SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

If;(-i! WAT wn JThis Evening, 9." _, , AlhjK .To-morrow Morning, 9.23 « : -. > . ET.—This V.\ oning, 7.8 .-. b.\lil!.E.~To-morrow Morning, 5.20 • "'•ON'S AGIO.—Now Moon, 28th, 1.10 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Devonpoft, schooner, from Newcastle Olenolg, s.s., .Stephenson, from Tauranga Kowenn, s.s., Norris, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

Riugarnoma, s.s., Tozer, for Sydney soul horn Cross, s.s., Ross, for Southern ports V, airarapa, s.s., Chattlold, for the Soutli

IMPORTS.

Per Devonport, from Newcastle—lsl tons coal

Txw.kds Coastwise.—Janet, from Whanga rei, with!-00 b*shel3lime; Norah, from Cabbage B.y. with 30.000 ft hewn kauri logs; Opotiki, twin Opotiki. with 399 sacks maize, 12 hides; Moohau, from Omaha, with 15,000 ft timber, 1,600 palingh.

OutwahohCoastwise.—Mercury, forToirua I otara, for U'nipu; Janet, for Omaha; Fawn, lor Thames; Olive, for Orewa.

The s.«. Rowena arrived from Mercury Bay at ■I. oa.m. Pa.songcrs—MrMarkle, MissAnscnne.

The s.s. Ringaroomn, for Sydney, and tho s.s. Southern Cross, for Southern jiorts, took their departure early last evening.

The NewZealandShippingCompany'sstcnmcr lonic left Plymouth for \\ ellingtou at noon on January 28.

The bnrquo Lutterworth has been placed on the berth for London. A largo portion of cargo has boon engaged, and she will sail about the middle of March.

1 ho barque Antares will clear at Ihe Customs for London to-morrow. E .porters aro requested to pass entries to prevent delay.

The three-masted schooner Devonport arrived from Newcastle, after a 11-days' passage, early this morning. Soon after leaving Newcastlon heavy southerly gale was encountered, and several nails were split. Squally and unfa vourable weather continued during tho whole voyage,

Tho s.s. Glcnelg arrived from Tauranga at 8.30 a.m today. Passengers—Misses Bewer, Musgmvc, Hudspath.and Phillips, Mrs Parks, Masters Dennett, Shadrnek, Hammond, Ha penny, Tunks, Messrs T. Craig, Langdale, Allan, R. Cleminson. Walker and boy. Bell, Gahinders, Buckley, Tinner, Mender, Patch, Ranglto, Young, Hughes, T. Proude, Zcpcni, Howard, nnd McGorcm.

The s.s. Wairarapa left for Southern ports at noon with the following passengers: — For Oiiiborne: Hiss Williams, Mrs Rees. Messrs Tyler. Rees, McDonald, Wylie, Brookflcld. For Napier: Mr and Miss Williams, Miss Market., Mr nnd Mrs Fraser, Messrs Rainbow, sfountr. Donald, Pet tit, Baker, Fordham. Willitmis (2), Buiiey, (ludbrook, Pon. For Lytlelton: Miss Allen, Mastor Butt, Messrs La Roche, George, and llorton. For Dunedin: Messy* Quin and Grant, Mesdanies Cheeseman nnd Seymour, Messrs Styles, Seymour, and •Sinclair (21. For Melbourne: Mrs Lodder, Mr anil Mrs Tanner, Messrs Doonin, Tanner, Swift, Naehnn, Strong, and Knight.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Thames, this day.—Sailed: Fawn, brig, for lioekhampton. with 171,000 feet sawn kahikatea timber from Turua Mill.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Ccose ab under:— This Day. For Whangnrei Heads, Kamo, Whnngarel, and Mangapai, per Lily, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotikl, per Glenelg, at 4 p.m. For Mangawai and Kaiwakn, per Ruby, nt 5 p.m. For Waterford, Tauranga, etc., per Annie Mil bank, at 5,30 p.m. For Thames, perVAnno Milbank at 5.30 p.m. Friday, Ist February. For Waitara, etc., per Hannah Mokau, at 11 a.m. For Waitara, etc., per Argylc, at 1 p.m. For Cowes and Coromandel.por Coromandel, at 1..0 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 4 p.m. For Whangarci Heads, Parua, Waipu, Whan garei, Kamo, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Macgregor, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.-m. Saturday, 2nd inst. For Waiwcra, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, etc., per Roso Casey, at 0 o»m. For London da-set, per Antarcs at 2 p.m. Tuesday, 3th February. Per s.s. Australia as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, Iljitish Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, tho provious evening at 4 o'clock. For registered letters and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra foe of six pence In addition to the postage, will bo received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will bo due in London on Sat urday, March 15,1881. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offlce, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 31, 1881,

Abbott's Opera House — Court Jfinstrels, 8 pm.

Theatre Royal—Boston Serenaders, 8 p.m, Ponsonby Hall—Gospel Temperance Mission, Blue Ribbon Army, 7.30 p.m.

Waitemata Hotel—Presentation of Regatta Prixes, 8 p.m.

Working Men's Club—Annual General Meet ing of Members, 8 p.m. Y.M.C.A.-Devotlonal, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

BOWDEN. —On January 23rd, tho wife of

Edward M. Bowdcn of a son. BURT.—On January 19, at Ayofltlalc, Mrs H. J. Burt of a son. BELL-BOOTH. — On tho 27th January, at the

residence of her mother, Hopburn-streot, the wife of F. F. Bell-Booth of a son. RENNER.—On January 27, Mrs Fred Renner of

twin sows. SMALE.—On January 30, Brighton Road. Par nell, the wife or James Smale of a daughter. SIBBJN,—On January 27, at Doyonport, tho wife of Mr T. G. Sibhln of a dnughtor. WARBURTON.—On January 26, at hor resi denco, Wojt-street, the Wife of Ambroso Warbnrton of a daughter.

Marriages.

HARBUTT - FERGUSON. — At Cleveland, Mount Albert, on January 2% by tho Rev. J. Robertson, Lawronco, second son of Tlios. J. HarbuU, Esq., to Janet Thompson, oldest daughter of the lato Daniel Ferguson, Esq., Greenock, ScothuyJ,

Death.

FIELDER,—On January 31, at Devonport, fcfffl? a short and painful illness, Bertha Susan Isabella, fourth (laughter of Mr Robert ITielder, of Ponsonljjr; £ged 18 years.. Tho funeral will leave the residenco of Mr G. Burns, Victoria Road, Devsnport. at 3 p.m. to-mojfrow (Friday). Friends will pleasp accept this invitation.

HUGHES.—On January 31, at Auburn-street, Kybcr Pass, John Hughes fono of the trlplots). aged .. days.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1884.

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

The time has come when the public of Auckland must bestir thomselfres if they mean to prevent p. private Association filch ing the best publio recreation reserve the peoplo possess. By a resolution yesterday, the Domain Board, in defiance of the pro test of three members, resolved }n favo« r pi granting a lease of the Domain .Cricket Ground to the Auckland Cricket Associa tion. In taking this course, the cricketing enthusiasm of a majority of the jpaeinbers has blinded their judgment to the duty they owe to the people at large, who have a legal right to free access to this past of the Domain, and whose custodians pro tern th.c Board are. The nominee character of tit© Board, and their virtually irresponsible powers, remove members from the power of public criticism, enforced by popular vote, but this flagrant breach of their trust will, it may be hoped, lead to the repeal by Parliament of the existing powers by which public recreation reserves can be alienated, and hasten the transfer of the Auckland Domain to the easily °* *^c C'*y Council. The o'ioketers, supported by the good' will of the o; tizens, have enjoyed the use of the Cricket-Gr_T. nnd without demur; and with few exceptions, the People on special occasions have willingly P aid nn entrance fee for admission to their ow". n grounds in order to see the game. But the flOi_.ces^ sonß that have been made, and which i-ave placed this valuable public estate virtually at the excltm.>' disposal of cricketers, free of charge, seam to have obscured their per ception of th(p eomroon laws of meum et tuum, and from enjoying their game as a privilege freely granted by the people, thoy wish to reverse the order of things and oust tho publio from their own ground except by leave of thia Association. The majority of people will, we fancy, not view these manoeuvres in tho same amiable light as they seem to have presented when looked at through the coloured spectacles of the Domain Board. The claim of the cricketers is, we understand, founded on the fact that they have spent and are spending annually a considerable sum in maintaining the ground; but this money is laid out solely in furtherenco of their own amusement— their wear and tear on tho ground renders tho expenditure necessary ; and the volun- '

tary contributions nt the gates, with a tolorably liberal response on the many oc casions when the hnt'has been sont round, havo done a good deal towards the en couragement of tho game. But the heads of cricketers have been turned a little by the indiscriminate praise lavished on their exploits during tho last few years; and tliii,,' have apparently come to the con clusion lhat they are conferring a very great benefit on the public by amusing themselves in a healthy way. In return for this service the rights of 40,000 people in this estate are to bo forfeited for the sport of ">OO, or, nt tho utmost, 1,000. Wo aro as anxious to encourago cricket as anyone, but this is asking rather too much. If tho reserve now used as a cricket ground wore leased to the Association—thereby placing all cricket clubs outside their select body, football clubs, eight hour demonstrations, and other public displays at their mercy— a shameful public wrong would be inflicted. Every man, woman, and child in Auck land possesses an inherent right in that ground, and the majority of the Domain Board, by recommending tho forfeiture of those rights, have proved themselves unfit to exercise their trust. If the Cricket Association can claim the exclusive use of a piece of the Domain, so may every football association, lawn tennis and bowling and recreation club, in the city ; it is quite as meritorious to play lawn tennis as cricket. Let tho Association do as the Racing Club did—put their hands in their own pockets and biiy a private ground, if tliey aro dissatisfied with present arrangements, and not band together for the purposo of plundering the public estate. Thoy know full woll that no charge can be mado on tho public cricket ground at Dunedin, or in any other city whero tho public ro eveation resorves are used. Tho very reason that is urged for this lease —tho common refusal of persons to pay at tho Domain gates, is a proof that tho people of Auckland aro not willing to surrender their rights ; and tho objection of evon ono person to tho alienation of a Common is as good at law as the objection of a thousand.

