SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATffitSESBmI.g.MS

ARRIVAL.

TO-PAY. Island Lily, ""K^nrmifir from lauranga SEW* BNorm^Ke? 0 u I y Bay

DEPARTURES.

LAST KV&msO. Marinor, bod., Queen, for Btusell TO-DAY. Thames, barque. Wiaiama, for Ne^otU Manapouri, 8.f1.. Logan, fcr^the Boutn

VESSELS EXPECTED.

From London.-AurißA. barque, J.8.0.L.. barque, Soy. baraua' gST&eSartU,; Aaooia, '•SSSrVsS ™rs.-E) 8 lnoro. Fairy Qaeon, Mazeppa. Pirate. Taiond hl\r, tom £tom Sreymuutb.

IMPORTS.

"l-frillSnd-My i 219 Biotoj hor» taMW. 216 b€€ i?rr«; Ni«^o f 10 olseß toconVeOß bags flour, 500 sacks oate, "fXTum from Timaru-3259 saoka oate. 6 tons flour.

EXPORTS.

Per Loongana. for Hobart-103 keca butter.

aißOhargo of her inward cargo. with 200 barrels sporm oil. The steamer SUp ororwsß floatedout of £ook < Bt Ths So Loongana oleared at the.Customs to a»y for «c wcaatle. Passengers: - Mra Kelly 'KS*™ B s f ad te New York at L y«elton from Kaipara yesterday. iDgMaVorK^.iDß.audtwoothe.B, -rh3Drlir a .,!ineKenilworthard oatt«r Uzzle W £i the only ,t»,elß li.. Tnlru* when the Doanlaa oa led thi re yesterday. ThR fnilowlnt! veseela woro in Mercury Bay ™terd»j --iatqae Ko;Q M.. BOhoonera Three &m?£, &Wk, and Agnes Donald, and ontter Kalf-oaete. . The Bhio Warwlok oomnienoed dltoharglng this morning. Thecirjjo appears In good con dltlon. The 8.8. Welllnnton arrived from Tanranßa a tsa.m. o-aay with a ftw packages rondd.* OaStoai, Jobao^, Wilson t'2). G»H. Owen, shSw MoKalg MoDoncal. Somers, Mra Gas- K'MliTMnivaney, Mr and Mrs Gibbons. Thn briuantlne Island LUy arrival from L^ttelton a^2 am to-day. Captain Cooper re. S?rte • L°»t l"y?telton on the Bth maC, »nd had BaTOteienty. Pa^ed Mercury Island atia.m. Fwterday • was becalmed off the Watohman all fiKinengot a light f.K. brefza which oon tlnuad up to arrival. Thi f.?. Man*ponri left for Molboumo ana Southern ports at coaa to day. with cargo oom prtairgßUudry small uaofeages 'oi^ 1'0"""'"' and the tollowlnz p^saenaera :—Vnr Melbourne -Mra and Miss Voftanald. MrsMcFarlanei Mrß Hrtlo.aadMisa Panka, Mr Traoey. For the South-Messrs Harrs, A. Wardrop, Croolter, lowler. J. K. Dodsn.., T. Riroh, M. Small Md moads. J. C KoCorailok. »1- B. Pl rtw> , lv- Grant, J. Dlofe, W. Hlaokett, Murray. J. Little, Ccokburn,W. Bishop. Cottle. Sullivan. L. B. WilaoD, W. A. Eongiaa, Lambie, Mr and Mrs H&rver. Mrs Onnneit nnd 2 children. Mrs Major. Mra H'lt. Ml&s Lo^gß^n. Miaa Forbe , MrandMcaWUliamf. THE SCHOONBE RIO. The three-ma9tod schooner Rio, from New York, via Lyttelton, arrived in harbour early this morning. She left Lyttelton on the 12th Inst., TOth wind from N. and N.E. to tho loth the Wellington "Post" says: Her build is not apeciaUy noteworthy, the principal points about the hull being its great breadth of beam, and evident medt as a sea-boat. The three masts are all of exactly the samo Biro and height, all being rigged precisely alike, and carrying fore and aft canvas only, notwith standing that the vessel moaaures between 300 and 400 tons register. This gives her a, very smart and yacht-like look whan she is on a wind, Her three large and equal-sized trysails, with mo Kafftopsails above them, and the staysail and. three jibs as head sail, forming a fine spread. Close-hauled, or with the wind abeam or on the quarter Bhe is said to sail splendidly, and to be Biiagularly easy to handle. But with wind aft she is very awkward owing to the absence of Iqtiaro canvass-a light " flying' squarosail forward being all she can show. Consequently she has to set her tryeaila "goose-winged, ■which is tronblesOme, ana often dangerous in case of "jibing," which, if it occurred in a sudden squall, might take the sticks out of her.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. The as. Oreti left for Wanganui and way c ports last night with soveral passengers and a quantity of cargo. The Government steamer Hinemoa left for Kaipara at 6 30 a.m. to-day. The steamers Hannah Mokau and Argylo wiU probably return hither from Waitara to morrow.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

[BY TBIiBOEAPH.— OWN COBBESPONDENT.] KAIFAB4 Heads, Wednesday. 'Tins schooners Jane Anderson and Crest of thb Waroboth bound South, have come down the river loaded. The barque Kentish Lass, ioaded'at Tauhau with log Sydney 13 ready for sea; also, tho bnz Moa, at rani. Si of these should get out with present wind. r., ■ .'! Ar*tipc. Wednesday. There are lnadlne here the brig Byteo, brigan tinea, Marie Virginia and Aratapn. Te KoPUfIU, Wednesday. The schooners Sarah Pile. Oamille and Mar mlon ore loading at, the Te Kopurn mills. Maksbau, Wednesflay. The barque Mary Annlson la fl ling up with banlk timber.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Awivals: Jnlia Pf yce, Griffin, Norval. Onward BndOlpsri olio, the Vixen, Captain Clofl. from Mongonul. Lyttblton, yesterday. Sailed—Sam Mendel, barque, for the United Kingdom. •snti.nv, this day. Gleared-Margaret Gailbralth, Bhlp, for Fal mouth. ~ , Post Chalmbhs, yoßterday, Sailed—Te \nau, 5.».. for the North. Paßaen geft for Auoklacd :-Messrs LUtte, C. CampbeU, and 14. V' angh. . (BBUTBB'a OABI.KS,) Melbournb, April 18. Arrlvefl. this afternoon: The Union C >m- Dany'fl stekmßhlp Weirarapa, from the Blnff i, London, April 17. Arrived, today, at Plymouth: The Orient Company's steamship Liguria, from Melbourne, Msroh7. .i

mail Notice.

o Mails witt, Close as hsdbr :— THIS DAY. For Tsurangs, Ohlnoinntu, and OpOtlkl, por I WoUIPHtou, at i p.m. For Tryphona, por Toviot, nt i p.m. Friday. 20th lus». For Thames, por Kotomahana, at 10.30 a.m. For Waitara, &0., per ArßyJo, at 11 p.m. For *alheko, Cowob, and Coromandel, por Coromandol, at 1.30 p.m. For Whanßarel Hoada. Paras, Walpn, Whan garol, Kaino, Tangihua, and Mangapai per lona. at 4 p.m. For Thames, por Kntorprlso, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 2latlnotant l For Walwera, Mahuranßl. Mutakana, Man- Raw*!. &0., por Roao Casoy, at 10 a.m. For Gißborno, Naplor, ana Southern ports, per Southern Crosa, at 5 o.m. Monday, 22nd Instint, For Whltanßl and Upper Mill, por Douglas. . at 3 p.m. For Kusaell, Kawakawa, Whangaroa, an* Mon- Konui, por Wellington, at 1.30 p.m. i Tuesday, 21th lnst. Por as. City of Now York, as follows:— For Sandwich Islands, United dlatea ol America, Canada, British Columbia, Control and South Amorloa, and British and Foreign Wen* Indies, at 1 p.m. JTcr United Kingdom and Continent of Boropo, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered lettora, and Newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late lettsrs bearing an extra tee of sixpence In addition to the postage, -will bo received by the Mall Agent on board tho Btoamer up so the time of Bailing, Thlamail will be duo In London, on Mor day, Juuo. Ith, 1883. S> B. BISS, Chief Postmaster, Chief Poßt-afltaa. Anolrland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

April ID, ISS3.

Abbott's Opora House—Dramatic Company, " Serious Family," 8 p.m. Y.M.C.A.-Dovotional, 7.30 p.m. Lorno-streot Hall—Social Tea Mooting, 6,30 Choral Hall—Miss Donovan's Grand Conceit. 8 p.m. Northcoto-Thlrd Anniversary of Wcaloyan Church, G. 30 p.m. i Wesloyan Mutual Improvement Association, Pttt-«troot-Mr J. U r. Wiseman, "Auckland and »s Surrounding Sconoryj" Mr A. Caloy on Music, 7.30 p.m. St. Pntriok'a Hall-H.A.C.B. Society, Spocial Emorgonoy Meoting, 7.30 p.m. Nowton Hall-Stur of Nowton Good Tomplar Kntortalnmcnt, 8 p.m.

