de same if it had not been bre dieted!."

POLICE COURT,-This Day.

(Before Messrs F. G. Clayton and F, L. Prime,

Justicos)

DRU-.1-, — Threo men were punished for drunkenness. "Withering A way.- Elisabeth Diodrlok, a wretched looking woman, was charged under the Vagrant Act with boing an habitual drunkard arid without moanß, &o. — Prisoner said she often got drunk, but eho was not a vagrant. Hor "old man sent hor 20b on Mon day.- Sergoant White considered that a torm of imprisonment would bo of advantage to her.— Twelve mouths imprisonment. Rosy DRBAMB.-Riohard Plantagnnet Irwin was charged with being tonnd sleopirig by night in tho promises of James Hnlyday, on tho 30th ultimo. The prisoner—a mere youth, in a wild state-pleaded guilty. —Sergeant White said tho boy was leading a dissolute life, and had been frequently charged with laroeny.—Tho Benoh committed the prisoner to Mount Eden for two months. A cm-mat lle^dbrbon.—Watson Duncan, jnn., app arcd ia answer to a Bummouß ok .r_.ln_c bin wl.h threatening to settle John Lyt>on,aid tandtrhl. bodyio tbe worms a<A leave hi" bones to whiten iv the sun.—Mr Speed appeared for complainant andL Mr Trier for the defence.—Mr Speed opened the carp and said that, at the olos >Of the Sendaj- evening service at Henderson, the complainant wax threatooo'l by Mr < runoas, — John lytt< n dopoeed that he was a farmer at Waltafteroi, and woot to ohuroh on Sinday even ing, the 25th ult'mo, at Header o i. and when about to return homo by hor.eb&ott ho m s-od hi. saddlo, an. on enquiring for it the defendant then n.od tbo laognaga itnpnt.d to him. This was only ono of a series" of aißsurts, He simply wanted prot.atlop. {.ellna th.t hemlght bosub jeot-dto bodl-y h.rm.rMaiy Lawry, splnßter, said.ha wont to Ueno.r.on'uMllK. jiurchon tha 25th Maroh. Heard Mr i-.yt.en ppoak to Mr UoKoan about the keys of tha school In an anury way, Mr Duaoan threatened to strike him It ho did not behave ii'm'sU.—To Mr Tyler: Mr i.y Hon asked fir hi. saddle, ■ unaon eald ho bad SPO"- it in the room. Mr Lytton talked to Mrs Dunoan and said thp keys were in hor house, Duncan did jiot approve of Lytten'a manner of talking to Mrs Duncan.—To Mr Speed | Mr Lytton usually held up hisflngor Eorhaps to give foroe to bis words.—Litjuia awry beard a threat to strike, but Watson did not strike, Mp Lytton, Bho thought, was rather hasty. Thp saddle was returned.-Mr Tylor SBked if there was any caso to answer,. He had soveral witnesses in dofenoo.-Detendant stated that ho was engaged at the time at tho singing praotloe, when Mr Lytton camo in in an excited state and challenged defendant with stealing a saddle. Ho upi-ko to defendant's mother in an unba* coming manner; he told btm ro treat his mother as a gentleman ; had not in.ultod Mr Lytten, but on ono occasion he introduced too Bubjeot ot Me cuokoo oioot- as the boss in New Zealand, and he laughed at blm.-Kllen Dunoan apposed that Mr Ljttpo was very anury at losing bis saddle; foe spoke In a deep bass, ana threaiened to Bommons the wholo Oholr.—After some further remarks, f_o 8. noh was qt opinion that tnte case should not have been brought into Court; It appeared th.t thero had bpon samo little m'autvierßtanding am™** the gpol neople ot lluDderaon's Mil. Tho'oaaa would be dtpririn-od. eaoh p.rty to pay Its own OOSta. This was all tho business.

THE PILOT SERVICE.

