SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER {^^wMorning, 8.50 SU&SCT.-This Evening, G. 2 SUNRISE.—To-morrow Mornin;?, ..... MOON'S AGK-First Quarter, 9ih, 9.59 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

I Mrmapouri, s.s., Logan, from Sydney | Rlenefg, s.s., Stephenson, from Tauranga ! Naiad, brig, Walters, from Newcastle i Island Lily, brigantine, Houghton, from rimaru ; Hawk, Govt. s_h., Jacobs, from a cruise ' • Jane Anderson, sch., Eckhotf, from Dunedin

DEPARTURES.

Suva, s.s., Hutchinson, for Whangarei Sarah Pile, brigantine, Romeril, for Whangarei LouiSe, cutter, Edstrom, for Sydney

IMPORTS.

Per Manapouri, from Sydney: 30 bass onions, 130 bags bonedust.—Gunson and Martin. Ex Frederick Bassil. from Oamaru—l,2oo sacks potatoes.—Adam Laybourne and Co. Per Otaki—!B cases gunpowder.—D. Evitt, Queen-street. Per Jane Anderson—lo packages drugs, 170 sacks flour, 1,081 sacks oats, 118 sacks potatoes, SOhhds. and 20 bails, ale, 38 packages hardware.

Per Naiad—29s tons coal, 816 bags boncdust, 168 pieces timber, 135 shafts, 1,500 spokes.

Per Island Lily—l,o7o sacks oats, 50 sacks wheat.

Per Manapouri—lo cases whisky, 651 cases fruit, 20! gunnies and 73f. bags sugar, 28 bales kapok, 40 bags rice, 955 boxes and 199 half-chests tea, 593 bags honedust,22l bags onions, 30 tierces tobacco.

The ship Otaki has been berthed at the outer eastern tec of tho Queen-street Wharf.

Tho brigantine Seagull left Port Chalmers for this port yesterday.

The steamers Durham, Minnie Casey, Kina, Lily, and City of Cork are to bo sold by Messrs E. and A. Isaacs at an early date.

Tho s.s. Manapouri, which proceeds South at noon to-morrow, does not proceed through to Melbourne ; through passengers will therefore not go forward from Port Chalmers until the following week.

A small cutter called the Leah left Maketu for Tauranga on Saturdaj last, and as she has not been heard of since, fears for her safety are entertained. She had one lady passenger and t jrewoftwo.

Tho barque Catherine Jane, bound for Auck land, and the barque Loongana, bound for Mauritius, left Newcastle on September 29, but put back the same day owing to v heavy S.E. gale.

Tho brigantines Darcy Pratt and Aratapu cleared at Sydney for Auckland via Newcastle on the 27th September.

A cablegram received by tho N.Z. Shipping Company announces that the Aorangi, the second of the new steamere, was launched on

the Clyde on October 2. She leaves for Ne- Zealand porta about the end of November.

The brig signalled late yesterday afternoon proved to be the Naiad, from Newcastle, which came up tho harbour to-day. The Naiad left Newcastle on September •]. had line northerly winds for five days, and southerly winds during the remainder of the passage. The brigantine Island Lily left Timaru on September 20; experienced light and variable winds from N'.N.E. to N.N.W. till the 28th. On the 29th the wind hauled to the southward, blowing a strong gale until passing East Cape on the SOth. From thence till arrival to-day \\. and S.W. winds.

The s.s. Glenolg left Tauranga at 1.15 p.m. yestenlay, and arrived at Auckland at 6.50 a.m. to-day. Passengers: MrsMcKenna, Miss Gar rett, Mies Bruce, Mr and Mrs Clarke, Mrs Sheath, Messrs Whitaker, Hesketh, Comiskey, Last, Speak, Gim, Savage, Hare, Chadwick, Burt, Major Weir. Cargo: 30 sacks maize,2o sacks gum, 19 pigs, 5 bales hides.

ARRIVAL OF THE MANAPOURI.

The s.s. Manapouri arrived at 1.30 p.m. to-day. She left Sydney at 6.30 p.m. on the 29th ult.; passed the Three Kings at 4 p.m., and rounded the North Cape at B p.m. on the 3rd inst.; ex perienced fre3h southerly winds and fine weather during the run across; passed s.s. Ringarooma at IU p.m. on the 3rd inst., off- North Capo. Passengers—Saloon for Auckland: Colonel Carnegy, Mrs Carnegy, family 13). and native servant, Mr and Mrs Suttic, Misses Suttio (3), Master Sutties (6), Mrs Pain, Mr H. A. Martin, Mr Redmond, Miss Ludbrook. Mr D. Campbell. Mr A. L. Poulter, Mr T. L. Roberts. Mr Turrall, Mr A. Maitland. Mr John Bryoe, Mr G. C. Fiulay. Miss Foy, Mr W. J. Fisher, Mr and Mrs Gardner, Mr Osmond, Mrs Weston. Mr Blair, and H. Harper. For Napier: Mr H. Turner. For Lyttelton: Mr Banks, Mr Cooper, and 35 steerage. We aro indebted to Mr G. Chiller, purser, for press parcels, re ports, &c.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Whai .caret, this day. Arrived: Suva, from Auckland, 1 a.m.

Gisborde, this day. Sailed: Southern Cross, s.s., for Auckland 9.30 a.m

Waitara, this day. Sailed: Rowena, s.s., for Auckland, 10.30 a.m. New Plymouth, this day. Arrived: Oreti, from Wellington. She is landing her cargo at the Breakwater.

DU-.EDIX, this day. Sailed: Brigantine Seagull, for Auckland. Port Chalmers, yesterday.

Sailed: Te Anau, for the North. Passengers for Auckland: MesdamcsMurray and Folgran, Mr and Mrs Pottebe, Messrs Carter, Crawford, Wedon, and Dr. Barr. ■

The Wheol of FortantlJEax&a in His

■■in uiiiMiLiiuiM, .iiw junsrorr^iz;

Dear Sirs,—This Is to certify that St. Jacobs Oil, after one application, cured me of a severe attack of sciatica.—l remain, gratefully yotir_, William Mom, Coachbullder, Christchurch. Witnesses—G. 0. Mumford, Journalist; John , Blackmore, Sergeant Armed Constabulary; W. j Geo, Clerk Post-office Department.

THE RESULT WAS MARVELLOUS.

To Editor Evening STAB, Auckland, N.Z. August 31,1383. Dear Sir,—l must certainly confess I had great belief in tho curative properties of St. Jacob's Oil, and can personally endorse tho fact Some week or two ago I was unfortunate enough to contract a severe rheumatic pain in my left arm, which oxtonded from tho shoulder to the wrist. It was so painful, in fact, that I had to leave my office and go home. Obtaining a bottle of St. Jacobs Oil,'my wife rubbed my arm immedi ately, and again at night-timo. The result was simply marvellous, for the next morning the pain was all gone; and up to the present I have not |had tho slightest return ot it, I recommend all suffering from rheumatism ond similar pains to use St. Jacobs Oil, and feel fully convinced hat they will find great benefit from its use.—l am, dear sir, yours faithfully, Thomas W. Warren.

The above testimonial is from a leading im porter in Sydney; the original can be seen at any time at the agent's office.

Corns and Chilblains Disappear.

Christchurch, Now Zealand, June 21, ISB2. Dear Sirs.—During the winter season of last year,-*.vins? been on duty as member of the Armed Constabulary force at the;Ncw Zealand Exhibition, I suffered from corns and chilblains. On tho recommendation of a friend I used St. Jacob's Oil, which, alter two applications, re lieved me of all suffering. I give this certificate as a man who understands the value of truth.— Faithfnlly yours, Constable Daniel Sullivan. Witness, Robert S. Walpolo, Secretary Now Zealand International Exhibition.

How a Useless Arm Was' Restored In Ten Minutes.

Or tho Experience of Edward L. Gheen, Esq., Government Sheriff at Auckland, N.Z. Auckland, New Zealand. August 10,1883. Messrs M. Levy and Co., Auckland, Now Zealand,

Dear Sirs,—l have great pleasure in stating I had occasion to use St. Jucobs Oil for an old Injury I received to my shoulder in Juno, 18.2. and from that date until July lOt'.i h-_3t I could not use my arm, and found great difficulty in writing. I applied to medical men and used all sorts of liniments, but without any benefit; hut I had not used St. Jacobs Oil more than.ten minutes before I felt the beneflcial effect, and I can work with my saw or spade as well as ever I did, and can strongly recommend this Oil to any one suffering from muscular ailments. You can make what use you please of this letter for the benefit of others.—l remain, dear Sirs, yours &c., Edward L. Gbeen, Sheriff.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

October 1,1883. Abbott's Opera House-Benefit to E. B. Russell and Barry O'Ncil, S p.m. Choral Hall — Orchesteral Society's First Monthly Concert, 8 p.m. Diocesan Choral Association, St. Mary's Church, 7.30 p.m. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Devotional, 7.30 p.m. Members of Onehunga Perpetual Land, Build ing, and Investment Society. Otllcc. 8 p.m.

