SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mow vvatwr ' Tni3 Eveninsr, .5.6 HIGH WAIEKI To morrow Morning, 5.20 BUNSKT.—This Evening, 8.13 SUNRISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.18 MOON'S A«K.-New Moon, 19th 0.12 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Manapouri, s.s., Logan, Irom Russell Wellington, s.b., Fhrquhnr. from Tauranga Ilowcna, s.s., Scott, from Mercury Bar

DEPARTURES.

LAST KVESINO. Southern Cross, s.b., Hutchison, for Gisborno lona, s.e., Amodeo, for Barrier

TO-DAY. Manapouri, 8.8., Logan, for tho South

VESSELS EXPECTED.

London.—Hcrmionc, ship, July 22; Loch Fergus, ■barque. August 7; Loch Creo, barque Septem- Iwr 1; Oamaru, Lady Jocclyn and Northumber land, loading. G&aboow.-Clansman, as., sailed July 16; Herald, a.s., dun early. New York.—Eleanor Vernon, barque, sailed June 30; Rebecca Cromwo'.l, barque, and Kyvor, bsrquo, to follow. Suva (Fiji).—Matthicn, barque, to sail Sep tember IG.

.Tata. — Atlantic, sailed September 3; Beatrice Havolner, September 5; Geflon, Sep tember 11; Florence Treat, Septombcr 11; Alf, Lnne, Loulsr, Ferdinand and Christine, loading.

Newcastle.—Gael and Adelaide, schooners, early. Souttoctin Ports.—Defiance, brigantine, from Duncdin; Italy, and Mountain Laurel, from Bluff; Saxon, from Lyttelton,

IMPORTS.

Per Omnuere—6Bo cheeses, 6 cases bacon and hams.—T. H, Hall and Co.

Inwakds Coastwise, — Rose, from Mahu rangi, with 15,003 shinslos, 30 tons flrowood.

Outwards Coastwisb.—Zillah, for Thames; Ghost, for Whangapoua; Rose, for Mahurangi. Tho barque Antares cleared at tho Customs to-day for Lyttelton, whither she will proceed in ballast to load for London. We understand that the Antarea is to bo docked at Lyttelton.

The ship Waikato havlnsr got rid of her explo sives, wan towed up the harbour this morning, and berthed at Queen-street Wharf, where she has since been discharging.

The Bteamßhip Coptio loft Plymouth for Otago on October 11. She has 299 paasengcra for all New Zealand ports.

Thefollowlngpassengcrsarrivedfromßussell, per Manapouri. thia morning:—Messrs Witt, McClintoch, W. Karl, Miss Williams, Mrs Sawkins.

Tho brigantino Oamaru ißichardu) has entered outwards at the Customs for Karotonga.

The 8.8. Kqwona arrived from Mercury Bay this mornmff with a quantity of gum and a few passengers.

The s.s. Thomas Russell and s.b. Rose Casey wore In dock today for cleaning. The former will probably leave for Gisborno and Napier to uitrrow.

Tho NortUcote Ferry Company's ferry steamer Birkenhead had a trial trip late this afternoon, and appeared to havo a fair turn of Bpeed.

Tke 8 s. Wellington arrived from Tauranga thla morning. Passengers: Messrs Gillebrand, Mlphiston. Weston, Buaeheli, Duckland, Price, Sigmon, Wddock, and Rev. Reid.

The s.b. Mannpoua left for Melbourne via Southern ports at nopn to-day, with tho follow ing passengers:—For Gisborne: Miss George, Alias. Russoil, Messrs J. McDonell, Berry, J. Wallace. Mr and Mrs Roland, Mr and Mrs Grccno. Mrs Nolan. For Napier: Messrs Kirk inan, Hugan, Hartley, J. Owen, Stock, Young, Ku(?el, Mi-3 Manoy. For Wellington: Messrs L. Wilson, Mansfield, A, Graham, J. R. Smith, O. O. Bell, Mr and Mrs Hartrldge. For liTttclton: Misses Korr, B. Fowler, K. Morris. For JJuncdin: Mrs Brown, Miaa Balforn, Messrs White, and Windsor. For Melbourne: Mcssra Gjlbrane. A. J. BrothcriekiA. H. Chalmers, A. McLean, Jas. Jones.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Gloss as ukdbbi— This D.\y. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotlk!, per Wellington, at 5 D.m. For Whitiangi, Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Rowena, at 5 p.m. Friday, 17th inst. For Waitara. etc., per Lalla Kookh, at 7.10 a.m. For Gisbome, per Thomas Russell, at 11 a.m. For Cowes and Coromandol, per Coromandel, at 1.30 p.m. For Whangarei Beads, Pania, Waipu, Whan garci, Kamo, and Mangapai, per Jlacgrcgor, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday,.lSth inst. For 'Waiwcra, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai. etc., per Rose Casey, at .0 a.m. For London direct, per Crusader, at 11 a.m. For Watcrfordand Tauranga, per Rotomahana, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. Nt 11.30 a.m. For Rarotonga, per Oamaru, at 3 p.m. Thursday, 23rd inst For London via Rio de Janeiro and Plymouth (from Lyttelton, per Doric, 29th inst), per Wairarapa, at 11 a.m. Expected length of passnge, 42 days. For Australian Colonies, per s.s. Zealandia, im mediately after her arrival from Honolulu. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Wanaka, immediately after arrival of Zealandia. S. B. BIBS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

October 10, 1881 i

Abbott's Opera House—" Under the Gaslighl 8 p.m.

V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service, 7.30 P.KU

St. Sepulchre's M. I. Society—Meeting o! members; important; 7.30 p.m.

Choral Hall—N. Z. Art Students' Exhibition. 7 till 10 p.m. Beresford-stroet School—Rehearsal "St. Paul' Oratorio, Orchestra, Soli, Chorus.

Births.

MAZZOLENI.—On October tho 13th, at her reai" dencc. Upper Pitt-street, the wife of Orlando Mazzoleni of a daughter. TOLK.—On October sth, at Ponsonby, tho wife of J. A. Tolo, Esq., M.H.R., of a daughter.

Marriage.

NORTH—MARSHALL.-On tho Sth October, at tho residonoo of Captain Gret?ory, Dovon port, by tho Rev. A. M. McCal'lum, James, fourth surviving Bon of the lato Jamea Nortli, Portobollo, Dunedin, to Marparet Dunbar, eldest daughter 6f Jamea Marshall, Duncdin.

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1884.

For the cause that la.sfcs assistance. For tho wrong that aesds roaistßEM, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Amonc the numerous measures intro duced by Sir George Grey—many of them embodying valuable public re forms —the bill appointing Judges for five years only will, we believe, find the least favour. It would place the Judges more under the control of the Government of the day, and give greater patronage to Ministers. Taken as a body, the Judges of England, occupying a position of perfect inde pendence between Government and people, have justly been the pride of the nation. Our colonial Judges holding similar appointments are men of ability and legal acumen; where is the call., then, for this change, or what is to be gained by weakening the authority of the Judges and making them dependent upon political toadyism for their places ? The step would b» retrogressive. Ev.en in America, where, the minor Judges are elective, and judi cial corruption in the Lower Courts has become notorious, the English system of life nomination, during good behaviour, has been adopted for the highest judicial offices. V?e hope the Legislature of New Zea land will never consent to any act making the office of Judge in the highest Courts as object of recurring political intrigues. It is acknowledged that some reform is necessary. Judges stationed too long in one place are liable to contract prejudices and be in fluenced, often unconsciously, by their likes and dislikes. Cases are somCr times brought to a standstill by one Judge which another could clear off; and these and other reasons make periodical changes of circuit de sirable. But the purity and in dependence of the. Bench must suffer from a limitation of the term of appointment. The knowledge that the moment the appointment is made adjudge becomes independent of the Ministry who givt him his office makes every Governmentcautiouswhom they appoint; and the result has been the selection of members of the Bar.dis tinguished for ability. -It will be time enough to change this system, which has hitherto worked so well, when there is evidence that justice is endangered rather than 'ensured by the independ ence of the Judges. In that very free fiom from control, "in their liberal re muneration, and the removal of every influence that might seem to prejudice judgment, reliance has been placed for the purity of the Bench and the righteous dispensation of justice. When these fail it will be time enough to look for a better way ; but so lbng as they produce the fruits that are expected from them, it is dangerous to tamper with a system in which the liberty and happiness of the people are so deeply involved.

The New Railway Construction Scheme.

With much to be said on its behalf, the scheme of Sir Julius Vogel for the con struotion of railways in this colony by syndicates, who Bhduld receive large free grarits of Government lands, is not an alto-

gether satisfactory one. The principle may not be a totully bad one, but tho proposed method of applying it seerae objectionable, inasmuch as it is cumbrous, complicated, and open to abuse. In the United States,

the plan of giving alternate, blocks ef land along the routo of a railway to the com pany constructing it has produced fairly good results—the E&ilway Company and the State benefitting mutually by tho stimulus given to settlement. But. if the United States Government owned and worked the existing railways, is it conceivable that they would adopt such a method of extending the system? There is something undignified in the spectacle of a nation " swopping " its lands for railways, quite apart from any idea of the people's " birthright," or the rights of future gene rations; and this feeling is heightened in the case of a country which claims a monopoly of railway construction, and is supposed to bo nearly ripe for a policy of non-alienation of Crown lands. Still it is undoubted that the United States would not possess their present splendid network ofjrailways had the Government not tempted speculators by offers of large tracts of terri tory.

