SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

jimrt \va TFRi ™fl Evening. 7.48 jHGH WArJiK-j To-morrow Morning, 8.5 SUNSKT.-Thls Evoning. 7. 3 BUNRIBE.-To-morrow Morning, 6.13 MOON'S AGE-FuU Moon 23rd, 0.51 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING.

Sea Breeze, sohooner, Sylva. from Russell Opotlkitketob, Rust, from Opotiki Uauoy Kate, sohooner, Lewis, from RusseU XO-DAV. Manapouri, s.s,, togan, from Sydney Saxon, schooner, Movlymont, from Hokianga Julia Pryce, schooner, Amanda, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

last evening. lona S.B.,Johnson,forWh&ntmr.l Rotomahana, a a., Carey, tor Sydney

IMPORTS.

Por Manapouri from Sydney—24 bars angle iron, 13 girdor plates, 12 bales hay, 811 sacks flour, 142 gunnie3 and 510 mats sugar, 12 boiler tubes, 73 paokages tea, 1 horse, HO cases, 303 half-cases and IS qr-cases fruit, 72 bundles rat tans, 10 bag 3 glue, 372 bags bonedust, i 0 pkgs rope. For Russbll-80 mats sugar, 29 cases genovo.

EXPORTS.

Per Rotomahana for Sydney-44 bundles and i boxes mantelpieces. 21 tandlca nnd 2 boxes shelves, 65 pkgs doors, 11 bck cs gold, 170 hides 10 casks whale oil, 10 cases blood restorer, 10 balea flax.

Inwards Coastwise. — Rangatira, from Omaha, with 25 tons firewood; Magio, from Ngunguru, with 21,702 ft timbor; Violot, from Thameß, with 11 bundles bags.

Outwards Coastwise. — Kriomhildo, for Whangaroa; Maglo, for Ngunguru; Reward, for Russell.

Tho schooner Kate McGregor, has entered out at the Customs for Rarotonga.

The ketch Opotiki, from Opotiki yesterday, brought 338 saoks maize and 70 puriri posts.

The brigantlne Clansman left Newcastle for -Timaru on the 17th Jan.

The barque Andrea Rtts (from this port) reached Newcastle on the 16th inatant.

The kfltoh Fainy Thornton was to bave left Hokianga for this port on Batdrday evening last.

Tjtt barque Mary Blair left Hokianga lor HoSßrt on Thursday last with a cargo of timber.

The schooner Bason arrived frem Hokianga at 3 a.m. She left that port at II am. on Satur day, and had the wind light from the eastward -nntll the next morning, Binoe whon lt has been blowing bard from the NY, Cargo: 10 tons back for shipment to London.

A report whlob has boon circulated that tho Lord of the Isles had been seized at Fill and her orow massacred, now turns ont to be inco-rect From Sydney papers per Manaponri we leatn that Captain Hawkins, who has commanded her iiuce she was launohed, ls now In Sydney, and the vessel is laid up in Waterrlew Bay, where she has been Elnce her return, about f our weeks ago, trom a cruise to New Britain and Newlre'and.

ARRIVAL OF THE MANAPOURI.

, The s.s. Manapouri arrived at an early hour thia morning; She loft on 18th inst, and cleared Port Jackson Heads at 3.10 p.m. Experienced moderate easterly winds and fine weather to 21st, afterwards, strong easterly winds with head sen, and thlok rainy weather especially upon nearlng tho N.Z. Coast. Passed tho North Cape at 9 a.m. on 23rd, and arrived in Auokland at daylight on 24th. Passengers for Auckland : Mr and Mrs E. Bennett, Infant, and nurse, Mr and Mrs Osmond. Mr and Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs Jaklns; Mrs Brown, Mrs Henderson, Mrs Croppor, Misses Hmms. Simpson, Keating (2), Woodhouso, Bennett. Watt, Revs. Boyle and Coatello. Messrs R. Whitson; T. Earnell, Moor bouse, Aerhibald. J. M. Saville, H. R. Smith, P. W. Creagh, W. 3. Walker, W. Burbage, A. 8. Webster, C. Newberry, Gordon Goooh, A. Bruce, E. Hill. Geo. Wilson, and 32 steerage. For Napier: Mlse Rowbottom, Mr G. Williams, and 2 steorago. For Wellington :Mr and Mrs Cunllffe and 5 steerage. For Lyttelton:. Mrs Monday. -For Dunedin: Capt. Bracegirdlo, Messrs Grieve, and Nealo (2).

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

Arrival. Hannah Mok&u, as. Robinson, from Kaplan

DEPARTURE.

Hannah Mokiu, s.s., Robinson, for Waitara

The Northern Company's steamer Macgrecor weft expeoted to arrive from Waitara this Bf ter cow. She returns according to announcement

at 1 p.m. to-morrow. The s.B. Hannah Mokau arrived from Raglan last right with 17J tons atone. 6 bvles f tmf ua. 8 bales tow, and 3 paokages. Sha loft agata about 11a.m. to-day with 1 balo waste and 50 cares ooomnnt oil for Waitara.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Dunedin. this day. Arrived: Ocean Ranger, from Mauritius.

Mail Notice.

llAita wiu Otosa ab Under.—

Tata Dat. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 P.m.

Thubsdav, 25th instant. For Waiwera, Te Kapa. Cralglebnrn, and Warkworth, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m, For Waitara, &o„ por Maogreßor, at lt a.m. For Gisborne. Napier, Bputhern Ports, and Australian Colonies, per Manapouri, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahans, at 3p m. ■ For Mangawal and Kalwaka, per Douglas, at 3

For Tairua. per Paku. at 3 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu. and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at 1 p.m.

Friday, 26th Instant. For Walheke and Coromandel, por Oorj mandel, at 2 30 p.m. ___ For Whangarei Heads, Parna,Waipu. Whanga rel,Kamo,Tanglhua,and Mangapal.per Argyle, at i p.m. i ■•' i j

Tobsday, January 30th. Perß.B. Zealandla. asi follows: tt . BtMt^M For Sandwloh Islands, Cnlted Btates Of America. Canada, British Columbia, Oonteal and Sonth America, and British and Foreign Wert Inftea, at 1 p.m. For Unltod Kingdom and Continent Ot Burope, at 1 p.m. .... . For money orders, registered letters, ana Newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late lettem bearing an extra toe pf slxprnioe. In addition to the postage, will be reoelved by the Mall Agent on board the steamer up to the time of BaUlng, „__ Thia mall will be due In London, on Mon day, Maroh 12th, 1883.

Si B. BISS. Chief Postmaster. Chief Poet-offloe. Anokland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 21,1883.

Newtoa Hall—Lecture oa " Tyndall and the Bngllsh Bible," by Rev. D uutton, 7.30 p.m,

Alexandra-street Sohool room—Mouthlr meot lng of Banotuary Olty of Auokland, A.0.5,, 8 p.m.

Lodge United Sorvloe: Emergency Meotlng, 7,Sop.m, . •

Births.

GADD.-On January 2ith, nt her residence, Victoria-stroet, tho wife of W. Gadd of a daughter. Both doing woll. PETRIE.—On January 20th, at hor residence. Nelson-street, tho wife of J. Petrie of a daughter; both doing well.

Deaths.

BENNETT.-On January 23rd, 18S3, at her parents' residence Tararua Torraco, Conquest ' Place, Parnell, Emily Eileon Bennett, aged nine months. GALLAGHER.-At Ponsonby, on January 21th, *«!H»lSffflM aVKs."lfflfc-ffiZ2«S M _„„_. Mr Woollams, Wood-street, to-morrow, at threo o'clock. Friends of tlio deooasod please accept this notice, SPIERS.—On January 21th. at Ponsonby, John Spiers, aged 26 years,'fifth son of tho late David Spiers, Dumbartonshire, Scotland. Tho funeral will leave his brother's resi dence, King-streot, Ponaonby, to-morrow (Thursday), at three o'clock. Prionds accept this invitation.

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

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21. 1883.