Births.

H iVRDING.-On October 2nd. at Grafton Road. the wife of A. Harding of a son. KENSINGTON.-On-On October 4th. at Avcnuo Road, Parnell, Mrs Win. C. Kensington of a

son. MURRAY.-On October :., at Franklin Road, tho wife of T, Murray of a son.

Marriage.

BUCKLAND-TAYLOR.-On October 3, at St. John's College, by the Rev. E. H. Gulliver, M.A.. Alfred, second son of Alfred Buckland. Esq., of Auckland, to Laura, fifth daughter ot the late Richard J. Taylor, r_aq., Glendowic, West Tamaki.

Death.

HOWARD.-On October 3rd, at his residence, Scotia Place, Upper Queen-street, S. Howard

tion. MILLS.—On October 3, in his 50th year, James John Mills. May his soul rest in peace. The funoral will leave the residence of his son-in-law, Mr C. Little, Hobson-streot, on Friday, sth inst., ot 3 o'clock.

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1883.

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

Mb Daroaville'i. address to the electors of City West last night was an exceedingly moderate and judicious one. It requires only a small amount of tact to keep out of a melee when the chances are ten to one in favour of getting worsted, und none at all to rush headlong into it; but being in, no little art is needed to come off with a whole skin and some trophies of victory. The member for City West had the latter movement to execute, and he did it uncom monly well. In the speech that led to the Dargaville inquiry last session, the member for City West gave an opening which an old campaigner liko the Colonial Treasurer could not fail to seize upon. The very pith of the accusations against the Treasurer— in fact the core of the speech-^was the al legation that Major Atkinson, as the tool of financial rings, had relieved loan and other monetary institutions from paying their fair share under tho Property Tax Act by a clause exempting boriowedcapital. MajorAtkinsonsatquietly and chuckled—the clause had been repealed by an Act which the Treasurer himself introduced twoyearsago, before, andMrDar gaville, in his second speech, candidly ad mitted that he had overlooked this fact, The passionate invectives expended under this head, therefore, wero levelled at a myth. With regard to any alleged corrup tion arising out of the consolidation of loans seventeen years before, every word of denunciation was so much eulogy of the Treasurer, for he had formed one of an exceedingly small band of members who opposed that Act to the bitter end. It was not to be expected that Major Atkinson should neglect to avail him self of the weapons thus placed in his hands for the purpose of magnifying his own virtues and displaying the invulnerability of his political armour. Mr Dargaville of course soon discovered how matters stood, and never offered any evidence in support of the charges which were specifically formu lated in the speech out of which the Com mittee of Inquiry arose ; and the references to trust funds in the first speech afford the strongest internal evidence that the allega tion afterwards submitted to the Committeo about the deposit of £223,000 could not have been known to Mr Dargaville at that time. Relative to this charge, the evidence ad duced proved that the system originated during tho Grey administration as a convenient mode of profitably investing the constantly accruing insurance funds at a higher rate of interest than would be yielded by Treasury Bills. The ad verge opinion of Messrs Stout and Reid does not appear to have weighed with the Commis sioner or the Government either then nor since, for though that opinion was given in November, 1878, we find £2G2,000 still so invested in March, 1879 ; tho Grey Minis try retired from office in the following October. Whatever irregularity, therefore, there may have been about this mode of in vestment (and Mr Dargaville fairly ap pealed to the validating clause afterwards passed, as proving its doubtful legality), the specific charge of jobbery neces sarily falls to the ground. Mr Dar gaville complained that the Committee was unfairly constituted, and he is justified in questioning the adaptability of any parliamentary committee for the conduct of a judicial investigation—the element of party usually crops out; but,if there were four Ministerialists on it, there were also the hydra-hoaded leaders of the Opposition and their whip, and the report was unanimous ; nor can wo believe that Mr Dargaville, wore he to express his true convictions, would maintain that tho verdict would have been different from that

returned by the Committee if the case had been submitted to a jury selected by the mest impartial tribunal in the colony. As to the indictment submitted to tho Com mittee, Mr Dargaville, perhaps unin tentionally, conveyed the impression in his speech laat night that the Issues tried were framed by Major Atkinson, whereas they were submitted by Mr Holmes, a leading member of the Opposition, and one of Mr Dargaville'swarmostsupporte.s throughout, as an amendment to Major Atkinson's motion, and accepted by the Treasurer, who thereupon withdrew tho resolutions he had proposed; Mr Dargaville following Stilt by withdrawing his own amendment. Mr Holmes's indictment becoming then the only resolution before the House, was finally carried.

This is a simple history of the inquiry stripped of all party colouring. For tho motives of the chief actors in it, wo need hardly seflk now. Major Atkinson probably [ thought he had his opponent bythewool; Mr Dargaville founditgavehimnotoriety, which is the very life of a public man ; the feeling of the rest of the House was no doubt toler ably well represented in the appeals which, Mr Dargaville tells us, camo to him from both sides —to get rid of tho whole tiling as speedily and with as little trouble as possible. The most unfortunate feature in the whole case appears to us to be Mr Dargaville's appeal to Southern prejudices against Auckland in the cry, "It is time at last that this House—that the country should put its foot down and so}', 'we will no longer b _ governed by this financial ring in Auckland, which controls the destinies of the colony and drags it through the dirt.' " We thoroughly agree with tho lion, member that it would be a very bad thing for the country if any ring should have the power to control the destinies of the colony, though we must confess that wo should infinitely prefer to have an Auckland ling befot-e any other. We look In vain to the past, how ever—to the straggle which Auckland has had in obtaining the smallest modicum of justice ; to the fact that in commercial as in public affairs, we have had the utmost diffi culty in holding our own ; to our extinguished coastal steam services, and the Dunedin combination which controls the carrying trade of the colony, and presses its commerce into every corner of the land ; still more do wo look with amazement to a Ministry in which Auckland has no repre sentation, and in favour of which not half a-dozen hands could have been dl'aWn forth from a largo meeting such as that gathered together last night, for evidence of the ex istence of this Auckland ring that " con trols tho destinies of the colony." Such statements however are believed, re-echoed, and applauded in the South and only serve to intensify prejudices and antipathies which have done and are still doing in calculable mischief. Whether Mr Dargaville erred or not in his action last session, however, tho present would be no time to weaken tho influence of those in whom the Auckland electorates have placed their confidence. Tho fear of unrelenting hostility from tho press, which seems to have Weighed on that gentleman's mind, is a visionary thing. The interests of the press are bound up witti the interests of the people, and it will, as a rule, be found on the side of those who aro fightingfortliemaintcnaiiceofi.opulari.ghts. Mr Dargaville owes his own presence in tho House to the instinct of the press determining it even against the course of a temporary popular cut-rent. No one can fail to recognise in the Member for City West talents which, if directed by sincerity

of purpose, would win for him distinction in public life, and when using those talents aright he need never despair of support from either press of people. We arc, mote over, quite of the opinion that, read by the light of recent events, it would require a phenomenal amount of wrong-headedness on his part to induce tho people ot Auck land to quarrel with him for any knocks he may choose to give tho Atkinson Cabinet. The resume of the sessional business con tained in the speech was fresh ami instruc tive. Wo believe the member for City- West reflects tho tenor of a strong and growing sentiment in tho Houseott the ques tion of decentralisation. Centralism (its badly a country which has no natural centre, and very little in common in sentiment or of interest. This question is tho problem of tho day—to frame a constitution that will give collective strength without centralism, a true Belt-government without delivering up tho country to small profes sional politicians; but Wo have never hitherto seen anything approaching an acceptable solution. The constitution of New Zealand will probably be a thing of gradual growth, not a l-ci-fect form springing miraculously from tho head of some colonial Jupiter. But

it is a duty which casts tho very gravest responsibility on New Zealand statesmen.

The Franco-Spanish Quarrel.