Tho Association have acted unwisely in attempting to disturb tho present liberal arrangement by which this ground is secured for cricketing purposes; thoy aro arousing a spirit of bittor hostility where before was general goodwill. As to tho Domain Board, who havo boon appointed to guard and govern this estate, no lan guage can bo too strongly condemnatory of their conduct in yielding to tho influences at work with tho object oi" inducing them to sell the birthright of tho people and surrender their control over the reserve to a jjrivnto association of players. Thoy may rest assured that this surrender will bo fought step by step with tho Govern ment, and, if need be, from tho Govern ment to Parliament, until the rights of tho people in tlieso reserves are secured against malfeasance by any body tem porarily in charge of them. It is tho duty of the City Council, as ropreseuting the citizens of Auckland, to counteract tho resolution arrived at by tho Domain Board, by the adoption of a strong counter ropresontation to tho Government; and wo hopo Mr Mackechnje will follow up his vigorous protest at the Board with a resolu tion in tho Council, Failing this measure, a committee of citizens should bo formed after the fashion of the ono which success fully fought tho Corporation in Dunedin and ejected their buildings and tonants from public reserves which had been gradually alienated from tho use of tho people. If tho present lease is per mitted, thoro is not an inch of tho Domain safe from tho depreciations of powerful cliques, who determine on its ap propriation to their own uses. Wo appeal to tho patriotic instincts of cricketers to set their reverence for great iwpular rights above their love of personal pleasuro, and urge them to withdraw from the en dorsement and propagation of a principle which is inimical to tho public interests, and which, if allowed in one instance, will furnish a rod that is certain to bo used in after years to whip their own backs and those of their children.

According to a judgipent delivered by Judgo Smith to-day in re tho Creditors' Trustee in Thomas's estate y. Cohen, a debtor does not become a bankrupt until he is adjudicated, and therefore any of his goods seized under a bill of salo after tho declaration of insolvency, but prior to tho abjudication, cannot be recovered by tho trustee. Creditors will therefore have to keep a viligant watch over their interests.

The designs submitted for the Public Library and Art Galfery have been con sidered by the Committee appointed for that purpose, and a report is to bo submitted to the City Council at this evening's meeting. The Commit tee recommend two sets of plans only, the first being tho design bearing the legend "Litcrae, Aftes, et Scicntiae," and the second "Tataria." The competitor whoso design has been received by tho Commitlee has forwarded ntelpgraijj stating that tho building in nccordanco with his design can be erected for £21,000, tho amount voted.

Wo wore shown this morning by Mr Thomas Phillips three remarkably well grown and fine-looking Bpecimon apples, which, through fire at his placo at Mount Eden the other night, havo had to be pre maturely plucked. They are among tho first fruitage of young three-year-old trees which havo borne most profusely. Ono of tho triad was a Russian apple, another a Prince Bismarck which does not ripen till March, and tho third a Lady Henniker, a comparatively now variety which is not ex pected to ripen till May. They wore capitally developed for tlio ago at which they were plucked, and their appear ance as yell 8.3 the lavish bearing of tho trees may sur.ely be quoted in disproof of the opinion hold in sonje quarters that apples cannot be advantageously produced on f oleanic sojl.

At the Waste L? !?<.B Board to day, tho Chairman reported that at tfre Ruakaturi block sale at Napier on the 17th, all tlip eighteen sections had been sold at the upset, yielding a total of LI 1,609. F;yo sections containing 4,865 acres had been leased for ten years at an annual rental of i.' 145 10s The Under-Secrotaiy of Crown Lands w.oteir_rJJ) Authorising tho Harbour Board to occupy a quarry sito at Rangito.ta ; (2) stating that the Koroftta block at tho Thames cannot bo dealt with until an Act of Parliament is passed obtaining authority for the sale ; (3) authorising the sale of lot 141 parish of Opato. Permission to prospect for coal at Raglan on Crown land was granted to Henry CliarolJorlain. The Assistant Surveyor-General roeojpmends that 140 ocros at Takahua, Mongenai, be resorved (of an experimental farm, and this wn;. agreed to.'

Attention has frequently been drawn to tho remarkable improvements effected in the class of buildings used as hotels in Auck land, Wooden structures have again and again given placo within the last two yeais to fine brick structures, thanks to the determined rttitude assumed by our Licensing Commissioners. Another very decided improvement in the arohitcc tural appearance of the western poili in of Victoria-street will very shortly be effected by the erection o^a new Rod Lion Hotel on the vacant allotment at the junc tion of that thoroughfare with Hardinge street, and immediately opposite the pre sent hotel. Plans have been prepared by Messrs E. Mahoney and Son, and from tfrgse we observe that tho new hostelry will be a handsome edifice of two stories in brick, Tl\ere will J?e frontago of 00 feet to Hardinge-street (Mid 52 feet to Victoria street, while another shop will bo built on jfche vacant allotment below ifcp hotel to complete the line of shops. The groupd floor will comprise a bar, billiard-roomj dining - room, kitchen, tlifee sitting rooms, and the first floor will be nine bedrooms, two sitting-rooms, and t#th-.oom. Tho whplo work is to be completed within six months. Tenders for the construction of the hotel having been invited, the following were received and opened tQ-d(iy:—McGonnachie and Son? L2.I00; Wilfiam Blewd'en, L,2,299; C. S. Wright, L 2,478; J. J. Holland, L 2.497; Jqs. Morrjn and Co,, L 2.653; Robert Kay, L 3.797. Hugh TJjos. Joses, L 2.847.

Tho lessees of property n£ jfjptorua obtained from the Ngatjwhakone ttibe under the Thorrnal Springs' Act have suc ceeded at last in getting rjd of their very •inconvenient acquisitions. This- morning Judge Smith gave judgment fey the de fendant in the tost case, Tole y. Cozens (which was brought to compel tho payment 0I " rent), holding that the deed of Tease ffopj tiiC tribd wa» invalid, seeing that the law did not r^cognisa aboriginal tribes as corporate or quasi - corporate bodies. By this decision somo five or six other cases wer.e determined, aj)4 PJ) r Hesketh's application they yere.according y "truck off tho list. A telegram from Napier to-day .says :— " By reverting to an old disused rule in the measuretnent of logs by rail, tho depart ment )»as increased carrying rates by 30 per cent. T&is may shut up the large wills, if not altered. Hitherto the samp ifieassjrer inents used in buying and selling have been adopted. The difference to one sawmill.! alone will be £1,200 a year. The town mills' which chiefly use the logs, cannot raise the prices, as the country mills can still send sawn timber to town at the old rates,"

Mr W. Knox, owner of the yacht Seagull, has called upon us to stato that the Toy, which has been credited with having se cured third place in the fishing yacht race, did not go round tho buoy off Kauri Point but turned back when oil' tho lowor end of Shoal Bay, second time round,and thus was enabled to come in ahead of the Seagull. He also says that it would havo taken tho Toy half-an-hour longer to have gone over the proper course. The judges will no doubt give tho matter attention.

No eligiblo tenders having been received for tho timber contract of the Auckland Railway-station, fresh tenders arc called, to be sent in by noon of Wednesday, 13th February next.

A parade of tho City Guards was held at tho Drill-shed last evening ; Captain Isaacs was the only officer of tho company present. The company was drilled for about un hour, the different movements being well executed.

At n meeting of the Parnell Borough Council hold last evening, a letter was read from Mossrs Devore and Cooper, in which thoy asked for compensation for loss of damago on behalf of Charles Johnson, a baker, whoso horso and cart wont over tlio Beach Road recently. Tho damago was estimated at L2O. Mr Barber stated that if the boy had boon watching his horse in stead of paying attention to the girls bathing tho accident would not havo occurred, whilo Mr Winks considered the claim a most impudent ono. It was decided not to entertain tho application. Tho matron of the Industrial School, Howe-street, acknowledges with thanks a case of cake, etc., from tho Band of Hopo Union. In terms of tho Native Land Court Act, ISBO, a Court was hold hero this morning for the pui'poso of determining tho title to the island of Ifauturu, or Little Barrier. There arc no fewer than eleven Maori claimauts to this little spot, whose claims will require to bo inquired into. Several succession claims aro also to bo heard ; and in order to allow of proper arrangements, tho Court was adjourned till Friday, when the businoss will be transacted in tho R.M. Court-room. In tho " Gnzettco " of the 24th inst. aro notifications of applications mndo for a number of patents, the following boing tlioso applied for by Now Zealand colonists : Frederick Fivon, Christchurch, for an im proved spring-bar for saddles ; Joshua Rutland, Marlborough, for an invention for fastening the handles of knobs into tho axlos of door locks; Walter Booth and Goorgo Booth, Oamaru, for two inventions, one boing a dripstone filter, nnd tho other apparatus for drilling stone for the purpose of making thoso filtors.