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

A pressure of Court and other local news to-day compels the omission of lead ing matter, and the curtailment of other items. We also regret having to hold orer' the second article of the series on " Wes leyan Methodism." This article, which deals with the progress and present posi tion of Methodism will bo published to morrow. Referring to the letter in our last even ing's issue on the subject of nuisances at Eden Terrace, Mr F. Heighway informs us that lie Is not Inspector for tbe district, and therefore cannot give satisfaction to parties complaining. One of the sources of nui sance, he enys, lfe in the part of the distriot lately added to the city. Councillor Aickin has given notice of his intention to move the following resolutions at the next meeting of the City Council, " That a strip of aephalt (6 feet wide) be laid down on the western footpath of Symonds-street, extending from Karanga hape Road to East-street." "That the formation of the eastern footpath and tem porary improvements in rmily Place bo referred to the Streets Committee." . ■ The Peninsula election did not piss over without the heated feelings of tbe parti sans finding vent in violence. It is report ed that a well-known M.H.R, and a lead ing member of the successful candidate's commitee had a bout at fisticuffs, and the former was lather badly " punidhed." Charles White, the defaulting secretary of the Wellington 'Building Society, was successful Jn getting off by tho Mail steam er to San Francisco, as it had. been ascer tained tbat he landed at Honolulu and spent the day with J. 8. Webb, a similar abscond er from Dunedin. Last night the members of the Hobson and Victoria Companies of Volunteers was sworn in under the new regulations by Mr P. A. Philips, J.P. Owing to the number of men to be sworn in, the task was left un finished, and Mr Philips offered to attend during this week and swear in men at their dinner hour. Dr Dawson has been elected hon, surgeon to the Victoria Company, A meeting of teachers Is called for Thursday evening at the Wellesley-street School to hear the report ot the delegates who recently attended the Conference at Chiistchurch, The ordinary meeting is not till the second Saturday in February, but as there are a large number of teachers in town, either spending their vacation or attending the annual examination, it ls thought desirable to call a meeting at onco. We are authorised to state that the meeting will be open to any who may feel suffi ciently interested to attend, whether at present members of the Teachers' Associa tion or not. Had Dickens been acquainted with the procedure of the Government of New Zea land, he would have drawn more strongly his humorous allusions to the red tape and circumlocution office. Some fonj- or five years ago Messrs George Harconrt ijnd James Goodwin, of the time, fulfilled, to the satisfaction of tbe Warden, the condi tions entitling them to a prospecting reward of £200. The Grey Government admitted the obligation, and were about to pay the money, when they were hurried out of office. Then through some papers going astray, their successors in office declined to admit tho claim, Messrs Harcourt n*d Goodwin petitioned Parliament on three successive years, but it is only quite recently that tbe authorities have taken action, and now, after a period of Micaw berißin extending over five years, the pros pectors have had £25 each remitted to I them as payment of their claim in full ? '

We learn by telegraph from Wellington that Hearu and some other rowers have challenged any other five men in New Zea land to compete for any sum up to £200.

At a meeting of the Port Albert Agricul tural Society oa Wednosday, at Mr C. Pearman's, Wellsford, Mr C. Judd iv the chair, it was resolved to hold the show on Friday, February 23.

Tho Panmure school committee bas nominated Messis S. Luke and F, Lawry to fill the vacancies on the Board of Edu cation.

The Lioutenant-Commander, and officers of H.M, schooner Lark, have made a dona'ion of £5 towards the Auckland Regatta Club Fund.

Government having engaged to share the expense, the Thames County Council has accepted Messrs McCormick and Kelly's tender of £IG6 for forming the new road to Karangahake,

The city schools ot Dunedin are con demned for their bad ventilation by Dr Maunsol, the health officer, who also states that he had the greatest difficulty in get ting a glass of clear water ia any of tho schools.

The directors of tho Southern Cross Petroleum Co. report tbat work is pto greßsing satisfactorily, Tho shaft is down 23 feet, nnd three casks of crudo petroleum are ready for shipping.

Mr Mack of the Old Men's Refuge, ac knowledges the Rift of two boxos of straw hats from Mr W. H. Fenton, and also four sticks of tobacco to each of the inmates of the institution from Messrs Fenton and Winter.

Tho Engineer Band, under Bandmaster Impcy, hns been engaged to provide mu>ic on board the flagship Border Chief on Rogatta Day. Mr Dallen is ihe successful tenderer for catering,

Sir James Prendergast's stable at Wel lington was entered on Monday night by somo cowardly wretch who cut out the tongue of Sir Jamoa' favourite pony. Dunsdin people aro pressing on tholr now railway station. The Chamber of Commerce yesterday adopted a resolution calling on the Government to givo imme diate eilect to their promise and proceed with the erection at oner.

A good haul of specimens has been made in the New Prince Imperial's mino. Tho managor telegraphed this:—" Ono hundred and fifty pounds specimens from No. 4 Btopo and No. 2 section west, Good goid still showing iv back of itope,—(Sgd) G. S, ClidßK,"

During the torch-light procession Iv Wel lington on Monday night, a sum of £100 in notes and silvor was stolen from a drawer in the bedroom of Mr Smith of the Prince of Wales Hotel. Mr Smith and his wife hadgono to see tho procession, leaving a barman in oharge of tbe place.

Tho mnnager of the success mine reports for tho past week : -" Since last report the f round in the rise has been a littlo harder, he reef is improving in appearance and carries loose fine geld all tho way. The hanging wall has taken a turn and is going up tho same ns the level above. I oxpect to bo through in about two weeks. Whero the rise will come will be about 10ft from where gold was got in the lovol. - (Signed) Pktbu Rbid. Jan. 22. Mr Alfred Baitlett, who recently attempted a bicycle tour through the northern counties, informs us that he did not succeed in getting any nearer tho eqnstor than Wellsford, owing to an acci dent to his machine. He intends repeating the attempt at an eaily date, • The Christchurch Volunteers aro "rolling up" in such numbers as proves them to be a mo3t loyal and devolcet sot of men. There navo been 245 sworn in to the City Guards, Christchurch Rifles, Artillery, and Lyttel ton Navals. Tho Sydenham Rifles, to be sworn in on Friday, aro expected to reach tha maximum ; and tho Cavalry, who had two strong troops, are grumbling at being reduced to ono by tho now regulations. At tho annual meeting of householders in tbe Mangaro district, the following school committee for tha ensuing year was elected:-Messrs C. Pegler, John Massey, jun., James Anderson, Matthew Kirkbridc, C. Washer, Gavin Wallace, and A. Rcnnie. Subsequently a mooting of tho netfly elected committee was held, at which Mr Matthew Kirkbride was appointed chairman nnd Mr John Ma*soy, jun., treasurer.

Tho following school committees have been elee'ed in country districts :—Opahcke -M.—«. VV. Uall, O. W»lll», Kit, t. Norrie, D. McGregor, J. Walker, F. W. Evans, and S' Cossey, jun,—Helensville:— Messrs. Burton, (aecrctary and treasurer) Powell, Ballans (chairman) Stanaway, Lati mer, Osborne, Keppest. — Pukeatua :— Messrs C. Blucher, C. Jeffs, sen,, J. Inglis, B. Foley, W. Blucher, N. Casey, G. Wil son, Mr C. Blucber was elected chairman of comipitteo for the fiflh succeeding time,— Maketu : — Messrs Wilson, Honeyford, Jennings, Townsend, Ashdown, McDowell, and Donahno. Mr Wilson was elected chairman and Mr Ashdown secretary. At the Auckland Training College, tho annual examination of teachers is now pro ceeding nnder tho supervision ef Mr R, J. O'Sullivan, Inspectorof Schools, and Mr McArthur, Principal of the Training College. Ninotoen candidates (8 males and 11 females) entered for Class D ;] CO candidates (29 males and 37 females) entered for Class E ; and 38 can dictates (10 males and 28 females) had to complete former examinations. The sub jects on Monday were: School manage* ment, laws of health, domestic economy, and elementary science. On Tuesday : Drawing, needlework, and music. Wed nesday : English history and grammar.

In reference to "Enquirer's" lotter re tho late W.: H. Moyle, we have received a communication from Mr W. J. Scott, who states :—Your own paper only very recently gave a report of the inquest. So far as is known, Mrs Skinner and another lady were the last who raw Mr Moyle alive, and that only a short time before his death, nnd he would surely have complained if he had been ill-treated. I have no reason to doubt that the verdict of " death by apoplexy " was in accordance with fact. Being a near relation of deceased, I got all the informa tion I could for the jury, and shall bo glad to receive even now, and follow up any well-founded information that '• inquirer oan give, but at present givo him no credit for having anything to support his " belief.'

There was some talk amongst rowing mon to-day of accepting the challenge issued by Hearn and four other Wellington oarsmen, to row any other five men in New Zealand, for any sum up to £200. lt was suggested that the winning crew in the whaleboat race at the regatta sbou'd be pitted against them, and as no condition is made concerning the class of boat 9to be used, the challengers would probably not object to the contest takiDg place in light whaleboats. Indeed, the fact that five men are specified leads 'to the inference that they intended the race to be in boats of this description. The honour ot onr oarsmen is at stake, and they should devise some moans of arranging a con'est, with the view of proving their own superiority in tbe manipulation of tbo oar.

The annual meeting of Householders in the Mount t'oskill School District, was held last night, Mr J. K. Walters in the chair, tha attendance was small. The re port for the past year was read by the chair man of committee, Mr Boyd read the bal ance sheet; income from all sources, £37 17s 7d; expenditure, £38 os3dj £13 os3d of this amount represents the committee's contribution towards a public library to be established, Tho Koad Board of the dis trict having contented to raise tbe balance required, and also to becomo the trustees, the school committee retaining the manage ment of the Library. Eight gentlemen were proposed, and the following seven were elected meinbora of committee ;—J. W. Carr, W; J. Connelly, F, Hayr, W, Sewell, J. R. Walters, Alexander Boyd, W. Stevenson, at the meeting of committee Mr Boyd was elected treasurer and Mr Carr re-elected chairman. The nomin ations to the Board are V. Goldie and F. Lawrv.

