SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATBBffi^&rXg.S.lS BIINBKT —This Kvonintf, fi.9 ...

ARRIVALS.

LAST BTBBINO. Belle Brandon, aob., Bushell, from Marshall "roup to-day. George Bowley, brq, Hamond, from London

DEPARTURES.

LAST kVENINS. lona, as.. Crawford, for Whangarel ESSoror; 3.8., Mineham.for Sydney Island

IMPORTS.

Per Belle Brandon from Marshall Group-65 tons copra. Pet 8.8. Rotomahana-100 ca°.e3 bronnes, 70 baza onions.-Harry CaDham. cm R.M.S.B. City ot New York-61 oases casings.—Harry Oanhain. ,x George Bewley fromJtondon-U cases and ba'ea winter diapery.-William E Brldg- Per George Bewby-lcaces guns, 1 drora re fined gun oU.-D. ivvltt. Queen street. s^e^SasSUne^leW^ 20 casea compressed powder, 7 cases sporung intermediate motions. 1 case ?' a «es broah catUe troußhs, 6 grain drills, 1 case prun Ine Bhears. 2 cases angers, 1 case wupb au|ers7lTO»e spoke trimmers, 1 case clamps, 2 cmS poßt-hofr augers, 1 case grindstones 6 cornshellers, 1 case mincers, 1 cask kettles, 5 cases fenders, 2 casks tin tacks, 1 case padlocks 3 casks tiles, 7 cases -weighing machines, 1 case steelyards, 2 ctses fire irons, 3 cases mortice fur niture. 1 case finger plates, 1 case lubricators, 4 casea clout nails, 1 case axle pulleys. 5 casks axle Suey*,s caskshorse shoes, 1 cask frying pans, X case pokers, 2 casks sundries, 5 casks ena meUed wara, i case table cutlery. 1 cask latches 1 cask sash fasteners, 1 case scales, 2 casks rim locks? leasewater meters, 11 cases (iron green hon7e>, 1 caak garden rakes. 1 cask iron weights. 27 rolls wire netting. 1 case oU feeders. 4 paokagea barrow wheels, 1 ca3e band saws, 1 oasecandlesticUs, 2 bars copper, 3 cases copper Sherts. 1 case cased tube, 1 case curfeJr,.bands 1 case tin teapotß, 11 kegs ealvan'zednails, v S€SaUri«apni;fu& sfage^locksTcaJe electric bells, 1 case wire, 1 case kella.-B. Porter & Co. S-sadfflerr. fiMO; flaorolotu; «180; sew ll,g mloWDes, «830; blacking. £i 0; agrioalturai &90-corks. «HI; olucka ard wutones, £230 sertumery.klO; jewellery, £110; »g"«nltural Sna"e.rd«n seeds. £60;o!«y pipes, «<>:«*»• sort* 620 ; cartriges and dynamite. 82101 I gun powder, 330-t; iron tanks. Am : lead shot IS ton« • chainß and nnohorß, 7 tons j hTrt'ware cutterr. iIW: bar and rod iron. 280 tons; hoop iron, 8 tone; sheet iron, 1 ton; plate iron, 15 tons; pig iron, f tons; galvanised iron, 73 tons; sheet lead, 19tons; yellow metal. 1 ton; tin plates, 544 boxes; iron nails. 57 tons; wire and wire rope, 58 tons; zlno, 2 tons; linaeed oil, 4830 gallons; rape oil, 830 gallons animal oil, 80 galons; varnish. £10: paint colours, £780; glue, 4 cwt; pitch and tar, 33 barrels; flint glass, £220; plate glass 5 cases; china and potatoes, £720; nran 2nd flour bags. £30; canvas, £350; cordage, £80; linos and twines, £70; cigars, 310 lbs; brandy hi bulk. 100 gallons: rum, 90 gallons; British spirits in bulk, 770 gallons: British spirits in caae,7lo gallons; foreign salad oil, 180 gallons; perfumed spirits, 30 gallons; red wine, 660 gal lons: white wine, 240 gallonB: beer. 30 gallons; beer (glass) 74 brls of 36 gals; preserved h3h (not rated) £10; salt flsh, £10; sardines, £80; as sorted Oilmen's stores, £650; mineral water, £40; vinegar, 1130 gals; foreign salad oil, 60 gals; petper and spices, 10 cwt- cocoa 6 owt; nuts, 37 cwt; isinglass aS'gelatine, £20;' mustard, £80; starch. £100• wnite s*'t, lo ion»; nod* ocya\bl*, in turn,; oansllo soca, 8 tons; silicate 2 tons; canales, Britlaa ann Foreign, 1920wt; »oop. 8owt; rallies. 750W«; Frer-oh plums, 3owt; flue, lowf aluoo-e aid « coarun. llOowt; co;. faMOTOTu" r,ee k ,£250; chemical" jgtdcij. crlbed, £10l»; apothecary ware, £600; alnm, lOcwt; sulphate of copper, lOowt; tartaric acid, 6cwt; cream tartar, 17cwt; condensed milk, £150- cornflour, £30; coke, 21 tons. Total de clared value of cargo, £13,200.

The brig Boblo Hood proceeds hoooe to K»l ara in ballast to load timbßr tor Melbptun?. he oleared ontwarda at the Customg to-day.

Tlie schooner Fairy Qneen was berthea along side ol tneb»rque (famenoih this moratnft lor lh« purioseof dlßOharglnsc part of hr Island cargo for conveyance to London.

The bMnna Olive entered out at the Cosloxa to-day for Newoastle. The sohooner Blslnore will sill for Rarotoaga at an early date. She entetel out at the Customs to-day.

Caotaln Bushell, of the Bml Brandos, report havtau scan the Auckland schooner Mareppa •nil well " at the Marshall Group, on March 20

The to'lowlog vessel? were spoken by the Sod the Jfiiigtlah, barque Bereao. from lAunoea ton to London, 65 <>ajs on', on Jfebrnery 15, In 2 degß. 8.. 30 dega 10 mino. W. Tte Behoooer Belle Brandon arrived off the Ninth Head at 6 v.w. yesterday, dropped anchor close to the Hallway Wharf «bont 11 ™° cantaln Busheil reDortß:- Left Auoklan* on January 6th, and arrived at f£vrika on the 19th Had fresh N.E. wind during the first pan of the passage, and during the latter part hunt easterly winds *nd fin; weather. I*fc 'or Bava on Jairaary 23. and arrived there on Ike following day. left on the aßth and arrived at Botnmah on Februsry 5. iSt Sain on the following day for ihe M»r iif»ii'« Left MawhtU'sf'ir Anoklaiid on M/»roh SVwi a iuU load of oobrs., Sighted Pjls on Amli 9ih and kept In eight for 10 days owing to Hont baffling winds. Hiperlonoed no S.K. tSSe*. SioS thence to sighdnß land variable winds and flao westber. Strong w. wind down the coast.

ARRIVAL OB" THK GEOR9S BSWUSiY. The baraae George Bawley, 1010 tons, on- Bienedtotta N.Z. Shipping company, arrived from London at »n early nonr tnli morning, after a pas-age of 118 eaya. She arrive in iSSmDd ot Ctapwm Hamond. «r Thos. 'SJeranerocouple Uw position of chief omoer.. indMrVm. Parkor is jecond offloar. The fol ioT-tngreoord of the trip has beea Mindly fur n'snefl by Mr Gardner: -Left Qraveaand on Jan. B and had moderate winds down Channel, n ear &"lhelandobtheß h On »hefollo»injtday ex iailenoed a territto aale from * X.and 8. Jhj >eM ran very hi.h. and a large quantity of «Mtni- w*» hWmißii- At noon on ihi llih the ™^neT^oae?ated. and iUm baffling winds wera enco"nte»dfromtaeo np ta nUihtatf tto 12tb. when toe "W.nd again freshened to a »«iit with lishtnlnic and rain. Had baffling wVndi iato on the 13ih. and from the 14th to the 2l8?h"d a coalinu»noe of hsiavy rbWm from a a«d W.«"w. '• henoe Ught and variable wtpas tartl oroJa n« the kqaator. on February Mth. ■MRht and variable windß oonttonei np » March M. when a Ir^h gaie from W.and^J.W.. with heavy sea, act in. and oontlnned to the toMaVoh 27. followed bf a gale fiom the S-if.. mn X WN W Sl and back to d. and W. WeaSar modwated' o&n the Bth, and a Bno oc^bn af variable winda and Mto we vSlad MtU roandlng Tasmania, on April 16. ThencflToad E. and N.K. winds; fresh and Sodertto b7e£e a.o April 22. when had a gala from 8.N.K.. moderating »t 3 p.m. that day. On the Si'.h B t:a2sthca'm9 and Hght alra and then ftntllslghtlLg rhreeKlngi on iheSOth at 2p.m. ire* and vStlable winds. Fine weather and fair wind down the coast. Too* Auokland nllot on board at 11 p m. yesterday, and drooped Sdo'S? atTbe powder-ground about S o'olook thla morclDg

THE BARQUE LAIRA.