Sir Julius Vogel's noheme for getting the East and West Coast and Nelson railways made is the result of Canterbury clamour for the execution of an almost impracticable and decidedlly" unprofitable undertaking. Moat assuredly no Government would be found for twenty years to come that would propose to borrow money for such a work, ami as this appears the only way in which the railways named can be made, and as .Canterbury 'seems bent on having them, te, «"* W•n 6 harm in trying the experiment.-v The agreement ing, that Government are alive to the dangers.of the position an d desire to guard

against them. The proposal to extend the principle of this scheme to all railways that may be undertaken in tho colony is a vicious one, and we are glad it has been resisted. The attempt to drag certain North Island lines within tho scope of the bill is also to. be deplored. The line from Oxford.to Rotorua, and that from Kawa kawa to* Whangarei are parts of the North Island railway system, and should be con structed by Government out of loan ex penditure.

Messrs Vailo and Douglas held nn auction Bale of Ponsonby property to-day. There was a fair attendance, but the bidding; was not very brisk. A 33ft. allotment in Lincoln-street, with cottage thereon, fell to the nod of Mr Hooper for £260. Lot-No. 4, Ponsonby Road, fetched £1.1 per foot; No. 3, £11 10s; and Lot 1, 51ft. frontage, £770, Mr J. Maguire buying all three lots. Good maps of China and the Soudan should bo in request among peoplo who feel ah interest in the stirring events now occurring in those countrios. Wayte and Co. (Lennox) have received a few of W. and A. K. Johnston's admirable now maps, showing the territory affected by the war operations. Mr Cunningham, Clerk of the Police Court, is laid by, suffering under a sharp attack of the gout, and will not be able to resume his duties, it is expected, fof somo days to come. The dispute of the Union Bootmakers and the employer—Mr Forster—is amicably settled. An effort is being made to form a club to bo called the Auckland Amateur Dramatic Club. An advertisement convening a moot ing for its formation appears elsewhere, and intending members are requested to at tend. . The Auckland Tallow and Manure Manu facturing Company (Limited)started opera tions on their new site of 30 acres at Mount Pleasant yesterday, and they expect to have the whole of their plant and buildings removed from the Western Springs within the next thirty days. Mr Thomas Bracken, who commences a short season of recitals and readings at the Opera House on Monday next, arrives by ths Wanaka on Sunday morning. We learn that on Monday and Tuesday last he ap peared at Blenheim, and received a perfect ovation there from enthusiastic admirers. His celebrated lectures on the " Poets of Ireland " and "An Evoning with Samuel Lover," tho author of Handy Andy, wore much appreciated by crowded houses. Mr Bracken, as a New Zealand journalist, ox- M.H.H., poet and humourist of some dis tinction, is deserving of all patronage, and wo are coniident that tho Auckland public will, as ho deserves, accord him bumpor houses during his short stay amongst us. The recent destructive fires at In vercargill have culminated in comedy. A public inquiry into tho conflagrations was de manded by the Fire Insuranco Association on the strength of a story told by n private watchman to tho effect that ho know of a rich old man who had offered another £50 to burn down his promises. On boiug called to give evidence, his informant in formed tho jury, that tho case referred to by the watchman occurred in another colony several years ago. This explanation was received with roars of laughter, and the inquiry at onco collapsed, tho " open rordict" of the jury corresponding with tho "broad grin" visiblo on tho visages of individual jurors. Mr Caldwell's; platypus "discovery" would appear to bo somowhat stale, being 11 fact simply a re-discovery of what was known twenty years ago. An old Sydney papor has been turned up which contains the following:—"Thorp's Pinch, Septem ber 2nd, 18(5't. About ten months ago a platypus was captured, and is in tho posses sion of Mr Kumley, gold receiver, Wood's Point, Victoria. It has laid two eggs, which were white, soft,' and without shell. This will settle the dispute among natura lists as to whether this extraordinary ani mal, the connecting link botweon birds and mammals, produced living young or whether it laid eggs."

As an cxamplo of the way in which fooling lias been worked up on the North Island railway routo question, wo cull the follow ing from a Napier paper: — " One surveyor who was called to give evidence before the Committee regarding the Stratford routo says that at first he was of opinion that the country to be oponed up by it could not ' feed, a goat.' On further consideration, however, he admits that a goat might, if it were of the chamois breed, manage to eko out a precarious subsistence there if it

' worked very long hours !' Another sur veyor who was called as a witness for the defence of the Stratford route told a friend of ours that a railway might bo constructed by that routo by tunnelling all tho way from Stratford to Te Awamutu !'

Harvey Rail, aged 24, son of Mr J. C.

Rail, chemist, Kaiapoi, Canterbury, was found dead yesterday morning at his resi denco thero.

The last of those pleasant reunions, the North Shoro At Homes, took placo at the Devonport Hall last evening, and proved to be—so all preseat agreed—the social success of the season. Tlsere were about 100 couples present, and there was quite a large number of visitors from the city and the subitrbs on this side of tho harbour. The music was supplied by Messrs Hanncken Brothers' string band, and these talented musicians as usual gayo complete satis faction. Great credit is due to the Com mittee, Messrs Fenton, Sibbin, A. Burgess, Vdsper, and M. Niccol, who worked like Trojans to make the aft'aii- a success. So thoronghly enjoyable was-tho dance that there is already some talk of a return ball to tho Committee.

Summing up tho character of the Hon. Robert.Stout, and pointing out how it haa been modified by hia recent political ox perionccs, the " Timaru Herald" says :— " The Premier's fairness and moderation pre sent a favourable contrast to the rancorous impertinence and the flashy duplicity by which the Colonial Treasurer has so as-

tonished and mortified all his well-wishers. AA'e believe we accurately interpret the feel ing of the country when we say that Mr Stout- is very warmly regarded on the whole, and that the estimation in which he is held by the public should bo Bufficiont to fill him with pride and hopo and high re solve. Vet, with all this, ho is not satisfied. He is not even comfortable. To sum up his condition in a single sentence, we shou'd say he ie a self-made man who is half ashamed of his maker, and dreads lest other people should find it out." Tho Council of tho Auckland University College met yesterday afternoon, when there wore present: Mr Justico Gillies (presiding), the Right Rer. Dr. Cowie, D.D,, Bjshop of Auckland, the Rev. D. Bruce, Colonel Haultain, His Worship tho Mayor of Auckland (Mr AY. R. AVaddel), and Mr S. Luke (Chairman of the Board of Education). Apologies for absence were read from Dr. Campbell and Mr E. Hesketh. It was agreed that Mr Knox should be allowed three years terms.in order that he might go in for the two years' examination. The Finance Committee reported that tho cost of telephone for first year would be £12, and for second year £10. Mr H. G. Seth Smith forwarded his resignation as law lec turer, as he was unable to devote the neces sary time to the duties. An increase of salary was granted to the chemistry assist ant, and lotters from Professors Brown and Thomas as to purchase of cases from Auck land Institute were referred to tho Financo Committee. Accounts to tho amount of £475 17s 9d weio passed for payment.

The "New Zealand Methodist" of last iesue comes to the rescue of the Rev. A. Reid concerning the criticism of Southern papers re his denouncement of tho " Mem bers' Sunday Excursion," It pays: " Christian electors have yet to 'put some conscience with what they do' when they vote for representatives to Parliament, for it 13 a reproach to every principle of truth and righteousness that law-making should be entrusted to the hands of men of the moral stamp of many members of tho pre sent House. The excursions, we see, are to be stopped, not, presumably, because of tho protest against Sabbath dosecration, but because tho country is not in a mood just now to throw away- £250 a week on the bon vivante, who ' though on pleasure bent, are of a frugal mind.'"

A reunion of members of the congre^a tion of AH Saints', Ponsonby, to co'nu memorate the anniversary of the induction of the incumbent, the Rev. Mr Calder, took place at the school-room adjoining the Church last evening. Addresses were do liverecl by the Right Rev. Biehop Cowie, the Yen. Archdeacon Dudley, and tho Revs. W. Tebbs and Calder. The following musical programme was presented : —Piano forte duet, "Fantasia on Irish Melodies," Misse3 Kelly; glee, "Fays and Elves," choir; song, " The Bend of the River," Mrs Judson ; duet, "Hear." Me/Nbrma," Mes dames Upton and Oacre; song, "The Monks of Old," Mr Taylor; song, "When the Heart is Young," Mrs Dacre; glee, "Spring's Bright Glances," choir; song, " Caller Herrin," Mrs tlpton ; song, "The Romany Lass," Mr Macindoe ; pianoforte solo,Mr Bruce; song, "Punchinello," Misa Corbett; glee, " The Three Chafers," choir; ??££' "TlieSkipper," Mr Charters; glee, ur Next Merry Meeting," choir; "God Save the Queen."