Complaints Regarding they Mail. I

Steamers,

A pilot's life in Auckland does not appear j to be a very happy one. Dissatisfaction was frequently expressed under the old system, and scarcely has the new regime been inaugurated when complaints are again received. It will be remembered that when the mail steamer Australia was leav ing the Queen-street wharf last week on her way to Sau Francisco, she caused some damage to the tee. The matter came before the Harbour Board yesterday in the form j of a letter from Mr Thomas T. Gamble, . agent of the Pacific Mail Steamship Com pany. He alleges in his communication that tho Australia, in leaving the wharf under charge of Pilot Murray, "did serious damage by reason of her helm being put the wrong way by the said pilot's order." He referred to the im propriety of.entrusting steamers of the size and power of those belonging to the mail service, to pilots unaccustomed to handling this class of ships, and pointed out tbe vety ! serious expense any damage in consequence of such action might involve the Board. — The engioeir reported that thoextent oil the damage caused to the wharf by the s.s. Australia was £120, while the Harbour Mas ter forwarded a memo, (stating that Pilot Murray explained that the injury was caused through his orders not having boen carried out when leaving tho wharf. This matter was referred to the Committee. A complaint was then read from the com mander of the Zealandia regarding what be alleged was "tho unskilful manner" in which the Zealandia was handled on her arrival last Saturday evening. Be stated : " The pilot boarded the Zealandia a little way outside the reef, at lifty-three minutes past five. When he came on board I said, ' The ship is in your charge, and going full speed,' at tbe same time stating that it was essential that the starboard side of the ship wa. put to the wharf, as there was some heavy machinery to get out from that side. Tbo pilot ordotol tho forestaysail to bo got ready with sheet to star board, and he took tbe ship up the norrh side of the harbour, hoisted the staysail, starboarded the helm, and passed across the bows of sailing vessel layiug at anchor above the wharf; thus the ship wa. placed iv a critical position. By at'empting to turn a steamer 400 feet long in a space of say 120 feet clearly, proves that the pilot was incompotent to h"_mdle a large ves sel, and it was not until I saw my ship in extreme danger that 1 took per onal charge, in the interests of all concerned, and got my sblp to the wharf." An explanatory memo, was appended by the Chief Harbourmaster, which stated ; —" Tho Chief Harbourmaster reported :— Pilot Murray was in charge of the Zealandia in entering the port, and states that when coming up the harbour the captain bad some difference with him as to how the vessel should be taken up to the wharf, and finally took the charge out of his hands, Conud.ring the state of the tides, and tho direction of the wind at tho time mentioned, there was evidently a want of judgment with some ono, iv placing the steamer in the position described."— Bis Worship tho Mayor said the responsi bility looming out of this matter was pro bably greater than the Board thought, and it became a question whether compulsory pilotage should not be done away with. — tin his motion the matter was referred to tho Works and Tariff Committee.

OPERA HOUSE.-"THE FLOWERS OF THE FOREST."

The production of Buckstone's popular and romantic drama, " Tho Flowers of the Foroat," drew a good audience to the Opera House last night, and the performance ap peared to give great satisfaction. Miss Juno appeared as Cynthia, costumed tho part with her usual care, and gave a very effective and emotional impersonation of the gipsy girl. The feature of tho piece, however, was Mr K. B. Russell's portraiture of lshinacl, tho Wolf. Its vraiscmblance was undeniable. The gei.tleman, both in costume and general make-up looked the rdle to tho life, and his acting was in thorough accord with a clevor conceptiou. Mr McGowan's Kinchin was amusinc*, bnt the elaboration of tho customary paunch would have heightened the fact, Tbe tender-hearted thief, in fact, was too slim-looking and agile, Misß Neliy Grecnlees gave a pretty, unaffected delineation of tbe part of Mar lignt Bess, Miss Fcathcrstou appeared to advantage as Lemuel, and Mr Walter Medus did full justice to the part of Cheap John, Tho other characters call for no re mark. A "ballet comedy," eniitled " Magic Toyi>," formed the alterpiece, the various parts being sustained by Misses Greeulecs, Feuthereton, and Watson, and Messrs Welsh and iviedus. The same bill will bo repeated to-night, and "East Lynne" will bogivon to-morrow, while on Friday " Joannie Deans " will be repeated, the representation on that occasion being under the patronage of His Worship the Mayor, Mist Juno's impersonation of the heroine is very fine indeed, and the performance is about tho most effective that tho Company have given in Auck land.

MINING NEWS.

From reports to hand we extract the fol

lowing :—

G_UKjs-_ op BE-UTY. -Reef cut in No, 10 level is lift south from back of chamber, and carries the same course as in the upper love), having about 12ft of underlie from No 9 level. Tho quartz is of a dark bine colour, very hard and solid, is largely mixed with bright mineral and seams of iron pyrites. By the appearance of the stone I consider we are "very close upon gold, The speed of the pumps is increased two strokes per minute since the reef was cut into, A few pounds of picked stone wan got on Saturday morning before the men proceeded to timber np. The winze is down 6 feet, and shows a considerable body ot quartz, showing good strong dabs of gold through the stone. Tho reef in No. 10 level is a line oompact body of quartz, averaging, where cut, 13 inches thick of fine looking bright bine quartz well cbarged with bright mineral. Prince l_.pi_i.iAL,-^Cleaning up and re torting for tho month gave tho good return of 6390z3, retorted gold, irom 300 loads of quartz and 2_cwt, of specimens. The gold when melted was reduced to 681o__. lOdwts. Driving both ways on the No, 2 lead, at No. 5 level, is being pushed on with all possible speed, There is no great improve, moot in the size of the lead yet, it still being very small, but always shows gold freely when taken down, Diive going sea ward on No, 1 or cross-reef in cross-cut at No. 4 level, is in forty feet from the break, leaving twenty feot more to be driven to connect with drive coming from Deep Level Cross side. Last breaking down of this reef gave a tew pounds of good specimens, leaving gold still Bhowing, Queen of Unqland (Coromandol).— During the fortnight two other leaders have been cut, which are now in GOft in good sandstone country, Will not be surprised to cut a golden leader at any moment. Success, —'ihe reef in main level south has not tnrned out as expected, It has boen nine inches in thickness, of good looking stone, with strong indications of gold. Have slatted stopinq. north of rise, aud shall open out south to-morrow (3rd April).

