SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HUIH wAttth /This Evening, 1,31 "'„" W iTo-morrow Morning, 2.17 SUNSET.-Thls Evening, 5.16 BtJNRIBE.-To-morrowTJlornlng, R2l MOON'S AGE.-Full Moon, 10th. 11.23 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LASI' EVENING. Atlantic, schooner, Simpson, from Aitutakl Christina, schooner, Evanson, from Russell

TO-DAY. Macgregor. s.s., Johnson, from Whangarei Mariner, schooner, Queen, for Russell

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Glenelg, s.s,, Stephenson, for Tauranga

Vessels Expected.

London.—British King, s.s., sailed March 15; Thomas Russell, s.a., December 28; Rarigilikei, ship, V.N.K.P., December 19; AJastor, barque, W.T.G F., January 3; Deva, barque, N.S.T.D., January 21; Crusader, ship, February 6; Glance, Laira, and Glenrosa, loading. New York.—Rebecca Crowell, barque (via Wellington), December 11;' Claribel, barque (via Wellington), January 22. Sax Francisco.—Australia, P.M.5.8., due April 6.

Australia.—Loongana, barque, from Hobart; Ntiad, Peerless, and Nightingale, from New castle.

Southern Ports.—Cam Mo, brigantinc.from Dunedin; Notero, barque, from Lyttelton; En deavour, sshooner, ffom Lyttelton.

IMPORTS.

Per Atlantic, from Rarotonga—Bo.oCO oranges, 800 cocoanuts, 300 pine applo», a lot of muntz metal, witti rigging, and ironwork.

Per Itlantic — 5,000 oranges, cocoanuts, pin«,-C. Bagley.

Inwards Coastwise —Adah, from Thames, ■with 20,0ii0ft. timber; Zillah, from Thames, with 25,000 ft timber.

. OtrnvAnDsCoASTWiaß.—Llzette, for Thames; Griffin, for Russell; Kriemhilda, for Whanga roa.

The schooner Fleetwing entered outwards at the Customs to-day for Suva via Meroury Bay.

The schooner Flora waß at Raratonga when the Atlantic left.

The schoonor Julia Prico, which left this p lit for Raraionga on Feb. 26, had not arrived there when the Atlantic left (March 11).

The ship Northumberland has commenced ballasting, preparatory to leaving for Nayier and Wellington, where she is to receive frozen meat for London,

The schooner Atlantic arrived from Altutaki last evening. Sho left Aitntaki on March 19th with light northerly winds, which prevailed till tho 31st. and then strong easterly winds till ar rival. The Atlantic, which is still owned by Mr A. B, Donald, comes hero for a thorough overhaul.

The B.s. Macgregor arrived from Whangarei last evening with the following passengers:— Messrs Bussell, Jones, Kent, Carpenter, Fidler, Cole, Henry, Davlos, McLean, Misses Urquhart, McLean, McLeod, Mrs Finlayson, and two steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Thames, this day.—Sailed: Saxon, sen, for Lyttelton, with about 10(000 feet sawn kahika tea, shipped by Bagnall Bros. SYDNEY, April 3.—Arrived, this morning: Hauroto, s.B. Sailed, this afternoon: Binga rooma, for Auckland. Adelaide, April 3.—Arrived, this afternoon: Tho Oriont steamship Cuzco, from London, February 21.

COMMERCIAL.

Evenino Star Office, this day.

MESSRS HUNTER ASD NOLAN'S WEEKLY REPORT.

Horsee: There was increased vitality to the market, owing principally to shipments coming : forward, which, as usual, had the effect of ex citing a demand. Tho Durham Yards, on Friday, were well filled, and purchases were forthcoming for all offered. The result being satisfactory to venders, the only excoption being one or two draught horses, whioh only reached £12; while for a good hack £10 was given. Light harness horses sold at from £12 10s to £10. Wool, hides, and skins: The demand has boon steady. Wool sold nt 3}d to 53d; hides, SJd per lb; tallow, 22s 6dpercwt. Cattle: The trade has been brisk, ■ but little alteration in value. Fat boosts main tained the previous week's values, and dairy cows wore worth quite as much as those of the same description, although the maximum price ■was loweft The Newmarket Yards were fairly supplied on Tuesday, and there was a good muster on Wednesday at Papakura. The do mand was good, and lust weok'a rates wero fully • sustained. We quote: Beef, 193 to 233 per lOOlba; calves, from 15a to 263; yearlings, from 22a to 325; 2-year-old steers, from 3»s to £3 2s 6d; heifers, from £3 f's to Si ; dry cows, £2 to £3 17s Cd ; apringors, from £5 10s to £9 Sheep: An on usually large number have been brought for ward, but the demand was spirited, and last weok'a values wero fully maintained. At New market, on Tuesday, 1,590 were yarded, and sold at satisfactory prices, Store ewes sold at from 8s 6d to 13< 6d; wethers, from Via (id to 14s. Wethers bought by the butchers at from 13s 6d to 18s 6d i lambs at from 10s to Us 9d. Pigs: A ' lareemusterand good competition at from 2d to 34d per lb,' live weight. ' BANK'S AND CO.'S WEEKLY BKPORT. Our market at Parawai on Thursday was • again very largely supplied with fat cattle, all of Rood quality, though mostly light weights. A succession of large sales has caused a depres sion in prices, which, this week, did not exceed ZOs to 21a per lOOlbs for best beef. The sheep pens were filled with wethers and ewes (mixed) of medium quality, which brought 103 M to Us 6d each j lambs, fis 6d to 9s.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET.

Farm and Daiby Produce. — Wholesale: Butter, Ireßh, Is j Butter, salt, 8d to lOd; Cheese, good local, Id tosd; Canterbury, do., 6d ; Eggs, per doz., Is 6d; Lard, per bladder, 7d to 7id; Bacon and Hams, Provincial, 6d to 8d; Hams, 8d to 9d: Canterbury Ham and Bacon. 9d, In cloth: Hams only, Ud; Jams, per case, 5d0!!., £117s 6d to £1 18s >d; Honey in bulk. Id per lb. Retail: Butter, fresh Is 3d: salt do., lOd to Is; Cheese, colonial, 9d to lOd ;^Eggs. per doz., Is9d; Lard, por lb, 8d to 9d; Bacon, per lb, lOd to 1b; Hams, do., Is to Is Id.