Sara Spilsb/iry, of Scaffold View, writes" complaining of the refusal of advice at tho Hospital, although sho attended in the proper hours to consult, with reference to injuries sustained by her through being knocked down by a horse. The Hospital is now managed by an efficient local Com mittee, and it is only right that the gentle men composing it should have complaints laid before them for investigation before they are brought into the public proas.

"Viator" writes that his business as a canvasser convinces him that a largo number of clerks, shop assistants, and other people of a similar class have been attracted to Auckland by the reports of its prosperity, and being unable to get employment aro now in genuine distress. Ho says :— " Tho gumfields appear to be tho only refuge for this class of people, and I think the Govern ment should grant free passes, with an order on the storekeeper for a week's pro visions, tools, etc., themoncy to be refunded when the unhappy man has got suflieient gum to pay the bill."

Tho frozen meat export trade of Otago is being briskly prosecuted. Over 9,000 car cases are to be shipped by the Doric, and about 6,000 by tho Victory, both of which steamers sail shortly from Port Chiilmors,

The sailing of the s.s. Coptic from Ply mouth on the 11th infit. for Port Chalmers marks tho inauguration of tho Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company's service by their own splendid stoamers. Tho Coptic will be followed by the lonic, Doric, Arawa, and Tainui, at regular monthly intervals.

Yesterday tho annual Conference of tho New Zealand Baptist Union was opened at Christchurch, when 31 delegates, repre senting 15 churches, were present. Tho annual report showed tho total Church members to bo 2,370, and Sunday scholars 3,8 tS. A public meeting was held at night, at which Mr Dick presided, and addresses by the President and other ministors were delivered.

The Melbourno Gas Company's loan of £197,000 at 5 per cent, has been placed in the market with tho minimum at par. The tenderg will be opened on October 21.

Wdikato peoplo do notahare in tho feeling of antagonism to the central routo for. tho trunk railway. One correspondent, writing to tho " Waikato Times " from To Awamutu, says :—" A good many of tho farmers hero are of opinion that though the docision of the Committee may bo antagonistic to the intorosts of the Auckland merchants, it will At all events do good to tho fanning com munity by relieving them to a certain oxtont of the competition of tho plains and Hawera district."

A curious discussion is roported (says the " Timaru Herald") to have taken placo among the Maoris in tho neighbourhood of Otaki lately, sovoral big meetings having been held for HlO purpose. Tho question debated was whether or not Christianity, the creed they had long professed, should be given up in favour of Kantianism. Tho majority decided iii favour of continu ing under tho Crais, the minority loyally accopting tho decision, and all determined to becomo moro earnest Christians than.be foro. Tho resolution was at onco given the pructical shape of a donation of £50 for (ho ronovation'of tho mission church, and £1(10 more is to bo collected for tlio kiiuc object.

At the fourth annual meeting of Cantor bury Farmers' Co-operative Aweciation, held on Saturday, tho year's prolics woro stated to bo i-MOS*. The report and balance sheet wcro adopted, but no dividend was declared. Discount to the amount of 4 per cont. on purchases has been placed to the credit of shareholders, absorbing £S!)3. The working capital of tho Association has in creased by £500 during tho year, and now stands at £3,269.

The annual convorsaziono of tho St, Luke's Young Men's Literary Society will be hold tomorrow evening in tho New market Hall. Tho programmo is a good one, and ia likely to produce satisfactory re sults. Tho young ladios who will rendei pianoforto duets and solos are Misso3 Taito, Fraser, Itowo, Wrigley, Gillingham. Law, Kilgour, and Mrs Robert l'eaco. Recita tions will bo given by Mcsws Clarke, Tat tersall, Ardorn, Turloy, and Miss i'roudo. The Key. G. B. Munro will proside, and de liver an address on the past and present ol tho Socioty. Refreshments will bo pro vided.

The annual general mooting of the Kniajxi Woollen Manufacturing Company, Cantor bury, is to be hold on Monday next, when the report and balance-sheet for tho seventh financial year will bo presented. The report shows tho clear profits for the year to bo £18,227 Is lOd. Out of this amount an interim divided at the rate 0! 10 per ecu!:. per annum has boon paid, leaving I'l3,3'JS 0s 6d to bo dealt with, which tho directors recommend should bo appropriated as follows : Dividend at tho rate of 10 percent. per annum, absorbing about £5,000; £5,000 to bo carried to Reserve Fund, which will then stand at £10,000 ; and tho balance oi £3,348 to be carried forward to new account. This must bo considered a satisfactory result, when it is remembered that trade has not beon brisk during tho past year, and that the plant is sufficient for turning out 50 per cent, moro work than is now pro duced.

Tho local "Nows" of Saturday last says of the sale of the leass of To Arohai tram way :—" Tho salo was at tho last moment postponed till further notice, in deforence to the expressed opinion of Warden Kcnrick. The requisition forwardod Warden Konrick, and upon the strength of which ho in terfered ml tho matter, was ns follows :— ' Wo, the undersigned members of Piuko County Council, hereby request you to re fuse to sanction tho sale of lcaso at Waio rongomat goldtield tramway by tho County Council until after the general election iii November next, in order that tho opinions of the electors on the subject m.-iy be fully represented in tho Council buforo the taking of such an important step.-(Signed) William Ciiisi-mull, Ch.usus« Gould, Edw.ud K.Cooi'kb.' "

The frequency and extent of fiiCH in Invorcargill aro causing alarm in insurance circles. After tho recent big tire in l>ee streot (tho firat of the two), tho local " Nows" stated that several Insurance Companies had decided to abolish their agencies in that town. It aaid: VThe Union Company resolved somo time ago to tako no moro risks hero, and other companies have talked about fcho possibility of their withdrawing. Among the Insurance Companies the look-out is a very bluo one indeed. Were it to be come general, a few weeks henco the hun dreds of thousands of pounds worth of property in this large town would be abso lutely uninsured. And it would bo of no use to think of recourse to the remedy some times suggested as a check to excessive insurance rates—a local company. Con sidering the risk such an institution would havo to run, its charges would of necessity havo to be enormous."

A special meeting of Volunteers was held last evening, according to announce ment, for the. purpose of considering sug gestions for amendments relative to tha Volunteer Act and regulations—Major Shepherd in the chair. After discussing the suggestions, it was agreed to recommend that country corps should receive a capita tion of i' 2 10s per annum, and that thero be six inspections annually, four to count for capitation ; also, on the motion of Captain Payne, to recommend that garrison corps receive £5 capitation, a portion to be paid to the members for parades, and in case of absence a member bo fined two months' pay. Itwas also proposed that the district piize firing as at present carried out be abolished, the money to bo given as re wards for class firing, say,- six marksmen for each.corpa to receive £3 each, tho best shot of each corps to receive £5, best thot in district to receive £10, the balance of grant for district firing to bo distributed equally between the eecond and third classes. The rcajlutions adopted will bo classified by Major Shepherd, and duly for warded to Wellington.

An invention which is claimed to be of great utility and economy lias junt bocn -porfected by Mr Matzen, af Ireland-street, and a working modol can bo inspected at his premises by those- interested. It is a wool-scouring machine of ftimplo construc tion and action, yet porfecting tho opera tion bo completely as to canse a great saving. It i 3 said to be an improvement on any wool-scourer hitherto introduced, and as Mr Matzon has applied for letters patent, the machines will no doubt soon be manufactured and offered for sale. Tho wool is first, put into large receiving boxes, four in number, which aro fixed upon a revolving table. These boxos when filled aro carried under the stampers. After the wool has been well beaten it is shot down a sloping table, and passes through twp large rollers into the wash-trough, from whencelt is dragged through the water by the action of a revolying rake, which passes the wool along into a second trough of water. The wool is again caught by a second revolving rake, which again drags the wool through the trough and forces it under the action of two rollers, which press the water from the wool. It is then passed under the pressure of a second roller, finally coming out of the machine nearly dry for packing. We re commend ail interested in the wool trade to give Mr Matzen a call, who will show the workings of his machine thoroughly. By the use of this machine tho inventor reckons the wool can be cleaned at one-eighth of the cost it now takes to do the work,

NEW ZEALAND ART STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION'S EXHIBITION.