Births.

BAIIjLIE.—At Ivornngalmpo Road. Nowton, ou April 18. Mrs John K. Baillio, of Henderson, of ftdaughtor. DAISELY.—On April 10. at Hepburn-street, tho wifo of Jamos Daisoly of a son. SWINDLY.-On Aprl U, Mrs H. 11. Swindley ot a daughter.

Marriages.

SIBBIN-LAWRENCK.-On April 12th, at St. Jamcw's Church. Auckland, by tho Rev, H. F. Macnicol, Thomas Georgo Sibbin to Annio Matiielino Lawrence.

Death.

COSTLEY.-On April 18, Edward Costley; aged 89 years. Tho funeral will leavo tho residonco of Mr A. Maokio, Chapol-strcot, to morrow (Friday), at 3 p.m. LEAHY.-On April 10, athla rosidonco, Church street, Onehunga, John Leahy, aged 80 years, R.I.P. Late of Slslnon, County Watorford. Ireland, and father to Mr Goorgo Leahy, of this city.—Home papors pleaso copy.

Notices to correspondents.

Tim "VVhifflkr.—Tho raco mooting on Satur day and Monday is callod thb Autumn Meeting. R.C., Queon-streot, asks: "Can j-oa give an opinion as to tho Jews—why they had toloavo Russia." Our correspondent cannot surely bo ignorant of tho violent anti-Seraitio porseou tion that has prevailed in Russia. To discuss tho causes that produced this extraordinary display of fanatical hatred would involve a vory lone story, and enter on a subject upon ■which thoso who profess to speak with Constant Rkader.—Anyono may draw a will, but in executing it caro must bo taken that it is signed in tho presenco of two witnesses, both of whom should sign a declaration on tho face of tho will stating that thoy woro prosent togothor when tho testator attached his signature.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1883.

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

The proposals of the Government of Row South Walus with reforence to the San Franciico mail service were submitted to the Legislative! Assembly yesterday. They provide for the extension of the present service for a period of two years, tb c subsidy being fixed at £50,000, of wbich £18,750 is to bo contributed by New , South Wales, on the understand* ing that the ; contract time shall ba shortened by twenty-four hours for tbo first year, and forty-eight hours for second year, the company to be relieved of the obliga tion of keeping a fourth vessel in the ser vice. The subsidy now paid to the Pacific Mail Company is £72,500, of which New South Wales pays £40,000, and Now Zea land £32,500. The New South Wales Gov ernment ask the Legislature to reduce their contribution by £21,250, leaving New Zea land without any participation in the reduc tion arising from tbe pei mission granted to the company for the performance of tbe service with three instead ot four steamers. The postage receipts in New South Wales amount to £15,000, so that the proposed subsidy of £18,750 would give that colony the service for £3,750. We do not know whether the New Zealand Government have agreed to this, but we apprehend that before doing so, they would consider whether our partner in the contract is not presuming a little too much on tbo known wish ot JNew Zealand to main tain the service. The commercial advan tages of the line are all on the side of New South Wales. Sydney has enjoyed the benefit of the terminus, and tbero the bulk of tbe stores for the steamers are purchased, New Zealand, in order to secure the co-operation of our Bister colony, gave way upon the question of the coastal service, and has yielded up everything but the right to have the steamers stop at Auckland for about 10 hoars each trip. But if the chief burden of the Hervice is, in any case, to be thrown on this colony, it becomes a ques tion whether we should not take tho whole thing into our own bands, recouping as much as possible out of the postage receipts from neighbouring colonies, If Honolulu were omitted, two fast steamers capable of doing tbe journey from Auckland to San Fran cisco in 18 days, would bo sufficient to bear the brunt of the service, and the cost of such a lino might surely be sustained by New Zealand on its own resources, leaving New South Wales to tho mercy of the Eastern services, paying New Zealand well for any trans - Pacific correspondence. The monopoly of the line, with tbe advantages of terminus would compensate this colony very well for some additions to tno proposed subsidy which is being most obligingly asscssod for us by the New South Wales Government

It is every year growing more evident that the interests of New Zealand and the Australian colonies in the matter of mail services are not identical, and though it may perhaps be politic in the meantime to accept the terms of New South Wales for a for a two years'.ronewal of the present Pacific' mail contract, this colony, liice Queensland, must be prepared ulti mately to make its own arrangements. Victoria is beginning to groan under the pressure of its enormous mail subsidy, which amounts to £85,000 per annum; and this it would appear, is the reason why thpt colony is so anxions to have an Intercolonial Postal uonference held at Melbourne. New Zealand, it Js under, stood, declines to take part in the proposed conference, on the ground ,of the date fi^ed being unsuitable j and) ojf

course, if only the relieving of tho Victorian liability to tho P. and O, Company I were to bo discussed at the conference, we might give a much bettor reason for refusing to tako part iv its deliberations. We have nothing to gain by helping to subsidise Australian mails via Suez, since that ia for us, a cumbrous, costly, and tardy means of communication with England. Despite tho evident disposition pre« valent ia New South Wales to drop the 'Frisco contract at the expiration of the pre sent term, wo havo no immediate approhou , sions of that lino being discontinued. The importance of its maiutcuauco as a common cial service is being increasingly recognised in America, and rather than see it collapse, the United States Government will, we are sure, add to their present contribution. Still the attitude of the two leading Australian Governments on the subject of mail services, plainly shows that the days of subsidies for tho carriage of Australian mails are well nigh numbered. As it is already the caso with the Anglo-American mails, there will doubtless soon bo keen competition between rival steamboat com panies for tho honour of carrying the mails gratis. That r> cw Zealand is still willing to subsidise not only n mail service but a commercial one as well, proves that wo are not yot iv tho happy position of feeling our selves free from tho necessity of fostering our external carrying trade; but our day will also «omo in timo, and tho starting of an unsubsidised line of steamers direct be tween this colony and London is the lirst symptom of t';o promised revolution.

But tho question ot mail subsidies is rot tho only one which ia set down for discus sion at tbo projected Postal Conference; and tho other aud more useful subjects which might be dealt with are of such a nature that it is to be hoped New Zealand may make her influence felt In repard to their discussion and settlement. Thoro is first of all the auction of joining tho Postal Union. This Union, embracing all Euro pean countries, tho United States of America, Japan, Euypt, and various foreign countries ot even lesser uoto, does not in clu'lo the Australian Colonies; and it is much to bo wished that tho disabilities im posed upon us by this absence from the confederation should bo removed at tlio earliest possible date. Tho chief advan tages to bo dorived from joining the union aro uniformity of rates, aud cheapness and despatch in tho transmission of mails ; and for colonies like theso, embracing iv their population, natives of nearly every European country, besides Americans, tbaso advantages aro especially valuable. There may also fairly be raised at tho conterouce a matter of importance to all these colonies—viz., the question of cheapening tho rate for cable messages. Tho " South Australian Register." dis cus-lns; this question, says:—" Wo bo lievo the public interests would be better promoted, aud the public revenue would be moro wisely expended, if a subsidy wore ottered with tliia object ia vow. The cable j will never cmiroly supersede tho mail steamer. It is ovidont, however, that we cau depend upon the competition among the different steamship companies for the speedy and regular delivery of our mails. On the other hand, though the telegraph is becom ing increasingly important as i> means of communication between Europe aud Aust rulia, the charges aro so high as to greatly restrict its use. Of course the principle ot pubshHiing companies npplies as much to telegruph as to mail contracts, and as far as expediency enters iuto tho calculation there is greater need for its adoption as regards tho former than as regards tho latter," We aro hopeful that somo good might bo achiovci by tho holding of tho proposed Postal Conferenco; and wo trust that a now deite may be fixed, which will suit the con venience of tho various Colouial Ciovern mnnts interested, At present, it appears that neither New Zealand, New South Wales", nor Western Australia has tiveu a favourable rcapou&n to the invitation of Victoria; and as an Intercolonial Con ferenco without these colonies would bo moro or less of a farco, wo trust arrauge ments may yet be made, whereby all the Colonial Governments may bn represented at a conference whose outcome shall bo tho consolidation and improvement of tho postal aud telegraphic services between Australasia and other parts of the world.