: Miasw Stone Bros, recelvrd a oableeram to- Sei arrival of the barque Laira. whioh Bulle* «rom Auckland on 9thJann«r/.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

V/ hangafoua. this day. . The barotfa Adelaide is expected to sail flnrtasttbecay. Vmam .Ol*tv. • m.« Matin irox left tor Blnflf yesterday morn- Mbib"ubnip, Mar 1. Sailed, this afterneon: The Union steamship Arawlta. tor the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

KviMira Stab office, tate, day. Messrs B. Tonka ana Company sod the eholee vlllaresldenoe, situated in the Ponsonby BosrtL to-day, inline estate of Mr A.lJtoabnry, toi ti^aimof »900. The sale of Cilfcop, ex Warwick, brought satisfactory prices. Mr &.W.Blnney held a large trait sale to «»y, wnloh was largely attended. 350 oaies of various Hobwt applesbronqhttalr returns, ' Means Cocbrane and Bon s book sale will do held to-morrow, the works are entirely new, comprising the writings of popular authors, historians, novelists, and poets.

At an early hour this morning the ■ English barque George Bewley, under f command of Captain Hamond, arrived from lioridon, after a passage of 116 days, not able for a continuance of s«vere gales ana contrary winds. The Three Kings was the only land sighted since leaving England, and the passage altogether has been an uneventful one. The George Bewley bri^ k'ge cargo valutd at £43,200, us J< \ lint, but has no passengers. /' ost likely come up from the d, where she Is now at to-morrow.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close -is undur :— THIS DAT, For Russell. Kawaiawa, and .Australian Colonies, per Tarawera, at 1 p.m. Late letters for oydnay and Melbourne only, ai 1.20 p.oi. For Lvvoka and Sara, car soya, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5,30 p.m. TnuusDAY, 3rd May. For Port Fltzroy, per Waier Lily, at 7 a.m. For VVattara. &0., per Aim ie, at 8 a.m. For Thames, par Ketomahana. at 8.30 «.m. For Walwera, Te Kapa, Cralgleburn, and Wnrkworth, per Rose Cnsoy, at 10 a. m. For Gißborne, Napier, aoathorn Ports, and Australian Colonies, per B.t. Rotomanana. at 11a.m. Forliondon direct (per as. Fenatanton, from Port Chalmers), per Kotomahuia. at 11 a.m. This mail will arrive in London about 3rd Jut next. For Whitlangi and Upper Mill, per Douglas, at 3 p.m. For TaU'anga, Ohinemutu, and Opotlkl, per WeillnKton. at 4 p.m. Saturday. sth Insttnti For Rarotonga, per Elsinore, at 11 a.m. Bi B. 8188, Chief Ponlmairtfr. Oalef itMMirilne. Anoktand.

meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Mat i. 1883.

Abbott's Opera House—Miss Jennie Lee and Melbourne Company, "Jo," a drama adapted from "Bleak House, 8 p.m.

Bt. Patrick's Hall-H.A.0.8. Society (Jure nlle Contingent). 7.30 p.m.

Nowmnrkwt Hall—Annual Meeting ot Rate payers. 7 SOp m Mount Kden Bohool-house—Annual Meeting; of Mount ti"en K«tepay(>r», 7 p.m

Birth.

TAYLOUR.-On 29th April, at her residence, Newton Road, the wife of Joseph Taylour el a daughter.

Marriage.

BLOOMFIELD—SWANSON.-On the 25th of April, 1883, Thomas Edward Read Bloomfleld, of Giflb -me, eldeßt son of the late Captain Bloomfleld, of Poverty Bay, to Mary, eldest daughter of Mr W. Swanßon, M.H.R.

Deaths.

KELL.—On May Ist, after a lone and painful Illness borne with Christian fortitude, David Kell, junior, the dearly-beloved husband of Sarah Kell, aged 31 years. The funeral will leave his late residence, Union-street, on Thursday, at 3.30 p.m. Friends are invited to attend. LUCAS.—AtOnehunga.on May lßt,lßß3,Thomaa Lucas, aged 71. The funeral will leavo his late residence to morrow (Thursday), at 3 p.m, R.I.P.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1883.

Tor the causa that lacks assistance For the wrong; that Deed* resistance, For the future in the rffcfancn, And the good that we can do.

Just aa we were expecting to chronicle an important advance in the negotiations for starting the direct steam service, under Go vernment subsidy, between JNew Zealand and the Home Country, there comet, the disappointing intelligence that no tenders whatever have been lodped. The extended time for the reception of tenders expired on Monday last, and a cable message received from Sir F. Dillon bell last night, and con firmed by a neuter's dispatch to-day, states the unaccountable fact tbat no response baa been made to the Agent-General's call for tenders. We say this is an unaccountable fact, because all tbe indications were tbat there would be active competition among shipowners anxious to secure the contract. In'il we receive the Agent-General's explanation of the failure, bo far, of the scheme, we can only conjecture what the causes have been which have led to this resnlt. it may possibly prove to be no thing more than some objectionable pro viso in tbe conditions, inserted by Sir Dillon Bell in his zeal to secure the colony's interest. There is perhaps too hard and fast a line drawn in the nut ten of route and time to suit the ideas of shipowneis; but in any case the objections cannot be of a kind wbich will not be easily . overcome. In the meantime, it would . seem as if' free and un trammelled enterprise were prepared to undertake th« work without subsidy or guarantee ef any kind Both the New Zealand Shipping Company and the Shaw, Saville, and Albion Company have started regular steamers between London and New Zealand, witb every prospect of a permanent aod profitable trade being established; and surely if it pays unaubsidised companies to engage in the carriage of cargo and passen gers to and from New Zealand, it is worth a company's while to place itself under certain restrictions and penalties for the sake of tbe handsome Government subsidy ottered. We shall doubtless soon be in possession of the reason for the reticence of tenderers ; and in the meantime we need be in no fear of tbe carrying trade between the colony and New Zealand suffering nog icot. ""

Continuation of our news budget by the San Francisco mail will be feund in the "Anglo-Colonial Notes" of our London correspondent in another column. Items of Foqli'h and American news also appear on the fourth page of this issue. The jury have returned a verdict of "Not Guilty" in the case of James Fitz hanis, charged with being concerned in the Phcenix Pans murders. Yesterday, the International Exhibition at Amsterdam was opened with imposing ceremony by the King of the Netherlands, and our cable despatches state that the various colonial courts are well filled and advantageously shown off. n . It is stated that if negotiations between the Harbour Board and proposed Frozen Meat Company are not speedily completed, there is a probability of the scheme being transferred to Wellington, the people or that place having made overtures for the company to start there. The operations of the Northern Steamship Company during the last year would appear to have been of a most satisfactory charac ter. A dividend of ten per cent, has been declared, the insurance fond increased to £6 000, and £1,000 earned over to profit and loss accouut. It has also been decided to proceed at once with the erection of the new steamer for the Tauranga, Bussell, and Auckland trade, plans and specifications for which were sent home about nine months ago. Entirely new machinery f?r the Wellington will also leave the Clyde in July In order to raise the money neces sary for the construction of the new steamer, it is intended either to call up some further capital or make a new issue of shares.

Messrs C. B S'one and J. H. Upton are gazetted as haviDg been noniirated by His Excellency the Governor as Tru-tccs of the Auckland Bank.

A cablegram from fcir F. Dillon Bell, Agent-General for New Zealand, was re ceived by the Colonial Government last night, stating that up to 30th April no tenders had been received for tha direct steam service between England and the colony.

la a recent number of the "Graphic" appears tno New Zealand scenes. The first, entitled "New Zealand To-day," is un excellent picture of the recent war canoe race in Auckland Harbour, and the second, which is entitled "New Zealand Sixty Years Ago," is a copy of an old painting exhibited here some time ago, representing a war canoe race off Cape Brett.

The Stur of Onehunga Lodge, No 8, of the Protestant Alliance Frii ndly Society of Australasia, has been registered under tbc Friendly Societies Act of 1882.

At the beginning of last year, the Hoki tika Savings Bank had a cash balance of £1,874 10s Id, and at the end of tlie year, the sum was only f 921 19s lOd. During the year depositors lodged £4 753, and with drew £5,530.

A gazette dated April 26, intimates the appointment of Messrs Richard Curtis, of Ohinemutu, and Henry M cMuido, of Pulri, as rangers under the " Animals Protection Act, 1880."