"The hot blood of Castile" has been aroused by the direct insult offered by the populace of Paris to King Alfonso, and as wars have arisen on far less provocation than is supplied by tho recent incident, it may be of interest to glance at tho events lead ing up to and surrounding it. The youth ful King of Spain (he is only 20 years of age) was lately reported to be acting the role of the gay Lothario, to tho grief of his fair consort and the scandal of not very easily scandalised Madrid ; and to allay tho un pleasantness, Alfonso put himself in a sort of voluntary Coventry by undertaking a European tour, commencing with a visit to the aged Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. As usual in cases of social gossip, espe cially when it relates to persons in high places, there is great dilliculty in arriving at the truth of the scandal concerning Alfonso. It has been speci fically denied from a source which ought to be best informed, and it is not neces sary to give any other reason than the royal pleasure for paying complimentary visits ; but if the scandal was not the cause of Alfon.o's visit, peoplo will insist on it having some political object. However that may be, certain it is that the King of Spain went to Berlin, and while there allowed himself to be appointed to the honorary colonelcy of a regiment of Uhlans, That was a vei'y harmle.s tiling in itself— about all that is implied in it being that Alfonso is entitled to array himself in tho uniform of tho corps when so inclined; but to the susceptible sons of Gaul it amounted to something like an affront, a throwing down of the gage of defiance, an enlisting under tho banner of their hereditary foe. Therefore, a good deal of hostile feeling was aroused in France by the news, and when Alfonso, in tho inno cence of his heart, paid a visit almost immediately after to Paris, he was hooted all along his progress through the streets to the mansion of President Gtevy. It is hard to see how this discourtesy can be at all justified. The \ isit of the Spanish King, if it meant anything, meant that he was anxious to cultivate amicable relations with the French Government and people ; but instead of his advances beiii" reciprocated, they were repelled in the most offensive manner possible. In any event, he was entitled to the charity of silence from tho French people, who claim to be the pink of politeness and to lead the European fashion in good man ners ; but tho excitable bourgcoise of Paris seem to have hurled injurious epithets and jeers at him in a manner worthy of a Bil lingsgate mob. No wonder that the young monar.-h refused to bo mollified by the apologies of M. Grdvy, and determined at once to shake the dust of France from his shoes; no wonder that Madrid is in a ferment, has forgiven Alfonso's peccadilloes among the petticoats (if such have any foundation in fact), and has given him an enthusiastic recep tion on his return from inhospitable France. At the same time, it is well to re member that the irritation of Franco an-ainst Spain is of older date and of graver moment than the interchange of courtesies nt Berlin. Spain, under Alfonso's regime, bus been showing signs of national 7ictivity. She asserted her equal right with other Powers to be heard in the Suez Canal dispute, and her most recont act was to apply for admission to an alliance with Italy and Germany. Such an alliance is distinctly dangerous to France, who would, in the event of a European war, find herself hemmed in by a complete cordon of foes. To neutralise this action, French influence has no doubt fomented and en couraged the Republican movement in Spain, and the Carlist rebellion, in hopes of turning Spain into an ally ; and when, a few months ago, a force of Spanish rebels were in terned in France, theattitudeof theßepublic on the subject of their surrender to Spain caused not a little annoyance to tho latter Power. Tho French Ministry are reported to bo at almost hopeless loggerheads over the "affair Alfonso," and a crisis appears to be imminent. • Such is the quarrel as it stands, and if the treatment of King Alfonso by the people of Paris should be made the pretext for war, there can be no dilliculty ia determining what is the real cause of the rupture now impending;

By a cable message published in another oolumn it will bo seen that tho Aorangi, the second of the New Zealand Shipping Company's new steamers for tho direct service between this colony and England, was latinohed on October 2nd. Sho leaves London for Now Zealand at tho ond Sf November.

A telegram from Wellington to-day states that tho sr.s. City of New York, with the | September l_ngli_h mails, loft StM Franoiseo i for Auckland on 22nd ult., time-tablo date, ' Mr Ji E. Redmond, whose lectures on the Irish land question hnve attracted con siderable attention in Austrdli.t; tt'h.re bo has been travelling for some time, arrived here by the Manapouri from Sydney to-day. He was met on arrival by a largo committee of Auckland gentlemen, who gave him a hearty welcome. The party drove in threo carriages to the Star Hotel, where Mr Redmond will, remain during hfs stay in Auckland. Mr Redmond lectures at the Thames on Saturday evening, and on Mon-' day evening he will deliver an address here at the Theatre Royal on "Homeßule —Its Real Meaning." On Wednesday he leaves for Wellington.

Mr J. M. Dargaville, M.H.R. for City West, addressed a crowdod moeting of electors Inst night in the Theatre Royal, and at the close received a vote of thanks and confidence. An epitomised report of tho speech appears upon the fourth .pftgo of tins issue. Several .typographical errors have crept i-ito it, and there is one omissiofi which needs to be repaired. It occurs in the follow-in" sentence —"After noticing the three policy bil.s, viz., thcLegislative Council Reform Bill, the Railways Improved Land Bill, Mr Dargaville passed on to sum up." It will be seen that tho name of the third policy bill referred to, viz,, Major Atkinson's National Insurance Bill, lias been inadvor teritiv toft out:

The manager of tho lona Gold-mining Company; .Coromandel; reports that the leader cut in the south cross-cut has run into a fine reef, the width of which has not yet been proved, but three feet in thickness has been exposed, and good prospects of loose gold obtained from it. The manager is very sanguine of meeting with a good patch shortly.

Three young women who, wc are in formed, were passengers by the 8.8. Doric, mio-ht have been seen walking abottt Queen and Ctistom-Koiis(.-..tt'to.ts yesterday after noon making use of iilost disgusting and bbsecne language. Tiiey were apparently sober. Despite the.emphatic contradiction of the Hon. the Minister of Immigration, it is now an admitted fact that tho colony

secured some exceedingly "badbargains in the s.s. Westme.ath, and though tho Doric passengers arc unquestionably a bett,er lot than their predecessors, it appears self-evident to us that due care is not exercised at Homo in tho selection of tho immigrants. Thero hnvo not been wanting signs of late that a section of Dooplo In England regard these colonies as excellent receptacles for the riff-raff of their population, mid this being sd. tiie Agent- General's ollieo should exercise it double watchfulness in the selection of would-be colonists.

The man Michael Cronin, who fell from a plank yesterday while wheeling a barrow upon it, has been more seriously injured than was at first sup|iosed. His hurts were dressed at tho Hospital, and he proceeded homo to his residence in Conquest Place Parnell. Being a member of the H.A.C.B. Society, ho is being attended by I>r. Tenncnt.

Tho City Guards (Into No. 3) held their monthly inspection parade last, evening at the Drill-shed, Major Shepherd being the commanding officer. There were 52 names answered, including Captain Isaacs, Lieu tenant Robinson, and Sub-Lieutenant Hit chens. After an hour's drill, in which the Company acquitted itself creditably, a march-out took place, the Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Morris, playing stirring music down Queen-street.

Four men belonging to tho steamer Wel lington were engaged scraping the vessel's sides shortly after four o'clock yesterday afternoon, when a staging unon which they were sitting gave way, and all were prccipi tated into the water. Fortunately, tho men were nil good swimmers, and consequently they soon got on board of the steamer and changed their clothes, being very little the wor.-e for their mishap.

A most successful meeting was held last evening in connection with the opening of an elementary singing class by -Mr Clcndinning in the new ball, Mount Eden. Then: was a largo attendance of the public, the hall being nearly full. The acoustic properties of the building l-t|i^'' (1>

various pieces in caoital style, and the whole company joined in singing several exercises, including two and four-part tunes quickly learned during the evening. At the close a number of ladies and gentlemen enrolled as members.

A telegram from Wellington states that Ihe following tenders have been refceived for No. 40 station building contract:—Ac cepted : I>. Muir mid Son (Otahuhu), £152. Declined: W. G. Smith (Auckland), £189; .J. McColl (Newmarket), £210 ; Wrigloy and Hnudcock(Newton),_.2ls. Thefollowing tenders were received for Mangatuwhiri bridge rep.iii-si.-ont met: Accepted; It. Martin (Mercer), £219. Declined: Fullerton and Co. (Miiuku), £247; .1. •). O'Brien (Parnell), £27 . r.; Wells and Gardiner (Auckland), £298.

A I'resbyterial Conference in connection with tho Auckland Presbytery was held last evening in St. James's Hall, Rev. .lames Bruce, Moderator, presiding. The attend ance was not by any means large. Rev. Mr McKimicy delivered an excellent lecture on "Genesis and Science," in which he compared Biblical and scientific teachings on various [Mints, the principal of which was the antiquity of man. Ho considered that the great antiquity of man was not proven, and con sidered the Biblical account of creation to bo the correct one. Most of the clergy men and several laymen present addressed the meeting on the subject. In the course of his remarks, Rev. Killen said it was ap parent that several statement, in tho I-ib licol account of the creation could not be taken literally, ono of these being the creation of woman from a rib of man, and another tho assertion that it had not pre viously rained. The paper and subsequent discusssion were both interesting and in structive.