The annual meeting of the Port Albert Co-operative Society was held on Saturday, Jan. 13. There were 16 shareholders pre sent, Mr E. P. Brookes in the chair. The balance-sheet for tho half-year ending Jan, 1 Was read as follows :—Liabilities -Due to sundry oreditors, £962 7s 6d; loans, £317 ; due to shareholder, £1087; Interest ou shares, £8 14s. Assets—Goods in stock at Port Albert store, £1252 9s 7d ; ditto WellsKrd, £455 lis. 9d; debts ow ing at Port Albert, £97 ; ditto Wellsford, £134 ; buildings Port Albert and Wells, ford, £335 ? sundry debts in Auckland, £34 2s 6d; punts, £40; gum in stock, £66 7s 8d ; gum in transit, £446 15s 4d; ponder in magazine, £6 3s lOd ; wool in transit, £61 5s ; weighing machines, &c, £15 ; b«lance, £599 16« lOd. One of tbe auditors bad not signed tbe balance sheet, as nd statement of receipts and oxpondi. tore was produced. The accounts were correct as far as they went, The cash tak ings for the past year amounted to £2600. The two retiring committeemen wero re tIoctod.—(CORRESPONDENT.)

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.

Tenth Annual Conference.

Tbe Conference opened last night at half past 7 o'clock in the Pitt-street Church, the Rev. James Taylor presiding. The follow ing ministers were present :— Revs. J. Wallis, T. Buddie, H. H. Lawry, W. Kirk,.A. Reid, J. Whewell, J. Crump, W. J. WatLin, W. Morley, W. Lee, J. &. Rishwonh, R. Bavin, J. Berry, W, C. Oliver, J. Lewis, W, J, Williams, G. Bona, T. G. Carr, H. R. Dewsbury, T. G. Ham mond, W. L. Salter, C. Abernethy, J. Dellow, L. Hudson, L. M. Isitr, G. W. Spencc, P. Wills, E. Best, J. I'ukes, W. Parsonson, W. Slade, T. J, Wills, and F, N. Griffin.

The balanco of ministers arrived to-day, but tlie inclemency of the wcatber prevented many from being pros tut, Proceedings were opened by the Chair man announcing Hymn47B. TheSecietary (Roy. W. Morley) read Ephesians iii., nnd Key. Messrs Williams and Best led iv prayers. The retiring President gave an Interest speech, in which he dwelt upon tho fact that no deaths in the Ministerial ranks had happened during the year, Last Conference had to record and mourn over the death by drowning of two ministers and two laymen who were dearly beloved and honoured throughout the whole connection, Two minis tcra and two probationers had resigned during the year; two of these wero com pelled to retire from tho ranks on account of not having sufficient physical strength to do tho work of nn itiuoiant i Methodist preacher. The places re signed have been supplied by young resigned have been supplied by young men from Eug'nnd land the Three Kin?s Tha statistics show steady progress, both spiritual and material, and wo aro thankful for this measure of prosperity. The spiritual progress of our church has always been tho glory of Methodism. Wo look not so much to statistics regarding church buildings, but to tho amount of tho st. ady progress of piety among our people. This is our great Btrcngth, nnd unless '.k: s is tho result of our labour, our system is a failare. There were vnrious persona who wero constantly making apologies for our class meetings and itinorant system; but, if instead of this we had an c-rnest effort to work our pre sent machinery of Methodism as she if, grand results would accrue to God's glory. Wo have bscn greatly sustained duiicg the year by steady aggressive work. Chris tianity was aggressive, and was the only remedy for tho world's ills. Ho trusted that past success would givo greater zeal for the future, and that God would own and bless the work of their hands. He hoped that the proceedings of the conference would bo marked by great harmony and brotherly affection, so that tho conference may bo made a great blessing to themselvts and their circuits. { applause.) Tho President then called npon minis ters to elect officers, The lirst was Presi dent. It was annouueed that only ministers of 15 yearß' standing could vote for Presi dent. The vote was then taken and was as follows :—President: Berry, Watkin, Mor ley, Blshworth, 1 each; R. Bavin, 18. The Chairman therefore declared the Key. R. Bavin duly elected. The snnonncomei t was received with applause. For secre tary, the votes wero : Reid, 1; Beny, 2; Williams, 3; Morley, 6; Bull, 11. Mr iJnJI was declared elected- Aa he bad not yet arrived, the retiring secretary was re quested to act in his place, and on his nomi nation tho Rev, W. Williams was ap pointed assistant secretary; the Rev. C, Bond, corrciponding secretary; tho wev. H. R, Dewsbury, journal secretary. The hcv. J. dump was appointed Conference precentor. The new President was re ceived by tho ministers standing. The ex- Prosident congratulated him on tho blgh position to which he wns elected, aud handed him the Conference Bible and Beal, commuting them to his care. The President,, on rising to speak, was received with great applause from all. He secnudvory much allVctcd, and taken by earpriso, and it was some time before ho could master his feelings. He soil:—Mr Kx-I'rcsident add honoured bathes,—l am taken by Burpiiss by such a vote os you havo just recorded. I cannot s»y that 1 desire l the honour, but I can reslisa how unwoithy lam of such a position. I do appreciate your great kindness, and I feel grateful to Almishty God who gave mo my tirtlifoio thnMethedistChurr.o. I askthe kiudncßS and foreboarancc of the brethren, 1 am, I know, in the midst of brethren wbose sympathy and help will bs mine. Dr. Osborne at his retirement from tbo President's chair of tlie Briti h Conference, said to tbo newly elected President, tbo hcv, Charles Garrett, " That tho chair ho was about to occupy was the easiest in the world, because it was cushioned by the prayers of thousands of God's Children all ovor tho void." I,havo no apology to offer on behalf of tho Methodist Chu cb, only let us provo worthy sons and successors of such worthy fathers. I prayjthat dnring each session of the Conference we may bo led to adopt such measures and act in snrh a spirit that wo may hrlp to spread Sc-ipture holiness throughout tha land. I cannot, ot comse, indicate the line of busi nes». I congratulate tho Ex-President upon tho past year of success and spiritual p.os pority of our people. It was a great ploasuro to know that we havo Dr. Stephenson ss a vis:tor from the British Conference. It is a great joy to hear of the great wel come tho Dr. his had in New Zealand. We should also arrange measures for the General Conftrenee of 1885. Tho subject of a separate conference should bo fully arranged beforehand. Tbo Church Loan and Building Fund Is a most important matter, and tbe unity of all the Methodist churches of New Zealand. These are vital {matters which sbouln engage our attenti Q v time. Mr Bivia sat down amidst great applause. The Rev. Thomas Buddie moved, and the Rev. Kirk seconded a vote of thanks to tho ex-President. They both spoke in terms ot praise as to Mr Taylor's efficiont work dnring the year. Mr Taylor feelingly replied, A hearty vote ot toanks was accorded to the Rev. W. Morloy, as Secretary of tho Conference.

Mr Morley gave a suitable reply. The President ca'led upon the Revs Berry, Kishworth, and Lewis to address the audience. These gentlemen gave short but telling addresses. The hours of session were then fixed, and it was determined that during the ministeiial busincss|the mornings should be devoted to committee work, the afternoons and evenings being open to the public. The first draft of stations was read by the acting sccreta'y. Tbe alterations proposed will be found subjoined :—-Rev Mr Smalley, Ponsonby; Roy J, J. Wills, Upper Thames; Rev Mr Pinfold, Te Awamutu; Rev Mr Marshall, Gisborne : Rev Mr Fee, Waitara; Key Mr Mather, Patea; Key Mr Dews bury, Hutt; Rev Mr Hudson, Grevtown ; Rev Mr Crump, C dombo-road; Rev Mr Morley and Rev'Mr Jonei, St. Albans ; Rev Mr Cannell, Springston; Key P, Wills, Woodend; Key Mr Garlick, Temuka; Key Mr Murray, Mornington ; Rev Mr Martin, Milton; Rev Mr Kish worth, Oamaru; Rev Mr Buttle, Gore and Tapanui.—The second reading was fixed for Friday morning. Notices of notion wero then called for. Ono was given by tbe Rev. W. Morley ie Standing Orders, and the following, on Methodist Union, was also submitted by that gentleman:—l. That In view of the rapid growth of this colony, tho spiritual needs of the numerous centres of popula tion, a' d the economy of men and means ob'ainable by a-i ama'g*nioiion therein, this conforeoco is of opinion that a union is highly desi'able, 2, That a committee of six parrots be appointoi-to confer with any commiitcos appoinedby tho Piimitivc Methodist Church district meeting, aid the Bible Christian Church, such General Committee to meet during the year, anil consider ■ the ba^is on which a union may be effected, their report to be submitted to the next district meetings snd the Conference of 1884. 3. That - — bo appointed Convener of the Committee, with p-iwer to fix tho time and place of meting, alter conferring with the representatives of the committees appointed by the other churches named. The Rev. A. Reid Bnnouaced that the Conference session wonld be held iv the Lome-street Hall, and ;tliat a sacramental service would be hold in Pitt-street Church this (Wednesday) evening. A most pleasing part of the evening's pre* framme was a motim by the Rev W. lorley,—" That this Conference tender its respectful and hearty congratulating to the Key Janies Wallis on the attainment of ministerial jubilee. The brethren recognise his long and faithful service as a missionary to the Maoris, as well as his subsequent labours as a circuit minister in the European work, They pray that the evening of his life may be calm and serene, and that in his , retirement he may fully realise those • consolations of our holy religion which : he has bo long preached to otberp." ,v j The motion was carried amidst great ap plause.

