SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER ffigSflEU 8.10 I^l?^r-ToS^r giltoJ I un K .S. SC MOON'S AGK.-First Quarter, Bth, 8.50 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Suva, 9.5., Hutchinson, from Southern ports Otaki ship, Worator, from London Kecamia, ketch, from the South

DEPARTURES.

Zonlandia, ship, Ruth, tor Dunedin Mtcgrogor, s.s., Johnson, for WlKmt;a;vi Eingarooraa, s.s., Carey, for Sydney

IMPORTS.

Per Suva—l4B coils rope, 1,000 saoks potatoes, Ji) nicks peas, i<\ cases ginger ale, IT casks whole oil, 70 sacks ilour, 32 sacks oats.

I'or Handalsle-1,710 sacks oats, ROO sacks wheat, 110 sacks peas. 700 sacks seed potatoes.

Per Frederick Bassil—4,i 03 sacks potatoc;

Per Annabell—l,2Bo sacks oals, 2,590 sacks potatoes, 4.>1 sacks wheat, 30!) cheeses, 110 saoks flour, 9 cases bacon.

Per Frederick Dossil, from Oiunaru: i,SOO sacks potatoes.—Adam Laybourn & Co.

Per Otaki, from London—l,2C7 (135 tons) cast iron pipes for Auckland Waterworks, 21 cases galvanize! corrugated iron, Hlihds tinned and enamelled holloware, 1 cask weights, door knoekors. dumbbells, olc. 2 casks bus globes, 2 crates archimedian ventilators, 1 case tool bas kets, I case housemaids' gloves, table mat.-. l>air sieves, &c. 1 case garden toola, 3'J kegs fewbunk nail.3, « rolls sheet lead, 1 case stair rods, 18 casks sheet zinc. 100 bdls. (-.!0 tons) iron fencing wire, 1 cask bullock bells. 1 case cased tube, 5 kegs patent lead headed nails, 1 cask Bissill's floor cramps, dog chains, etc., 1 cask Bpoons, candlesticks, tinsmiths' mallets, etc., 106 camp ovens and covcre, 12 solder pots, 10 furnaco pans from 30 to lOOgalls, 5 crates ranges and extra fittings.—X. Porter and Co.

EXPORTS.

Per Louise-1,115 pieces timber.

Inwards Coastwise.—Janet, from Whanga rol, with SOO bushels lime.

Outwards Coastwise.—Janet, for Whanga rei.

The cutter Louiso (Captain Mlncliam) cleared at the Customi to-day for Sydney.

The brigantinc Sarah Pile lins cleared at the Customs for Kaipara, where she will loud tor Wellington.

A brig, supposed to be the Annabell from Lyttelton, was signalled late this afternoon.

Tho ship Zealandia sailed for Dunedin to load for London at 7 o'clock this morning.

The cutter Euphemia was hauled up on Mr C. Bailey's slip yesterday, and had anew false keel put on. Subsequently sho was launched, ana the barge St. Clair was hauled up fora thorough overhaul.

The ketch Recamia arrived from Kaiapoi this afternoon, with 1,000 sa«ka potatoes.

The schooner Handa Isle loft Lyttelton on Scptomber 21. Had light nortnerly winds to Kast Cape, and thence till arrival yesterday afternoon strong N. and N.W. winds.

The barque Frederick Bassil left Oamarti on September ISth; had light variable winds to- East Cape and theneo N.W". and S. winds till arrival yesterday afternoon.

The B.s. Suva arrived from Tauranga and the South at midnight of yesterday. Passengers— Messrs Cadman, Ball, Douglas, Sirs LatiruCT and family.

What promises to bo one of Hie finest vessels over turned out at Auckland is now in emir so of construction at Mr R. McKays shipbuilding yard, Frooman's Bay. She will register over 300 tons, or about 1110 tons moro than tho bngan tino Defiance which was the last vessel from the same yard. Tho timbers have been nearly all sot up, and show that she will be a very pretty craft, with good carrying capacity and fast sailing powers. The dimensions of the vessel aro :-l!«ngth of keel. 118 ft.; beam, 27ft. j dopth of hold. 12ft. 7in. All tho planking will bo of heart of kauri, ami every alternate limhor will bo pohutakawa and puriri, while all fastenings will bo of tho very best material. It is scarcely necessary to remark that tlio work manship will also bo of the best. Mr McKay intends to try and get the highest classification under Lloyds that is possiblo for oolomal vessels to get, and it seems very likely that he will be successful.

ARRIVAL OF THE OTAKI.

A3 wo anticipated, the ship signalled yesterday afternoon proved to ho tho Otaki, from London, which dropped anchor at tho powtlor ground at an early hour this morning. Captain \\ orator reports having li-ft Gravcsond on July 2nd, towed to Beachy Head, and boat down Ciianucl asalnst varioblo westerly winds. On tho dth was abreast Scllly. From thonce had moderate and light winds, and light, N.E. trades. Crossed the equator on August 4th, in long, iv \\ . Had liKlit N.E. trades to 304 S.. when wo commenced tho westerly winds. Sighted Tristan d'Aeunha on August 22nd, and from thence had favourublo winds and flno weather the remainder ot the voyago, now and then fresh winds, but no gales; tho maintop-gallant sail was only taken in three times during tho voyage. Passed the Capo of Good Hope on August 29th, Capo Lowin on Soptombor 17th; rounded Tasmania on the 2 'rd, andarrivod as above. On September H-tli. lat. U'U S., long. 90" X., passed tlio dead body of a man ; appoared to be dressed in blue seivo shirt, &c Tho list of cabin passongers was published in our last issue. Tho following is a list of thoso in tho steerage:—Edward Colquhoun; Goo. H. Saycrs: Jacob, Marie- Richard it., A.(!., Edward, Bortha, and Philip Kaliler; Hans H. Drews; Thomas, Anonda, Laurence, and 'litus llycrs: Sarah Baker, Christina Ucakc, Joaaph Forrest, Albert Eobins, Mary Hunt Alice Taylor, Louisa Baker, J. M. Shophord, luhvard M. Marston, Henry Haensch, and Richard SavUlo.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day

Tho Rlngaroom'a sails this afternoon (or Sydnoy. Passengers :-Mr and Mrs Sullivan ArrlTcd: Rlngarooma, from Auckland, WO a.in

WnAMOAiui.', this da;-. Arrived: Macgrcgor, from Auckland, 10.15 n.m.

New Plymouth, thm day. Arrived: Hawoa, from the Manukan, sa.ni.

Waitaha. this day. Arrivod : Douglas, from Onehunga, 8.15 a.m.; Rowena, from Onehunga, 10.15 a.m. Sailed: Douglas, for Onehunffa, VAO a.m.; Lalla Bookh, for Onehunga, 11.15 r»m.

TIMARU, thi3 day. Cleared: Lurline, barque, for London.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

OCTOBKII 3. ISB3. Abbott's Opera House— Hibornieon Comedy Company, S p.m. Jh- J. M. Dargttvilloantl tlio Kleetors of Auck land City West, Theatre Royal, 8 p.m. Conference of Auckland I'rosbyloiT, S(. Jumcs'a Church — X'npor 011 "OonCHla and Solcnco," by Itov. H. MeKlnnoy, 7.30 p.m. Alootandrn-otrcot School-room—Monthly Meet ing of A.O.S. Sanctuary City of Auckland, S p.m. Workiiiff 3ten'H Club-3*btmg oC Hoot null Shocinakora, 8 p.m. Harry's Elocution Class—l'ooin tit rent' of Alexandra-street Church, a p.m. — —

Notices to Correspondents.

SCOT.—Tho union of England anil Scotland \ra» effected in ITO6. It wits stipulated that tho United Kingdom of Great Britain should ho lrprcsentud by on« and tho tuunu Parliament; that Scotland (should bo represented by 10 poors and 13 commoners ; and that nit peci-3 of Scotland should rank next after Ihottnglteli poors of llko orders and degrees. P.—Tobacco is stated to hnvo boon first tukon into England from Virginia in tho yoar 1583.

Births.

HARDING.—On October'Jnd, at Urafton lioatl

the wife of A. Harding of a son. TAYLOR.—On October 2nd, vi. Newton, the wife of G. F. Taylor of a son.

Marriages.

WILSON —(JUAIG.--On July filli, at Ilio lltL'istvy Ofllcc, Auckland, Frederick J. Wil- Bim, Wairoa South, to Sarah, third daughter of Thomas Craig, lisq., Hardlnge-strcet, Auckland.

Death.

CHEW. -On September 3 th, at hi« laic residence*, Kamo, Whnntfarei, .losoph Ralph Crow, lato of Howick ; uged 53 years.

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1883.

For tho cuuso that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For tho futuro in the distance, And the good that \re can do.