Mr Alfred Lissant and Messrs. Brett Schmidt and Co., aro to be congratu lated on the exceedingly fine piece of lithographing produced for "Lost in London. Up till recently, it Mas considered necessary to send to cither Melbourne or Sydney for this work, but it is beginning to bo shown that Auckland is quite equal to produce as fino work in this department as either of them.

Tho recently-amended laws of cricket have now been issued in neat pamphlet form at tho low price of 3d, and may be obtained from Mr Mumford, High-street. Import ant alterations have been mado in somo of the rules, and it would be well for cricketers to secure copies at once, and make them selves acquainted with the changes before the season commences.

The benefit of Messrs E. B. Russell and Barry O'Ncil, which has been causing so much interest in tho theatrical circles of Auckland, is to take place to-night, and judging from tho first-rato programme offered to the public, a bumper house should confidently be expected. Among others to appear is Mr Michael Anderson, who has, over in Australia, earned a good reputation as a musician and singer, though not so extensively known as his brother, the late Mr •Alfred Anderson, H.A.M., who was pianist to H.R.H., tho Duko of Edinburgh. Air Sceats, who made so favourable an im pression as the Barber in the operatic per formances by Professor Cailliau's Company, has also kindly given his services, likewise Mr Scott. In fact, everyone of the pro fession wot'tli seeing has only boon to glad to show appreciation for tho men to whom the benefit is tendered. Miss Green- Ices, who has the reputation of being tho most graceful dancer south of the line, his also kindly oflbrod her services.

It would appear from a discussion that took place at the meeting of tho Auckland Presbytery yesterday that students of tho Presbyterian Church are not extravagantly paid, nor are they supposed to expect much. Tho Secretary of the Church Exten sion Committee drew attention to the case of a married'- student who officiates at Hamilton, and who is only paid £100 per annum, while amongst tho other expenses of the charge was one of _'30 por annum for an organist. During tho discussion that fol lowed tho reading of the letter, Rev. Mr Runciman gave utterance to tho opinion that students are really better paid than min isters. He thought the mistake was in em ploying married students, but if students chose to marry they should select women who would support themselves. Therefore he did not think thoy should interfere in tho matter. Tho Moderator: Mr Runciman should have i'.i oo a-year himself for two or three years. Mr Runciman replied that he would have been thankful for £100 a-year when lio was a student, and iio only wished he had boen able to support himself as well as these fellows are.

A handsome addition to our yachting fleet will shortly be launched from Mr C, Bailey's boatbuilding yard. She Is a new boat, built to the order of Mr Mltchelson, M,H.R., and, _,o far as look and appearance and staunch' nees aro concerned, will far surpass any draft of the same size yet turned out of Auckland, The model is taken from the Toy, which proved very successful in Various contests at our periodical regattas, but in tttftny respects she will be superior to that boat. She is diagonal built, the dimensions being i Length of keel, 24ft, Cm,; length overall, 2Sft. ; beam, Bft. ; depth, Bft, The owner's directions are that she must be a first elites pleasing boat, and no doubt he I will I*o s.ltl.lii.d in this respect if we may judge by the appeai'ail.S CI the boat, which although not nearly finished is attracting a considerable amount of attention.

The other week at Preston, England, a butcher, named Murphy, aged thirty-one, laid a bet that he would swim across Stone Delphi a very deep and dangerous part of the River Kibble, where n small whirlpool exists in high water. Tile man entered the water, and swam eight yards, when he satik and was drowned. On entering the water, in presence of several people, he exclaimed, " I'm acting Captain Webb."

Beware of packages of injurious stuff pur porting to make genuine Hop Bitters; also preparations and fluids said to contain all the properties of Hop Bitters. They spring up on account of the great popularity of the genuine, which is only nitt Up in large square-pane ambcr-cblditrfcd bottles, With the names "Dr. Soule " and " Hon Bitters ' blo^n in the glass, and js the best family medicine ever made. Read:

Members of the Band of Hope Union choir are reminded that the special rehearsal of the cantata "Rescue of Harry Gray" takes place this evening in tho Alexandra street School-room. ,

Mr C. W. Cave, late of Travers and Cave, barristers and solicitors, Wellington, has joined id partnership with Mr J. A. Tote, of Auckland. Mr Cave came' to the colony to prosecute tho claims of the Messrs Brogdch against tho Gov crnmeht.—(AnvT.i

Sewing Machines for tailors; bootmaker?) dressmakers, arid families.—D; S. Chamber., 70, Queen-street—[Advt.J

I represent advertiser, not publisher. Highest Auckland references. Get my quota tions.—W. H. Langbridge, The Bureau, Stich biirys Buildings, Queen-street.-[Advt.]

SCINTILLATIONS.

Back vottr friends and face your foes. Dunedin Athletic Club lids '1% members. Mole lire otitside the theatre than in it last night. . A good-looking lass loves a good looking' glass. Holding her own—A mother carrying her baby. Telephone charges reduced to £12 for first year and £10 for second. Sixteen suicides a day are reported as taking place in France. Benefit to E. B Russell and Barry (PNeil in tho Oi>era House to-night. Why is there nothing like leather ?—Be cause it Is the sole support of man. In what tongue did Balaam's donkey talk .—l'robably in the He-bray-ie, 300,000 j.tlti Hn_ mo being made at Nel son fat the coiriing fruit sCasohi Bass and Co. send out SOO.OtiO barrels of pale ale in the course of a brewing season l'lain honesty is the very best kind of politeness, and temperance tho very best physician. Ex-Empress Eugene is building a £03,000 church at Flamborough, England, in memory of her son. The total area of (ireat Britain's posses sion beyond tho seas approaches 7,!t00,000 square miles. "The Freethought Review," a sixpenny monthly, Well got up, has been started at .Vhnngnnui. t Barnum says ho will never again lecture on temperance. Ho doesn't want to hurt Jumbo's feelings. There have been 205 Popes of Italian birth, and only one of English. One Jewish Pope is claimed—we suppose St. Peter. An old saying asserts that in every corner of the world there are to be found a Scot, a rat, a Newcastle grindstone, and a Birming iutm button. Doctors now say that bblled Cow s milk is not good for babies—it is better raw. Tho doctors are right; a raw con- gives better milk than a boiled one. Muscular Christianity is to the front in Otago. At tho commencement of the Edward .-Scott walking match to-morrow, Rev. Mr Byng is to glvo an addross on moral and physical training. One of the sights of Rio Janeiro is a very dark negro who goes abroad in a dog-cart driven by a white dandy. The driver is a cockney," imported from London expressly to mark the wealth, fashion, and imi>ort ---~«^j.£__>i«>_aljh_iuust_"- .... --.-»-ioti)ii m)CT,r tions on Monday, when 153 gallons ot milk were received, and on the following day the amount was increased to 170 gallons. Mr Thomas Runciman is manager, at a salary of i'2oo a-year and freo house, while Captain Runciman superintends as managing director,

THE VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS IN THE STRAITS OF SUNDA.

Cooktown, September 2G. The latest news from Batavia states that over an extent of some 80 miles of country complete darkness was cast, in consequence of tho recont eruptions in the Straits of Sundn. White ashes foil all over the city and at Chcriboh. During the night all the gaslights were extinguished, and in the day time lamps had to be lit. The sea rose to such a height in the Straats of Sundn that it totally swept over Anjer, Tyerigin, and Toloh Bctong. It Hooded all the rivers, which, rushing down, carried away bridges, and destroyed several Malay villages. All tho boats on tho coast were completely destroyed or carried far inland. A.l the light-houses in the Straits havo disappeared, and the island Karatoa has been rent into pieces by tho strength of tho volcanic action, and has sunk into the sea. Thy charts of the Straights are no longor trustworty, as the channel has entirely changed, Botwetn the islands of Karatoa and Cibeesie, sixteen volcanoes have appeared. The island Soengarpan has split into five islands. Bantam has been made an ashy desert. Tho cattle aro dying for want of food, and a famine appears to be imminent, The residents are in despair. Tke volcanic mountain Rawoon, distant 20 miles from Bangorngie, has also bcenin active eruption, emitting huge volumes of smoke. A tele gram has been received by the Governor of Singapore from the British consul at Bata via, it being as follows: —"In consequence of the volcanic action, the configuration of Sunda Straits and the southern entrance thereto has been changed. Some islands havo disappeared, and also upheavals are suspected. Anjer, with the lighthouse, has been destroyed, and probably other light houses in the neighbourhood have been damaged. A survey is proceeding. Re commend mariners to use extreme caution." At Anjer on tho Sunday evening strong detonations were heard and folt. The sea io£e [and fell three feet at intervals of from 10 to 15 minutes. Six distinct sliockf of earthquake were felt during the night, and early on the fol lowing morning a high, column of water struck the land with a roaring noise. An hour later there was another of tho same sort, still higher, causing great destruction of life and property. During -.ho night of tho 27th August, strong detonations from Krakatoa were heard at Soerakrata, and Hashes of the volcanic fires were vijible at Bataviaa. At 12 noon Sorang was in total darkness, and stones were falling all over the town. Numerous villages near Anjer were washed away. It was almost dark at Batavia, and telegraph com munication with Anjer was interrupted, owing to the telegraph line being down. Tho river overflowed through the rush of the sea inland. All the shops and offices were closed, and business was suspended. The telegraph inspector at Java reports that, while trying to repairthe lines between Sorang and Anjer he saw a high column of the sea approaching with a roaring noise. He fled inland, but believes that Anjer was destroyed. At Batavia, at noon, on the 28th August, everything was quiet. Tho sky was clear, and the temperature down 10 degress, and quite chilly towards night fall. Thebamboohouscsalongthobeach were washed away by the tidal wave, which was not very high. Tho fish in the sea were very dizzy, and were caught with ease by the natives. The town was covered with a thin layer of ashes, giving the roads a quaint bright look, during which an ashy rain was distinctly heard falling. The mountain of Rawoon was in active eruption, emitting columns of smoke. All the .lighthouses on the coast in the Straits have been totally destroyed, Where Mount Krakatoa stood the sea now plays.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(13eforc Messrs Prime and Hurst, Justices of tho Peace.)

