SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

umi watkr JTnls Evening. — „ , HUH \\AlJ£K{ To . mom , w] g ornln g i 0.1 »■ v->ttT/—Uhlg Kvenlnp:. 5.8 •' T«K—To-morrow Morning, 7.2 MOON'S AGE.-Full Moon, 7th, 10.lBa.ni.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Kowona, 8.8., Scottt, from Mercury Bay Torea, sch., Clark, from Savage Island

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENIXO. Macijregor, s.s., Johnson, for 'Whangarci Waitaki, 5.8., Crawford, for Whangaroi

TO-DAY.

Rowena. 8.«., Sett, for Groat Barrier Aurora, brigantino, Ives, for Kaipara Coquette, schooner, for Nowcastlo

VESSELS EXPECTED.

London. — Tonic, s.s., sailed Jane 19 Wanganui, ship (Q.V.P.S.). May 2; Glonniore, barque (Q.L.S.P.), Juno 7 ; Waikato, ship. June 17; Frith of Dornock, ship, May 11; and Wni kato, ship, June 26. Antares and Loch Fergus, loading. New York.—lrene (via Dunedin), March 31; Nettio (via Wellington), April 15. Manilla.—Jorfalcon, schooner. Australia. — Cabarfcidh, schoonor, from Newcastle. Java.—Floronco Trent, barque, sailed May. Southern Ports. — Endeavour, schooner ; Pet and Armistice, barques, from Lyttelton; Marshall 8., brigantine, from Dunedin; Pol ham, barque, from Greymouth.

IMPORTS.

Per Arawata, from Sydnoy—2lo bags rice. 270 mats sugar, 617 cases fruit, S boxes gold, 30 cases whiskey, 82sacksbonedust, andaquantlty ot sundry cargo.

EXPORTS.

Per Orpheus, for Suva (to be loaded at Mercury Bay)-48,000 feet sawn timber.

I ilnwards CoAsrwisa.—Violet, from Thames, with 17,000 feet limber; Wangarei, from Wan garei, with 55 tons coal.

OuTWARrs Coastwise.—Violet, foa Thamos; St. Clair, for i.Orowa; Wangarei, for Coro mandel.

Tho brie Nettio, which left New York on lrt'i April for tfeis port via Wellington, Is countered to the Now Zealand Shipping Company.

Tho cutter Ann Eliza lost her mast (luring a heavy squall yesterday, when aho was near Kauri Point, and was towed into Freeman's Bay by the steamer Vivid.

The barque Cubarfeldh loft Newcastle for Auckland on tho If th inst. with 500 tons coal.

The Coptic sailed from Wellington for Napier yesteiday morning. She took 6,000 carcases frozen mutton, besides several quarters of mut ton and about 250 joints of beef. She has now IIiKK) sheep on board, which will lid Fupplc mßnted by somothing liko 10,(00 at Napier and Lyttelton,

The Now Zealand Shipping Company's direct steamer lonic is now 41 days out from Lpndon, and mar be expected to put in an appearance here, very shortly.

The schooner Torea arrived from Savage Island this afternoon, with a cargo of copra, fungus, cotton, otc. She left tho Island on July 11th, had floe weather till within 100 miles of this port, siirbo which time hard westerly gales were experienced.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Argrlo, 8.5., McArthur, for Waitara Douglas, S.S., Daniels, for Waitara Lalla Rookh, s s., Campbell, for Wanganui Hannah Mokou, s.s., Dale, for Waitara

The s.s. Argylefieft for Waitara at 10 o'clock this morning. Passengers: Messrs Elliott. Deacon. Wood, Ford, and McFadyen, Misses Carry Nelson and Lottie.

Tho steamers Douglas and Hannah Mokau left for Wattara at noan to day, the former con veying thither 531 pkgs. sundries.

The s.s. Lalla Rookh loft for Wanganui at noon to-day, with 30 tons sundries.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Sydney, July 29.—Arrived, yesterday morn ing : Tarawera, from Now Zealand.

The Bad and Worthless.

ire never imitated or counterfeited. This is especially true of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that theremody imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it had boen tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine an earth, many imitations sprung up. and began to steal thenoticoa in winch the Press and the people of the country had expressed the merits Ot H. 8., and In every way trying to Induce Buffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expeoting to make money on the credit and good name oi H. B. Many othors started nostrums put np in similar style to 11. 8., wiui variously devised names, i* which the word "Hop or "Hops" were used in a way to induce people to believe they were tha same as Hop Bitten, All such pretended remedies or cures, no matter what their style or name Ib, and sspecialty those with the word "Hop' or "Hops " in tjieir name, or in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfoils. Beware ot them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitten, with & bunch or cluster of green' Hope on the white label, and Dr. Soule'a name blown in the glass. Trust nothing else. Dnvrvisrs and Chemists are warned against dealing Id imitations or counterfeits.

A telegram from Waiuku states that on the West Coaat beach on Sunday last, a lifeboy almost new was picked up. It bore the words "Paradl, Auckland." Two blue flagß with the letters S.B. (Stone Bros.) in the centre were also picked up and brought to Waiuku. The brigantine Parnell loft this port for the Matiukau in charge of Captain ■Mr- Isaacs, on Saturday, the 19th inst., and hafl not yet been reported at the latter port. Some anxiety is consequently felt for her safety, .

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

July 30. 18SJ. Abbott's Opora Houbc--"T1io Kings Dragoon's,' 7.45 p.m. Masonic Hall, Princos-atreot^PlMfessor Ber nard's Dancing Class, 7.30 p.m. PnrneU Hall—Mrs Rovitt's Evonlng Concert-, 8 p.m.

United Sorvice Masonio Lodge — OrJinnry Meeting, 7.30 p,m, V.M.C.A. Rooms-General Moeting of Kaiiy Closiug Association. 7.30 p.m. Kden Holl-Froo Looturo by Mr Wni. Munro, " Tho Spiritual Body," 7.30 p.m. Pitt-stroot Wesloyan Church—United Moet ing of Mothodists, 7 30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Supfeukk has neglected to ondorso his numo. in confidence^, as roquired by the most rigid rule of journalfstio correspondence.

Births.

MeA.NUTTY.—On July 29, at Otahuhu, the wife of Joseph McAnutty of a son.

Deaths.

CLIFF.—On July 30, 1881. at hor parents' rest dence, Paparoa, Jano, the oldest dauchtcr ot George CliiF, after a long and painful illness; aged 18 years. Deeply regretted.'

McNAB.-On July 29. 18S1, George Rattray McNab; aged 42 yoars. The funeral will leave his late residcnco, Orakoi Road, to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon, at 2.30. Friends will ploaso accept this inti mation.

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1884.

For the cause that lacks assistance, for the wrong that needs realatamw, For the future In the distance, Anil the Reod that we can do.

Land Reform, proceeding in the direc tion of reducing the size of holdings and preventing monopoly, is occupying the minds of men in all the Australasian colonies. The Government of Queens land have lately introduced mto Par liament a wide and comprehensive measure, which appears to have been partially modelled on the land law of New Zealand. It is needless to say that it is lengthy. Printed in crknso, it would take up quite a full page of the Star. To prepare it must have cost great labour, a fact evident not only from its length, but "from the extent of ground covered. It repeals all other Land Acts with the exception of part of the Pastoral Leases Act of 1569, and will therefore, if carried, present the land laws of the colony at a single view —an advantage which laymen cannot fail to appreciate. But whether the Bill will be transformed into an Act during the present session is doubtful. Its magnitude militates against its being quickly disposed of, as well as the opposition which it is certain to meet with from the large landed proprietors. The Griffiths Ministry now in power arc the leaders of what is here termed the Liberal party, while Messrs Mcll wraith and Morehead are at the head of the so-called Conservatives. The latter were defeated in the third quarter of last year, and are now in a small minority, which should be ineffective agaiust the Government, provided the latter use their advantages with power and discretion. The Griffiths Ministry have not as yet shown a surplusage of wisdom in their minor doings. For example, they chose as Speaker of the Lower House a gentleman who is doubtless fitted in certain res pects for the office, but who has this serious blot on his escutcheon —that he was transported to Australia in former days after a second convic tion. Whatever his life ma^ have been at the antipodes, though he may have been here the very soul of honour and integrity, a brand is upon him which his opponents are always pointing at. The stigma will never be removed—it is indelible—and it is unfortunate that such a man should have the direction of the proceedings of a House which will shortly be discussing the French recidiviste scheme, and devising measures to prevent the influx of French criminals from New Caledonia. His appointment was the Government's first foolish deed. Another was the placing upon the Commission of the Peace the name of a public-house keeper who had rendered some service in the late election, but who had been convicted close on a dozen times for various offences, such as drunkenness, assault, and riotous conduct. This person has been induced to resign ; but the action of the Government with regard to him is not allowed to sink into oblivion.