The prompt action taken by our ship builders to answer the slander circulated by Captain Russell, Marine Surveyor of Otago, rolativo to the value of kauri as a timber for shipbuilding is commendable in the highestdegree. Captain Russell's report, which we publish in another column, carries, indeed, its own condemnation on the face of it. Kauri has been used for shipbuilding during the last half-century ; the number of craft in which it has been largely if not wholly employed might be reckoned by the thousand ;it has been used by the Admiralty; has stood every recognised test, and obtained a defi nite and well-recognised status. Bofore as sailing a timber of this kind; we may fairly oxpeot any man who has a particle of re spect for his reputation to fortify himaelf with facts. But what reason does Captain Russell give for his opinion 'I He has seen two vessels built of kauri, and the condition of their timber when ten years old was not sucli as to satisfy him ; and he could see no reason why these ves sels should not be taken as a fair specimen of all others. Of the vessels in question we know very little. With kauri, as with all other timber, there are various grade?, and there aro differences in tho treatment of vessels and timber. Tho hulls of tho Jessie Niocol and Tauranga may or may not be as unsatisfactory as Mr Russell represents, though we should by no m«ftns be prepared to accept his unsupported dictum on> tho subject in view of his acknowledged models of judgment on the general question. But were tho hulls of those two vessels as sappy as a turnip, or oven as Mr Russell's report itself, their condition would not support the sweeping indictment which that gentle man has founded upon them. On looking to the register, moreover, we observe that Captain Russellmakes the trifling error of ten y.ears in the ago of the Tauranga ; she was built at Auckland in ISG3, and though now twenty years old, is still thought seaworthy enough to maintain her place in the Island trade, a scryicc particularly trying to vessels of every description. We venture to say that tho timbers of the Tauranga, the Atlantic, 23 years old (also in the Island trade), or even the old Moa, built at Auckland 33 years ago, and still cruising round, would bear comparison with those of the Bella Mary, built at Nova Scotia in 1802, or the Gazelle, built at New York in ISG2, despite Mr Russell's opinion that kauri is inferior to American pine. Tho Gazelle, when placed in the Dock lately and filled with water, lot it run through her at a rate that could hardly bo ox ceeded by tho old Moa, notwithstanding her extra twelve years .of buffeting

that he had examined the hull of the Moa whon in dock IS months ago, and found that while the kauri waa sound as a bell some blue gum used in her construction was decayed. The list of staunch old vessels whose names are given in the report of to day's meeting, is a crushing answer to Captain Russell's allegations. Paying all due deference to Captain Russell's extensive ex perience of kauri, testified by a personal examination of two vessels, we submit, with a proper sense of humility in questioning the dictum of so eminent a judge, that ex perienced marine surveyors who have in spected not merely two but two hundred vessels built of kauri, and men who have been using kauri for ship-building at any time during the last thirty or forty years, may, perhaps, know a litHe about it; and the opinion of these men, of whom there aro many in Auckland, unanimously condemns Mr Russell's assertions. Another, and per haps a still better test, because an impar tial and practical one, is the fact that ves sels built of kauri aro in greater demand among Sydney shipowners now than ever they were befoi'e. Orders are sent over here faster than they can be executed, not withstanding that blue gum is at the very doors of the purchasers, The lending Auckland mills have also established exten sive yards in Sydney for no other purpose than to supply tho extraordinary demand for this timber. Wo even lind Auckland models executed in kauri, on easting anchor at Sydney in tho ordinary course of trade, eliciting the wannest admiration from the local press. To name one instance is snUicient. On a. casual arrival of the schooner Sovereign, the " Sydney Morning Herald" published the following eulogy : — " Auckland shipbuilders have more than a colonial reputation for the superiority of the workmanship they turn out, and in the smart ■ looking fore - and - aft schooner Sovereign, which arrived yesterday from Queensland, is to be found another testimony to their skill in design and faithfulness in workmanship. The Sorcreign has been here before, but a glnnce at her trim-looking spars, clean and shapely hull, and well ordered deck would incline one to tho belief that she had only recently left the builders' hands. She is, however, 2.J years old. The Sovereign on the present occasion comes from Dungeness, Northern Queensland, in ballast."

We think enough has been adduced to prove that Captain Russell's report, which, if allowed to <(O uncontradicted, might do some harm, is wholly unwarranted and un supported by any single fact ; and wo hope that gentleman and others, before circu lating opinions on a subject which should be approached with the greatest circum spoction and care, will lirst of all take a reasonable amount of trouble in grounding themselves well in the facto. Wo have not the most remote idea who Captain Russell is. or what his status, in the circle of Marine Sur veyors, but we can safely alliim that any reputation ho may have will sustain more damage from such ill-supported as sertions as that which he has put his name to on the present occasion than tho reputa tion of kauri timber will suffer among those who have any real knowledge of itsadmirablo qualities.

The Kawhia Disturbance.

By a brief telegram from Wellington to day we learn that a force of !)0 men of tho Armed Constabulary! under command of Major Tuke, ban been landed at, Kawhia without obstruction on tin- pail of rtio native.". They nro accompanied by the Hon. Mr liryee, Minister for Native Affairs, who, after hearing the report of his sub ordinate on tho attitude of tho Maoris of the district, resolved at once to meet them in poroon, As the Maori King (whose sanction if not direct command was snid to have been given fur tho de struction of tho beat-oils erected in the harbour) is also on It in way to Kawliia, it is probable that Mr Uryco may have an opportunity of gutting an explanation of the outrage from him ia pornon, ami of administering a caution to him. Tho correspondent of tho " Waikato Times," writing from Kawhia on Sat unlay last, says that since the departure of the liine moa, after the visit of Mr Butler, incut in;;* of the natives have been held nearly every day ; and although tho Ngfttimahutas, who, it will be remembered, worotlioinstigtitorxoC the lato trouble, nro still of opinion thai thi y did perfectly right, and openly oxproAs it, nro not a very strong tribo, they receive n

great amount of sympathy 1 rum sonic of the other fiapus. It is generally, understood tho Ngatilriltairoas and the.»u do not livo in good ncuonl, mid their relationship has anything but improved lately. To this fact tho Wellington pnjiorii ascribe the origin of flit; Into trouble, but tho assorticm is orro noons. Tho correspondent is certain that tribal jealousy has had nothing whatever to do with the lato disturbance. At the same time nothing would be easier than to widen the breach between tho tribes to such an extent that the Government might gain political capital from it. The Government have all along pooh poohed the affair as of littlo moment, ascribing it to an intor-tribnl dis pute, though it wii.i impossible to see in what way such a difference could lead to attacks on Government and private property. The wish, howover, was doubt less father to tho thought, and in all likeli hood we shall find Mr Bryee working upon tribal jealousies in order to tranquiliso the district. It would booxtrcinoly injudicious to attempt any proceedings against Tawhiao, even were it proved that ho was the instigator of the outrages, and it is to be hoped that Mr Bryeo, in the work he has now undertaken, will subjugate tho fortitt'T in re to tho xiiaritcr in uiudo, as it in only by doing this 11 i;t-; In; can add another to his administrative triumphs in tho Native Office. *

The P.M. s.s. Zealandia, with tho out ward colonial mails, which left this port on 11th September last, has made a good run to San Francisco. A cable message received by Mr Goinblo states that shoarrived at her destination on the 30th September, being four days ahead of contract time.

Tho passage of tho shipOtaki from London has been an uneventful one, as will bo Keen on reference to our shipping report. Tho passengers all arrive in good health, and appear to be very favourably impressed with ship, captain, officer*, and crow. Tho Otaki having a quantity of explosives on board, dropped anchor at the powder ground. She will probably bo berthed early to-morrow morning.

There was very little business transacted at the Police Court this morning. H. (.!. Seth Smith, Esq., presided. Mary Lewis was lined 10s and costs for drunkenness, and Robert Leary, for being a habitual drunkard, was ordered to gaol for 0 months. Mary Walsh and Patrick Carrol were charged with wilful exposure in a public street, viz., Victoria Quadrant. Sergeant White stated that this was a most disgusting caso. Prisoners pleaded guilty, and were each ordered to prison for twelve months.

A mooting of the creditors of Richard Rhodes, of Taumnga, was held in tho Supreme Court this morning, Mr Graham in tho choir. The debtor, who was not present, filed his liabilities fit £250 un secured, and secured at i.700 ; assets un secured at £420, including book debts. Mr A. D. Bennett, the accountant in bank ruptcy, reported he had, at the request of creditors, taken possession of the estate from the Sheriff's bailiff, and considered the debtor far over-estimated the value of his assets. After some discussion with regard to the debtor's mode of doing business, it was proposed by Mr Larkins that Mr Ben nett realise tho estate and report to a future meeting, at which the debtor be summoned to appear by the trustee. This was carried find the meeting adjourned.

An alteration has been made in the specifications for tho new Harbour offices. Whon the matter was beforo tho Board yes terday, it was agreed after a lung discus sion, on tho motion of Mr O. Mays, l; That alternative tenders be called for tiio work in brick and ground mortar or concrete." The time for receiving tenders was extended till tho 14th November.

" Lost in London," to be performed to morrow night, is a sonsational drama of groat interest, illustrating a touching story of a girl, who, on her father's death, is left in charge of a miner, to whom .she is after wards married. She becomes dazzled by the gold on tho owner of the mine, leaves her husband, and proceeds to London. Her husband follows, and happily saves her from a life of sin and misery. Tho evening's programme promises to be very attractive, and amongst other treats- Miss Nellie Greenlees will give some of her graceful dances, while Mr Lissant, no well known as a principal member of Simonson's Company, has been billed for some of his best solos, Mr E. B. Russoll has shown, while in Auckland, his mo3t extraordinary faculty of study—frequently playing fresh parts with W. E. Sheridan at two clays' notice, which usually takes weeks and wcoks of study. It is to be hopod that both he and Barry O'Neil will have no cause to regret thoir visit to Auck land, and that tho public will show thoir recognition of these two talented men by Hvin" thpin n niimnfir liouso at the Onom

The monthly inspection parade of the Victoria Company took place in the Drill shed last evening. There was a good muster, fifty-throe men (officers, non commissioned ollicorti, rank and lile) answering to their names. Majar Shophord inspected the arms and accoutrements, after which bayonet exercise and company drill were gone through very satisfactorily, Major Shepherd expressing his satisfaction with the movements executed. Captain Mahon, Lieutenant Skinner, and Sub- Lieutenant Self (officers of tho company) were present on parade.