Drunkenness. — John Giigg, Bridget Negus, Mary Maunsoll, Edward Keeley, and Mary Brady wore punished for this offence.

Larce_*v.— Mary Martin was charged with the larceny of a silver watch and gold chain, valued at £20, tho property of Geo. Cook, at Auckland, on October 3rd last.— Mr Cotter appeared for the prisoner, and pleaded not guilty. There was no appear ance of the prosecutor. Sergeant White applied foraremand until to-morrow, which was granted, bail to bo allowed in one surety of £50.

Valueless Cheques. — Moses Wisnor Holt was charged with unlawfully obtain ing from David Dunningham, by certain valueless cheques, the sum of £3, with intent to defraud, at Auckland, on Sept. 20th last. Holt was also called upon to answer to three separate charges of a similar character, viz., obtaining money from David Dunningham by means of three valuolesscheques, in two amounts of £5, and one sum of £2.—Prisoner pleaded guilty, but urged that drunkenness was the cause.— David Dunningham, licenseeof the Governor Browne Hotel, Hobson-street, deposed that the prisoner boarded at his hotel. The statement made by the prisoner that he was drunk when he tendered the cheques was false. —Cuthbert Henry, clerk of the Bank of New Zealand, deposed that prisoner called at the bank on the 26th of last month, and signed a cheque for £20 on the bank at Patea, whore he said he had lodged £300. He telegraphed to Patea, aiid found prisoner had no account thore. So far as he could judge, prisoner was sober when in the bank. Evidence having been taken upon all charges, to each of which prisoner pleaded "guilty," tho Bench sentenced him to six months' hard labour.

This concluded the business.

NATIVE REVOLT AT HAYTI.

Foreign Merchants Mnrdercd

jiiid Plundered.

Fighting Between the Rebels ana

Marines,

[ftKVTKK's CAM_K}S*MS.]

Lokdoj., October 3. Tkleiir.-M.. arc to- hand, from Hayti, West Indies^ starting that a serious native rising has occurred at Port-au-Prince, tho capital. A large body of blacks entered the town and attacked the foreign merchants, several _. of who were killed, and others severely maltreated. The rioter, also pillaged the business premises and private houses of merchant*, and committed great havoc. A body of marines from the men-of-war ia port landed to quell the outbreak, and in the encounter which took place with the : rioters, several marines were killed.

THE ASYLUM MURDER.

Inquest to he Held To-morrow,

There is very little to be added to onr re port of the Asylum murder published last evening. The assault on Mills was com mitted with a box broom, and immediately afterward!) Gochnellwenton to the corridor and called out to a warder in the yard—" I have killed a man." When asked why he: had committed the deed, he said he had been directed to do it. The inquest will: be held at the Asylum at 10 a.m. to-morrow before Dr. Golttsbro', and as the occurrence is calculated to reflect to some extent upon the management of the Asylum, the inquiry will be of a most searching character, and will depart from the usual routine of evidence. The jury will probably leave Aucklmd in a drao at 9 v.m.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Per S.S. Maj.apoc.ri.]

Syhxey, September 29. On Thursday evening a terrific storm broke over the city, continuing for some bourn. The wind blew with.great force, and rain fell in blinding torrents. The lightning was very vivid, with awful crashes o£ thunder. Some damage is reported, but no loss of l_fe. The sea is very high along the coast.

Daring; a fire last night at Fenelley's Horse Bazaar, Pitt-street, some horses which were cut loose got away and were killed. Government intend entertaining members a ■: at a two days' picnic at Fort Hacking jni*t previous to the reassembling oi ParliamentJJfPjifl Five lartrikins are iiow in custody in con nection with the Wooloomooloo outrag*. .__ii___s_iß&£fea!i^^ this colony.

I Mr Farnell, Minister of Lands, is suffer ing from rheumatic gout in his head. Another tram accident occurred ye*r||| | terday. A man, whUst in a state of into*! cation, got in front of the motor and vras killed instantaneously. ..."

The present influx of emigrants to " Queensland is Unprecedented. During tin: past few weeks the arrivals totalled nearly 2,500, and 4 sailing vessels are now on their way out, bringing over2,_too, besides tho-i who will arrive by regular British India-- 1

steamers,

Over 5,400 tons of sugar were exported from Queensland from 6th July to 2lsrt September.

Sir Griffiths met with a most enthusiastic reception at Toowoomba.

Melbourne.

Mr Vale, ex-Attorney-General, has be- como a candidate for Emerald Hill as a sup porter of the Government. Charles J. Smyth, charged with em bezzlement fsoin a bank at Auckland, has been remanded to New Zealand.

The loss of several vessels has induced Melbourne underwriters to increase the premiums on the hulls of all sailing vessels from 10 to 11 per cent, oil coasters, and to 15 per cent, otherwise.

Messrs Howard Smith and Sons have formally transferred their steamboat busi ness to a limited liability company, with a capital of a million.

A motion in the Church of England- Assembly, that the use of the Athauasian Creed iii the Church service be rendered optional instead of mandatory, was shelved.

Mi- Thorn, manager of the Coffee Palace, claims a reward of £1000 forgiving informa tion of the movements of Corbet., the Com mercial Bank robbi...-

SUPREME COURT.-Criminal Sessions.

Yesterday Concluded.

[Beforo His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.] Assault axd Robbery.—Albert Wright,. William Small, David Home, and Michael- Ryan were arrainged upon an indictment charging them with assaulting and beating John Carroll on the 2nd of August, and stealing from his person the sum of £3 9s. —The prisoners pleaded not guilty. John Mitchell Walker, detective officer, deposed that he had followed the profession of a civil engineer. He prepared the pkn of the premises of the Black Bull, Albert - street, where the robbery took place. The sketch was correct.—John Carroll doposed that ho was a farmer re siding at Pukekohe West; he came to Auckland on business on the 21st July; he took £6 from Mr Oxley, and on the 2nd August a further sum from Mr Price ; he (prosecutor) went on to detail the circum stances. He had been a Blue Ribbon man, but on coming into Auckland visited the Black Bull, now the Pier Hotel. Took a number of glasses of shandy-gaff. Fell in with two of the prisoners, nndlmd a number of games of odd-man-out. Presently ho went to the urinal, where he was attacked and robbed by two of the men, while a third cried out, "Be quick, boys !" He was positive as to the identity of Wright and Small, but could, not swear to the other prisoners, although one of them was in tho hotel. The ovidonce of Michael Gallagher was taken.—Mr Earl defended Home and Ryan with much ability, shewing that Carroll, according to his confession, was under tho influence of drink, and that ho could not speak positively as to his cliente. —His Honor summed up, and the jury ac quitted Home and Ryan, and found Wright and Small guilty of the charge—Sentence deferred.

This Day.

His Honor took his seat at 10 o'clock,

Sentence.—Tho two prisoners, Wright and Small, found guilty of assaulting and stealing from tho person of John Carroll, were brought up for sentence.—His Honor, having remarked upon the atrocious nature of the offence, sentenced the prisoners to three years' penal servitude. Felony.—Thomas James North, described as a solicitor's clerk, surrendered his bail, and was arraigned on an indictment charging him with larceny of sundry books and other articles, the property of John Charlee MacCormick, between the months ofjDeceuiber ISS2, and March ISB3, and to which the prisoner pleaded not guilty. Prisoner was undefended.. Mr Williamson opened the case for the Crown, and enume rated the articles alleged to have been

CABLEGRAMS.