The Liberals came into power in October last, but the land question in its present form had not been put pro minently before the electors. The election was decided chiefly on two issues, viz., the kanaka labour question, and that of the transcontinental rail way. To .take the latter first. The Griffiths party strongly objected to the construction of the line at the cost of the permanent alienation of huge tracts of land along its course. The con stituencies agreed with them, saved the land, and postponed the making of the line. Mr Mcllwraith found himself hopelessly beaten, and started, on a trip home to England, whence he is now returning, to take part in the debate on the Land Bill. With regard to kanaka labour, the Liberals promised, if put into power, to "settle" it. This they appear dis posed to do by abolishing it altogether. Still, it is not yet clear how operations in the svmx plantations of tropical Queenslanoire to be carried on with out the aid 6f coolies. The problem is a difficult one; but this fact cannot be blinked, that recruiting in the South Seas is only the slave-trade in another form.

So much by way of introduction; now for the Crown Lands Bill, which is of sufficient importance to demand careful consideration. For some time it has been freely stated that it would legislate in the direction of land nationalisation. This turns out to be the fact, but not to the extent that was imagined. The measure is in no sense revolutionary, though its provisions are marked with novelty and boldness, and embody principles which it would be well if other colonies were to follow. The influence of Henry George has told to this extent, that had his book not appeared it is probable that this Bill had not been.

The Bill contains' 1*^1 clauses, be sides schedules, arid is"divided into ten parts—l., Preliminary- 11., Administra tion ; 111., Existing Pastoral Leases ; IV., Agricultural and Grazing Farms ; V., Scrub Lands; VI., Occupation Licenses; Vll.,SalesbyAuction; VIII., Special Grants and Leases and Re serves; IX., Resumption and Com pensation ; X., General. It is to take effect from the first of January next. It deals exclusively with Crqwri lands, that is, "all lands vested in Her Majesty which are not for the time being dedicated to any public pur pose, or subject to any deed of grant, lease, contract, promise or engage ment." The Bill's primary object is to prevent the accumulation of large free hold properties in Hie hands of a few men or companies; and to give the people an opportunity of leasing a

a piece of land wluch in course of time by their own labour they may be able to purchase from the State at a fair price determined beforehand. If the Bill when made law attains these objects, promotes buna fide settlement, makes dummyism difficult if not im possible, and prevents the acquisition of immense areas by selfish monopo lists, then it will accomplish a grand work, and one which will be the most enduring monument the Griffiths Ministry can rear for themselves.

The administration of the Act is to be entrusted to two commissioners, ap pointed by the Govcrnor-in-Council, and receiving a salary of a-year each. They shall be incapable of being members of the Executive Council or of either House of Parliament, and shall not be allowed to act as directors of any bank, joint stock company, trade or business. They are to hold office during good behaviour, and shall be unremovable except on presentation of addresses from both Houses during the same session. The intention, of course, is to make the Board noiv political, and to place it beyond the control of Ministers. They are to be, in fact, on the same footing as Supreme Court Judges The clauses respect ing the Commissioners have already incurred the hostile criticism of the Opposition; still, there is not much i'kelihoodthat the Government will give fray on such a point.

As the present Crown leases fall in, or the present lessees bring themselves under the provisions of the Act, tho half of such runs may be resumed by the Crown, in older that the resumed portion may be divided into blocks of not more than 20,000 acres, to be leased for a term of years, at a rent to be fixed by the Board somewhere be tween 20 and 90 shillings per square mile1. The unresumed half of the divided run can bo retained by the original lessee for ten years, subject to revision at ,the end of the first five years, his rent to be fixed by the Board, but not to exceed what lie pre viously paid per square mile. It is hoped by these provisions to secure 11 class of settlers who hitherto have not been able to rent runs on account of the huge size of them,

One of the most important parts of the Act is that relating to agricultural settlement. Land suitable for cultiva tion will be defined as such by the Board, and set apart for selection. The maximum area of these farms is not to exceed 960 acres, or be less than J2O. The rent is to be not less than three pence per aero. On taking up agric-ul tural land, a farmer is required to pay the first year's rental, whereupon he re ceives a license to occupy. He must fence the land within two years, or at most three ; and when that is done a lease for 50 years is given him, with liberty to purchase the fee simple of the land within 10 years, at the price fixed in the original proclamation, such price to be no'less than 20s an acre. If he delays his purchase the price will be raised. It is to be noted that grazing selectors cannot acquire the freehold of their runs. These lands, in fact, will in time to come be rcquiied for agri cultural purposes as colonisation ad vances, and to sell them outright would be like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

Part V., dealing with scrub lands, is not the least important feature of the Act. Scrub lands are divided into four classes, and will be leased in blocks of not more than 10,000 acres for a period of 30 years. The rent varies with the class. First-class scrub land, for example, is held rent free for 5 years; fourth-class ditto for 15 years, and ir; no case will rent for any exceed a penny per acre. During the no-rent period, the occupant is required to sur round the whole holding with a good and substantial fence.

Two other things are noteworthy. (1) Pre-emptive right is finally, and absolutely abolished. (2) The right to resumption by the Crown. Clause 98 states : " The whole or any part of any holding under this Act may be resumed from lease by the Governor-in-Council, on the recommendation of the Board," subject to certain provisions, such as 6 months' notice 'n the " Gazette " and to the tenant himself, who, if part of his holding is to be taken away, may demand to relinquish the whole. He has the right to compensation, and the rules to be followed in fixing it occupy clauses 100 to 103.

Such are some of the principal pro visions of this important Bill, which may undergo considerable modification before it becomes law. The present Ministry have evidently set about the great task before them with earnest goodwill, and it is scarcely to be ex pected that they will allow their labour tq be in vain for want of vigorous effort.

While on the subject of Liberal reform in Queensland, we may mention t\|o other bills just; introduced, which assimilate the laws of that colony to those of New Zealand. One is to sliorten the duration of Parliament to thjree y«ftrs and no longer t "sub ject, nevertheless, to be sooner pro rqgued or dissolved by the Governor." T)iis repeals the 29th section of the Constitution Act of 1867. The other measure provides for the payment of members of the Legislature, who hitherto have given their services gratis.

Another Parihaka Difficulty.

The West Coast Peace Preservation Act has been allowed to lapso, and thoadhorents of Te Whiti soom disposed to tako advan tnge of tho circumstance to ronow thoir old tactics at Parihaka. A tolegram yesterday infoniiedusthata largo gathering of nativos is taking place on the field which witnessed Mr Bryce's bloodless victory ovor the ob structionists, and though Te Whiti has so far mado no sign, it is not diffi cult to foresee that the pnculiaritj of the position will force him into action. Among the fanatical crowd which hfjs collected at Parihaka, the fiorco Mahuki and a contingent of Waikato natives are now to be found ; Tohu is already preaching tho exciting gospel of land restoration ; and Te Whiti will have more force of character than he has hitherto shown himself possessed of if he is able to withstand the torrent of popular en thusiasm among his followers. The situation is decidedly unpleasant, and should it culminate in disturbance, will strongly emphasize the folly of the lato hurried dissolution of Parliament with out providing for a renewal of tho Peace Preservation Act. As it stands, it seems probable that Mr Bryce, or a less capable man, may have all the work of two years ago to do over again. The law will re quire to be overstepped, an Amnesty Act passed, and another Peace Preservation Act brought in,to getjovor a difficulty which a moderate amountof foresight would have prevented.

The Agent Generalship of New Zealand.