Agreeably to. promise and intention, the first oxhibition of pictures by this young and promising Association was formally opened in tho Choral Hall last evening. A very cursory inspection sufficed to re assuro those pver-unxious friends who while confident of the ultimate issue of this, tentative work, feared Unit the ell'ect of the first display might be to confirm the pre dictions of oracular rivals. It became at once evident from tho number of purely native studies on the walls that the members of the Association must. have been exceedingly industrious during tho rather limited lime at their disposal, while tho merits of tho exhibits augured brightly the attainment of a high degree of excel.enco. The students' exhibits aro hung on the northern wall, and a choice assortment of lent pictures graced the op posite wall. Studies in flowers, &c, aro ranged in front of tho orchestral dais, while crayon drawings from tho flat and round gnlrnish the entrance or eastern wall. Two large tables, laden with Maori curios, lent by Messrs C. 0. Davis and K. C. Barstow, and also exquisite specimens of in laid woodwork by Mr A. Seullert, plnquos; kauri gum carving, samples of painting by Miss Tyo, etc., etc., extend down the contra of tho main hall. What conspicuously strikes tho eye, however, within tho build ing, and arrests admiring attention, is its profuso and artistic decoration with nativo foliage and fern frodns. All this work, even from the .rjrocurul of tho greenery among tho Waitakerci ranges, had been energetically and tastefully carried out by Mr S. H. Keeeing, assisted in somo measure by Messrs Dimicxi and S. Stuart, and several lady members, of Committee Tho ellect is a charming tout ensemble. In the southern anteroom there is a varied as sortment of photographic viows,jntonded for Christmas presentation, Christmas and Now Year competition cards^ majolica ware from Boyd's pottery, and rough sketches. Tho lattcraro principally productions of the facilo brush ol Mr Stuart, whoso sketches of well known native trees are particularly good. They are capital reproductions from Nature. Messrs Kccsing and Watkins's pictures aro the chief points of attraction in tho main hall,and the groat improvomont evidenced by the former artist's work, as well as his re markable industry, formed tho subject of general romark.

Tho visitors began to nrrivo at 7 o'clock, and by eight there was a very largo attend ance of laJics and gentlemen. Precisely at eight Bishop Cowic, accoinpaniod by Mr K. Watkins (President of fcho Associa tion) and members ot Committee, mounted the platform in ordci to formally open tho Exhibition.

Bisuor Cowie eaid : Ladies and-gentle men,—! have been requested to Hay a few words in formerly opening tho exhibition of the New Zealand Art Students' Association. Tho -works of art on tho walls around you fully justify the action of this; Association. This Association aims at reprodueing.perpc tuating, and illustrating scenes in Maori life and legend, und of the early history of the colony. In England overy discovery and everything relutiug to tho history of tho Anglo-Saxon raeo in now cherished and valued, mid in years to come, .is the Maori fades away before tho European, much that v nov "iiii)!:ioici among us illustrating tho

i ;:.-: vs .11,1; oc.ial life of that lino race will be p•;■■•,!. ll U for our local artists to as sist in ;M- ituijd work. 1 have much plea sure in ilt'claring the exhibition now open. (Cheers).

Mr Kknnkth Watkinh also delivorcd a short speech, Addressing himself more particularly to tho members of tho New Zealand Art Students' Association. Ho pointed them to tho fact that on tho right [»f tho hall thoro was arranged tho study of that nature which, in an art senso, it was tho aim of the Association to encourage as characteristic of our colony, while on tho loft they had rare examples of that art,, tho parent of our New Zea land effort, and from which their genius must ever deiivo fresh power and insight. That thoir effort had been productive of good no truo arti-t would gainsay. That it had been confined to tho few was a preconceived conclusion from fho tir-t. Some of tho work producod both ii^oil and water-colour was admirable, both as regardod technical excellence and as being characteristic of A'ew Zealand. Their general work, also, was far above tho avorago as regarded merit for work of its kind. Only here again there had boon insuflieient, response on their sido tD tho many competition subjects hold out, while their work should have contained more of originality, as it had, generally speaking, abounded in painstaking. AVhero they had bestowed tho most labour they hud expended the least amount of trouble in the concoction, and vice verm. Tho gold modal of tho Socioty had been awarded for tho New Zealand landscape, and had gono to a young Auckiander. His conception was a very beautiful one. Tl 0 brown and withered colouring of the foli ago and of tho surrounding banks, tho silver tones in tho distance, the sky, aiid tl 0 reflections, all denoted tho season of tho year. The Maori warriors and their wahines woro each in the different attitudes of stroke or of pnuso when paddling two long tiax-ladencanocsogalnst a strong down ward current of tho noblo Waikato River. Tho second piizo had been woll adjudged to the water-colour of "Kauri Forest." The subject was imaginative and beautiful to a degree, and had been exceptionally treated by an artist who had learnt tho forma of every forest tree, and could depict thorn from long association. It, was a very valu able picture. Tho " Bush Settlor's Homo" had brought forth another valuable picture, both from an artistic, and a topographic point of view. Mr Watkins wont on to rofer laudatorily to tho paintings of tho tin and wattled crow on a panel, the water: colour study of n dead kakaand pigeon, the first Und second awards for fish, and tho Christmas card competition.

For tho remainder of the ovoning tho visitors promenaded thobuilding inspecting the exhibits and listening to the music dis coursed by Hunter's line brass band.

In addition to tho' other attractions offered, a promenadei concort will be-given tonight.

SPORTING NEWS.

Betting on tho Caulfiold Cup,

Mkusoukxk, Wednesday. Tin-: following is tho latest betting on the Caulfield Cup:— (i to 1 aprainst Conjecture Bto 1 - Yat'oly 20 to 1 - Flying Jib Exminstor and Troy havo been scratched for tho Melbourne Cup, and the Agont and Vernct fur the Caulficld Cup. Pakurnnga Hunt Club Kacos. Tha following weights were declared yes terday for the Open Steeplechase : — st In at 1b Lono Hand ..,12 7 Mignonette .. lit Jed water.. .. 12 U JnflaAnn.. .. 110 I'odopliyUln .. 11 C Acceptances for this event and general entries close tomorrow night.

TELEGRAMS.

Hamilton, this day.—Aloxandor Arm strong has beon appointed engineer to tho Waipa County at a salary of £'250 a-yoar.

Cnkistcuukch, thia day.—A severe storm of ruin, hail, and hiiovv set in on Tuesday night, and tho weather continues squally. Over forty fishing liconsos were taken out on Tuesday. ClUtlSTCUUitcit, this day.—The Divorce Court eat to-day, when a rule nisi was granted in the case of Mcßae v. Mcßae, on the grounds of cruelty. Respon dent, Alexander McHae, was formerly a merchant in Christehurch, and was mar ried to petitioner in June, 1577. The evi dence showed that petitioner had fre quently struck and otherwise- ill -used his wil'o. Dunbdin, this day.—The Committee of Otago Synoit, after conferring with Otafjo University Council, havo decided to re cimmend the Synod to found a chair of natural philosophy in connection with the University. Dufti'.intr, this day.—Sims, for the three card trick, was fined £10. Tho charge of vagrancy was dismissed. Death of n. Late Surveyor-General. Invkrcargill, this day.—Mr J. Thom son, late Surveyor-General, died this morn ing. Tho deceased gentleman some months ago had a paralytic stroke, from the effects of which he never completely recovered. Until lately he was a member, of the Town Council, and took great interest in all matters affecting the borough, especially Hie improvement of New River. He founded the Southland Institute, to which he-was a frequont contributor of papora on scientific and other subjects.

£100 RE\VARD.-Thoy cure all diseases of the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves and kidneys, and £100 will be paid tor a case they will not cure or help, or for anything impure or Injurious found in them—Hop Bitters. Teat it. Read.

CABLEGRAMS.

BY CABLE.—COrVT.ICiHT.]

(lieeeived Octobor 16—11.15 a.m.) Banquet to Agenta-Gonoral.

London, October 15. — The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce intend entertaining Sir Saul Samuel (Agont-Gonoral of New South Wales), Sir F. D. Bell (Agent General of New Zealand), and Sir Arthur Blyth (Agent-General of South Australia)at a banquet on October 31st.

Tho French Convict Question,

London, October 15,

The French |Governmont demanded that the Recidivisto Bill should bo discussed at the noxt sitting of the Chamber, but this was insisted, anil a motion was passed de ciding to await M. Lovillo's report as to the suitability of Cayenne for the deportation of criminals before proceeding with the measure An early discussion was, how ever, agreed upon. It waa contended that the present haste in tho matter was uncivil to Jinglartd, although it might appear pleasing to Germany.

Recruits for Osman Digna,

Intelligence is to hand from Souakim that tho inhabitants of Amara havo joined Os mau Digna.

Groonwioh Meridian,

Tho Meridian Conference has accepted tho meridian of Greenwich ns tho standard, tho representatives of France and Brazil alone objecting to it.

Tho Conforonco on African Affairs,

England is urging that tho dealings of the Confcrcnco to bo held in Berlin should bo limited to the unoccupied African terri tory.

AUSTRALIAN

Sugar Report.

Melbooune, October 15.—Mauritius advices to September 30th aro to hand. Under that dato Messrs Ireland and Frazer roport as follows of tho sugar market :— Clearances during tho month : For Christ church, 200 tons ; for Dunodiu, GOO tons. Exchango : 00 days' bank credit on New Zealand, 16 per cent. ; on Australia, 174 por cent. Stock of sugar on hand 19,000, tons. Exports this season to New Zealand, 1,400 tans.