The business transacted at tho meeting of the Auckland Presbytery to-day was not of a very important character. Uev. Killen resigned the charge of Tauranga, and ac cepted a call from Whangarei, explaining at the same timo that Tauranga had gone back so steadily that the people there were not in a position 10 maintain a minister. Rev. Todd w-.a requested to afford temporary sirpply at Taumngo, and Uev. Boyd, who has come from New South Wules for the benefit of his health, at YV.tiuku

At tho next meeting of the Board of Education Mr Bucklantl will move, "That it is tho true construction of section <!.") of the Education Act, 1877, that School Com mittees aro to be consulted respecting the removal a;-' well as the appointment and dismissal of teachers."

The Harbour Board has decided to call for alternative tenders for brick and con crete for their new oflices, tenders to be in vited in Auckland and Dunedin, and to be returnable on November 14th.

A meeting of the creditors of Thomas Kelly, of the Wade, hotelkeeper, was held yesterday at the oliice of Mr E. T. Uufaur, solicitor, Queen-street. The liabilities wore roughly stated at i'3',lo, his assets a rever sion, subject to a life estate, in the public house, and land at the Wade. This, how ever, was subject to a mortgage of i'3so, which in the state of tho title was consid ered its full market value. An oiler of a composition of 5s in the C was accepted by tho creditors present, to bo paid within one mouth. Mr Uufaur to obtain the as sent of all the creditors to the arrangement.

Tho Orchestral Society's popular concert in the Choral Hall to-morrow night pro mises to be an unqualified success. The last rehearsal was extremely satisfactory to all concerned, the orchestral piece* being given with tine etl'oct, while the singers are well-prepared for their vocal essays. It N not often that a programme containing .so many good things is issued to tho public. It is studded with musical charms, Chopin's Funeral March, Haydn's "Surpri.se,'' Symphony and string quartette, Mozart's overture to "Figaro,'' mid Meudcl.s«iohn'» overture to "The Midsummer Night's Dream" being (done worth tho admission. fee. In addition, however, there are some very choice songs and operatic polcctious by capable performers, Strtiuss'a Ear-famed 11 Blue Danube Waltz," and the overture to lioieldiou's " Daino Blanche."' As might. lio expected, there is an eager inquiry for tickets.

To the Editor : Sir,—Your random shot writer, " Zainiel," gave me in last Saturday niglit'w issue rather a severe toasting, nnd charged mo with making use of the Cluuvh as a medium of advertising my nrt union.

" Zainiel " Imx been misled ami misinformed. 1 had nothing to do with the choice of tho Hubjcct. I was .-imply invited n:< a member of the Society to take the negative or nllirma tivo in n tlubnte, and wan afterwards requested to take the allinnativi; ill the debate on tho "Morality of Hwoopxt'ikec,"

to which I agreed, nnd, of itmrw, I did my best to win tho debate. I am dubbed tho

" (laming Champion " by "Zainiel "simply bcemiHo I did my btwt to win an hone-fc debate, the Hubjcet of which, as 1 Huid before, was not of my ohoico.- 1 am, sir, Francis .1. Siiourr.

A lad named John Renrdon, ».'-'ed about 15 years, met with a very Morions accident. last evening. Ho is employed by Mr John Brawn, cartel', Freeman's Hay, and was in the st.-ible yard about 7.110 p.m., when ho fell across a box from which there was a nail or spike projecting, Tliu result was a very serious injury to hi* leg, from which tho blood lluwed freely. The MuDurer w.i.x taken in a dray to f)r. Tennant's wurgciy, and that gentleman devoted nearly an hour to the task of dressing tho wound, tho exterior of the promi/ton meanwhile beinji* surrounded by a large crowd of interested individuals. Dr. Tennant found that Konr d«m hail sustmiieilaHOvorelaocrateilwoiiiKl,

extoudini; livo iiifhe.l from right to loft cm llicKll leg, and o; \ osinjj fheknofc.m ' i!"" injury h.ivin;; beon drt's.-cd, UcunSnu was tukoi'i home in .1 dray to the re.-ideneo of his mother in East-street, Kowlun. No 0110 w/i.H to hliimo for the ocnirronce, which van

[mrt'ly accidental

ThoHWmpof Aiiekhmd has appointed the Uev. Lloyd Keating, M.A., formerly curate of Brighton, Kiiglaml, nnd lite of St. Martin's, Diineclin,-to th« charge of St. Thomas's parish iuthiscity. This appoint ment is merely temporary.

The young woman Ann Dobbyn, who stood her trial on a charge of robbery in Shortland street, oviuccd i\ rcmarknlilu coolncsa under her trial, which did not oscnpo the keen observation of Mr Justice Uillios ; still, His Honor remarkod shu did not shew the nhrowdnosM of a practical thief, or «he might have taken opportunities of placing the not<K in some part of the room which would Ikivo (lustroved tho link, nnd left tho mutter in doubt as to who took the inonoy. Mr llesketh, in an ingenious and really (•lover defence, raised the almdow of a doubt out of scanty materials : tho detective's imagination might havi; assisted his optics in believing that lia vi some thing drop from tho girl's hand : the drug ging the shawl from tho sofii might have been quite accidental ; and tho notes might have boon left in tho shawl by tho children. His Honor argued, however, that a child would naturally cry out, on picking up the purse, <N Mamma, here's a pretty thing I've got/ and supposing tho child to have opened it, tho silver, the moro attrac tive of the contents, would arrest a child's attention, and not the dirty-looking notes. Tho difficulty of tho jury, therefore, lay between tho two women, ar i tho question to bo decided was, Who stolo (ho notes? Tho jury, after more than an hour's deli beration, acquitted tho prisoner. The verdict caused quite a joyous sensation among a half-down smartly-dressed girls, who had been watching tho trial with deep anxiety, and on leaving the dock, the girls made a rush at their liberated companion, and led her dancing away in triumph.

Tho meeting in connection with the Auck land Congregational Union and Home Mis sion was liolil last evening in the Berosford Hall, Rev. .1. Robertson presiding. The report submitted by Mr Milne, secretary, reviewed the work done since ISSO, mid showed that the Rev. A. Ridings, in the face of many dilliculties, had been very suc cessful in his Work at Maungaturoto, where tho services were well sustained. The church at Maungaturoto was financially sound and free from debt. The Rev. T. Humor had resigned his charge at Ono huuga. The property there had boon sold and devoted to the pnrchnseof an allotment at Mount Eden, where services were commenced last Sunday with promising prospects. Tho work at tho Thames was being carried on vigorously by the the Rev. Mr Adams, and the Newton Sunday-school was still largely attended. Tho Secretary announced that the first meeting of the Arew Zealand Congregational Union would be held at Wellington in January noxt, and would be presided over by tho Rev. ,). Robertson. Tho meeting was also ad dressed by Messrs Daldy and Moginio and Roys. Hidings, Millar, nnd Adams. Mr Moginio submitted a scheme by which £200 might be raised this year, while Rev. Ridings showed that during the last three nnd a half years C"2 had boon spenton tho cause there, £107 of which had been raised in the district.

The "To Arohn News" (Mr H. E. Wbitokcr proprietor)! in an article on the Ministerial changes, says :■—'.' With respect to .Major Atkinson .vs Premier, if that gen tleman had especially wished to accept a rolo for which he is pre-eminently unliUod, ho could not have been more successful in his quest, Though an admirable member of a Ministry, a smart debater, and ex cellent in tho position that he lately and still occupies as Treasurer, lie is utterly deficient in tho first requisite for the head of a Government ' tact. Ito has not the faintest conception of the suaviter in ■much, but relics wholly on the forlitcr in re style of ruling- The return of the prodigal in- tho shape of Mr Oliver to tho Ministerial bosom moans nothing whatever beyond tho fact, impor tant to himself, that ho now will draw salary and hold a portfolio, instead of oc cupying the position as a volunteer in a first-class regiment, but drawing no pay. His restoration to closer connection will not help the Ministry one iota. His influence in tho House is small, and during his term of office be failed to show any indication whatever of marked ability of any kind. On the whole, there are few but will feel that the reconstructed Ministry is weaker far than its friends would wish it, and it is quite on tho cards, should tho Opposition possess anything liko organisation when Parliament meets, that tho Govornmont will have to do all they know to preserve their Beat 3in tho assaults that will be

An accident of a painful though not very serious nature happened to a carter named Cornelius Lynch yesterday. Ho was working with the harness of his horse, on the Rail way Wharf, when the fingers of his right hand were crushed between the shaft of the vehiclo and the harness collar. The injury wtis attended to by Dr. Tennant.