Captain Uamond and the chief oilicer of the barque lioirge Bewley testify to the wonderful effect of " oil on troubled waters." When thsir vessel was on the way out _ from London, running before a fierce gale, with a fair breeze, it w»s found that large quantities of water constantly broke over the stern, arid the cabin was partially flooded. Captain Hamond deter, mined to try the "oil experiment," and accordingly two canvas bags were pr. pared, and filled with oil. These weie hung over eucb quarter, and produced a wonderful eftect, for subsequently scarcely any water broke on board.

Yesterday a child of Mr Kodgem resid ing in Upper Queen-street was knocked down and somewhat severely injured by Or. i awson's trap. Mr t>oldie,Sanitaiy Inspec tor, who was passing at the time, bad the little one conveyed to Dr. 'J'ennaut's, where its hurts were attended to.

The recent complaints regarding tho berthing of mail steamers on their arrival in port appear to have exercised some eftVct. a discussion took place on the question at the meeting of the Harbour Hoard yesterday, when it was agreed, on the motion of Mr McKenzie, that it be an instruction to the Harbour Master or his deputy in future to berth ana remove from the wharf the mail boats and other similiar large vessels.

A native was charged at the Police Court with being drunk, and pretended not to know what was said. At length Mr Cunningham called for Mr Grigg to Inter pret, but tbat gentleman was not present The Bench considered, in justice to tbe prisoner, that the case should be adjourned until this morning. The Maori's eyes at once brightened, and he muttered, "Me talk Knglish; don't want 'notlicr night o't; I'll plead guilty; was very drunk " The confession caused laughter among the crowd, in which the native joined. Just as the Bench pronounced 5s and costs, down came a portion of the ceiling in tbe next room, where workmen are engaged, with startling effect, which caused the naive to gaze upwards with evident fear, and trembling, exclaiming, "v mine'ed." The annual meeting of the ratepayers of the Kemuera Highway District did not take place luit night in the Mount Hobson schoolroom, only four persons being pie sent. After waiting tbe usual time, and no ratepayer putdug in an appearance, the meeiiug was adjourned for a mouth. Messrs Tonks, chairman, and Wren, and the secretary, Mr Dennison, being the only ratepayers of the district i» tbe room.

A saie of seventeen unregistered dogs will take place at Arthur's mart on Friday, at 10 am. To all who fail to find pur chasers capital punishment will be adminis tered.

Designs wero recently invited from a'chi tects for the new n arbour Board oliiai which are intended to be constructed shortly. 'Ihe members of the local Insti tute of Architects declined to compete, nn ths ground that the premium was too small, but this objectiou bas now doubtless been overcome. It was agreed at the meeting of the Board yesterday, on the motion of Mr Aickin, that a premium of £50 should be paid for the best design.

The Kov. J. J. Westwood having post poned his departure for Sydney till the 15th inst, intends during the next fortnight to hold evangelistic meetings, and deliver a few lectures, which will be duly adver tised.

A number of new members are to be elected at tbe meeting of the Grafton Foot ball Club to-night, and it will be gratifying to the friends of the club to learn that Darby Kyan will after all be able to play for it during the season.

The installation < f officers of the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge, New Zealand, 0.G.T., took place last evening. There was a large attendance of members, and the re ports of the several officers were very satis factory, shewing the Lodge to be in a thriv ing condition. The following officers were installed by Bro Mason, L.D , assisted by Bro Simms.l.G.and Flanery.l.M:— W.C.T, Bro Kemp j W.V., Bro Marshall; W.S , Bro veir; W.P., Bro Ward; W. 1., Bro Petbenck; W.C. Bro Kidd ; W.M., Bro B. Lye ; W.1.G., Bro Creen ; W.0.G., Bro Jones; W.A.S., Bro Chalmers; W. «.>., Bro Clifford ; W.L.S.,Sr M.Lye; W.D.M., Sr Brodtibb; P.W.C.T., Broßrodribb.

" A Freethinker" writes, enquiring whether a Secularist can be a member of the Blue Hibbon Army. As this " Army" aims at the spread of temperance and Gospel truths, we presume a fecularist or Atheist would be do more eligible tban a drunkard, i.e., if he continues in that way of thinking. Perhaps some one in authority can resolve the doubts of "A Freethinker."

In the District Court ye- tenlay, Big Honor the District Judge gave judgment for the plaintiff in tbe case of Pig* v. Elliott for £100, the full amount claimed, with costs. Tbe action was for wrongful distress, and the defendant justified under an Act of King George 11. Mr Theo. Cooper, who appeared for the plaintiff, stated at the trial that he was prepared to arguo that that Act was not in force in the colony. The judgment renders this unnecessary, but the question is one welt worthy of con sideration, involving maoy questions on the law of distress. The Attorney-General last session stated it was his intention to introduce v bill abolishing distress for rent, and the matter will very probably engage the attention of tbe ensuing cession of Parliament,

The proposals of the Hon. the Premier in reference to the completion of the reclama tion contract were considered at the har bour Board yesterday. Clauses 3, indem nifying tbe Government against all claims by Bassett and Barker, and 7, providing tbat the Government should afford the Board any assistance in resisting the unreasonable c'aims of the contractor, wore struck out. Clause 5 was altered so as to read tbat the Government should haud over the contract price after paying ail sums due tor work performed. In lieu of clause 6, the following was inserted : —" That the money be paid to tbe Board by the Government by instalments of 75 per cent, as tbe work proceeds. The Secretary of the Board was instructed to forward these proposals by letter to the hou. tbe Premier, who leaves for the South to-morrow.

Our 'Hago friends are not so successful in all their acclimatising experiments as they were with tbat which introduced the pro lific bunny to their shores. The Dunedin Acclimatisation Society's annual report for the year speaks despondingly of the results of acclimatisation in regard to fish, birds and animals, except small birds and hares. The brown trout has been fairly successful, though in some streams quite a serious de> population has been going on. In tbe Wakatipu and Hays Lakes very large trout are numerous, but they are extensively poached. With regard to English salmon no reliable in formation has been obtained, nor have any Californian salmon been seen, though introduced five years ago. Pheasants i and part'iHges have become so scarce as to lead to tbe conclusion that much poaching goes on. Black game, which were turned out in 1879, have not been seen at all during the year.

Messrs S. Cochrane and Sons' sale of pictures, etc., was well attended, and a con siderable proportion sold.

Further difficulties have atissn in con nection with the construction of tbo pio posed Ponsonby wharf. The directors of the Nortbcote and Ponsonby Ferry Com pany have written to tbe Harbour Board declining to accept Mr Swift's tsnder for the construction of the wbart in question, and suggesting that tbe work be carried out by the Board in accordance with the Engineer's estimate of £830. This propo sition did not meet with tbe approval of tbe Board, who have decided that unless the cnmp'iny's sbare of tbe money be paid wi'bin one week, the tender be declined.

We are informed by the proprietor of the "Penny Time Table" that, owing to the increasing circulation and demand fur ad vertising space, it is his intention to con siderably enlarge his publication ia August next, when it will commence it* third year of issue, thus testifying to iU increasing usefulness and popularity, • The May number, which has just been issued, and is now on sale at all stationers, shows marked improvement. The new rate of passeDger I fares is a speciality.

The new sheds on the Queen-street wharf sre now rapidly approaching completion, aid will be available for use very shortly. They will not be leased, but will be placed under tbe charge of a storekeeper. There will be a fixed scale ot charges for receiving, delivering, and storing goods in the sheds. 'lhn position of storekeeper, at a salary of £150 per annum, has been offered to Cap tain Kllis, an old servant of the Board. Ie will be remembered that the worthy cap tain held the position of wharfinger for many years, and that he retired on the occasion of the reductions two or three years ago His re-appoiatuient will be gratifying to many.

Last night Miss C. B. Lewis gave her first quadrille party at her private residence, Princes-street, which proved a great sue cea?, about twenty coaples being preßeut. We hope that under Mms Lewis's charge the class will continue to be as great a suc cess as the opening night gave promise of.

Shortly before the George Bewley left London for this port she made a most eventful trip. Shewa* bound frorr New castle to Java, with a lull cargo of coal, and when off the Goodwins encountered a frightful gile. The vessel was thrown on her beam ends, and her cargo shifted, so that it was found necessary to cut away the masts. When the gale bad moderated somewhat she was towed back to London. H«re the whole of the cargo had to be dis charged, to permit of thorough repairs, which being effected she loaded up for Auckland and started on the present voy age.