AFFRAY ON THE S.S. ROWENA.

Four Drunken Bushmen Tako Charge,

Captain Scott, of tho Northern Steamship Company's steamer Rowena, had a rather unpleasant experience last evening during the passago of that vessel from Mercury Bay to Auckland. Amongst her pasnongers woro four bushmon, who wore considerably tho worse for liquor. Shortly after the vessel l-.ft the Bay these men became noisy, and demanded liquor, which tho captain very properly refused to give. Their noise and insolence increasing, the captain threatened to placo them in irons, when tho rioters " went for" tiiu captain and knocked him about with an enthusiasm and earnestness worthy of a batter cause The crow en deavoured to secure the bushmen, but wore unable to do so ; and the vessol was soon at the mercy of four drunk, maddoned .scamps who threatened to use knives if thoy were interfered with. The gallant crew of tho Rowena hot relishing a tasto of cold steel, loft tho mon to their own de vices. Captain Scott ordered tho vessel's return to Mercury Bay. In tho meantimo, tho rioters proceeded to wreck tho saloon, smashing everything thoy could lay their hands on. Tho captain had the companion hatch fastened down, and considered the matter so serious that ho burned blue lights and kept tho whistle going till ho got to tho township. Constable Walker came oil with promptitude, • and with tho assistance ot the first mate of the ltowena, arrested the two ringleaders, aftor a desperate resistance. During the fray the first niato was soverly bruised. Tho prisoners wero then placed in the foro hold, and tho vessel with Constable Walker on board, resumed her voyage to Auckland, reaching here this morning. The names of tho mon are : John West, T. Honking?, J. Coglan, and W. Hutchinson. They wore charged nt tho Police Court this morning with wounding Captain Scott and with damaging tho saloon to tho extent of £10. Captain Scott did not press for a heavy penalty, so the men wero let oft' with email lines, and ordored to pay tho damage.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.-This Day.

(ltoforo 11. G. Soth Smith, Esq., R.M.)

JUW'-MENTS KOK ILUNTIFF3,

Vink-Guowkks Company v. C. A. Martin: Ll os (id; costs, Ll f>B (id (Mr Alexander for plaintiff) \V. and G. Winstono v. M. Stoivart: L 2 (is Od ; costs, 10s (Mr T. Cooper for plaintiff). Win. Rattray v. F. McDaugh; Ll!) Ilia ; costs, L 2 7s (Mr Beale tor plaintiff). Hellaby Bros v. J. Evans: L74s ; costs, Ll 17s (Mr George for plaintiff). E. J. Phillips v. Jas. McCard: L 2 4s; costs, Ll 7s Gd (Mr E. Cooper, for plaintiff). Edward Gilbort v. Wm. Raymond :Ll 7s; costs, 15s. Robertson and Maxwell v. John Keir: L 32 10s ; costs, Ll 18s (Mr W. Thorno for plaintiff). L. Moseß v. 11. I. Hayward : Lo 0s ; costs, 15k. J. R RandoiKon v. M. Elliott: Ll ; costs, Ll 5s 6d (Mr Bealo for plain till).

JUDCMKNT SUMMONSES,

.1. Mclndoe v. C. Hill.—Claim, L 2 5s 2-1. —Mr Keetloy for creditor.—Ordered to pay by instalments of lUs por week, or 5 days.

Cohon v. Stevens,— Claim, L' 27 16s.—Mr Geortfe for creditor.—Defondant offered balance of LI within one weok ; or in de fault, 7 days.

Geo. Akors v. Robert Lamb.—Claim, L 4 0s Gd.—Ordered to pay by weekly instal ments of-20s per week.

John Kay and Wife v. Henry Carter.— Claim, L-l 17b Gd.—Mr Cottor for creditor. —Order: 5s per week ; or, in default, seven days.

John S. Milno v. James McGregor.—L2o 7d.—Mr Cotter for creditor.—Ordor: 5s per weok, or seven days.

DEFENDED CASKS.

Williams v. Debcney.— Claim, Ll3 2s for board and lodging.—Sir Cotter for plaintiff, Mr Napier for defendant. — Judgment for plaintiff for L 3, without costs. , Foster v. Clark and Kyman.—Claim, £12183. -Mr Theo. Cooper lor plaintiff.— In this action, the plaintiff claimed for services as agent for tho Clark and Kyman Company.—James Josoph Foster, theatrical agent, deposed that he was engaged in his special capacity in Sydney at £i per week, and passage paid to Auckland and back again. Loft Sydney on tho 4th September, and reached this city on tho 9th. He was with tho Company until Tuesday last, when he quitted the service. He claimed £12 18s, balance of salary.—Cross-examined by Mr Ryman : Ho joined the commonwealth on the understanding that Mr Abbott was to take one-third of the receiptu. Four members of tho Company refused to play unless Mr Abbott paid thoir bills. Ho had always dono his duty in his position as agent.—Martin Hagan deposed that tho Company had not beon patronised in this city. Mr Kyman, ho believed, bad done his best to pull through difficulties. —Several other witnosscs gave similar evidence.—Mr Ryuiau deposdu that plaintiff was* en gaged in Sydney, but his salary did not commence until the Dth. It was unfortunate for tho Company that the circus openod on the same night. Owing to this and other circumstances, the Com pany could, not meet their local engage ments. The Company offered to givo four nights to Mr Abbott if he would assist in kooping the Company afioat. Arrange ments were accordingly made, and mat ters had brightened a little since. He hud paid £1 5a per week for Mr Foster's board up to Tuesday last. He was vory desirous of meeting evory engagement. He considered that he was not really in debted to Mr Fostor.—Uis Worship looked over the particulars of accounts, and was of opinion that L 4 4s Gd was the balance, '< according to Mr Ryman's own showing, and j gave judginont for that amount, with costs, » ±2135. \ This was all the business. f

PARLIAMENTARY.

(BY TELKGItAPH.-SPECIAL KKFORTKR.)

Wellington, this day.

Railway Construction.-A Lively Debate.

O-nk of the wannest debates of tho present session was that which took place last night on the motion for committal of tho F/ast and West Coast and Koleou Railways Bill. It commenced early in tho after noon, and did not conclude until after midnight. Mr Rolleston led the attack

in a vehoment epeech against tho measure. Ho said tiio sympathies of himself and his late colleagues had always been with the construction of this lino, but the proposals now suggested by tho Colonial Treasurer were such as would cause colonial interests to suffer if carried out. Ho com plained of the action of the Government in bringing down piece-meal proposals in volving ■ large public works expenditure instead of submitting the Public Works Statement at onco. Mr Harper assured the House that not one of the Canterbury members had any personal interest in the contents of the bill. Speaking from his own experience, Mr Buchanan said tho timber on the proposed lino was of tho •worst possible description, and almost uec lesp, while all prcviousattempts atsettlement on tho route had been failures. Mr Joyce justified thcbill on the ground that thocolony had gone so far into borrowing it wastoo late now to retrace their stops. Mr Fuiton dwelt on the fact that tho lino included dangerous gradients of one in fifty, and, ;;S an indication of tho fooling in the country, mentioned that he and other members had received telegrams from their constituents asking (hem to get slices of tho good things tli.it were going. Mr Reeso astonished tho Houso by declaring that tho timber growth on tho West Coast was the finost in the world, and that tho coal thero was im mensoly superior to any found south of the Lino. Mr Fergus failed to see the differ ence botwesn a railway constructed out of loan and one constructed from the proceeds of the sale of Crown lands. Ho created a Bcneation by declaring that Mr llobbs had been bought by ;> promise of assistance to tho proposed Kawakawa railway. The Colonial Treasurer, he added, was following tho pawnbroking system, and there were no assots loft in this over-pledged country. Mr Hursthouso supported the bill on tho ground that tho alienation of land, as proposed, would not impede tho settlement of the country, which could only ho promoted by a system such as that pro posed. Sir George Grey complained that tho bill alienated a large part of the birth right of tko people, which should be their proudest possession. He referred to the inconsistency of the Premier, who was now seeking to hand over the lands of people to private .speculators, as they would bo given to foreigners, who would not con sider tho people. lie warned Ministers that while ho bad gladly seen them assume office, he would henceforth withhold from them his support unless their measures be came less objectionable. There was no measure introduced by them this ses sion which would benefit the units of the people. The financing of Govern ment was more stock-jobbing, while some of it was devided to rob the'natives of tho South Sea Wanda of their land. Mr Garrick, who supported the bill, attacked Sir George Grey fiercely. Messrs Hobb?, I'eacock, Buckland, and others supported the bill. Tho PremierrepliedJn an admirable and forcible- speech, and the House went into Committee soon after ono o'clock this morning. Very little progress had boon made- at two o'clock, when tho, Telegraph Office closed.