His Vxccllensy the Governor, Sir William Jorvois, uidy Jervoia ami party, accompa nied by Mr G. B. Stout', Cnuirman of thu Baard, cmbarkeil on b\>ard the steamer Tongariro at 2.30 p.ra to-day, for a plea sure trip round the harbour. The Tonga riro proceeded from Qiu-cn-street Wharf t'i Woodsido, where the puny disembarked aud drove to Mr Whitaker's Lake rosi deneo. t-roiu there it was proposed to piucecd overland, calling at Mr J. Hurst's, and return on b"grd the TongariiO at thu Lako Beach, whither the steamer went, after landiug the party at Woodside, Ihe return journey then was to commence, Proceedings havn been takon against the girl i-nrah Jackson, who ia accused of being the perpetrator of the recent kiduappiun outrages which were reported in our column?. She was brought before the Resi dent Magistrate on summon*, charged with assaulting a child nutued Mark Flood, by tearing his clothes and beating him about tUo body, and pleaded not guilty. In order that the prosecution might have time to get up their evidence, the case was remanded until Wednesday next. An ovent of eorno importance in social circles happened at bpaom yesterday, Hi the marriage of Mr Brassey, of Uisbmne, to Miss Hetty Kusscll, sister of Mr J. B BusselL, Wo understand that a boy accidentally lost ono or two of his fingers on Monday last at the Auckland Timber Company's Mills. We are informed that tho boy had only entered upon hU work, being taken on that day, and was put to remove shavinsjs from a machine, oi which he knew abso lutely nothing. These accidents, by which the unfortunate sufferers aro maimed for lifo, appear to bo of a frequency that bespeaks recklessness, It can hardly be ] believed that the boy in question was not fully instructed ' for at least a week' before being allowed to go near the saws, Mahuki and fifteen native prisoners were conveyed South in the Hawea on Tuesday last from the Manukau. They were brought from Mount Eden to Onehunga in a coach, and marched on board the steamer handcuffed together in pairs.

It would appear that fruit-preserving ha? been extensively carried on during tho present season both by private families and on a larger scale for future public sale. Mr M. Cook had a steady demand for his fruit-preserving jars, which are used with salicylio acid, while an immense number of waitn's patent fruit-preserving cans have been manufactured in order to keep pace with town and country orders. We may and that Mr Waito is adding new plant and appliances to his factory, and last week he turned out the first japanned work that has been successfully attempted in the colony. It consists of block tin coftee bin and

treacle fountain, and is dono in colouring, figured in gilt, and lettorcd. Thia is certainly a promising branch of local in dustry.

A man named J. McMahon was arrested at Onehunga to-day, charged with obstruct ing a bailiff of the Auckland Court, J. Dye, who had executed a distress warrant at his place. McMahon locked the officer up in an empty room, he having first removed the effects from the room. The bailiff1 was forced to quit tho place after undergoing some hours of imprisonment.

The blue-ribbon movement appears to bo making steady progress In Auckland,several hundred persona having already donned the badge. Steps have been taken for the formation of the companies iv the various suburban districts, persons having been nominated to undertake the formation of each of the seven local contingents, JN othing further will be done until after the monstor meeting to-morrow night, There has been a great demand for tickets for the demonstration, and the attendance ia likely to be remarkably large.

[ An unfortunate accident in reported from Mount Eden, but fortunately the conse ! quciicea are not so serious as might have been anticipated. Mr Crockett, grocer, was driving a young horse in tho shafts of his trap, and at. tho roquest of several children of Mr Welib, painter, he took them with him, The drive, however, resulted unfortunately. The horse bolted, and carried away a post ot Mr Cucksey's verandah. In another moment tho vehicle was overturned, and Mr Crockett and the children precipitated .on to the roadway. Mr «mith and one of his men pluckily held the affrighted animal down until tho party were extricated from their perilous position. Mr Crockett was badly cut about the head, while each of tho children sustained cuts and bruises of a less sorious character, <

In another column will be found an advertisement drawing attention to the adjourned meeting of the AucKland Foot, ball Association, which is to be held at the United Service Hotel to-morrow evening at eight o'clock. The principal business is the framing of rules, and election of com mittees. It is hoped that both players and non-players will roll up in good numbers as'this is a most important meeting.

It is said that Mr Barton, the well known cricketer, is nearly as good a foot baller us ha is batsman, and that he will play with the Graftou Club duiincr the ap- j proaching season. Ho was certainly the : fastest runner in the cricketing team that j recently went South. Tho Blue Kibbon Army will hold a I monster meeting to-morrow evening ia the Theatro KoynJ, Rev. Samuel Mncfarlane, President, in the chair. Addresses by , Koy. G. B. Monro, Thos. fpurgeon, j Alexander Reid, John K. Davis and J. ! Jackson (B.M.S. .Diamond.) Music and singing by tho Band of Hopo Union choir. Collection at the door to detray expenses. _A minstrel and dramatic entertainment < will be given in the Theatre Koyalon Tites-' day evening next, in aid of tho building I fund of St. Benedict's Church, a programmo of which will appear in future issues. The entertainment will be of a first-class character, and under the special patronage of Kight Rev. Monsignor Fynes, V.G., and tlio Catholic Clergy of Auckland. Thoro was a good attendance at Abbot's Opera House last ovening on the second production of ''Rob I'oy Macgregor" this season. The characters were lor the most part well sustained, and the performance was ii most successful one. Tho highly amusing cmedy of the "Serious Family," is announced for to-night, while to'inorrow evening Miss Eloiso Juno will take a bene fit to which she Is justly entitled. On this occasion, sho will appear as Paulino in tho "Lady of Lyons." and Maggie Macfarlanc in tho "Bonny Fishwife." The sensational drama of "Flying Scud" is underlined for Saturday, The "New York Tribuno," in an article lon the Irish assassinations, describes the change in the Irish character leading to this phase, declaring it time for Irishmen in America to look at assassination methods in their true light. " These murderous organisations are abhorrent to the character and life of our people Mo man has a right to contribute money, under the naniu of an American, to any Irish fund, unless ho knows precisely what will be done with it, mid that ft will not bo used in purchasing the commission of bloodshed." To the Editor, Sir.—l quite agree with tho remarks of "A Kosident" ia your paper of list night, ro closing the gates of the Albert Park at 7 p.m. What indeed can bo more agreeable than a quiet stroll in tho evening with » cigar, more especially if the pleasures of the fragrant weed tie enhanced by the company of a sympathising friend. I trust sincerely that the Council will recon sider their decision.—l am etc., ANOTHER Resident.

There was a good attendance at the first meet of the now coursing Club, on Mr Me- Langh'an's farm at Papatoiioi yesterday. The results of tho various slips are as fol lows :—Mr Huckland'a Lady boat Mr All we l's Black Hoy. Mr /Ulwell's i^cvir Miss beat Mr Percival's Joe. Mr Me- Credio's Kival beat Mr Allwcll's Primrose. Mr Quigley's Blick Harry bent Mr Gar ratt's Othello. Mr Garrett's Juliet beat Mr Ogle's Juliet Mr Ogle's Highlaud Bny bait Mr AllwclF« Fly. Mr llnaan's Scamp beat Mr Ogle's Irish Girl. Mr Abbott's Black Tulip beat Mr Danueford s Nora Creina. Mr Parker's Bendomcro beat Mr Quigloy's Tartar. Mr (Dillard's I'etroncl beat Mr Garrett's puppy Hamlet. Tho re mainder of the slips was postponed until to-day.

The inaugural enterininmout in connec tion with tho ■'ucklund Presbyterian Mutual Improvement Association i* an nounced to take place iv St. James's Hall on Monday evening next. Addresses will be delivered on the occasion by Revs. K. F, Macnicol, T. M. Frasor, and rt, Cur rick, while St, James's choir will contri bute a number ot selections of music. No clmrgo will be nmdo for admittance), and a large attendance is therefore anticipated.

The Committee of the Canterbury Cricket Association have agreed to recommend ut the annual general meeting an alteration of the rules so as to confine the association to tha general interests of cricket, arrange ment of matches, selection of teams, &c, npait from tho management of tin) ground The following resolution was also agreed to: — "that a commuinantion be sent to the New South Wales Association asking if a team can bo sent during tho ensuing season to play in Canterbury, on the under standing that this ns^ociutiou contributes to the expenses; and that a Mini ar commuui c ition bo sent to tho Southern Tasinmian Association."

The accounts of the British Insurance Company tor the half-year which ended Febuuvy 2Sth, and an outline of which was published several ilay-i ago, me of a satisfactory diameter whin the frequency of lire nnd niarint! losses are taken into consideration. According to tho creditor sido of iho Profit and Loss Account tho balance brought forward from tho previous hfiif-year, less dividends paid, was £7,782; nett lire and marine p emimus, £96,111 ; interest re ceived aud accrniid, £5,92(>; transfer fei's, £'IS. I'll tho debtor nidi", there are—losses paid and outstanding, £G4,fiG9; other ex peiidituro, £21,257; .leaving a balance carried forward of £23,910. From this amount, an interim dividend at the rate of ten per cent, has been paid, absorbing £7,500.