A woman named Matilda Parko was brought by tho Glcnelg from Tauranga this morning, having broken her leg there through falling off a plank on which she had been walking. She was taken to tlio Hospital, where tlio fractured limb was set by Dr. Bond.

At tho annual mooting of St. Stephen's Presbyterian congregation tho stipend of tho minister (Rev. U. VV. Runciman) was increased from £220 wjth manso allowance to £300 with manse allowance.

To the Editor : Sir,—l havo just received tho Hospital report for tho year 1883. In reading tho subscription list I could not help noticing the fact that tho Chinese, although as only a drop in tho bucket of our population, subscribed £36 2s out of a total of £205 10s Gd towards the Hospital fund. I must confess that, as I nm but a wages man with a largo family to support, I had pretty nearly decided not to give anything towards tho fund this yoar, but the heathen Chinese havo shamed mo into continuing my subscription. I think wo should do woll to inquire tlio or.uso wliy so small an amount was subscribed by tho so called Christians of Auckland.—l am, etc., A Wobkino Man-.

An accident of a most painful charactor happened yestorday to a man named Mark Messenger, who was assisting in the con struction of a new two-story houso in Symondß-street. Ho was working on tho ground floor, when a narrow chisol fell from tho upper part of the building, and cutting clean through tho lenthor of his boot, buriod tho point for some distance in tho centro of his foot. Whon tho tool was withdrawn tho blood spurted up into the unfortunate man's face. Mr Horsely was passing in a trap at tho time, and kindly convoyed him to the Hosp-tal, where ho is now doing vory well. Messenger had a very narrow escape, as if the chisol had been nn inch or two nearer, it would most certainly havo struck him on the head.

The Boston Soronnders opened at the Theatre Royal last evening. Thcro was a fair attendance, but it was almost confined to tho pit, where a good deal of the larrikin element appeared to bo in tho ascendency. Tho programme comprised negro minstrelsy, etc., in which Messrs W. Swanson, A. Gagino, J. Gagino, Mr and Mrs A. W. Wesley, and Miss Sylvestor took part, A few good musical solcctjons wero rendered, and tho dancing of Mr W. Swanson was wpU appreciated, but various other contributions fell decidedly fiat, and the "pittites" expressed their disapproba tion in no ball measures. Frequent dis turbances during tlio evening oulniinoted in a regular scone towards the end of the performance, whon Mr A. Gagino attempted to give a stump speech on " Love" Ho re ceived various hints at an early stage that his efforts were not approved of, but ho continued to exchange banter with sundry disturbers in tho audience until a regular uproar arose, and he was compelled to pick up his traps and leave tho stage in tho midst of most awful hooting and yelling from a most determined mob. A ohango of programme has boon proparod for this evening.

The Iriends of tho Franklin Road Church on Regatta Day chartered tho s.s. Coro mandel and proceeded on an excursion to Lake Takapuna, starting about 9.30 a.m. Between 150 and 200 persons availed them selves of this opportunity of visiting this beautiful spot. Tlio run down was very pleasant, a good view of some of the races being obtained. Landing by boats was completed by l\ a.m An adjacent pad dock was kindly lent by ono of tho resi dents of the district for amusements, nnd another granted tho use of boats on the Lake. The steamer resumed her voyage for })°mo about G p.m., all having thoroughly enjoypd thomselvcs, and no accident happening to mar tho day's pleasure Tho committee desire to thank Captain Scott and officers of tho Coro mW'.e} for kindness shown in many ways, and fo. wijl.ngnoss to land several oxcursjonists on Rangito. o ; also, to Mr James Clare, for gratuitous iise of his boat and services in landing passengers.

Tho resu Its of tho New Zealand University Examinations, hold in December last, have just been published. Wo observe that though the other districts of the colony arc well represented, no junior scholarships have been taken by Auckland pupils. Preliminary modical examinations passed by W. G. Trotter, Invercargill; W. Derraor, W. Chappel, J. G. A. Copeland, Dunedin ; and G, Grant, Wangnnui. Of 112 who passed matriculation 35 wore from Otago, 19 from Canterbury, 'id from Auckland, 13 from Wellington, 11 from Nojson, 0 from Invercargill, and S from Timnjru. The fol lowing were from Auckland :—J. W. Stew art, D. Meldrum, E. H. Cox, T. P. Burton, D. E. Frnser, S. Mulgan, C. F. Keid, C. Cockerton, R. McPlierson, A. Currie, H. B. Mockay, C. Westwopd',' A'. Lawry, R. G. Ryburn, J. • Pjjm.u. M. Hill, and H. Schnaokonborg; D, Grani and C. Frost, from Onehunga, and M. Jjippiatt from Otahuhu. Or thoso, tho following wero from the Auckland Training College :— Annie Currie, Constance Frost, Helen B. M.acjry, Clara Wostwood, Frank P. Burton, Georgo tippfiftf, nnd Robort McPherson. It may also bo mmikwil fhat James M. French passed tho annual eiwm.n fi+i.qn of the Auckland University College for'tho year 1883, and succeeded in obtaining a first class in Latin and a third-class in cb.otnistry.

To the Editor: Sir,—The eloquent and statesmanlike address of Sir George Grey delivoredonTucsdaynightftttheChoj'al Hall is of so wide and general interest that, as a visitor from another part of tho colony, I vonturo to suggest that some means should bo immediately adopted to1 insure its being printed in a-cheap form for distribution th.ough.9ut the length and breadth of the colony. The s.ijj. j.ect is one vitally affecting tho prosperity and 'freedom _bi all Now Zealand ; and I trust that iliere is sufficient patriotism to Auckland'to induce an effort being made'to inaugurate well - directed pubfie agitation in this matter^ and to give the widest puhlfofty to "ihio'faf-seeing and enlightened views of Sir Cjeotgp flrey. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.—l am, &c,, A Southern Co_.oj.ist?.

At the annual meeting of St. Mark's Church, Remuera, last evening, Rev. Arcli dmtm Pritt presiding, tho accounts showed a palate carried clown of fSfiO, Mr McMillan was appointed clergyman's ■warden, Mr Alexabd/3)? people's warden, and Messrs George, J. JJabjfc $. R.aber, Morgan, Taite, Cochrane, Gamble, fodder, Picjjmerg.'and Tonks members of vestry, and Mv Lewis ftijiiitdp. Thp Diocpsan Trust wis requested tip . emoye the oH school building, which' had become an pyesore. Thanks were passed to the organist, sejpton, &c, and the meeting termfoAte.,

The ordinary mooting of the Auckland Domain Board was hold yestorday, Mr F. J). Fonton chairman. Present: —Messrs Aickin, Barstow, Buckland, Mnckochnie, Mnselield, Peacock, James Russell, Sutton, and Walker. Tho principal business was tho consideration of a letter from Mr Mac kechnie on the motion for leasing tho Cricket Ground to tho Auckland Cricket Association. Mr Mnckochnie gave his opinion that tho action taken by the Board in making such a recommendation was clearly illegal, inasmuch as it was contrary to the trusts reposed in the Board, nnd on that public ground ho protested against any such recommendation boing mndo ; or if made at all, it should bo made in tho names of the gontlomcn who passed tho resolution. Ho would request that a special meeting be called to consider the matter, and that in the meantime tho recommend ation be not forwarded to tho Governor. Mr Peacock considered that the motion at tho previous meeting was out of order, and should be rescinded, and ho moved to that effect. A division then took place, and Mr Peacock's motion was lost. Mr Maokech nio then moved : "That the Board had ex ceeded its functions in recommending a lease of a portion of tho Domain for cricket ing purposes, and that the resolution of the 7th of July bo rescinded." Mr Peacock seconded, and on the motion being put it was lost by ono.

At a mooting of master mariners held at lite Waitemata Hotel last evening it was agreed to form a Mercantile Marine Asso ciation, under regulation, to bo hereafter adopted. It was decided to ask llis Excel lency tho Governor to bo Patron, and Mr C. .1. Stone was elected President, Captains D. 11. McKenzie, H. F. Anderson, and A. Macgregor, Vice - presidents ; and Mr Bennett, Secretary pro. tern. Captains Thwaites, Jones, Morrison, and Haddock were appointed to draw up rules, to be sub mittcd at a future meeting. This concluded tho business.

The Wesloynn Conferonco at Wellington closed its sittings to-day. It was announced that tho Into Rev. John Warren had be queathed i. 100 to the Supernumerary Fund.

