SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

man wATirn i 1"1"8 Kveninir. 1.35 HIGH WATEK i To . mO rrow Morning2.G SUNSET.-Thia Evening, 0.81 BUNRIBK.—To-morrow Morning, 4.41 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 30th, 8.33 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Macgregor, s.s.. Peterson, from Whangarci WaitakT, s.s., Hutohinsou, from Tiuiaru

DEPARTURES.

Sea Breeze, schooner, Sylva, for Kusaell Tul Savura, cutter, Matthows, for Luvuka Bannockburn, brigantine, Garraway, forTairua Medora, schooner, Subrltzky, for Awanui

Vessels Expected.

London.—Triumph, via Hobart, duo Novem ber 25; Piako, ship, Q.K.P.G., sailed August 23; Candidate, barquo, September 11; Turakina, Opawa, Northumberland, and Lutterworth, loading. ■ Liverpool.—Yolande, barquo, loading.

New York.—Amazon, barque, September 27; Charles L. Pearson, via Wellington, October 3; Alma, barque, via Duncdin, and Lady Mabel, brigantine, via Wellington, loading. Southern Ports. — Camillo and Defiance, from Oamaru; Ocean Ranger and Endeavour, from Lyttolton; Oceoln, from Tiinaru. Boston.—Abbiol Abbot, barque, viaDunedin, loading.

IMPORTS.

Por Waitaki-1,700 sacks wheat,

EXPORTS.

Por Bannockburn—llo,ooo feet timber.

Inwards Coastwise.—Rata, from Waiaia, with 30,0*0 feet timber; Ghost, from Whanga poun, with 22,000 foot timber; .South Carolina, from Barrier, with 48 tons wood.

Outwards Coastwise. — Simderland. for Tryphena; Rata, for Waiaia; Ghost, for Mata kana; South Carolina, for Barrier.

The brigantino Magellan Cloud proceeds from this port to Suva in charge of Captain Hastings.

Tho barquo Ant ires was berthed at Queen street Wharf this afternoon. She will com menoe discharging to-morrow.

Tho following vessels cleared outward at the Customs to-day; Otaki, ship, for London; Gany mede, barque, for Timaru, in ballast, to load for London ; and Bannockburn, for Suva, via Talrua.

The F.s. Macgregor arrived from Whan garelat3.3oa.rn.to-day. Passcngors: MraHurvid and daughter, Keight, Babe, Coutts, Potrio, Scutch, Misses Bassett, Jones, Bell, McKonzio (2), Messrs Cordon. Blaney, Wolf, Allaway, Doonin, Harp, Devlin, Cossar, Marsdon, W. A. Ellis. Harrop, Farthing, and six steorago. Cargo—37 sheep, 50 sacks gum, 3 bales wool, 1 bundles sheepskins, 40 boxes cgts, 14 kegs butter, 1 crate fowls, 10 tons sundries. Tho following notice to mariners has been issued:—" A light at Waipapa Point will bo ex hibited on and after the Ist of January. Tho light will bo second order, flashing white. Tho light will be visible all round seaward, and will show a flash every tan seconds. The light is elevated 70 feet abovo tho sea, and allowing 150 feet for tho height of tho eye, will be seen at a distance of about 13} nautical miles in clear wßitlier, and at losser distances according to the state of tho atmosphere."

ARRIVAL OF THE WAITAKI.

Tho s.s. Waitoki, which has been purchased by tho Kunio Coal Company, arrived from Timaru at 7 a.m. to-day. She was detained at Tlmaru from Saturday till 5.40 a.m. on Monday, owing to heavy weather. For the first two days strong S.E. winds prevailed, and during tho rest of tho voyage light westerly winds, with heavy seas, were experienced. The Waitaki takes up the trade between this port and Whn ngarel noxt week, Captain Crawford having command. Several changes arc to bo nmdo in the officers and crow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Tauranga, this day. Arrivod: Glonelg, from Auckland, 9.40 a.vi, Russell, this day. Sailed: lona, for Auckland, at noon.

New Plymouth, this day. Arrivod: Taknpuna, s.s., from Manukau, at 11.30 p.m. yesterday.

Port Chalmers, yostorday. .Sailed: ToAnau.forthnNorth. Passongers:— For Auckland: Mrs Omaghor, .Messrs 11. Exley, Morrow, Currio, Wilson, and Konderdino. For Sydney: Mr pane.

Bluff, this day. Arrived: Ship Canterbury, from Port Chal raers, with original cargo from London, to load frozen meat.

Sailed: Waihora, for Melbourne

Sydnky, November 22. Arrived, yesterday morning: Manapouri.from Auckland, Sailed, this afternoon; Hauroto, for Wellington.

London. November 2 . Commander E. Hulton, with a fresh crow, has boon appointed to H.M. ship Dryad.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Friday. John and E. Lbydon report yoatorday's sale as being pretty fair considering the dulncss of business. Meantime household furtiture (now), comprising suites in crctonc, couches, easy chairs, - cane and stuffed-bottom chairs, single and dou'-l; iron bedsteads, were offered and disposed oi1 at prices over their resorves, and a large amount of other articles too numerous p mention were sold at good prices.

HUNTER AND NOLAN'S WEEKLY REPORT.

Homes: Notwithstanding tho mi nbor of horses brought forward and disposed of on the pro vlous Monday, there was a largo number offered on Friday, and for tho moat part prices for good sorts maintained their values. Hides and .Skina: Brought forward in but small numbers, but prlcos for hides showed a slight advance of last week's quotations. We sold hides at from 2d to 23d; skins, from 2s 2d to 3s id; pelt*: from Id to 74(1. Cattle: Thoro was-a good number of store cattle and dairy stock offered on Tuesday last, but tho supply of beef was scarcely up to requirements, and many offered were not in first-class condition, whilo good fat oxen fully maintained their values. There was a slight falling off in price for thoso not sufficiently fatted. Dairy cows sold from £010s to £8; store steers, from £3 10s to £4 7s 6d. Sheep: There was a large numbor of Bhoop yarded on Tuesday, principally fat, and former prices were maintained. Shorn wothors sold from 15s to 17s 9d; wethers in wool, from 18s 6d to 20s 6d; lambs, from Ils3d to 18s. Pigs: Vory few yarded, and they sold at a considerable advance on late quotations.

bankß and cos. weekly report. ' At Parowai, on Thursday, fat cattle wore in average supply. A draft of steers, overland from Napier, which arrived In good condition, averaged £11 Us 9d eaoh, equal to 25s por lOOlbs. Shoep were not as plentiful as sometimes, but were lower in prlco than at last sale. Wethers In wool brought 20s to 29s 3d; ewes, 13s 3d. Lambs were penned in large numbers, and sold at 9s 3d to 14s 9d.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET.