A soiree and conceit in celebration of the anniversary ot the Avoadalu Presbyterian Church was hold in the district hull last evening. Tea was providid by ilio ladioa of the congregation in good style, after which the Key, Mr Somervilla took tho chair, and in a few appropriate remarks, introduced tho programme for the evening. St. James's Church choir, under the con duetorship of Mr J. G. Culpan, with Mr W. J. Keea, presiding at tho piano, occu pied the platform, and durintt tho evening sang several choruses in creditable style. Theprogramme was as follows : -Chorus, "Awake, /Eoliau Lyre," choir; Bong, "Maggie of Avondule,'' Mr Carter; duet, "O, May'at thou Dream of Mo," Misses Mackie and ' Culpan; double quartette, "Jessie, tbe.Flowor of Dunolnno," choir members; chorus, "The Trumpet's Pooling Sound," choir; song, " Home They Brought her Warrior Dead," Miss Mnckie ; duett, "Cindorelln," Misses Barton and Culpau; song, "ltcniember Me," Mr J. Hauna; double quaitotte, " Massaniollo," choir members;, song, "When >parrows Build,'1 Miss Cutpan ; chorus, "Men of HBrlecb," choir; Mr Bell gave an interesting poetical sketch, describing his experience! of " Love, Court ship, and Marriage," which provoked much amusement, while Mr Johnston delivered a, short speech from tho Shaki'sperean quota-* tiou " There is a tide in the affairs-of men, which taken at the flood leads on to for tune." he wished ihe young men of the dis trict -to seize hold of present golden opportunities. For instance, they had established im Avonriale Mutual Improve ment association to drill members for the legislatmc lor the future, and he wished all to join and lend support in deciding the great questions of tho day. Altogether tho entertaiment was a very successful one. Votes of thnnks were passed at the close to tho ladies who had provided trays, and to St. James's choir for their assistance in pro viding the musical portion of the programme.

A musical and literary entertainment was given in tho Newmarket HhII on Monday tvening last in connection with the liemuera Band of Hopp. Tbe president of the society, the Key. G. B. Monro, occupied thu chair, aud after a brief but witty speech tho concert was opened by tho Mi-sea Probert with a pianoforte duet, given in excellent style. Mr R. n. Rowe then followed .with n recitation entitlud; " The A omoii of Mind," aud Mr G. H, Jones gave a Tomporanco song entitled " h Name to bs Won." A dialogue; was given by the Misses Bright (2), Probcrt (2), Colebrook, Yonng, and Master F. Bright, entitled " Love Apple," which reflected much credit ou the youne folks who got it up. Miss Frnzer, an old favourite with tho Band of tlopo, >>ang in her uaual excellent stjlo, "Kemember or Koi-gct," imd a humor ous recitation was given in good stylo by Mr A. Taito. A very able but brief address was dven by the Key. G. j Parsonson, after which Miss McNeill sang i very nicely, and Mr T. Walker gave a humorous recitation, which the youns>er portion of the audlenco were highly amused with. A song from "Buy Your own Cherries," entitled "Cash" was given very creditably by Master F. Rome. Mr Jenkins read with much fueling "The Sign Board." Tho pianoforte duet givsn by the Misses Taito and Bruca showed that those ladies were accomplished players. Mi"s Colobrouk sang very sweetly '' Children's Voices." Mr Walker appeared again with a comic song, aud Mr Jas- Kuox recited " Mary Queen of Scots" with acceptance, Mr J, H. Jones also favoured the meeting with another temperance song ontitled "Joe Perkin's The last on the programme, and perhaps tho gem of the evening, was a dialogue by members of the Band of Hope, entitled " Kogular Taßters," which fairly brought down tho house. A very successful evening's enjoyment was brought to a close by the performers and audience singing " God Save the Quean." ■

A concert will take placo this evening m the Newtm Hall, in aid of the funds of the atar of Newton Good Templar Lodge. The cricket season is now practically at an end, and in view of the approaching opening of the football season, it is intended to hold the annual meetings of the various clubs next week. A prograine of matches will be arranged as soon thereattor aa pos sible. A honse match between the local soft goods and hardware establishments will be one of the first of the season. The telephone burnau for Ponsonby was opeued yesterday at the shop of Mr K. Buchanan, storekeeper. A horse and spring trap helonging to Messrs Warnock, Bros., bolted in lower Queen-street to-day. Tho -wheel was .securely chained, and the affrighted animal was stopped before he had travelled far on bis mad career. Beyond breaking the bi idle no damage was done. , Another old settlor has passed away in the person of Mr Leahy. He arrived in the colony in the year 1848, and settled in Oncliunga, where he continued to reside up to the day of his death. He leaves live sons and a daughter, the eldest of whom Is Mr Leahy, blacksmith of Customhouse street. A largo number of persons visited H.M S, Diamond this afternoon by the Devonport Company's steamer Victoria. Tho half hundredweight of stone obtained from tho Luck Hit Claim at To Aroha, re ferred to in our issue of Tuesday last, has I beun crushec at the Bank of Mew Zealand and yives the splendid yield of five ounces melted gold, being roughly at the rate of 200 ounces to tho ton. To tho Editor: Sir,—'Will you nermit me, through the medium of your valuable paper, to thank those of the Auckland public who havo so kiudly given their subscriptions towards purchasing my a'tilieial limbs, and more especially Mrs Stirman, Mr Thome, and Mr and Mrs White, who havo been tho means of collect" ins/ then). I need hardly cay that they havo conferred a great boon upon mo that, had it not be n for their services, I might never hay.i possessed. I trust they will accept ray hcuit-lolt thanks for their kindness.— I am, &c, Thomas Houton.

Nothing has yet boen done to cloar away the debris from tho landslip in Fort-street. Measurements which have been mado Bhew that fully threo thousand tons of earth fell, independent of thousands ot tons of stone. No damage wasi dooo to the mill building, which is now steadily approaching com« pletion. The roof is being put on, and tho work of Homing will bo commenced as soon as this is completed. It is esti mated that tho cost of re-building the wall will bo about £2,500, and should tho City Council decide not to cut down the bill, the erection of tho wall' will bo recom menced without delay. Tho following motion on the subject by Cr Harper will be considered at tho meeting of the City Couucil to-night: — " That this Council take under its immediate consideration tho advisability of acquiring that portion of land extending from Lamb's new mill, Fort-street, to a point on the Beach Road." A meeting of perfons interested in the formation ot a Tonic Sol-fa Singing Class is to be held in the Alexandra-street Primi tive Methodist School-room, to-morrow (Friday) evening. Holders of elementaiy or higher certificates arc invited to attoud.

To'the Editor : Sir,—A tea-meeting and musical entertainment took place on Thurs day evening last at the Auxiliary Hospital, at which the inmates and those of tbe ltefuge wore present, and we should be wanting in grutitudo and oblivious of our duty if wo failed to return our acknow ledgments and thanks to those iadies who so kindly provided for and presided at our social re-union. In addition to the material gratilication of which wo Imvo beeu the recipients, we have partaken of the ia tellectual musical talent afforded which contributed in bo essential a degree to our evening's enjoyment. Nor are wo nn uiindful ot the spiritual consolation wo huvo dciivcd from them on that and former oc casions when wo have experienced the soothing, mollifying effect producod by their gentle ministr.itions-illustrating, as they do, in their own persons, that holiness, which emanates from the "eternal sunshine of the spotless mind," and wo recogniso their efforts in chiding all lingering, re proving all dull delay, "alluring to brighter worlds aud leading the way. We also desire to thank the matron for the desire she has evinced to augment the efforts ot tho ladies iv contributing to our enjoyment, aud t.e practical evidence she givrs of her wish to ameliorate the condition of those who "reversed on faithlcs-) fortune's wheel" are sensible of that sytupatheuu influence she exercises j on their belialf. We therefore beg to reiterate our warmest thanks to all the ladies the presiding genii of the en tertaiumont—rrustiug they may long be spared in " this breathing world " to labour in tlioir holy and benevolent vocation, to which they have dedicated themselves, and that when it may plea-o the groat Arbiter of all our destinies to tako them to hiiissulf —they may receive the reward of their good work" —a crown of immortality in the < cell stiul kingdom — another better and brighter sphere of existence.—We remain, Your obedient eoivants, THE InMATES OF i this Auxiliary Hospital and iiKFuaic.

HORRIBLE ACCIDENT.

A Man Sawn Astnuler,

(BY TKLEGEAPH—PKESS ASSOCIATION.) NAPIEK, this day. A MAN named Smith who was working at Wilding's steam sawmil at Waipukurau was cut in half yesterday by falling from a log on to a twin circular saw. He was of courso, instantly killed.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Sound instructors—Music teachers. Major Atkiuson returns to Wellington on Sunday. lho most Obstinate Form of Grief " Mule "-tears. A bare majority—Tha inhabitants of tho North Pole. More diamond prospectors are out in Canterbury. 7329 ounces gold shipped from Greymouth per Mahinapua. An Oamaru farmer named Thos. Rich mond was killed yesterday by a thrashing machine passing over him. The City Council of Melbourne propose to expend £100,000 in wood paving. Shakespeare's diamond discovery:—"The toad, ugly aud venomouss wears yet a pre cious jewel in its head." Tasmauian gold prospects are creating ex citement there. There is some talk of a rush setting in to the notthern pans of the isiaud. Hard times in South Australia. Forty surrendered selections were offered for sale ,in Adelaide recently, but only three were disposed of. ihe Mashera' Siong—" When • Johnnie' comes ' mushing' home again George Bripn has been killed near Timaru by falling from his horse and being drajjgod at the stirrup. Mr W, V. Jackson, ex-chairman of Wel lington Harbour Board) was entertained to .dinner last night prior to leaving tor Eng land. A conceited man is like a boot minus the sole. He is uppermost in his own mind, without understanding. Mr William Kces, t/ic well-kuown sugar planter of Fiji, has gone to Borneo to re port upon tho country to a Melbourne com pauy. The total number of insano people iv Victoria at the end of last year was 3,179, showing au increase of 114 over the total of the previous year,.