THAMES, this day

Queen of Beauty.— No. 10 level .-The cross-cut for the leader passed through in the shaft should intersect it in about 12ft, The irain reef at tbis level is about 2ft wide, carries a large per centage of favour able minerals, and looks promising for gold, The distance to drive on it to cross cut with the winze is about 100 ft. 'iho winge is down I2ft in tho heart of the reof, whioh at this point is 12tt Irom wall to wall, The quartz taken out does not show much gold, but a parcel treated here shaped for 8o„i per load, The Queen of the May reel in the s'opes is 18 iuches wide, aud carr_cagcodbrijr.it minerals. Some strong dabs of gold were seen in it whore a small leader came in from the hanging-wall.

C .ROMANDEL, this day.

lOKA, -A new leader has been cnt in tho floor of No. 2, from whioh a few rich stones were taken worth an ounce to the pound. A eros -oat started from tbe bottom of the shaft is expected to intersect it in a few days. In tbe main level another slide has been eat, Nisw COBfiYS.— Edwards has taken tbe contraot to drive the low level from the shaft to out Scottya Beef, and opened out yesterday. TqkATEA continues Ip look well. Another haul of picked stone bas come to hand from No. 5 slope.

CABLEGRAMS.

R-UTBR'S CABL-dRAMS,

(Received April 4—l p.m.) VICTORIAN POLITICS.

ME-.-.OUENE, this day,

It is announced that the present session i of Parliament will close at an early date. ' There will be then a few weeks' recess,, during which the Government will mature measures for presentation to Parliament. THE ROTOMAHANA DELAYED. The departure of the steamship Roto -1 mahana for the Bluff has been postponed I until to-morrow.

MELBOUKNE MARKETS,

MELB IURNF, Apiil 3.

The Melbourne manager of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) reports of the local grain market as follows : -Shipping wheat quiet at 5 j 2d to 5s 3d ; malting barley in fail* demand at 5s 3d to 5s 6d; New Zealand oats weak; feeding qualities, 2s lOd to 3s, 2d; milling ditto, 3s 2d to 3_ 4d. New Zealand oats, under bond, are slow of sale at 2s 3d to 2s Bd.

PROPERTY SALE.

High Price for City Leaseholds,

'1111-H k was a large attendance of business pe.ple at Mr G. W. Binney_ auction mart to-day, on the occasion of the sale of tbo block of leasehold property extending from the i'ost Office in Shortland-.treet to the same building in Fort-street, and taking in the frontage to Queen-street be. tween those two thoroughfares, trior to the ' commencement ot the tale, Mr Cotter read the conditions which would bind the purchaser. These provided for the erection of a brick building three storeys ia height from the street level, with cemented front, on each allotment, covering the whole of ihe front age. An additional clanse provided that the purchaser of tbe allotment ou which the Waverley Hotel stands would not be compelled to erect a building as a public-house if he gave notice within one week of his intention not to open it as such.—Mr J. B. Bussell pointed out that the conditions prevented purchasers from subdividing their shops or ollices upstairs, but the auctioneer held that this was not so,—Mr Buss ell then read a clause of the conditions which stated that purchasers must nut cut up or sub-divide the allotments by lanes, rights of-way, "or in any other way " without tbe consent of the Council. Tbe words " or in any other way were then expunged from the clause, and several further questions having been put and answered, the sale was p.oceeded with. Lot seven, having a frontage of 31 feer, aud situated at the corner of Queen and Shortland streets was the first offered. £10 per toot was offered, and the bidding increased by £la and £'2s to £21, at which price the lot was knocked down to Mr Wm. Aiikin. Lot 8, with 25 !t Gin from age to Short land-street was stoned at £5, and knocked down for £10 per foot. Lot 9, with 25 feet 6 inches to Shortland - street, and which is the present site of Messrs Sargood and iaon's store was also started at £5 per foot, but bidding only increased it to £8, at which price it was disposed of. Lot 1, with 28 feet frontage to Fort-street, and upon which the end of Cochrane's sale-room now stands, brought £6 per foot; lot 2, 28 feet frontage to Fort-street, and the site of Messrs Cochrane's sale-roorri, £8 per foot; 10t.3 site of Donald's sail-loft, 31 feet, corner lot, £5 10s per foot; lot 4, with 24 feetfronrage to Quten-.treet, £10 10.. per foot; lot 5, 24 feet frontage to Queen-street, £11 per foot; lot C, 24 feet frontage to Queen street, £13 per foot. The conclusion of the sale was greeted with applause V very lot was knocked down to Mr W. Aitkin, and it is understood that he has purchased the block on behalf of the New Zealand lnsurai.ee Company, The conditions provide that the whole of the frortage must be covered with th'ee-storey btlek buildings, but it will be gratifying to our readers to learn that the purchasers have decided upon erecting four s-orty buildiDg?, with a grand stairwaj from Shortland-street through to Fort- B'.reet, and abolishing the.present Waverley Hotel. This enterprise is a spirited one, aud will have the etlect of adding greatly to tbe architectural improvement of the city. The prices brought at the sale are considered to be remarkably good, and will amount i- an in crease ot about £1.000 per annum on the previous rentals. This is exclusive of the revenue which will be derived from in creased rates, and which may be set down at about £200 per annum. The total annnal revenue accruing from the sale is thus—£2Blo 10s. At the conclusion of this sale, the present buildings as. they now stand were disposed of as follows : - lot 1, 3argood's, £96, Morpetb andTurt!eyJ; lot 2, from Messrs Howden's to Harris's, £60, Morpeth and Turtley ; lot 3, Waverley Hotel to Mowbray's, £15, Shepherd; lot 4, Donald's to Hammond and Byron's, £50, Craig; lot 5, Cochrane's, £75, Cocluaue and '-oris. Allotment.22, Hep burn-street, -rought £9 10s per annum; and lot 23, in the same street, £6 per annum.