Farm and Datby Produce.— Wholesale: Butter, fresh, 8d; Butter, salt, (id to 8d: Cheeae, ■, good local, 6Jd to 6d: Canterbury, do., (id to 7(1; Eggs, per doz., lOd; Lard, per bladder, Cd to 7d; Bacon and Hams, Provincial, 6d to 8d; Hams, 8d to 9d; Canterbury Ham and Bacon, 9d, in cloth; Hams only, lid; Jams, per cose, Mon., £117s (3d to £1 18s :-d; Honey in bulk, 4d per lb. Retail: Milk, por quart, 4d; Butter, fresh 10d; salt d0.,10d to Is: Cheose, colonial, do. 9d to 10d; Eggs, per doz.. Is; Lard, per lb, (id to 8d; Bacon, per lb. lOd to is; Hams, do., Is to Is Id ; Honey In bulk, 4d por lb. Flour Market. — Wholosalo — Superfine flour, silk dressed, per ton, £1310s; do, do, house, hold, £1210a; hundreds, ss; fifties, 10 per ton extra, saoks and bags free ; Southern do, £10 to £1110s; bran, per ton.sacksinoluded, local, £310s;South ern, do, £5 l«s; sharps. £s 10a; cabin broad, do, £18; oatmeal, do, £13; pearl barley, do, £2> to £24 ; bread,por2lb loaf, Sid. Kacri Gom, Flax, &o.—The market con tinues dull. Wo quote:—Ordinary, £32 to £37; good ordinary, £-10; East Coast, £50 to £51 ; produce, for November to date,. 270 tons; flax per ton, £18 to £21; tow, do., £7 to £9; fungus por lb, 2!d to 3Jd; cocoanut fibre per cwt, Ss to 17s; beeswax, 9d to lOd lb. Coai and FmEWOOD Market.—Coal: New castle (ship's side), cargo, 30s to 33s per ton; yard, 32s to 355; Bay of Islands, at yards, 275, scarce; screened, 30s; ditto at the mine, lifs; ship's sUe, t'n to 20s; Waikato, gs to 12s; in Auckland, 18s to ■-' c; Kamo, 12s per ton at loading ground; Taupiri at mine, 8s 6d to i2s; at yard, 18s 6J to 22a: Whangarei, at mine, ils 6d; yard (steam), 17s; household, 21s; delivered, 235. Firewood: Uncut at wharf (cargo), 9s.to jOs per ton; delivered, Ms ; cut, 17s to 18s. Building Materials.—Timber: Boards and scantling, 100 ft, best, Us; second-class, 8s; best, planed, tongued, and grooved, first-class, 16s; medium, 13s; second ditto, 11s. Mills: Cargo, best, Us; second-class, Gs; baulk, 8s 6d. New Zealand palings, sft (sap), lCs; sft (heart). 13s; 6ft, 14s; tl-treo rails, £3 10s por 10'; purlri posts, KG 10s to £7 10s; shingles, 17a per 1,000; Hobart palings, 6ft, 20a; :6ft,2!s; Hobart rails, 1003, selling quotations. Bricks (at Avoadalc), 60s per 1,000; town yards, Cos to 70s; delivered ' HOs. Drain pipes (at workc). per 100 (6 inohos bore), 40s; 4 Inches, Ils; 3 inches,Us; 2inches, £2 10s per 1.000; socket glazed pipes, 19 inches; 2s Od por foot; 15 inches, 2s por foot; 12 inches. Is 6d per foot; 0 inches, Is per foot; 0 Inches, 6a por foot: 4 inches, id por foot. Manures.—Bonedust, Sydney, £8 15s to £9, 'according o quality; boneflour, £9; Auckland £7 to £8 10s; Peruvian guano, £18; Maiden Island, £8; Huon guano, small lots, £5 to £6, bags included; Hurst's chemical manure, £14 10s. . ■

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as under :—

This Day. For Whangarei Heads, Parua, Waipu. Whanga roi, Kamo, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Macgregor, at I p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Saturday, 24th mat.

For Waterf ord, Tauranga, etc., por Rotomahana,

at 7.30 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 8 a.m. For Walwcra, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, etc., per Rose Casey, at 0 o.m. For Tryphena, per Sundcrland, at 1 p.m.

Monday, 20th mat. For Coromandel, por Coromandel, at 1.30 p.m. For Whitiangi and Upper Mill, per Argyle, at

3 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohlnomutu, and Opotiki, por Glonolg, at 4 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, at i.M p.m.

Tuesday, 27th inst.

For Tanwaki, Wellington, Southern ports, per

Takapuna, at 6 a.m. For Toranaki, Nolson, and Southern ports, per Rotoruu, at C a.m.

Tuesday, 11th December.

Per Zealundia, as follows—

ForiSandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m.

For United Kingdom and Continent ol Europe, at 11 a.m. For monoy orders, tho previous evening at 4 o'clock.

For registered lottors and newspapers, at 10 a.m.

Late letters, boarlng an extra fee of six pence in addition to tho postage, will bo received by tho Mail Agent on board tho steamor-up to tho time of sailing. This mail will bo duo in London on Sat urday, Jan. 19, 884. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmastor. Chief Post-ooico, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

November 23, 'B*3.

Abbott's Opera Houso—" An Arabian Night," 8 p.m.

Young Men's Christian Association Rooms— Lecture on " The Moon," by C. K. llutton, Ksq., 7.30 p.m.

Working Mon'a Club — Meeting of Trade Delegates, 7.30 p.m.

Ponsonby Hall — Lecture by G. W. Griffin, Esq., United States Consul, on "Denmark and the Danes," 7.30 p.m.

Death.

HARP.-On Novombor 22nd, 1883, at the resi dence of Mrs John Harp, Howlck Bench. Mrs James Harp ; aged 72 yearn. The fuueral will leuvo on Sunday next, 25th Instant, at 2 p.m. Friends pleaso nccept this invitation. McKENZIE.—On November 22, at Purncll, tho infant son oC D. 11. and Margaret McKcnzle; aged 25 days. PREECE. — TJio funeral of tlio lato Jcaslo Preoco, of Coronmndel, agod 13 years, oldost and dcarly-boloved daughter of Agnes and Alfred Preoco, will take placo on Sunday, the 23th November, 1883. Friends will kindly ro cnlvo this invitntlon. The funeral will loava tho business premises of Mr G. H. Leaning Undertaker. Wollesley- Btrcet East, at 3.30 o'clock p.m. on ahovo date.

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1883.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that noods roolstanco, For tho future in tho distance. And tho good that wo can do.

We publish in another column another lottor from Mr S. Vnile on the question of railway reform; but, liko our correspon dent's previous communications, it follows the somewhat feminine plan of using as sertions in default of arguments. His paper read before tlio Institute having ap peared in print, however, wo aro better enabled to see tho utter barrenness of tho whole scheme in any element that jeould commend it to a practical mind. To be sure, Mr Vaile gives us his word that "If only three faros were taken for one that is taken now, and those fares only averaged la each, we should (under his system) still have a return of £492,506, or i' 95,743 more than we received in 1883;" but he does not advance the slightest reason for supposing that three fares would be taken fer one now. tariff creates no expectation of the kind, for while the greater proportion of the present passenger traffic consists of short-distance fares—probably gths at least —the reductions proposed by Mr Vaile in this branch are so trifling as to be virtually immaterial. Out of 240,522 tickets issued last year on tho Auckland railways, 186,014 were issued at the city and suburban stations as follows :—Auckland, 97,572 ; Avondale, 4,100; Newmarket, 27,334; Onehunga, 35,752; Otahuhu, 10,639 ; Penrose, .4,727; Remuera, 5,890. Now, though these are not all short-distance fares, the great majority of them are. Short-distance: traffic also constitutes a large proportion of the business done at all the stations, and very little, if any, increase would arise on this class of passengers. Mr Vaile admits as much by saying that the chief increase would come from long distance fares. If, however, we assume that the short • distance traffic, on which no increase is expected, represents three-fourths of the whole, it would be necessary for the remaining fourth to in crease to an absolutely incredible degree to realise Mr Vaile's most modest estimates. Tho only semblance of an argument offered by Mr Vaile is the fact that the railway traffic by rail in England represents the movemont of tho population eighteon times a year, whilo in Now Zealand it is equal to only a little over six. But he utterly ignores the fact that while in England railways tap every town and village, they are available for only a fraction of the population in New Zealand, and the entire traffic between largo centres (with one notable exception) is borne by steamers.

Mr Milne took the practical cora mon>sense way of working the matter out by selecting the cheapest and best managed line of railway in England—the Midland: "Starting from a Contra of population eight times that of New Zea land, they come about each 50 miles on another -centre with a population larger than the whole of this North Island, and at tho other terminus a population again equal to New Zealand, all actively engaged in in dustrial pursuits. Yet with the immense advantages they possess of cheap labour, cheap coal, cheap stores, overwhelming traffic, and splendid management, they have been scarcely able to hold their own so far as profit to tho shareholders is con cerned ; and it is, lunderstand, to stem the torrent of loss Mr Vaile is propounding his scheme." The faro to To Awamutu, ac cording to Midland railway rates, would be 13s first class, and 8s 4d second class. Mr Milne further showed that the sweeping reductions mado by the Midland, and the improvements in comfort and_ speed, have bpen carried out at a loss instead of a gain to shareholders. To all this, Mr Vaile, falling back again on the feminine argument, says it is a disgrace to us if we cannot improve on the English system. For our own part, we should be very well satisfied if we only had the Midland system and management here. Again, Mr Milne speaks of the notoriously higher price of labour, of maintenance, stores, &c. ; Mr Vaile ungraciously con cedes that the management of the New Zea land lines have, in the face of these con ditions, kept the working expenses down to a wonderfully low per-centage, but adds (assertion again) that they could be brought down to the English rate. In the sumo breath