The necessity of obtaining increased dredging plant has forced itself upon the attention of the Harbour Board, and the matter was diitcussed at some length at tbe meeting yesterday afternoon. Mr McKenzin opposed further expenditure under this head on the ground that dredging had hither o been of no use, and tbat its continuance was uimeceHsiuy. A recommendation from the Committee was read as follows: -' Tbat, in tbe opinion of this committee, it is necessary for the Board to provide iuelf with increased dredging plant,and we recommend that application be made to the Lyttelton and Otago Harbour Komi!.-, to osc rtain if their dredgiug plant would be available for hire to the Board, for say twelve months, and that, failing dredg ing-plant being available for hire, a dredger be procured by the Board at a cost of about £20,000." The clause was adopted with the exception of the latter part referring to the uurcbato of a new dredger at a cost of £20,000.

The annual meeting; in connection with tho Foreign Missions will bo hold this (Wednes day) evening, chair to bo taken at 7.30.

Mr br, Jones, recently from Wales will preach a sermon to-morrow evening in tho Welsh language, with explanation in English. Particulars in advertisement.

The annual meeting of the Grafton Foot ball Club takes place this ovoning in the United Servico Hotel. Delegates to the loot ball Association will be elected.

Shipment of dewing ndachinos unpack' Ing at v. &, Cimnb-w. No{o»ov»ajera

FIRE AT MOUNT EDEN.

about 2 o'clock this morning a fire was discovered in the stable owned by Mr J. Robinson, in Valley Road, Mount Eden. all ellorts to save the building proved uns availing, and it was burned to tbe ground- Mr Kobiason succeeded ia rescuing the hoiscs from the burning building, but everything else was consumed, including some harness and a large quantity of stiaw. Tho owrier'a dwelling-house, which is situated near th" stable, escaped, although the distance between it and the stable was not great. Mr Robm-on states that he left bis stable at 10 o'clock ia tbe evening, but has no idea how the fire originated. The building is insured for £35 in the Norwich Union. Mr Robinson estimates his loss at £93.

SCINIILLATIONS.

The Pre,m er sails for Wellington to morrow. Bis Excellency remains in Auckland another month. Is Lsdy Florence Dixie's story true ? —Of corset is. " O'Dynamitc Rosas," in what the Ameri can papers have christened the arch autumn. St. Luke's Church, Mount Albert, will be opened by hishop Cowie on Tuesday tirst. The loading of frozen meat on the Mntataura is expected to be completed this week, Tbe steamer Westmeatb, with a large lot of immigrants tor Auckland, is expected here in tho beginning of uext week. She sailed from London on March 17. She is to take in a supply of Buy of Island* cool here.

Mr Stout has been re-elected president of the Dunedin Freethought Association. A man got hemmed in by a crowd tbe other day, and has ever since complained ot a stitcb in bis side.

Hon. Mr Kolleston has gone to Dunedin, and is expected back in Wellington to meet the Premier on Suuduy. Mr Allan Holmes opens Dune Jin Univer sity session to-ni^ht with a lecture on Jaw.

A gang of burglars would seem to be ac tively at work in Invercargill. la Plummer •afe!

Grcymoutb Customs duties fur April show a tailing off of £1,200, as compared witb the same month last year.

Mormon elders are " gobbling up " the pretty girls of Melbourne, and are said to be a greater nuitance than tho Salvation Army.

The steamer Fenstanton, no* at Dune din, begins loading her cargo of frozen mutton to-day.

McLandress, Hepburn and Co,, a firm of Dunedia auctioneers established twenty ye&is, have executed a deed of assign ment.

Timaru Customs revenue f»r April was £2,138 3* 4d, 'against £1,768 8s 8d in the corresponding month of last year. The Hokitlka Public School is in danger of being closed for want of coal. The head master has run up a bill, cf £17 for fuel, which the School Committee cunnot pay, and the Board of Education is appealed

At the inquest on the child burnt at Port Chalmers on Friday, the jury found a ver dict of accidental death, adding that its life could have been saved had tbe mother been sober.

Floods in Canterbury; Cold wet and cheerless weather in Otago; Wellington is discreetly pileut.

"Still they come" Another magnetic healer has sprung into exutencs in Diin edin,

The Salvationists have taKon the Gaiety Theatre, Christchurch, for two years as barracks.

rvapier people prefer throwing their fruit to tho pigs to soiling it to the fruit shops at 4d per Ib. Tons of apples are nothing through laziness or greed.

Greeashiolds is patenting a new sus pender, to be called tho "Diamond." Emblematic of the state of suspense in which the public are to those diamonds. A fortnightly service from Sydney to Fiji is strongly advocated by the Fijian paper*. The Kennedy family of Scottish vocalists were on board the X.M.S. Carthage, which arrived at Albany on 24th April.

riev. Joseph Cook says that most of the Boston daily newspapers "appear to be afraid to have an opinion of their own." The thoroughbred horse Palinbearer was consigned fiom London pr Halcione to Messrs Clifford and Weld, of Flaxbourne, but died on the voyage. Burglars at work in Christchurch. A strong room was entered the other night, and a cash-box containing £50 stolen. Bishops Luck, of Auckland, and Moran, cf Dunedin, lately visited Invercargill and inspected all the Roman Catholic schools there.

" Mr Jones preached a fine sermon this morning," said Brown. "Yes," replied Fogg, "he always preaches that sermon pretty well." Mr Geo. Bennett, an old Wellington citizen, offers three acres of land near that city as a site for a Home for Aged Poor. The Salvation Army has got into the Police Court at Dunedin. Yesterday a "convert" was up for drunkenness, and two "meo.larrikins"were punished for disturbing tbe Army " drill." John Wylie haa been found dead, shot through the head, at Waiau, near Inver cargill. Deceased was suspected of having murdered a man named Cbinn, who was found some month* ago near tbe same place, shot through 'he head also.

DROWNING OF PROFESSOR WALKER.

Full Particulars.

A WIDESPREAD and sincere feeling of regret wai expressed throughout the city yester day afternoon when it became known that Professor George Francis Walker, of the Auckland University, had been drowned. In yesterday's issue we gave what particu lars were obtainable yesterday afternoon, lOur informant, who telephoned the sad tidings from Ponaonby, was misinformed as .to how Professor Tucker escaped, as the J following full account of the accident will 1 show : — Both Professors Tucker and Walker were lodging at .Northumberland House, Home Bay, the proprietor of which is Mr C. A. Bydder. After lunch yesterday the gentlemen went out for a sail aud to fisb, accompanied by a son of the boarding-house keeper, aged 14 years. The boat was 13 feet long, and carried a centre board, but had no ballast, Her sails were mainsail and jib, the former ..double reefed. There was a puffy wind from thn north-west, and Bydder had himself reefed the mainsail be fore the boat left ths beacb. The lad steered the little craft, but when about 100 yards off the Ponsonby reef, and away from the shelter of the headland, the roughness of the water was so apparent that Professor Tucker requested young Bydder to put the boat about and run back to the bay. The boat had already come round, when she was struck by a wave, and gave a lurch; Professor Walker fell forward from his seat across to tho lee gunwale, and the boat capsized. The three occupants struck out for ihe reef, but Piofessor Tucker find bis strength failing returned to the boat, to which he cluDg. Young Bydder reached the snore, and on looking back saw nothing of Professor Walker, who must have sunk witbia two or three yards of the boat. For tui.ataly, the accident was observed by three lads—Reginald Masefield, William Stowart, and Leslie Stewart. These at once put off from the shore in a boat and rescutd Professor Tucker from his danger ous position. He wss very much exhausted with tbe immersion, and had to be assisted to Mr Bydder's house, where, however, a hot bath and stimulants soon revived him. Dr. Knight was in attendance within balf-an hour. This morning Tucker was able to get up, and in a day or two will no doubt have recovered perfectly. Young Bydder's Statement. Robert Bydder, the lad who was in the bdat with Professors Tucker and Walker, makes the following statement regarding the accident:—" Wben we got out into the brteze, Mr Tucker was attending to the jib, aud Mr Walker fitting on the middle thwart. We bad iutended to fish, but wben Mr Tucker found the breeze was to strong he asked mo to put back. Mr Walker seemed a good deal excited and nervous. He had been accustomed to boating on rivers while at the Unitersity, but was evidently unaccustomed to sea boating. I put the boat round safely, and we had gone about 20 yards, with a favourable breeze. Suddenly tho boat lurched or swerved in the seaway, and Mr Walker fell to the leeward, and the boat sank instantly, leaving us struggling in the water, I can swim, and i said to the others "If you can swim you bad better swim with me to the reef; if not, hold on to tbe boat." By this timn the boat had come to tbo surface, bottom up. Her anchor had come out, and she was securely moored. After I spoke, all three struck out for the reef. We had only gone a few yards when Mr Tucker found that with two coats on he could not teach the shore, so he turned back to tho boit, and scrambled on top, Wbeu Mr Tucker reached tho boat, be saw Mr Walker floating, apparently without exertion, on the top ot the water, but by the time he had got on top of the boat, Mi Walker had disappeared. When I reached the reef, I fouud four feet of water on it, I looked back and saw Mi Tucker on the boat taking off his coat, but no sign of the other man. Mr Walker was a strongly-built man, and appeared more healthy than Mr Tucker. W hen we were struggling in tho water just after ths boat cap ized, I asked both gentlemen if they could swim, and they answered "Yes." Search for the Body. The water police scinched for the body yesterday afternoon without success, and this morning ut low tide Sergoant Martin aud three men, assisted by Mr Bydder, con tinued tbe search. They found only lix indies of water at the place where the boat capsized. The expanse between the scene of the accident and tbe reel was thoroughly searched, but fruit lessly. It is the opinion of the searchers that the body had drifted over the reef, aud will be found towards Free man's Bay. When the sad intelligence was conveyed to Sir G. M. O'Korke, Chairman of the University Council, by a bTAB reporter yesterday afternoon, he was vey much shocked, tie proceeded at ouce to Poosonby, and obtainod from Professor Tucker an account of the accident. To day be authorised tbc payment of a reward ot £10 tor tbe recovery of the body, and no doubt with this incoutivo a number of boats w,H resume the search tiiis afternoon.