Flour Mahket. — Wholesale — Superfine flour, silk dressed,por ten, £1210s; do, do, house hold, jfilllOs; hundreds, Sa; fifties, 10 per ton extra, sacks and bags free; Southern do, £11 os to £1115s; bran, per ton, sacks included, local, £J 10s; Southern, do, £5; sharps, £5; cabin bread, do,£18; oatmeal,do, £13; maize,3sfid to 3a 3d; oats. 2s 6d to 2s 3d; potatoes, £3 10s per ton; pearl barley, do., £23 to £24 ; bread, per zlb loaf, 3Jd.

Kauri Gum, Flax, &c.—The market con tinues firm. We quote:—Ordinary. £10; fair to good ordinary, £12 to £41; Eaet Coast, £53: produce for April, to date, 90 tons: flax per ton. £18 to £21; tow, do., £7 to £9; fungus per lb, 2}d to 3d: coooanut fibre, per cwt, 5s to 17s; beeswax, 9d to 10d lb.

Co At and Firewood Market.—Coal: New castle (ship's side), 23s to 30s per ton; yard, 32s to 355; Bay of Islands, at yards, 26s Gd; screened, 30s 6d: ditto at the mine, 13s 6d; ship's side, 265; Waikato, 8s to 12s; In Auckland, 18s to 225; Kamo, 12a por ton at loading ground: Tauplrl at mine, Bs6d to 12s; at yard, 18s 6d to 22a; Whangarei, at mine, 9s ftl; yard (steam), 17s; household, 21s; delivered, 235. Firewood: Uncut at wharf (cargo), 9s to 10s per ton; delivered. Us; cut, 17s to 18s.

Bun-MNQ Materials.—Timber: Boards and scantling, 100 ft, best, 14s; .second-class, 8s; best, planed, tongucd, and grooved, first-class, 16s; medium, 12s; second ditto, 10s6d. Mills: CargO|best,lls; second-class,ss 6d; baulk, 8s 6d. New Zealand palings, sft (sap), lus; sft (heart). 13s; 6ft. Us: ti-tree rails, £3 10s per 10 >; puriri posts. £6 10s to £? 10s; shingles. 16s per 1,000; Hobart palings, Sft, 20s; 6ft, 225; Hobart rails, 90s, selling quotations. Bricks (at Avondale), 10s per 1,000: town yards,sos to 555; delivered.Soa to 60s. Drain pipes (at works), per 100 (6 inches bore), His ; i inchps, Us; 3 Inches, 9s; 2 inches, £2 10s per 1,000: socket glazed pipes, 19 Inches; 2s 6d per foot; IS inches, 2s per foot; 12 inches. Is 6d per foot; 9 Inches, Is per foot; 6 inches, 6d per too t: 4 inches, 4d por foot.

Manures.—Boned ust, Sydney. £710s to £810s, according to quality; bonenour, £910s; Auokland £7 to £8 10s: Peruvian guano, CIS; Maiden Island, £8; Hucn guano, small lots, £5 to £6, bags included; Hurst's chemical manure, £1 10s.

Our Athlete's Verdict.

BICYCLING.

John Rolfs, Esa., champion bicyclist of Eng land and Australia, who at present is open to run a long-distance race with any bicyclist for the championship of the world, gives his per sonal experience of the valuable properties of St.- Jacob's Oil, as used by him in bis recent contest with Jno. Watson for the championship of Australia

268, Elizabeth-street North, Melbourne, Victoria, 23rd Norombor, 1883. To tho Editor Auckiakb Kvehino Stab. - :UvarS<r, 7laOßlreU)Bddniycheerfalendorse nient of thifgood offeota I have at all times re ruirod from the uso of St. Jacob'aOU when In mstlvo training and racing. Daring my recent 0 days' contest held In tho Melbourne Exhibi tion Building for £500 and tho championship of ■ thf Australian and adjacent colonies, It waa my boon companion. I continually tteed it before : >. and after each day's performance, and the re inlti Bimplj ttstonished me. After riding for 8 wmsecutive hours eaoh day, viz., from half-past J ufiiii liiaf ; pa»t 10, my ambs wouia become uirtr. and Miff from over-exertion, but after lieinn well-rubbod with tho oil all muscular r«f» immediately vantehoa and I feltiStSsg «»evor. As proof posltlve,after the contest was over, I rode 101 miles against time before a pub lic audianee and accomplished it in 6 hours 11 ir.lnutcs 4S{ seconds. Another application of St. Jacob s Oil was made, and tt removed all f cel t i ings of fatiguq and I felt perfectly fit for another race. Am pos'.tlvellaided motowlnthematch, Hnd I shall never enter a similar contest without • a bicycle and St. Jacob's Oil. I strongly advise all "wheelmen" and other athletes to give it a trial, and feel fully con' vincod thoir experiences will compare favour nhly with my own, I remain, dear Sir, ;•■/ , . ■ , Yourstruly, John Uolfb, CMCiIBT. ' Jis>PP SH" o{ tte fl P"» ot Messrs' - Bbyle and Scott, Cricket and Football Depot, Melbourne, Victoria.-" St. Jacob's OU re :.• ll#vod meat once of pain. Icommendittoali • « footballers and cricketers." i KOn-AKPTlltcaaffi1. Ksq!, one of the world's \ -■i iSrwHoat oarsmen.—" I have found St. Jacobs « HUn euro and certain cure." !

GENUINENESS GUARANTEED.

ST. JACOB'S OIL CONQUEHB PADf ■' r-u Af7:: niwllV' "f -eiOO. will be paid by the -.: flllilliitf *,''„*-.'■■'" V''l";"'l'"' 'wal representatives, to «(* p'niu.vurtl-.wiMished by them to regardto fct. Ja<-uh • o*i ait not strictly genuine *j^;. "-.,■ }::•, „ WuoLEsiLB Depot: -■ : 1 ■"!'s'■

SoMETniNQ Choice, Wholesale and Retail, at Aickin'b, The Pharmaoy, Qneen-Btreet.— Pear'B 30 per cent. Pure Glycerine Soap, Pear's Transparent Shaving Sticks and Cakes, Pear's Toilet Carbolic Soap, Pear's Rougo and Pearl Powder, Pear's Violet Powder, Pear's Pure Curd Soap, Belgian Rose Soap, Belgian Opopa nax Soap, Colgate's Cashmere Bouquet Soap, Colgate's Jockey Club Soap, &c, &., Genuine Eau de Cologne, three sizes.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as under i—

This Day.