Tbo venerable missionary came forward and acknowledged the vote, and gave a happy account of some of his early mission ary enterprses 48 years ago. The Doxology was sung, "and tho meet ng closed.

This Day.

Tbe Conference met [at 10 o'clock this morning in the Lome-street Hall. _ The principal business was the consideration ot •' Ministers' Character." Every minister's moral and religious character was closely investigated. The question uaiially asked is—" Loos he preach our doctrines? Is ho of moral and religious character ? and does ho continue fit for the work of the Methodist Ministiy. At some of the re cent district meetings it was' resolved to ask the Conference to change the wording ef : " Does he preach our dootriues," and substitute the pressing question direct to each preachor, "Do you preach our doc trines." Whether this will be done by this Conference we cannot say. Several other business arrangements were made. There was a very full attendance. Revs, Bull and Pinfold arrived at mid-day from the Thames nnd Te Aroha.

FIRE AT OTAHUHU.

LAST night an unoccupied cottago at Ota hnhu, owned by George Adlam and George Thomas, of Panmure, wns destroyed by lire. The cause of the outbreak is un known. The houso was insured in the New Zealand Insurance Company for £100.

PARISH MEETINGS.

St. Paul's.

The annual meeting of tho parishioners was held last evening. Owing to the in clemency of tho weather there wes but a small attendance. Tho Rev, U. M. Nelson, incumbent, presided. Iho annual report of tho vestry, read by Mr Ashton, disoloscd the following facts: -Tho total receipts for the year (including a balance Irom 1881 of £21 lis 6d) amounted to £1,070 lis 9d. The total expenditure to £1,05410s 4d, leaving a balance in hand ot £15 15s sd. The Mabi'ities of tho parish, including the balance of Parsonage Loan of £425, are £505 9 1, the assets being estimated at £85 15s sd. The general offertories produced £456 9s 9d, £12 5s 5d in excess of last year, giving a weekly average of £9 7s 3d. Tho special offertories amounted to £120 18s lOd, showing an increase of £14 16s Gd over last year. The roveouo from the seat rents amounted to £282 5«, and although the largest sum yet collected in one year for tbis 3onrce, there is still a con siderable sum in arrears, the collector having great difficulty in getting in the money. The church debt is being steadily paid off at a rate of £70 per annum; the balanco now duo is £425, all interest having bconpaidupto November 15th, 1882. Reference was made to the appointment of Mr Jones as organist, and to the death of Mr Beale, parishioners' churchwarden. The following parochial statistics wore ap pended to the report:—Baptisms, 63 ; confirmation—lo males, 23 females, total 33; marriages, 17. burials, 30; Sunday school—average weekly attendance, 160; Holy Communion—total, 1,385, or an average per week of 26,1, This last item is by far the largest In the records of St. Paul's Pariah, the nearest approach to the numbers boing in tha year 1877, when the tot '1 was 1,315, or an nverage of 25.3. The report having been adopted, tbe rev. incum beat nominated Mr W, Wildman mini ster's churchwarden. Mr J. Mackio was elected parishioner's churchwarden on tho motion of Mr C. Barber, seconded by Mr Hughes. Tha following gentlemen were elected to-constitute tho vestry:— Messrs Sawklns, Whiiley, Worthington, Hughes, Alloway, Ingram, C. Burton, Ashton, Uatswell, and Kawlings. Messrs Ernest Burton and Potter Clark wore elected auditors. On tho motion of Mr J. Mackie, it was decided to vote £10 from the pariah funds for the use of tho Sunday school. Vot"8 of thanks were accorded to the retiring churchwardens, the lay-readers, the vestry, tho choir, andtiie Sunday-school teachers. Mr Wu«hes moved and it was carried, " That this vestry be instructed to pay Mr Wade, architect for tho parsonage, tbo amount duo to him, and that a receipt in full be obtained from him, A vote of thanks to tho chairman concluded tbe moot ing.

St. Matthew's.

There wore about 25 parisboncrs present at St. Matthew's meeting last night, Key. W. Tebb3, presiding. The annual report of tho vestry recorded tbo continued pros perity of iho church nnd parish. The ex penditure during tho year has been about £10 more tbau tbe income, although the offertory has been £60 more than in 1831. The falling off has been in the amount of pew rents, for though about tho same num ber of sittings wero let, the payments of many are in arrear, on which acconnt the income, as a whole, is little more than that of last year. The vestry have paid off £50 of tbe parsonage loan, and have also pro cured a water engine for blowing tho organ, at a cost, including the fitting and laying on of the water) of £40. The Sun day-schools, like all others, both Sunday and day, suffered severely during the early months of the year through tho cont'nnouce of the epidemics that prevailed. Dnring the later months tbo numbers hive gone on increasing, and are at present quite up to the standard of former years, if they do not even exceed it Whilst the attend ance ol children is thus good, it can bo ren dered very much larger if more teaching power can be obtained. No great result, however, can be attained, it is feared, until a larger and better adapted building can be procured for the school. It ia intended to form an association for mutual instruction and entertainment especially among the young men of tbe parish. Certain of the laity bave agreed to produce a scheme of this kind, and it is earnestly hoped tbat their efforts for good in this direction will be strongly reinforced by the willing assis tance of the parishioners generally. Thanks wero tendered to the choir, Sun day-school teachers, and other assistants. Attention was drawn to the fact that the gentleman appointed to audit the general accounts were also appointed to audit the stone church fund, but the trustees of the stone church fund had received no applica tion from tbe auditors. It was complained that the parish was making use of the bell fund, and only debiting thomselves 5 per cent, but a motion fixing the per centage at 8 was negatived, and 5 per cent, adhered to. In answer to a question, the chair man said.the attendance at the Sunday school was 326 on Sunday last, and on pre ceding Sunday 250. Teachers were greatly required—Dr Dawson was nominated ai Minister's ( hurch-warden, while Mr Doonan was elected people's warden. — The following gentlemen were appoiuted the vestry for the ensuing year:—Messrs Howden, Shavler, Fisher, J. C. Morrin, T. H. Webb, F, Wright, Kingef rd, Shortt, Dr. Hooper, and Colonel Ilaultain, Messrs J. M. Brigham and R. Lacon wero appointed auditors for the parish and stone church building funds.—lt was agreed, on the motion of Mr Burtt; "That at the expira tion of tho winter months, a meeting of the congregat:on be called to de cide the hour at which the even ing service should begin "—lt was a'so decided, on the motion of Mr Doooin, that on the first Sunday in April the time of tho evening servico'bo altered to half-past six. The question of having the Church thoroughly cleansed wai referred to tho vestry. Votes of thanks were passed, and the questions of better music in the church and the torins of settlement of tbe question as to St. Thomas's Bite and buildings, to be submitted to the standing committee, having been deferred for a fortnight, the meeting terminated.

Trinity Church, Devonport.

The accounts submitted shewed—Re ceipts : General offertory, £270 8s 4d; special offertory, £49 9s 8d; seat rents, £126 8s 9d; donations, £14; parochial endowment fund, 15s 6d ; root schoolroom, £5: total, £466 2s 3d. Expenditure : Balance due Bank of Australasia, £33 7s; minister's sipond, £275; miscellaneous, £133 2s lid j balance in bank, £24 18s 9d : total, £408 2* lid. Mr B. Tanner was nominated minister's churchwarden; Mr Edward Hammond, parishioner's church warden. The following were elected as the veßtiy for the ensuing year:—Messrs v. Mays, K. Cameron, E. M. C. Harrison, T. L. White, Vosper, W. H. Fenton, C. Gardner, W, Veale, J, A. Beale, and A. W. Gatdner.

St. Peter's Onehunga.

At this meeting the statistics shewed a slight improvement in every respect. The old officers were re-appointed, and a resolution passed expressing the sense of the meeting af the loss of Captain Symonds by deatb,- he having been connected with parish mat ers almost continuously since its formation.

SUPREME COURT.- CRIMINAL SITTINGS.

(.Yesterday concluded*)

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillie 5,)

Supposed Murder of Hugh A. Hamilton.