Mr William Farthing, accountant in Mel bourne, fell asleep on a sofa, and when an attempt was made to wake him, it was found that ho was doad.

A gigantic fern, weighing about two tons, has been sent from Victotia to tho Inter national Horticultural Exhibition to be held at St. Petersburg uext month. H. A, Mngg, the absconding Secretary of the South Australian Farmers' Association, has been arrested In Sydney at the instiga tion of the association,

' At a recent meeting of the Melbourne Presbytery, the Rev. James Ballantyne, who has completed his 21st year as clerk of tho Presbytery, was presented with a purse containing 111 sovereigns.

RECEPTION OF THE MAORI KING AT CHAMBRIDGE.

(BY TELEGRAPH-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

I TAWHIAO, with about 200 followers, arrived here yesterday evening. He was met at the entrance to the town by a crowd of Maoris and Europeans, the former contributing the songs of welcome, on arriving at ths centre ef tho town, a tangi was held, after which the usual speeches were made, con sisting for the most part of the words '•Haere mai." Mr Shechan, on behalf of tho Europeans, addressed Tawhiao as follows :—" You have been all over the Island and have seen in Wanganui, iNapier and other border townships how both races live together in peacn and harmony. Your travels will have been a source ot great information to you. JNow when yon go back to your own 1 place at Whatiwhatiboo, endoavour| omake things equally felicitous in you district. Arrange things that happiness may exist between you and your European neigh bours. Your father was an old and trusted friend of tho Europeans, and I, who was bjru iv Auckland, remember how strong was the faith of the Europeans in his luyalty to them. I asK you to forget all i pust dillerences, and so work in now with j tho Europeans and no arrange the matters of the country over which you and your people claim the ownership, that law may prevail therein j The natives then took possession of the Public Hall, and had provisions dealt out to tliem. Mr fciheehan has procured accommodation for Tawhiao at the Criterion Hotel, The party will spend today bcrc, nnd return to Alexandra by Pateransd to morrow, at which place they will have a large tangi, and sleep for the night on the graves of their forefathers.

R.M. COURT.—This Day.

(Before H. G. fcotU Smith. Ksa. IS.M.) UNDBFHNTDRD 04888. In the followinK casoa judgmaut went for the plaintllTa by def iult i— W.. Marohle v. Honry Anßdoll. £S 153 ; Hnntor and Nolan r. John Ualbetb. £,21 Us ; J. Hamil ton v. ('has. Koso, 10a Id ; G'-o. Hu'me v Koaob, £27 5a 10fl; Wheel of Vo tune- W.M, <oroßunri v. B. "1 Wrjor, £3 2a 0j ; John '.eck v. Ohae, HOBO. £2 Ua <ja; Liybiiu.no & Co. v. F.anolß Stan ey, Hil; I»raol Wondel v. Wm. i-.llfts, fi3 !sj; J. Wiseman v. Hobort Mackle, £.9 Gi; O. T. Wron v. Geo 'I'hoiups™. £16 10s: Samuel Whltn v. Jonn Waymouth, £2 15 ii IP. J. Somer fleld v. li, Wilßoa, 19i Id. ADJOURNED. K. Molntoah v. Albert Walker, fi3GO; Henry Kafton v. Mra Prioa, *5 8j ; eama v. Mrs Scott, £1 Is; Bsmo V. N. Trotw. £16 9i 2d; Thos. Hayim v. G"O. Woodward, £1 Is; Thos. Faultier v. W. K. Pattareon and Joh> DennisCD, £5; Krederlok Coßter v. Frederick Houman. £29 lBa; John Caiey v. Qeu. Lnwell, £5 12; w. J. Hurat v. Samuel frost. £7 3i 9d ; Samuol Younst v. K. H, Keiily £37 13a Oil: Alfred s. Kathbone v. W. aoagar, £5 15s 6d: Froderlok Wiutor v. W. Kob'mon, £3 lOi ;Kswltl v. Cnas, B. de ihterry, £511. DEFKNDKD CASKS, Williamson v. Dalton; claim, £6 10s.—Mr 9. Heaketh for plaintiff, Mr UuCnur for dofeud act.—ibis case was heard on a previous oco&slon and His Wo shio now save judgment as fiilowa:—Tbe partlcuUrs In tbii oaaa do uot dinoloeo the reoi cause ot aotlon. It Is really an aoitOQ (or damaKus (or not ncoepclng Koods in pursuanoa ot an order, and doc debt tur work done. No doubt there w«a a mistake at to the lnatruotions given, and the question therefore nrlxea. who ought t<i bear tee loss 3 Prima fack, the party making tbe mlstaKOi Uuloss too defendant gave such defective iastruotlons as to mißlßttd (be plaintiff. Tno inatrn tons hero were nndoubrodly meagre, but were they mlsleartlnK? The drawing; first uhewn to the Dlaluilff might easily have baeu uilaunderstooo. It Dhows a pattern traced In the cylinder, whether eaabosßed or euiirdvea might very roesonably noo n attor of donbt It otrtaimy does noc nocesearlly convey to my mind nho Imentlon of ongravlng. Tha tecond drawing shows tha dimensions of the oylinder, but la devoid o£ nny trace o( a pattern. 'Jhe f»ot. however, ot the drawings bolug amblgaouu oneht, I thlnK. to havo su« goatod to the plalntlir tho necepslty of making further enqulrleu batoro rjrooaedlnu; witn the work. Ho failed to do bo, and therefore, I tnhiK. both in law and in equity, ho ought to bnnr thn Joan ucoaaioned by hla mistake. The ■ lalntlff's foreman eo^ras to have coofuunded tho purpose for which tho maohino wnß intnndod with the part of tho nmohino ho wna required to uiaKo I'ho part which tho dofendnni's i.ovhow took In the matter do. s not uppuar cletrly from tho evidence, but It does ooem O our that no wns not uuthorteod as tho agent of the dufondant elthor to nivo dlroutlons or to HDurovo oC whut had been cone,. nd thoroforo an* thing lie may have wild or dona ought i.e. to bo looked upon aa binding on tha def ondttnt, itud may bo disregarded aitugothur BO far as tho decision of tatu csaa 1h o^ncuint'd, AOEumtiK, ihi-rotoro. that tho mutual dlffloulty as to ihu nartlOtilr.ro word removed b> ainonomnnt 'ho ulstntllf woull attl, I think, not bo entitled to recover in thiu action.

MM* v. Wrißht; claim, £18.-Mr S. Jaosson for plaintiff Mr iborne for derVndanr, -This o-ißx had bdtm previously heard, ana ju'i|jman< was Kivon ss follow..:—This la an action for otiokiatfdraliiß. und tho evidence showed that dratnaxu. whuiher Mirfaon or othorwlst. iau froraihn defem ant'« land to the plaintiff'?. I declined to nonsuit *t tho o oae of tae ulaintlfT'o cuo. beo&u»K i< stomud to tno that ihore was name Bli.lu ovidoncu of a choking, which nv.de it desirable tar nic to iionrtho dtfon lani'o c*se baforo Qoolrtliw llanlly npirn tho matter. Bat. after ourofully re-cansiil«rlna the uvidenC" in tho light of tbn pomon U acquai;itancu I hnve b en »ble to make- of tno preniisen In lueßttun, I f*ll tv t-oo that tho (illonnttou Is ost.ibllsni-il. and t am oc opinion therefore ih.it the plaintiff should ho riOWirod.

Harry N. Smith v. Henry Bradlor.—Claim £7. Mr George appeared for tho plaintiff; Mr Alex ander for tlio defendant. Tho action waa brought to recover for damages done to a cart by dof oudant's trap running into it on tho wharf. VV'itnoascß on oithor sido having been examined, his Worship held that tho ovidenco waa insuffi cient to establish tho claim. TJio plaintiff was thoroforo nonsuited.