For Wnngarei Heads, Parna, Waipu, Kamo, Wangarei, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Mac gregor, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Annie Milbank at 5.30 p.m.

Saturday, sth in9t.

For Waterford, Tauranga, &c, por Rotomahana,

at 8 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 8.30 a.nv. For Waivvcra, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga-

wai. etc., per Rose Casey, at 6 a.m. For Suwarrow, per Sovereign, at 1 p.m. For Rarotonga, per Ada C. Owen, at 4 p.m, For Tairua, per Opotiki, at i p.m,

Monday, 7thinst,

For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, at 11

a.m. For Coromandel, per Coromandel. at 11.30 a.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Suva, Fiji, and Samoa, per Ponguin, at 4 p.m.

For Taranaki and Southern ports, por Rotoma, immediately after arrival of Australia. For Australian Colonleg, per Australia, immedi atoly after her arrival from Honlulu.

N.8.-The Waikato lino of mails, Auckland toTe Awamutu, heretofore closed at 7 30 a.m. daily, will, in future, close at 8 a.m.

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster, Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

April 1, 1881,

Abbott's Opera House — 8 p.m.

"Hunted Down,"

St. Benedict's Bazaar—Premises of Milne and Choyco, 7 till 10 p.m.

Oddfellows' Hall, Ponsonby—Panorama of the World, 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Catholic Institute, Wollinßton-strect—lrish National League, 8 o'clock.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1884.

For the cause that locks assistance, For the wrong that n«eda resistance, For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

In addressing his constituents last night, Mr Moss alluded to the suppression of the report on the Government Insurance De partment, prepared by himself as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. The labours of this Committee, extonding over many sittings were afterwards brought to nothing by the unprecedented action of Major Atkins»n in getting the Committee discharged, although, according to all parliamentary rule, it is a Standing Committeo appointed for the whole term of Parliament. When a temporary party majority in Parliament lend their votes for the perpetration of an irregularity oi this sort they do a grievous injury to tho Repre sentative Chamber as a governing maohino. Party passion and the anxiety for a present triumph ought never to lead a member into any action that is permanently detrimental to the good government of the country and the effective control of tho House ovor tho ad ministration of tho Executive. Tliis,however, is what they have dono by tho dismissal of the Public Accounts Committee at the ond of last session.

The duties of this Committee are specially important. Mr Reginald Polgrave, tho clerk assistant of the House of Commons, speaking of the Public Accounts Committed appointed by tho British Parliament, says : " The Rpocial function of this Committee is to make Buro with tho utmoßt precision that tho Parliamentary grants of each session have been applied to the exact object which Parliament prescribed, and owinfj to the variety and intricacy of the public service, this task is not an easy one. The Committee also re-chocks the oilicial audit to which tho Imperial accounts are by law subjected—an investigation which makes that tribunal tho arbiter in many a perplexing departmental dispute, and places before it the whole of our financial economy. These inquiries are reported to the House, and a complete story of tho monetary transactions of each year is thus made public on tho authority of Parlia ment. No servant of the State is there who works to better or to more useful purpose than these eleven members who form the Committee of Accounts. Their labour is close and prolonged ; they have to solve dry and complicated problems ; together with most of our legislators, leisure is to them a nonentity; time and labour, there fore, entail on them no slight sacrifice—yet they make that sacrifice freely, aud most assuredly not so as to be seen of men, for the important functions discharged by them are unknown to many without, and even to some within the world political." On the Accounts Committee of the House of Commons, it is a hard and fast rule that no Minister of the Crown sits in any case whatever; but contrast this with the personnel of the Accounts Com mittee of our House of Representatives of last session, on which there were no less than three Ministers, each having a vote, and who in many instances wero practically on their own defence. The other members of this Committee consisted of three Go vernment supporters md four independent members, thus giving the Government a clear majority of two whenever it found it necessary to exercise it, as they did in the matter of the inquiry into tho Insurance Department. One of the first duties of the House on the re-assembling of Parliament will be the re-appointment of this and other commit tees. Those who voted for discharging the Publio Accounts Committee, or whose proxies were exercised by the " whips " of the party, have had time to reflect, and we hope that the House will retrace the grave error that has been committed, and will re nominate the members who, by their pre vious participation in the deliberations of the Committee, have obtained an insight into the public .accounts.

To-morrow'B Stab Supplement will con tain several complete tales—" Jack Fester's Wife," "The Saratoga Trunk," "One Thousand Guineas," and "The Writing on the Slate ;" also, continuation of the serial story, "'A Woman's Faith." "Zamlel's" usual Random Shots will appear, with interesting articles on the " Decrease of the Maori Race," " The Siej?e of Sinkat," " The Queen's Journal," "Bradlaugh Asserting his Rights," ," Murder Prevented by a Dream, "A Hangman Hanged," "Teach-, ing Animals to Converse," &c.; also, Theatrical, - Military, and' Sporting Notes, "A Lady's Letter from London," '•'The Garden," by " Hortus"; Science Notes, Poetry, &c, &c.

Mr J. M. Dargaville desires us to state that there is no truth in the paragraph that "It is reported that Mr Dnrgaville, not feeling sure of City West, is spying the land in Upper Waipa District." He says he has no intention of leaving City West,

It is reported from Wellington that Judge Johnston, who has been in ill-health for a considerable time, and latterly, has been unable to attend to his duties, has resigned bis seat on the Supreme Court Bench. The Hon. E. T. Connolly, the present Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, will, ib is rumoured, succeed to the judge ship rendered vacant by Mr Justice John ston's resignation.

The meeting of the City Council last night was a lengthy one, but the business was not of a very important character. Numerous letters were read, reports were adopted, and an hoar was devoted to the discussion of the street obstruction by-law. Mr J. Knight was chosen Clerk of Works on the casting vote of the Mayor. Tenders for works in Ireland and Nelson streets were accepted, and motions relating to others in Seafield View and Jennyn -street agreed to. Our report appears on the fourth page of this evening's issue.