Sir F. Dillon Bell has agreed to hold for two years longer the position of Agent General of tins colony in London. Tho an nouncement will, wo believe, bo received with satisfaction by all classes of the community, but the .same feeling will not prevail with regard to the manner in which it has been brought about. Major Atkinson and his colleagues, just be fore the dying session of last Parliament,

ttnd at a timo when they had reason to know that their days of offloo woro numbered, wrote to Sir Dillon Bell request ing htm to accept office for two years longer. In the course of that letter, tho Premier said :—" Tho manner in which) whilo elliciently performing tho ordinary duties of tho Agent-Generalship, you con ducted important financial operations and negotiations of various kinds, gave, as I know, tho highest satisfaction to tho Governments of Sir John Hall and Sir P> Whitakor, My colleagues and mynelf feel strongly the sumo senso of satisfaction at your more recent labours, and tho ability shown by you In dealing with tho questions of federation and annexation, and tho more pressing one of tho mode in which tho French Government havo acted and propose to act with res pect to tho criminals of that country.' Thoro can bo no two opinions as to theso oulogiums being woll deserved, nor can there bo any doubt that Sir F. D. 801 l will continuo to reproscnt Now Zealand with honour and crodit; but tho method of his re-appointment involves a vicious precedent which could not bo allowed to pass without protest. Sir Goorgo Grey has alroady drawn tho attention of Parliament to tho matter, and no doubt, when the now Houao meets, it will form part of tho Opposition indlctmont against tho Govern ment, Still, if in any case the end could bo said to justify tho means, it could bo claimed far this action in socuring for a further period the valuable services of tho present Agent-General of New Zealand,

Wo had fully resolved tp mako no reference after tho polling to matters tlmt had arison in tho course of tho elections, but Mr Varnall's charge yestorday of having been unfairly treated by tho press cannot pass unchallenged. Wo are at a Ijss to understand how Mr Farnall justifies to himself Ins denial of the objections mged lv our aiticle on his caudidaturo ; his roply is a more evasion and play upon words, Tho material facts connected with his appointment as emigration agent are notorious, and his petitions (or compensa tion, session after session, ovon after a parliamentary committoo carefully inquired into the matter and awarded him some hum dreds of pounds compensation, and after ho had enjoyed tho swoots of anothor Go vonnnent billet, have proventod the country from forgetting his services. Mr I'nrnall knows also thnt had wo dosircd to cay oil the unkind things ,we know of his cdn ncction with public bodies, wo might have reminded mm of tho matter alluded to by Mr Hurst on tho platform yes terday, and other allegations that liavo been nnido with rogard to his retire ment from tho candidature for Rodney, It would bo wholly againitt tho spirit of tho reconuncndaltoii lilado to our roader?, that election bitternesses should bo laid nsido, were wo now to roopon this subject, when tho public purpose which rondorod its con sidorutiuu nocossury has passed away ; and Mr Farnoll's rovival of it yesterday only aflbrda anothor reason for thinking him not a very wise man.

Our obituary column? today contain an announcement of. tho death of Air Ci. U. McNabi grocer, Victoria-street, which took (tliica lit his rosidonco, llcmuora, la.st night. He Ims been suffering from a complaint of tho liver for somo considerable timo past, and his death is attributed to thw dis ordor, aggravated by v sovoro cold. Or. D.uvsou wan his medical attendant. Mr McNnb is an nld and wteetm.'d citizen, having been puttied very many yearn in Auckland, ile \Vas for a long period in tlio service of Messrs CruickHhank and Co., from which ho retired in order to take ever Messrs Button's grocery buslnoHH, which ho carried on in promises adjoining tho Blue I'ijwt dining-rooms in LoworQuoonftroot. Ho afterwards purchased Mr C. Major's wholel salo groeory on (Jucoii-stroot Wharf, and more rccontly took over tho wholusalo and retail business of .MrT. Thompson at tho corner of Albert and Victoria-streets. Do ceased leaves a wife and largo family. Mr McNab hiiii always boon v prominent mombor of tho Manchester Order of Odd fellows, and at the timo of his (loath occu piod tho honourablo position of P.P.O.M. lie was always, an elder of St. James's Pro»Uytcriiui Church. Tho iiitcrmont takci place to morrow afternoon, and it ban been arranged tint tho Oddfellow brethren shall meet tho fimeral procossion nl tho lop of Kyber i'ass Road. Conveyances will bo provided for tho eoiiTenioiice of those who desire to attond tho funoral. Any porsons wishing to avail thcmsolvoK of hiich should bo at the Lome-street Hall by 1.30 p.m.

Captain Arndo, maslor of tlio *choonor Hiimla Ifilo, mot with ft *llgllt accident this morning. Ho was going from the hold of tho vo?bo1 on a Bling of sacks, and ono of his lingers becoming jammed, ho lot go liin hold and foil to tho bottom of tho vessel. Tlio rosult was a sprained nnklonnd injuries to one fide, which will roquiro medical attondanco for a short timo.

Sir (leorgo (Hey has presented two interesting books, both out of print, to tho Auckland Frco Public Library, Tho first U entitled " Mahoo Loaves, by Moecr, ISiS'.i, which gives n humourous account of the first introduction of native magistrates in NeW Zealand, and tho curious trials of tho early days. Tho second is a narrative of tho " Overland .Tourney of tho Governor from Auckland to Taranaki in 1819." It was published in 1852. Tho account only carries tho travoller to Taupo, tho journal rolat ing to tho Hlibsctjliont part ol tho trip having been destroyed by water. Tho nar rative describes a portion of tho country through which tho North Island trunk railway will pass. Tho momorablo journoy is the ono mado by Sir (ieorgo (Irey on foot, to which ho incidentally alluded in his last address at tho Thoatro Koyal.

Tho Harbour Board lias rofused por mieaion to the Frozen Moat Company to Bub-lot portions of thoir louso at tho point D. Tho matter waa again under discussion at tho mooting of tho Board yeatorday afternoon. A roport from tho Finance Committco rocommondod that tho con cossion applied for bo granted, and its adoption was moved by tho ('(minima and seconded by Mr T. Morrin. An amend! ment that tho Biib-lotting bo not allowed was, howovor, carried on tho motion of Mr Devore, seconded by Mr Owen.

Tho Northcoto forry sorvico must be an unsatisfactory ono indeed If tho complaints mado to tho Harbour Board yesterday after noon concerning it aro justified by facts. It appears that tho City of Cork lias been running in tho placo of tho Doronport, and ono writer assorted that last week sho was unablo to mako her trips owing to ono of tho compartments boing full of water. Be sides this, her funnel is doscribed as bolng eaton through in somo places with rust, whilo sho is gonerally doscribed as boing unsuitablo for the sorvico. Mr Brassoy, in pointing out tho irregularity of tho hours at which tho stcamors plied, said thoy wore generally (iftcon or twenty minutes behind tiino, and on Saturday last, tho quarter to fivo trip being omitted altogether, ho was compelled to take a waterman's boat in ordor to reach his homo. It was stated by ono of tho membors of tho Board during discussion that tho Company was about to disposo of their business to another Company. Tho complaints havo been roforrcd to tho Harbour-master for a roport, tho intontion being to remedy tho abuses rofcrrcd to,

Tho breach of promiso of marriago case to which wo briefly referred in our Monday eye-nine's issuo appears to bo engaging con siderable attention amongst local gossips. All tho preliminary stops havo beon taken in the matter, and tho case will come-on .(or hoaring at tho next fissions of the Supreme Court. Damages are laid at tho comparatively reasonable amount of £500. Tho plaintiff is a young woman named Wilhemina McKay, who was formerly em ployed aa housemnid in tho domestic estab lishment of tho Hon. W. Rollcston, and who only camo to Auckland sovoral weeks ago. James Andorson, tho supposod faithless lovor, is at prcsont a grocor in Nelson-street, He was a valet in tho service of Sir William Jervois ,at Wellington, when tho courtship is alleged to havo taken place, and retired from that position in order to commonco his present business. Tho case promises to bo an exceptionally interesting- ono, tho presence of an interesting young stranger lending adocidedly practical aspect to the position of affairs.