CHILD MURDER AT WANGANUI.

The Mother Sentenced to Death

A jxovel Defence.

WaNGANUI, this day. IN the Snpreme Court, the charge of inur« d.r against Phoebe Veitch was continued on Monday. Sergeant Bisset proved that the prisoner admitted tho body to be that of her child, and subsequently after arrest made another statement that the father of the child demanded it from her, and that ou her refuging to give it 'up, he threw it into the river. The prisoner gave a de tailed description of the man, and said that he was known as Sam Timaru, and ' that he was a half-caste of some sort. Both the Inspector and Sergeant said that every effort hud beon made to find this man, but without success. Mr* Worsfold, of Fieldmjr, proved that prisoner wrote her a letter on the day following the date of the drowning, and said that she had sent the child away to Wellington. After Mr Hutchinson had addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner, the Chief Jufitico summed up at great length. His Honor, while agreeing that it was the duty of the police to try and dincover the mau Sam Timaru, pointed out that where a child was last seen in the custody oi tbe iiioiihor, it was for that mother to give some reasonable explanation of how that child cetued to be in her possession. No doubt the onus ot proving that account to be un reasonable was thrown on tbe police.

The jury retired at 10 o'clock on Monday night, and returned at 11.15 with a verdict of "Guilty," with a reconimendatioa to mercy. A dead silence prevailed in Court. Immediately on tbe verdict being given, Mr Hutchinsen informed His Honor, an prisoner's own statement, that she was pregnant. His Honor remarked that if he had known tbat before ha would have pro vided for the presence of women, from whom to get a jury of matrons to decide the question. His Honor said a difficulty arose ea to the procedure —whether the prisoner should be sen tenced first and be examined after, or whether tbe jury should bs sworn next morning to make the investigation prisr to sentence being passed. His Honor even tually produced authority to show that sen tence should be given first. He then as sumed the black cap, and sentenced prisoner to be hung. On the Court resuming on Tuesday morning, the prisoner was brought up, and said that she was pregnant in answer to the question why tbe sentence should not be executed, A jury of twelve matrons war theia cmpannelled, and His Honor informed them that their duty was to ascertain the truth; of prisoner's statement. They re tired into an outer room, the prisoner being in charge of the gaoler and wife, and afterwards medical assistance was called in. After about an hour's deliberation,- tbe jury canie out and said they were all agreed but one. His Honor remarked that tbe verdict must be unanimous, like that of other juries, and therefore they must retire again. Eventually they agreed, and gave a verdict that to the best of their belief tbe prisoner wai quick with child. His Honor said there would be a respite till next criminal sessions, m October. The recommendation of the jury would be communicated to the Governor.

We are informed that a number of per sona holding licenses for billiard rooms have failed to renew the same, and tbat imme diate proceedings will he taken nnder the provisions of the Corporations Act, which provides a penalty olf £20* for unlicensed prf raises. . , . , .

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

(Feom Oue Own Correspondent in

London.)

London, March 23. THE Easter holidays commence to-day, and most of t^e Agents-General and other Anglo-Colonial notabilities are leaving town fora week of quiet and refreshment. Sir John Ball has not been heard of yet, but the Sorata, with the great Vogel on board, may arrive at Plymouth any moment mw. The financial friends of Sir Julius are moat anxiously awaiting his personal report. At the Bank of New Zea land the other day a cynic was overheard to observe-" Vcgel's not squeezed the colony quite so dry as he thought he , would." I should like to tell you that cynic's name, because it gives peculiar significance to au otherwise commonplace sarcasm. Perhapp, however, some of you will guess it Poor Judge Manning still lingers on, suffering dreadful pain. His doctors anticipated all trouble would have beep over long before this, but the patient's vitality is wonderful. Mr Hugh Carlton visited him the other day, and Mr Blackett has also been uponco or twice to make enquiries. On 1 uesday last a young lidy (the daughter of a gentleman well known all over New Zealand) sent the Judge some fluweis. He seemed much pleused with them, and had tue bouquet placed where he could look at it without moving. Then, after a time, the sick man heaved a deep sigh and said, " The flowers are very nice, and it it a great t eat to see them again ; bu', ah 1 I wish ihe youn^ lady could spirit me back home to that far off-colony where there are always flowers."

Mr John Gorrie on "Fiji

As It Is."

A large and influential meeting was held at the Colonial Institute on March 13, at which Sir Arthur Gordon and Mr Henry Kote, juu., of New Zealand, were clecoil fellows. The principal feature of the even ing was a paper by Sir John Gorrie on " ifiji As It Is " (full report by post), iv which the Chief Justice of that colony extolled it to the ckies, taking special cure to slab heaps of " butter upuu a person whom he said the Islanders styled " the great and good Gordon." Six Arthur waa present, and received his friend's remarks with lofty approval. Occasionally, when anything specially pleased him, he would pat a pair of loan, white hands softly together or nod his brad benignly. Al together, your ex-Governor formed a beau tiful picture of aristocratic calm and godly greatness ; in face, if he had only held his congue I should have gone home quite im pressed with him. i-ir Johu Gorrie read the lecture in a clear, ringing voice, but so slowly that it was dreadfully tedious, and occupied far too long. The his ory of Fiji had to be gone through, and the enormous advantages which have accrued to the colony by annexation dwelt on at length. Then, of course, the Judge gave in his views on the native labour traffic question, and finally we got some rather interesting information about the feasibility of Fiji us a field for emigration. The lecture over, Mr Labilliere, Mr Moncrieff Paul, Mr Jourdainp, and a ilr Murray, bore testi mony to the rapid manner in which Fiji ha* improved since the annexation. Mr Thomas Archer (Agent-General for Queens land) created some excitement, and incurred Sir George Campbell's shocked displeasure by upholding the native labour traffic, and boasting "with pride" that he em ployed slaves himself. Whou the Islanders came to Qaecn' land they could do nothing but eat, whereas when they were sent back they had learnt many thing*—the use of soap for one. Sir Arthur Gordon was serenely pleased to be able to confirm all that his friend, the lecturer, had stated. Be called the attention of those present to thofact '.hat since tne annexation of Fiji some years ago there had been perfect peace between the natives and Europeans, only on one occasion had there been an emeut* of any sort, and that was a tribal squabble between tbe Fiji ana themaelvc, and, moreover, proved ot quite a paltry character. He begged the audience t» compare carefully the first nine years of the history of INow Zea land after the annexation of that colony with the first nine years of Fiji after annexation -they would see a startling difference. Mr Labilliere in his speech had suggested the anuexation of the Solomon group and other Inlands in the Pacific, but be (Sir Arthur) could not sup port any such scheme. The annexation of the Fijis hud been successful, became the nativei desired it; but the Solomon Islanders and others did not want anything of the kind. Shipping Items. The British Queen, s.s., the second direct liner chartered by tbe N.Z. Sbippiog Com pany, sails to-day. 1 cannot obtain the passenger list, which augurs the majority ure emigrant?. The company have at length realised the folly of sending out boats with such indifferent accommodation as the two pioneer vessels, and an arrange ment has been entered into with the White Star Company, whereby their two steamers the lonic and Doric are to take up the trade till the ships building are ready. I have nut seen these two boats, but if, as the prospectus asserts, they fully equal the famous American liners belonging to the same company, tbere will, 1 can safely promise, be no lack of passengers. Captain Underwood, late of the Union Company of Sj.Z., has arrived in EDglaud in order (it is said) to superintend the building of the iSf.Z. Shipping Company's direct linera. The Walroa reached G aves end from Wellington y> sterility, and the t' tuki, homeward bund from the same port, was spoken off Diego on January 9th. Passengers for JSeiv Zealand, The Forfarahire, with 300 emigrants, sails from Glasgow for Port Coalmers on the 26th iiist., and the Oxford (disabled last month you remember) will, it is hoped, finally get away on the 30tb. Captain John Bone, well-known at mo«t New Zealand.'ports its master of the Kakain, has accepted tbe berth of 2nd officer on board the b.s. lonic. By tha s.e. Lusitiaoia, sailing from Gravesend to-day, Mr and Mrs Kobinsou, two sons and two daughters, leave for North New Zealand. Their destination is Auckland, but they will stay 'sometime in Sydney. Commander Spencer M. Medley, R. &., will also leave for your colony,with his wifo and family, by either the lonic, 5.»., or Home, s.s. They intend settling in Canterbiry, or should this prove impos sible, at Wellington. ~ le Whiti and Tohu. In tha House of Commons on Monday, March 20th, Mr Bvelyn Ashley, Under secretary of State for the Colonies, in answer to Mr Brogden, said the Maori chiefs, Te Whiti and Tohu, taken prisoners by a force of volunteers under the direction of the Native Minister in New Zealand, had been set at liberty. Their arrer-t had taken place during the absence of Sir A Gordon, and papers on the subject would shortly be laid on the table. General Rotes. A correspondent who signs himself W.C. has been writing to the papers demanding another issue of,the Government "Handbook to f*ew Zealand."—Sir Arthur Gordon is preparing an exhaustive article on Fiji for the "Nineteenth Century Keview."—Lord Normanby'B heir, the Karl of Mulgrave, is ►erionsly ill.—The "Daily News" notes with satisfaction that the visit of tbe Mauri mission last summer has roused up the natives generally to take action, and looks forward with interest to the presentation of the petition which its New Zealand corre spondent Bays the whole Maori race are at present engaged in signing. —An emigrant named William Checsman was arrested at Plymouth the other day (whilst on the way to Wellington), and nas been committed for trial for bigamy, He seems to have been more sinned against than sinking, for his first spouse was a drunken fiend. -Mr F. Delisle Hay, author of " Brighter Britain," lectured on "The Commercial and Social Aspects of Now Zealand," before the Society of Art?, on the 21st. I was present, but bad I known the lecturer, I should never have wa»ted an hour an! a half on him. Mr Hay is one of those pre ten'ious talkers and portentious ixag.'tr ators who come home and do the colony so much harm. The greater part of the lecture could havis been vamped up by anyone with the aid of the official Handbook, and being delivered in a monotonous sing-sonp, it sent ten out of tbe twenty auditors sound asleep.— A Dead Meat Storage Company is be'ng started in London for the purpo c of accom modating the vast quantities of frozen meat which come from America, Australia, and New Zealand nowadays. Mr E. M. Nelson, of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, is one1 ot the directors and prime movers. The capital is £100,000, in 20,000 shares of £5 each (£1 on application, £1 10a on allot ment, and tbe rest called up as required).— Miss Amy Sherwin, the yonng soprano who made such a sensation in your colony some years ago, has been engaged by Mr Carl