As showing the 'improvement's which have of late years been effected in road communication in the districts north of this city, we may mention that Mr J. B. Russell anff'■party lately did the overland journey from Auckland to Whangarei in a buggy. This trip, which; is the first at tempted over these roads, was accomplished in a little over two days, in perfect safety and comfort. The route was firstly to Wa» wera, then through Maungaturototo Waipu, and fromthelast-named place to Whangarei. Of course when .this has been done, there is nothing to hinder, the whole of the North being visited in the same way, for the roads, between Whangarei, Bay of Islands,' and . Hokianga are.at least in as good a state as those between hero and Whangarei.} In good weather, therefore, a very pleasant overland trip could be made through these .districts, which have hitherto only been accessible by means of a sea voyage, t '

Yesterday afternoon, a number of gentle men interested in the frozen meat trade visited the ship Northumberland for the purpose of inspecting the refrigerating machinery, which is on the Bcll-Colemon principle, and is of a most complete and ex tensive character. Tho machinery was set in motion by direction of Captain Todd, and soon a cm rant of cold air was found coming down the various shafts, making the tem perature in the freezing chambers very cool. Everything worked very satisfac torily, and the visitors, who were present at Captain Todd's invitation, were greatly pleased with tho result. Tho Northumber land has three boilers and three freezing chambers, tho latter being capable of storing from 20,000 to 30,000 carcases of mutton; in fact, her arrangements in this respect aro far in advance of that possessed by any other sailing ship which has yet visited the colonies, and her cargo will consequently be of moro than ordinary value, and greater interest will be taken in its transportation. From here she will pvoceed at an early dato to Napier and Wellington, at each of which ports she will receive cargo, principally frozen moat, and then proceed to London,

The stowards of tho Takapuna Jockey Club have invited tho captain and officers of tho Japanese war-ship Tsukuba to be present at their meeting to-morrow, and the invite has been accepted. We have no doubt they will thoroughly enjoy them selves, there being a first-class day's sport provided.

Mr F. J. Moss, M.H.R. for Parnell, addressed a meeting of his constituents last night in the Parnell Hall, and at the close of his address received a vote of thanks and confidence. Mr J. M. Dargavillo was amongst tho audience, and listened to tho utterances of his confrire in rapt attention. A condensed, report of Mr Moss's remarks appears upon the fourth page of this issue.

With the object of encouraging the seri culture industry and the cultivation of sub tropical fruits, tho local Chamber of Com merce has decided to request the Govern ment to introduco a bill subsidising a com pany with a capital of not less than £10,000 for fivo years, at the rate of £1,000 a yoar. The conclusion of our abstract of Mr Federli's address before the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon, with the resolution arrived at by that body, appears elsewhere.

The Auckland Trade and Labour Council has received about a dozen replies to its cir culars to members of the House of Repre sentatives requesting su2Jport for the proposal to amalgamate tiio Parliamentary constituencies ot all tho largo towns. Thcso replies are not only from members in tho Auckland Provincial District. Tho Council does not intend to publish tho roplioa until the answers are complete. Wo aro givon to understand, howover, that tho great major ity of those who have acknowledged tho ro ceipt of the circulars are in favour of the proposition. The most notablo oxcoption is Mr Swanson, who appoars to regard tho project £s a fad that may have consequoncos quite different tc thoso oxpected by tho Council.

Tho rapidly increasing valuo of tho loaso holds on tbe reclaimed land appears to bo moving tho Harbour Board in tho diroction of making further provision for tho accom modation of persons desiring to loaso. Ac cording to tho plans which havo boon prepared, tho Hobeon-stroot Wharf is to havo a sloping stono halter on ono side. It is now proposed to roplaco tho haltor with a perpendicular wooden wall, to fill in the space thus gained with earth, and divide tho additional area reclaimod Into leasehold allotments. This alteration, it is bolioved, would givo increased rontals of £700 or £800 a year, oa return on an oxpendituro of £3,069. Tho Engineer ostimatod tho cost of tho work atj that amount, whilo Messrs Winstone havo ofl'erod to carry it out for £4,100 odd. Tho Board has agreed that this amount-is excossivo, but will permit Messrs Winstono to undortako tho work at tho Enginoor's estimate.

Tho by-law in roforonco to stroot obstruc tion, which has boon portioned against by a largo numbor of burgotsos, is now in ope ration. A long discussion upon it took pluco at the City Council last night, and is ro ported olsowhoro. It transpired that thero was a police by-law to tho same effect al ready in existoßco, and some mijjibors hold that when tho prcsont laws cam&into force it was virtually repealed, andTl tlio now clause was now rescinded thoro would bo no law at all to regulate etreot obstruction. Othor members contended that tho interests of the petitioners would bo safer in tho hands of the Council than of tho police ; and tho by-law was eventually rotainod by ton votes to six. ■ It was, however, understood that tho law should not bo mado to apply to street-preaching unless a nirisanco was really caused.

Tbe monthly entertainment in connoction with the Grafton Wesleyan Sunday-school last evening was quito a success. Mr Wallis opened in tho usual way, and tho Chairman, Mr Robert Mcars, mado a fow introductory romarks. Tho- programme consisted of two glees by the youthful choir, led by Mr Oatland, readings by Miss Alice Hodges, Grotta Young,' and Mr McGregor, recitations by luossrs John Walker and Alfred Burton, and an instruc tive address by Mr R. French. Thoro was a largo audience, and the entertainment was characterised by good feeling.

The action, Menzies v. Clayton, which had been held over for several weeks, was disposed of yesterday by tho Resident Magistrate (H. G. S. Smith, Esq.) Mr Alexander appeared for plaintiff, and Mr T. Cooper for defendant. Tho claim, £5, was for carting timber from Mount Eden to Rocky Nook. The defendant, Mr F. G. Clayton, was agent for tho Helensville Timber Company, and sold timbor to Mr Mclntosh. He had no interest in the timber beyond the sale, and did not' promise to pay cartage. He merely recom mended Menzies to carry it. Mclntosh was responsible, but ho had filed. J. E. Mclntosh stated that he arrangod with Menzies and agreed to pay Cd per 100 feet for carting. Mr Clayton was not liable. His Worship held that defendant's case was reasonable. Mr Alexander accepted a nonsuit. An Anti-Smoking Society is the latest de velopment In Auckland for the fashionable rago of -forming organisations for tho en couragement of habits of temperance, thrift, and self-control. The new society is called the Young Men's Anti-Smoking Association, and the declaration made by members is as follows : —"Believing the practice of smoking to be injurious to sound health, also a useless habit, and usually pro ductive, of artificial thirst, I hereby agree to abstain- from the same, and in witness thereof subsribe my name and address." It will be seen that the society is almost a nscessary corollary of the Blue Ribbon Army, and must bo a great aid to the latter society in cutting off the "artificial thirst" engendered by the habit of smoking. Mr Frederick Blomfield, Queon-atroot, has been chosen Secretary of the Association, from whom, or from Mr Mackay, stationer, Grey etreet junction, cards of membership may be obtained.