hedemandsamore expensive classof railway, better rolling stock, and greater comforts (which always mean expenso) for passen gers. It would bo beating out thrashed straw to pursue the subject Further. Some of our readers may, however, be curious to know how Mr Vailo's visionary fares comparo with those fixed by experienced railway managers in Great Britain for a 1110-mile distance (third class is given instead of second in the rates for British lines) :— First Second class clas9 3.(1. S. d. MrVailo's 3 0 2 0 Midland (England) IS 0 8 1 Caledonian (Scotland) .. .. l(i 8 8 .'i North British (Scotland) .. .. 20 0 SO London and Soutli Western .. 20 (i N 4 Present New Zealand rate .. 18 9 12 (i Of course, wo admit tho soft impeachment that New Zealanders are an exceedingly clever people. Britishers, Yankees, and tho played-out races of the Old World must not bo named in the same breath ; and it is a disgrace to us if wo do not invent some thing better than the antiquated notions thoy put up with. But, knowing all this, why "does Mr Vailo abuse our railway managers so ? Is it New /calenders as a people, or one phenomenal development of our advanced lifo, which is to show tho world tho way ? Tho concluding portion of Mr Vaile's letter is positively ludicrous in its egoism. Wo had been under the im pression that individual members of the House of Representatives, the collective wisdom of the Legislature, Ministers, depu tations, Chambers of Commerce, newspapers and their correspondents without number, had been harping on the quostion of railway management over since wo had a railway. Wo find, however, that this is all an error, that the whole burdon lias fallen upon ono woak individual, and ho groaning under tho weight of tho self-constituted ollico. Really such utter nonsense is bringing tho discussion of an important public question into ridicule and contempt.

French Convicts in the Pacific.

By a largo majority, tho French Senate has thrown out the Recidiviste Bill, which pro posed to enact that all incorrigible criminals should bo transported to islands of the Pacific, " consequentially," thatisby virtue of their being frequently convicted, and not simply when ordered by the convicting judge. This decision will be received with somo feeling of roliof throughout tho Aus tralasian colonies, as to carry out tho intou tions of tho Bill would simply have boon to flood tho French dependencies in tho Pacific with tho worst class of desperate criminals. Thero is no doubt that tho French Legislature, in arriving at this deter mination, has boon influenced to a con sidorablo extent by tho representa tions of the Now Caledonian colonists. These lattor mado a most vigorous protest against tho adoption of the schomo, almost intimating that tho " rocidivistos " would bo returned to Franco if cent in greater numbors than at prosont. The authoiitios at Nounioa inndo tho pro posals of the bill a pretext for urging tho annexation of tho Now Hobridos by Franco —v resolution communicated to the Govern ment of tho Republic boing : " Tho reeidi vistos with tho Now Hebrides, yea j with out tho New Hebrides, never I" Australian colsnistH who Iwvo passed through a similar exporience, in closing thoir gates against tho scum of tho British criminal classes, can sympnthiso with tho action of tho Now Caledonian colonists. Wo know, as woll as tho French authorities at Now Caledonia do, that there nro quito sulliciont French convicts in that colony ; but wo completely doinur to their proposed remedy for tho ovil : tho Australasian colonius will on no account ponnit of tho Now Hebrides becoming a French convict sottlement. Tho Fronch Government huvo lutoly ollicinlly declared their intention to rospect tho neutrality of theso islands, and tho rejection of tho Reeidivisto Bill soohim a proof of tho sincerity of tlioir declaration. A later telegram, howovor, makes it appear that tho rojoction of tho measure by tho Sonata doos not finally disposo of tho objeo tionablo legislation, but only delays it for sovoral months. Tho bill is expeoted to pass in snmo modified shapo, but it is un likely to bocomo law in tho obnoxious form in which it now stands. In tho circum stances, it is not likely that the approach ing Australasian Conforonco at Bydnoy will mako any proposal to annex tho Now Hebrides, but will bo content with recording its protest against any oxtenslon of French convict settlements in tho Pacific. Iho action of tho French Senate gives tho Conference an opportunity of making its voieo hoard with some effect in tho sottlomont of this quostion of vital importanco to tho welfare of those colonies. Let us hope it will give forth no uncertain tono, and that its dotorminod attitudo will havo a salutary influonco in preventing vast sinks of moral pollution being established near our doors.

Mrs Julia A folk's first contribution, re cording her " Impressions of New Zealand," will appear in tho Star Supplement to morrow, along with tho usual selection of interesting mattor. Bret Harte'ii now romance, "In tho Carquino/. Woods," is commenced this wcok, while [threo short tales also appear in complete form, Ran dom Shots, Sporting Notes, Tho Garden, Our London Flanour, &c, contribute to make up an unusually good Supplement.

Full confirmation has been received of the dofeat of the Egyptian army under Hicks Pasha by the forces of the False Prophet of tho Soudan. After threo days' hard fight ing, tho Egyptian army is said to have boon completely annihilated—only ono man escaping the slaughter, which must in its latter stages have been a voritablo mas sacre.

The English Princes of the blood Royal are having their work cut out for them, and aro having opportunities given thom'to show that they are not mere orna mental appendages. Ono of our eablo grams to-day states that tho Duko of Connaught has gone to tako the post of military commander of tho district of Meerut, in Bombay Presidency; and another conveys the information that tho Duko of Edinburgh is to assume the com mand of the Channel fleet in January next. It is to bo hoped that the prejudice felt in many quarters against Royal Princes being appointed to important commands such as these will neither limit their usefulness nor prevent them receiving due credit for what ever talent they may display.

Tuesday next is the latest dato for tho reception cf mattor for the directory ap pended to Brett's Almanac. Secretaries of societies who havo not yet sent in lists of officers should do so at onco.

Our weekly market price-list, which is published elsewhoro, contains vory fow alterations from lost week, Butter and eggs remain at previous quotations, tho supply of the former being vory plontiful. The gum market continues firm at last week's prices, tho recoipts from November to dato being about 370 tons. Bran has fallen slightly, and wo quote at £5 10s per ton, sacks included.

A prohibition order was granted, on tho application of ft poor woman named Woston, to restrain publicans and others from sup plying her husband, John Weston, of Arch Hill, with intoxicating drinks. The poor woman told a pitiful story of her sufferings in consequence of her husband's di inking habits, which had reduced her and her family to tho brink of poverty. Her story was corroborated by Miss Manning.

Ourattentiotfhas been called to thofnetthat after the water-pipes have boon laid in Pon sonby the trenchos are filled in very caro lessly, and that in consequence sovoral ac cidents ' have occurred. After the first shower the loose clay settles down consider ably, and becomes a regular trap for both pedostrians and vehicles. In Waitemata street, the other day, a cab sank so deeply in one of these bogs that the largo wheels were torn from the vehicle in an effort to extricate it, and further damage was also sustained before tho task was accomplished. The matter evidently requires attention.

At tha Police Court to day, Charles Muller, a seaman, absent without leave from the Sunbeam, was handed over to the captain. A case against John Mullally, contractor, of ill-treating his horse by1 working it when unfit, was adjourned till Wednesday. A charge against Alexander McMillan of failing to support his wife and four children was adjourned for a week. A case against an apprentice named Corbott for absenting himself from tho employ of W. Millor, shoomaker, was adjourned for a week, a certificate by Dr. Kenderdine beinw put in declaring the boy too ill to appear °

The Ponsonby Rowing Club hold a series of " trial fours " matches to-marrow after noon, at three o'clock. The crews are : No. I—H. D. Morpeth, J. B. Morpeth, Leatham, and Coutts. No. 2—Cook, Fog den, T. Farquhar, Kirk. No. 3—Edmonds, Stanford, W. White, Henderson. No. 4 —Moore, 0. H. White, R. Witt, Comyna. No. s—Miller, Gowdie, Emery. C. Culpan. No. 6—Smith, Watßon, Lloyd, Marks. A new members' race will also take place, between the following crews :—No. 1— Walker, Taylor, Abel, Brown. No. 2— Scott, Howard, McGregor, McPhad.

Tho quarterly social gathering of the Star of Newton Lodge was held last evening in the district hall. An excollont tea -was provided, and visitors and members waited on by tho ladies of the lodgo. Brother Longbottom, G.W.C.T., occupied tho chair, and opened the proceedings. Tho pro gramme was varied, and executed witli fair ness. Songs were contributed by Misses Lightfoot and Edmonds ; also, by Messrs Lightfpot (2), Mclntyre, arid Pooley. Miss Longbottom delivered a recitation with much success. Headings woro also tendered by Messrs Hull and Holland. A beautifully illuminated testimonial was presented by tho Chairman, on behalf of the lodgo, to Brother and Sister Lighfrfoot in recognition of long and faithful services to tho cause, which was duly and appropriately acknow ledged by Brother Lightfoot. Tho whole of the proceedings gave satisfaction, and the gathering closed in a loyal manner.