Bradley and Co. have commenced running their coaches to and from the Thames and Te Aroha daily. The coach from Te Aroha to I'aeroa will seat eleven passengers, and be drawn by four horses ; the one from there will comfortably carry fourteen, and will have a live horse team attached. The drivers will be H. Smith and N. Ferguson. The hours of leaving will be G.:!0 a.m. from Waioiongomai, and 7 a.m. sharp from Te Aroha, arriving at the Thames at 12.30. The coach from the Thames will leave half an-hour earlier, viz, at (3 a.m.

Messrs Tole and Cave havo joined in partnership a3 barristers and solicitors, in offices next the Bank of New Zealand.

Twenty-five designs had been sent in to the Museum on Monday last in answer to the announcement of the Society of Arts. These were opened yesterday in the pro ence of the judges, and many of the com petitions were found to possess great merit and excellence. The Committee will meet on Thursday to receive the report of the judges, after which the award will be ad vertised. It is probable that arrangements will be made to exhibit the designs in public on Saturday afternoon, at the Museum, be fore they are returned to the artists.

A very pleasant meeting of members and friends of the Wellesley-street Baptist Tem perance Society was held last evening in the Sunday school-room. Mr Joshua Robinson (Viee-rresidcnt) occupied the chair. A very able and earnest address was delivered by Mr John Brame upon "The Pragmas and Development of the Xemperance Cause," urging the fcravity of the present system of licensing laws to the earnest attention of the congregation. Solos were nicely rendered by Misses Brame and Kilputrick, and Misses Edgar and Pearson and Mr Kilpatrick acquitted them selves creditably in n tvio. Recitations were given by Master Collier and Misses M. Lampra, Rosa Smith, and M. Thompson. Miss A. Biamo played the accompani ments.

SCINTILLATIONS.

TilK Governor visits Nelson shortly

f.nst night of Hibernicon minstrels. "King" Tawhiao has f^one back to

Kawhia.

There han been 2uß Popea from St. Pete:

till now

Hun killed by lightning ut Bathursi N.S.W.

Cinchona plants are growing well in the Domain.

If old wine in K°°di 'X elder wine better? A painted woman in thu picture of health. Yesterday tho steamer Waliinupua took .'iOlij/s. Lfold from Jlokitika for the Bank of Now Zealand,

If you uro so terribly nervous that every stupid tiling you see frightens you, avoid the looking-glaas.

" Never fund n present hoping for one in return." Never, (let jour present liixt, always, uud »und yours when you have time

At the Supreme Court, Cbristchurch, Miirift Simatti, for arson, lmn boon sentenced to four years' penal servitude. Thu underground lire at Tlmmcd U btill smouldering. Vestcrdny the Anglican Synotl of Canter bury opened its sittings. Which is tho largest room in tho world? — Thu room for improvement. We havo heard of tho "base" of the cliff—whore do you find your " treblo ';'

Tho London School Board handles ever n million nud ft half of money every year. The steamer Wakatipu yesterday shipped li.'i horsea at Duncdin tor Sydney.

Continued droughts in Now South Wales, havo produced stagnation of trade. Dr. (irabham, Inspector of Hospital*, will shorty arrive on n vi:<it of inspection to thu Auckland institution.

At 'L'hamed, or> Monday, OH Mr Thus. Rnwdon, foreman of works fortlic Borough, wan passing the Bank of New Zealand, ho suddenly full down, and when raided wan found to bu unconscious, lie wn* found to bo in a lit of n serious kind, duo to over work.

hi the month of September tlio births in Auckland district were 135 j marriage*, 4~> ; mid deaths, 04,

A man nninod Wood, who wan a passenger with liia wife and family by the sieumer Te Aii.in. died from delirium Iremtim yester day, shortly after arrival at Port Gltalmors.

Salt water baths are to be erected nt Port Chalmers, and a loan is also spoken of to provide gasworks. At Wooloomooloo, N.S.W., a woman named Elizabeth Phillips has been brutally outraged ami murdered by adranced "larrikins."

The Baptist Union is to hold a series of meetings shortly at Xolson, and the Auck land representatives, Rev, Mr Snurgcon, Key. C. Carter, and Messrs John Chambers and H. ]1. Matthews, left on Tuesday to attend.

At 11 public school iv Milton, Otngo, tho 1 loud-master agreed to conduct a Bible class before school hours in tho morning, and of "JSIt pupils able to join, 1!">1 are at tending. Mr C. W. Cave, late of Travera and Cave, banisters and solicitors, Wellington, bus joined in partnership with Mr J. A. Tolo, tif Auckland. Mr Care came to tho colony to prosecute tho claims of the Messrs Bragdon against the Government. Mrs Hampson's mission at Sydney has boon most successful. The nightly attend ance averaged five thousand. Tho Bishop of Auckland has appointed Uor. .1. L. Keating, of Duncdin, to the tem porary charge of bt. Thonms's parish. The dispenser of Thames Hospital has laid an information at the. Police Court for disorderly conduct against two inmates of the Old Men's Refuge, who wero "batter ing " each other on i riday last. Key. Dr. Begg, the woll-known "irrecon cilable " Freo Churchman of Scotland, is dead. His hod, Mr Walter Bontlov, made his clelnit m an actor in New Zealand,

From yesterday, "delayed telegrams " in this colony will simply bo half price, there being n 0 additional charge for postage. At Timam, Henry Graham, loader of the "Skeleton" host, lias laid an information against the Salvationist captain for asuault and buttery. The public feeling thero is strong against the Salvation Army. Now Plymouth Borough Council intend taking a poll as to whether the race course shall ijo handed over to the borough as a reserve, Tho decision is a foregone con clusion—they will keep it of "course." Christchurch people are agitated over tho question of the control of tho High School, and parents and guardians are signing a memorial to the Minister of Education, praying him to mako tho governing body elective, so that it may represent the wishes of the public.

NARROW ESCAPE.

One of tho narrowest escapes from sudden death which wo have had to record occurred early yesterday afternoon at Jlr J. Cosgrave's pro mises, in Queen-street. Workmen are at prosont engaged in bnildlng a new front to the shop, and at tho lime In question one of the lahourors had just ompticd a load of bricks on the scaffolding, By some causo, which has not been explainod, ono of tho bricks fell, and passing through the space between tho building and verandah left, by tho removal of the front, struck a mason niuiiod J. liurko, who was working on tho ground floor, on the head. The distance which the brick fell wasmoro than fifteen feet, but by a most fortuimto cirouin fllanco tho man's head was protected to some extent by his hat, while tho Hat body and not the edge of tho brick struck him. Ho sustained a severe scalp wound, which was dressed at tho shop of Mr Edson, chemist, and it is hoped that tho effects will not be moro serious than to keep him at home for a few days. His escape was certainly a most romarkablo one.

STREET ACCIDENT.

The bolting of a horso with a buggy clattering at its hcols, an immediate collision with the Arch Hill 'bus, and tho semblance of a general Binnsl), made things in the middle part of Quecn stroet exceptionally lively betwoon one and two o'clock this afternoon. Fortunately, tho amiir did not entail anything serious on man or hcast in the form of injuries. It seems that llr Moysoy Thompson, o£ To Arolia, had juat-hired a buggy at Irwin's, and was driving down Durham-street, when the horse suddenly bounded oil' at a gallop, and becoming unmanageable, dashed furiously round into Queen-street, wliilo Mr Thompson regained terra tit-ma either by jumping or being pitched out. Tho runaway horso careered right across Quton-street,and just opposite I'ortcr'e.thc tobae conist.collldcd with tho Newton and Arch Hill 'bus, driven by Mr James, which was going the opposite way. By tho forco of tho impact tho olmft. pole was snapped ofl', and the 'bus horses, getting their fcot ontanglcd in the harness of I lie buggy, began to roar and plungo wildly. Matters wero assuming a very sensational complexion, when two men rushed over and secured the. threo horses, Mr George Cook getting hold of the 'bus horses and Mr ilorlio Watts soiling the cause of all the trouble. The only passengers in tho 'bus wero a lady and a child, neither of whom was hurt, and in fact everyone escaped scatheless, saving that Mr Thompson received a scratch on the back o( the head, which he had drossed at Mr Sharland's, before proceeding on to tho Northern Club. Tho buggy sustained some damage, and tho harness of tho 'bus was cut about. Aftor a few temporary re pairs, howovor, it was in a stato to vesumo the ti-m. lint Din lniL'gThad to bo taken back to tho

CABLEGRAMS.

[rkutek'.s cablegram.]

Tho French Insult to tho King of Spain.

Excitement In Madrid.

Madrid, October 1. Thk reports of the discourtesy shown to King Alfonso by the inhabitants of Paris have created much dissatisfaction and ill feeling towards the French in this city. Anti-French cries have been raised by tho populace, and placards posted in various parts of the city, and tho French Embassy is under military protection. Great pre parations are being made for an ovation to the King on his return.

(Received October 3rd—2.10 p.m.) Tho Homeward Mails.

San FIUNCIsJCO, October 2.

The steamship Zealandia, from Auck land (September 11th), witli the homeward mails, arrived yesterday, four days before due date.

South Australian Loan Floated,

London, October 2.

Tenders were opened to-day for the South Australian 4 per cent, million mid a half loan at a minimum of £98 10s. The total amount offered was found to bo £'3,000,000. Tenders at £98 10s will receive 25 per cent, ef allotment, and tenders above £98 lGs will receive in full.