We append the conclusion of yesterday's proceedings:

' Robert Absalom Burgess, n surveyor residing in Upper Queen-street, deposed : -1 was In the York Hotel on the night of the 27th Nov. last. I left about ten minutes to 12. The deceased, wbom I knew, came into the hotel about 11,20, and stood at the passage window by the side of the bar, while I was In the bar. Just before cowiog away, I asked him to join my friend.Mr Ripley, and myself in having something, but I did not see whether or not he was helped to anything. I should say he was perfectly sober. We then lett the house. Deceased followed us. We may havo spoken together for about a minute afterwards, hut not more. I then bade him goml night, and proceeded on my way, Kipley and deceased being loft together. They separated, nnd my impresson is that deceased was behind me. He had some books in his hand which he said were lodge books. William Henry Ripley, employed by the New Zealand Timber Company, deposed : I waa ia the York Hotel on the night of the 27th November. Tho deceased, Hugh Hamilton, came there about half-past eleven, nnd asked for n man named White. He left a few minutes before twelve, just after the last witness and I. We stopped talking a minnto or two uuder the hotel lamp before separating. He had a pack age of books with him. I had known him fur five or six years. On leaving me, Hamilton went across tho road to Wilkes's coiner which is the direct way to his house. At that time ho was perfectly sober. I have not tho slightest doubt about it. He walked In his usual quick manner. To Mr Cooper: I never saw him the worse for liquor. Walter Maclaren Davidson, licensee of the York Hotel, Newton, deposed—l knew the deceased Hamilton very intimately, and I looked upon him quite as much as a friend as a customer, On the night of the 27th Nov. ho called at my hotel about 11.15 or 11.20, but not later than the latter time. He came In by the East-street side en trance, and knocked at the window slide. I threw up tbe slide, and he then asked me where Bill White was. He was perfectly sober, and he left about 20 minutes to 12 at tho latest. Burgess and tripley went away about a minute previously. Hamil ton appeared low-spirited, and seemed dis appointed at not seeing White. I heard of his death at 11 o'clock next day. I saw Mrs Hamilton, and in the course of conver sation with deceased's brother I heard her say that sbe had had a terriblo job with her husband during the night, and that she had had to change hh shirt, twice. I saw deceased's books and his hit upon the top of tho cupboard in the kitchen. He was anything out a drunken or dissolute man. I should say he was a man who could take a pint of beer, but who never went beyond tbe mark, I never saw him beyond the mark, nor anyone else I think. To Mr Cooper: I have a 10 o'clock license To Mr Earl: William White told me next day that Hamilton had wanted him in order to get some money from him. Georgo Roome Maerao, a ciopcr, carry ing on business in High-streot, de posed : I knew the deceased well; on hear ing of his death I visited his house tbe same day. I shook bands and spoke to tbe fomalo prisoner, asking her how her hus band came by his death. Sho said that he came home between ono and two o'clock, came to her room to remove the lamp, but that she told him not to do so; that he went to his own room when sho heard a fall; that she spoko to him through the partition end a*ked what was tbe matter, but got no anß»er; that sho heard him moaning or groaning, and that she fell asleep and did not awake till between six and seven o'clock in the morning, when she got up and found him bleeding. That waa all that passed between us, To Mr Cooper: Tho kitchen was full of people at the time, I have not interested myself in getting up evidence in this case. lam not an Orangeman; I am a cooper, (Laughter.) On the witness being reminded that ho had said in tho Court below that Mrs Hamilton stated she went to her husband's assistance when she heard him tall, he said he believed she did tell him so. His Honor pointed out that in that Court he had made no mention of tbo lamp, a< d that ho had alleged that Mrs Hamilton had said her husband had fallen against the bed. To Mr Earl: I have not said that it I had my way I would hang tbe prisoners, first, and hear the evid«nco afterwards. Ann Cullen, wifo of James Cullen, de posed : I live in East-street, next door to the Hamilton's, whom I had known for the past six years. About eight o'clock on tho night of the 27th of November last. I entered Mrs Hamilton's house by the back door, without having previously knocked. I saw Mr Priestley at the back door, and Mrs Hamilton in an inside room. I spoke to both of them. I remained in the kitchen about half-an-hour, Mrs Hamil ton being with me dnring that time. Tbe children were all in bed ia the front bed room. Mrs Hamilton spske of her husband's intemperance, and complained that he gave her no peace, I. have heard her s-iy the same before. She also said that ber hus band suffered from cramps, and that sbe was afraid he would go off iv one some day, and that there was nothing to bury him with. She said more in the same strain but I cannot remember it, I left her some time before 9 o'clock. The next time I saw her was about six o'clock on the following morning. Sho was then drawing water fiom tbe well in her own yard. I was in my own yard—tbe Adjoining one —and I could sco over ioto| t. I also saw ber wuabi'tr in a tub She did noc speak to me, and I do not know whether she saw me. 1 beard of Hamilton's death about 9 o'clock, and I went into the house about 12. Mrs Hamilton told me then (no one else beii»g present) that after her husband came home the previous night, she beard'a fill, and called out, "Hughie, what's the matter?'' that she got no answer, but bearing a groan, .she got up aod found that bo had struck llis head against the bed. She also showed me a part of the bedstead (just at the foot of it) where she said he mast have struck, as she had wiped some blood away from it. There was a great deal of blood about the bed aud the bed room at tne time, lt seemed to be nearly all over the bed, aod deceased's body was lying in it at the time. I was very friendly with Mrs Hamilton, and she often called mo into her house ia case of sickness. I had often seen Priestley about Hamilton's hou-o and yard during the daytime. He boarded at Mrs Neilson's on the other side of Hamilton's house, and the two yards communicated together by a small gate. Hamilton's house was furnished neatly and comfortably, and I always thought he was very kind to his wife, for he spoke kindiy of her, I bavo never seen him come homo unsteady. > Margaret Carnahan, wife of Joseph Carnahan, residing in Cros'-street, ivcwton, deposed : I knew the deceased Hamilton and his wife,and I visited at their house fre quently. I a'so knew Priestley. I have seen him in Hamilton's on almost every occasion that I have been there, but only ouce have 1 seen Hamilton aud him in the house together. He and Mrs Hamilton were very friendly. On one occasion when she was in a faint (Hamilton being at home) Priestley was tbe first to go imo her bedroom to restore her. I have seen him play with her hair, bathe her face and hands with lavender water, and do other small things that I cannot enumerate, I have eeeu him making out her grocer's order, while she hung over his chair, and ho was accus tomed to go her messages and chop her wood. They invariably addres'od each other by their Christian names, On one occa-ion, about five or six months ago, I went to Mrs Hamilton's bouse 'and knocked repeatedly at the front door, but got no an«wer. I not:c:d that the bed room bliod was drawn, and therefore I p-o ---ceeded along the passage leading* to tbe back in order to go to her mother's. When I was pas-ing the end of the house, I heerd a noise in the bedroom, and knowing then that Borne person must be in, I went to the back door, I glanced through the back window, and saw Priestley coming down tbe passage of the house to the kitchen, Then Mrs Hamilton came from tbe same direction, looking flushed and put out, I asked her what was the matter, and she re plied " Nothing." She then enquired if I was going into her mother's, and I said ' yes,' but that I bad some so wing for herself, 1 then entered the kitchen, when Prie«tley who was standing up against tbe mantel piece, said that he had been having a qniet smoke. I laughed, and remarked, "Oh, indeed," because I noticed that tbeciga which Priestley held in bis hand bad no been lit, I only remained a short time, a

thoy did not seem to care for me to s-op. Mr Hamilton always seemed lome a kind husband, and tbe house was neatly fur nished. Mrs Bamiltpn seemed to have everything that sho could want, too, in the way of food. She did not treat her bus band at all nicely ; she snubbed bim before strangers, and never spoke well of him. She was always complaining of him, and saying how bad he was. I had once (about five or six months ago), in my own house, rather a serious conversation with P;ic?iby abont Hamilton and bis wife and tt. eir homo life. My husbind wns present. Pdestley told mo that Mrs Hamilton was very nervous, and that wbea her husband was out late at nights she would stay in her mother's for a time, and that when she returned he had to accom pany her with a lamp und look under the beds to see that no man was there. He said, too, that Mr aud Mrs Hamilton once quarrelled when he was present; that Hamilton had threatened to pull Mrs Hamilton's hair, and that lie (Priestley) bad said that he would knock him down with his chair if he dared to harm a hair of her head. I remarked, "It was too bid of you, Mr Priestley, to interfere," and he re plied, "Yes, and 1 would have done it, too, and stamped tbe life out of him." I asked him how Hamilton had taken his interfer ence, and he answered, "Ob, he cowed down instantly." I said that he ought to be thankful that Mr Hamilton had not thrown him downstair*. He also told roe that Hamilton had threatened to tako hia life with a razor, and that Mrs Hamilton was frightened lest he should kill himself. I replied, "Oh, sho needn't bo frightened of him killing himself ; let her take care that he does not kill her." Mrs Hamilton has three children, and after the last baby was born, Hughie (the eldest, 5 years of age) slept with his father, and Aiick, the next one, in a cot at tbe foot of his bed. 1 saw her after the inquest, and she told me that it had gone off very satisfactorily; that Dr. Pbilson was a perfect gentleman, and that none of the jury seemed to doubt her statement in Ihe least. I have known tbe Hamilton's since the lOih of April last (Easter Sunday). Mr Cooper cross-examined the witness at some length, but failed to shake her testi mony in the slightest degree or to elicit anything fresh and material. tfosanna Pooley, wife of William Daniel Pooley, deposed : I reside in West-street, Newton, and know the Bamiltons. I visited Mrs Hamilton about 1 o'clock on the day of her husband's death. I asked her how it happened, arid she sa:d "On his bed by a fall." We were tben by ourselves iv the room where her husband was lying. She further ex plained that ho had fallen on the side of the bed near the bottom (place indicated,) The top of the mattrass was very much stained with blood, but I noticed none at tbe foot, although there was some upon the matting in front. The last time I saw Hamilton alive was on the previous night when on his way to the lodge. He was perfectly sober. One afternoon at the time of Mrs Hamil ton's confinement, I was in her bedroom vfhen Priestley came hurrying into the room with a letter, banded it to her, and went out. Ho did not announce his coming in any way. That was the first time 1 had seen him. The Court rose at 6.15 p m.