It is satisfactory to learn tliat tho work of repairing the steamer Triumph, and rendering her onco moro fit for active service, iss to be proceeded with vigoroiisly, and that immediately. The necessary plates, now stem, and other materials are on the steamer lonic, which is expected hero from London next week. As soon as possible after they ara landed the Triumph will be taken into tho Dock, wsioden gates being substituted for the present caisson. Three shifts of men will be employed in the work, thoso at night being enabled to prosecute their labours by the^assistance of the electric light. The plates have been prepared by the builders for fitting and rivetting, and no delay will take place in bending the sheets to the required form. Mr Frat-cr i.s confident that tho work, in cluding repairs to stem and storn, will not occupy moro than six weeks, and the Harbour Board has granted him the use of the dock for tl.it time at half the usual rates. Double rates will bo charged if the six weeks' allowanco is exceeded. Mr Fraser's intentions are more fully explained in his letter, which is published elsewhere.

Tho following police arrests wore made this morning!— Five boys at Poneonbys sevoral of whom had been convicted pro-

viously, were arrested, after an active chase, by Constable Collis. Their names are- John Xrvino, Edward Wilson, JohnDawson, John Maointosh, and John Kimbor. They woro charged with stealing a valuable clock, 3 tins of jam, and six eggs, from the shop of Mr Whitcombo, of l'onsonby. Road. Sovornl other charges of shop-lifting aro likely to bo brought ugainst them. A man named Porcy Hall Janorin was arrested on warrant by Detectivo Walker, who recog nised him by a description of hie person and clothing, on a charge of embezzling sums of money, the proporty of his employer, Robert White Johnson. Jamos Oliver was arrested by Constable O'Briori for stealing a ladyjs companion this morning from Mr Arthur s auction mart, value 20a.

To tho Editor : Sir,—l am very pleased somo notice is being taken of the disgraceful Btato of Nelson-street footpaths. It is quite time something was dono to improve them. —i am, &0., A Resident of Nklson- STHIiKT.

Tho Auckland Hospital librarian acknow ledges With many thanks the receipt of twelve numbers of tho " Illustrated London News" of 1884, and thrco numbers of " Punch" of 1884, from the Town Clerk'B Oliicc, Auckland.

I'ormission has been granted for the erec tion of bathing machines at Cheltenham Beach, North Shore-; and, with the addi tional attraction of donkey rides, this place should soon become a popular summer and holiday resort.

Tho operations .of tho Auckland Gas Company for the lost half'ycar appear to liavo been most successful. From tho accounts presonted at tho meeting this afternoon, wo observo that tho roccipts amounted to £18,317 and tho expenditure to £12,215, leaving a balanco of profit of £0,102. Tho dividend of 8s Gd doclared on 14,000 shares absorbs a total of £5,950, leaving a balanco of £152 to bo carried to profit and loss account, A fino bronf.o medallion of tho late James Montgomery ban recently boon fixed in the South-stroot Sunday-school, Sheffield, a school in which tho vonerable poet was much interested. It is said to bo a striking likonesH, and was presented to the school by Mr Silvostorj a partner in the firm of Stuart, Smith, and Co., Roscoo Works, ShofOold.

A monster gathering of all tho Methodist Churches in tho city and suburbs will bo hold to-night at the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church at 7.H0 o'clock, Thoro will bo instructive, interesting, but ahort speeches by Various minUtors and laymen on various topics. The meeting is ono anticipating tho coming union of all thoso churches into ono body in New Zealand. It is oxpocted that tho place will bo tilled.

Wo mentioned sevoral days ago that proposals had been submitted by Captain Ncaring for tho lighting of the Queen-street Wharf by oloctnc light. The proposals have since been Under the consideration of 11 (lommittco of tho Harbour Board, which has ovontuully agreed that no furthor action bo taken in tho matter, as tho nocossity of lighting tho wharf by electricity has not yet boon made apparont. This vlow of tho matter has boon concurred in by tho Board.

Tho vexed question of tho extension of tho main newer wag again under discuwiion at a meeting of tho Harbour Bottrd yester day nftornoon. A report fr»m tbo Com mitteo recommonded that tho eewor bo sent out in v northerly direction through the breakwater, but It was contended that this would havo tho effect ol depositing tho silt in' a tidal current, which w»nld carry it amongst tho wharves. On tho other hand, tho opinion was that If takon in a nortlP easterly direction through tho Fror.eti Moat Company's proiKjrty, as previously agreod upon, tho silt would bo deposited in still water, where it could bo easily dredged. The ropcrtof theCommittco was negatived, and tho former resolution, which ombodieu tho latter schomo, was adhered to. Tho sower will roquiro to bo c.irried out a dis tance of f>oo foot from tho present mouth.

At the Supremo Court (in Chambors) yes terday, lottors of administration were irriiiitcti to tlio husbattu of Al/irion Istownrfc (deceased). Probate was granted in the (won of Alox. Rood (deccasod) and Huihana llopu to Aiawaoro (docoaecd). In ro John Cook (deceased), leave was granted to register probate copy of will. Ro Merrick v. Walker and others, an application for a summons to show caiifio wliy the action should not bo triod by a epocial jury was withdrawn. In tho cots Davis and othors v, Stailios, Mr Brookficld moved that tho money now in the hands Of tho Registrar bo placed on doposit at interest. His Honor ordered that tho amount bo deposited by tho Registrar in the bank at fixed deposit for nix months at interest. lie Administra tion Act, 1879, and ro tho will of E. Costley (decoased), an application for an allowance (commission) to tho trustees, Hie Honor ordered that a further affidavit bo filed.

Mr Samuel Vallo delivered last night in tho Lorne-strUot Hall his promised lecture upon " Railway Management and Reform." Ho spoko for two hours and a quarter, and towards tho end had to considerably abbre viate his remarks in order not to unduly protract tho proceedings. By means of diagrams affixod to tho wings of the pros cenium ho was enablod to point out tho diffbrencoo betwoon tho otlstlng railway tariff and tho one with which ho would ro placo it. Tho leoturor was listened too with closo attention throughout, and at intervals was warmly a/plauded. At tho end ho received a vote of thanks, and a motion was also posited affirming the desirability of Parliament appointing a Commission to inquire into tho whole ques tion of railway managomont and control. Amongst thosa present was Mr J. A, Tolo, M.H.K. A report of the lecture appears upon tho fourth pago of this iesue.

The "Blblo Standard "for August gives a full account of the farewell soiree to Mr Goorgo A. Brown, and of the work to which, for four yearn, he has devoted his timo and energies in this part of Now Zealand. In tho iirst pago appoars a laudatory farowoll poom from tho facile pen ot Robert Hare, nnd furthor on an abbreviated sketch of the parting sorvices held in the Temperance Hull and Abbott's Opera Houeo on the 20th ult., with Mr Browns address to his sup porters. This record will bo estinifitod at its proper value, and troasured by those who hold the form of faith which Mr Brown has striven to spread In these islands. The articles in this month's issue are—"What is Eternal Lifo ?" by Mr Pile, and " Tholatic Evolution," oxtracted from Wilford's "Mi crocosm." Tho current, church news also is duly chronicled. Wo notice that the journal nnd work will be continued in tho absence of tho originator.

Tho usual meeting of tho Onohunga Borough Council was held on Monday, Dr. Scott (Mayor) in tho chair. All the mem bers were present Tlio items of business wero a letter from Mr John Lundon, taking to himself tho credit of having procured cortain resorvos for tho borough and the Mangoro Bridge, honours which Sir G. M. O'Rorko had clairaod as his work. Tho letter was rocoivod. The Minister of Public Works wrote to say that thero wore no funds for the purposo of repairing Mangero Bj-idgo. Tenders wero ordered to bo colled for tho erection of 20 chains of stone wall to separate the western boundary of tho ro solvo from a road in tho Ono Tree Hill dis trict. It was reported that £120 had boon rocoived for tho yoar on ono roservo, and that another reserve had beon lonsed for threo yoars at £13 por annum. The ac counts were passed, and tho meeting ad journed. In seconding a vote of thanks to the AVaitemata Returning Officer yesterday, Mr Farnall assorted that while there were now 1,000 more names upon the roll than in 1881, tho numbers polled in the recent election showed no increase. He also reiterated his statement that thore was no knowing how tho lato contest would have resulted had tho Kumou polling-place been open. Mr Sea man, in roply, said that so far from there having boon an increase of 1,000 names upon tho roll since 1881, the facts were that whilo at present thore were 2,287 namos upon the Waitemata roll, the number in 1881 was 1,905, thus showing tin increase of only 3.80. At the recent polling 21075 olectors could havo voted, and in_18811,494 could havo voted, the difference in this re spoct being 560 odd. Ho had spent two days in making careful inquiry into the matter in tho Kumeu and Taupaki districts since tho election, and had found that while according to the roll 70 poople there wore entitled to vote, 13 of them had entirely re moved from the electoral district; that 4 who resided still at Kumeu had voted at other stationa-,in the electorate., and that 1 had died. Therefore, from the 70 possible voters, 18 had to be deducted, thus bringing the number down to 52. He had also ascer tained that of these some 25 or 30 were all that would have been likely to Vote had the Kumeu polling place been kept open all day. Besides, his deputy had very satisfac torily explained the reason of his delay. A clmngo of mail time had led to the lato receipt of instructions by his deputy, who was not to blame in the matter. He had had tho assurance of his deputy at Helens ville as well as of settlers that not a single voter had abstained from voting there through the closing ;of tho Kumou polling station, and ho believed the same thing was true of Devonport and Riverhead.