Ministerial Crisis in Franco.

Paris, October 2. Rumours of an approaching Ministerial crisis are generally current here to-day.

[STKCIAL TO I'HESS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received October 3rd.)

Success of tho South Australian Loan.

London, October 2.

Tho South Australian loan of one million and a half has been ottered, and over three millions tendered for, at an average of about jCOS 7s. The minimum was £98 10s. Later.

The exact amount tendered for was (.'3,059,000. There were 210 separate tenders.

Gunboats for tho Australian 3tation.

LoXDOS, October.,

The gunboats Forward and Swinger have been ordered to proceed to the Australian station.

French Transportation to tho Pacific.

There appears to be now some prospect of France modifying its scheme for tho establishment of convict settlements on the Pacific.

Free Trado in Victoria,

The " Daily News" expresses tho opinion that it is hardly possible that the Free Trade party can long remain in the minority in Victoria.

Mr Sorvioo and tho Irian Informers. Professor Dicey, in a letter to tho "Times," contends that the action of Mr Service in preventing the Irish informers from landing in Australia was in defiance of the law.

Tho builders of the Austral, in their evidence at the inquiry, support the stability of the vesiiol.

The judges at the Fisheries Exhibition have awarded the gold anil silver medals, respectively, to the Government of New South Wales, Mr Ilamaay, and Baron Maeleay. At v Tory meeting; nt Birmingham, at which there was an immense attendance, resolutions condemning the Government were passed.

Salvationist Prosecutions in Bwitzor

land.

London, October 2.

A telegram to hand from Switzerland state* that Miss Booth, who was recently expelled with Miss(.'liurle»worth with other members of tho Salvation Army, has been brought up for trial on a chnrge of causing public disturbances, and acquitted.

London Wool Sales,

Loxnox, October 1

At to-day's wool salo tho catalogue com prised 11,1)00 bales. Tho market continues linn.

AUSTRALIAN.

Bovonuo of Now South Wales,

SvriSEV, October 2.

The New South Wales revenue for tho quarter ended September 30 amounted to £1,300,000, being a decrease of £300,000 compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. Tho revenue for tho year amounted to i' 0,700,000, being a decrease of £652,000 compared with the revenue for tho previous twelve months. The receipts from land show a decrease of i!iO,000; those from other sources are "well main tained.

Tho Attempted Suicide In a Bank. Mkusockni:, October 2.

Harry Thomas, who attempted to commit suicide nt tho Bank of Victoria in this city yesterday, had a griovanco against tho manager of the branch bank at Hoathcoto.

Tho Recent Bank Slobbery.

Richard Corbott was brought up at the l'olico Court to-day, and committed for trial, on a charge of robbing thu Commercial Bank of Australia on the night of tho 18th ult. Tho case will be heard at the Supreme Court on the 15th inst.

Tho Secession of Soot 3 Church,

At a mooting of tho Melbourne l'resbytory to-day, Dr. Morriton tabled a motion declaring that tho resolution passed by the mombera of the Scots Church at a meeting held last Wednesday, deciding to sceedo from the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and revert to the position previous to tho act of union, was irregular and ultra v ires.

Tho Molbourno manager of tho National Mortgage and Agency Company, New Zea land (Limited), reports of tho local grain market as follows :--\Yheat quieter, but steady, at 4s 8d to -ls.!>d. Malting barley, 6a to (is 2d. Quotations nominal. Now Zealand oats In fair demand, at H.i to 3s Id for feeding, and 3s 2d to 3s 3d for milling qualities. New Zealand oats, under bond, •Js 2d to 2s sd.

(Received October 5—12.80 p.m.)

Taxation Proposals in Sontli Australia

Adelaide, this day

In tho House of Assembly lost night, tho Colonial Treasurer introduced an amended fchenio of taxation, the proposals being as follow :—lmposition of a tax of a halfpenny in tho pound on real property ; a tax of a penny in the pound on gains or profits arising from personal property ; and an in come tax of threepence in tho pound, sub ject to certain exemptions.

Queensland Finances,

BiusiiAXK, this day

The revenue of Queensland for tho Sep tember quarter amounted to 1709,000, being an increase of 1*59,750 as compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. The receipts from customs increased by £10,000, and tho railway revenue shows an increase of £30,00.

Australian MaaUots.

Mkuioukni:, October 2.

Messrs. C. S. Koss and Co., of this city, report tho salo of white pine timber ex May and Welcome at tho following average prices at per 100 feot super : —Sawn boards, Cr ; dressed ditto, Ss 6d; Hitches, 7s ;at per 100 feot lineal flooring, C x J, 4s fld. The market has a downward tendency.

ARREST OF AN ABSCONDING BANKRUPT.

[BY TKM'.fIUArH —OWN COKBKSrOXDKNT,]

Nbw Plymouth, this day. Wiikx tho Hawoa arrived this morning, your old friend Inspector Pardy .stepped aboard and arrested a passenger named Andrews, alias Ratlin, a Frenchman, and an absconding bankrupt. Andrews was supposed to have £000 with him, but only 213 sovereigns wero found by Inspector Pardy. He will be sent back to Auckland by next boat, in chargo of Inspector Pardy.

SPORTING NEWS.

A Rkutkk's cablegram states that Lo Beau, Maid of the Hills, and Doncastcr, have been scratched for tho Melbourne Cup.

Through a clerical error, the following nominations for the Canterbury Jockey Clv b Spring Meeting wore omitted : —Stewards' Stakes Handicap: Kalo. Spring Stoeplc chaso : Uavonsbourn, In the nominations for the Midsummer Handicap, run on New Year's Day, the following horses were accidently omitted: —Tniaroa, Theuge, and Hyacinth.

Best and choapest place to furnish your houso from la G article and Criimvell's CityHiill Arcade. Some beautiful cretonnes and .'carpets just opened up. Bedroom furniture ready for

MURDER AT LUNATIC ASYLUM.

Ono Pationt Kills Anothor xvlth a

Broom.

The Value of tho Telephone.

An instance of the signal benefits accruing from the connection of our eleemosynary in stitutions with town by means of the tele phone was afforded this morning. At a quarter to nine o'clock this morning, Dr. Young, the Medical Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum, telephoned to Mr Super intendent Thomson at the police station that a eerious assault had just been committed by one lunatic on another with a broom-handle, resulting in the assaulted man receiving a fracture of the skull. As the services of .-i surgeon were necessary, Dr. Young desired that Dr. Hooper should be communicated with and requested to visit tho Asylum at once. Within 10 minutes the message was con veyed to Dr. Hooper,and before nine o'clock lie was on his way to Avondale. On arrival at the Asylum, Dr. Hooper found that tho man who had been assaulted was James John .Mills, formerly a furniture dealer, carrying | cm business in Victoria-street, his assail ant being a foreigner named Gschnell, who had been committed to the Asylum some 18 months r-.go, suffering from homicidal mania, lie having shortly before killed a man at Taranaki. Dr. Hooper found Mills suffering from a severefracturo of the skull, and, after an examination, pro nounced the injuries fatal. Death ter minated the unfortunate man's sufferings at 1.30 this afternoon. From the facts at present obtainable, it appears that tlyi warder in whose charge Gschuell had kee.i placed went for his breakfast, leaving thy dangerous lunatic'without a keeper. Gsch nell, taking advantage of tho wardens absence, seized a heavy broom and struck Mills twice on the head with it. It appeal's reprehunsiblu in tho highest degree that a person affected with homoddal mania should bo left for a moment without prop* supervision, and \re trust that the authori ties will causo a searching inquiry to be made.

Additional Particulars,

No one witnessed the assault, which took place in a room occupied solely by Mills and Gschnoll, but tho attendants became cognisant of the occurrence immediately afterwards, and Gschnoll was seized and lodged in a cell. Dr. Young despatched a messenger to the residence of Mr Mills, jun., a cabinetmaker, find he arrived before his father's death. An inquest will, wo believe, be held to-morrow before Dr. Goldsbro'.

SUDDEN DEATH.

It was reported to tho police this morning that a man named It. Wills, residing with his wife in Chapel Square, had died some what suddenly at 8.30 a.m. From inquiries made it appears that for some eighteen months past Wills has been in delicate health, but for the past nine months he has not had medical attendance. An inquest will be held before Dr. Philson at the Clan ricardo Hotel to-morrow.

DROWNING IS CANTERBURY.

A Hash Swimmer

(BY TBLEORAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION,)

CilßiSTciitrncn, this day. Ox Sunday afternoon Thomas Carkhill, an old sailor, insisted on having a dip in the sea near Kyle. There wan a moderately heavy sea on at the time, and Carkhill was soon in trouble. His mate, McPhernon, bravely plunged in to try savo him, but Carkhill threatened to drown him if he eamo near, and McPherson had to struggle back to shore. In making a second attempt to savo the lifo of iiis mate he became so exhausted in the heavy breakers that he was only rescued with groat difficulty from drowning by a third person who was present. Carkhill was thus left to his fate, anil disappeared. His body was washed up on the beach yesterday.

FIRE IN WYNDHAM-STREET.