A. C. Policy v. Geo. Gapos.—Claim 225, rent. Mr Theo. Coopor appeared for tho plaintiff, and , Mr Edward Coopor for tho defendant. Tho plaintiff is a boot and shoo maker, living in Pitt street, and his wife owns a house in Norfolk strcot, Ponsonby, which was let to tho defen dant, a master painter. At the end of January tho latter paid some arrears of rent and changed his place of residonco, and tho plaintiff now claimed a week's rent in lieu of notice This was tho point in disputo, and plaintiff and his wifo Bworo positively that when tho arrears oC rent were paid tho defendant merely remarked that ho-was thinking lot leaving; that ho was then reminded that Doforo giving up occupation ho i was bound to give a weeks notice, and that he I then retained tho key a week longer. The de fendant on the contrary maintained that ho did give a week's notice, and that tho plaintiff sub- i sermently told him that ho was entitled to give a written instead of a verbal notice.—His Wor ship held that tho plaintiff must succeed in his suit, for the balanco of evidenoo was in his favour.—Judgment thorofore for the plaintiff with costs. (Left Bitting.)

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Messrs James Babor and F. G. Clayton, Justioes). Drunkenness.—Six persons were punished for this offonoe. Vagrants.—John Walker, arrested by Con stable Fatten, and Peter Neilson. arrested by Dotective Walker, were oharged under, tho Vagrant Act with having no vißiblo lawful means of a livelihood: also with being rogues and vagabonds within tho meaning of tho Act — Walker, a very old man, was sent to prison for threo months.—Noilson waa found begging at Mount Albert—proved by Mr Spragg, a resident, and others.—Wesley Spragg deposed that hoßaw prisoner on Sunday morning at his (Mr Spragg's) house. Ho begged for water and tea, whioTi were furnished to him.—Edith Gar lick, daughter of Mr Garlick, of Mount Albert, doposed that tho prisoner called at her father's house on Sunday and begged for tea and sugar, which were given to him.—John Garlick corro borated; tho prisoner was sober, and knew what ho was about. J. T. Garlick said there was a robbery committed at his house on Sun day afternoon, during tho absouco of the family at the Sunday-school. Ho missed £8 in notes. Tho priaonor was seen about the premises.— Uoteotive Walker said no money was found in prisoner's possession, but it waa known that prisoner had changed a note in an hotel.—Ser geant White said tho charge of larceny could not bo proved against him.—Tho Bench: What are you?— Prisoner: a native of Denmark.— Tho Bench: But your occupation—do you work 1 —Prisoner: I am a labourer, and havo worked in tho Waikato; could not remember whoro.— Tho Bench: You aro sentenced to prison for ono month with hard labour.

Howdy SAiLORs.-Goorgo White, Petor Lar son, Charles Olson, and Andreas Anderson, five seamen on hoard the British ship Warwick, were charged with having committed a violent assault upon James Williams, first mato o£ the said vossol, by beating him with their clenched fists, and otherwise ill-treating him, on tho 17th inst.—Mr Tolo appeared in defence, and rb he had only just been instructed in the matter, ho must ask for a remand.—Mr Laishloy appeared for the prosecution, and said he had to urge that in oaso of a remand, ho must ask that the prisoners, should they bo convicted, bo made to pay tho costs of to-day, as tho captain was com pelled to get substitutes to do tho work in their places.—Mr Tolo having roplied, tho cases were romandod until Saturday. Breaoii op Shipping act.—William Butler; John Wilkinson, and Albert Johnston wero oharged with a broach o£ this Act by absenting themselves without loavo from their duties, Mr Laishloy appearod for tho prosecution, and Mr Tolo appearod in defence.—This was also re manded until Saturday. Woman ipj Her Low Estate.—Anno Ban north, alias Dubar, was charged with drunken and disorderly conduot last night in Aber crombie-streot to tho terror of tho neighbour hoood.—Prisoner confessed that sho was slightly rowdy, but had taken an oxtra drop on her ■birthday.-Det"Ctivo Hughes gave a lucid and picturesque description of the scene. Tho evening was folded in groy livery, tinged with the last rays of tho setting sun, when Anne emerged, shadow-like, from bor covert near to tho hotel. On reaching tho centre of tho stieet, slio commenced yolling and soroaming; she was going to the Salvationists, and suddenly spun round like a top. Her hus jand, a man of colour, porsuadod her to " como in to supper, but sho refused, and continued her boisterous conduct in spite of his entreaties. At length, ho (tho dotectivo) arrested her, and ook hor to tho Police Station, where she sang, in a subdued tone, "Sweet Home."—Tho Bench inflicted a fine of 10s, or 11 days' imprisonment.— Prisoner chose the latter alternative. Alleged KMBKEZLEifur.—James GrJgsley was ohaiKO't with embezzling tho sum of £U 1 la lid, on the 3rd June. ISB2. iho moneys of Eb! neezer Hsdrll), hts employer. Sergeunt Whup brkfly stated f>e oas*. and callwd it v eontor.— Mr Uadrlll stated that pr noner oamo to htm and express-< 1 coutri lon at what he had dune, sued for forg.venefm, nrd -was willing to ar range matters satisfactorily. Up, prosecutor, was not wiuiiu to proaconte, and to withdraw the charge by permlsolou of the Bench. As no evldenoo was offered the ohargo was with drawn, ihis was all the bußlneßß, ,

CABLEGRAMS.

IKEUTER'S CABLES

ANOTHER "LITTLE WAR" IN AFRICA.

JLONCON, April 18. Intelligence of a disquieting nature has been received from the West African Coast, and it is expected that a conflict will ensue between Stanley's exploring expedition and the French party under De Brazza, in the Congo countiy. (Received April 19, 12.30 p.m.) Stranf/e Fatality in India.— Sixty-two Xjives Lost. INDIA, april 18. Intelligence of a remarkable catastrophe is to hand from Secunderbad, a town in Hyderabad. A large number of natives were worshipping ou rafts in an extensive tank in the city, when one of the structures suddenly upset. All the natives who were on it were precipitated into the water, and sixty-two of thtm were drowned before assistance could reach them. POJKTUGUE-E ACTIVITY. I LISBON, April 17. Three Portuguese men-of-war have been ordered to St. Paul Lie Loanda, the capital of the Portuguese colony of Angola, on the West African coast. commercial. i LONDON, April 17, Consols are quoted at lO2g. JNew Zealand securities remain at yesterday's quotations. Tbe breadstuff's market i* quiet, Adelaide wheat, ex Btore, 50s; New Zealand wheat, 44s to 48s. -fldelade flour, ex store, 345. Australian tallow firm at 44s for beef and 46a for mutton.

(SIMtCIAL TO PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

OUTRAGES: KIDNAPPING A TELEGRAPH CLERK.

LONDON, April 18. A clerk employed in the Central Tele graph ' 'ffice alleges that he waa kidnapped by Fenians, and. questioned as to the facilities fur destroying the buildings. THE COMTE DE UHaMBOKD. The Comte Ue Chambord is recovering from his serious illness. THE ANNEXATION OF NEW GUINEA. The Italians assert that the researches made in New Guinea by Signor JJ'Albertis, the explorer, have hastened the annexation of that country by the Queensland Govern ment.

AFFAIRS IN SOUTH AFRICA. - The unsettled condition of affairs in Africa will likely delay the d parture of Fir Hercules Kobinson from the Cape colony.

AUSTRALIAN.

Renewal of^ the San Francisco Mail Service: Proposals of New South Wales.

SYDNEY, April 18. In the Legislative Assembly this even- Ing, the Postmaster-General tabled a reso lution regarding the San Francisco Mail Service. The motion provides for the ex tension of the present service for a period of two yearp, tbe subsidy being iixed at £50,000, of which £18 750 is to be contri buted by New South Wale5*, on the under- Standing that the contract time shall be shortened by twenty-four hours for the first ' year, and forty-eight hours for the second year j tbe company to be relieved of the obligation of keeping a fourth vessej in the service. AMALGAMATION OF INSCTKANCE BUSINESS. MELBOURNE, April 18. Tho Union Company of New Zealand i have taken over the current risks of the Victorian agencies of the Standard Fire Insurance Company of London and the Fire Association of London.

SOUTHERN DIVORCE CASES.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

DU^EDIrv, Wednesday. There will be a sitting under the Divorce and Matrimonial Cases Act, before Mr Justice Williams, ou the 3rd prox. JLawlor v. Lawlor is a petition for judicial separa tion, on the ground of bigamy and adultery. The petition of Anne Lawlor states that she wes married to Edwaid Lawlor at the Koman ■ atholic Church in Adelaide in 1866, ihat they lived together ten years, and rhat she had four children by him, and that in August, 1876, the respondent came to Auckland, wliera, on June 8, 1877, hn married Jane Cogan, and that he had since lived with her. In the otber case, McGuiness, the petition is for dissolution of the matriagc.

MISS JENNIE LEE AND COMPACT.