A surprising amount of business has been dono in tho timber trade since the New Year holidays. At tho Auckland Timbor Company's yards the following vcssols have unloaded cargoes of sawn timber during the Inst fow days ;—Wild Duck, 34,000 foot ; Fanny Kelly, 31,000 ; Runkahu, 45,000 ; Mabel, 40,000; Lizzie, 20,000; Bessio, 21,000 ; Dora, 1(1,000, and tho Kriomhllda 31,000. This quantity is independent of the timbor sawn nt tho Company's principal mill, Auckland. During the wook seven othor vessels have discharged cargoes of baulk timbor. As moro than the quantity mentioned above (231,000) is going out of the yard weekly, it shows tho great activity of tho bnildim. trade.

Or. Murray Mooro returned to-day from the South, and Is nnieli Improved in health. Ho resumes his usual practice.

NEW ZEALAND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY.

Annual Mooting.

Tin; annual meeting of tho Now Zealand Accident Insuranco Com pany was hold this aftornoon in tho largo room of the New Zealand Insur anco Company's building, Mr 11. B. Cruick shnnk (Chairman of Directors) presiding. Eight other shareholders woro present,

Mr W. A, Thomson (general manager) road tho bnliuioo-slieot, wfiiuli _|iow. il that tho Company had oxtondod its operations in all the colonies during tho year. After setting aside £4,oootowaidsthocompilntion of a reserve fund, tho amount to credit of profit and loss now stands at L 1,498 3s sd. Out of this it is proposed to pay a dividond nt tho rate of (id per slinro of which 3d had already boon paid for the half-year ending 30th June, 1883.

Tlio profit and loss statement showed the amount paid for compensation to be L 6.833 ; tho net premiums woro L 10.722; interest and transfer foes, LG7I ; balance from last year, 1.4,057. Total receipts, LI 5,451. Tho Chairman, in moving tho adoption of tho report, said tho increase in business proved that tho benefits of tho Society woro appreciated. Accidents, moreover, also seemed to bo on tho increase for the Society had paid moro claims in ISB3 than during its tiiroo years' previous existonco altogether.

Tlio motion was seconded by Mr R. Walker nnd carried.

On the motion of Mr Cnllnan, tho retiring directors, Messrs Buddie nnd Tonks, wore re-elected, whilo Messrs Milne and Way month were appointed auditors nt the same remuneration as last year. On Mr Walker's proposition, a voto of thanks was accorded tho Chairman and directors.

OVERLAND CATTLE DRIVING STATIONS.

Tiik Now Zealand Frozen Moat and Storage Company has written to tho Waste Lands Boaixl abandoning tho idea of purchasing blocks of land on the ovorland route from Hnwko's Bay to Waikato, which w'oro previously applied for as cattle driving stations, T|je latter proceeds to ask tho Board to rocomroond tho Minister of Lands to havo these blocks sot apart as permanent resorves for stock driving purposes, nnd rcquosts the Government to nave tho said sections fenced in and sown in grass, and further applies that meni.s paid by tho Company for survoys of sections be reim bursed.—This communication wan read at a meeting of the Wasto Lands Board to-day, and it was decided to refer it-on to tlio Minister for Lands.

EMILY PLACE WORKS.

The City Council and Diocesan Trust

Board,

A conference botwecn tho Legal Com' mittcc of tlio City Council nnd tho Com mittee fif tl|o Diocesati Trust Board ro; lativc to tlie proposed f-ei),oy#l qpd re building of St. Paul's Church, in order to allow of the cutting-down of Emily Placo, took place yesterday aftorrioon. Friendly discussion took pjaco tjotwepn tho gentlo men composing tho respeptiyp Committees, and ultimately tho following nitornjttjvo resolutions woro arrived at as the basis of agreement between the Trust Board and the City Council;—(l) "The General Trust Board, with, tho concurrence of tho min ister and churchwardens of St, Paul's, abide by the terms of thoir former resolu tion relative to the cutting down of St, Paul's site, but aro willing to accept tlio personal covenant of tho directors of tho Frozen Meat Company in lieu of that of tho City Council." (2) "In tho event of the precoding proposal not being accopted, tlio Board are prepared to accopt tlio suni of £4,000 cash in lieu of tho covonant for re-instatement, the'directors of the Frozen Moat Company agreeing to carry out tho other terms." Tho Legal Committee of the Council having expressed a wish that the Trust Board should put a money value on tho otlier items f)f ostimatpd expenditure and loss, such as sijpply of temporary church build ing, storage of material, loss of rovpnue, &c., the sum of £750 was agreed to, bring ing up the total to £4,750, for which cash payment tho Trust Board and St. Paul's Vestry free tlio other partios to tho agree ment itoiji iilJ responsibility for removal and disturbance. Tlte 'jtyilgf Jte-.fl reserve to themselves tho option of rebuilding Of) t))e old site when levelled, or on any other site, Those terms, we understand, wore con sidered satisfactory by the Legal Committee of tlio City Council, who will to-night mako their i;ppoft r'-sommending that thoy be ac cepted pn tfip basis pi caiif paynjent. It is, of course, po.ssibiethatOouncillorsinaypi'ef.e;; to abide by the old agreement, by which they undertake to do t|io work of taking down and rebuilding St, Paul's Church j but the . Committoo's view of the matter is that tho payment of a lump sum to cover everything will be tho simpler and moro obbnomical mothod,

TELEGRAMS.

Wjsluni,"_(iij, yesterday.—ln the Supreme Court yesterday pjOfping, jVfr .Chapman, solicitor for plapitijls, again me^fcipfipd the case of Br&niwV, 'Shaw, applying tp have a date fixed for thp trial, Mr fiulby, for defendant, insisted on the iiaSja b^ing tried bofopfj a jury, and the trial was . bofP-O rg postponed j|i! after the close of the I'qngj vacation.

Messrs Mmr and Co., t\w swmvs al the Walpayo blpfiit, about 33 milesfrom Q}e borne yesterday signed a iaase to a Dlji'ist church Syndicate representing a npw company with £63,000 capital to borp for oil on the property.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS.

ST. STEPHEN'S.

Tin-; annual meeting of St, Stephen's Presbyterian congregation was hold last night in tho Church after tho usual weekly service, tho Rev, D. VV. Runciman presiding. The attendance was small. — Mr Horsley (Secretary) and Mr H. Barton (Treasurer) submitted the report and balance-sheet, which had boon printed and circulated among tho seat-holders. Tho ropert stated that tiioro had been a steady increase of the congregation. They began the year with 53 soat-holdors occupying 100 sittings, nnd at the commencement of this year thoy had GO seat-holders occupy ing -04 sittings, while as there wore just 230 sittings in the Church, there were only ,'l(i available for letting. The anniversary in February last took tho form of n fruit soiree, and realised LI2 Ms. A concert in November also realised LC. The monthly prayer-meetings wore resumed in June, and had boon satisfactorily attended. Sewing meetings hall also been held, resulting in the raising of LlO lis 2d and the formation of a Ladies' Association, which now numbered HO ladies. The weekly prayer meeting had been resumed in October, and tho attend ance thoreat had been encouraging. The Sunday-school during tho past year had proved highly successful. Its statistics were: —December 31 st, 1883: No. of teachers on roll, 22 ; increase, 6 ; average attendance, 19 j No. of scholars, 210 ; in crease, 50 ; average attendance, 157. Tho income had been L3B 4s, and the outlay L3l 8s 7d, which included L 8 spent on books for tho library and a donation of L 2 2s to the Dayspring. Tho meetings of tho Literary Association had been well attended, and papers had been contributed by a large number of members, while interesting and popular lectures had been given by tho Revs. C. Carter and G. B. Monro, and Messrs J. Blackmail, A. S. Roid, and VV. J. (Icddis. Under the leader ship of Mr and Miss Culpan, tho Church music had been very well rendered, nnd an increase of choir practices during tho year was expected. The finances of the Church hud been very buoyant.as the Treasurer's statement would show. The stipend promised to tho minister at the begiftning, viz, L3OO and a suitable allow ance for a manse, had not boon carried out since the grant of LIOO per milium from tho Church of Scotland ceased, two years ago. A commission from the Presbytery of Auckland met tho congregation in May last, with a view to determine tho minimum stipend that would entitle the minister to a grant from the funds of tho Church Exten sion Committee, This was fixed at L 220 and nn allowanco of LOO 10s for manso rent, which had been paid. Tho Committee con sidered that n stipend at the into of not less than L 240 per annum and tho rent of manso should bo niincd at for tho first half-year, and, if possible, a further addition for tho second half-year, to bo afterwards deter mined.—Tho report concluded with some rccoinmondations re voting foe Committee —MrThos. Peacock, M.H.R., moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, und in doing so accepted its satisfactory character ns a necessary result of tho wave of prosperity that bus been passing over tho city. With reference to tho minister's stipend, ho thought that an urban con gregation should not be dependent upon tho nid derived from the Church Extension Fund or any other extraneous aouyco, but should be thoroughly independent and self supporting. Ho therefore moved tho adoption of repof t and balance-sheet, with tho addendum that tho oongrogntion ox -1 pressed its pleasure at the improvement ' generally manifested in church affairs.— Tho motion was seconded by Captain John McKenzie.and passed unanimously.— Mr John Buchanan, as a Presbyterian and a scatholdor of St. Stephen's, folt dis satisfied with tho report. The finances were stated to bo buoyant, and yet tho minister, although in chargo of an import ant city congregation, was paid tho miser able pittance of L 220 per annum, whilo the minimum fixed by tho Assembly was L 250. They should bo paying certainly not less than L3OO, and ho hoped that ero long this standard would bo adopted. Ho also thought thoy should feel ashamed when they recollected that Lll 2s 3d was the sum total of their contributions towards the scheme, of the.Church for tho spread of the Gospel. It was greatly to be hoped that St. Stephen's would speedily assumo a pro minent part in every great and worthy undertaking.—The rev. Chairman defonded tho character of the congregation. Ho said that it was greatly to its credit that a very strenuous endeavour had been made during the past year to lyipo off tho Church debt, and also to discharge its vnripus other responsibilities. At the same time, ho fully acknowledged that very arduous labour hod fallen to his lot inconnection with the found ation and growth of the church, and he folt impelled to add that a still larger sharo had devolved ujmu his wife.—Votes of thanks were passpd to fho Jqdics for thejr services in connection with ihe fripf. soiree and church debt fundi witl. a request that thoy should eontinuo to interest themselves in tho latter sohomo. Votes of thanks wero likowiso passed to tho friends who had assisted in tho Snbbnth-school, and to the strangers who had contributed to tho pro gramme of the Literary Association.—On the motion of Mr Barton, seconded by Mr Sloan, tho number of elected member" of tho comtnittee increased from 0 to 10, the elections te bfi conducted henceforward by sessions and voting papers. —On approaching tho subject of finance, tho minister, by request, loft the chair, and Mr Peacock, as senior elder, took his place. —Mr Buchanan thought thoy should at once como to tho decision of giving the minister a stipend of LBOO n-year, with tho manso. If tho ladies would but lend their countenance and aid, tho thing could easily bo done, for he know that his good lady could do what alio liked with him, and he fancied that other mnrriod men were much tho snmo. He had benefitted greatly by Mr Runciman's ministrations, and felt suro that ho was entitled to much moro liberal treatment than ho v as at present receiving. JIo therefore proposed that a stipend of L3OO should bo paid to tho minister, exclusive of the manse allowance.— Mr Grey seconded.—Mr Barton pointed out that ns thoy wore now going on the sum of L3OO would easily bo raised.—Tho Chair mnn considered it bpttpr to realise tho moderate expectations statccl in tjjo report than to set to themselves a more ambitious effort and fflij to aphiove jt. Mr Ripicimnn's deserts entitled (pip to a fa. greater sum, but as a mattpr of practical wisdom he con sidered that thoy should pledge themselves to what they wero likely to accomplish.— Messrs Oli pliant and Nelson having also spoken }n support pf £ho motion, it was put nncj pnrrjetf ' unanjipoii. iy,—Mr tyunci man was then recallep] and informed of tho resolution passed in his ab sence, which ho suitably acknowledged.— It was then resolved that wjth a View of raising the amount of the choirmaster's and organist's salaries, a fruit soiree should be held in Fobruary, and a concort in May. Tho proceedings terminated with the pro nouncing of the Bonediction.j