This Day.

The trial was resumed at 9.30 o'clock,

Christina Cooper, a nurse, deposed: I attended Ihe female prisoner during her last confinement in October last, and I re mained three weeks In the house. Mrs Hamilton was up a week before I left. As far as I could see Mr Hamilton treated her very well, but she complained to me that be was unkind, that he gave her no money, and that he would not give her proper lood to eat. Priestley was very often in the liouse, aud Mrs Hamilton treated him very kindly quite in a different manner from that with which she treated her husband. 00 one occasion I was going into Mrs Hamilton's bed-room, butonseeingPriestley and Mrs Hamilton conversing there together I withdrew, thinking I was not wanted. I went into Mr* JSeilson's, and about a quarter of an hour afterwards I re turned through bearing some stones thrown on the roof.- I found Priestley siandingin the kitchen and Hamilton running aboLt looking for a brandy bottle, as his wife was in a fiiot. After she recovered, I remarked to Hamilton that it was a strange thing that sbe always fainted when he came into the house, while she never did when I was with her. Priestley went away during the time I was, talking to Hamilton. aU tbe time I was there the two elder cbil• dron slept in the back bedroom with their father, and Mrs Hamiit n the baby, and I slept in the front bedroom. Hamilton's bed was made up of a straw palliasse, a home-made flax mattrass, a pair of blankets, a pair of sheets, a bolster, and two pillows. The palliasso was full length and fitted the bed, but the mattrass was a little short. when I made the bed it was drawn down to the foot, and a blanket was folded to make up for its shortness at the top Blankets and sheets hung over the sido of the bed. To Mr Cooper: Mrs Hamilton made a more tedious recovery than most women. The fainting fits she had were not proper ones, for she never lost cither colour or consciousness during thorn, and thy were not hysterical. I think tbey were owing to nervousness and a little temper. »he would just go off, 1 and shut her eyes. Mrs Hamiltnn and I are members of the Presbyterian Church, and at the last Communion I attended we sat together in the same seat. Thatwss before her baby was born. Priestley was introduced to me as a lriend of the family— as one who had been like a brother-and during the first week I asked him in several times at night, and ho chatted and read to us. ■ He was accustomed to come in and have prayers.^ 'A , Sarah neilson, wife of Kobert Neilson, the female prisoner's brother, deposed : I was living next door to the Hatniltons on the 27th of November last, ■ At 7 o'clock next morning I was called by Miss Anna Neilson (Mrs Hamilton's sister), and went into Mrs Hamilton's house, having heard that her husband had met with an accident. I entered by tbe back door, and proceeded into the back bedroom, where Hamilton was lying wiih a cut on his head. I asked her bow he bad got it, and she said tbat he had fallen against the bedstead. I then asked at what time he had como home, and she answered " A little before one o'clock." I noticed blood on the wall at the foot of the bad between it and the child's cot. There waß also a spark of blood upon the wall higher than my head,and there was blood, too, on the brath-bag, and along-ide the window. There was a stream of blood from the brnsh-bag down the wall, and it seemed to mo as if it had been wiped. This was the wall facing the back yard. On the wall next the passage there were three bloody finger marks. At the foot of the bd there was a good deal ef bluod on the matting, and it tad soaked throunh on to the fl-jor. There were a few spaiks on the floor under tho bed. I could lind none on the bod except where his head was lying. He bad on a white night shirt. Alick Neilson brought tbe doctor, and he (Neilson) told Mrs Hamilton that she bad better go into her mother's. She did so, Priestley lodged at Mrs NeilsonV, where, al«o, I had been stopping for the fortnight prior to Hamilton's death. I have seen Priestley, talking lo Mrs Hamilton too often for me to remember, "thoy would generally stop their conversion whea I came near. 1 have also seen him in various parts of Mrs Hamilton's house, viz , the kitchen, tiar lour, and back bedroom. Old Mrs Neilson is an invalid, and Mrs Hamilton would come in occasionally to Inquire after her. Priest'ey and Mrs Hamilton were on friendly terms, and as far as I have seen, she was on friendly terms, too, with her hu-biEd, I saw nothing between tbeni but what was friendly - nothing on Mr Hamiltou's s:de. Mrs Hamilton, however, was not satisfied' with her husband for she has told me that she did not love him. She also said tbat nothing but- do*th or divorce wonld make her happy. We have talked together on the subject two or three times. On one occasion I entered Mrs Hamilton's house at night and found her sitting in a rocking chair reading the paper, while Priestley was lying on the sofa beside her chair. Mrs Hamilton remarked to me " Isn't this a fine fellow to be lying here while I am reading to him." I remained a few minutes, Mr Hamilton was not present.

To Mr Earl: Priestley was very atten tive to old Mrs Neilson, aud also to me when I was ill. On the night of the 27th he left Mrs Neilson's at nearly six o'clock, saving that ho was going to Onehunga, and I did not see him again tbat night, Ke-exam'ned by the Crown Prosecutor : On that Monday a youns man named McDonald came seekine lodgings at Mrs Neilson's, and in order tbat he might be accommodated, I asked Mrs Hamilton if she would make me up a bed in her house that night. Bhe did not reply, and I repeated the request, but she gave me no answer, although she must have heard me.