Mrs Rovitt's concert takes place this evening in tho l'arnoll Hall, and if merit and choice musical selections command success, tho hall will bo filled. Tho charac ter of tho programme and tho known talents of the artistes aro sufficient to ensure a large attendance. The quarterly meeting of members of tho Young Men's Christian Association was held last evening. Mr F. Battloy, Vice-Presi dent, presided in tlio übsenco of Dr. Konderdine, the President, who wa» absent in consequence of business engago monts. There was a good attendance. A thank offering Of i.'2O for tho library and £5 for the evangelistic services was received from Dr. Kcndordino. Reports were submitted by thoEvangelistic,Librray, Finance, Lecture and Social Mooting, and Now Buildings Committees, and wore con sidered at length. Subsequently Key. Mr Rico gave un encouraging address on Christian work undor tho heads of its dignity and detign, and Rev. -I. S. Hill followed with an oqually interesting dis courses A man named Pi H. .Jamrin was arrested to-day, on wan-ant, charged with embezz ling £1 10s 6d, the proporty of R. W. Johnston, of Parnoll. J. Olliver was arrested on a chnrgo of stealing a lady's companion from R. A. Arthur. A bay horse, with saddle and bfidlo, was found this morning on tho premises of Mr Cunham, general produco merchant, in Symonds-Htreet. The animal apparently had strayed from a distance. Mr Canham, iun., took tho horso to Mr Samuel Young's livery stables to await tho appearanco of the owner, A meeting of the creditorn of Joshua Reynolds, boat-builder, of Dargavillo, wbh held to-day, at which it was resolved that Mr John Mitchelson should be requested to reali-o the lease and stock-in-trade to tho best advantago for tho benefit of tho estate. Tho necessity for providing more mnplo accommodation than is afforded by the pre sent building haa for some time forced itself on tho attention of tho Committeo of tho Young Men's Christian Association. A re port on the subject was laid before a meet ing of membors last evening. From this it would appear that nothing definite has yet been decided upon, Negotiations were proceeding with the neighbours for sonio lime by which it was expected an increased irea would bo obtained—tho Association ceding the right-of-way and obtaining further ground on the WolloEley-streot aide. jTheso proposals, however, came to nothing, and it is understood that thopresent Bito only shall bo utilised, but at the same titno tho work will not bo commenced until tho Committeo havo got tho money. There is now close on £200 in hand, while tho building, whicfc would be of brick, would cost fully £'3,<<K) or £4,000. Some amount of rovenue would, it is expected, be derived from tho shops underneath. The proposals aro still In abeyance. Tho good folk of tho promising district of Northcoto have hit upon a novel and agreeable mode of raising funds to assist their church. Last night at the district school—crowded to hardly standing room— tho first amateur farco entitled " Heads or Tails" was performed, being proceeded by an overture by Mrs Hitahcock. The parts wero woll sustained. Miss Pickering represented tho daughter of a wealthy muter In Chancory, Mies Chambers tho maid, a character which created much ninuecmdnt, and Mcwm Chambers and Cohen the rival suitors. Their acting, with that of Mr Watford us the wealthy utirlo, cnlUd forth constant applause. Tho piece was woll played. The entertain ment concluded with nonge and recitations from Me-isrs Cohen, Thompson, Chambers, and Hitchcock ; also a duct on the piano by Mis-ef Cham bora und A. Hammond, and anotlior by Miss and Mr Chambers. A voto of thanks and tho National Anthem ter minated, at 10 p.m., a capital evening.

At a general meeting of tho Wellington Racing Club last night, tho stewards in their report congratulated the Club on tho successful racing lost year ami the financial position they held. Thoy also paid a high compliment to Mr J. 0. Evitt, tho handi cappcr, to whom they attributed much of tho BUCCOSB attained. Tho balance-sheet showed tho receipts l«.st reason to bo £'J, HH">, tho principal amounts bolng—por-centagc from totalizator, CiTi ; privilege.", £'MJ ; nominations, &c., £007 -, members' subscrip tions, £132. The oxpenditu ro for last season was £2,05G, including paying off £57, tho amount of overdraft at tho commencement of the soason. Tho balance of the Club is now £140. Tho balance-sheet and report woro adopted unanimously, and tho whole of tho oilicors woro re-elected unanimously.

The verdict of the jury nt the coroner's inquest on tho body of James Thomas, en gine driver, of tho shin Rangitiki, was "Accidently drowned." MrliughMaitland was chosen foreman, and Sergeant Clarke appeared for the police. No froeh facts woro elicited in respect of tho death of de ceased. Ho was a native of Erith, in Kent, near Oravesend, and joined the ship in London about Beven months since, leaving his wife behind him. A few weoks ago ho heard of her death, and seemed to fool his loss very keenly, and occasionally drank freely. Mr Buad, thp chief officer, described the accident, and had no doubt but that Thomas was under tho influence of drink at the time of his death. Dr. Wilkins considered that ho died of apoplexy caused by intemperance.

Mr W. L. Rees is reported as having stated yesterday, at tho declaration of tho poll for Bast Coast, that communications had passed between Sir George Grey, Sir Julius Vogel, and Mossrs Montgomery and Bnllance, with the result that combined action would bo taken soon after the House met to oust tho Ministry. We aro in a position to say that Mr Rocs Is mistaken if he means to convey tho idea that tho gentlemen named have resolved upon a lino of action, or that they have even considered what course should be pursued wlion Par liament meets. All that seems agreed is that a consultation shall toko place at Wel lington, prior to the meeting of tho Houso, botween the loading men in tho Opposition camp.

It appears quite probable that the wife desortion case which in more familiar to the publio under tho hooding .of the Freeman's Bay elopement, will, bo amicably settled. llnnsen says he is willing to guarantee his wife's maintenance, but will not livo with her again. At tho same time, ho declaios that Tie has done with Mrs Campton, and that for tho futuro ho will steer a course clear of both women. Hansen claims that ho was very kind to his wife before and immedi atoly aftor their marritgo, and paid hand Bomly for hor maintenance through a long ill ness before sho had any claim upon him. Ho also says that sho was smitton with hi* charms and confessed hor love for him be foro ho paid any attentions to her, and that ho married hoc in ordor to extricato her from supposod impending trouble Ho claims to have been a good husband, and assorts that she did not keep her part of the matrimonial bargain. Independent of hor noglect to provido him with an occasional clean, boiled shirt, ho says sho doveloped frequent bursts of passion, during which ono of her favourite vagaries wac to throw kpives at him. lie was unhappy in his ddmestic lifo, and determined to clear out, but admitß that ho mado a mistake in talking anothor man's wifu away with him. Hanson views tho wholo matter very philo sophically, and lias determined to treat it as a question of pounds, shillings, and pence.