South Island Railway Bill,

In Committee ou this bill the following alterations wero made :—ln clause 5, which states that Government may take over and work tho railway on consideration of re covering a percentage of tho proceeds,"the words ''or of any portion thereof" were struck out. In the same clause a further amendment, making it 10 id " Upon tho con sideration of retaining in respect of such working' nnd maintenance such portion of tho gross traffic receipts as may bo required for the sumo " was agreed to. Progress was reported, and the House rose at 2.15 tins morning.

Precautions and Restrictions,

In Committee on tho East and West Coa-!t and Nelson Railway Bill, the Promier Riiid there were certain amend ments to bo made on tho bill. The first was that no land should be valued at less than 10s per acre, and the second that tho cost of tho line should bo limited to a million and a-half. Tlie Company should not get a penny until the cost of main tenance and expense has been first paid.

Auckland Railways to be Brought TJndor tho BUI.

Thoro was a piece of taihvay running from Oxford to Rotorua which had been sanc tioned last year, and was proposed to be brought undor this bill, but not moro than -10 per cent, was to be allowed. Govern ment did not see thoir way to include the KawakawaWhungarei line unless under certain conditions. In Committee the fol lowing words wcro added to the preamble :— "And wheicae it is also desirable to give facilities for tho construction by private enterprise of certain linos in the Nerth Island."

Sir Georgo Grey and His Followers.

The "Times" says : — "Sir George Grey appears at length to bo thoroughly dis gusted with his now friends on the Minis terinl benches. His repentance (if it in ro pentnnce) comes too late, for his following has disappeared to a man, an.d 11 r Tolc enjoys himself amazingly. As a colleague of Sir Julius Vogel, tho member for Eden finds himself in an unexpected paradise."

Another Lighthouse Cor Kaurnkl Gulf.

Mr Peacock is interviewing Ministers to day with the object of getting provision made on tho Estimates for a lighthouse at Cuvior Island, which is the only ono re quired to complete the Hauraki Gulf.

A Rift in tho Z.uto.

A hitch has occurred in the negotiations for Kawakawa-Ivumo railway. Govern ment refused to allow more than thirty per cent, of the value in lund because of the land boing of special value. This was accepted, it being understood that tho syndicate would havo the I'uhipuhi bush. It has now transpired that a section of the Houso and Government are opposed to a syndicate getting the bush, which is a very valuable one, and possibly the objec tion will prove fatal to tho whole scheme. Theso aro tho conditions referred to by tho Premier in his speech this morning.

North Island Railway Route,

The motion by Mr Richardson that the Houso should take the question of North Island trunk railway route into considera tion has beon on the Order Paper every day, but so far down • that it has never been reached. This arrangement 4s due to tho desire of Auckland and Taranaki members that tho question should be dolayed until Friday next.

Tho Codlin Moth,

Auckland people will bo interested to learn that tho Hon. G. M. Waterhouso has given notice in the Legislative Council of tho Codlin Moth Act, the object of which is to prevent tho introduction of tho Codlin moth from San Francisco to this colony.

Immigration Voto,

Mr G. F. Richardson is to ask Govern - meut to-day whothor thej will place a sum on the Supplementary Estimates for im migration to meet the cace. of those separated fuom their families, and who. by order of tho late Government in March last, were unexpectedly deprived of their right to nominato their wives and children loft behind in the Old Country.

Repairs to Groat South Road,

Mr Hainlin has interviewed the Minister of Public Works relative to the necessity for repairs on the Great South Road, between Drtiry and Mercer, Hon. Mr Richardson promised to telegraph and ascertain the cost.

DXoro Money Wanted,

Sir Julius Vogel stat 3d in the House last night that it would be necessary to ask for further interim supply, and a bill will be brought down io-morrow. Tho amount of supply to bo asked for was not stated.

Oralcel Native Reserves.

', The Jdint Committee on Native Affairs / has reported that they have heard the pro-

J moters of the Orikei Native Reserves Bill by counsel, and having duly considered the bill, cannot recommend that the Standing Ordei-3 should be dispensed with, or that the parties should be allowed to proceed with their bill.

| The Local Bills Committee recommend \ that the Thames Recreation Reserve Bill be allowed to proceed.

Progress of Government Insurance.

Some uncomplimentary things have been said respecting Mr D. M. Luckio tinoo tho Insurance Bill oaino on for consideration, but it is nevertheless shown that while the accumulated funds of the department stood at two hundred thousand odd after nino years' business, when he took charge nix yeais ago, they now stand at stand at nine hundred thousand.

Report on AxioUlaafl Petitions,

The Wasto Lands Committee has reported on certain Auckland petitions as follows: — From Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association praying for a grant of. land— Cannot recommend that ■ the prayer of the petition bo granted; from Robert mid John Gordon for grant of laud- No recommendation to make: from William McKeovor, William Burns, William Carroll, John Daley, Peter Loftiis, claims for grant- of land — iSo recommenda tion co make; from residents of Bay of Islands praying that the railway be con structed nt the expense of tho colony -That tho question is one of public policy, upon which it seems beyond tho functions of ths Committee to express an opinion. No re commendation to make ; from \V. li. Lecato—That no valid claim ha' been dis closed, any which might have existed .having lapped long ago; from Samuel Cricket—The Committee foe no reason to alter previous decisions that petitioner has no claim.

The \Vhangarei-Ka\yakai7a Railway.

A definite promise hay now been made by Sir Julius Yogol that provision will bo made for the construction of tha Kawa kawa-Whangarei Railway in the Kaafc and West Coast and Nelson Bill. Tho con cession is a great ono, seeing that Govern ment give one-half of tho value of tho railway in land, and id very import ant in view of tho negotiations now ponding fur the amalgamation of the Kawakawa and Kar.io railways. Messrs Alderton and Thompson, the Whaugarci delegates, have had a difficult task to perform, ami their success is all the more creditable for this reason. Mr llobbs has also been indefatigable in bringing about tho result.

Proposed National Parii.

It is the intention of Dr. Newman to ask tho Minister of Lands on Friday if Govern ment will reserve Kuapehu, Ngaruahohc, Tongariro, Kotorua, Tokano, and the Hot Springs in tho district as a national park.

A Now Insurance Scheme.

It is the intention of Mr Moss to move an. amendment on tho Government Insurance Bill, providing that Government be autho rised to convene in Wellington a meeting of delegates elected by the policy-holders, and arrange with them the conversion of the Insurance Department into a New Zealand National Lifo Assurance Association, man aged by tho policy-holder?, but Government taking duo precaution to cover its own lia bilities in connection with tho past.

Koturns OrtlorcOl.

Tho following returns huvo been ordered by tho House :—Gross and net railway earnings of each provincial district, prior to Sept. 30, last year (Mr Macandrow) ; cor respondence- in possession of Government bearing on the stoppage from James Mcln jyro of portion of the contract price of buoys constructed by him for tho Manukau Harbour (Mr Hamlin) ; report by Morgan Carkeek iii reference to tho rail way ' route referred to in his evi dence before tho Commission (Mr Samuel) : annual increase from the Constabulary Re ward Fund since 1876 with deductions and balance remaining (Mr O'Connor); pay ments to Volunteers, exclusive of capitation grants (Mr Macandrew).

Has Mr Hol/os Ratted?

It haw been somewhat freely stated in the lobbies to-day that Mr Hobbs has " ratio i " to the Government, and that tho promise made with respect to tho Kawa kawa-Whangnrei railway wqh tho price of his vote. There does not, however, appear to bo much truth in ■ the assertion. Mr Hobbs denies that any communication lias passed between himself and tho Government on tho subject of hi.«. support. It is surely unnatural that he should object to a bill which gives such a concession to his own district, while in voting for the Insurance Bill, which is tho other Government measure he supports, ho only follows the lead of his acknowledged leader, Major Atkinson.

Bills Passed by tho "Lords.

Tho Legislative Council has notified tho Lower llo°use that it ha:-- passed the Anatomy Act, with amendments ; the Justices of tho Pcaco Amendment Bill, promoted by Sir George Grey, and providing lor two Jus tices of tho Peace instead of ono in indict able cases, and the Bills of Exchange Amendment; Bill, without amendment.

Now Bills.

Tho Hon. Joseph Tolo has introduced a Destitute Persons Act, 1577, Amendment Bill in the Lower House, and Sir Geo. Grey has given notice of a bill to amend tho Printers and Publishers Act.

Answor3 to Questions,

Tho following information was elicited from Ministers in reply to questions in the House yesterday :—By Mr Macandrew- — That Government cannot sco their way to adopt. Murray's automatic block signal ; by Sir George Grey—That further inquiry would be made as to tho case of Fanny Knight, assaulted at New Plymouth ; by Major Steward—That tho value of the timber known as broad leaf fcr railway sleepers wa3 well known, and the Department would bo oniy too glad to use it if available ; by MajorStcward—That v further sum cf L 250 would bo placed on tho Supplementary Estimates for volunteer prizes, but that the Government do not see their way to dnido tho vote; by Mr Locke—That Scrgt. McGuiro was dismissed for travelling through tho country and getting native signatures to private deeds, for which he received payment unknown to tho Department, and the Government could not reconsider his case ; by Captain Morris —That tho revenue from a tolaphonc station at Matata would not nearly cover tho cost, and therefore the Government could not promise the work this session, but might; next; by Mr Pyko—That tho Government could not.undertako to carry out the regular periodical transfer of poiico officers and men, but it would bo demo where neces sary. •

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT AT WHANGAPOUA.