With reference to the complaints made by some of the Northumberland immigrants, Captain Todd informs us that before the vessel left London sho was .visited nnd passe 1 by the Government inspector, and again at Gravesond that functionary came on board, when he recommended the hang ing of some extra screens in the steerage, and his recommendations were attended to, Captain Todd having telegraphed to London for canvas, which was- sent to his ship and used according to the directions of the inspector. Captain Todd and his officers deny the state ment that the ventilation was defective, and assert that during the whole voyage it waß with the utmost difficulty that the hatches were kopt off the steerage at night, some of the occupants being co afraid of the draught that they were in the habit of putting the hatches on themselves, and thus preventing the ingress of that frosh air the absence of which they afterwards lamented. The ventilators, too, we are in formed, were not permitted to perform their functions, the passengers finding the current of air descending through them so great that the apertures were stopped by boards specially matte for that purpose. Dr. Phileon found ono of the ventilators stopped up in this manner when ho visited the vessel, nnd asked, in surpriso, what it was for, when he was informed that it was the work of the passengers, who objected to a draught being caused. It appears also that the fourteen young_ men who com plained to th.c Immigration Officer about their accommodation included only two or three Government immigrants, and that the rest were steerage passengers brought out at £13 per head. It is due to Captain Todd and his officers to state fchat,notwith standing all that has been said against the immigration arrangements in the vessel, we have never heard a passenger speak in other' than complimentary terms of their conduct throughout tho voyage, the slightest grievances having immediate attention, and remedies applied with the greatest of kind ness. The complaints made to the Immi gration Officer were forwarded to Welling ton, but no answer has yet been receivedj so that it appears possible that nothing more will be heard of them, *, ~ ■*£

Mr Richard Hobbß was re-elected Chair man of the Board of Education this after noon. Mr Moat was also nominated, but declined to stand. Thoro was consequently no opposition.

The case, W. A. Graham v. GeorgoQapc?, claim £4 13s 2d (wages) was heard yester day afternoon, before Judge Smith. Tho defence) was that a man named Jenkins was tho real debtor, and not tho present de fendant. Evidence was heard, which con^ vinccd the Court, that Jonkine was tho responsible person. Plaintiff was non suited, with costs, £1 5s Cd. •;

Tho Rev. C. T. Baker delivered a lecture at Pitt-street Wesloyan Church last even ing on "India and its People." Thero was a good attendance. The leoturo was a highly interesting one, the peculiarities and customs of the several tribes of tho country being doalt with at length. A collection in aid of the funds of the British and Foreign Bible Society was made at the closo.

On the recommendation of the Inspector of Vohioles, important changes have been made in the location of the cab-stands in tho city. Thore are 53 hackney carriagos on tho books of the Corporation, and these will be disposed of as follows :—4 in Quay-street, 20 in Fort-street, C in Wyndham -street, 8 in Victoria-street East, C in Upper Queen-street, and 6 in Grey Btreet.

The Japanese are evidently determined to make themselvos thoroughly acquainted with our internal polity as a peoplo and ascertaining fully our habite, manners, and customs before departing for Chile. On Wednesday the captain and all his officers mustered in tho galley of the Supreme Court, and watched with interest the formal opening of the criminal sessions. • During the afternoon and yesterday thoy paid visits to the Frco Library and other public institutions, and yesterday evening a num ber of thorn assembled in front of the Star Oflice, and regarded with great curiosity the bustle associated with the issue of tho. paper, the running hithor and thither cf the run boys With rolls of freshly printed copios, the rapid working of tho machinery, and tho throng of eagor pur chasors. It was evidently a novel sight to them.

Tho monthly inspection of the A Battery Artillory was hold in tho Drill-shed last night. Captain Payne and Lieutenants Nome and Goddcs were present. There was also a good attendance of other members of tho Company. The Auckland Naval Artil lery aro reminded by advortisomont that the inspection parado takes placo this ovoning.

Tho Resident Magistrate's Court was occupied to-day with tho case of Grant and Crossan v. Fort; claim 143, commission. Mr T. Cotter for plaintiff, and Mr Theo. Cooper for defendant. This case arose out tho salo of tho Masonic Hotel. The plain tiffs claimed that they wore entitlod to commission on tho amount of tho salo. Messrs Crossan and Mathieson were oxamincd for tho plaintiff, while the dofondant gave evidence on hi* own behalf. Eventually, tho caso was compromised,

An inquest was hold yesterday afternoon at tho Edinburgh Castlo Hotel, boforo Dr. Philson, Coronor, on tho body of an infant, Ethel Maud O'Brien, two months old—Mr Francis llcighway' foreman of tho jury, Constablo Dows roprcsouting tho jwlico. Tho ovi lonco of Ujnora O'Brien, wifo of William John O'Brion, bakor, showed that tho child was healthy ut birth, but had sinco gradually declined. Sho fod it at five o'clock on Wednesday morning, and at sovon sho found it iifoless on her arm. William and Bridgot Jones corroborated. Daniel Stalker, Bachelor of Modicino, mado n }wst mortem examination, and according to his ovidoncc, tho child was well nourished, Tho cause of death wasosphyxia, or suffocation, resulting probably from tho bed-clothes being drawn ovor tho face. Tho verdict vw in accordanco with tho medical testimony.

Tlio advortisomont of tho City Council for tondorH for work* in Franklin Road mid Hackott-strcot is withdrawn in tho mean time. Wo aro glad to learn that tho nocos sary drainago works in this district aro included in tho fresh tonders to bo ad vcrtitod for.

Tho " blood and firo " propagandists had h inarch out in Ponsonby last night, thoir banner fluttering in the breeze, a cornet blaring out in strident tones tho well known tuno " Tramp, tramp, trump, tho Boys aro Marching," and tho rank and tile who followed behind singing lustily to tho air. Tho youngsters assembled from far and near, and joined in the chorus with a vigour that was absolutely appalling, while tho rcsidonts viowed tho procession with rather mixed fooling?.