' Rosa for his Easter tc isou ot English opera I at Drury Lane, and may possibly take one 1 ', of the principal rOles in " Colomba."—ln 1 j addition to the passengers before mentioned, ,Mr and Mrs Knox leave for Otago by the • s.s. Home, and Mr Ernest Miller Kippinp, a young gentleman, going out to Captain I rnittips of Auckland, has secured a berth in jthe well-known trader Glenlora.—ln the ■Tlouse of Commons, on March 16, in reply to Mr Pease, M.P., Mr Evelyn Aahley I said the commision enquiring into the I" affairs o£ the Western Pacific consisted o{ Sir A. Gordon, Rear-Admiral Hoskiup, and Rear-Admiral Wilson, and was at present / sitting at Sir Alexander llo<klnV office.— Sir William McArthur was the only gentle man known to New Zealaaders who at tended the levee on the 12th inst.—Mr Charles Suatt Bailey, of Her Majesty's X migration Office, who was well known in N.Z., h dead.—The "European Mail" refers at length to the slight outbreak of typhoid fever amongst the emigrants now detained at Plymouth waiting for the Ox- I ford. The water given to the emigrants aboard the ship is said to be the cause.

NORTHERN STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The annual meeting of ehareholdeis in the j Northern Steamship Company was held at noon to-day in the Chamber of Commerce. There was a fair attendance, and Mr D, B. Cruick-hank, Chairman of Direc.ors, presided, REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET, The second anuual report of the directors was read as follows :—The operation* of the past year eDable the directors to place before the shareholders the following favourable report: Ihe net profit for the year ended 31st March, 1883, after lull appropriation for all tno»n, bad, or doubtful debts, aiuouuta to £11,063 3s 2d ; to which has to be added, balance from year ending March 31, 1882, £455 5s 7d, making a total of £11,518 8s 9d; from which has been paid honorarium to directors, £250; dividend at toe into of 10 per cent. per annum for six: moothi ending Sep tember 30tb, 1882, £2,607 4s 6d; amount carded to Inburance Fund, £1,600; amounting in all to £4,357 4s 6d, leaving a total, available for divfeion, of £7,161 4s 3d. The following appropriation is now re commended:— !'o payment of dividend for mx months ending March 31st, 1883, at the rate of tea per cent, per annum, £2,607 4s fid ; amount writuiu off tor depreciation, £1,000 ; amount carried to insurance fund, £2 500 ; balance carried to profit and loss (new account), £1,01>3 19s 9d; total, £7,161 4< 3d. The dividend will be payable at the Company's office, Queen-street, to-monow (Thursday, the3rdimst.) The statement of accounts for year ending 31ac March, 1883, shewed :— isalancb: shest. Liabilities: Capital paid up, £52,144 10s; premium on shares sold, £263 2s 9d: insurance fund, £3,600; outstanding accounts owing by company, £1,114 63; balance, £7,1614s 3d. Total, assets': Stock as valued 31st March, 1883, £54,235 17s 2d ; Me.cgroeor, new boiler account, £1,13 i 10s 8d; cash in bank of New Zealand, .©,199 133 lid; cash in hand, £81 14s2d;debts outstanding, £6.535 7s Id. Totai, £64,185 3d. Pbofit and Loss Account :—Dr.—To direc tors'honorarium, £2.'X); 1882—To dividend paid September 30th, 1882, £2607 4a 6d: Sept. 30-To amount carried to Insurance Fund, £15,01)0; 1883—March 31-To balance, £7161 4s3d: total, £11,518 8s 3d. Cr.—By balance from year ending 31st March, 1882, £465 5s 7d; net proflt, year ending 31st March, 1883, 11,063 3s 2d: total, £11,518 8s 9d. Dr.—lßß3-Maroh 31-To divi dend payable £2607 4n 64; depreciation written oft', £1,000; Insurance Fund, £2500; balance to new account, £1053 199 Od: total £7161 4s 3d. Or.-1883-Maroh 31-By balance, £7161 4s 3d; April Ist, 1883—By balance to new account, aUOS3 19s 3d.

The Chairman said: "Gentlemen, I have a very pleasing duty to perform in proposing the adoption of the report aod oalanc^'-sheet which you have just heard read. I say pleasing, for the operation^ of our company during this the second year of its existence cannot fail to be very satis factory to the shareholders. After paying a 10 per cent, dividend for the year, our in surance fund will stand at £6,000, and we carry forward over £1,000 to profit and loss new account. Gentlemen, 1 tbiak these figures abundantly speak for themselves. The amount set down for depreciation may seem small, but it must be borne iv mind that several of our steamers have had large sums of money expended ou them which sums have come out of the working ex penses without going into stock. My own opinion Is, that when we grow in years, insto id of writing off a lump sum, we should deduct a per ceutage annually from the value ot each boat. I should mention that nine month? have now elapsed since the pliihs and specifications of the new steamer in'eodtd for the Tauranga, Russell, and Auckland trade were cent home. For several reasons, your directors thought it ad visable to pause before calling lor tenders. Now,."" however, that the building trade has improved, iron cheap, and everything seems so far opportune, it is intended to delay the build ing no longer, ' 0 meet the cost of this ac cession to our il-et, It will be necessary either to issue new shares or to make a call on the present subscribed capital, bnt as vet j pur directors have not decided which will be the better course to adopt; In the meantime, an entir<3 fi'-out of new machin ery baa been ordeicd for the Wellington, and tbis, according to advices received by the mail wbich arrived yesterday, will leave the Clyde early in July, so as to be here in time for next summer's runnißg. I have only to add that the Managing Director again reports all our steamers in good work ins' order, and that the freight and passen ger trade continue to show up well, With tbese remarks, I beg to move the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. , Captain H. J. Anderson seconded the' adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Which was agreed to, DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS On the motion of Mr Alexander, seconded by Mr Taylor, the remuneration was fixed at tie same rate as last year. Mossrs Macfarlaoe, l>. B. Cuiickuhank, and T. Morrin, the retiring- directors, were, re-elected on the motion of Captain Ander son. . Messrs Milne. and. Melville were re appointed auditors. ■ -./ Captain Anderson said thanks were due to Captain McGregor for his labours on behalf of the company's, interests during the'year, A vote of/thanks was passed, and captain McGregor briefly, replied. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. '• ~