[RBUTJ-R'S cablkgram.]

The French Insult to tho King of Spain.

Bis Reception at Madrid.

Madrid, October 2. Kino Am'onsO returned to this city to-day, and was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the populace. His Majesty received an ovation of unequalled magnificence, and was warmly cheered ulong the route to the palace. An onen reception was held by the King during tlie day at the palace, and it is estimated that fully thirty thousand persons took part in the proceedings on the occasio'ii:

The Franco-Chlnese ijfspwtO.-An Ulti matum DeUvered.

Paris, October 3.

It is stated that the French Government have delivered an ultimatum to the Chinese envoy with regard to the difficulty in Tohquin, It is understood that Govern ment refuse to cede tho northern part of Tonquin to China, but arc willing that the district should be troated as neutral ground.

Rate of Interest.

London, October 2. The Bank rate of interest is 3 and the market rate 2g per cent.

A "Row" In tho French Cabinet.

Paris, October 2. Latest authentic information fully con firms the report., that have been current of a split in the Cabinet.- There is now no doubt but that a rupture iii the Ministry has occurred, and it is understood that the Ministry are only awaiting the meeting of the Chambers, which takes place on the 23rd instant, to announce the fact. It is stated that the Ministers consider that they have been treated with discourtesy and in dignity by M, Qrev-y, and complain of the President's Interference with the official actions of his Eon-.n-lritf, M, Wilson.

Another despatch sflyg:—Tho members of the French Ministry are _ squabbling amongst themselves its to who is to blame for the Alfonso fiusc •: President Grevy threatens to resign

Paris, October 2.

M. Antoine, Deputy for the City of Metz, has been arrested at the order of the Gov ernment on a charge of treason.

London, October 3.

Sir Stafford Northcote, who is now visit ing tho North of Ireland, arrived yesterday in Bolftlstj where a fete was organised in his honour.

[special to press A._soei.ttio'.\'.]

London, October 2.

Victorian Defences.

Major H. Courtley, of the Royal En gineers, sails via San Francisco oh the 12th instant. Tho Admiralty have advised the Victorian Government to retain the Nelson as a training ship. The new Victorian gun boats—Childers, Victoria, and Albeit—sail together for Melbourne, via Tories Straits, in January:

The Kerw Zealand Shipping Company's Ktoamcrs.

Tho Now Zealand Shipping Company's second steamer, the Aorangi, has been launched On the Clyde.

Lospoj.,- October 3,

An active Tory electioneering campaign is proceeding. M. Challemel-Lacour, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, has declined the latest proposals made on behalf of China.

THE OTAGO RAILWAY TRAGEDY.

Two Boys CohVlcted of Manslaughter,

[BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION]

Dlnedin, Wednesday. At the Supreme Court to-day, James Hoy and Alexander Roy were charged with the monslaiigiitct rrf John Henderson, a railway fireman, who was shot whefi oil duty on the 23rd of August last, as the train was passing through a cutting near the Wairuna station on the Dunediii-Inveicargill lino,, Both lads pleadod not guilty, and were defended by Mr Dennlston.

The Crown Prosecutor opened the case with a statement of the facts and of the law applicable to it. Assuming that the lads

passing they discharged their guns with so little care that instead of being fired in the air the guns were fired on a level between tho banks, such recklessness or thoughtless ness would make the killing of the deceased manslaughter.

The principal witness for the Crown was John Robert Roy, who said he and his brother James were out shooting on August 23rd, and when dark came on they went to their aunt's^ Mrs Cruickshnnks, to have tea. They were joined by their youngest brother, Alexander. As thoy were leaving, Mrs Cruickshanks told them not to go. through the cutting, as the train would soon be due. James was carrying his gun, and witness his own. On getting near the ten of the cutting, his brother Alexander asked witness if he would allow him to fire off his gun. Witness immediately stopped, and drew the shot with the ramrod, and then gave tho ramrod to his brother James to draw his shot. After drawing the paper out that covered tho shot, witness turned the muzzle downward, and shook out tho lead. He then set the barrel near the trigger with his ramrod. James handled his gun in like manner. Witness then handed his gun te Alexander to tire it off. James and Alexander were both going to firo their guns. Just as the train passed they fired. They had made no mention of firing nt the train.

Mr Denniston, in addressing the Court for the defence, said that the issue which the jury had to consider, although a very important and momentou.;. one, was very simple. It had never been disputed that the shot which led to this terrible result wis fired by one or other of the lads. The only question was, whether they were bound try tho evidence to assume that tho shot was fired under circumstances which would justify them in finding that the facte amounted in law to homicide by misadven ture.

His Honor summed up,- and the jury re tired at half-past three p.m. At twenty five minutes past five they returned into Court with a verdict of guilty against both prisoners, with a strong recommendation to mercy on account of previous good character. They did not think that tho firearms were discharged with any intention to injure anyone.

His Honor agreed with the jury, and said that he would give the fullest effect to their recommendation he could consistently with his duty to the public. So far as Alexander was concerned, His Honor thought that the ends of justice would be met by his father entering into recognis ances for his future good behaviour. No sentence would be passed. The older prisoner was sentenced to two months' im prisonment without hard labour..

ANOTHER FIRE.

TWO Sh6i>3 In Karangahape Road

Destroyed,

PlUoliy Conduct of tho Fire Rrisado mStl.

It would almost seem as if an epidemic of fires had set in In Auckland. Another con flagration occurred last night, and resulted | in the total destruction of two .hops in ' Karangahape Bond owned by Mr Belcher, and the injury of several other buildings. The alarm was raised about loo'eloek,and the comparatively early hour and the ominous elate of fire on one of the highest levels ot the pity attracted thousands of spectators from all directions. In ft very short time after the outbreak all the streets leading to Karangahape were thronged with persons lof both sexes hurrying in one direction- "to the tire!" When the Five Brigade reached th* scene of operations, it was dis covered that the outbreak had occurred in one of two double-storied wooden shops on the northern side of Karaflgalisp? Koad, owned by Mr Belcher and occupied by Airs Featon, grocer. The flames had already burst through tho roof.

Delays are Dangorous,

There was rather more delay than usual in getting the lire appliances to work. This was to some extent due to the tact that tho hose-reel., ladder, wagons, &c., had to be dragged by the men up the steep grades leadin"- to Kavangnhfipe Road. Assistance was o-iven by cabmen, but it is really time some°steps were taken to make this branch of the lire service more effective. Horse., should be available immediately on an aUjrm being raised, and firemen would then have i an opportunity to reach the scene of tho fire i with their apparatus expeditiously, and not after they were fagged out with the exertions j which they are at'present compelled to put j forth to get the.fr appliances to the spot, ! Experience has taught .1 severe lesson in the past, and this shooKi now be ntrncd to advantage by being acted upon. Further delay ensued before the fire-plugs were cleared and the hydrants at tached, and by this time the flame, had complete possession of Mrs Featon's shop, while the dry wood of the adjoining shop occupied by Mrs Davis and owned by Mr Belcher, had taken fire and was blazing merrily. Separated from the latter build in,' by a three-feet passage on the western side, was n large new two-story double residence, also the property of Mr Belcher, which was occupied by Mr Burtt afid Mrs Snell respectively. On the otbtsr side of the fire was a small single story shop, occupied by Mrs Ryan, and situated at the rear and close to the burning structure was Mr Hodge's house.

Accident to Fireman Stanley.

When the water was laid on, the first lead was directed against the front of the blazing shops, and immediately afterwards a painful accident happened to Fireman Stanley. He was assisting with this branch, when a quan tity ot glass fell from upstairs, ffnd struck tho fireman on the hand. The result was it clean cut, which bled profusely. Mr 0. Mabon assisted Stanley away from the crowd, and his hurt was attended to by Dr. Richardson, who expressed the opinion that it was not very serious and would not interfere with hi_ daily duties. After having his hand bound up, Stanley returned to the fire and assisted to the best of his ability during its prof-r'ess. The' pressure of water at first was very light, and it was evident that the jet was of no use in the front of tho building. By Inspector Hughes's orders- it was taken 1 round into Liverpool-street, where its value was at one's demonstrated. There was every reason to i.cli'.ve that the fite would extend to Hodge's hou«, but a well directed stream of. water temcrved any dnnger in this direction.