■A conversaniono in connection with tho Dovonport Presbyterian Church was held in tho Dovonport Hall last evening. Tho Rev. McCallum, who occupied the chair, opened proceedings with a few np propriato remarks, and later on tho Rev. Mckenzie Frasor delivered an address on "The Obligations of tho Pew," in which he desirod to impress that the Christian hearer should be both receptive and dis tributive The concert programme was an at tractive one. It commenced witli an instru mental trio, " BlueJßellsof Scotland," with variations, which wero played by tho Bart ley Bros., and other selections were givon as follows: Song, "My Queen," Mr (.}. Reid; chorus, "Welcome," choir; duet, "Homo to Our Mountains," Missos Culpan and McMillan ; song, "Silver Rhino," Miss Tait; duot (instrumental), "Chilperic," Misses Oliphant and Main ; song, "Three Young Men of Ware," Mr Taylor, who was encored, and gave " Brother John and I ;" song, "Gates of tho West," Miss Burgess ; song, "The lloign of the Roses," Miss Niccol; chorus, "Twilight," choir; ad dress, Rev. T. McKenzie Fraser; duot (inßtrumental)t "Fairy Quoon," Misses Culpan and Main; song, "Must wo then Meet as Strangers," Miss Tait ; song, "■Pefrita," Miss Culpan, prettily sung and encored; piano selection, Miss M. Chap man ; tong, " Rothesay Bay," Miss McMillan ; duet, " Cinderella," Misses Barton and Culpan ; song, " Come into the Garden, Maud," Mr. J. G. Culpan; song, "The Guardian Angel," Miss Brown; chorus, " May Queen, choir. The con cort arrangements wero under tho manngo ment of Mr J. G, Culpan. Proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the perform: ersfor tho musical treat afforded.

:The Annual Ploughing Match at Wairou South takes placo in a paddock belonging to Mr JamoH 8011. A dinnor at the liotol follows the match, and tho fcslivitca wind up with a concert and dance in the hall.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"The King's Dragoons "at the Opera House. Political intriguo is the order of tho day. There arc about 1,000 paper-mills in tho world. Wheat cultivation in New Caledonia is a , failure. Fomale domestics in Great Britain number 2,045,000. Samson was an eminent tragedian in his day, and in his last net brought down the house. 200 bales of hops have been shipped from Nolsori to Sydney. Mr Blake, the defeated candidate for Kumara, was bunqucttcd by his sup porters. It is twenty years since jYJajor Atkinson ■ first became i\ member of a Now Zealand Government. Tho natives of Kamschatka are rapidly bocoming oxtinct through mortality caused by want of proper food. A child, being asked what wero tho threo great foasts of the Jews, promptly and not unnaturally roplied, "Breakfast, dinner, and oupper." At Gisborno yesterday Mr Reos said ho hod a bill prepared dealing with nativo lands Which ho would entrust to Wi Fere, who, thougli a native, was quite competent to look after it. Of 1,900,000,0001b5. of paper manufac tured every year, 000,000,0001bs are used for newspapers. "These apples are not fit for a hog to eat," said a kid-gloved dandy to an apple woman. "You just try one and see," she retorted. Who believes there is any danger of depopulation in this colony? Last year £1,000 worth of perambulators were im ported into New Zealand. A fishmonger is never generous ; because his business makes him selfish (seli-fieh). American and Swiss watches will, ac cording to Sir John Bennett, soon drive tho British article out of tho market. ~ An English undertaker advertises thiis :- ---" Why live find bo miserable when you can bo buriod in comfort for three pounds ton?" About a million pounds' worth of diamonds are annually stolen on the South African diumond-fields. It is vain to bo always looking toward the future and never acting toward it. Canterbury Acclimatisation Society pro ijoso gotting 50,000 salmon ova from En» ■ land. A Dunedin butcher has got Jiis leg broken by a big dog upsotting him in the street. There aro now 120,848 pupils in attend ance at tho schools for girls in India. Neleon hops realise ill per cwt. more in London than Victorian hops. There arc 1,0074 miles of railway open for traffic in South Australia. Mr Hatch, tho now member for Invorcar gill, is said to have powers of loquacity which would gain him first prize in an inter national talking contest. In the month of March last, diamonds to tho value of over a quarter of a million were sent away from tho diamond fields in South Africa. The reports of the majority of school in spectors throughout New Zoaland say that mental arithmetic is entirely neglected, and tho writing of scholars is not to be com mended. Tho " Lyttolton Timos " eay3 that tho 0!) cats shown at tho Christchurch Cat Show wero valued by their owners at £5.304 11s, an average of £70 17s Od each. What do tho sausage-makers say to this ? " How old in thai, dogi1' was asked of a coloured man. "Ef h&Wi-ea tersee do fifth ob naixt Juno, sah, ]<|pnvill bo do oldest dog on do plantation." "And if he don't livo until then " " He'll be dead, Hah."

THE UNDECIDED ELECTION SETTLED.

(JSV TKLi;i!KAI')I —I'KKX.H ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. At ihe declaration of tho poll for Foxton, the figures were announced as follows: — Wilson 012 Istard 010 Browne.. 2,'i7

THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP.

(fIV TKLKQRAI'H. —I'RJ>S ASSOCIATION.)

Wellixgto.v, this day. Sui F. D. Bell has cabled to tho Govern ment agreeing to hold the Agent-General fhip for a further period of two years.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

Tho King's Dragoons.

" Tub King's Dragoons," an opera by Mr John Crook, and which Mr A. T. Dunning has the solo right of producing in the colonies,was performed for the first time in this city at the Opera House last evening. We were enabled to give our readers an out line of tho plot in last evening's issue, so that a second reference to it is un necessary. Tho libretto is not of a very ambitious character, but there is a fine patriotic vein throughout, which is well interpreted by Mr Crook's spirited music. The characteristic air of the opera is a lino ringing chorus, set to the words— " Sabro in hand, Far over land. March we to-nlxht by the King's command. Maidens may sigh, Victory's nigh; But should fate decree we can bravoly die." There aro many beautiful melodies in the opera that are sure to become popular. Amongst the most offective of these aro a recitative and ballad for soprano, "I Wan dered Far;'1 a quartette by Dorothy, the Sergeant, Alice, and Robin, "Come, let us go ,' .and the leading tenor solo by Edgnr, "My ' Sweetheart and My King." The choruses are excellent, and the orchestra tion loaves nothing to be desired. In the hands of Miss Ivanova, tho part of Alice was presented in a most charming manner, and to say that ,»he successfully interpreted the music incidental to the part is but faint praise. She was particularly successful in the beautiful quaint ballad, "Sang a Maiden oh so Sweetly," and was rewarded with a unanimous encoro. In tho rOlo of Dorothy, Miss Loaf had a con genial part. This clever and painstaking lady has much improved in hor acting during the past year or two, and wo think wo can safely say that sho has never been aeon to bettor advantage than sho was last night. In tho trio, "Beans and Bacon," with the Sorgoant and Robin, she achieved a genuine success, and hor rendition of tho legend, " Onco a Maidon Young and Tender," was surprisingly good. In tho part of tho loutish Robin, Mr Appleby kopt tho audience in a state of ■ chronic cachinnation all tho time ho was on the stage. Ho was encored for his singing of "Though Folks May Talk of London Town." Mr Knight Aston enacted tho part of Edgar, a gallant soldier, who goes out to tho war as substitute for Robin. Ho played tho dashing young blado to per fection, and his singing, especially in tho concorted piocos, was unexceptional. Tho principal song in his part, " My Sweotheart and My King," quito brought down tho houso. To Mr Lissant was ontrustcd tho part of tho Duke de Brabazon, and we can congratulate Mr Lissant on having achieved a genuine success. His make-up as the decrepit roue was most effective, and his useful baritone voico, did justice to tho beautiful number " Women's Lovo is Lifp's Best Treasure.'.' Mr Wentworth appoarcd somewhat out of his element as the recruiting ser geant, but ho was in good voice, and that made amends for other defects. Tho manner in which the piece is staged reflects credit on Mr Dean, and we anticipate that it will have a successful run. Un doubtedly tho great draw of tho opera is an "(esthetic dance" at the beginning of the third act. Tho performers eight in number, are attired as "Lovo Sick Maids" and "Idyllic Poets" and their absurdly grotesque attitudes as thoy " tread the gay yet classic measure" quito beggars description. It is without excep tion tho best thing of tho kind wo have yet seen in Auckland, and alone is worth the price of admission. It was enthusiastically encored last evening, and even then there was a desire for a second repetition. We i cannot conclude this notice without giving a word of praise to Mr Hutchison, a member of the orchestra, who, during one of the intorvals,performed a piccolo solo in polka time, called "The Island Home." The piece was composed by himself, and showed that he is well acquainted with the re sources of the instrument. Tho manner in ■which the notes were produced displayed considerable musical experienco and artistic tante on tho part of tho performer. It was a finished performance, aud quito brought down the houso.