Tho Dovonport Naval Brigade purpose immediately giving an order for the con struction of a captain's gig. When Colonel Header, Undor-Secretary for Dofonco, was hero tho other day, ho was interviewed by Cnpt. A. 1). Bcnnott with reforenco to the provision of a launch for tho corps. Col. Kcador advised Captain Bounctt to make application to tho Government for tho craft, and remarked that as Devonport was tho principal key to tho defonco of Auck land, ho had no doubt but that tho Brigade would bo treated liberally by tho authori ties. Tho Dovonport Navals aro to bo con gratulated upon obtaining tho cervices of such an efficient officer as Captain Bennett. It was mainly through his exertions that tho Thames Naval Bri gado reached tho high standard of effi ciency that made it for so many years the premier naval corps in tho colony. He also was instrumental in forming tho Wol lington Naval Brigado, and commanded a detachment of that fine corps in the oxpedj tion to Parihaka. For his services on this occasion ho was presented by tho citizens of Wollington with a pair of gold bullion epaulctts and a pair of revolvers. We may mention that at the weekly drill of tho Devonport Navals last ovoning there wore 58 members presont.

Ghastly possibilities of a mysterious tragedy are suggested by the discovery the other day of a numan SKeloton by tho Bido of a long-disused track near the township of Hamilton, Waikato. Fragments of clothing, &c, prove it to be tho body of a European soldier. The skull bears evidence of having been pierced in two places by a riflo bullet, and the probability, is there fore, that the man, whoever he was, was murdered. From the fact that tho present road has been in use seventeen or eighteen years, it is evident that tho occurrence took place soon after the close of tho war. Stories of the mysterious disappearance of raon at that period are by no means un common, and some of tho " old hands " may perhaps bo able to recall somo circumstances to their minds which will sorve to connect tho remains with some poor follow whoso lifo record ended none of his comrades know how. A correspondent writes to the " Waikato Times " that some time in tho year 1865, if he recollects aright, a Militiaman left Cambridge for Hamilton to transact some business ; that ho reached the latter place, executed his commission, started on his return journey, and was never afterwards seen. Little notice was taken of the affair at the time, and the cor respondent says it had not come into his mind for years before the finding of these re mains recalled it. The police purpose keep ing the skeleton on view at the barracks for some time in the hope that somo clue to its identity may be forthcoming.

The season being in, the delicious bivalve that Mr Moss [in his placo in the House of Representatives called " the unhappy little oyster," is having a particularly rough time of it. Already large consignment have been sent South per s.s. JRotomahana, and to Sydney by" the s.s. Tarawera. The Sydney oyster saloons make a strong feature of " Fresh Auckland Oysters."

There was a complete change of pro grainmo at Abbott's Opera House, F. C. Newton's drama, " Cast Upon tho World," being placed on the boards. Tho piece went smoothly, and the audience testified their approval by frequont rounds of applauso. It will bo produced again this evening, and an entire change of pro granimo is announced for to-morrow.

The examinations for the entrance scholar chips iri connection with tho Aneklond University College will commence on Mon day morning next. The time-table of the examinations will be found in another part of our issue.

MINING NEWS.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

Discovery of Gold in Wanganui.

WAKGANtii, Thursday. Specimens of geld from three different tributaries of the Wanganul River have bcon found at Pungapunga, Waitapu, and another place. The matter is causing great excitement in town. Gold Prospecting at Tuliua. The Tuhua natives have been holding a largo meeting to discuss the question of allowing Europeans to prospect for gold. The messages received as to the result are very conflicting, some reports being that the Tuhua natives object to let Europeans go through till a consultation has been held with WahanUi and tho Waikato natives. Another statement is to the effect that Manuku and party have gone On to Rananaj where final arrangements will bo made, and tho party taken right through. It is not expected that there will be ally more obstruction,

THAMES.

[BY TKLEGRArHi—-OWN CORRESPOKDEHT. ]

Thames, this day,

Queen of Beauty.—Tho manager reports that the trial parcel from the new leader produced loz. 15d\vt8i from 5 loads. He haR stopped work On it. The reef in No. 8 Vanguard crosscut should be to hand shortly. The country is no* sandstone, No. 10 level. The drive on No. 1 reef, No> 10 level, has bean oxtehded 20 feet during this week. Tho lode is 2 foet thick with excellent minerals.

Quiskn of Beauty.—A change haß oc curred in the country in tho cross-cut at No. 8 level, which makes the manager think the Vanguard reef is close at hand. The reef at No. 10 level looks promising, but shows no gold. Lately, a great deal of water has boon coming from it.

TE AROHA.

(bytelegrabu—own correspondent.)

Te Aroha, this day.

New Find.—Tho general appearanco of things continues moat satisfactory. In the north end of the No. 2 level a marked im provement Is observable in the character of the reef. For a considerable distance the footwall vein had been small and much broken up, but towards the junction with tho hanging-wall portion it has increased in Am, and is now a fine-looking body of stono, which shows gold in payable quantity. Tho winze in this level has now been sunk to a depth of 10 fcot. Tho roof maintains its slzo, the stuff being of the same grade as when sinking was commenced. In tho Arizona level the rise at the end of the cross-cut is now up lOfeot. The lode ishoro 5 foot in width, and continues to look a* well as usual. Stoping operations aro being vigorously prosecuted in the upper work ings, and ovor the No. 2 lovel, and from both places good crushing dirt h being ob tained.

AVkllinoton.—Tho recent rich find in tho Waiorongomai Company's ground close to tho boundary of this claim has ralsod it greatly in public estimation, and justly so, For the same roef runs through the property for a Tory considerable) distance. A voin supposed to bo idontical with tho one which has yielded such splendid prospects has alroady been tracod eomo three or four chains into tho claim, and good gold-bear ing stone lian boon got from it in different places. Work, which was recently stopped for a week or two, has again boon com msncod, and it may confidently be expected that the good fortune that has befallen the Waiorongomai Company will be participated in by tho owners of this now faVourito pro perty. Colonist.—^toping Ib the principal work at present going on, and from tho Works betweon tho two levels a large quantity of good crushing stufT is being obtained. The remainder of the surface block near to the Canadian boundary is also beinfj taken out, and is yieldini* stone of fair quality. In tho south end of the low level, the reef, which was lately of smaller sizo than usual, has again opened out, and is now about 5 feet wide, with gold showing in paying quan tity. Canadiak.—The roof in the drive is still small, and the country rather broken. Stoping has been started in the block over the level, and near tho Colonist boundary. A considerable quantity of stuff is now in the paddock, and will shortly be forwarded to the battery. Diamomd Golly.—The reef is still much disturbed, and it is not likely there will be any improvement to note nntil it assumes a moro compact form. Eukkka.—Good progress is being made with the wiro tramway, which, it is ox poctod, will bo in working ordor in throe or four weoks from now. Tho hopper at the mine is nearly finished, and an oxcavation for tho one at tho lower end of tho line is now being formed. Chancb.— The drive is now in good work ing country, and a »trongflow of water is coming from the face. The manager ex pects to cut the reef about 15 feet ahead, and is hopeful, from the look of things in the upper workings, of shortly aftorwards finding payable stone.