Progress of the Fire,

By this time Karangahape Road was crowded with spectators from Symonds - street to Pitt - street, and the bright glare east by the flames illuminated a perfect sea of upturned faces: The police had mustered in excellent force from the town and subui bah stations, and even Use blue-coated guardians of the peace in Ponsonby, Grafton, and Parnell were on the ground at rm early _ period,-

Superintendent Thomson tffifli in com mand, and with the assistance of Ser geants White, Gamble, Kiely, Clarke, McMahoii, and Donnelly, an extensive space was denied for the operations of Brigade, Salvage Corps,-afrd Naval Artillery. The crowd certainly proved ft complisant and good-humoured one, and the police had not the usual amount of difficulty with

them. Tho City Guards and Garrison Band had been engaged on parade prior to the fire, and mustering in uniform they were placed by Captain Isaacs along tho

probably ornamental, but it cannot be said that they were very useful, The spectators appeared willing enough to obey the "regular dustmen,"' but tho imposition of "amateur policemen" was too much for them, and while the in structions of tho police were obeyed and respected, the citizen-soldiers came in for plenty of sarcastic banter.

Exploits of tho Brigade.

Up till this lime the fire had been almost wholly confined to the two shops, but the delay in getting the necessary pressure of water placed Mrs Ryan's shop at the mercy of the llamos, and tho cry was soon raised that Mr Burtt's house was on fire.- This really proved to bo the ca.se, and llnmes were seen ascending from the rool. Almost at tho same moment the full pressure of water was available, and Inspector Hughes and his men had an op portunity to display their capabilities in'a conflict with the fiery element. Odds were three to one on the fire, but they soon dropped to level betting, and it was not long until the Brigade were " hot" favour ites. By means of ladders, Branchman G. Moore, assisted by Firemen G. Findlny and Solomon, carried a lead of hose on to Burtt's house from the roar, and the appearance of the jet playing on tho roof was the signal for a burst of cheering. This hod scarcely subsided when Firemen C. Smith and Heaps brought a second lead round to the front, and actually took it through tho door way of Mrs Davis's house, the interior of which was a mass of (lame, amidst enthusiastic demonstrations of approval from the spectators. The position of the firemen was a decidedly dangerous one, with a tottering parapet above them, and a brick wall about to collapse on tho right. It, however, gave them an immense advan tage, and the effect was noticeable in a very few moments.

Moro Recklessness.

An instance of tho want of care shewn in tho removal of goods from buildings on tire 'was afforded at this stage. The roof and side of the small shop occupied by Mrs Ryan were enveloped in flames, when a crowd of persons rushed inside, and the next moment candle boxes, furniture, and sundry goods were being pitched recklessly out on to the ! roadway. No care whatever was exercised, and it was difficult to believe that the in jury being sustained by tho articles was not wanton. Inspector Hughes took in the position at a glance, and ordered tho people out of the building. The prospect of a dousing seemed imminent, and they obeyed. There can bo but, little doubt that goods would suffer less damage if left to take their chance than if thrown out on to the street ! carelessly by excited individual.., to whom the ultimate safety of the articles are of no consequence so long as they have dis tinguished themselves in the first instance.

Narrow Escapes.

By this time the shingles on Burtt's roof had been saturated with water, while the houses at the rear had been rendered safe by a steady stream of water. Davis's and Featon's houses wore still blazing furiously, although only the shells were now standing. The fall of the eastern side of the latter premises showed that, although attached, the two shops were divided by a brick wall of single-brick thickness, supported by studs at intervals of a yard. This wall may be said to havo saved Burtt's and Snoll's houses, as it prevented the flames from spreading to any great ex tent in that direction until a good supply of water was available. While a Fire Brigade party were working the branch in tho front they had two very narrow es capes. A cry from tho crowd attracted their attention, and they ran to tho side just in time to avoid tho falling parapet. Nothing daunted, they returned to their position, and a few minutes afterwards another cry burst from the lips of tho spectators, This time the upper front was falling, and tho men had scarcely time to escape the blazing mass of timber when it came crashing into the street. The fire was now practically over, and a copious supply of water was directed upon tho ■burning ruin. with an excellent effect, while the flames on tho roof of Ryan's shop were also extinguished after that building had been practically destroyed.

Injury to Firemen.

Some idea of tho exceptionally intenso heat, may be gathered from the fact that the firemen who were standing on the ladders at the rear of the fire, had the'sides of their boots literally burnt out.—Messrs Moore and Findlay had their faces blistered by tho heat to such an extent, that tho former was compelled to seek mecieal advice last night, while the latter is laid up altogether to-day. Fireman C. Smith was

struck by n piece of falling timber and has a-, nasty cut on his left temple. Never has^thc- Fire Brigade acquitcd itself so well in Auck land as last night.and thepluck and bravery bo frequently displayed really deserves re cognition at the hands of thpse whose good were displayed as well as from the public.

Cause of the Fire,

So far as we have been able to ascertain,, no well-grourided facts have been elicited to account for the fire. Christina Ray, a young woman residing with Mrs Davis, has informed the police that shortly after the fire broke out she met Mrs Featon and asked her " if she did not leave the candle burning when she went out." Mrs Featon replied that she had left a candle burning.

Insurances and Losses.

The three shops burnt were the property of Mr Belcher, whose premises on the opposite side of the road were, strange to say, destroyed by fire a month or so back. The small one-story building occupied by Mrs Ryan was not insured. The loss on the twoothershopsis partially covercdbyapolicy '■ for I-200 in the New Zealand ofiice. The large tenement occupied by Mr Burtt and Mrs Snell, the roof of which was slightly injured, is insured in the same office for t'6oo, not ITiOO, as stated elsewhere. Mrs Ryan, .chows stock and furniture was somewhat , damaged by removal, was injured in the | National for £-200. Mrs Davis, who was I uninsured, is the heaviest loser.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAK, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1883



AT THE DIRECT SUPPLY STORE, 219, QUEEN-STREET. CHEAP EARTHENWARE! I 11 sizes and kinds of Plates from 2s 0d doz.; White and Gold China Cups and Saucers, 8s Bd doz.; Strong Printed do., in doz,; Largo Dishes, only Is Gd each, &c, &<;. CHEAP GLASSWARE!! Mower Stands, cut or engraved, from Is; Wine Glasses, engraved, Is doz.; Cut Glass De canters, 3s Od each; Butter Coolers, Is; Sugar and Creams, 9d, or Is per pair; Toilet Bottle and Gloss, Is -, do, engraved, Is 6d; Oval and Round Jam Dishes, from sd, &c, ~> &c.; Glass Shades and Stands. ) CHEAP HOLLOWARE !! Saucepans, Boilers, Kettles, all sizes; large Gal vanized Tubs, tsOd; Frying Pans, ls9d; &c. CHEiP TINWARE 1 1 Including Tin Kettles, Billies, Pannikins, Wash .bowls, Dipper*. Meat Dishes, Tea Pots, Coffee Pots. Candlesticks, tec. &c. CHEAP BRUSH WARE !! Shoo Brushes, 23 Crl set; Nail and Tooth Brushes 6cl; Hair, Cloth, and Scrubbing do, Is: Hair Brooms, 2s; Hand Brooms, 10a; Blacklcad, Whitewash. and' Paint Brushes. FURNISHING IRONMONGERY, &c. !! Padlocks and Chest Locks, 6d; Rim Locks, compete, 2s 3d ; American Axes, 2s 9d and 3s6d; Fire Shovel, 10.1; American Hatchets, Is (id; Scales and Weights; Sad Irons, Is; Japanned Tea Troys, 2s and 3s; Box Irons, is; Set of Handsome Canisters, 3s Bd; Lamps from Is up to 2 guineas; Looking-glasse3, Hanging, Is; Trays do, is 6d; Fenders, Fire irons, Bellows, &*>.,&.. CHEAP CUTLERY!! Pocket Knives, Bd; Razors, Is Cd; Good Table Knives and Forks, from 9s doz.; Spoons in tho leading makes and sizes.from Ssdoz.. &o CHEAP TEAPOTS I! fin or Earthenware, from Is; Brittania metal, from 5s 6tl: Electro-plate, from 12s Od: also, Panoy Painted, White and Gold China, Japanese Stono, Sec, &c. CHEAP TOOLS 11 Hammers, fid, Is, Is 6d, 2s each; Braco and Sot of Bits, 3s Od; Screwdrivers, Is: Rules, Is Chisels, lsod;Squaroß,Plane_,Pincorß,Saws. CIIEAP FANCY GOODS I! j jadics' Bags, choau'j Fanov Baskets, Work F Boxes, Writing jJesks, Albums, Silvor and I Jet Jewellery, Vnsos, Lustres, Statuary, li Toilet Sets, Clocks, Purses, Pookotbooks, Br Pipes, Perfumery, Toilet Soap, &c, &c, lb CHEAP TOYS I! lr*ft__. tT_? to_Wi? CWnaToaSot, Is; Wood Tea II 8? . tta.-JPSJ-l****-,. M°nkoy on stick. Id and I lkues,»^r- &C -' Irom k\«*l 117 ■, . CIU-AP SUNDRIES VI • ■ M a.91;. Breeding Cages (largo), l7sßd. I 1 , HANCHABD & CRANWELL.