To morrow will be a gala day at the Agricultural Show grounds. Tho Ellerslio people are giving a public luncheon for tho benefit of the funds of tho new Anglican Church, to bo followed by a meeting at which the Bishop, Professor Tucker, and others will give addresses. From tho elaborate preparation on the part of tho ladies,we are confident the menu will be an elaborate one, and after the business of the meeting is concluded, amusements in the shape of polo, bicycle riding, under the ab!o superintendence of Colonel Dawson and Messrs Hall and Saiinders, will bo provided 3 Mr Impey's band will discourso sweet strains, and thero will bo special provision by train.

Tho Auckland Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club open tho season to-morrow. Various matches will bo played on tho green, weather permitting. The annual meeting of tho Club will bo hold subsequently, and prize cups won last season -will be presented to Messrs George, Page, 1). 11. Mckenzio, and E. A. Maekeehnie (skip.)

Constablo Thomas Ward, transferred from Wanganui to Auckland, arrived in town to-day.

The Minister of Justice has found means of putting a stop to a practice which wo some timo ago condemned as unjust and op pressive—that of endorsing legal charges upon tho summons in small debt cases, so that in casos of confessing judgment tho dofendant was held liable to pay those charges. Wo pointed out that this was rendering thcCourtpunitivc in its operation, and protested strongly against tho continu anco of tiio practice. Tho Resident Magis trate as woll as tho members of tho bar, thought tho practice most convenient, and tho Minister of Justico, wliilo condemning it, was, at tho timo, of opinion that ho had no power to make any alteration, as tho regulation of such matters rested with tho Resident Magistrates. Now, howovcr, ho finds that ho has power to interfere, and a circular has boen issued from tho Depart ment of Justico, addressed to tho Clerks of R,M. Courts, notifying that when a de fendant "confess judgment" without throwing any labour upon tho Court, no foe shall bo charged. This is a matter for gratification, as tho imposition wus not only most inequitable, but fell with es pecial hardship upon that struggling class of poor but honust dobtors who have a diili culty in meeting thoir liabilities.

The locturo by tho Rev. R. F. Maonieol entitled ' Ronilnqscencoß of a Tour in tho Hlijli lands of Scotland." lias Ijoen postponed until December. Tho lucttiro will bo glvon in St. Jamcß'H Hall. Particulars will be duly an nounced.

Land in tho rising district of Birkonhead, near tho Siikm Works, Is rapidly rlninp:ln value, ami Bovi'rnl estates havo bocn cut up for dis- IKMiil. On Tlmrstliiy, titli Deciinfeer, wo obsorvo that Mr Arthur, auctioneer, liuh a Halo an nounced of tho estate of Maylleld, which has latvo frontages to (iovermiii'iit roads. This la cut up Into HO loin, vuryliiK in size from » to 11 uerofl in extent, mul from their position mid adaptability those ought to command Rood lu'lees,

This evening tho American Consul, (!. \\\ (irtllln, Ksi|., will deliver Ills lecture upon " I tonmnrk and tho Uanes." The itov. C. Carter will take tho cluiir at 8 o'clock. A selection of vocal and instrumental music will lie given iluiinpr the evening.—lADVT.J

Onk Sinu.iNd,—Hay'H Fino Art Union [by permission of the ilcncral Government), Fifty prizes —vnlimhle Oil l'ulntlnira and othorox cellent Pictures. Prizes on view.and Inspection invited at Mr Bailey's, tobacconist, 17(1, Queen street, where tickets can bo obtained; also tho booksellers unil tobacconists. Tho drawing will take place publicly, of which due notlco will bo glvott, and will bo supervised by a coimnilteo chosen by the subscribers at drawing. After handing over tickets, &c, tho proprietor takes no pint in tho drawing. Winning numbers will bo ndverUncd in " llerald," Stau, and " Weekly." Committee's voucher will ho open for inspection during dolivory of prizes. Keinltlnneea in stamps or otherwise! (enclosing extra stamp for jiostnKc) will receive prompt attention, fifty.prizes. £200 in 4.000 tickets. Address—W. K. Ilay, aa above. A subscriber cim nold any number of tickets at.Ono Shilling eaelu—[AinT.l

MR MITCHELSON IN WELLINGTON.

Swoaring-ln To-day.

(BY TKLBMIAFM. —I'IU-SS ASSOCIATION.)

Wiausr.TON, this day. Mb MITCIIELHON arrived by the Tnkapuna at one o'clock. Ho will bo sworn-in bci'oro tho Governor at !) o'clock, and will imme diately take tho portfolio of Public Works. Mr Johnston has resigned that portfolio, but remains in tho Executivo Council with out portfolio.

CORRESPONDENCE

Railway Reform,

(To tho Editor.)

Sin, —I am quite content' to leave the public to judge as to whether my letter is a sufficient roply to your two leaders on tho abovo subjoct. As to figures, I have published them till I feared 1 should weary the public ; and I would willingly havo sont them to you again if I had thought you wanted them. However, by tho kind courtesy of your morning contem porary most of them aro once more before tho public, and a perusal of my paper will, I think, convince moat peoplo that I have carefully studied the subject. If lam not ablo to deal with it, I have at any rate done my best, and I shall very gladly wel come a better plan if some ono will kindly invent it for us. I- am not so silly as to supposo that tho system I havo invented will not bear improving upon, but if its defects aro so very glaring why do not you or somebody clso point them out ? So far, nothing approaching an argumont has been brought forward to show that my scheme is unworkable, or that my calculations. aro not likely to bo realised. All that has been said amounts to this- be cause as a mlo in England faros havo not been reduced below Id per mile, therefore we ought not to reduco them below that fignro hero. I say that it is a dis^raco to us if wo cannot invont something better suited to our own requirements than the English system. As to tho statomont of loss recently published, nnd which you think so "uttorly demolishes" mo, I will deal with it on a future occasion, and will from it prove conclusively that tho ratio of loss is increasing at a much more rapid pace than I stated in tho paper I read boforo tho Auckland Institute. Now as to Mr Milno's letter, 1 havo little doubt ho is right as to Professor Newmach's pamphlet, but a glance will show that his plan" is as different from mine as night .is from day. Tho samo romark applies to tho Belgian system. The infor mation ho gives as to English railways is interesting and valuable, and shows what can be dono on well-managed lines. Mr Milne then oxpressos the opinion that the rato of fares proposed by mo would not directly pay, and gives as his reasons for thinking so that tho travelling accommo dation is so miserable as to offer no induce ment to travel, and that tho cost for labour, &c, is doublo what it is in England. As to the first objoction,Mr Milno is right, and it must be removed. As to the second, Mr Milno is mistaken. With tho wretched management wo havo hero tho cost per train mile is only Is C^d inoro than in Eng land,and with good managomentit,no doubt, might be brought down nearly if not quite to the English standard. I am much obliged to Mr Milno for his suggestion as to a Railway Reform Association. I should bo most heartily glad to bo relieved from some of the work,and I may add that I think it is hardly fair, in a great public ques tion liko this, to loave all the work, all the oxponse, and all tho abutso to be borne by one man. lam now awaiting the arrival of some data I requiro; that to hand, I will take an early opportunity of giving a public locturo, and again invite all and sundry to question and sift mo as closely as they like.—l am, &c, Samuel VaiXiß, November 22, ISB3.

Mr Valle and St. Andrew's.

(To tho Editor.)

Sm,—l know the St. Andrew's people too well to supposo that the silly lettor in your issue of yesterday at all represents them. They had their little joke at my oxpense, and they are far too wise to get angry at haying it thrown back by me in the samo spirit of good nature in which, I am sure, the original joke was givon.—l am, &c, Samuel Vailu.

THE SOUDAN REBELLION.

Victory of the False Prophet.

Hicks Pasha's Army Annihilated.

[reutkb's cablegrams.]

(Received 23rd—12.40 p.m.)

Alexandria, November 22. Intelligence has reached here that the Egyptian army ■in the Soudan, under General Hicks Pasha, has been totally an nihilated by tho rebel followers of El Mahdi, the false prophet. No details yet to hand.

Later.

Alexandria, November 22.

Some particulars havo been received from the Soudan regarding the destruc tion of the Egyptian Army, which is now fujly confirmed. Tho accounts to hand state that a battle lasting for three days was fought between the rebels and the whole force, under tho command of General Hicks. The fighting was most desperate on both sides, but the Egyptian troops wore outnumbered and completely annihilated by the rebels, who gave no quarter, only ono man oscaping from the slaughter.