COROMANDEL.

(From cue "Cohomandei, Mail.")

During tho week tho Success Gold Mining Company got down about four and a half tons ofquartzto theCorbybattery,anditwa» variously ostimated to averago from eight to twelvo ounces of gold per ton, when to the astonishment of ovorybody, there was lodged in tho bank 284 ozs. retorted gold. Tho amount took nearly overyone's breath away, and appeared incredible. On the manager being questioned, ho said about three candle boxes full of loose sand wash ings from former returns went in with it j but that will hardly account for Buch an enormous return as this, and we aro driven to tho conclusion that the stuff must have been a great deal richer than anyone dreamt of; ancl when it is remembered the quantity of gold which has been lodged from this mlno before, it shows that the block must have been wonderfully rich, and is surely very encouraging for the shareholders of this and surrounding claims ; in fact, we doubt very much if any mines, oxcept the very richest at the Thames, can show as much gold for tho amount of ground Btoped out as tho Success.

Matawai.—Good rich stone has boon got in this mine in the level below the upper workings. An old practical miner who visited the mine on Wednesday, says it is tho best mino in the district.

There is still great excitement over the Success' extraordinary yield. No doubt it will revive this claim, and cause a con siderable amount of activity in the neigh bourhood. The Queen of England, appa rently, has quito as good a show as the Success had in its early days.

-Homeward Bound. —Some very rich stuff is being taken out of this mine, but the leader is small, and tho ground hard.

Vizard ie getting out rich stnff froma small1 leador. Several new claims are pegged out adjoining this and Matawai claim. There appears every probability of a rush to this locality. There its little doubt tho Matn wai and Matawai No. 2 are very rich.

Royal Oak have done very little on tho reef since it was cut, but the stone looks so good one might expect specimens at any moment.

CRICKET MATCHES TO MORROW.

West Knd v. Excelsior.—Kxooleior: Wad dingham, Porkins, Tostro, Barton, Gamble, Craig, Maßon, Smith, Pooloy, Itobson, Higgins, Burns.

West End Second v. Gordon (No. 3 wio kot).—West Knd : Chapman, Baker (2), Taylor, Clayton, Courtayne. Verney, Woods, Sim, Carruih, Talbot, Williams.. Panmurb v. West End Third (at Pan mure).— West End: Marflitt, Owen, Harper Wright. S^awart, Doughty, Hoffman, Colebrook. Stoadman. McGregor, Alright. A drag will leave the Union Bank at 12.30 p.m. on Saturday, National v. Alpha (No. 4 wickot).— National: Ambnry, Brookes. Colebourno 12), Middamß, Drummond, Handley, Nicholson (2), Waters, and- Wiigley. Kmergonoios: Polsen and Wilkinson. Alpha: Hay, Cranch, Cutler, Kilpatrlck, MoDermott. Goodacre, Nesbit, Mar oroft, Perston, Garton, White. United Second v. Grammar School.— United: Shovo, Butlin, McPheason, Harvie (2), Brighton, Gatland, Thorpe, Israel, Hewson, and Parn'eix v. T«ue Blueb (No. 7 wicket). - Parnell: Hill, Gardener, Lecky, Brown, Cosson (2), Keatley, MoHugh, Testro, Ryan, and DEton v. Newton (No. 8 -wicket).-Eton: Mills, Taylor, Constable, Rowe (2), Smith (2), Green, Burns, Downey, and Clarke. Emer g Nolmkoto'v. Holland's (No. U wicket).- Northcbte: Arthur, Chambers, Denby. Dono van Edwards, Geuke, Harrison, McOlimpnt, MtfSwen. Mowbray, Stemson. Emergencies: Maxwell and Whaiford. Albion v. Surrey Hills (Surrey Hills).— Albion : nymock, Prosser; Holmes, Jones 2). Waddingham (3), Wardell, Morrow, McGiU. Surrey We: Robertson, Clarke. Penman, Yearbury (2). Olphart Jones, Wakerley, Pit keithley, Gribbin, Caley.

VICTORIAN RAILWAY ACCIDENTS.

BY CABL&-COPYRIGHT:]

tREOTEh's TELEGRAMS.]

Melbourne, last night. The woman killed by the railway collision has not yet been identified. The second class carriage, which was next the tender of the passenger train, and was smashed to pieces, contained twenty passengers, nearly all of whom were injured, some being pinned to their scats by the broken timber. _ Among these were Mrs Beath, whoso thigh wan broken ; Anna Peet, injured internally ; Mrs Milne, suffering from concussion of the brain ; and Phoebe Harris, seriously injured, ; and now in a state of coma. Tho engines of both trains have been rendered useless by tho collision, and great damago has been done to rolling stock. The traffic for some tuno was suspended, but is now restored. It has been ascertained that the station master at Werribee was absent at a concert when tho collision occurred. A Fireman Killed. The latest news to hand from Sunbury states that the driver of the engine, the boiler of which oxploded, is very seriously injured, and is not expected to recover. The fire man's body has been found some 'distance from the engine, where he had been thrown by the force of tho explosion. Tho Statlon-Mastor Suspended. Baddlo, tho Btation-master at Werribee, who left his daughter in charge of the station, and thus> it is alleged, caused the disastrous railway accident, has been sus pended. Tho Government have decided to institute an inquiry into tho circumstances under which the accidont occurred, outside of the departmental investigation.

SPORTING NEWS.

To-morrow's Races at Takapuna.