Narrow Escape of a Family

Couir.goous Conduct of a Policeman,

At about 2"> minutes past two o'clock this morning a iiro broke out in a wooden block of buildings in Wyndham-st root, near Albert street, the block being the property of Messrs Qlcnfield and Mason (nurserymen). The, block consists of five shops, with tene ments combined, nntl was occupied by T. 11. Shove, butcher ; Walt-or Hare, stationer; 11. Jacob*, bootmuker ; Buckton, draper ; nndCavanagh, croeer. The firo originated in Mr Jacobs ij shop — the centro of tho block. Mr Jacobs states that ho, with liis wife and two yonng children, retired to rent at 10 o'clock last night, leaving ovorythingas ho thought safe, there being no fire or light in the lower part of the house. After tiro o'clock tills morn ing Mrs Jacobs was awakened by the smell of smoke and a stilling sensation. Springing out of bod, she found the room full of smoke, and hoard distinctly the ominous roaring of lian.es in the shop bolow. Sho experienced somo difficulty in .■Housing her husband, who was apparently half stupefied by the smoke. By tho tine she succeeded in arousing him, the flames had burst from tho front of the Sower story. She ran to tho window and called " Firo I" Her cry was hoard by Constable White, who was on the beat between Durham and Albeit streets, and two young men—one named Donis Holland, who was returning homo from work—and tho other named Williams. A short ladder was obtained from an adjoining yard, and Constable White, despite the intense heat and blind ing smoke, ascended the ladder and rc ooivod one of tho children from tho hands of Mrs Jacobs. Tho poot woman was In such trepidation that she fell from tho uppor story to tho footpath, but, fortunately, sho did not injure herself. Subsequently Mr Jacobs, carrying the othor child, escaped by limbing into Mr Hare's upper story. The Fire Brigade ar rived at this timo, and speedily two powerful jots of water wers playing on the lire. It had, howover, obtained such a strong hold that before it was got under Jacobs's shop was completely destroyed, and tho shops on cither side very considerably damaged, while the roofs of the outer buildings of the block were much charred. Jacobs's stock and goods and chattels were all lost, and tho stocks iv Bucktou's and Hare's very considerably damaged by smoke and water—indeed, all the tenants in tho block sufi'ered by iiro or water, with tho exception of Mr Shove. The Fire Brigade deserve every credit for tho great exertions they put forth to stay tho progress of tho llamcs. It is a strange coincidence that a lire occurred ill tho same building a few months ago, and on that occasion also the then tenants had likewise a narrow escape. Wo presume that the city authorities will now insist on the building being erected with brick or othor permanent material.

Constable White's Statomont,

Constable White, who so pluckily assisted in the rescue of the family, states that ho was on duty in Albert-street at about 2.20, when ho heard a woman's scream in tho direction of Wyndhnm-streot. He was be tween Durham and Wyndham-streets at tho time. When ho arrived, ho saw tho fire in the lower part of the house, and heard Mrs Jacobs in agonised accents calling out for a ladder. A young man named Denis Holland, who happened to bo about at tho time, procured a ladder from Mrs Lynch's yard. The constable ascended the ladder, and took a child from Mrs Jacobs and handed it to Holland. Ilc asked Mrs Jacobs to como to him, but in her excitement she dropped herself on to tlio footway. Jacobs got into tho window of the next houso with the other child in his arms, and made his escape downstairs. Tho ladder used was about sovou feet long, and. so rotten that when it was reared up against the wall two of the to]) rungs broke. At tho time of the rescue tho smoko was issuing from tho window in such volumes that the constable could not see either Mrs Jacobs or tlio child.

The Insurances,

As already stated, the block belonged to Messrs Glen'field and Mason. Their loss is covered by a policy of £1,000 in the South British Insurance Company—tiiOO on each shop. The Insurance Company estimate their loss on the building at -CoOO, Jacobs's shop beinga total loss, while the damagodone to tho other buildings will quite make up the balance. Mr Jacobs's stock and furni ture were insured in the Standard for £100 ; estimated loss, £170. MrHaro was insured for i'2oO in tho Norwich Union, but. ho states he is unable to estimate his loss. Mrs Buckton was insured for £50 in tho Union, and Mr Cavanngh for f2IO in tho South British. Mr Shove was inuured for

• .100 in the South British, and his loss oiiiuuiita probably to iliO or f3O. Mr CftVanAgli'a less is estimated at £250, and

TE AROHA GOLDFIELD.

[FROM OUlt SPECIAL REPORTKR,]

Is former letters I described many of the mines, but have yet to visit others, the heavy rains having prevented an inspection of them up to this time. The following is a very brief notice of the general works carried out in connection with the goldfield Future reports will deal more fully with the same and with the goldfiold township, into which numbers of diggers are arriving daily from all parts, attracted by the fame of this wonderful district:—

Ro;ids, Tramways, Water-races, Battery, A good bridle track with easy grade has been out from the foot of the hill to within a few hundred yards of the Premier mi ne A tramway extending 2i miles to the Pro inior has been constructed at an enormous expense, and in the face of almost over whelming difficulties ; indeed, so great were the obstacles met with in forming the per. manent way on the side of a nearly perpen tlicuUiv spur that it is a matter for surprise' that so great a work was ever attempted and there is every reason to congratulate the gentlemen interested on the successful termination of the undertaking. The li ne consists of three long sections or horse grades, connected by self-acting grades The whole of the permanent way ha* heoii laid clown with iron rails, with substantial sleepers all well ballasted with stone and mullock obtained from the mines. It may with some degree of truth be asserted that the To Aroha tramrond is paved with gold tho writer having picked stone out of tho pame in which gold could be seen. Another great work which may be mentioned hero is the construction of over two miles 0 £ water races from the two creeks, which also was a big undertaking, rendered difficult through the formidable mountains of rock which had to be pierced through, or by precipitous defiles which had to be skirted i nine long^ tunnola had to bo driven, a| race alone necessitating a Igvcl COo feet in length. In addition to tho tun. nels, there are 2,000 feet of fluming, carried over gorges requiring long tresselting. Tho whole of these works have- been carried through in excellent style.

Blossrs Firth and Clark's Battory. " Tho battery ia on a scale which compares favourably with other extensive operations It is a splendid plant of 40 stampers and 12 berdans, built at the foot of tho Waioron gomai Creek. In order to guard against xibration, several feet of concrete has been laid for a basement. There are eight 6eta 1 of stampers of five head each—one of,whieh : has been supplied with silvered plates, in stead of copper—byi." the aid of which it is thought that a larger per centage of gold will be saved. Very fine gratings are used, which will make crushing slower, but will be more effective in ear ing the fine gold. The motive power, consists of two turbines driven by a fall of water of 223 feet. One of these turbines is mitiiciont to drive the 40 head of stampers. There is a smaller turbine for driving tho i twelve Herdans, which stand on a solid con crete lloor. The hoppers are very capacious, '' capable of containing between 500 and 600 tons, about 50,000 feet of kauri timber being used in their erection. Tho designer of the clilef part of the above works was : Mr H. 11. Adams, who has superintended their construction throughout.

Blr Firth's Work as a Pioneer,

While the British Government are talk- \ : ing ;iboiit constructing a second' Suez Canal, Mr Firth constructs a canal or water- ,: race round tho Te Aroha mountain, and while the former are occupied with tho discussion of an undergrounnd railroad to France, the latter gets a railroad or tram- I road pushed up one of the greatest mountain ranges in the colony. Shewing himself to be a thorough practical man, with not only the desire, but capacity, to advance the interesis of his adopted land, < and the welfare of his fellow colonists, hig range of intellect enables him to ,' plan and carry out comprehensuro,

schemes of the greatest magnitude. :. While I was standing on the broad'plains of, Matamata contemplating the wonderful ' changes which have taken place. I looked : I up at tlio glistening summit of Te Aroha, towering up towards the heavens, and -f thought what a grand monument euch | would be, if reared to the memory .of any, ■ one. And yet, with a bold flight of imagi nation, we can almost fancy that such shall come to be regarded as Firth's land mark or monument, and that the works going on at it'i base, and on its wighty:~ . slopes, arc the evor-growing inscription, written in language of the world's progteail, , showing that at least one man "In depart ing has left his footprints on tho sands M ■ j time," What an unparrelled retrospect there is for this early colonist. Years ajjo -' tho broad lands of Matamata fresh from the hands oi nature, untrodden by European feet, and its rivers undisturbed by traffic, fell into Mr Firth's hands, and when William Thompson, tho Maori King-maker died, his last injunction to Mr Firth was to " remain on tho land forever,- ,\ for ever," and through ail tho succeed ing war and bloodshtd, and settlers' !

panics which followed, he retained Jjos session of Matamata, though situated far I beyond tho confiscated line, and though- i many a long and isolated year did he occupy and form tho laws, until building * after building was erected, acre after acre was ploughed and planted, chain after chain of fencing, and drawing dons, until buildings cover acres. Squaro miles of land have been ploughed, fencing and draw ing has beon done by tho mile, the rivers have been clearod and made navigable and , all their works carried on amid hostile hands of native wariiorsdurmgwartiino,and on the face of other difficulties during peace. Now that steamers ond coaches penetrate into tho heart of this magnificent district, the earlier difficulties of transporting farm ing material, &c, must not be forgotten. Diggers have now every facility of getting I to To Aroha, and the basis has been laid of

a permanent goldiiold; and in all these things one figure stands prominently for ward as the leader of enterprise in this part of the world—ono who has led to tho peopling of the plains, who has chiefly fos tered mining operations on tho mountains; and the futuro labours of thousands of

miners in hewing out golden rock or fashion ing roads across the giant range may bo re garded as an ever-growing epitaph to the memory of J. C. Firth.