A VILLAINOUS PRACTICAL JOKE.

[iiy Tur.r.r.'HAi'ir —PRESS association:]

DLhNHBIM, this day. At tho R.M. Court, Havelock, yesterday, Moses Fear, publican, Wm. Bignold, barman, Mr McNab, solicitor, and Dr McDonagh wero charged with administering Croton oil to an informant named Horton. The affair is said to havo arisen out of a practical joko, but tho Bench committed all four defendants for trial at next sittings of tho Supremo Court.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Mb MitciielsoN sworn in to-day. Tliis is the closing "Arabian Night" at Abbott's.

A bakor ought to bo a well-bre(a)d man. Death is tlio coward that strikes a man when ho's down.

A Chamber of Commerce lias beon estab lished at Nelson, Mr James Sclanders being Chairman.

Male immigrants to Canterbury by the lonic have not found omploymont. 7,000 pooplo visited Otago Agricultural Show yeHtorday.

Muscles, like the quality of morcy, should nevor bo strainod.

• As mi inducement to young men, it may bo said that a good wife is never a miss.

A new organ in St. Luke's Church, Christclmrch, was opened last night with special services.

There are 17 applications for the post of Town Clerk at Wellington, 20 for City En gineer, and 13 for Assistant Engineer. The "Herald " is anxious to sco Queen stroet free of building hoardings. Would it rather havo grass growing in the street? In England and Wales there are 3G.000 ministers of religion, who deliver four millions of sermons in tho course of a single year. Tliero is thus ono minister to every 700 parsons in tho population.

"Louisa, don't let tho men come too near you when you are courting."—"Oh no, mamma ; whon Charles is horo we have a chair between us all tho time." Mamma thinks tho answor was rather ambiguous. Soven now hotels, four with 1,000 rooms each, aro being built in London.

It ia uA limited that over 500,000 pheasants aro sold annually in tho markets of Eng land.

Applications for spaco at Christchurch Exhibition must bo in by Ist December. The space now applied for is 21,612 feet.

Tho appointment of tho four official assignees undor tho now Bankruptcy Act is fazetted ; also, tho appointment of Mr C. . O'Connor as Undor-Secrotary of Public Works.

Tho Washington monument, on tho banks of tho Potomac, is to bo tho grandest ever seen. When finished, it will bo tho high est structure in the world, an honour which Cologne Cathedral, 512 feet in height, pre sently onjoys. St. Paul's, at London, is 384 foot high. W. J. Glasgow, late pupil of tho Nelson College, left yesterday for England to take up the Military Cadetship at Sandhurst, which was at tho disposal of tho Senate of tho University of Now Zealand, in which he passed tho first section of the B.A. examina tion.

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

The Philharmonic Society's Concert in tho Choral Hall was largely attended, and passed oft' very satisfactorily. A pro gi'iimmo was presented consisting in the Brst part of selected solos and choruses from ilandol's "Messiah," and in the second part of miscellaneous tnorceaux of a socular character. The manner in which they were pcrformod would not havo discredited more pretonsious organ isations. It will bo romembercd that the Society was formed about two years ngo by Professor Cailliau out of rather crude material, nnd that he worked it up to a very fair degree of efficiency, and eince thon Mr Chadwick (tho present conductor) has faithfully carried on tho good work so judiciously bogun. Tho Society is still in the developmental stages, and criticism must bo tempered by a due allowance for theso facts. The orchestra numbers about a score of instruments—nearly all stringed ones—and although thcro is obvious room for improvement in their playing, they exhibit a notable aptitude and promising skill. Several of tho members are ex porienced and capablo instrumentalists. The voices wero fairly balanced, and their ownors manifested tho effects of careful training. In the first part, "And tho Glory" and "For Unto Us a Child is Born " wore particularly well rendered, the vocalisations in tho latter number being taken very effectively by each of the several divisions of tho chorus. Tho slower movements were generally not so woll dono. In " Behold the Lamb of God " and "All we Like Sheep," for instance, thcro was an unsteadiness and want of accord that seriously marred tho execution. Thesamo defect, to a lesser extent, how ever, was noticeable in tho Hallelujah Chorus. As for tho instrumentation, it was satisfactory, with the exception of tho accompaniment to "Comfort Yo." Still, the progress made,by the Orchestra sinco its formation must be pronounced really surprising, and if tho .samo ratio is main tained it will at no romoto dato command high praise. As a whole, the solos were acceptably rendered. Miss Gee gave the recitativo and air, " 0, Thou That Tellest," Mrs Chadwick tho airs, " But Thou Didst Not Lcavo" and ;l I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," Miss Peace the air, "Ho was Despised ' (which was sung with much feeling), MrShackleton "Comfort Ye," Mr Worrall " For Behold Darkness," and Mr Gordon Gooch "Why Do tho Nations." Mrs Chadwick was apparently suffering slightly from cold, but she rendored her contributions very pleasingly nevertheless, while Mr Gooch gavo "Why Do the Nations "in first-class style. Miss Gee and Messrs Worrall and Shackloton acquitted themselves woll, tho lady singing especially well in tho middlo register. Tho orchestra having been strengthened by tho addi tion of sevoral instruments, opened tho second part ot tho programme with an ovorturo, "Fu de Potsdam," played with good effect, and then withdrew, tho re maining items, consisting of a pianoforte solo cleverly executed by Miss Keturah Campbell, throe concerted selections by the Society, and four songs. Mr Moreton secured a well-deserved round of applause for his rendering of "Tho Old Sexton," and Miss Peace sang Bordoso's "Vashti" with expression. It is rather a pretentious selection, however, and is susceptible of great elaboration. Mr Campbell gavo " Tho Storm Fiend," but ho forced his voico unduly, and got out of tune. Mr Gordon Gooch contributed "A Song of Neptune" (Diehl), singing it in such a manner as to fairly bring down the house. Ho bowed his acknowledgments to two consecutive encores, for although the hour was advanced, tho audience were loth to forego tho pleasure of hearing him again. Tho double quintette, "Queen of tho Valley," though fairly interpreted, was too longandasforthetwochoriisos,"BeholdHow Brightly" and "The Carnival," they wero executed with decided success, the latter one being the best concerted piece of tho second half of the programme. It must be said that the concert as a whole redounds to the credit of the Sooioty, and we con gratulate Mr Chadwick upon the degree of efficiency to which it has attained. We are requested to state that Mr Hardwick was suffering from a severe cold, in consequence of which his place in the programme had to bo filled by Mr Shackleton at a day's notice.

CABLEGRAMS.

■rKUTEH'S CABLEpKAMS.]

(Received 23rd November, 11.45 a.m.)

An Absconding Bank Secretary.

London, November 22.

The Secretary of the London and San Francisco Bank (Limited) has absconded. His defalcations are stated to amount to fifty thousand pounds.

Franco and China— War Imminent.

Paris, November 22.

It has transpired that Marquis Tseng, Chinese Ambassador, has informed M. Ferry, tho Fronch Premier, that an attack by the French forces on Bacniuh, Tonquin, will be deemed by the Chinese Government as a casus belli. Marquis Tseng has also informed M, Forry that the report to hand two days ago that the Chinese troops have evacuated Bacniuh is devoid of truth. (Received November 23—11.45 a.m ) Commercial. London, November 21. Consols remain at 101 J. New Zealand securities are unchanged. The market rato of discount has fallen to 2 per cent., and' is now 1 per cent, below tho bank rfte. Colonial breadstuff's con tinue stoady at last quotations, viz. : Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 46s Gd ; New Zealand wheat, 3Ss Cd to 44s 6d ; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 325. Australian tallow remains dull; best beef, 38s ; best mutton, 395. London Wool Sales. At tho wool sales to day 10,000 bales were catalogued. Tho tone of the auction was firm, and there was a good demand for Australian crossbrods. Suez Malls Delivered. The homeward mails via Brindisi, which left Melbourne on Oct. 11, were delivered in London today. The Fronch Convict Proposals. London, November 22. The French officials are of opinion that tho decision of tho Committee will delay the passage of tho Recidiviste Bill for some months, and that the measure is not likely to pasß in its presont form. London, November 22.