\UY TKLKGKAt'H —OWN COKUESI'ONDKNT.)

Cokoman'Dkl, this day. A FATAt, accident occurred at Whangapoua. John Turner, employed clearing away saw dust, was caught by tho main shaft. Both arms wore torn off, and the olothes off the body. It is not known how the accident occurred. The clothes and one arm were wound round the shaft.

POLICE COURT.-This Day

(Boforc Meeurs James Babcsr and' D. B,

Macdonuld, Justices.)

DRUNK.—Ann Cain, drunk and disorderly ia Victoria-street lust night, 10a hnd costs.

Larceny.—John Farley pleaded not guilty to stealing a smoothing plane, value Js, the pro perty of Alfred Drain, cab proprietor.—Alfred Drain, of Nowtnarkot,. deposed that pri soner was in hi 3 employ, and on the Ith iDStiint took tho piano: ho followed him io Auckland; he pledged it Tor Is at Joseph Hars's pawnshop, in Victoria - street. Ou leaving the shop, he confronted him and asked Mm why ha pawned ihe plane. The prisoner immediately pulled oil' his coat and taid "Air, up with your props and defend yourself." Ho objected to fi.;nr, and gave prisoner in charge. Constable Donovan arrested prisoner.—Joseph Hart was called, but did not appear.—Mr Levy proved that prisoner pledged the article, saying ltwaa his own. He was under the influence of drink. —iS hours' imprisonment' with hard labour.

Assault and Dissthuution of Pkoi'Euty.— John West, Thomas Hopkins, James Coghltin, and William Itutoliinson, wei'3 severally charged with iissaulting Captain Scott, ot Uio l'oweim. and will; daina.ui'iK' inupcity in tlio cabin, filu, on thu 15th iust.—Tjio prisoners ))lca(lbi Kuilly. They were drunk, and woo no.v iiorry. —Ki't'Euant I'rutt deocribcil the case, and called iho captain to Elate the circuni stan' eo.—Kdward Scott deposed to knov;intj the prisoners. On the paeaage from Mercury Bay, the defendants became very offensive, being under the inUueno.* of drink. He tried obup press tiio cli-turbance, and was assaulted and struck by one of tho defe< da. ts, who were passengers from Tauva. They rushed upon the cabin, broke tumblers and glasses, and com mittel damage to the amount, of £10. He did not wish tj proas the charge unduly. He under stood tho prisotiorr, were respectable men.—Tho lionch :aid tho captain had acted generously towards them, but such conduct could not he overlooked by the Bench.—Fined Msckcli, cosH and £tO, amount of danuige, or seven days oacli with hard labour.

Pitoiur.noiiY bl'.DEi;.—Mr« Whittle applied for an order rojtruining hotel - keepers from supplying her husband, James Whittle, with in toxicatiriK litjuors.—EviilcDco was given re specting Whittle's irregular luibits, shewing that he had lost Hevcral situations through drunkennegs, and that ho was desirous of pro tection.—The order wn3 granted. This was all the business.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

IN BANKRUPTCY;

(Bofote-His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.) Tjii: following cases (except Souter's) were sot d*wn in order that the bankrupts should appear for examination, and" in each in stance Mr C. W. Cavo appeared for the Official Assignee :—

Re Geokoe Mi-ijo'.vay.—On tho applica tion of Air Browning, the proofs of debt of .). D. Hill, Alfred Helps, John Cook, Wni. Oliver, and W. S. Rutherford, were ad mitted, and the examination of tho bank rupt was adjourned till next sitting. Re Thomas Scott. —Mr Cave, for Assignee, read the record of the cTebtor's examination, iv which he had stated-that he had been a miner at the Thames six years age-, but had been very unsuccessful. He had been at Waitekauri and To Aroba ever sinco, and while trying to pay off old debts had contracted now ones. He had only £15 worth of furniture, and no prospect of liquidating the claims mndo against him, No questions were askedj and the bank ruptcy was therefore declared closed.

Ke William Aliex Gardiner — The bankrupt, who resides at Whongarei, failed for the second time to appear for ex amination. —Tho matter, therefore, again lapsed.

Re Morton Sauxdjsrs;.— On the applica tion of Mr Brassey, who appeared for tho bankrupt, the examination was postponed in tho bankrupt's absence.— Mr Guvo stated that this would be the second adjournment, and like othor cases in which there were no assets, great inconvenience and expense were entailed by these failures to appear. His Honor declined to mako tho adjourn ment, seeing that it was the bankrupt's second failure to appear. As in tho lasv. case, therefore, the matter was allowed to lap*e.

Kk Thomas Lurxox.—On tiie application of Mr Devore, who appeared for somo of the creditors, the matter was adjourned for a week to allow of some further evidence on certain points being obtained. Re Isaao Bkoad.— Mr C. F. Buddie ap peared for tho debtor, and asked fora week's adjournment.—Granted.

11k Susan Mary Mnupny.—Mr Brassey for tho bankrupt.—The Assignee's report stated that the liabilities amounted to L 122 10s 6d, and the assets to Ll3, leaving a deficiency of LlO9 10's 6d. There were nine unsecured creditors, ranging in amount from L 4 to L 52. Somo nine months ago tho bankrupt started upon credit and with no capital a small general store at Arch Hill. She got into difficulties, which were intensified by an accident which confined her to her room. At length a bailiff was put into her house, and she was obliged to take advantage of the Act.--Examination passed, and bank ruptcy declared closed.

Ko His.nuy Lyes.—Mr Oliphant for bankrupt.—Mr Cave stated 'that the bankrupt was a printer resident in Auck land, and that he understood he declined to attend at the Court on tho ground that he could not afford the time—Mr Oliphant ex plained that he had twico written to the bankrupt requesting him to attend. As, however, ho was only c irning a small wa^e, and had a largo family to support, ho pleaded that he was unablo to spare tho lime necessary for attending the Court. — His Honor remarked that in that case he could net hope to secure the advantage of tho Act.—Matter allowed to lapse. Ke Auoti.st Vor.Lr.KACHT.—Motion for approval of deed of compensation, and for order that deed be filed.—Mr C. F. Buddlo appeared for the bankrupt.—M r Cave stated that the offered composition amounted to 10= in the £, payable by instalments, and that a majority in number and value of tho creditors had accepted it.—Deed approved ami tiled, and bankruptcy ann9lled.

Hi; John Seckut. —Mr Devoro applied for the debtor's discharge under therepealed Debtors' and Creditors' Act, proceedings having been instituted before the new pro cedure came into force. He explained that tho debtor had formerly been a carter^ and latterly a brush contractor at Makarau, where ho had lost heavily and contracted his liabilities. He had no assets.—As thera was no opposition, the order of discharge prayed for was granted. Ke William 1 redekick Hull.—Mr Cave stated that in this estate there were book debts to the amount of some L2,000,as well as considerable bonded stock, which the Official Assignee wished to offer together for sale by tender. As, however, nine tenths of tho liabilities were due to creditors resident in England, the Court had to be asked for the necessary power to cell the .stock and book debts. He therefore applied for the necessary.leave.—Granted. ' This was all the business.

ANGLO-COLONIAL CO-PART NERSHIP.

(From our London Cobkesposdeet,)