I understand, therefore, that ehe did not - want me to stop, Elizabeth Hamilton, wile of John Hamil ton, and mother of the deceased Hugh Ham' £ ilton, deposed : I heard of my son's death on the day that he died, lat once went to his house, and on arriving there I saw Mrs Hamilton and a number cf other people la the kitchen. I saw my sonVbody; m ¥ husband took me into the front room an I "> was excited, and the female prisoner foi. lowed me there. I said .-.' "* h, Marion" how has this happened?" and she replied I that ho had come home drunk between one i end two o'clock in the morning, and came 1 to take away the lamp from the bedroom in which sbe was lying; that she Baid to him " Oh, Hughie, don't take away thelamn' baby's so. bad that I must watch'it j that he - went into his room at the back, when she I heard a heavy tall, that she took no notice of it, but fell asleep and did not waks u D till four o'clock, and that the then bathed his temp'es," I asked: "DM ; you not go for assistance," aad she replied —" How could Igo with a sick baby intcy arms." Lflaid- "Had it been my easel would haVe put down the baby in any cirner and Tan foi assistance in my stocking soles and nightdress before I would let my husband lie and bleed to death." She ! made no .answer. My husband and her mother were the only other persons present I I then said that I would go home, as 1 bad 1 seen my son and did not want to see any more. Before that time I had not been a$ tbe house since tbo baby was born. M To Mr Cooper : I was not friendly ftt(fl Mrs Hamilton. We did not hit it tot gether. I was opposed to the mania™ I and I never approved of her as a daughter., in-law. I have known Mr Macrae since we arrived iv the Colony, 18 years ago. I have conversed with him about the case, j gave my statement to a reporter. John Parker deposed: — I am is 4 the emp'oy of Messrs Archibald Clark' and Sons, and I .knew tbe deceased I who was employed ih the Bame establish--.5 ment. On hearing of bis death I went up.-J to his house- between 10 andll a,m,tmj' the day of his death. I saw Mrs Hamilton^ in the kitchen and had a conversation with! her after 1 looked al the body. I askel hat -? what tim 9 her husband had come home.l She said that be arrived about 1 o'clock',* that he came to her bedroom to get thai light and that she told him not te remtnei it ehe might require it, the child being ill •! that he said it wis all right, and went away; I tbat after this she heard him fall five or six' times; tbat the last fall shook the house '-A that she went into his bedroom and that hel told her he had fallen against the bedstead, besides saying "Try and stop the bleeding! for I am getting faint trom losTef-s blood. 1 shall have to tell my wile when I get home j" that. she said)! "You are in your own house now,"-! but- that he made no answer. I askedl when she had got the answer, and she n», plied, "At 7 o'clock." I enquired why did'you not get him sooner. She|§H swered, "Because the baby was iiL" I, said, '• But you could bave got joi/ mother," to which she replied that hit mother was ill, and tbat the doctor was' coming in tbe morning. I then saijj '•Well you could have gO% your ■ sister,^ and .she replied that her sister co-old sit - come, but that,she went ont onto tfcs verandah to see if any one was abodtgj either man or boy. ■ She conld see no one, : however, and until her brother arrived* between six and seven, there was no ont'-1 she could send for the doctor, I have known the deceased Hamilton about 8 or; ------9 years. He was sober and|trnstworthy,:' and I Have never seen him the worse fori. Iquor. Maty Harrison, wife of Joseph Hnrriscn, deposed: 1 reside at Mount Eden. I was slightly acquainted with the deceased Jbugh Hamilton, ahd 1 went to hia honso on the day of his .death. Mrs Hamilton told me that he bad came home drunk and. fallen against the bedstead ; that she met; him in the passage, assisted him to hi; bed, and sponged the wound with water; that sbe had to take off bis shirt and put on hia night shirt; that the blood had soaked! through the carpet and matting on to the: floor where It lay in a clotted spoon,"sniff that ehe had to scoop it up with an irosj spoon; that she drew a bucket of water at" 5 o'clock, and afterwards wakened her; mother. - I did: not see deceased's wound, -j Mary Ann Purcell, wife of James Prir-j cell, deposed: I reside in Newton,ani' know the female prisoner. On the 7th ot> December last, I went to her house to"dd- : some washing. Mr Alexander .Neilson came for me. I went through the kitchen, into the back bedroom, where I was loldlij leave my things. Mrs Hamilton showed! me some clothes soaking in two tubs in ti|. garden, and told me the water had beeu: changed on them twice. I took oatsai wrung some of them; they smelt very un.' pleasantly. To Mr Cooper: The lops oj, the tubs: were covered over with loose boarding, I washed out the hack bedroom also. Thcrj were several marks of blood upon the floorf but I don't think it had been washed sinoji they bad fallen upon it. On the next day; I washed the passage,, and it had not the., appearance of having been washed or cleaned in any way, for the oil-cloth had. just been-taken np. Mrs Hamilton was'; making preparations for a see. Theresas' one bloodstain near the foot of the bed.f MS Hamilton did not endeavour to conceal; anything from me. 1 liaabeth Hamilton, junior, deposed: I am the sister of the deceased Hugh Hamil ton, and reside with my parents. On tlie > 28th November about I o'clock, I went to' Mrs r*eilson's house next door to my brother's, and at the reqnest of the femile: prisoaer I went in- there also. I entered by the back door, and eat down on a sola ia." the kitchen. . I stayed in the house-all; night, sleeping in the bed-room with Mis Hamilton. Next morning, while I \W, sitting in the kitchen with the baby, I sat| her come.out of the passage, carrvinginM left hand a broom with an-axe behind,; ihe broom was between tho axe>M me. ". She went through tlje »«Di™B in the ditectiod of the . well. Sis put the axe at the back of the well amorpi the grass, and I got up and looked thrungi.: the window at her. She placed tbeaiij'J amongst the grass, and with her righth'ass put the grass, which was pretty high, dona over it. There is a low fence, about Mi feet bigb, around the weU, She brorigfl the broom back again, RobertNeilson, a settler, residing at Hrt.' Bty of It-lands, brother of the fcmalt prisoner, aad' husband of Sarah NeUstgjfj deposed: I arrived at Auckland about; 8 o'clock on the 28th November. I weal Straight from the wharf to my mutlicr'i, where my wife was stopping. T got there bstween 8 and 9. . After 1 had had o! interview with Mr Macnicol and my mote; I was told tbat Hamilton v*»3gonc, and I,: went into his house. I Entered by tit hack way and passed through tbokitchor into the back bedroom, where 1 bsw Hamilton's body. There was no ono pre sent. I remained "in the room about ten minutes, and then walked out onto the front verandah, While walking awtiijj; there, I observed an axe lying upon ;ft| square plot between the verandah °' Hamilton's and my mother's houses. There was no access to it except over the cod of the verandahs, while apiece of laltire-wci* concealed it from the roadway. »f mother's verandah was the higher of Its ; two. Hamilton's verandah is about 'J "10 inches above the ground, and my moihg|| a*oit two feet above the ground. V*sm was grass growing in the plot to the heisi&|J; of some 9 inches. The axe was no: tan coaled. I picked it up and looked a*; it, and noticed- that it was damPfl: from being left out in the dwffl I threw it down again. I know Priestt«fi"i and also his handwriting, as I have bad frequent communications from him, [ibls witness here identified portionsot two Viecfß of writing as being ia Priestley's baiv" writing, as well as a number of letters that,; he had received from Priestley.] The Crown Prosecutor asked leave (^ produce these letters, . - Mr Earl drew the attention of the Wjgg to tho fact, that these letters had -not ■l&m produced before ; and that he bad not serai them, and that he bad not been notifiedol.! their production. .i; His Honor eaid that he did-not think MM could exclude them. All he could say w" ■_~ —it was not proper to produce them at (Mn stage for the first time without having gi«Bjj notice. ■ , aim 1 he Crown Prosecutor explained that M| could not have produced them before, ■»' they were not in his possession when tw proceedings in the lower Court took plat* ," His Honor rejoined that at any ratfjai must have known he was going to prods* them, and formal notice of bis intention therefore should have been given, ."■ Examination continued: f he letterprt* duced is dated November 3rd, and wa».;i written by me to Priestley in answer too« of his. I have-not gat his letter, anal cannot remember its contents. His Honor ruled that as the *H«*ij could not remember the whole contents «, the let'er, he could not be aaked «» 8 remembered any part of it. George Bishop Monro, Presbyte«M« minister, residing at Bcmuers, depos(a'|| I know the prisoner Priestley well. *-™ the .6th of December I was atteuuinf!» meeting of the Presbytery in St Andn'W. Church when Priestley came aad Bk%J| that he wanted to speak to me,: Wo w?M

THK AUCKLAND EVENING STAK WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24



A O » ■!-& A_ L__|j_ BROAEOABT CLOVER ABD SEED BARBOW DRILLS, specially adapted . tot sowing broadcast Turnip, Clover, Bro Grass, and other small seeds. AMEBIC AN HORSE BAKES, which, with ooe Han'and Horso, will collect ready tor carting three to four tons ot Hay per , hOßfc SELF-RKUBVING CHAIN HARROWS, BO well known that description Is nn 1 nsoeosary. COLONIAL TINE HARROWS, whioh for Btiength, efflolenoy, and slmplloity have -'• no rival..--:,.-.' CHAFF CUTTERS, for hand, horse, or steam power. '. Also, ; , PLOUGH 8 (Single and Double), SUB SOILBK& HORBB HOES, CULMVA- OitS, ab., So., SuL manufactured by Taos. Oobbett, Shrewsbury, England, nt crlces which defy competition. ;,"■";'"'."' A ■ ' ' '1 ,-::Aia>, A COOWAffS SBBD AND MANUBB ,A^~A". mulls. X KBABSLETS COMBINED REAPER ~,-/■ AJSD MOWER. :: BOBBY ft OCV3 STBAM ENGINES AND * • THRASHING MACHINEa -.-.';' '*-■- r- A'kA.A '" y. ', ____ ; "k'A, , '.'.'■: \" ' . •''■'■ -yk ■ •'-, " ' '■'■ ■■'; -,'.;'., ..: j[ii'-:/JBLufiBX * Co., ■ kA-'AAky 101. ODEKN-OTRSST, - - ' -. -Anokland, | T. * .fl. COO KB, '44 AND [46, VIOTOBIA-STEEB BiiOTOBVI EIMOT,P«rBEBS,], Having completed the arrangement ot their Now and Extensive Premises, which are fitted with every appliance tor tbe despatch of Busi ness. Invite too attention of Latiles and Gentle men FUBNIBHING to their Largo Stook ot Drawing and Dining Room Suites BrasaeU. Tapectrr. and Kidder Carpets Iron Bedsteads, Wardrobes, Drawers ' Tablee. Cheftenlera, Btde-Boarda Mattrasses, Paillasses, Pillows Bolsters foilet Ware In great variety linoleum, Flooroloth, Mattmg Hearthruga, Wool Mate, Coooa Mats Chimney and Toilet Glasses ' Gilt Oornloea and Cornice Poles Verandah, Veaeltan. and Roller Blinds Cane. Folding, and Childrens' Chairs Ml Tables, Hat Standß, Hall Chalra Kitchen Tables and Kltohen Ohalra Rverv Article Guaranteed, and Prices Reduced £• the Lowest Amount, consistent with Beet Qtallty in Materials and Workmanship. • ; AI ,k * T. &H. COOKE, .'.,' VICTOBI4 AND ELLIOTT STKEKT3. XT OUSE, land, and estate ', H AGBNOr.—Central Chambers, 177, Qneen - Btoat mS Bverton Cottage. Ohuroh - street. Ni^Shore.—J be undersigned. In oommenolng tt^^eaißto^begstolntlmatotoProperty HoldertTand the Public generally, that any iStoera mtruited to him will have Ms per wmal and oaretul supervision, and trusts or Strict promptitude and integrity, to merit sup port from his many known friends. ,Ak7 7 ALFRED COX. iS" MIT H -.'•. & IC AUG HE V .O 808 to Intimate that they have just re twived the first lnat«lment of Cambrlo Hand i Sroblcfa aad Linen Goods, as already referred 35? This lot Includes over 7,000 Ladles', Gents'. Mi'dChlldren'a Handkerchiefs, In various qaall f*i 'SSI-Several hundred dozen are slightly i^maeed, and will be marked at extraordinary Ix, prices, commencing at Id eaob. Gents' 1 ' JKmbrlo Handkerchiefs, from ls Hid per ha'f fSSSi Table Cloths, from lslld to 203; Table ' vSSE.B4 taOh wide. Hid por yard; Tabfla Nap wSfrosaUSldtolOa per balf-donen. Also, a = 'fit?ofaSißlikHan«kerohlefs,atlßßdand la Hd, 1 'nKiaiwloeSaßd. These Goods were bought by ' : S^^esen»a«ve from some of the leading rtaifaßt Manufacturers for cash, and wiU be p STtd at and under wholesale prioe, to makercom Er two large shipments to arrive per ships I i Mataura' and •Brahmin/ SMITH ft CAUGHEY, Ife- KWPOHTOM FOB IBIOH LINENS AND OAMDBIO fc n HAWDKCBCIIIByS, Hi aa and 802. Coper Qaeen-stroet and Alexandra UHI ptcett, and at Newmarket, '