ST. JAMES'S CHURCH.

The annual meeting of the congregation of St. James's Presbyterian Church was held last evening, Roy. R. F. Macnicol, pastor, presiding. The attondancp was not so tyrgp as might havo been expected.—The Chair man, in a brio! speech, introduced tho

business of tho evening, nnd mentioned that it was pxnptly fiftocn years that night since ho was 'inducted to the phargo of tlio Church.—Mr Thomas Macky, sen., spsslon clerk, read tho report of the Kirk Session. It was of an oncouraging character. We make the following extracts: —The Sabbatl} servjeps had been well attended. There was an increase of 31 on thp com munion roll in excess of withdrawals from various causes. The average attpndanco at communion was about 180. The SaDbath school had continued in prosperity under its faithful and devoted superintendent, Mr Ppt'er Mapjiip, and hjs deputy, Mr Richard son. There w^rp new 4^o scholarß on the roll, with an ftvbragp attpndanpo of 303. Thpy bad ?4 mH-lp teachers and 25 female, but moro teachers, and'especially males, wore required, Five Biblo blassos'wero carried en, three being for girls and two for boys,' The young men's'class'for religious instrufction- flourished under tho supervision of Mr J-. C." Macky. ; Tho average attendance at the morning school was 03. An addition' of mote than 200 volumes had been; made to the 'school library, making a total of 084 on tho shelves at tho present time, Tho monoy pc)lectcd in the schoel during tho year amounted to Lsl lfis 3d, of which LlO was paid for the' sijpp_.rfc ftf the mission vessel, 'flip scholars had' forwarded H exhibits to the . TrMwtejfvl Bpwrftjpj}, There wore 13# members on .fop rpU flf tfig Rand of Hope.-^-Op tho motfon Q. ffi Smart, the rppopt W9S adopted and ordered to bp printed.—Thp repsrt of the Gommfttep of Management, which was submitted by Mr McGibbon, Socrptary pro tpm, showed ss follows ;--The p<To.t made to pay the

debt duo to Mr Watson on the Church and mans, had been successful, and thoy wero now frco of debt. Thanks wore duo to Mrs Macnicol nnd tho lndios who assisted her in tho management of tho Christmas treo, by which LIOO was realised. The pew rents for tho year showed an advance, whilcon the other hand there had been a decrease in the ordinary Sabbath collections. Tho Church Extension and Supplementary Funds showed a falling off. The Church was in need of renovation, and the proceeds of tho Christ mas treopwero available for that purpose. Messrs Drinkwator, McCoskrie, Sinton, Carter, J. C. Macky, and McGibbon, retired from office as committee men, and their ? laces would require to bo filled. From tho reasurer's report, submitted by Mr Thomas Macky, sour., it appeared that the receipts amounted to LI, 118 lis 2d, including bal ance from previous year of L 29 ISsDd; collec tions, 1.501 5s 0d ; pew routs, L2Ol 15s 3d ; collections Sustentation Fund, 1.34 13s 8d ; collected for debt, LISO lis (id; proceeds of soiree, L2(i 4s (Id ; Christmas troe, L9B 12s 9d ; balance from credit of hall account, Lll 10s. The expenditure included Ll9O for manso repairs, LlB7 5s sd, Watson's ac count and interest, leaving a credit balance of L 123 3s (id. From tho hall account, it appeared.that about LIOO had been received for rent, and L3B 10s ns proceeds of lectures and entertainments, the total proceeds boing Ll4B odd. Against this, L7O had boon paid for interest, 1.25 for gas, and lessor amounts for sundry expenses, leaving a credit balanco of LI 1 '10s, so that tho hall had more than paid expenses. The ballot for committco resulted in tho election of Messrs A, C. Steele, S. McCos krio, T. Macky (jun.), John Hanna, Me- Pherson, and Robertson, while Messrs VV, J. Rees and J. C. Macky were chosen audi tors.

Cuuitcir Imi-novkmksts.— An estimate of the cost of getting the Church in order was submitted by Mr Watt, architect, who thought the plaster should be stripped and replaced, the transepts strengthened by erection of galleries, the means of ventila tion improved, the roof repaired, tho build ing and pews painted, and other repairs of lesser importance effected. The total cost ot the whole work indicated was about L3OO, whilo tho simple cost of repairs without galleries, &c, was stated at L2IS. The question of ell'octing these improvements was referred to tho Committee.

Quarterly Mkktinos.—Mr J. C. Macky drew attention to tho necessity of making theso annual meetings more attractive in their character, and after a lengthy discus sion it was agreed, on the motion of Mr A. J. Entricnn, "That the Kirk Session and Committco bo requested to arrange for quarterly sessional meetings for tho con sideration of matters of direct interest to the congregation."

The meeting concluded with the bene diction at 10.30 p.m.

SAILORS' REST AND HOME.