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Thb Fresbytery met this forenoon in St, Andrew's Churoh. There wero present: Revs. D. W. Runoiman (Moderator), R. -.otnmerville (Clerk), R, F. Macnicol, J Maeky, A, Thompson, Irwin, T. W. Dunn, A. Carrick, G. B. Monro, T. M, Fraser, T. Norrie, J. Bruce, A. Todd, J. Sutherland.— The latter gentleman was introduces and took his seat.

' Mr Irwin.— The clerk was authorised to to bring the case of Mr Irwin before the Examining Board, and asking them to facilitate bis license as much as possible. Introduction.—Rev. K. F. Macnicol introduced the Rev Mr Riley, ot Otago, who was now making a tour ot the colony. The/reverend gentleman was welcomed, and invited to take bis seat at the Pres bytery. -North Shoee.—Rtv. R. F. Macnicol reported that be bad preached this charge vacant,. Be objected to continue aa Mode rator of Session, to which offico be had been appointed in his absence. Supply had been arranged for next session. .

Whangakbl— The *. lerk reported that he had arranged with Mr Sutherland for supply at "Wnaugarei for three months. The temporary appointment might become a permanent one.

Waikato West. — This congregation wrote retusing to pay the f.es claimed by Dr. McLeod, They had already pud his travelling expenses. PAP *KUUA. —The Commission appointed to oondnot the Presbyterial examination at Papakura, reported that the answers to tbe questions put revealed an amount of physical activity and labour far in excess of what could bo borne by many ministers, that the duties of his office are faithfully and zealously performed, and that a fair amount of aiccess attends bis efforts to promote the moral and "spiritual improvement of tbe people;" that tbe if ssion was weak in numbers, but the membsr-s carefully attended to their duties, and that the charge was financially prosperous Key. G, B. Monro made reference to the excellent manner in which 'the books were kept by Mr Norrie and his office-bearers., 'ihe report was sustained, and the Hcv, Mr Thompson was appointed 3 to intimate tho Commission's finding to the congregation.

Susie-NTation Fund,—A Commission, with Rev, G. B, Monro as convener, and including Rev.-. D. Bruce, Macnicol, Car rick, and Fraser, and Messrs Bell, Peacock, and Buchanan were appointed to visit charges-, and arrange details in connection with the working of the Sustentation and Supp^moatal Fund in regard to smaller charger.

avondaltt.—Mr Buchanan asked per mission' on behalf of the Avondale charge to lease or sell part of the property. There was about three acres, and he asked that they be allowed to cut it up and lease it by auction for 21 years.—The matter was de ferred till next meeting, in order that en quiries might be made whether the Pres bytery had the power to grant the applica tion.

S»TNDAT-SCHOOL EXAMINATION. -It was announced that tbe subjects for the next examination would be the first tbirty-six questions of the Catechism aud the Acts of tho Apostles,

MEETING OF EDWIN BINNEY'S CREDITORS.