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE CITY SCBOOLS COMMITTEE j AND RELIGIOUS INSTRUC_tON IN SCHOOLS. .:.,-_, (To the Editor.) Sir,—lit your leader of last evening, I understand you to say that tbe intention of Government was to allow the use ot •school buildings for religious training out of school hours. Allow me to ray that a short time since- tbe Auckland Sunday-school - Union proposed to hold a Scholars' Scripture Fx amination, and thinking that the desks of a day-school would be convenient for writing upon on ihe evening of exarain ailon, sent a written application to tbe City School* Com. mittee for the v . of one or more of the school buildings for 2£ hours on a certain Tuesday evening. .Need I say this was refustd; or at least it wasto_poited in the published account of the Committee's meeting:.-' Indeed, the secular education, or something else, prevented the City Schools Committee from exhibiting sufficient cour tesy to-Sign a reply to the Sunday-scbool Union, SJ. certainly seem to need some improvement in measures, manners, or men.—l am, &c , William Service, May Ist. 1883.

OUR POSTAL DELIVERY.

' !i m ■■-,'. vffo the Kditor.) - Sib, 1' Vobt'contemporary intoday"s issue has a paragraph on the promptitude of tho officials of the Auckland Post Office in sort ing and delivering the letters and papers of the Englishman ihat arrived: on Monday night, April 30. I believe those officials to hi deserving of all commendation ; out that there is something wrong, in connection with tlrs department of our Post-Office, is evident from the following facts.' 'Ihe " Herald " says that " the letter bags were landed at once, aud sorting was commenced before the steamer was fast to the wharf," that is, before 11 o'clock on Monday night. Notwithstanding this promptitude, I did not receive my letters until nearly noon on Tuesday, though I have a private bag, which was left at my house after 7 on Tuesday morning. The newspaper baps, we are told, were all in the Post office by 11.35 p.m. on Monday.night,,and still I have not received my EDglish papers yet, at 8.30 on W e'dnesdaymorning. Onr ChiefPdat jn nster is all that we could wish, and oiir Paroell letter-carrier is aa active ana* as paibstakiog as aoy man Cari'be. ''Where, then, is the defect in the system T—r am, yor^rs, etfe,' * -i-':t : : .. r, , ~..; SCRIPTOB, 'AVedneaday, May 2.' ' ,; a ,« 1 dtrusM

CHORAL HALL-"MOSES IN EGYPT."

Rossini's grand oratorio .i M Egypt." was performoa , ; «««. in Choral Society in honour of iT V ** the Gee.no.'- visit to AuS* 116 ** vision had been made for the r ° t "- Pro accommodation of a very ]«•■ Uonai>d but, spacious a, the hall is Zf a°4'e»ce were those in charge to admit a»mXioßs as holders a, POssiblS.nnmTrs w turn away from the doors /• ""'^ to The building was eroSfcd ta^***? capacity fully a quartet* £ °> the time tor commencing, Wc td superfluous to remark thit the .V^ charming. There was noTa SnV** »« in the choir seats, and the Xffi**! singers was quite artistic th«. gol "to altos, attired in light dnw™ W U& «* tinctiye bows of blue KfflH* standing out in bold relief from ll ftK background produced by th« H*^' tun* of the tenors and wl 6'^* awry beneath them, the oXJ?111*!- ---fronted by the coaductor (Cr «?'coa on the floor of the hall th» *%**% ot the audience closely aeat./' 64' rows, and away at the I? i^' the remoter gaselier.a well.fiiS liJo^ Seats had been rei,«d tf'SjNjF. regal party near the centre of th i • *"* aud the Premier (Hon p »{?? fc^ the Misses Whitakertook'np a s SM| Wld them. Precisely at dght o'clock in If" cellency.mthMiss J er voi 8 «£&?!'* Secretary arrived and was receivedtttf 1 entire company etandine C « playing the National Anthem Mtta The performance was command •«. father delay, and it was,S^ Wlthoat thetociety was on its mettla ■ n 'v at rarely been a more effective displaTnf ,!* resources, both vocal anil ;» 1 yof "> and. the balance ef harmlt'T 1*81 ' although still far from S.f f° Cs' ..mch better than is nauaMv PA ' m The nnmber of teoors, T £•«■". was quite inadequate/ £l IS. T l' ficiency was to some exteot OW$ Lu£ vicour, resoluuon, and corrtetn... S i? which the members of mlft^ mith their share of the work. Tfcn ?* M orchestra, notwithstanding tha'™^**!!?' i ease" and studied care of its fas rnmSS^ fell into its besttliug hab to l?f ' loud, and in more than one i'" 8!? 0 charms of the subdued choral were marred m consequence. Th fl Aitf button of forces was .■ follow- m'' 1' prauos, 27 altos, 14 tenon., 26 ba»i^ ,T A 30 Instrumentalist!.; the orchestffi" mforceo. with. Roodflantistin the S of Major tccles, -.D.U. • TheaoWrf ?a -Mr tfrett (Moses), Mr tWfiSfi** Mr Edwards (Aaron), RnartW*1 Mr E. Harker (Arnenophi, ),, B?jgs.<. &^a cirtMZiM)'MS^: 'I he finuhed execution ottbe arida^ and allegro introduction ..ttawTtei. efficiency of the band, and led nn »» cttectively to the sappUcatOT 42 "Mighty God," whiclf tFJSSI with its full iinprewiveness. dn itZ sopranos asserted a dominance which i«* kssened materially in the subdeaileW ! numbers, while the male and fcninle turn displayed the fruits of thorough iraioE their re-pectiye parts, "JNoflopeii'ofc." and "tur Hearts Tremble Kow" n, close of the chorus with its pusioute it* tensity of feelin6,fittinnly expressed in the accelerated swell of the crescendo -,fbund apt and appreciative interpreiatiop tha'' conjunction of voice and inirtrumeat 'beine superb. This eflbrt prepared the Societi for an equally fine display ia the next con certed number, " Hope's,Bosy Mominß " us staccato beiug sharplydeßned, the tint! being well-observed, and the hatmonyi good. In the chorus, "Hail, Happy Day'l the numerical weakness oflhe tenon' was markedly felt at the outset, bat tbty made themselves heard more: dißtincttjr toil the part beginning with the words; '^ Glow to God," The finale to the first actfi'iafter the composer's characteristic ffianner florid and intricate-and the eustained singing in the upper ..... register is exhaustive, but the effect is pot&.ii fully dramatic and striking. It did not suffer in performance by the Society,1 «t ; though one could have wished that'to btridenr tones of some of the metallic in- ■ Btruments had been slightly, rroderatei •; The beautiful iatrodaction to the second act was finely rendered, and so aleo were the jubilant march and chorus, " Great Queen of the Kartli." In the ensuing very prolonged finale, the strength and ij ability of the choir were notably manifested, the aplomb and ~»j6!i. fidence of the orchestra proving a steady and ' certain suppoit. The prayer was giren with great depth of feeling, and in the , concluding finale, which has been, pronounced to be ''only equalled for grandeur and power of expression by Beethoven's finale in C Minor Symphony, both choir and orchestra were heart, to decided advantage, and the latter especially so. Like most amateur essays the performance was associated with little defects here and there that it would be un gracious to dwell upon or even to partial- '■ . (arise. The clearest prevision could hard} have anticipated some of them, but there are others that may be reinedi--d,smd in no case were they other than adventitious. Ihe sac cess achieved was gratifj ing enongh to atone for them all. The choruses were promptly and spiritedly attacked and although many - ; of them, by reason of sustained siaging iv the higher register of the voice, the ; ever-recnhing crescendo, and tapid time, wee exceedingly^ arduous, yet the singers did not flag in zeal nor beoome disorganised. As for the orohestrt, it did its part well, we shall not say remark*: ably bo, for it is never otherwise than good, • Still.it must learn to restrain and moderate ' itself, and be content to aid and support, not guide and dominate the siogers. Mt Herpus'a lead was unhesitating and clear, Major ficclea pioved himself a cipiul ; ■. , flautist, and Mr. Impey,, whose .rdie-in clarionettist was no sinecure, demcnßtratfd : hia mastary over his instrument. The soloists acquitted ihemselves with ■ high degree ot credit. Miss Bleaztrd, (I Anais, was particularly good. Her,part: : was a laborious one, the emotion* .witk which it is invested .calling- tor. paarioMe . expression id themnßic and, ,thurr^odfd£ necessary an extensive tans c, great ixwerf^ iind'elastic flexibility. The tingiDgabouodi with vocalisations, cadenza?, runiij and frequent changes, of time, bi^t llie l«iiy was equal to the demands made up n her vocal organ. Misa Corbett, as ZiiL.h, was .. thoroughly successful, her soft and indlow contralto, heir cireful teadiug and A stinct ; enunciation being very noticrablr. Perhaps > the finest of - tte, ■H*wrf-; concerted numbrrs was the penaira ;', duet between these! two.. Jadies .in. .: the first act, "In Israel"*CampAlutie I » ■Weep." It was received wlth«uchi;ftyon^ -j that a portion' of the audience actually ■ broke through the conventional irepreiawtt ■ of feeling, and gavn vent to their apprecia tion. <Mr K. Harker was suffertog^Jri.rfl.» ; severe cold, and therefore niijiht let&uwblT have claimed exemption from »ervi(r' but at great personal discomfort he can»enled to take his part, and c- Struggled bravely against his-toeavybnop" capping. > Jn the first daetifiihJkWi Bleazard h; s voice was' rather / r«*fej|^w husky, but it improved as he tin)ugh at no time, was heab'e'ifcrWt^D^ natural clearly. Hia reading; however; *w ' ' precise, bis style good and his.,sinßine,., pleasiog and emphatic. MrJJrptt w»B.J»g*«. «i voici;,. and did full justice, to the 'exftdingi ...'■ part ofidoses, renderiug the music with<""" ,| solemnity of feeling and impressiveinW'j i,i i tion. He gave the exhortation in! tl)?lj*»'! act with much effect, and «wg ««*•'»'; 1 brated invocation, "Suprenie';»«(««|, i Creator ot HeaveD," with great e*f>ls»!% ' Mr Khodes made a good acqul»WW^* : himself as Pnaroab. tiis cqltowaß^;' suited the music very, happily, W» B. u veiy distinct enunciation deepened tt«— impression it made. He took his put »;, thadUet with Amenophis ably,.and mw* his assistance felt in the olher concertea :J pieces. Mr Edwards' voice WBs intercepts somewhat by tie conductor, - *SS|? diately in front of whom he «0«» but its clear and dulcet ~,mP>M albeit a.trifle- mnfHed from iWi*i« IP* mentioned, were heard distinctly •■'"■ i*? >a fiuales and v«ry effectively in tto W"., passages. His style, however, « t wß' cpptiblfi of improvement. Mr StttAtM! 8 * ' the music allotted to the Angel in the fl»» si« act, and to Ositia iv the succeeding ™a> with manifest care. He has a rdon«... baritone voice, which has und«gO» < ' some development since hi« first »ppe»f": ance in Auckland and he appears tobewj apt student. Mies Clara Bleazard appesrea as Sinais, and, notwithstanding »B« . trooiulousness of manner, fulfilled ncr pan very acceptably. ! ■ ~':.■ The performance, on the whole, i» one oi the finest that the Choral Bodety has p«a for years past, and it marks.a decwed aoj vance upon the last Interpretation « ! Kossini's great work, some si* months ag<'< ; Here Schmitt, the energetic conductor, deserves his due acknowledgment for 'U» , result. It ii to his undoubted talent, w» ■ ■ mitt'ng' exertion?, and enthusiastic W*» ;' j that the cau'e of music has been so greatlf , j furthered in i thia community and tn« j Choral Society raised to a standard coo- /. \ parable with thci of the besi assMiatiOMTi the kind in the Bouthbrn hemtkpnetfe,