The Stock Exchange have agreed to give the South Australian loan a quotation on Decembor 18. New Zealand Loon and Mercantile) Agency Circular. London, November 20. Wool. —Tho sales opened at the level of last sales to-day, and comprise about 90,000 bales. 6,000 have been sent to tho manu facturing districts direct. The opening catalogue contained 9,800 bales, but was not a representative ono. Competition by both Home and foreign buyers is active. Tho market is firmer for coarse cross-bred. The Duke of Connaught In India. Enthusiastic Reception. Bom day, November 22. Tho Duke of Connought arrived hero to day from London en route for Moerut, to take up the military command. His Royal Highness landed in tho presence of an immenso concourse of people, by whom he was cordially received, much enthusiasm being displayed. Dlsastor In tho Atlantic- Eighty-eight Persons Drowned. London, November 21. A French brig named tho Rocaberg has been in collision with another vessel in the Atlantic. The Rocaberg sank almost im mediately, and eighty-eight persons have boen drowned.

[si'KCIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received 23rd—10.50 n.m.)

Tho Now Ireland Colonisation Frauds,

London, November 22.

Tho trial of the Marquis Do Roys on the chargo of fraud and deception in connection with Now Ireland will commence on Tues day next. Naval Command for a Royal Duke. H.R.11. the Uuko of Edinburgh assumes tho command of the Channel fleet in January.

AUSTRALIAN.

Lord Koaobory's Tour,

Sydney, November 22.

Lord Rosobcry, who is now in this city, has visited most of tho public institutions and other objects of interest in tho neigh bourhood since his arrival.

Melbourne Wool Soles.

Melbourne, November 22,

At tho wool sale to-day, tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited) catalogued 4,500 bales, including 1,800 bales of scourod wools. AH good wools elicited a brisk competition, last week's prices being firmly maintained. In ferior and faulty descriptions, however, wore rather lower. 4,106 bales were sold, greasy realising up to 13d, and scoured to 22|d. Thero was a large attendance of buyers, and good competition was ex perienced.

SUICIDE OF A CLERGYMAN.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—rRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. The Row Mr Sheriffs.Presbyterian minister from Waipukuraii, Napier, committed suicide at 8 o'clock this morning, at the residence of Mr John McLean, Newtown. At tho hour montioned the door of his bod room was burst open, when deceasod was found hanging from the bed-post by a strap, and quite dead. It is believed that ho was suffering from temporary insanity, and that tho reason of his visit hero was to bo placod in the Asylum. An inquest will bo hold. Later Particulars. The Rev. William Shoriffs, who com mitted suicide, was aged 42, and was a native of Aberdeen. He has been mentally depressed for some time, and came hero for the benefit of his health. He leaves a wife and cix children at Waipukurau. Ho formerly resided at Blenheim.

MINING NEWS

THAMES,

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.]

Thames, this day. Queen of Beauty*.—A fresh contract has been lot for driving 100 foot of the cross-cut towards tho Vanguard lode, No. 8 level, at £1 per foot. Work was commenced on Wednesday, with favourablo country in tho face.

Mariner.—The leader rocontly inter sected in tho Company's ground at No. 4 lovel by the Queen of England workmen has been driven upon westward of the cross out for 20 feet, and has shown gold pretty freely. Tho quartz is only from Ito 3 inches thick.

London.—lt is roughly estimated that 40 feet of driving at No. 4 levol will reach tho winze sunk from No. 8. A small block on No. 1 reef at No. 3 lovel is being stopod, and gold is seen occasionally in tho stone broken.

New Prince Imperial.— Gold was scon freely to-day in breaking down No. 2 lode in the eastward drive, No. 5 level.

. Bright Smile.—Quartz is rapidly accu mulating, and crushing will be commenced shortly. A few pounds of picked stone have boon obtained since tlio beginning of the week.

Kukanui Hill Company's crushing will bo finished to-morrow, but the retnrn will bo small. The manager has been ablo to tost several parts of the reef, and will honce forth confine operations to the best portions. Le Marquis, tributor, obtained 19 ozs. 17 dwts. from 6 tons of quartz. Waiomo.—Robert Workman, who has prospected perseveringly in this district for years, crushed 13cwt. of stone for a yield of lOozs.

Moanataiari.—Carter's tributer return is lloz. 3dwte. from 2J tons.

A deputation from Otanui claims waited on Mr Gordon, Inspecting Engineer, last night, applying for a diversion of the Government road voto for the construction of a tramway. Mr Gordon said the matter wairentirely one for the Minister of Mines, but he took notes of all details to lay before his superior.

TE AROHA.

(by telegram.—own correspondent.)

Te Aroiia, this day.

The battery returns for yesterday are as follows :—NewFind,l3sozs. amalgam ; Pre mier, ISOozs ; Colonist, 53ozs lOdwts ; Wera hiko, 71ozs lOdwts. ; Waitoki (boxes and cleaning up), itOozs. Total,;429ozs.

THE WESTERN SPRINGS.

Proposed Purchase of Edgecombo's Land for Thirteen Thousand Founds.

Opposition in the Council to the Invest ment. Wnmr tho City Council assembled last evening it was quite evident that some matter of unusual importance was agitating the minds of members, and subsequent events proved this to bo tho case. Tho correspondence having been dis posed of, the Town Clerk read the following recommendation from the Finance Committee concerning the letter from F. T. Paten re offer of land at the Western Springs:—"Your Committee recommend that an oftV of £13,000 bo mado to tho Company (Mr F. T. Paten, agent) for the whole of the land owned by Mr Edgecumbo of about 100 acres ; also, to include the land at present held by the Tallow Company (4 acres), and the hotel and site (5 acres), cot tages, &c. The Tallow Company to have tho right to remove the buildings there from." His Worship tho Mayor, in moving tho adoption of the recommendation, said this matter had been before the Council at the lastineeting, whunitwasreferredto the Com mittee, with power to act. They, however, did not choose to exercise that power, and now made the foregoing recommendation to tho Council. This property, he explained, was separated from tho Springs by tho Great North lload. It was offered to the Council some eight or ninomonths ago,when it was visited by a committee or by mein bois of the Council. At that time the feeling was expressed by those who visited it that it was desirable that the property should bo purchased, seeing that the water supply for the city flowed through tho land at not a very groat distance from tho surface. This was shown by tho fact that in a well dug on Mr Edge eombo's land tho water rose and fell according to the rise and fall in the ponds. This was further shown by the additional circumstance that during the draining of tho ponds the well was affected to such an extent that Mr Edgecumbe asked that notice should be given to him when the ponds were to be drained, so that lie might draw Buificient water for his own use. An objection raised to the purchase at the time was that Mr Edgecumbo had reserved five acres round tho hotel. That was an important part, as there were many springs in that reserve. It was also considered important from tho fact that an, additional supply of twenty or twenty-fire per cent, could be obtained from these springs. Recently he had been informed that Mr Edgecumbe was in negotiation with some party for the sale of the property, in cluding not only the block offered to them some eight months ago, but also the five acre reserve. With the object of ascertaining the position of tho matter, he asked the Town Clerk to inquire from Connell and Cooper, by whom the previous offer was made, whether it was still open. They were verbally in formed that it was not, and that an offer had been made in writing to a company. The agent of the party or company in question then asked if tho Council would purchase, and he asked the Town Clerk to ascertain * tho price, including: the site held by the Tallow Company. This having been done, he had it referred to the Finance Committee with power to act. They wero given to understand tliat the price for the whole was £17,000, although a reduction might bo made. The Com mittee being fully aware of the im portance of preserving the purity of the water supply, decided that it was ad visable to offer £13,000. Anyone passing there now must be fully aware that it would bo wortli £1,000 to have that filthy factory removed from contiguity to tho springs. Cr. Aickin inquired tho acreage of the proposed purchase. Tho Mayor replied that it exceeded 100 acres, and, in fact, was from 109 to 111 acres.