A Brief Passage at Arms,

Thb first meeting of creditors iv the ... _ of Edwin Bioney, commission „Zt held at the Supreme Court this »_. "J* there being present .-Mr Tame (then.?' rating creditor), his solicitor (Mr Brejl Mr Maoffarlano and his clerk (MrW 1 dell), Mr A. D.Bennett, and Mr MaeK': tio.-It was proposed by Mr Bra»eirt„-1 Mr Tame should take the ohair^f,1 Bennett .aid he thought that as Mr T ' was tbe petitioning creditor, and ther..!" 6 strongly biassed, it would be more »._.*??■ Mr Macbattie took the chair On' y v lf I votes beiugtaken, Mr Macßarlan. \ffi§B_\ a number of proxies for Mr Taine*_^S^' and Mr Brassey objected to thevatl_„? favour of Mr Machattie. -Mr Beanie -51 he thought there had been quite!„*'*J sharp practice in this case. Hp __S?S formed tbat it was a question lQ'« personal feeling between two creditorf viz., Mr Tame and Mr pw'V Binney. There had been • J"*?&».'• ; case pending for some time back Ui&M j the two brothers, wherein Edwin clsS ' that his brotner owed him money n Binney would be released from the _f° suit by his brother being _ad_ a b__L n T and yet he wasnotsatisfied with that, bnth V sentiu a proof of debt claimed on thenS 4 suit which he (Mr Bennett) assertedSi not to be accepted till the Court ad itidiS' Apart from that, Edwin Binney apSi to have given his furniture to his brothmf be held in trust, five years ago, when 1.2 was solvent, and this was to be h_y2 over to the general spoil. |__ reply M Bennett produced proofs and proxies __n. - he declined to plape in the ch___2_ hands, as he bad been insrructed _«-_. use them to assist iv harsh .. Tbe bailiffs had been put ia T" house of the bankrupt's family, endow pos-ible step taken by the p..i_ioal„T c editor's solicitor. The credirora h_S sented would not be parties to it, and S understood that the debtor's estate wobia I pay pressing creditors withont tak__»' Mrs Binney's bed and bedding *-"i Mr Brassey insisted upon Mr Bennett lo<_?' ing his proofs.-Mr Bennett: i have lodsS- my own but will folio w my instructions aft regard to others under the circnmstancfl. At this stajje Mr Brassey made: iij_n* bantenng remark, which appeared to ri._ the debtor great offeDce. ae rose in _yj dent wroth, ran tbe offending solicitor ___,*__: a corner, and struck him, but not wit_n_s:i great force or tffect. Mr Take at once jumped up, pinioned the irate defo ' , and held him till his friends removed him' to the window. The incident.at__d«.s_: ; confusion, and Mr Brassey threatenedkis'" assailant with legal pains and,.penalties,? At length peace was restored, sad the' proceedings were resumed,] - ■« Mr Macffarlane was ultimately elected : tm.teeby his proxies, and on the motion : MrLßras. ay _s proxy for Mr Gabriel Lewis-. . Mr Macffarlane : Has auyone any objec tion ? What about Mr Bennett's vote {it ! Mr Bennett: I decline to vote, as Mr Tains ! is the mouthpiece of Mr Brassey "while ___"'_(. , in the chair, but. would ask oh behaff if! ' tbe creditors that, are averse to.unneces sarily harsh steps, that the trustee, do hit ; best in the matter of realising the land, which it is thought win pay _J_ liabilities.—Mr Brassey: I want the debtor sworn. —The - -meeting, however thought it not necessary to-day.— . Mr Brassey : Well,, then, 1 will hate him ( up again and prosocutc him for assault in ( the Police Court,—Mr Bennett: Tafy ft , quietly, Brassey; you are pretty thick skinned, and the younger of the two. AA _ the meeting then aajourneaViThe debtors assets are stated at £1250, nude tip A . as follows :—One-third intsreßt in thelrm of U. W, Binney & Co, £800, land at _•_._. ', Shore, £420; K. C. Carr, £30, and:the: '. liabilities are set down at about £400, of.' | which £285 is claimed by G. W. Binney,

RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

The firing for the Companies' Kami Match was completed yesterday at the; Mount Eden range, the-result being ssl follows :— a'AA I ARTILLERY.—Payne, 55• Paistow, 54; Woollev, 64; Bender on, 53 j Bell 54ii Total—26B. Thames Naval Artillery.-Gin.-';' Cameron, 50; Weir, 50 ; Floyd, 49; Cart. wright, 48. Total, 253. No. 3 Company.—White, 56; Bnchaitn, 52 ; J. Leigh, 47 ; Robinson, 43; Hay, 40. Total, 238. Victoria company. — Cooper, 63; McLeod, 50; Lee, 46; Taylor, 46; __Uao_y,- - 40. Total 235. A UOKLAND NAVAL ARTILLHRf.-W, G. 61; Moore, 49; Allen, 41; _j_._ge,;, 40; F. Smith, 33. Total, 214 The ranges were 400 and 500 yard.--, shots at each range; Wimbledon target.'* and scoring ; 24 inch bull's eye.

SUPREME COURT.-Criminal Sessions.