iVENIJMIi STAH, WEDNESDAY. MAY 9



special Aavertiaemeiata _ O PEOIAL ADVERTISEMENT. NEW BROCHE RIBBONS PEKIN MOIRE MBBONS SATIN MER MEILLKAUX RIBBONS RAINBOW STRIPED RIBBONS BROCHE PLUSH RIBBONS FANCST TARTAN RIBBONS LACE-EDGED RIBBONS COLOURED OTTOMAN RIBBONS OMBRE PLUSH RIBBONS COLOURED ORIENTAL RIBBONS BLACK ORIENTAL RIBBONS COLOURED SASH RIBBONS BLACK SASH RIBBONS SASH RIBBONS (all widths) THE LATEST NOVELTIES IN RIBBONS. NOVELTIES in"wOOL SHAWLS j NOVELTIES in WOOL OPERETTAS NOVELTIES in SILK SHAWLS NOVELTIES in WOOL SQUARES. ■m ILLIAM TPATTRAY Has Opened Up a Choice Assortment of the Latest Novelties in WOOL SQUARES. SHAWLS, AND v OPERETTAS, Black, White, and all the Fashionable Shades of Colour; Wool. Shawls, for 3treet wear; Wool Squares, for street wear j Wool Operettas, for evening wear; Silk Shawls—most beautiful goods—for evening wear • New Wool Goods, in the latest style, to BUit every taste, and at all prices. William J^attkay, draper, clothier, & silk mercer, new ze aland house, 178, 180, & 182, QUifilcN-STREET, Auoklahd (Four doors bolon- tho Now Savings Bank). Important ro Ijadies. SMITH AND C&'GHKY. Importer!.3oo and 302, Upper unetin-flu. ot. reepeotmUy lmlmtte to Ladles residing in Nuwmarkut und surround ing distrlots that having secured the services of a Firat-olaas Miiliaar a»d s»'oswoman, they have added the MiMaurv and Underclothing Departments to their Newmarket Branon, K»tabllehment. This addition to thalr Block will inolude a Complete .Assortment ot (adle*1 and Chidren'< Uoderolothlug. New Mantto, Jaokou and Ulßtera, Flower* Feathers. Trim mad and Umrimmed Hato, Jfec, Their premlees having been recently enlareed. tli»y have aleo ioor. HS.-d their stock of New WlnMr Dres» MaWla's ana Veivnteenß, FUnnela and Blan ki-ts. Men's and Boys' CiothlDg;, tec., &a AU Gooa> marked in plain figures. P.lcea n» at their Qooon Btroet Cheap Drapery Warehoose. 1 ~~ ' ■ TN THE INSOLVENT ESTATE OF A. IJNABURY AND CO.



JPOBORAVK ANn pa . VA>soaAV« AND W Being the Baeoeaafal Tenderers In the above Rotate, beg to announce to the Inhabitants o( Auckland and Its vicinity that a SALE ALB OV TtIK SAME WILL B8 HELD ON TBE PRKMISSS LATELY OCCUPIED BT A. LINABUKY AND C<\, QUBKN-3TRBKT, AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE BNHRB STOCK IS CLEARED OUT, REGAKDLEB3 OF COST 1 <f« CoSGBAVB AND Co. *V E ARE NOW OPENING UP THE JATKST AUTUMN CjTYLES IN TPIHMKD BONNBTS AHD HATS UNTRIMMKD BONNKTd AND BATB MANTLBS, JAOKBTS UU3TKRB, KOURJN-HANnS BASH AND OTHKR KIrtBONS HOaIKHY. WOOL QOOUS KID ULOVKB, BBIT QUALITT. ALSO, A Large Variety of Dress Materials IN ALL THB NKW STVLKB, wltb UITABLE TRIMMINGS TO MATCH THB DRRSBMAftma OKPAE^TMII^T 1b now under the Manaßament of a (first olaaa CO6TDMIBR from WoRTH*a, ot Pttns MILNE & CHOYCE, QUEBN-STRBBT. 6o'cso'dddddddo'6ddcsddpcs6ddd<sd &&&*&&&&&&&»*&* &<e<E-iE-iE-iEHEHriE-iEHE-iE-iE-EHFiE-i^s-iE-i&H&<&<E<E-ifriEH g g 'is a. >«* 5 ii i Iss < 9 sil| l H 111 o I . llfii MCQDQH?O3OTCQDOOQO3OTCO 03 00 CQ WM CQ OQIJQ iQ OD OQ OQ CO QD gggggggggsgggggssggggggggg Bought a BTHTjT TTAT from the New Zealand Tweed Company, and ot all the Felt Hats I ever felt, I never felt a Felt like that Felt felt, A REQUIREMENT THAT IS MUCH WANTED WE WILL HAVE IN ABOUT A WEEK, WHICH IS JOHN'S AND JJOYS' CJLOTHING (READY MADE), OF NOTHING BUT NEW ZBIALAND TWEEDS, the earns as we have in Stock. Any Alteration Done on the Premises Free of Charge. J^EW JJEALAND rjiWEED (JOMPANY, 172, queen-street. Joseph JMohes, MANAGER,



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