Cr. Aickin seconded tho adoption of tho Committee's report. Cr. Masefield considered it to be his duty to oppose tho purchase, and moved, as an amendment, "That the offer of Mr Clay ten be declined." He said that when tho matter came before the Finance Committeo he was not prepared with sufficient information as to whether or not it was advisable to pur chase. Now, however, he had fully con sidered the matter, and had arrived at the conclusion that is was not advisable. It was, ho believed, useless to acquire this pro perty in question unless they also bought the land whore the water collects, and flows through from Edgecumbe's. Then again, if they bought this land now, the people owning the other properties would increasouiepneeof theirland. Furtherthan this, the pr.ice asked was far too high, £100 an acre boiii" ample money to give. He thought the Council was being rather sat upon in tho matter, the price asked being really exorbitant when it was remembered that tho property was bought for £11*000 and t'17,000 was being exacted. It was quite apparent that the purchase had been made in order that the investors might exact from tho Council a price incompatible with its value. Then for a long time he liad feared that the Springs supply would eventually ran short, that tho bottom would fall out, or, in other words, that tho water would go elsewhere. There fore ho felt that the money which might be involved in the expenditure of £15,000 on this purchase', and an additional £15,000 for a pumping statian to Mount Eden, would go a long way towards providing a pipe from Waitakarei, which would never fail. The money might bo better expended in this direction. Ho (the speaker) had gone into the matter somewhat, and he found that the cost of a line of twelve-inch pipes at 16 10s per ton for fifteen miles would be £14,000, this sum representing tho cost of the pipes themselves. He had also gone into the cost of laying them, and ho believed that from £30,000 to £40,000 would supply the whole lino. It was worthy of notice that where water mains wore being laid, large 24-inch pipes were being done away with, and two or threo lines of 12-inch pipes were being put down, so that in ense of an accident by landslip or otherwise one line would be always available.'

Cr. Harper seconded the amendment. He agreed with a great deal that Cr. Mase field had said in roferenco to the subject, but he thought his facts in connection with Waitakerei wore hardly up to the mark. His remarks an tho Springs were good. Ho (the speaker) believed thoy should go to Waikato for their water supply, and bring it from Mercer. So far as tho Springs were concerned, there was a wholo basin round Mount Albert from the Threo Kings, and if they bought this property thoy would have all the people in this distriot wanting them to buy their land.

Cr, Mackochnie said shis was so large a question that ho thought tho whole matter would bo adjourned. It had camo upon him as a surprise, and lie considered they should have an opportunity of looking at tho land beforo arriving at any decision. Cr. Fleming agreed with Cr. Mackcch nio that this was a serious question. At first blush, ho approved of Cr. Masefield's remarks in reference to Waitakerei. If they had a reservoir, the Engineer told him, the water,would gravitate towards Mount Eden. Ho believed that if they purchased ono portion of the Western Springs estate they would have to buy the whole of it. He would like tho matter postponed, so that thoy .might go into it it moro fully and clearly.

Cr. Phillipps moved that the Council do now adjourn until next Thursday. Cr. Dovoro seconded.

It was pointed out that this would necossitato tho postponement of the other reports, tendors, and motions.

" The resolution was put, and only fivo members voting in its favour, it was de clared to bo lost.

Cr. Thompson said tho.question had caused him a great deal of anxiety, and ho had devoted considerable attention to it. Ho agreed to a considerable oxtont with Cr.' Masofield's remarks. Doubtless, a deal of stress would bo laid on the points that they must maintain tho purity of the present supply, and that thoy should supplement it. There would, however, bo a difliculty in making the supplementary supply available unless they were going in for purchasing a largo slice of this land. To keep tho bound ary creok affecting tho supply pure, they would have to purchaso a large tract of clay land extending from the Asylum. Then the owners of the adjoining property had only to get up one of these obnoxious fac tories on the corner of their land, and the Council would have to purchase that also. He believed the price asked for this block was excessive, and agreed with Cr. Mase fiold that it was an attempt to milk the Corporation. At the same time ho felt that they had not adopted the wisest course in negotiating as they had done, ieehngtnat tho purchase would lead to considerable outlay in extending their possessions in that neighbourhood, he would vote for the amendment. •

Cr. Crowther thought Cr. Mackechnie was entitled to tho time for consideration which he asked for. Ho could say without hesitation "that this business had given him more pain than any other matter which had

arisen since he sat at that tabl« owing entirely to the manner in which v had been dealt with. Ho always had I sti-ong objection to committees dealinc -with business, i.e., having power to act. At the last meeting he had voted against the rele gation of power to the Committee but h Felt sure they would not deal with it, seeing the small amount of information they hJj at their disposal. Since the last meeiW he had considered it to be his duty to loot up the matter. This was not in consequent of what had transpired, but of what might transpire hereafter. He had looked ur. as far as he could ascertain, what power the officers or any Councillor had to enter into negotiations of this sort without con suiting their co-trustees. Last Thursday the business was brought on hurriedly and they Had no opportunity of considering the matter. Therefore, he had looked up the question, and found that clause 70 of the Municipal Corporations Act provided that "No extraordinary business bo considered at any ordinary meeting unleßS due notice of such is given at a prior meeting of the Council, and notice thereof sent to each Councillor." No such notice had been sent The business was brought up as urgent' and the letters wore not even read at the meeting.

The Mayor rose to make a correction. It was not brought up as urgent business and the letter was on the business sheet.

Cr. Crowther: But it was not read. Cr. Harper supported Cr. Crowtiier in the statement that the letter was not read Cr. Crowther asked if due notice had been given of that extraordinary business The Mayor did not sec that it was neces sary. Cr. Crowther proceeded to say that it had transpired that certain Councillors had been taken into confidence on the subject while others were excluded from the con sultation.

Cr. Waddel: Hence the trouble. Cr. Crowthor proceeded to say that this business was commenced on October 23 fully a month ago, and that letters had been passing during the whole of that timo till tlio 13th of November. To his mind the curious part of the business was that until the 15th November no money was paid on this transaction. On the 15th the business was brought before the Council, but, singularly enough, not before the de posit was paid and the property secured. The Mayor: Does Cr. Crowther imply that any money was paid ? Cr. Crowther replied that £3,000 was paid on the 15th, and the whole matter was then brought before the Council on the same night, and referred to the Finance Committee with power to act. Hig in.

ference was that it was not considered good enough to bring the matter before the Council until the deposit was paid. Hia inferenct further was that if the £3,090 had not been paid on the 15th, the matter would not have come before the Council at the meeting on the evening of that day. If business of such importance was to be

conducted without consulting the Council, then it was not good enough for those wishing to act conscientiously to sit at that table. Cr. Montague said if this matter could not have been submitted to the considera-