♦ ■ ■ (Before His Honor Mr Jostioe Gi11:...! This DAY. Malicious Injury to Prop_rts.-^W_l' : Ham i -ampbell was indicted upon a charge: of having, on the 27th January __-_,-_-.•% ciously damaged to the extent of £20, ill bakehouse, belonging to Mrs Ann Robert..? son, and situated at Ohinemutu.— Tha prisoner, who was defended by Mr Bar!, pleaded not guilty.— rsntt Robertson de posed that she carried on busi_e_. as. ; : bakpr, at ohinemutu. The bakehonsß wm 'A. a wooden building containing a good .vet.V and she had used it for several years.; S.e ! had known the prisoner for the last 7 yd«. \ but had never been on friendly terms becatua she wa< always frightened of him. - _e-id-; done her damage dozens of time*. ,o_t_e) 27th of January last she was informed tbat..._ be was pulling the bakehouse down, m, -• taking a policeman with hefyiita'wenti-i the place. She saw the prisoner wit-fabig:: piece of firewood in his hand1 engaged in prizing the boards off the walls inlroof, v The policeman asked him what be w«s doing, and he replied that he was «_?a_ed in demolishing the bakehouse, having been ; ordered to do ao by Mr Graham., Heafkr-... wards corrected himself by' saying WW natives bad ordered him to act as be bad". done. The constable then arrested him, mA February, 1880, she leased for a term ofIBJ years the land upon which the bgkeMiW- stood; in 1882 the land passed through,tbi ._ Court, and changed hands. — Coßatatfe Jonas Abrams deposed that about Bot*,, o'clook on tbe evening of the 27* February ho accompanied the last witness, to _«»_. bakehouse, where he saw the prlsraei to--1 top of an oven tearing off the roof of my bskehouse by means of an axe; It WpnlA-. take a good deal moro than £25 to »■ good the damage he did. He asked PWPJJ?'?. what authority be bad for ac'iog » "»« way he was, and he replied that "VW";* carrying out the instrnctions of M*1MI»«;. Graham. "Witness then asked hi« ;«.. be had any document to that effect, _»M,v pri. over answered that he had but -tnij^S did not have it with him, and, fnrtlgr, •»« ; it was stgrjed by some Maoii". Wl'nw ■ then called him down off ihe °T.PJjl|| arrested him. The prisoner assaulted »tj on the wav to the lock up. Hek'-f* * viously heard the prisoner threaten to W | down virs Robertson', house before be lettHWj district in revenge for having been innsa moused by her before the Contt some <Wy before.-Conetal.le Patrick Moooey gave s evidence as to the prisoner's resistant* an« ; he had been resisted.-Constableg O'Mahoney and John Dennis, cook st .-my Taylor's (• -hinemutu), also.gave ovidenw.. This closed the case for the P^»__g»gi Mr Earl opened the case for the oet-sw, , and then called George Blades, .fmM the Native Lands Uffice, .whoJffljWfiSß registered certificates of title for No,» w« No. 9a Utaaga Blook,"" Hotom». ™ r owners were respectively Anstanui^ei»« and Bongi Pareroa te Wbaremoutoj, Td Ngawhe.ua te Patu. He :; W% swear to the signature^ of •.»»«!. Symond^, but not to that ol w* Native Assessor.-Char lea J^H^A surveyor, practising in the Taw«D?» «» tries deposed that be bad receatl U.a_ga-i>os. 1 and IA, and P**fJH 9A. Mrs Robertson's bake-house was ated partly on TJtanga IA, «dP«K : - Utang- 9A. The bake-house, brfors bang pullei! down, was in a dilapidated condinon it could have been repaired for £4 after tn» greater portion of two sides A*fA ... roof. had been removed -Alfred W| tsaacs, auctioneer, deposed thatlis **» , being recently stopping atWorn a, knew the building n _vaL „" Robertson's bakehouse. The whole con com, oven and all, was waa worth «m ~ £3. It could have been TW™*™ *fc { ; Jas. Stevrart, civil engineer, swore li*j. the b.kehouse a^.^f^Vould worth £5. An expenditure of f<"™% : have sufficed to make the wl"^ as ever" it was. - *fi^!?*g£*s native chief residing at Rotorua, desK»«»

.._--"_______——--SSssss*3***'^'""