Colouration of tho First Anniversary,

Aim.NDANT evidence of the success which has attended tho labours of tho workers in the cause of the Sailors' Rest and Home was afforded last ovening, when tlio first r.tiniversary of the institution was celebrated by a soiree and public gathering in Mr Dilworth's new store in Customhouso-street, In preparation for the evont.the apartment on tho ground floor had been arrangod as a meeting room, tho walls being tastefully de corated with overgroons and flags. Great assistance was lent in this work by Captain Lowis, master of tlio barque Anta.es, by his crew, several sailors from the ship Opawa and othors. About two hundred sat down to tea, almost every vessel in port being represented, while tho majority of tho watermen were also in attendance. Tho tubles were presided over by tho following ladies :—Mesdames Murray Moore, Fell, Edgecumbe, Lewis, and Rollin son, Misses Fell, Maunsell, Kempthorno, Crisp, Anderson, Fairburn, White, K. White, Olive, and Walsh. After tea a thanksgiving meeting was held, the motto of tho evening being "Jehovah Jirnh." Messrs Hnnncken's string hand played several musical selections, after which His Lordship Bishop Cowie addressed the meet ing. He said ho had very much pleasure in being present at the first anniversary of the Rest nnd Home. For many years the want of such an institution was recognised. There wero many difficulties, but a year ago thoso who had interested thpmselyes in the work 6aw thejr way to make a be ginning by tho arrival of Mr Fell, who came from England with vory high rocommend ations. Not long ago a citizpn of Auckland who had denied himself even tho luxu ries of life, to his honour be it mentioned, loft all his property to public institutions, and lie showed his good fenso by giving ono-sevonth to thp Sailors' Rest, It would not do to judgo by what the Rest is at pre sent of what it will bo. Its objects were to improve sailors socially, intellectually, morally and spiritually. It was not in tendecf to force religion on them, but ho hoped to see them all become such good Christian men as many other sailors lie had known. Some people said that soldiers and sailors could not be God-fearing men. Ho had livod with soldiers in camp, and ho knew many of them to be God-fearing men. From a sailor in the merchant ser vico, formerly a citizen of i~pd, he had that dt\y r.P Pived &100.' His name was Captain' Rough, and in his letter ho stated that his days wero nearly ended. Tho monoy he wished to be well invested, nnd tho interest expended for tho henefit of thoso in need In Auckland, They hoped that within a few years a suitablo home would be built whero sailors oould come to road, to listen to music or lectures on suit able subjects, and this hopo would bo roalised in proportion ns citizens saw how mucli good tho institution was doing. He asked tho sailors to make tho Home as efficient as possible. Hitherto they had been assisted by many kind friends, and no one was more devoted than Mr Fell. Still, let him bo as devoted as ho liked, ho could yet but perform ono man's work. They had boen assisted not only by men, but by kind ladies, without whom thoy would not have got on at all. Ho concluded by expressing a hope that all would pay attention to what had been said about co-operation. If the Homo was to make progress, every man and woman niust do theft duty, flis' l-iordship was frequently applauded during the course of his remarks, which were listened to with great attention. Later in tho evening addresses were given by Professor Aldis on "The Rest and Homo," and Mr Ewington on " Determina tion," and by Mr Fell, while DrKenderdjnp presented nn elegantly painfed temporanco pledgo given by Miss Ridings to the Rest to bp hung YIP in tlio assembly-room. The Erogrammp of the evening also including ; Hict, " O Magnify tho Lord;" quartette, " Cast thy Burden;" seng, by MrHillyear; duet, from (1 The Ancient Mariner;" read ing, "The Revenge," by Mr L. White; and song, " Our Jack's Come Home from Sea." Altogether a very pleasant evening was spent,

MINING NEWS.

[nv TELEORAI'II.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thames, this day, Queen of Beauty.—The Vanguard cross out has advanced nearly 500 feet from the shaft, and has about 200 feet further to in tersect tho reef. The cross lode is being followed, which will junction with the Van guard,with a reasonable probability of gold being found, Tho branch of Beauty rpef prospectod at No. 9 lovol has no£ ye£ de veloped anything more important than colours of the precious metal. The cross cut at No- 10 level has intersected a reef formation, which the manager intends to follow into sottlpd country, being now too near the slide.

New Ppincjs Ijiivewal.—The specimens are yielding handsomely, apd a largo return of gold will be banked on Saturday, The stopes on the Mariner's reef show' an im provement, and about GJbs of picked stone were' obtained to-day near the 'main break", thp roof being gf. wido. Operations hay. just boon resumed In thp payable blocks 011 No, 2 reef eastward of the shaft at this lovel, -

DEEP Level Cross.—About 2cwt picked stone and specimens are oh hand, Which will bo crushed to-day, in order that retort ing may tako placo on Friday. The return will bo payablo. Darwin.—Sinking of tho' shaft has been ye. timed* ft»d 0 'good' sandstone country prevails at tho bottom. The water is satis" factorily disposed of in a reservoir at tlio 150 ft level, and will occasion no ■ difficulty The rocf in tho winze is 2 feet wide and shews gpld regularly. Hand of Fri-endsiiii\— Tho reof in the pastp'rn drive is large aiid not unpromising; Jj'iif biiiy'a|.out 12 (iicfics of faofwajl portiou ftVp tjpj'ng s^vpd for brusKi'ng, NEW PfAJfOMPi— A number pf gold-boar ing gtopgg were .Gcnred thjs afternoon in the win. c from tho intermediate level,where the reef is ? foet wido,

CABLEGRAMS.

[Special to Press Association.]

(Received January 31—1.35 p.m.)

Moro Gold Shipments to Australia. London, January 30.—Tho Union Bank of Australia will ship by tho P. and 0. steamer Ballarat, which shortly leaves for Melbourne, two hundred thousand sovereigns; the National Bank of Australasia also sends ono hundred and fifty thousand, and the London Chartered Bank of Australasia, fifty thousand. A Distinguished Visitor. The Duke of Manchester will shortly make another visit to the Australian colonies. The Late Collision in the English Channel.—Three Lives Lost. The pilot, a midshipman, and one sea man of the Simla have been lost.

[kkutkr's cablkouamh.]

FIENDISH NIHILIST PLOT.

Attempt to Poison tho Russian Ira

perial Family

London, January 30.—1t is stated that it has been discovered that tlio baker at. tho Royal Palace at J'cterhof. endeavoured to poison the whole of tho Imperial family of Russia with strychnine.

London, January 30—Information has been received from the Cape that Cetewnyo had escaped to the Scowe country, but that ho was subsequently recaptured by the militia force.

England and the Colonies. London', January 30.—A banquet was given last evening by the London Chamber of Commerce, at which tho colonial Agents- General wero present. In responding to the toast of the colonies, Sir Arthur Blyth, Agent-General for South Australia, said that he rejoiced at the increasing interest in the colonies which was now displayed throughout the mother country, and he em phatically ailirmed tho unwavering loyalty of tho colonists to the Imperial authority. The statement that the disabled ship Simla was being safely towed to Gravesend has proved to be erroneous.

Berlin, January 29.—Emperor William has recovered from his recent indisposition. London, January 29.--A communication has been addressed by the Spanish Govern ment to the English Government with the view of obtaining a further concession for Spanish wines imported into Great Britain.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received January 31—1.35 p.m.)

Syiinhv, this day.—Sailed, Tuesday after noon : Steamship Wakatipu, for Welling ton..

Political Demonstration,

A largely-attended demonstration took placo last night in opposition to the immigration policy of the Government. It was decided to present a monster petition to Parliament praying for the cessation of tho immigration scheme, tlio taxation sot forth in the Treasurer's recent budgot statement boing warmly criticised, and tho opposition to the pro posal daily increasing, Tho Australian Wheat Crop. Mklbotone, January 30.—A reporter of tho "Australasian," who lias visited the agricultural districts, says no damage has been done to the wheat crops by the in clement weather which has of lato been ex perienced.

Adelaide, January 30.— The "South Australian Advertiser" estimates that there will be fully 350,000 bushels of wheat available this season for export from South Australian ports.

DROWNING AT SHELLY BEACH.

Ykstkiidav afternoon, a sad drowning fatality occurred at Shelly Beach, Ponsonby, It appears that a number of boys between 11 and 12 years of ago were ainusinf: themselves on the beach, when the hat of one of them blew off into tho water and was drifting to sea. A boy named John Herbert Mason, aged 11 years, the son of Mr John Mason, hairdresser, Duke-street, Ponsonby, leaped in to bring the hat to land; but, though he was ablo to swim a littlo, the plucky lad found that the task was beyond his strength. Ho secured the hat, butjtoooming exhausted, was unable to swim hack to shore. He sank in presc »cc of his com panions, who were unable to ronder him any assistance, as none of them were swim mers. The deceased was a fine, promising boy, and it is much to bo regretted that his over-daring attempt should have cost him his life.

SPORTING NEWS.

The latest. quotations for tho Wellington Cup are 2 to 1 against Vanguard, 4 to 1 i against Welcome Jack nnd Leonata, 6 to 1 against Salvage, 100 to 7 against Normanby t\nd Tho Poet. Mischief was scratched for the Cup last night, and Vanguard arrived nt Wellington from Christchurch to-day. Miss Juan was scratched at 1.45 p.m. today for the Cup. It is considered doubt ful if Wolcome Jack will start. Taranaki Anniversary Raoes. New Plymouth, t lis day.—Nominations for the following events close to-night at 8 o'clock :—Handicap Steeplechase, 2sovs., T.J.C Handicap, 2sovs. ; Flying Handi cap, 2sovs. ; Handicap Hurdles, 2sov. ; Autumn Handicap, 2sovs. ; Nursery Handi cap, lsov. ; District Handicap, 2sovs. Kawakawa Races. Russell, this day.—The Kawakawa races passed off well on Tuesday, though the attendance was not as large as usual, ■ Hurdle Pace.—Yeung Pprfovwer, 1; Brusher, 2. This was f, well oontested raco. Skt-pi,e«,.' Hurdle Back. — Northern Line, 1, Maiden Plate.—Newly, 1. Kawakawa Handicap.—Taipp, l. Ladies' Purse.—Worm, 1. Pony Race.—Fan tail, ],

COLONIAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

[fIY WIiiCIIUPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Dunedin, this day, Tirehalf-yoarly meeting of the proprietors of tho Colonial Ban!? of Now Zealand was held yesterday afternoon. Mr E. B, Cargill, Chairman of Directors, occupied the chair, and ahout fifty shareholders wore present. Tho Chairman said that the report was very short, and he did net know that there was much in it which called for discussion. It would be noticed amongst tlio items on the credit side that thorp was a sum of £61,911 invested in Government securities, consols, and oolonial debentures. This was intended to meet any emergency that might arise, and ho might mention that since these figures had been made up tho amount had been increased to £100,000. It would be ncted that there was a very considerable in crease in tho amount of deposits bearing interest. The deposits had increased s\nce last Juno to tho nuqoynt of £321,6Q0, and since last year to, £i2},000. Tliq amount available for distribution hardly came up to the amount of last year. The general account businoss cf thft bank was very good, and he thought the position of the bank was strengthening. Of course, bad times had led to a good many failures, but nothing had occurred of a distressing character. He trusted thoy were entering upon better times. There had been a feeling of alarm created lately in banking oiroles by the large amount of sovereigns which had been sent out to the colonies from London, but it ap peared that for the one million which had been sent out one, million and a-half had been sent away from the colony, and ho did not see why there should be any unonsinosg in tho matter. ! Ho concluded by moving the adoption of tho report and balance shoet. ■ Mr James Smith seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously, tho report recommending a dividend at the rate of 7 per cent. The Hon, G. Maclean was elected to the directorate, in tho place of the Hon. W. Reynolds,-

Contradiction. —Wo hereby deny the statement mndo by W, C. Denncs that no has Burchase v Domestic Machines diroct from tlio lomestioSewing Machine Company for cash or otherwise. . .We, an the sole adonis for New Zealand, challenge him to. produce original invoice and shipping note from tlmm to him within tho last twelve months, and will give £10 to any Auckland charity through this paper should he be able to do So.'-SHAKaisrEAR & Co., the Koyal Machine 00. (Limited}; Queon-strcet. Auckland, Jan. 30,1881.—[Abyr.J The monthly meeting of St. James's Band of Hope takes placo this o veiling in Uio ante-room of St. James's Hall.

SPECIAL WELLINGTON TELEGRAMS.

[FROM OUR OWN COftltEsrONirßNT.]

Wellington, this day Tho North Island Trunk Railway. Mr Holmes, ono of the most capable eur veyore in the Government employ, has been placed in charge of the chief exploration party to find a practicable route for t'.io North Island trunk railway, via Taranaki. I believe Mr Donkin,. who has stated publicly in New Plymouth that 1b can show a practicable, route will be offered an appointment on the stall, with a promfca of a substantial bones ii' ho should succeed I believe Mr Don kin was attached to Carkeek's party, but ho failed to show Mr Carkeok any practicable route. Th measures for pushing on this survey have been taken under the direction of the Minister of Public Works, who is deter mined that the western route shall _L afforded equal justice with tho central Una in the preparation of plans for submission to Parliament. I havo no doubt these, arrangements will give general satisfaction to the people of Auckland.

Rewi's Defection. Letters received here show that Rewi'R detection from Mr Bryce's proposals _l 1 surveying the boundaries of tho King- lands. is complete. The old chief has yielded himself completely to bad advisers The! survey will go on nevertheless.

Auckland Hallway Station.

The plans for the railway station build ings at Auckland will, I am informed be ready for tendering upon by the end of February. The building will be handsome and commodious.

THE TRUNK RAILWAY ROUTE

(BY TELEOKAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

New Plymouth, this day. A LAROELY-attended meeting called by the Mayor was held last night. The Mayor said it was important that they should take action in the matter of the trunk line of railway route, forgteat exertions werebeing made by other parties to secure the lino going from Feilding, which was over seventy miles longer than by way of Taranaki. Mr Standish moved, "That a vigilance committee, consisting of Mr Kellv and Colonel Trimble, M.H.R.'s, Messre Samuel W. Bayley, Raul J. Elliott, and Standish, be appointed to watch the in terestof this district in connection with the main trunk railway." Mr Roy moved • " That tho Auckland Chamber of Commerco and the Hawera and Pntea County Councils ' and Borough Councils be asked to co-oper ate with tho present vigilance committee n During tho meeting the Committee wero rcquosted to urge on Government the neces sity of employing Mr Donkin.C.E., who know tho country thoroughly ; also the proposals of Sir George Grey and Mr Wacandrew in 1878,.wh0 published a map showing that the line should come o«t at Taranaki. The Committee aro meeting this morninc and taking steps to carcy out the wishes of the, meeting,

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Messrs J. W. Hurst Wd F. G. Clayton JustlCW.)

Smashing Tka Twxos,-Wm. John.Twohey was charged with, .overturning the tea-table wilfully, and With breaking cups, saucers, butter plates, sugar basins, fco., valuers,the 1 property of John Brown, on tho 30th inst. The Sl^n . r.? lc, a4. d eullty.-Sergeant White ex plained that the prisoner was drunk at the vn.„aH_ perßiß,tcd upon ta, ki,,g rum«» his tea, - .tried 10s and amount of damage, or in de' fault, seven days. b ' * ue^ 1 ...H-^iI''""'l^' .A' lvrA9 K--Sarah Ann Grattan was charged with striking Rebecca Grattan, an aged lady on the 3oth tast.-PrisOToTwhfl resides in Cheshire, trect, Parnell, said the blow was incidental. - Constable Hobson that faarah Ann was her daughter-in-law Sh« was abused by her, and she gave wUness a violent blow in the eye.-To the Bone": ThS black eye is the consequence ot. the biowv- Prisoner said the old lady lay on tho floor, and n raising her she fell against tho leg of the v^i *&_ °aUS(\ d tho 'l'scolouration.-Hon?y ft"ZK' J ft tO. CarS lor' Uved next ffi i„_i c _. • ratta' ls' He heard a great noise He ooked in and .aw prisoner, who was in drl«ik in the act of beating the daughter who was a &^Sb_S_\_Tj^! *v*K\sqM 'any.—constable Hobson found tho old ln_v bruisod and bleeding on the! floor ShKawiSJ. she would murder the old woffiMfdeSto SL apae.n fofonT^ o S^* e«^^ Hendry, under the Vagrant Act, six mMths. imprisonment. «<uu_uh. Alleged . ItAPE. - Henry Goo Award was charged . with criminally asscuiUjiE EQpn Pame In the Domain on the UtSt can White asked that the Court might hk cleared—The Bench desired that all iSsneet able persons would leave the Court.-One^?th__ spectators, an elderly man, demanded hto riSS as a citizen to remain and hear thel_j_?i¥hß Bench said thoy had a superior right. iuu__her£ fore he must leave the Court—He left;thfi rX* in a grumbling mood. The case then preceded -Sergeant White briefly opened the ewe for tlie prosecution, and M? Me anXSd in ■ defence of tho prisoner - tnw Paine deposed that she wm 'a lomesUe - servant at M r Hcdger's, Kyber Pass Road M? Hedger is a butcher. Had seen the nS_n^_J first on the 2nd of January toAlbeiK& She was introduced to him bj-Mr Meinmh - Saw him again on tho 11th at the Jfclvatton Army meeting in the Temperance Hall lsl?Se2 was going on. Prisoner was sitting Withtm ladies m the hall. He nodded to he! Sd th___' came over to her. He said it was h_U?nSt 9 o clock. Sho told him she was going into £mw situation, and must be gome sWW. «,.?.« and he followed her. rfe°safd Mr Mc , yre he - believed, had gone to his Templar lS«? pave prisoner % Hedgor's address"ftfld he knew, where it was? She had been eteht months m tho colony. Tho 11th wm __i Friday. She went into her situation ™, .h« Saturday. She engagedl with M™ uLJ__s' 1 through Hannaford'sag^cyrshe dUPUtbSS lodgings. She waited while lo fetched hi! > overc^l UShr a few minutes elapsedl The? went to the Domain. ConvereedT -% e SSJ? about London. She came from Icwdoa. Ha proposed to marry her. Ho wSteStoSSf iu> ' ' intyroout. She refused fib e&rtiSCMm :: hoWM not the sort of manlLSfcS^SS into the Domain wUh him, but after 4 minutes 11 she turned bo,ck to go out again. HeSed ', $ tmF%J»JF__*^ |o^ed d|MAn.irSws'sd I sit down. Shorcfusod. He then Sht her ' SHi aft<i™* sH. ug#L° ho succeeded "n^pSSSihw 1 down. Thoy haefbeon walking for haIfSSS. I in the Domain. He took heitttw2SlSl_s_a it beside him. HoputhlsarraaroSdhnt. im2 upon hor right arm. She WMlrtn^nn .£. .£$ side. She struggled "SRSiiSSSS I her She screamed out. Hi tSd her to. t£ i quiet, or he might get into tjouhln. R_» t„M him if he did not do&t she would get him tota -1 trouble, \\e got off from hor" anf she mt™ I and ran away. WranaKerhcrTdpuiildhe? < down again. He thonsucccodedin vioFattoher 1 Witness described what took place. She eon. tinned screaming. Prisoner said « she cUdnot 1 leayo off soreaming ho would give her a e_£l 1 thumping. Ho had intercourse with he. asffl fcorwiU. Sho tried togetawayfromhlmXthe prevented her. Ho held her doivn. Shocri_d very II much. Could not make any SB ' Prisoner's cheek was against hers, and ho mad.. H it quite sore, her face being wet with tcSrs and 1 his taoo very hard. Ho ruhhed Ms ffl face ! against her check. H Q pulled her nhmi? . _.S yudely, and tried to repwit ho offence JES II could not struggle so much zs\t toUt^l Strength wa^ going, and she was in great bate. 1 Sho tried to scratch him, but had her^ovmm , Sf.P'Ji 15' ""ffl*^ wanted toM^rSTiiffl boat. She could not rise from exhaustion JTa ' picked up his coat, and wentftway. Oa MS I ho asked if she wantedwoivey"'lshd_ald_i_f ; half-past G p clqck, was quite light. s£a £ sat alono ( W a Jong time/crying! WhS wiffyi ah,? <>om hardly'm_»,aS bunted for her h*fc and W 6; found thorn and put thorn on ; presently «ho'found a pathTsaw 3 eontlcman sittviig upon a seat; inquired the wajr o\jt, as sho wanted a 'bus; he fold her it wus taooariy, wily half-pastsevci; did notknow M the gentleman; saw anothor man. and he directed her to toecn-strect, where she woidS 1 «,'^__ ln Po?5 onb?T_ 5¥, 8: ,0 accompanied heriS Si 1. if„n 10 C!'?^l Hal ! fiho«otiniotho 9o'clock Shelly Beach 'hus. and wen^ to Mrs Stephenson's: she hud boon living (n service there; did not sec anyone: she \yont away witli hpr clothes, which she had loft in an out-hpusp. aod rS turned into Queen-street; she went direct to MrsHedgcr'swithhorbox,llrstintQOiionn-a.rfint by the Ponsonby "bus, and then by the Hemupra : atl Slo&™' 8f EiSSfiftW ; at 11 o clock in the forenoon. On tho night of the assault alio wore a laco cape, a am luS duccdf UThf .^"' ned with bluesStßT'lPM 1 uucca.) me dress was very much torn and 9 damaged. Tho prisoner was dressed in dSk ot^L'lrn' tell MIL B H^dgo™. noran/on^ tol. lift? V? ?r& . _'' °, n Sll,,d ?y afternoon slip I i . .. -';'■'■ rV: a, '° %V!VS keeping'company _k__ X- i 1 re h?° lt of attending the Salva' Indatd S_ 'm, S? 1? att<=nde<l tvSce-O? the 1 bvM?TnI. • \vi_w Ja!.? aT Ci-Oss-examined _ SL «Je »„• as 18 on the 9th NovembeFlaA't, oVlockVtai^wß? Sjoning, but she missed the. I ?_«?,„.,■, ? hc Wont to tea With a shipmato KwnW^^^^^encaUeduponS* I ___T__ss32sßK i.han«* Aelcftier addrewS land Hpt fl«??S 8 Slnce sho had boen to Al* Went to .■.h„Sfs ncyorl)ccninacourtbeforc wont to Albert-street to meet Mr Mclntyrc. 1 Had no appointment to meet him mi,lui,!"" I (Left Sitting.)