HEGARTY'S COURT MINSTRELS.

Another very successful performance was given by Hegarty's Court Minstrels at the Opera llouso last evening. Several new songs were introduced, ono of which, " The Dear Little Shamrock," by Miss May Vivian, was loudly and enthusiastically applauded. In response to an emphatic re call, shorepeatedtheseloction. Bothsolosand choruses wore excellent, and Messrs Cowan i and Buckley provoked much laughter by sundry new items in the funny line. Owing to arrangements, which require that tho Company shall appear at Napier on Saturday next, to-night's performance will be the last. An entire change of programme is announced. All who have not yet seen this amusing entertainment Fhould attend ftt the Opera House this evening.

RIVAL MUSICIANS.

A Concert Forty Sorenadod with Wn Kettles.

A most disgraceful scene occurred last ovening in connection with a coneort given in the Con- : gregational Hall, Newton, in aid of tho funds of tho Excelsior Cricket Club. There wasacrowded attendance, and a lirst-claas programme gave , . pronn'so of a musical treat. At an early Btago, I however, while Mr J. Ilemusand Professor Lam bert were playing a duot on tho piano and violin, . a terrible uproar was heard on ono side of tue ■ building. Several members of tho Committee proceeded outside to investigate, when they dis covered a tin-kcttling party In tho next yarn. A man was leaning out of a dwclling-hoUso H window, and wliilo lio himself beat a tin kettle I most furiously, he urged a gang of children DO- j low lo persevere in the samesortof amusomont. I The man was remonstrated with, but declined .-" tooeasomakingadisturbance. His child, bo atffl, I was suffering from bronchitis, and ho was ■ determined lo put a stop lo tho performance. ■ Tlio police were sent for, but did not. arrive in I time to observe tbo "music," although it was y kept up most energetically throughout the first I part ot the concert. A number of young men in the audience, becoming disgusted at the l hideous din caused by the " tin kettlo gang, I left the hall, and shortly afterwards tho | crashing of glass in almost orer; window or I the disturber's residence suggested the idea that a some method of retaliation had been adopted, m We are informed that this sort of thing is of frequent occurrence in connection with con certs in this hall, and it is evident that g it will bavo to bo put a stop to. Apart from | thij tho concert was a great success, almost every item being encored. The prograimno j was as follows :-l)uot, piano and violin, " Muo ; . Hells of Scotland," Mr J. Homus and Professor Lambert; song, "Tho Slavo Chase," Mr v. • Smyth; song, " Twickenham Kerry," may - ■ amateur: piano duet, "Gipsy Quadrille,' Miss B Ellvott and Miss Marbrook; song, " Hearts of Oak," Mr Francis; duet, selected, Miss , Peace and Miss Uayles; solo, flute, "Tho > Last Koso of Summer," Mr Sheehan; :i sons, "The Fireman," Mr Moreton: ductj ;•.■ violin and piano, "Homo, Swoot Home, ... Mr J. Hcmns and Professor Lambort; song, ■ eclcctcd. Mrs Webb; song, "Blue Alsatian y| Mountains,"Dr. Walker; duot, "Music on tlio ;« Waves," Misses Marlirook; son?. Will o the <<a Wisp," Mr Moretcn; song, •' On 1 How Bclls'W • I fill,"-Miss Peace; auot, -Sound tho Trumpet s J'earlessly." Messrs Minehor and Francis, i.gqgfcial

(Continued on Fourth Page.)

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1S8&



Special Advertisement. TCT OTI C B OF REMOVAL. ALFRED SMITH, F.K.1., U.A., AKCHITECT, NOS. 2 AND 3, HOWMiS'S BUILDINGS. ]STew summer drapery william? r. bridgman Has tho pleasure to inform his Customers that ho Is now showing a largo and well-assorted Stock of NEW G OO D S FOR THE SPRINO AND SUMMER SEASON. 300 Pieces Now Prints, splendid patterns, from B}dyard Nuns' veiling in new Shades Splendid Lot Now Sateens . New Summer Dross Materials in great variety. ALSO A WELL-ASSORTED STOCK OF Mon's, Boys', and Youths' Clothing in Now McrJs yand B»ys'Hosiery, Hats, &c. Largo Assortment Men's and Boys' Straw Hatf. In accordanco with tho present state of trade W. K. B. has Marked his Stock at tho Lowest Remunerative Rates. Flvo Dor cent, cash Discount on Purchases over 20s. Patterns Free by Post. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. TXT HERB SHALL I FURNISH MT HOUSE FROM? THE CHEAPEST ALL ROUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL ARCADE GARLICK & CRANWBLL ! ! ! IRON BEDSTEADS, go to GARLICK & CRANWELL. BEDDING^to^ & CRAmrE^ BBMOO^URNITURE^o^ CARPETiA^L tI°CK & CR,VNWELL. GARLICK & CRANWELL, . House Furnishers. GARLICK & CRANWJSLL, t, Upholsterers. GARLICK & CRANWELL, Manufacturers op am/ kinds ov fubnituke. Cheap Tapestry & Brussel Carpets. Ciieap Oilcloths & Linoleum. Cheap 8c Bbactivcl Cretonnes. Cheap Bwnketb & Cobtains. GAULICK. & CRANWEIL,':;' . k ■'■ > HOUSE FURNISHERS ' fc City Hall AncADE. M, ~, , QtTEEN-STJIEET, X AUCKLAND.