JMliu.. stab, w-IbNErJD-vY. apbil *



Special Advertisements. W^ILLIaM li. .Bkidgman, Shortly having to take Stook, has a ' LARQENUMBHR OF OHKAP LINHS Worthy ot Inspection t— 200 yards Fancy Table Ba'ze, 7_d yar_ ; great bargain 250 yards Felt Carpet (_8!n), Bllghtly damaged, only "1/8 yard A large stook of Black Cashmeres, trom 1/3; extra vane All Wool Wiae Black French Merino, 1/10; a bargain 6000 jrarda Presa Goods, Irom .3.; these are sold lees than half-prlce Balance of .ummer Prints «it oost prioe, from /8 per yard; In great varl.ty . . COO yarda white Calicol, /2}: good makoa at low- Bht rates: Grey Cailoo, from /2J Alar-_ie lot o' Goad Ores Cuiloo. bought very onsao; to be mU ot e-»p 100 pieces ftiaot- Brain (_6 yard.). /Dper piece; worth 26 Heavy W\*>it» Sn«retlrK (721 n.), .I.J y_._d.72-n, Unblaoned -hee-tog -iyard Alar-- .ot of -Hk Jaoiet-,(Japes. Dolmans, to be sold at half original price to clear I_ar„e lot of Women b Hobo from /6 pair Unbleached All Linen Table Damask, from 1/yd 100 Coloured Qnllte from 2/6; very cheap A large lot of Flannels from /{._- j ard New lot of Floorcloths (3Gln.) just opened, LI); splendid patterns Men' j hulls from 225; Men's Tweed Coats, 7/8, 8/6. 12.'- Men's Tweed Trousers, 5/9. 6/9. 8/6 GOO Marr'fi Cotton Shirts, 1/1,1/9, 2/ Men's Flax Oxford Shirts, 3/6 Men's Strong Col. Mole Troneera. 5/9,6/B, 7/6 800 Men's and Boy a' Felt Hats, 1/9 ▲ large lot of Ro__naots and ..mains of Bum mer Stock marked very low. JUNCTION DRAPEKY WAREHOUBE



imHK ORIOIWAL AMD ONLY GENUINE X HOME SPECIALITIES. KBTADDIaHED 1837. . T>._-r..c_ . dtISTABB WIT-TOOT KflOß I)■ |_§>KU» ft -. A GBWAT D.LIOAOY. )■ .MUSTARD pOWDIIR, . \_j X For Making the Blobest Costard without E-ttp, at one-ball the cost and trouble. Frio a, 7Jd and Is 31 per box. Bee Recipes in "Pastry and -weets." /Alfred Bird, F.OS., was T».-™_. XJ at. Twa I tße Original Maker of ]3lßD'<_ J^AEING, Ba! _i D( j Powder, he TTH/MiTnip- 1 baviog discovered the POWDBB, j p_ OBMB in ig_3. . All . others are counterfeit, For making Bread, Pastry, Cakes Plum Pad __rs. Scones, Bans, Sec, beautifully light. Bold In 7ld and Is 3d tins, and In id paokets. Beenumeronsßeoloesln "Pastry and Sweets." i TMBD- -. CHOICE- DELICIOUS. }- I Blanc-mange 1 OWD «R. ?,!' Vet making the moat dallclona Blano-Mange In \. a few minutes, with Utile trouble snd at trlfl -1 ln_ cost, made In the following flavours:— [B "Vaoilla. Almond, Strawberry. Kasobarry, | Chocolate, Goffeo. and Lemon. Prioe, 7Jd and I la 3d per box- Beo Reclp-B In - fas try and Sweets." I TJIBiyS ■< WEOL-80MI_— BIOH. J» | A* (_OK{_--.T_UTED J____GB J-VWDKR, 1 A Complete Bnbstltute for Eggs In Puridlngs. 9 Paneakea. SCO. Sold In ._d and la 3d tine, aud I Id packets. Beeße-lpeßin__Bt.y and Sweets 9 lADIKS _BK BTRONO-V ADVIS-D TO CONSULT I ••_. ASTRY AND SWBffiTS." f: ALI-Ua Work o-ntalning Praotloal Hints and , uriglnal Ruoipes for Tasty Dishes for tho ;. ' jjinner and Soppar Table, may be obtaino. from the Agent, I Sole Inventors and Makers of theso Reantltul Preparation--ALFRED BIRD & SONS, Birmingham. Agent for auo land — ROBERT RBW QEOOBB, fcCV VlOTO_.__, tjTItCET ,



SDBoial Advertisementß. Velveteens. Velveteens. I " THE LOUIS VELVETEEN," GENOA FACE, FAST WOVEN PILE. A Guarantee ol Wear accompanies every yard ot the Genuine "Louis," from tha cheapest q 0 all ty to the best None genuine unit sa stamped " Louis " oa the back of every yard. THE " BRUNSWICK " VELVETEEN, FAST PILE. Is also stamped on every two yards as a guarantee of wear. " Tho Queen," the ladles newspaper, says:—" For lightness of weight ana flrmnesa of texture, they approach neater to Lyons Silk Velvet than any we have ye« mot with. . . . It would make up in Btyllsh ooa.umoe, and as It 1b quite freo from Btlff-o-B. it would neither crease nor mark. „„„—„_. I The Genuine ••LOUM". and "BRONB-I WiCK" Velvoteens oan be prooured in.all qnalltlea and coloura, at most moderate rr.ooß, trom _r_ ' Smith & Caughey, IMPORTERS. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DRAPERS, 300 1 802. UPPKR QDEEN-3TREET, And at thoir _ BBAKOH HSTiBLISHMK-M- IN NIHWM-81-ST. The _STew Zealand Tweed (Company 1 HAVING LEABE O FOR Tft E:STY YEARS THE PREMISES LATELY OCCUPIED BY M«. IBAAO PHILLIPS, QUEEN-STBK.KT, INTEND OPENING ON WEDNESDAY, llth Inßtant, when