In the course of nil interview with a re porter of the " Pall Mall Gazette," Sir Thomas Mcllwraith said: "Emigration! Yes, that is tho groat secret. But what do your Ministers care for emigration ? ' There are too few people in this country already,' said Lord Kimberley to me the other day. 'I will never be a party to encouraging the emigration of any Englishmen anywhere. 1 And yofc, in spite of your non-encourage ment, scores ot thousands go every year to tho United States. Why do you not try to divert tho fertilising stream to regions under your own flag ?" I have been in vain endeavouring to press forward a scheme by which tho colonies would undertake t) st,ind between tho mother country and the loss of a single penny if she would but encourage her surplus children to follow the flag. And with what success? I tell you that some of your Liberal Ministers have talked to one in a fashion that if their language?was heard ot tho antipodes the connoctipn between Aus tralia and Groat Britain would not be worth a year's purchase. Why should you despise the loyalty of the English beyond the pea ? We have vast realms ot fertile land, of which we can make but little use as yet, but which wo would willingly hand back to yoa as security for the expenditure necessary for national and Imperial defence. Queensland hns only a population of 300,000, but she is building this year gunboats which cost Lo'o,ooo, and spends L 30,000 per annum in her own defenco. That is a trifle, perhaps, but it is more in proportion to her popula tion than you are spendiug ki ship-building this year. I am all for co-partnership between the colonies and the mother country for purposes of self-defence. |It will help you materially. It is absolutely essential to iis. But I regret to say that there is little interest taken in the subject here. f Yet from every point of view it is a question of vital importance to the English in all parts cf the world that the English realm, wherever it is scattered, ehouldbe as one against all foreign foes. I think that the vast expanse of uninhabited lands which you havo handed over to us ought never to have been handed over to us; for what right havo 300,000 persons, settled .upon the mere outside fringe of a colony like Queensland, to dispose of the absolute ownership cf 400,000,000 acres in the in terior ? That wg have not mado a bad use of it" I admit, and sometimes we stand aghast at out own moderation. What is thereto hinder our dividing up the country among ourselvesl, each man of us settling upon himself and his heirs for", ever fertile lands, equal in expanso to that of mauy a European kingdom? But at present we would be very willing to make over a large proportion of thsee lands to you aa security for "'the expense which might be incurred in the task of national defence. What could wo do at present in Queensland against a single fast cruiser let loose upon our shores, in case of difficulties either with Russia or France ? We have spent some money not very wisely. What we want is to see the money which is spent in Imperial defence spent intelligently under the direption of an Imperial representative body." "Then," asked the interviewer, "do you approve of a confederation of Australia, Sir Thomas?" "Certainly! But it muat not bo a con federation in the cense of an amalgamation. Each of our colonies has itu own identity to preserve; its own Government to main tain ; and the Federal Government should only take place, when it takes place, for a few well-defined, common purposes, such a? the construction of trans-Continental lines of railways, telegraphs, postal subsidies, and the like ; for tho work of colonial de fence, and for such enterprise as the annexation of New Guinea, That annexa tion was undertaken with a view to pro mote common action on the part of all the colonies as a safeguard to Australia against French ambition. At first we were rather apprehensive of German designs on Papua ; but after a while Ye came to the conclusion that the only Power seriously to bo feared in those regions was France. Lord Derby proposed to shelve the question by suggesting that tho colonies at the an tipodeß should act together, believing, uo doubt, that they would do no such thin;;. Instead of that, however, his suggestion has given an impetus to a movement the end of which no one can foretell, and. with which Lord Derby himself will have but tscanb sympathy." |

ME AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1884.



DON'T DIE IN THE HOUSE.--*,,,,:;!, on R»f flcnra <mt rat*, uii.-e. lei-Mn-i. i(-;u]ie«, l*<l !ai£s, llii*. ants, in^acta. luuits Jatk-rfiU.iM, s«rliM-». Kcrni'thorno. Tiocacr £ Co.. Ajientj, Auckland.



Special Advertisements. T\fiESS GOODS DEPARTMENT. THE LATEST NOVELTY DRESS FABRICS FOR SPRING Al\D SUMMER, ISB4. Wo tiaveniueh pleasure In announcing the Arrival of our First Shipment of DRESS , GOODS for the Coming Season. They embrace the VERY LATEST NOVELTIES and Newest Shades and Designate . COMBINATION SUITINGS Ijr PLAID 3. STRIPES, OTTOMANS, ALHAMBRA SUITINGS, SOUAKIN SUITINGS, AORANGI CLOTHS, FOULEB, SHOODUS, SOLIKLS, OTTOMANS, CREPE CLOTHS. &C, Which include the Newest and Most Desirable Shades, EGYPTIAN GREYS, MILITARY BLUES, VANDYKES, SEAL, ELECTRIC, "NAVY, ADROISE, BRONZE, MYRTLE. Ladies arc cordially Invited to Call and Inspect oar Magnificent Stock of the above Goods, which in point of VALUE AND ELEGANCE OF STYLES AND COLOURINGS /', axe without equal. NOTE THE ADDRESS— J, COS«RATE & CO., 201 AND 206. QUEEN-STREET. v fi H- HU XT ABLE, M. D. : V?« MASTER IN SURGERY, Has Removed to Wcllcsley-Btrect East, ono doovafrom SyinonJß-Btreet, At Home yon Consultation, 8 to 9.30 a m. 2 p.m., 6 to 7.30 p in. sv At King and Son's. (Jubbn-stobbt. 1J.30 a.m. . - At Robinson's, Chemist, Paknbll.4 p.m. Publio Vaccination every Friday, at King.'a. pAKROIS! pAIUtOTS! ftARROTS! FROM 12 TO 15 TONS OK first-class carrots FOB SALE AT SYLVIA PABK. • FOR PARTICULARS APPLY AT STUD COM^&NY'S OFFICE, SHORTLAND STREET, AUCKLAND. ■ October Uth, im. i^HEAP AND GOOD UUXJjJSK\, V/ Also, FORKS, SPOONS, CRUETS, &c. SBLLINB AT^EHY lOW PBICBB, THOMAS SAMUEL, 108, QUEEN-STBEBT, VSTATER ! WATER ! WATER! T T laid on cheaper than any house in to wn; Pipes laid at from id per foot; Elbows, Bends, aha Tcp». from 6d each; Stop and Delivory Taps, from 3a 9d each. Taps kept in repair for six months after flxing. All kinds of Plumbing and Tinsmithing work done on the shortest notice. All sorts of Kitchen Utensils in stock, '! at very low prices.-At M. H KJiESING'S, Licensed Pkimber, 62, Victoria-street (opposito Holland and'Butlor's). /■"IO.KK. COKE. COKfc. TOE AUUKIiAND GAS COMPANY LTD.) i fimta Ordws for GAS COItE. Delivered f thlnlmHe of the Works, for Cash; longer | .stances at proportionate cates :— I Sample Sack of three bushels _ Is 6d ! Fire Sacts (or quartsr ton) .. „ S3 3d , Ten Sacks (or half-ton) „ ■ Twenty Sacks (or ono tou) ..' L iln Ikl \ nl he Co"iVaiiy » COKE is maao. licm the bust ,'\ uroymoxith Coala; lswopetlor ta,,that made 7" ( I"iFf wc?atlo coal 9i Saini'.ffaa tfom stone ff> &nioHnk B ruiateu:dtk a lila|i: B ra 6 ;ip^^ Olle 7 RELIABLE ItßE,' " "" * U;^ OLKAREi^HO'I'TKR THAN COAT, UGHI'S READILY, and ' . t , , MAKES NO SMOKE. '. -. "' , GOOD FIRE IN 10 MINUTES." , QVWICB i EORT-BTRSET;



T H EHIV ER* STI M U hH N T.-A I COMPOUND EXTRACT OF E^OIIOMYN AND PODOPHYLLIN WITH TARAXACUM —is INCOMPARABLY THE BEST TONIC FOR BILIOUS NESS, TORPID LIVER, DYSPEPSIA, FLATULENCE, AND LOSS OF APPETITE. 2S. 60. PER BOTTLE, M MSMU'S. CWUMST, QUU.U SmtT. NUCM.MO



"ROUGH ON CORNS."-.uk for Weiw«"Ko.. S h ;B Conn." Quick nlial, cuuiplei*, perMaueat cure. Coian, warts, ona. jttiiupthume, Proaser ft Co., Amenta, Aucklaud. TiiJi Railway Collision shows the abso lute necessity of Insuring with the New Zea laxd accident li> bukanck Company. £000 at, death, with £3 lOu weekly compensation, costs i,l 2 per annum premium. Office: New Zea \ land Insurance Buildings.—[Ajjvt ] j Dr. C. H. Iluxtable has removed to Wol- Icaiey-strect East, two doors from Symonds street. Sec advertisement in another column. The most. Beautiful Ornamental Fire. Screens ever imported to this City ure to be seen atGarlick& Cran well's FurnishinK Warehouse. A largo assortment just opened up, varying in price from Is 9d to 12s 6d. Ladies are invited to make their selection early, as wo oannptreplace tbe choicest of them this aeoson.—Garlick and Cranwell, Queen-street.—[Advt. *



The final practice of "Christie's Old Organ" am-ricu oi sonf! choir-will bo held to j morrow (Friday) evening at St. James's Hull at 7.30. All lingers and instiuinentalistj are ! requested to attend. i ,A. Rattlesnake's BiTE.-The quick venom . of the rattlesnake has not Killed bo many people. | 98 the more insidious but deadly poison found ;In tho air of foul rooms. The aeration of the | Wood by the luiiks becomes impossible some , times, and the failing health, urovvirg v.eak | aess. and loss of appetite are harbirgers of ap ! proaehing death. For such eases Hop Bitlerj ! ■ I, r,°- tlle P°!£ nt :""' all-powerful remedy to diive i all itvers out o£ the aj stem, purifying the bloo.l, I and giving a uew and harpy lease of life. Notice. i 1 Pcue Tea—For refreshing the weary, and chairing the social, pure T«ri alone oxi"el« ull othf-r beverages. Try How's pun; biended Tea, JslCiperlb.—Uew's Geuer,U*Orncory and Pro vision Stores, Viotoria-sireot.—[Advt.] Ex ""Waihora" and "Wairarapa."—Bow ing Machines to hand.—D, S. Chambers,