Special Advertisements. IPECI A L NOTI CE. W. H. FENTON®'' | BEAT SUMMER ' «*EAT SUMMER SHOW!! SHOW!! Consisting of Novelties in GENTS' HELMETS, CRAW,- TUSCAN. PANAMA, FELT, AND OTHER HATS, PECAIATIES IN GENTS' DUST COx\TS, SCARFS, BOWS, SHIRTS, PYGAMAS, OSIERY AND MERCERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, t HIS ESTABLISHMENT, 78, QUEEN-STREET, j LATS and CAPS of Every Description made to order on the premises at the shortest notice. —— — '.. , Inspection Invited. TIHORNTON, SMITH, AND EIRTH HAVE FOR SALE: "Crown" Flour, in sacks, 100's and 50's "Champion" do. do. do. "Cantab" do. do. do. Sharps Bran Wheat 58 & 160 PLEASE CALL Quecn-st ?S a. ira. PT PA .E TALL QllCCn-St |||?f.liflSi£l. |een-st Hl' SKfffi BSS2 « fe \m AND INSPECT Queen-st X & ifj. Queen-st Igi^^Sti SSSJS || 100 GRAND DISPLAY Queen-st «f. \m NEW GOODS Queen-st Sf. lm NEW GOODS Queen-st ■S $ ieo NEW GOODS Queen-st I« *. .fin Queen-st 5S & 160 JUST OPENED. Queen-st S3 & 100 JUST OPENED. Queen-st 53 & 160 JUST OPENED. Queen-st .. & 160 Queen-st ?1 & [ft Queen-st ?o f. fen Queen-st « & 160 fit CASES Queen-st » & IGO 64 CASES Queen-st 15. & 160 01 CASES Queen-st 153 % 160 * ■ I Queen-st 1.8 & 160 NEW CLOTHING Queen-st 53 & 160 NEW CLOTHING Queen-st 158 ft 160 NEW CLOTHING Queen-st 158 __ 160 Quecn-st 1W &II i HATS & HOSIERY. Queen-st 153 & 160 HATS & HOSIERY. Queen-st SS&ICO HATS & HOSIERY. Queen-st !-a £ m Queen-st 58 & 60 «uecn- st 'X t ™ Queen-st ]fj 2 {Sx Queen-st 158 & 60 «'">cn- st 153 & 160 THE NEW ZEALAND Quecn-st i =_. .?- lfio Queen-st 15. & 160 CLOTHING FACTORY, Queen-st 158 & 160 Quecn-st 158 & 160 Queen-street, Queen-st 153 fc 160 Queen-st 168 & 160 AUCKLAND. Queen-st .58 £ 160 Queen-st ?« fr 60 Queen-st _3 & 160 J. FITZSESIONS. «ue™^ 158 &. 160 Queen-st 158 & 10C Branch Manager. Quecn-st J___SK YOUR GROCER FOR HOFFMAN k SCHMIDT'S WASHING AND BLEACHING POWDER. Take only tho KILO PACKETS, Weighing ljlb each. ■Price: 6d. THE BEST AND CHEAPEST WASHING POWDER KNOWN. IMPROVES COLOURS. _N"ew Spring Dresses. AVilliam Rattray Has just Opened A CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF SPRING T^RESS /^IOODS, PRING JLJrESS V3TOODS, INCLUDING SATINETTES, NUNS' VEILING, PLAIN AND CHECKED BEIGES, LACE MUSLINS, TENNIS TERRY, PRINTS, PRINTED ROBES, &c, &c, Also. Satins, Broche Silks, and other materials for Trimmings. . William Rattray, draper, clothier, and silk MERCER, 178, 180, and 18.', , QUEEN-S-TREET, AUCKLAND. IN consequence of insufficient Accommo dation at the Consulting Rooms, MRS CROSSE will in future attend to her patients ut her PRIVATE RESIDENCE, Queen-street, Opposite the Girls' High School. MRS CROSSE is the only Lady Dentist (hold ing English qualifications, Registered under the Imperial Dentists' Act) Practising in tho Colony UCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED 1862. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER. The Company sell and erect gas-fittings, in cluding gas apparatus and gas-power engines Stock includes Otto Gas Engines.—Office and Show-rooms, Fort-street. Milne and Choyce Are now showing a Splendid Assortment In the following Goods :— DRESS GOODS HABERDASHERY CHILDREN'S DRESSES COSTUMES MANTLES CHILDREN'S MACINTOSHES LADIES' MACINTOSHES COSTUMES HOSIERY UNDERCLOTHING BABY LINEN ' SUNSHADES MILLINERY UMBRELLAS BOYS' TWEEDS SATEENS &c, &<_., &c. 6 X DIS. FOR PROMPT CASH. 244 & 246, QUEEN-STREET. TmXPI RATION OF LEASE THE PREMISES SOLD. CHEAP DRAPERY SALE, CHEAP DRAPERY SALE. H, ATKINS 11. ATKINS, Ia compelled to hold a CLEARING SALE of his Stock of" DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. The Lcaso of his Premises expires in a Few Weeks. The Premises are Sold and have to be Vacated. The Stock must be Sold or Removed, and no suitable Shop is to bo procured. THE GOODS WILL ALL BE SOLD at VERY LOW PRICES. The Stock has beon re-marked, and Customers j will find that Heavy Reductions havo been mado in every department H. A. wishes it to be distinctly understood that Oils is no puffing advertisement, but a GENUINE COMPULSORY SALE. All the NEW SPRING GOODS will bo in cluded in the Sale. 11. ATKINS, DRAPER UNION OIL, SOAP, AND CANDLE COMPANY (LIMITED). MANUFACTURERS OF COMMON AND TOILET SOAPS, CANDLES, PEANUT, AND OTHER LUBRICATING OILS. Soap and Candle Works: Parnell. Oil-Works: Customs-street West. Warehouse and Oiliccs: Lower Albert I street. I. V r*uk. Purchasers of Tallow. j U*U^-^^«rPa r „.UW 0 rk 80 r



Sarah Bernhardt ns an Actress.-The univers- J ality of any opinion settles the. subject, lhe I fame of the" French tragedienne is worldwide, , and her delineations are accepted as the highest 1 achie yemen ts of histrionic art. In certain char acterizations she is pre-eminently great, m all transcendentlyttnc. Horgeniussdenccscaviland 1 carp, as tho superior qualities of Udolpho , WOI.EE'S SCniBDAM AROMATIC SCHNAPPS j smothers the voice of depreciation. _ — — l Special Advertisements. -17.1 RE ! WYNDHAM-STREET. I hereby wish to thank the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society for the prompt settle ment of my claim, arising from the above tire; inasmuch as the same was sottled and paid entirely to mv satisfaction within twelve hours from the time my property was destroyed. WALTER HARE. U Star" Monthly Summary. ON SATURDAY NEXT Will bo Published A SUMMARY OF THE MONTH'S NEWS, For Transmission to England By the Outward San Francisco Mail. PRICE .. .. ONE PENNY. Copies posted to any address for Two Shillings per Annum, paid in advance. Orders to bo left with the Publisher. €hief Post-olHcc, Auckland. Mails will Close as under :— This Day, For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at I p.m. , _ . . . For Mangawai and Kaiwaka, per Ruby at o p,m. Friday, sth inst. For Wanganui, per Rowena. at 8 a.m. For Gisborne, Napier and Southern Ports, per Manapouri, at II a.m. . ' For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters till 11.41 For Waiheke, Cowcs, and Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 1.30 p.m. For Dunedin, etc., per Suva, at 3 p.m. For Tairua, per Paku at 3 p.m. . -._ „ For Whangarei Heads, Parua, Waipu, *,Vnan garei, Kamo, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Jlacgregor, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 0,30 p.lil. Saturday, 6th inst. For Wahvcra, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, etc., per Rose Casey, at 0 a.m. Tuesday, 9th October. Per s.s. City of Sydney as follows:— For Sandwich Islands, Lnited States ot America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, nt 11 a.m. For registered letters and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. , , . Late letters, bearing an extra fee of six pence in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of soiling. This mail will be due in London on Monday, 19th November, S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-ofllce. Auckland.



TItUTII AND SOBERNESS.—What is tllO best f.„,nl-7 niotlicino in the world to regulate ti,c towels, purify the blood, remove cos lr,.iicsß and billiousness, aid digestion, and « .mutate the whole system? Truth and sober ness compel us to answor, Hop Bittors, being pure perfect and harmless. See.