THE STEAMER TRIUMPH.

Proposals for Docking and Repairing Her. ■°

The following letter on this subject, which waß submitted at tho meeting of tho Harbour Boardyestcrday, should be perused with interest by our readers, .seeing that it explains the intentions of Mr Fraser in reference to tho vessel. He writes as fol. lows:—''Mr J. M. Brigham, Secretary Harbour Board. Sir,— We beg to say that we have received word by the mail which arrived yesterday (29th July) that the materials which wo require to repair the s.s. Triumph are on board the s.s. lonic. She is oxpectcd to arrive here on or about the Gth of August proximo. Wonow respect fully request your honourable Board to in form us on what terms they will let us have the use of the Dock for tho purpose of effecting the necessary repairs. Herewith we submit plans showing the #ay we pro pose shutting tho water out of tho Dock. The vessol boing considerably longer than tho Dock, prevents us using tho present caisson, and will cause us to construct a temporary caisson or gateway of strong timber firmly bolted together and fitted close to the sides of the vessel, and point ing to the wood facing on the stonework 1 which forms the facing for the caisson proper. After the forepart of the vessel is ■" repaired, it will be necessary to uri-; dock her, turn her round, and put Her into dock a second time stem first, • for the purposo of doing repairs that may be required aft, and this will necessitate fitting the gates a second time to the side of the vessel. We consider it will take at least six weeks to do the repairs to the fore f part of tho vessel, and that with working at night, and we intend having either an .' electric light or using gas, bo that we may be able to get the ship out of the Dock o1? quickly as possible; and we Would most respectfully ask -your honourable Board while considering the question of Dock charges to take into consideration the very great expense we have been at so as to enable us to utilise the present Dock, for if this Dock had tho depth of water on the sill, and had been the length of the Dock at Lyttelton, it would have saved neat least £2,000 in preparation for docking. It has been asserted in the Southern provinces of New Zealand, and algo in Australia, that" we cannot dock the vessel here, and that" she would ultimately have to go elsewhere to be docked and repaired. Doing go would have meant a loss to thiß place off an expenditure of at least £10,00U, whichf: sum will have been expended by the time the vessel is ready for sea. Feeling certain that your honourable Board will deal with us in that liberal spirit which they have always shown in favour of local industry, ar.d as the completion of this largo undertaking, will tend to prove that in our port of Auck land we have tho means even.at the preßent time of repairing vessels of largo tonnage^ which will be greatly increased when the large Dock is completed. There is about 100 tons of material on board the lonic, which will be required to be stowed away close to whero the Triumph will be repaired. —Fiuskk and Tinke."—The Engineer re ported as follows:—There is no objection to the proposed coffer-dam being made, but it should bo distinctly understood that do part whatever of the proposed dam is to bo spiked or bolted to the totara facing-pieces of the Dock in any way whatever. The applicant should agree to entiroly remove from tho Dock all bolts and timber work, &c, he may use within three days afterthe steamer has been finally undocked, and I am of opinion that all warks proposed should bo carried on and completed tc the satisfaction of an officer of the Board.—D., B. McDonald. The Board granted the use of tho Dock at half-rates for Bix weekß, double rates to bo charged afterwards.

FATAL ACCIDENT.

A fatal accident happened this morning to • Thomas Boyco, a carter in the employ of Messrs Hellaby Bros., Butchers, Shortland- ■'. street. Mr 'William Hellaby states that at 10.15 this morning Boyoe was taking a horte and trolly into the yard at the back of the a premises opening into Chancery Line. He,r had the horse by the head, when it suddenly' dashed forward, and Boyce was jammed by the trolly against the wooden gat*. He im mediately exclaimed "I am killed !" and ran a few yards from the spot, Bat on a step, and died. A groom named John Milvihill put his arms around him, but ho only survived about three minutes. Dr. Huxtable was sent for, but his services were * unnecessary, life being extinct. Boyco, | who occupied a house near the Bricklayers' | Arms Hotel, Chapel-street, leaves a wife and five children. The inquest will be held . to-morrow at 2 o'clock, at the Bricklayers' Arms.

POLICE COURT-This Day.

(Before Messrs Hurst and Prime, J.P.'s.) Drunk.—Four men were punished in the usual way. Habitual: Patrick Ready, 57th ;, offence, six months'imprisonment with hard'•' labour. , '• Homeless.—Martin O'Dwyer, a white- ,i' ■ headed old man, was charged under the Vagrant Act with having no visible means. —Prisoner said that could not be. He had ~ served Her Majesty, and was an honourable • pensioner.—Sergeant White said the man , had a pension of 8d per day, which was ;. always due for drink before pension day.--. Most of his time was spent in gaol.—Other / evidence was produced showing that pri-rf soner never did any work and neglected his ablutions.—Six months' imprisonment. *';;; Larceny.—Two little boys, David MaCr :1 '■'• farlane and Ernest Tait, pleaded guilty to 9 stealing wood value 4s 6d, the property of -.*"? Wm. Kemp, of Onehucga, — Sergeant White asked for a remand for the appear-^, anco of Mr Kemp The parents of tW: I children wore present.—Constable Ward |-- gave evidence. There were a number of] j■.:.; boys. He only caught the two prisoners, but had tho names of other boys. Baw'fjr Macfarlane chopping the wood into pieces, ,■%" and rait holding the back open (tomahawk produced.) The father of Tait said his'"';: son fetched the wood by his orders, he think. ,> 1 ing the scattered wood was for anybody! ;-1 The Bench uddressedboth parents and boys, fl and ordered the parents to pay 2s (3d each. • , ]!. Wife Desertion.— Edwin Harris, charged Mg with deserting his wife and family, ■was, on the application of Sergeant White, .ssßgj manded to To Awamutu. fIH Domestic.—Mary Breen was charged on I summons with threatening to broil her'?"' daughter- in-iaw, Elizabeth Broen, on the4":, 16th inst. —Complainant asked to withdraw • the charge, as her mother-in-law had no firejyj at tho time. The fit was on, but she never -^ intended to carry it into execution.—The a chargo was withdrawn.

This was all the business,

MINING NEWS.

(by ti"i:■;::.'.: v— own correspondent. )^ t . Thames, this day. " New Prince Imperial.—Retorting for the month will take place on Saturday, and the return is expected to approach four figures. ; Tho specimens on hand have already been: treated, and yielded 15dwtfi to the lb. Caledonian Low Level.—The prospect- 1 ing tunnel is 605 feet in length, and is still . traversing good country. *j * » Caledonian.—A contract has been <et*». for driving a crosscut at No. 3 leveltto.; intersect the Red Queen leader, at 21s 6d; ■:; per foot. Tho distance will probably, be;..; about 350 feet. Irwin, tributer, banked 3ozs. ldwt. ! f5 I Moanatairi Extended.—The sinking of ~ tho shaft will be resumed on Thursday. s '.'; I Reuses Parr.—Easter, tributer, crushed;,;' five loads of quartz for 16ozs. 2dwts. gold.. -,: Eureka (Otanui).—The crushing is yield ing payably. The manager has obtained 1550z5. of amalgam since last retorting.^ MOANATAiiu.-Johnstone, tributer, banked;?* loz. 19dwts. gold. ,' . Success.—The mino manager reports:— " Since my last report I am pleased to in- form you that there has been a change tor :_ the better in tho mino, Thero were 40ozs. , of rich specimen gold obtained in one pocket, and about 10 more ozs. in small dabs. Thero have been two lodes.runmng about parallel, showing gold on both walls. Where this gold was got is further aneaa j than tho intermediate stope, which leaves a large block of ground yet to he stoped. The Rich Find In the Prince Imperial.! • The interesting prospects of tne., Pnn?|. Imperial mine attracted a considerable., number of visitors to-day, when the worK;, ings were thrown open to public inspection.,,,, The show of gold in the drive" at JNoro | level appeared to create a good impression. The precious metal is visible in the rool pi 1 tho drive in a band about three inches in breadth and four feot in longth, and is aiso showing in tho face. _ , r

The Italian Bedstead is a new and very

Tf^AuUKSN^BVEKiNO STArT WEDNiESDAI, JULY HO,' lSß<i.