Bpecial AdvertiaemeDta. j Hi v v s s 1 1 V V This Invaluable Antlseptlo Pro»aratlon la TASTELESS. ODOURLESS, and PERFECTLY HARMLESS. It Is Guaranteed to Keep Meat. Soup. MitK, Egos. Butijwj, Eish. Game Froit. Preserves, Beer. j?lNB, and Food of ovory description, sweei. Sound, and whole some, till required for nse. See report by Dh. Hkotor. C.M.G.i F.E.&, Colonial Laboratory. Wellington. t»o!e Agents for Anoklaud- T A I N E BROS., QOBEN-STRSET A» XiINABURY & Co.'S NEW GOODS 1 NEW GOODS I NEW GOODS 1 , NEW GOODS 1 WE ARE NOW SHOWING OUB FIRBT BHIPMENT OF Spuing and Summer dress goods, MILLINERY, JACKETS, MANTLES, ULBTEBS, &0. WE HAVE THE LARGEST AND BEST KELEOrED STOOK OF MILLINERY IN MILLINERY M'LLINERY .„„„. ,„ n MILLINERY MILLINERY ***"»* MILLINKRY —You aro— —respectfully— - Invited to visit— —Onr Establishment— —before making— —your Pnr— —ohasee.— -t+- DJESSMAKING ON THE PREMISBS. COSTUMES MADE ON TWENTY FOUR HOURS' NOTIOE, a i inabuby a no, DM ft SOS QUEBN-STRKKT, HPHORNTON, SMITH AND FIRTH HAVE FOR SALE i • Drown' Flouv, In saoks, UXTB and "Champion' , .. *' 'Cantab" ~ •• •• Sharps Bran . Fowl at Christmas & Hew Yea b william rattray Begd to Inform those reaulilng Christmas an Now Year Presents, that ho has a SPLENDID STOCK OF DRAPERY SILKS MBROBRI DRESSES CLOTHING SAIINa MANTLES I COSTUMES millinery ribbons hosiery Sao*B oiovjb BOaRITS MITTS MEN'S AND BOYS' — - -asx&ymm!—*. The Goods re of the Best Quality, have been Bought Cheap, and will be Sold Oheap, at WILLIAM J^ATTBAY'S CENTRAL DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 178, 180, & 183, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. THE Wonderfully Increased demand for OU OKKKBBATED GOODS, made of NEW ZEALAND TWEEDS, has necessitated the Firm Eroding an Extensive and Costly New Warehouse, to give accommodation to tbe EXTRA ,-"■•' CLOTHING Btaf and to make room for the New Machinery, whioh haa been personally seleoted by lb". Hailenßteln dnrlng his recent visit to England and America. THE FACTORY will now be the Largest Estab lishment of the kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and as described in the "OtagoDaily Times," promises to be a Model Warehouse. Tha AUCK LAND BRANCH Address is -158 AND 160, QUEEN-STREET. The choloe variety of NEW GOODS now showing has nothing to com pare with lt In tho whole of Queen-streeT, auckland. , FITZ BI M B. Brapoh Manager.



PECIAL-1883. Memo. We beg o remind onr Frlands and the Public that, thongh we have relinquished tbe Lrapsry—ie., the Ciotbiso Tbadk, we Btill keep a FißflT-otAsa assobtjcbnt or AH KINDS OF MANCHESTER GOODS, whioh we continue to sell at Vest Cheap Bates. We have Just Opened a lot of Goods bought in the Home Markets at Job Priosb (by our own buyer, lately returned from England and the Continent), and which vi sbaix ecu much under the Ordinary Prioes. Amongst them are a Splendid Lot of LACK CCRTAINB.TABLB CUJTHS, CRETONNES, OtJBTAIR BAUD, and ordinary Manchester Stuff. A Lot of FURNITURE. FAItOT BRAC KETS, and Occasional Chaibs. GABLIOK & CRANWELL. OCR NEW FACTORY, with aU tbe Machinery Appllanocs now In full swing, enables ua to Execute Orders with promptitude, and at Cheaver Hates than before. We have an Immjnke STOCK of IRON BEDSTEADS and GESERAIi HOUSEHOLD FURNI TURE, for those a""cat to Furnieh, to seleot from. GARLIOK & GRANWELI* JOB LOT-WHITST, LACE CURTAINS JOB LOT-OOLODBED TABLE CLOTHS JOB LOT-WHITE TABLE DAMASKS JOB LuT-ORBTONNES MAGNIFICENT LOT of GOOD OBETONNES Just Opened OHEAP LOT of CARPBTS Jnst to Hand, ' GARLIOK ft CRANWELL, Fnrflishlng Warehouse, Queen-street. GO TO GARLICK & CRANWELL for Iron Bedsteads GARLICK & OBAN WELL for Bedding GARLIOK ft OBANWBLL fO>! Carpets GABLIOK ft CBANWfLL for FurnltnM GARLIOK ft CRANWELL for FIOOI) OlOtbf GABLIOK ft OBANWBLL for Chairs garliok ft OBANWBLL for Ohlmaoy Glass GARIJOK&ORANWBLLforIunainda GARIJOK&CRANWEbLforBOWpIiffe'fI Soring Wire Mattrasses ...•-. GARLIOK & CRANWELL for FendOM and Flrelrons. GO TO GARLIOK ft OBANWBLL tor all you want- Foi your House, their Goods are Cheap, ana For Country are well packed; For Town are deUvered freo 5 . For Cash, 6 per cent, discount allowed. FURNISH YOUB HOUSE FKOM THB ~ CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE, QUEEN-ST. and LOBNE-ST,, AUCKIiAND. (Jablick '&> Okanwell, '



Special Advertisements] i PERTAIN NEWSPAPERS AP. \J POINTED PROVINCIAL GAZETTES. JAMKB PIUCNDBRGABT, Administrator of the Government. Whereas, by tho twelfth Bjotjon. of "The Abolition of Provinces Aot, 1876." ''^"J 0"8 other thlnKß.enaotod that, in Aotsot the H«n eralAesombiy.liiiillln ovory Aot or Ordlnatco of the ffilatnre Of an abolished Proytace nndor the said Aot. the exprea»lon "Provincial Gazatto,' or " ProvinbUi Government Gfzatte. ot othor almllav expressions, Bhouid, with respeit to »ny provincial dlstrlot, bo acemGd to moan tbo •'New Zoaland GazetkK," oc snoh nowapapor aa from tlmo to time may be ap pointed by the Gov«rnor for tho pnrpoae of In- Fortinatherein not'.floatlons of any kind relaj in« to tho HovemmontoC the colony, or tie ad ministration of the Gsvernment within any provincial dlatrlot. ' < Now. thoreforo I. Jamßß Prendergoßt, the admial«t>ator of the Government ot the oolony otNowZauland, inpnrsnanoa and exorolae of ovory powor und authority voatod In me in that ! behalf, do horebr rovoko «11 appointments here tofore maae, and in liou thereof hereby up point tho newspapers specified In tho BOheduli fierototobothenowspaDorsfor thopnrpoao ot Irserlinfif therein, during «he year one thonßand eloht hundred and elghtF thriMNaU notlflo»tlon8 whlob, by any Aot of tho General Assembly or Orolrnnoi ot any Provincial Connoll, »re re- I quired to fco Inierttd In the Provlnolal Govern inanl "Gszotte" within tho Provlnolal Dletrlot namod oppoßlte the name of eaoh nowscopor reepeotivcly in Buonsobedulo. SOHKDULW. Namo of Naw»papor. " Auckland Kveninq Btir" .. Auokland, "Taranaki Herald".. _ „ TaranaW. "DallyTelß«rapli'.. _ .. Hawko'aßay. •'Bvenlng Mall" .. .. - S? 18,? 11- mrA "MarlboronghExprasi".. - Marlborongn. " West Coast Tlmei" .. .. Wostland. "Preiß" - .. .. ■■ Canterbury, " Otago nßily Times and Wit ncaa" .. .. •• •• Otaga Aa wltneaa the hand of his Bxoellenoy tea Administrator of the Qovarnment, thul tonth d»y of Jatuw-y, ono thousand e'ght hundred and elg&ty-threo. THOMA3 OIQg.