NEW ZEALA>D TWEEDS ONLY W>-ti BE MADE TO MKA-URB. HAYINQ BIODS-D IH« SSBVIOBI or MR. W"M. JAQ9B A- COTTER (B*rom Messrs. Henry Poolo 8. Co., Savilie Row, London), A PERFECr FIT CAN BE UUARANTKHD. As there will be no Credit given, thaw w ill be no Bal Debts, so the Good Customers will not have to par tor the Bad, whloh means a saving



of 25 por oent., as it is generally known there are no Tradespeople make bo many bad debts »H Tailors. ALL MATERIALS will B* THOROUGHLY SHRUNK. PATI-KRSS SENT TO ANY PABT OF NEW ZEALAND. NEW ZKALiND TWEEDS ONLY KEPT IN STOOK. The Prioes will range from MEN'S ALL PURE "WOOL N. 2. TWEED TKOUaBRS. 1&6. MBN'r- ALL PURE WOOL N. Z. TWEBD SUITS, £i 61.



Joseph: J^/Juses, MANAGER. rr>HE CHEAP DRAPERY SALE AT T. McMASTER'S IS COMING TO A CLOSE (Most ot the Unseasonable Stock Is o'eared out) * 0 THE BALANCE WILL BE GREATLY REDUCED. A LOT OF New Zealand (Kaiapoi) Blankets, Fi-Annels, Tweeds, and CLOTHING JUST OPBNKD,



OFFERED AX SALE PRICES. T. m cM asteb' 252, Queen-street, i,, Important Announcement. MRS arb 8. COOMBKH & CO, have again to make an announcement of tbe Purchase of a Largo -took, comprising that ot Me-BH J, COS GR.-.Vi- ._ CO.. and that having been enabled to Purchase the Goods at a Low Figure, he will be enabled to dispose of it to the publio at about 1 nS IN TOE POUND. OR HALF ORIGINAL IU COST. This stook Is well known te he one ot the Largest, Cheapest, and Best Selected in or around Auokland] and Meiers 8. Coombes and Co. have determined to dispose ot It In ONE MONTH or the very favourable terms above mentioned. The Sale will commenoo on



MONDAY NEXT, MAROH 18-TH. In the premises lately occupied by Messrs J. COSGRAVK _. CO.. Queen-street. For Fuller Particulars. Bee Advertisement In another column. . S. COOMBES & Oi'., Queen-street,



•417 E ARE NOW OPENING UP THE -£.ATSST j^UTUMN gTYLES IN TPIMMED BONNETS AND HATS UNTKIMMKD BONNETS AND HATS MANTLES. JACKETS ULBTBRB, FOUR-IN-HANDS SASH AND OTHER RIBBONS HOMKRY. WOOL GOODS KID GLOVES, best qu-U-MH.. ALSO, A Large Variety of Dress Materials, IN ALL THE NEW STYLES, with SUITABLE TRIMMINGS TO MATCH. THE DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT Is J- now under tho Management of a First otaes Co-TOMi-at from WOBT-ra, of Paris. ! MILNE &CHOYCE, QUEEN-STREET. r|<HORNTON, SMITH AND FIRTH [ HAVE FOR SALE :_ "Or wn" Flour, In sacks, iw_ ______ m* Champion" do. do. do. "Cantab" do., do.: a - do., Sharps Branl Fowl Wheat



a^-aitemata flo uk mills, johlTamb Has for Sale— Fine Flour- in Saokfl, 100's, and 50's. J.L. do. do. do. do. Sllkdrossod do. do. do. Wheat Meal do. do. do. Sharps i Bran I Fbwl Wheat Onts jab in Bis nits Fancy do. )FFIt I.: 3., _-KKN stubs' Am.EI.ANn. JOHN LAMB.



Singer's Sewing Machines, cash, or 2s 6d par week—D. S. Chambers, 70, Queen-street.— Advt. apple Growers' Association.—Pro moters and nt horn ot tha pnbll. interested in the formation of tha above are r. qu. sten to me tat 2.30 pm. on PRIUAy, April 6 h at Mr Ulokaon'B t .filoe (ovor Goorl son's Arcade) Bobl nesa: Urgant, and of Importance to all In terested in app'e culture a.d the progreea of Auokland.-(advt.) «_.«_» __