Special Advertisements. PARTNER WANTED In a Firm about to start the Manufacture ol HYDRAULIC LIME on the-Mahurangi Hirer. For further particulars apply to " CONCRETB," Fost-offlce, Warkworth. BALANCE OF WINTER STOCK - OK (CURLS' and LADIES' VELVETS * BLACK CLOTH JACKETS BLACK CLOTH and CASHMERE DOLMANS MEN'S WATERPROOF COATS BOYS' and YOUTHS' OVBBCOATS To bo CLEARED at 15 to 20 Per Cent. DISCOUNT. Velveteens, in Slate and Olive, 2s 6d yd.; worth 3s dd Lot of Good Coloured Silk Velvets, various shades, 4a fid yd.; worth 6s 6d 200 White Linen Damask Tablecloths, 3s 6d, 3a Bd, 4s JM. 6s Bd ; worth double Large Lot New Pattern Floorcloths, all widths Great Variety in Remnants, marked low Having SL Large Stock of Dress Goods, have Re duped a large lot to very Low Priceß, from 3jd Wide Navy Caahmere, Is 2Jd yd. Men's Strong Tweed Coats, 7a 6d Grey Calico, 2d yd. fi276 WORTH of WAREHOUSE SAMPLES Just Recoived, in Great Variety, will be SOLD CHEAP. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUdE, TJPPKR QCEBN-BTREET. T) MCpHERSON'S I- ANNUAL ~ ** ANNUAL CHEAP DRAPERY SALE CHEAP DRAPERY SALE CHEAP DRAPERY SALE is NOW ONI! D. McPHKitSON has been on the constant look-out for BARGAINS Daring the great depression in trade, and having ' ', LARGELY rNOKEASED BIS STORAGE ROOM, s now prepared to offer the Public, as the result of his purchases, THE CHEAPEST, MOST VARIED, AND BEST COLLECTION OF NBW WINTER GOODS! NBW WQITER NEW WINTER GOODS 1 GOODS! NEW WINTER NEW WINTER GOODS GOODS 1 NEW WINTER GOODS EVER SHOWN IN AUCKLAND. ""SPECIAL BARGAINS IN ALL DEPART MENTS. D. MC P H E R S O N, KARANGAHAPE ROAD.



Special Advertisements. T U S T OP B. N~ E D, »l Another Thousand LAMES'AND CUILDREN'B FASHIONABLE WINTER HATS AND BONNETS, At tho Low Price of ONE SHILLI N-G EACH, Worth from 5s to 15s. This Lot is Buperior to the Previous Sliip. ment. and comprise many New Shades aid Colours. Ixidkw arc rcqucstod to conio and in spect thetc Goods buforo purchasing elscwUcro, as they cannot possibly be cauallodin any other Shop in New Zealand. Plkase Note the Address— FERNANDEZ, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, Karangahape Road, Nowton. REMHMIIER ! THE I'RiCE IS ONE SHILLI NG EACH.



DR C NBWBERRY COBBETT, Bachelor in Medioine and Master in Surgery (Edinburgh), of the University of Edinburgh, University London, and the Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford (lato Resident Ac couclionr Rotunda Hospital. Dublin), has com menced tho Pracflco of his Profossionnt Auck land and may be consultod in the city at Mr Aiskin's Pharmncy, from 12 to 1 a.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. DR, STALKER, M.A., M.8., CM. (EDIN.), HAS COMMENCED PRACTICE AT CHURCH-STREET, DEVONPORT. HOURS OF CONSULTATION: 9 to 10 Morning 6to 8 » ■• ■• Evening j \T E W mWEBDS. H *INE W'• IWBBDS, > « H. L. POSSBNISKIB w "^ Begs to annotmbe the completion of his m H WINTER IMPORTATIONS. H Consisting of . ALL THB LATEST NOVELTIES vr. yk '< WORSTEDS AND. TWEEDS * Hj In the Home Markets. O I*l « H. L. POSSKNI3KIK, ft w importer, 2 Shortlandbt., Auckland, f* MRS R. SOMMERVILLE, MItiLINEUY WARfcROOMS AND ■ STRAW.WORKING ESTABLISHMENT, I Wkixksley-stheet, opposite OrERA House.



! WE FURNISH HOUSES THROUGHOUT. GARLICK fe CRANWBLL'S IS,THE CHEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE. JUST OPENED. Beautiful Assortment BRUSSELS °TAPESTRY, AND KIDDERMINISTER CARPETS. SPLENDID LOT OP BEDSTEADS. Just Received, IRON AND BRASS, NICKEL-PLATED. QABLICK AMD FURNISHING WAREHOUSE, QUKEN-STRJBET. AUCKLAND. MILNE & CHOYCE Have decided to CLOSE THEIR PREMISES AT t SIX P.M. ON SATURDAYS DURING THK WINTER MONTHS. CommencinK SATURDAY, JULY I&th Instant. Thte being done in the interests of tho ~ Karly^Closing MoTcmcut, M. and C. would beg their patrons TO SHOP KABLY, : And so enable them to make It a FEHMANJSNGY. THE CHEAP CLEARING SALE OJ WINTER GOODS is STILL BEING CONTINUED. WKLLESLEY AND LORNKSTKKEI3. THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY for RHEUMATISM and GO\»V-The Cimicifuo* (Actea Racemosa)onblack SNAKE ROOT has been i.onq celebrated ASA RHEUMATISM fIEMEOT. THIS fREPARATION 18 THE MOST CERTAIN IN ITS EFFECTS, AND CURE. 6b. +ER BOTTLE, AT MCWU'S, ' T.V\t VWMWIKW," OWOSVU~BM»*. 05 U.I. httttH Sr Cbiet Post-offlcc, Auckland. mails will cloßk as undkb i— ■ This Day. For Suva and Samoa via Russell (per Penguin). per Rotomahana, at i p.m. Per Rotomahana as follows :— For Russell, Kawakawa, Australian Colo nies, and United Kingdom, via Brindisi or Naples, per Orient boat, for letters, etc.. speci ally so prepaid and addressed, at 4 p.m. i For France, Algeria, Mauritius, Cape of Good Hope, etc., per French packet from Sydney, at 3 p.m. Money Orders, registered letters and news papers, at 3 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only at 4.20 p.m. United Kingdom mail will be due in London on 15th September. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 4.30 p.m. Thursday, 31st inst. Far Thames; per Rotomahana, nt 8 a.m. Far Walwora, Te Kapa, Craigieburn, Wark worth, etc., per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. Per Amwtttn, as follows :— For India, China, Japan, Mediterranean Ports, and Contieent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For Gisborne, Napier. Southern Ports, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom (via' Suez and Brinidis. for letters, tec. specially so, prepaid -.and addressed), at 11 a,m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers at 10 a.m. Late letters till 11.20. Mail will be due in London on Monday, September 22. For Tauranga, Ohinemntu, and Opotild, per Glenelg, a£l p.m. For WHtiangi Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Rowena or Neptune, at 5 p.m. For Mangawal and Kaiwaka. per Ruby, at 5 p.m. Friday, August 1. ' For Gisborne ana Napier, per Thomas Russell at 11 tt.ui. For Cowes and Coromandel, per Cbromandel at 1.50p.m.l N.B.—The s.B. Coptio will leave Lyttelton for London, via Rio de Janiero and Plymouth on August 10. Expected time of passage, 43 days. - .'■'. . ■. - ■ . B. B. kISS,' Chief Postmaster. : I , Chief Poat-offloo, Auckland.



DON'T DIE IN THE HOUSE.-" b.,,, b i> on Bat. (Kirn .»lt into, mI'W. hectic:-. ]i,aj,.. , l,ulbu t ;.,, ilii ~ .-uii-i, ii,.,..._1-i Dolei, Jaok-rabbila, gopheiK. Ktmptkoine, l'rossu & Co., AgeuU, Audtlaud. (