Special Advertisements. STRAUSS'S " Bluo Danube Walt/. " l.luyoil by full Orenestra on Thursday next . it Llie Choral Hull. " q"p e~c ia l notice.' w. h. fenton's great summer GR^Trnwn MBR SHOW ! ! SHOW ! ! Consisting of NOVELTIES IN GENTS' HELMETS, STRAW, TUSOAK^AMA, FELT, AND SPECALTTIES IN GENTS' DUST COATS, SCARFS, BOWS, SHIRTS, PYGAMAS, HOSIKHVAND^IU^UVOFKVKKV , Vr HIS ESTABLISHMENT, 78, QUEEN-STREET. 11 VIS and CAPS of Every Description made to order on the promises at the nhortcst Insycclion Invited. mHORNTON, SillTlf, AND FIRTH S> HAVE FOR SALE:- |, "Crown" Flour, in sacks, ICO's and 50's "Champion" do. do. do. "Cantab" do. do. do. Sharps Bran Wheat VINT'S WHISKY. SCIENTIFIC SACT. New Whisky ia maddening and poisonous, no matter how blended, coloured, or agreeably flavoured. VINT & SONS, Belfast. Ireland (established US years).ai jiivsuiitlhld Imiuonso stock Of their OI.D VVEU.-MATUBKD WHISKY, and can ensure to tho trade—through Ihclr Ageutn-a really PURF OI.D UNADULTERATED, AND WHOLKSOMK SI'IKIT. the qurvlity haying been pronoimcod emml to OLD FRENCH BRANDY. In bulk and cusa »n bo had from A. HEATHER, Acknt. Hoad Colonial Ofllco! Melbourne. [CABD.] David ros s, F.R.1., b a., ARCHITECT' Fisher's Buildings, Queen-street. 15S & ICO i PLEASE CALL I Queen-st 158 & lfiO PLEASE CALL Queen-st m & 1(» PLEASE CALL Queen-st i« £ ii;o Queen-st 158 & 100 AND INSPECT QUWm-st lAS & 160 ANDINSI'KCT Qutrn, t 158&18U AND INSPECT Qi.oen-st V'jS & 100 Queon-st 158 & i«0 GRAND DISPLAY Quccn-st 158 & 160 GKANIi DISPLAY Queen-st 153 & IW> GRAND DISPLAY Qiieen-st in^ & ll!0 Qucen-st Vii & IGO NEW GOODS Queon-st 133 & 100 NEW GOODS Queen-st 1S8&1IM NEW GOODS Queen-st 15S & 100 Quoen-st 153 & IGO JUST OPENED. Queen-st 153 & ICO JUST OPENED. Quoon-st 155 & IUO J L'ST OPENED. Ouecn-st 153 & 100 (Juecn-st 153 & 100 Queen-st i« x.- ifin Queen-st IS & 160 Ul CASES Queen-si 158 & 160 01 CASKS Queen-st 15< & lft) SI CASKS Guoen-st 15^ & km Queen-st l.'S fc 100 NEW CLOTHING Queen-st >5S & lfiO NEW CLOTHING Quoen-st 158 & NX) NEW CLOTHING Queon-st 158 & 100 Uueen-st IM&l6> HATS & HOSIERY. Queen-st 158 & ICO HATSS HOSIERY. Queen-st 151 & 160 HATS & HOSIERY. Qiieen-st 158 & 100 Quscn-st 15S & 100 Queon-st 15S & 100 Queon-st 15 < & 100 Queen-st 153 & 100 Queen-st 153 & 100 THE NEW ZEALAND Queen-st 15S Jc 100 Queen-st Hi & ICO CLOTHING FACTORY, Qiieen-st 158 & 100 Qucen-st 15S & 100 Ql-bkx-sti'.eet, (ineun-st 158 & 100 (Jueen-st l.iS & 100 AUCKLAND. Quocn-st 153 & 100 Qucen-st 158 & 100 Queen-st 15S & 100 J. FITZSIMONS. (Meen-st 158 & 160 I Queen-st 158 & 10C I. Branch Manaßor. Qucen-st Ask your grocer for HOFFMAN & SCHMIDT'S WASHING AND BLEACHING POWDER. Take only tho KILO PACKETS, Weighing Hlb each. Price: Gd. THE BEST AND CHEAPEST WASHING POWDER KNOWN. IMPROVES COLOURS. ONE OF THE MOST GENUINE SALES OF THE DAY, TH E "BON*' HA UG II E," 217, Queen-street (Two doors from Wellcsloy-strcct ■\Vi.-st). A. LE SUEUR, Having purchasctl n largo Drapery Parcel, to gether with the cnliro Stock of Mr E. Holloway, amountlDK to about £2,300, will oiler the same for saloon FRIDAY, October 5, und until fur ther notice, At Discounts Ranging raoni 50;;' to 7oX Ofi' Usual Pkicus. The follovrtng lines will be found worthy of special notico :— Dress Materials, from 31d; Straw Hut 3 and Bonnols, from 2d each; Prints, from 2Jil; I'ealhers and I'lowers, at less than a quarter their usual price ; Black and Coloured Velveteens, is ll}d; Cnshmcrcs and French Twill, in black and colours, at less than half-price; Laces and Ribbons from }d por yard; Ladies' and Children's Ulsters from Is Od ; Corsets, from Is 9d per pair; Ladie3' Jackets, 3a lid. All Hats purchased ahovo Is will be Trimmed Free of Charge during the Sale. UNDERLINED, HOSIERY, GENTS' SHIRTS, COLLARS, TIES, & HAUERDHSIIERY, At considerable reductions. A. Le S. especially invites tho attention of Hotol Proprietors, Boarding-house Keepers, and other Largo Buyers to his Stock of Counter panes, SheetinßS, Towellings, Flannels, Calicoes, Becltickings, Blind Hollands, and American Cloths, as boini? so Low in Prlco us to defy com petition. Observe tho Address:—" BON MARCHE." 217, Queen-street (two doors from V/cllesley- West). T THE DIRECT SUPPLY STORE, 219, QUEEN-STREET. CHEAP EARTHENWARE ! ! 11 sizes and kinds of Plates from 2s Gd doz.; White and Gold China Cups and Saucers, 8s GU doz.; Strong Printed do., 4s doz.; Larse Dishes, only Is (id each, &c, &c. CHEAP GLASSWARE!! Flower Stands, cut or engraved, from Is; Wine Glasses, engraved, Js doz.; Cut Glass De canters, 3s 6d each"; Butter Coolers, Is; Sugar and Creams, 9d, or Is per pair; Toilet Bottle and Glass, Is; do, engraved, Is Gd; Oval and Round Jam Dishes, from sd, &c, &c.; Glass Shades and Stands. CHEAP HOLLOWARE ! ! Saucepans, Boilers, Kettles, all sizes; largo Gal vanized Tnbs, ts9d ; FrrinprPans, Is9d; &c. CHEAP TINWARE ! I Including Tin Kettles, Billies, Pannikins, Wash bowls, Dippers, Meat Dishes. Tea Pots, Coffee Pots. Candlesticks. &c &c. CHEAP BRUSHWARE !! Shoo Brushes, 2s Od set; Nail and Tooth Brushes 0(1; Hair, Cloth, and Scrubbing do, Is: Hair Brooms, 2s; Hand Brooms, 10a; Blaoklead, Whitewash, and Paint Brushes. FURNISHING IRONMONGERY, &c. !! Padlocks and Chest Locks, Gd; Rim Locks, compete, 2s 3d ; American Axes, 2s 9(1 and 3s6d; Firo Shovel, lOd; American Hatchets, la Od; Scales and Weights; Sad Irons, Is; Japanned Tea Trays, 2s and 3s; Box Irons, ds; Scto£HandßomcCanistors,3s6d; Lamps from Is up to 2 guineas; Looking-glasses, Hanging, Is; Trays do, Is 6d; Fenders, Fire irons, Bellows, &»., &c. CHEAP CUTLERY !! Pocket Knives, 6d; Razors, Is Gd; Good Table Knives and Forks, from 9s doz.; Spoons in tho leading makos and sizes, from 3s doz., &c CHEAP TEAPOTS ! ! Tin or Earthenware, from 1b ; Brittania metal, from 5s 6d: Electro-plato, from 12s Gd: also, Fancy Painted, Whito and Gold China, Japanese Stone, &c, &c. CHEAP TOOLS !! Hammers, 6d, Is, Is 6d, 2s each; Brace and Set of Bits, 3s Gd; Screwdrivers, Is; Rules, Is Chisels. 1 s Gd; Squares, Planee, Pincers, Saws, CHEAP FANCY GOODS ! ! Ladies' Bags, chpap; Fancy JJaskcte, Worl Boxes Writing Desks, Albums, Silver anc Jet Jewellery, Vases, Lustres, Statuary Toilet Sets, Clocks, Purses, Pooketbooks Pipes, Perfumery, Toilet Soap, &c, *c. Card of Tools, 6d; China Tea Set, Is; Wood Te) Set lDd; Dolls, Gd; Monkey on stick, Id anc 2fl • Boxod Toya-Fanns, &c, from 8d box SkltaeSCK&mX DRIES II Splash Mats, Is; Rack and Fine Tootl Combs 6d; Feeding Bottles, Ocl; Wood Taps Gd • Cruet Stands, 2n Cd; Canary Cages, frore 3« 94; Breeding Cages (largo), 17s Gd, HANCHARD & CRANWELL. TTT E N~ C I W 5! SAM. WHITE'S PRICE LIST Is as follows:— Best Puling Fence of Puriri Posts, Hobart Rails, and oft. Hobart Palings, ono inch apart, 66s Paling Fence to consist Puriri Posts, 60s; Hobart Rails and Heart Kauri Palingß, 55g. -Throo-rail Fence, Puriri Posts and Hobart Rails, 455. Wire Fences, with Top Rail, 33a. Wire Fenco, 7 wires, 25b. IS?S^, T lror??JKeo> 2 birbod 2 plain wireß, pFSirt &.™°f UB wS n fc lool c at barbed wlro Fence with m U wrought Wlekot Gate, ai painted complete, at 3s per foot. *»-<"», All kinds Repairs to Fences and Estimate:



Special Advertisements. MISS STAUNTON will make her debut (it the Choral Hall on Thursday uoxt. T> E M 0 V A L. MR. il. L. POSSENNISKIE }lAS REMOVED TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN SHORTLAND-STREET, OPPOSITE ARCH. CLARK & SONS (Lately occupied by Mr F. A. White). TfiIRE ! WYNDHAM-STREET. I heseby wteh to thank the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society for the prompt settlo mentof my claim, arising from the above llro; inasmuch as the same was settled and paid entirely to my satisfaction within twelve hours from tlie time my properly was destroyed. WALTER HARE. U Star" Monthly Summary. ON SATURDAY NEXT Will be Published A SUMMARY OF THE MONTH'S NEWS, For Transmission to Kngland By THE Outward San Francisco Mail. PRICE .. .. ONE PENNY. Copies posted to any address for Two Shillings per Annum, paid in advance. Orders to be left with the Publisher. Sarah Bernhardt's Emaciation.—Great as the " Divine Sarah " is in her dramatic impersona tions, there is no doubt but that, if her physical contour wore fuller, her renditions would be more oiroctive. Her lankness caunot be asso ciated in the critical mind with great power or foreo. A regimen of UnoLi-uo nYolkkh Sciiik.dam Aromatic Schxaits would un questionably give her " En bon point." Chief Post-ollice, Auckland. Mails will Close as undeh :— This Day. For Whangarfci Heads, Whangarci, anil ICiiino. per Suva, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Knterpriso, at 5.30 p.m. THURSDAY, Ith inst. For Wuiweru, To Knpa, Craigieburn, and Warkworth, per Rose Cusoy, at 10 a.m. For Wnltnra, etc., per Douglas, at II a.m. For Wanganui, per Rowena. at 11 a.m. For Tairua, per Puku, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinenuitu, and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at 4 p.m. For Mungawaf and Kuiwaka, por Ruby at 5 p.m. For Duncdin, etc., per Suvu, at 5 p.m. Friday, sth inst. For Gisborne, Napier and Soutliern Ports, per Manapouri.at 11 a.m. For Wuihokc, Cowcs, mid Coromandol, per Coronmndol, at 1.30 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parua. Waipu, AVhan garei, Kamo, 'I'angihua, and Mangapai, pc Mncgrcgor, at 4 p.m. For Thames, por Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Tuksuay, 9th October. Per s.s. City of Sydney as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States Of America, Canada, Uritiah Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continont of Europe, nt 1 p.m. For money orders, register-xl letters, nnd newspapers, at U.M a.ia. Lato letters, hearing an extra fee of six pencu in addition to the iK)stage, will bo received by tho Mail Agent on board tliu steamer up to the time of Hailing. This mail will bo duu in London on Monday, 19th NoTcmber. S. B. HIPS. Chief Postmastur. Chlof Poßt-oillce. Auckland.