The leading features in the management - SL .__?. Machine-made Bread dis. __t_._. SlcadlllS the dough by machinory i hv fS,„ vL° t M,h^ Bases ov°lved in the processes »n,,i2?fl V _ ltlla,V on- n'»nufacturo of the barm 1 ofSfl^p|S T a.f c «0-^™u ß use : 80 pairs Lace Curtains—bought a job I from Homo manufacturer; fow sligliOy soiled, S£hßK/_s_l B, r c.at b"e»i»s amoS^t thSE _hrii_&!&ft& at ' I?. 8 .han wholesale price at QSein!.treet CifAD^.f *""«»*»* Waroboiae. |

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1884



Special Advertisements, 158 ft 160| PLEASE CALL Queea-St 151 & 180 PLEASE CALL Qucen-st 158 & KM PLEASE CALL ttueen-st 158 & 160 Queon-Bt 158 fc ItM AND INSPECT Oueen-st 158 & IfiO AND INSPKCT Queen-st , 158 & 101 AND INSPECT Queon-st 758 6c 160 Queen-st J.SS &I GO O HAND DISPLAY Queen-st 153 & 1(1) UK AND DISPLAY Quoon-St 158 & 160 GRAND DISPLAY Queen-st _3. ft IfiO Gueon-st 158 & 180 NEW GOODS Queen-st 15S & ItiO NEW GOODS Queen-et 1,8 & IPO NEW GOODS Queen-st 168 & 1(10 Queen-st 158 & 160 JUST OPENED. Queen-st 158 & 100 JUST OPENED. Queen-st 155 & IGO JUST OPENED. Queen-st 158 & 160 Queen-st 15.8 & IfiO Queen-st 168 Sc 160 ' Queen-st )58 & IGO 64 CASES Queen-st 15S & IfiO Ct CASES Qucen-st 15-! & IfiO 64 CASES Quecn-st I_. & 160 Queon-st I.S & 160 NEW CLOTHING Quecn-st 158 & 160 NEW CLOTHING Quecn-st 15S & 160 NEW CLOTIUNG Qnoon-st 158 & 100 Queen-st 153 & 180 HATS & HOSIERY. Queon-st 158 & 160 HATS & HOSIERY. Queon-st 15S ft 160 HATS & HOSIERY. Qneen-st 158 & 160 Queen-st I*3 & 160 Queen-st 153 & 160 Queen-st 15 S & IliO Queon-st 153 & 160 Queon-st 153 & IGO THE NEW ZEALAND Qneen-st 158 & ICO Queen-st 15S & 160 CLOTHING FACTORY, Queon-st 158 & 160 • Qucen-st 188 & 160 Queen-strrrt, Qucen-st 153 & 160 Queen-st 158 & 160 Auckland. Quson-st 158 & 160 Qucen-st 168 & 1(«) Qucen-st 153 & 160 J. FITZ3IMONS. Qncoi.-st 168 ft 160 Qucon-bt 15S ft lOC Branch Manntrcr. ( ueen-st R. P 1 I L S O N, Lato District Surgeon, Attends from 10 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., AND DR. J. H. HONEYMAN From 11 a.m. )o 1 o'clock p.m., at Aickin'S, THE PHARMACY Quean-street. TAISEASES OF THE EYE. ARTHUR RICHARDSON, M.D., SPECIALIST AND OPERATOR ON DISEASES OF THE EYE. MAY BE CONSULTED AT HIS RESI DENCE, KARANGAHAPE ROAD, From 1 to 3 in tho afternoon ; Or HASLETT'S ENGLISH PHARMACY, 184, Quoon-stroot, from 3 to 5. SILVER! CUT SILVER II ' ?hc Ei&et is Marvollons at night, same effect oa Diamonds. In this lino I am NOT TO BE EQUALLED. Bracelets, Necklets, Pins Brooches, said Earrings. F. H, LEWISSON. You all kaow whew I am to bo found. T U S T O~~P E N E D, A VERY CHOICE ASSORTMENT BROKEN CHECK GINGHAMS, BROKEN CHECK GINGHAMS, New and Handsome Designs. Auto, NEW GOODS, in MILLINERY SUNSHADES LACES MANTLES GLOVES . HOSIERY COSTUMES HANDKERCHIEFS UNDERCLOTHING BABY LINEN &0., &0., &o. Five Per Cent. Discount for Cash. MILNE & ChOYCE, tmpor t a n t. ac* n c d d c n • Hnedden (successor to j. leok) Has much plsasnre in announcing that he has PURCHASED THE WHOLE OF MR 7. LECK'S STOCK MR J. X-ECK'S STOCK AND GOODWILL AND GOODWILL at a GREAT REDUCTION, GREAT REDUCTION, AND will CONTINUE CONTINUE .THE CLSEARING-OUT SALE -THE CLEARING-OUT SALE FOR ONE MONTH LONGER. ONE MONTH LONGER. ur cos sequence of t&5 over-stocked state of ths drapery market, he HaSBEESI enabled to BUY A LARGER-ASSORTMENT OF GOODS WHICH WILL BE OFFERED AT SALE PRICES f _______ __ M&Ms&iizMtetix



Special Advertisements. T pOSCRAVE & r\ O. Aro now holding a CHEAP SALE CHEAP SALE OF OF DRAPERY! CLOTHING! I) RAP ER V I CLOTHING! And submit the following Cheap Links!— Cheap Lines!— Cheap Lines I 1,000 Trousers and Vests, Colonial-made, at 12s (id. 300 Doz. Ilavnrd Shirts, lined backs, Is o<l each. 50 Dozen Felt Hats, 2s 6d. 1- 0 Boxes White Shirts Ss 6d. 20 Cases Men's Cold Mole Trousors, 5s lid. 1.0 Serge Suits, 21b Gd. 201 Dozen Men's and Boys' Leghorn Hats, 3s Ski, 300 Blue Diagonal Sue Coats, new shape, IDs Gd. AT THEIR NEW PREMISES. ,T. COSGRAVE AND CO., Opposite Wm. McAktiiuk & Co.'s Warehouse. Sale of bankrupt stock. "William H. x>bidgman HAS PURCHASED A BANKRUPT STOCK OF DRAPERY, FANCY GOODS, AND TOYS, AT A GREAT REDUCTION OFF COST, AND XVILIi OFFER T 11 E W II O I. E TO THE PUBLIC AT HALF USUAL PRICE. JUNCTION CHEAP DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 288. UPPER QUEEN STREET.