Me Hepbtjbn, advance agent, is now in Auckland, preparatory to the advent of tIK popular young English actress, Mis s Jennie Lee, at Abbott's opera House, on Tuesday evtning next. Miss Jennie Lee and Company are expected to arrive on Monday next, with Mr Burnett and a selected company of Melbourne a'tistes. Miss Lees representation of "Jo," adapted from biokena's ''Bleak House," ha* won good opinions from the London and colonial pre>s; also a warm eulogy from Professor John Stuart Blackie, Professor of Greet in the University of Edinburgh. We ltarn from a brief sketch of this pro mising actress, that Miss Jeunie Lee (Mrs burnett) is a daughter of the late Mr Edwin George Lee, an artist who had won con siderable repute in his profession, Miss Lee is a native of LondoD, At a very early age she manifested a taste for drama tic performances. On the 21st of February 1876, this popular actress made her first ap pearance in the now far-famed character'of "Jo." The representation tookplace'at the Globe Theatre. The name of the youug actress was almost unknown to the general public, and the expectations excited by the announcement of her assumption of the principal cbaracterinadramatisedveisiunof " Bleak House," mre not by any means great. It was true that Miss Lee had taken several minor parts in various dramatic performances, and had won a fair amount of approbation by her rendering of them. It was even known that she had

created some sensation in America by her performance of this very part of " Jo " in anoilier dramatised version of the story, entitled " Cnesney Wold," But as the rumour of this latter performance came from the land of sensations, and was little more tbau a rumour, it waa held as of no account. The few, however, who had wit nessed Miss Lee in "Chesney Wold," when performing in California with Madame Janauschek, as well as those > who had the advantage of a personal acquaintance with the lady, looked forward to the performance with an inte rest, the more intense because of the in difference of the general public. Those who knew he.-, never ques tioned her exceptional qualifications for the pa>t she bad chosen; but the proverbial fickleness and the unaertaiaty of the public judgment is an element that dramatic as pi- i rants have always to consider: aud the i

friends of Miss Lee, with very few excep tions, did not, therefore, venture on very sanguiue predictions. But the verdict of ihe public was one of no doubtful significa tion. From her entrance upon the stage ia the first acf, to the death scene in the

last, the interest and admiration of the audience were maintained, and tho enthusi astic plaud its which recalled the actress when

the curtain fell, stamped the performance as a genuine success.. The opinions of the critics next morning, with but few excep tion?, confirmed the verdict of the public. Mi«s Jennie Lee has the distinction—a uniqueonefor an actress to enjoy—of having been a central figure in a great Scottish theological controversy, and of having at the aame time by her geuius, awakened the people of Scotland to a sense of the injustice they had done to the profession of which she is so distinguished a member. To the story of "Jo," tho ragged c ossing sweeper, co pathetically told by Dickens, the whole action of too drama is subor dinated ; Mr Guppy's advances to Esther, the murder, Mr Tuckiughorn, the disap pearance aud death of Lady Deadlock, the arrest of Hortense, and the other incidents of the novel which are introduced all seem fo increase the interest in the central figure J«.

Miss Jennie Lee brings with her a hi«h reputation as an actress, and during the coming week the public of Anckland will have opportunities of judging of her special merits.

A sound sleep is the most complete restorative known. That is why tome people ate always to be found in church,

MR BRYCE IN THE KING COUNTRY

mßtrourn^no PMm

(BY TELKGRAPH-PEOM OUR . KEPORTBK.) S?ECl At

10 ;~^b^h Bryce's first day's journey. a?' °f * compaaied the party 7iSf* half-a. mi le beyond Wha.iwhSS" any natives so protest against the • Nothing occurred, however j, ]°Utllfr usual salutations from [he „ ? Dd «* women, and children »h n '? the settlement, many of -I "Wig- Kopua creek was reached, aboall Ul * middle aged Maori cam! on? C? et- • whare and spoke to the p ar ?! *"* > pulled up His name w« *J*f «l .small chief. He eaid if th 7; tai">k » Peaceful one it was all ft °»J *M» for humbugging it wasnot &itff«» reason for coming out was L ■ a« bers of the Government Ze T% ?'»■ of going to only the p^* \^ wbereas, by our own law, wewe^ ** to equally recognise people X tPPOleii of so much importance. He 1 e' e "* owner of land from Whakii* Mokau, and was therefore ffi°s!» the journey, """Wsteilij .. Mr Bryce replied: I have lisfm j, you have go, to say. E£ tf^' Rood. We are gomg npW"'^ Having now disposed of oa^tfe Having crossed the creek, about of, men, women, and child™, , a *** one of whom, an eldeZ J 6"»", Whakataha, a brother ?***% aa»« ou the other side, said - tkt $ $** waa to have been any 2■ • ttetß saould have beea there ff ltlßil h« was not to be, he had Jm "«'**': Taonui's letter made it deu&LW be no opDosition, otherwise he .i ?*"» tainly have joined in "SbJ'pj£" &" Bryce did not stay to heartiffij,* as.it was evident that the obSfS being only small men, wu to J& theor,elveß, aUd to make the most off selves on such a rare opportuK,? being no bigger men aboat; *' tlleiß Description of the Vountn There is nothing particalar to * about the country between AlexaL™ H O.orongaha. It v a LS^S and dales, with EometimTs # and hollows, the bottoms o f \^ swampy. The view is a very wS m all sides, the ranee* on bothhand, W° V from 20 to 40 miles away"ffffi good grazing gr0,,,,^ being weteiS' fern, with, light manuka herlandSS a patch of heavy manuka just before S ing Otorongaha. There is littl. W cultural land, though at Otoropgaha X John Hetitgrowa aW 2,600 bffl? wheat and oats, which* he «X Alexandra, by canoe, to sett S>£ is a fairly good fine »S horse track all the way. X would be no difficulty if[ J™ making, it being: fair average courtrr J« that purpose. Tnere is no bash aUfttLT but a kahikatea forest loonK $t distance at Mohoaonrii, where Witta in taken The creeka are rather nomS but the long Maori names of them it ij jZ less to tempt telegraphists and niintenw) mutilate. Waitoma, a r^Aoithl Otoronsaha, is the place where Sit1 W McLean first met the natives after the* m 1868. xhe views in some places *«":; re-lly very fine. ■ „ Besting-Place fop the might, Mr John Hettit, whe most ho'piUUya, tertained aod lodged the whole pirtj, in son of the well-known Louis HettiV&W' old cettler, who died about six yeaia«» and who was distinguished by hi> hj£ lived at Otorongaba daring the whole te and was not molested. His wife wasihi sister of the great chief Taonui, anil la three sons and one daughter are therifon very large landowners. They and titfr connections form a rather, large settieiaent They have a very large number of iMim, but there is do school. Mr John Betiii is a sort of cbief of fie settlement, and is one of lie clwi deiwnid" nated nature's noblemen- cmiteos aoii obliging in the extreme. Ihere mtutl merly much cultivation in the distal there having been a mill runoin?, .but«« tbe war, Mr Hettic is the only oae tfe has grown grain. i he journey from Alexandra So Ofow. galia took from 9 till 1.30. Aboutsp.i,, Mr Cussen, District Surveyor, and Ms assistant, Mr Ornisby, artlved ( fafiij ridden from Hamilton that day, " ! a Tie Te Kuiti Meeting, Wi Pere and several others arrived faa Te Kuiti, andinaHmter»iewwitliMrßip \ told > hat the meeting had decided toptti j Parliament to pass a bill amending mesent law as to deaiiug with nativelffii ' They do not seem at all clear as to i they want efiectcd. but the motive of its, 'i or.iposal is this :—Tne chiefs find nil tieit lafluence slipping away as the laudiais bolil, and the object ot their proposed H would be really to prevent those willing!!) sell, from doing so, although, they do put it so- plaiuly. They would fowjt toat where l&nd is held incomnua, til majority should have the power to prevrel the individualisation of title and site course af eer recent legislation there isnol whatever of such a measure being piwl so thac though it mSiy be heard of n session, nothing wilt come ot it Then ing also agreed that the arrangement a tne survey of the country should lie Mly carried out. Judging from ' the position, tha k'S* Otoroogaha district "will be served f« Kawhia ultimately, which may tie ffl additional inducement to AuckW merchants to secure sections at Kara the sale in about a month. The weather, on starting from uta» faha on Tuesday morning, was bp'c™«'J oe, with every, promise ;of conttofflS'* The party having breakfasted, left i^i eight. Mr Hettit provided canoei fc B* the Orahiri Greek.

NEWS FROM WELLINGTON.