tion of 17 or 18 gentlemen at the Council, it should not have been sent to the Com mittee. So far as the Waitakerei scheme was concerned, ho was not sure whether that was the better of the two, but at all events he was sure they could spend £18,000 or £20,000 to better advantage than by purchasing this property of Mr Edge* cumbe's. The price asked looked very much like levying blackmail on the Council, § and ho for one could not consent W bo a party to it. If they did acquire the : land, they would soon have another ■ factory in close proximity to it, and then thoy would have to purchase again at a still higher price. He thought 11 they should first obtain from the Engineer further information regarding a gravitation supply either from Waitakarei,- Mercer, or * > Waikato. Cr. Phillipps said lie Mould vote for Cr; : Masefield's amendment because of theargu-;" ments that if they purchased this land they would Jiavc to acquire otherproperties; that the purchase of tho block in question by the. Council would enhance the value of thei / adjoining property which might subse-" quently be required ; that thoy would be' constantly purchasing other properties,"; becauso, as the population extends, the I tendency would be to pollute the supply. ■ While giving Cr. Crowther credit for being I ono of the most conscientious members of the Council, he objected to his remarks concerning tho manner in which this matter? had been doalt with. For his part he would.;! not sib in tho Mayoral chair unless he had some discretionary power, and ha:*' thought it would be better that some matters should not bo made public toaA soon. He thought their executive officer"; should have moro power than an ordinary .^ Councillor, and repeated that the business. - was on the order paper last week. ■ The .). speaker complained of some members of tha ■;'■": Council being made acquainted with the proceedings in committee. Cr. Garratt also objected to the manner;' in which the negotiations had been carried on, and considered that there was nothing to have prevented the Mayor calling a special meeting, seeing that the matter was one of I sneh importance. If the question of sitei.. did crop up, lie would not vote for Wai> I takerei or the extension of the present waterworks site. Ho knew something about Mount Albert District, and he; was convinced that when McElwain'g property was built upon, it would in^ liuence the supply, as the whole natural I drainage would tend towards the Springs. He agreed with the Mayor concerning the' ' necessity of providing a further supply, although he might differ from him as to the ; manner in which it should bo carried out/ He did not see anything calling for special B censure in tho whole matter. Cr. Waddel said one of the most forcible", argumonts of Cr. Masefield—that the fact of their wanting the property in the neigh*.; bourhood would increase its value—was; certain to apply with equal force to the: Waitakerei site. So far as Mercer-■was';; concerned, the tide rose and fell post Mercer, and they could not go there unless they wanted a mixture of salt and fresh water. He was speaking from infor-- X ma tion supplied by those wefl acquainted ' with the matter, and of his own knowledge he knew that the tide affected the water at Meroer. He was sure that every Councillor, if t!iey*only tookthe troubleto see the letters ■ which hadpassedinthenegotiation, would be ' surprised at what theyliad been talking about. There was a deal of pretended in nocence expressed to give the idea of a; want of knowledgo of affairs, but he knew;: that amongst Councillors nothing had been! v so much talked of during the last week as.: this purchase. The whole matter and the ' course pursued had been freely canvassed. * Cr. Aickin suggested that they should now adjourn the consideration of the ques-;' tion, especially as three members of the. Finance Committeo had expressed dissent from the report.' He thought it would be < unwise to carry the amendment shelving the , \ whole question, as tho matter was one re p quiring full and earnest consideration.!' He knew nothing of the details, and was.'; quite prepared to accept the statement of :: the Mayor. Those facts spoke for them selves, and ho believed they made out a prima facie case. But at the same time ;: the other facte adduced required looking into, and hence tho necessity for adjourn ing tho question. Regarding the state-; ment of Cr. Garratt that the contents of Mr" Patten's letter were not made known to the: Council, ho wished to say that it had been ; especially resolved by the Council that the letter should not bo read, because in a business transaction it was not alwaya desirable that the contents should be made: ■ known to the public. But it was the right . and privilego of every Councillor to make himself acquainted with the contents of "r that letter. Cr. Devoro trusted that he would not' have to vote either for or against until they a had further information from the Engineer. .': Ho would liko.to know if the purchase was merely sending the nuisanco farther back, if there was likely to be a fringe of . settlers around tho border of the land requiring tho acquisition of further pro- ■ porty that tho water should be as pure as now. For his part, ho believed thore' ■ should be another supply, and that from Waitakeroi; but that was not the question r | now. Ho asked if the Engineer.had re ported on the matter at all. The Mayor said there was no report from tho Engineer either bofore the Council or ■ the Finance Committee when they decided v on this resolution. He did not knowiftho Engineer had reported before, but he might • be allowod to state that, so far as the poll- I tion of three creeks was concerned, an Engi ■ ; neer's report was not necessary. The water- shed was between the creeks; and houses M on either side brought the population, | within a biscuit's throw of these creeks. § The purchase would place these houses 100 m acres back. The Town Clerk informed him i '>■' that both the Public Analyst atod theEngi- % neer expressed themselves verbally in favour.! of the purchase of these properties. Cr. Devore : Believing that the Engineer ;■ can give us all the information that is.' .; needed, and can tell us whether the purity" i will be affected, and if 100 acres is aft that" l is required, and further, that we should ; have all the information on the subject ■ obtainable, I will move that the Council do ■ now adjourn. . The motion was lost by 9to 7, " |

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1883.



Ex S.S. BRITISH QUEEN. Wo havejust opened up, by above Direct . steamer, a Very Choice Assortment of SEASONABLE NOVELTIES, . Including— TRIMMED BONNETS TRIMMED HATS : UNTRIMMED BONNETS AND HATS FEATHERS, FLOWERS HEAD-DRESSES OLD LADIES' DRESS CAPS WIDOWS' CAPS RIBBONS REAL AND IMITATION LACES ; COLLARETTES MANTLES Md a variety of other Novelties. T>i««maklng U iiow in ohanjo of MTHH JACKSON. • 'AUCKLAND. ':' ■."': ' ' !



Special Advertisements. UTirERK SHALL I VUHNIBH MY HOUSE FROM! THE CHEAPEST ALL HOUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL ARCADE GARLICK & CRANWELL ! ! ! IRON B^f^-^c^NWEi^ ™™™%£§&CK*c CRANWELL. BED-ROO^FURNITUUE^o^ g CARPET! A tt K& CRANWELL. QARLIC K& CRANWE e LL. miBher9i GARLICK&CRANWEU,^^^ QARLICK & CRANWELI, facturer9 op all kinds op furniture. Sheap Tapestry & Bbussel Carpets. heap Oilcloths & Linoleum. CnKAP & Beautiful Cretonnes. Chkap Blankets & Curtains. GARLICK. & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS City Hata Aroadk. quken-stbekt, AUCKLAND. "EIOR qUMMER ■XVTEAR NEW COTTON TWEED. NEW NEW COTTON COTTON TWEED. TWEED. NEW COTTON TWEED. ESPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BOYS' SUMMER SUITS, BEING LIUHT IN TEXTURE, NEAT IN PATTERN, DURABLE AND STRONG. \\ ILLIAM XVATTRAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND MERCER, 178, ISO, AND 182. QUKEN-STREET (four doors below tho New Savings Bank), AUCKLAND. qPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. RK-OPENING OF OUR NEW STORE. RE-OPENING OP OUR NEW STORK. We have much pleasure In Informing our Customers and tho Public generally that the Repairs to our Store are now completed. Our STOCK, which is entirely new, has been purchased at a great advantage for Cash, during tho lato depressed condition of the Sydney and Melbourne markets. LADIES WHO REQUIRE A FASHIONABLE OUTFIT Will find it greatly to their advantago to in spect our stock, as wo are prouared to offer tin! Largost and most Complete Assortment, as well as tho MOST ELEGANT COLLECTION OK THE' LATEST. NOVELTIES IMPORTED to N, ow Zealand for many years. Wo direct special attention to our enormous NEW STOCK OF MEN'S AND BOW CLOTHING, made specially to our order from tho best Vic torian Tweeds.



Wo have also on hand, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, and MEN'S MERCERY, in large quantities. Tho DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT vrtll bo under the entiro supervision of MISS BULL. Note the address: 20i, 208, QUEEN-STREET. J. COSGRAVE & CO., J. COSGRAVE & CO., Opposite Wm. McArthur's & Co."a Warehouse. T3ETIRING FROM BUSINESS! SELLING OFF! SELLING OFF I SELLING OFF! John Xj ec k. RETIRING FROM BUSINEBS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. HIS WELL-ASSORTED STOCK SELLING OFF! . SELLING. OFF! SELLING OFFI AT AND UNDER COST PRICE. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. PREMISES LET.



SELLING OFF! SELLING OFF I SELLING OFF! STOCK MUST BE CLEARED. ALL ACCOUNTS not paid before 31st OCTOBER will be handed to his Solici tor for recovery. one month at and under cost price. Continuation op cheap drapery & clothing sale, H. ATKINS Begs to thank his numerous Patrons for the wonderful success of his CHEAP DRAPERY AND CLOTHING SALE, And also to announce that he has succeeded in securing from the New Purchasers a Lease of his present premises. H. ATKINS Begs also to say that as the Whole stock Has been RE-MARKED IN RED, Ho will continue his Sale for v Few Weeks Longer, and the Whole Stock will still be offered AT HEAVY REDUCTIONS Off the usual price. ALL NEW GOODS WILL BE SOLD For a short time at about WHOLESALE PRICE. JOB STOCKS IN DRESS MATERIALS, JOB STOCK OF ANY DESCRIPTION AT ANY PRICE* CHEAP LINKS ARE CONSTANTLY BEI BOUGHT, AND ARE ALL MARKED AT VERY LOW PRICES, H. AT KI.N S, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, &c » ■"■■■■ ■ ■ -.-'■.■■.■



Special Advertisements. VINT'S WHISKY. i-cientLVic baot. New WM»: > Is maddening and poiaonous, no nl4 a bow blended, coloured, or agreeably flavoured. VINT & SONS, Belfast. Ireland (established 38 >■ euro), at pn sent hold immense stoukof their Old Well-matuked Whisky. and can eiißUro to iho trude—through their Agents-u really PUIUC, OLD. UNADULTERATED, AND WHOLICSOME SI'IKIT. the quality having been pronounced uquul to OLD FRENCH UK ANDY. In bulk and enso, to be had from A. HEATHER, Agent. Head Colonial Offlco i Molbourne. npHORNTON, SMITH, AND FIRTH HAVE FOR SALE: "Crown" Flour, in sacks, lOOs and 00's "Champion" do. do. ' do. "Cantab" do. do. do. Sharps Bran Wheat



One blast upon his bugle horn Were worth a thousand nion. And bo one bottle of Udolpiio Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps la worth cases of cordials and elixirs that pleaso tho palate with out benetlttlng tho body, and Btlmulato only to make tho reaction more injurious In its effects on the system and productive of a more evil train of results.