■ ___ «__!_ : [BY TELEGRAPH-OWN COBBKtfOSDUIJ WELLINGTON, thisd«y. The Action against Sir A, Gordon. Majok Edwards, J.H., whohaabeeaoa; a visit to Samoa as agent for W. '■ in the now famous action brought ty™ latter against Sic A. Gordon, to 3|" returned to Wellington, When Mi]« Edwards left the island, evidence «w*L being taken In the case before W. « Churchward, an English! ConßDl, W Commissioner. Mr Fletcher *«' son appeared on behalf <* A. Gordon, and Major EdffaaH w behalf of Mr Hunt. Half a doiea W nesses, including the King of ?0^ 8 ~ German Consul, had been examined np w this time, aud it is probable tlat v» enquiry is now concluded, and e™vT will shortly be received in Weliwf» where the case is to be trled \,. ,|, Kdwards ia much impressed wittt . capabilities of the Samoan trade. E resent, be says, it is almost entirely m « ands of the Germans. Ihe Auckland Iron Sand JTw** The Iron Blooms placed in thfl MnW* a few dujs afo by Mr Chambers, a-» one of the gentlemen wlio have smf^ smelting at Unehnnga, AuckUnJi * cendy, are attracting a c°nsideraW»»V of attention from persons intereste o i» utilisation of the immense depone « sa«d along the WesD Coast of the W Mand. ihe '► blooms" are ""J'j. sU;.pos and sizes, and are pronounced «i experts t > be of excellent quality. JSieiv Zealand Underwriters. The annual Coufi-rence of the to* * . knd Underwriters Atsociatioo taws f rf , in Wellington this jiear, and a »nOV B , delegates lrom various parts of tM> , are now in town for the purpose otj « - ing its meetings. The business mv f bably be entered npon to-morrow. Payment of leachers by Bf^J Mr Lee, in his annual report toOe^ lin«ton Education Board, sP ef?/ Lfti in Favour of payment of reachffl J«J t If the Foalo of salaries were »Jf about ten per cent, of salary part a. • grant, partly for a.percento «' f^,,, made and partly for «»M«»n«to«J» he feels confident a great' *£&\ B "° take place in the examination remits-

raS MTcttllS EVEHIWto STAH, THURSDAY, APRIL 19.



Important Announcement. MESSRS S. CGOMBES & CO. hava again to Jfkfnn Bnnouaoeinent of the «£«*«■• °*J TMfaa stock, comprising that of Messrs J. UUS- Oklyk & CO;, and that havinar Purchased the nJ»J.S«tow Figure, he will be enabled to oTthSnftci the publio at about h na IN TBB POUND, OK HALF OBIGINAL 10 COST. MONTH o° the very favourable terms above mentioned. The Sale will oDmmenoe on MONDAY NEXT, APKIL lftrH. , In the premises lately occupied By Messrs J. OOSOBAVK & CO,, Qaeen-atreet. For Fuller Particulars, see Advertisement la another column. S, COOMBES & CP n QUKBN-STBBKT, fBAMOBHTON, SMITH AND FIRTH HAVE FOE SALE 1 "Or wn " Flour, In Baokfl, Me ana EVs Champion" do. do. do. "Cantab" do, do. do, '' Sharps ■ Bran c. : Fowl Wnea«



Garllck and Cranwell have now the most complete Furnishing Warehonso in Auckland. Large Btooki ready for delivery. Furniture to suit all classes; good, strong, and cheap. Great variety of Bedsteads ard Bedroom Furniture.— City HaU Arcade, Queenstreet.-[Advt.]



Special Advertiaameata. fcfc \TOU CAN GJET IT ONLY FROM X MB." SIIiVBR BROnOH AND BARRINGS, LOCKttT AND NEOKLKT. Four Attlolea for TWENTY SHILLINGS. From F. H. LnWISSON, Jeweller, I Queen-street, opposite Union Bank. YOU OAK SEES THEM IN THE WINDOW.



158 & 160 THE Queon-st. 158 & 180 Quoon-Bt. 158 & 160 NEW ZEALAND Queen-sU 158 & 160 . Quoon-st. 158 & 160 CLOTHING FACTORY Quoen-Bt. 158 & 160 QU6On-Bt. 158 & 160 Supply Queon-st. 158 & IGO Quoon-st. 158 & 160 MEN'S AND BOYS' Queen-st. 158 & 160 Queon-st. 158 & 160 CLOTHING, 8 u?° nl!£ 15S & ICO Uuoon-flt, 158 & 160 SUPKBIOB IN FITTING AND J^on-St. iS£iS *««■ Pf J| | J6O AtpMOBSFARLOWEIt feet. ---158 & 160 tlmno ther SSSSSSfe 158 & 160 BstabUshmonta. Quoon-st. 158 & 160 Queon-st. 11 I Z THE CELEBRATED fc^ 158 I W> MOSGIEL TWEEDS, §™£% l|&}6o Made Of fest! 158 & i6O PufO New Zealand Wools, Queon-st. 158 & 160 Aro used, * Quoon-st. ill & 160 Ana all Garments aro fc-lt! 158 & 160 modo-up in Quoon-st. 158 & 160 . Quoen-st. 158 & 160 THEIR OWN FACTORY, Quoon-Bt. IS I irn Consequently every pro- (& e o Ztt \i tim ooss of tho Manufacture Is gSoSStt" iw * inn underthoimmodiatosupor- sSeeS^t }S g \f n vision o£ t\u Firm, and the gSeoSit its <£ lm Qonuino Quality of Mato- ?Kl!t 1« «: lfifl rial nnrt Workmanship is g^eeS at 158 & 160 Quoon-Bt. 158 & 160 AUCKLAND. Queen-st. 158 & 160 And a t Albert Btroot, Quoon-st. 158 & 160 THA-niTra Quoon-st. 15S & 160 ltiAMJia. Qneen-st. Hl^J.FixzsmoNS, fcl 15S & 160 Branch Managor. Quoon-st.



yy-E ABE NOW OPENING UP THE T ATKST A DTUMN gTYLKB IN TPIMMKD BONNETS AND HATS UNTKIMMBD BONNKTB AND HATS U)-BTKR=I, KOU«-IN-HANnB SASH awi> OTHKK BIttBONS HO lUBY.I ÜBY. W'luL 6<M)IJS KID QLOVKS, BKBT QUALITY. ALSO, A Largo Yarletr of Dress ]M[axekials, IN ALL THK NSW STSTIiKS. with UITABLB TRIMMINGS TO MATCH. T' HE DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT Is now under the Management of a iflrst olaaa CotTOMiBR from Worth's. o£ Parts. MILNE & CHOYCE, QUEKN-STRKKT.



INW Season's Goods. Broche Silka XtfILLIAM "RATTRAY at Wholesale Price vv ■"- Having Bought £500 Broohfi Silks worth of at Wholesale Prlco BROCBE SILKS, Broche Silks at Wholesale Price in Broche Silks Black, White, at Wholesale Price AND ALL THE FABHIONABIE Broohe Silks at Wholesale Price shades op colour, j Brochis Silks at a at Wholesale Price Heavy Discount off Usual Broche Silks Prices, at Wholesale Price Is now Offering them at Broche Silks at Wholesale Price Wholesale Prices. Broche Silks Ladies aro particularly re al "WTuricoolo riluo ijuooioa iv call early and boo the splendid Broche Silks assortment, at Wholesale Price Also, Broche Silks at Wholesale Prico EOMILLON'S Broche Silks BEST QUALITY at Wholesale Price JOSEPHINE KID Broche Silks at Wholesale Price GLOVBS, Broche Silks Slightly Spotted, at Wholesale Price 2-button at 2a 6d Broobe Silks at Wholesale Prico i-butt0a,...«.at«....2511d



"\^ILLIAM J^ATTRAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, & SILK MERCER, 178, 180, & 182, queen-street, Auckland.



INeW ZrfBAUftND XWEED \JO. MAKE TO MEASURE NEW ZEALAND TWEEDS ONLY, Having scoured the services of MR WM, JAGGS as Untter, from Messrs Henry Pools and Co.pB, Saville Bow. London, a Feitaot Jfit can be Guaranteed. Aa there will be no oredit given, there will be NO HAD DEBTS, bo tbe Good Customers will not nave to pay for the Bad, which means a saving of 25 per cent,, aa It la generally known there are no tradespeople mase bo many Bad Debts aa Tallow. ALL MATERIALS WILL BBS THOKOUGHLY SHRUNK. THE PRICES WILL RANGE FROM- Men's All Fore Wool New Zealand Tweed Troußttra „ 18a fid Men's AU Pure Wool : New Zealand Tweed 1 Bait .» «. £16s 172, queen-street, Joseph JJ^oses, MANAGKR.



Special Advertisements | T>ANK HOLIDAY. Tho BANKB will bo CLOSED on MON DAY, 23rd inst. (St. George's Day). |»ANK OF NEW ZEALAND. MONDAY, tho 23rd inßt,, t3lnß a Banfc Holiday, this Bank wIU bo CLOSED. G. 13. KIS9LINO, Manager.



To-morrow's Observer will contain Portrait and Biography of tho lato Sir G. A. Arney; Marriage in high lifo at Homuora; Blue Ribbonlsm; Our Special with tho Salva tion Army j Bluo Dovils; " Hippona's" Tip 3 tor tho Auckland Autumn Mooting, Training and Dotting Notes, &o.; Another Oimkkvbu Frizo Competition—a chance for our local artists; Portrait and Biography of Miss Eloiso Juno; Lucubrations by our own ./Esthete—too utterly too; Religious Hypocrites and Fross Censorship: Custom* Extortions; Government Lifo and National Insurauco—an Inquiry into investment of Trußt Funds; and a largo amount of other amusing and instructive matter.



' Everybody should Se« J^Tto"^ ■ Machines at D. S. Chambers. "f . Suppliea.-{ADVT.]