The Autumn Meeting of tho Takapuna Jockoy Club takes place at their pretty littlo racecourse to-morrow (Saturday), tho first raco starting at half-past ono o'clock, and all that is necessary to make a good afternoon's sport is fine weather. The 1 Club, who are ever ready to study tho con venience of race-goers, have made several improvements since tho last meeting, and the programme that is to be run off to-mor row should satisfy tho greatest turf gour mand. There are seven evonts to bo decided, Including two hurdle races and a Bteoplechoso, and tho entries for the Flat Selling Ilaco number no less than fifteen. The names of thorn; left in tho three principal events aro as follows :— EABTEIi HANDICAP. st lb. St. lb. YubaßlU.. .. 810 NijTßer .. ..7 0 Row! .. ..8 6 Mystery .. .. GlO irishwoman .. 8 G Talpourl .. .. 6-7 Merlin .. .. 710 Vortex .. .. 0 i Kalo .. .. 7 10 HANDICAP HL'KDLE3. Shotovort.. .. 911 Angler .. ..9 1 Harkaway .. 9 10 Kiiiß .. ..9 1 t Including 71b penalty. STEEPLECHASE. Chandler .. .. 12 7 Uarkaway .. 10 0 Corrlgan .. .. 10 0 Tinman .. .. 10 0 Shotovcr .. .. 10 0 Old Ireland .. 10 0 Anßlor .. .. 10 0 In the Easter Handicap thoro can bo no doubt that Kalo is well handicappod, but he is not himself, and I shall expect to see Yuba Bill win, with Fishwoman closo at his heclfl. If Shotovcr is started for the Hurdles, I think he is most worthy of sup port, and Chandler should win tho Steeple chaeo if his owner decides upon sending him. In his absonce, his stable companion Shotovor will prove dangerouß. VVoodpockor was scratched toduy for all engagements at the meeting.

Mr Adams has requested me to stato that owing to errors of lato, ho has mado sevoral alterations with regard to tlio working of tho totalisator. All investors who hold winning tickets to-morrow must obtain their dividend from tho samo clerk as thoy pur chase them from, and this will bo the means of provonting mistakes, and also do away with, a deal of crush and inconvenience

HtPFONA,

ST. BENEDICT'S BAZAAR.

This bazaar, held in tho premises lately occupied by Milne and Choyce,|was fully attended last evening, and a considerable number of valuaMo articles mot with a ready sale, and altogether up to the present time, tho results havo been most favourable. The articles placed boforo visitors comprise the artistic, the useful, and tho beautiful. Tho bazaar was well attended this after noon, and will bo opened again this evening with boveral now attractions Tho friends of the causo for which tho venture was instituted, anticipate that tho goods will nearly all bo cleared off to-morrow evening.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Fox's martyrs—Poultry.

Takapuna Races to-morrow. There aro 100 licensed curls in Auckland. The rabbit nuisance is fant spreading. "Bunny" wants into Parliament. A foo to God was ne'er true friend to man. It is deniod that Mr Dargaville is looking for another constituency.

Cambridge folks want tho Constabulary grounds made a public reserve. Envy is a sickness growing from other men's happiness. An Anti-Smokinff Society has been formed in Auckland. AVill tho members wear a ribbon ?

People who sanction the sins of their rulers share their punlshraont. Auckland University Collego entrance examinations commence on Monday next. For Easter holidays tho public schools will be closed from 11th to 18th hint, in clusive.

A young man calls his girl, who has promised to marry him, " Silence," because she gives consent. The writ for Thorndon will probably bo issued on 14th Inst.' Dr. Newman and Mr Bunny are candidates. Mr John Inglis has boon re-olootcd Chair man of the Education Board, North Cantor bury. It has been repolved not to award tho Civil Sorvioo Literary Prize for 1883, as none of the three papers sent in aro doomed worthy. Why are bolls tho most sensible of inani mate things ? Bocause they make a noise when they are toll'd. Guy Koverdale was yesterday fined £18 and costs at Lyttelton for smuggling 641bs of tea ashore.

Herrings produce from 30,000 to 50,000 eggs each, co small in size that 20,000 in a single layer only cover a squaro foot of space. When Clara was asked what she would do if a nice young gentleman should ask her hand in marriage, she naivrly replied, " I don't think I'd no."

Moro despondent reports from Canter bury. Twenty-five carponters, eighteen labourers, threo painters, two fitters, and two sailmnkers, engaged at the Addington workshops a fow months ago, when 350 waggons had to bemado, will be discharged on Saturday, and fifteen others are leaving on account of scarcity of work.

A boy under two years of age, son of W. B. Topp, was accidentally drowned at Aratapu on Wednesday, in a drain near his parents' residence. At the Plumpton Park Coursing Mooting, Canterbury, yesterday, the Derby was won by Pakeha ; runner up, Sir Widloy. The Oakg was won by Bohemian Girl ; runner up, Piako. The Cup waswon by Bordeaux ; runner up, Azalea. According to Zadkiel, tho " prophet," the 12th of July next is to be "a remark able day for proposals of marriage.v. The ladies, having got due notice, wfll prob ably see that the prediction is fulfilled. . At the Assessment Court at Kihikihi re cently the unusual spectacle was witnessed of ratepayers objecting to the valuation of their properties as too low. The object was to have the Value fixed at over £50, so that the owners niight bo qualified for a dual vote. Of 21 objections 20 were sustained.

Last year the 28 banks of issue in Aus tralasia had £15,372,308 paid up capital, and £5,812,045 reserves. The coin and bullion held was £10,969,980, an increase of £400,000 on the preceding year. The de posits during the year had increased by four millions and a half, while the advances had increased by fourteen millions and a half.

SERICULTURE INDUSTRY.

Mr Fodorli at tho Chamber of

Commcrco.

The greater portion of Mr Fodorli's lecture on sericulture and tho cultivation of sub tropical plants was reported in our last evening's issuo. Alluding to the statements that mildew prevented the successful culti vation of grapc-vinoa in this country, the speaker .said that a similar difficulty existed ftll over Europe. Ho mentioned instances of grapes being grown easily in the open air, and mentioned one vineyard in Wan ganui which produced 3i tons of grapes lust year. The wine was used in Christ church Hospital instead of brandy, and he estimated tho profit Hi fully fCOO per acre. California, which had not tho population of Victoria, produced ton timeß more wine than Australasia did. It had been said that the price of labour in these colonies was a difficulty in tho way of the industry, but Mr Griffin had told him to-day that the wages paid in America wore neither more nor less than in Now Zealand. Mr Federli mentioned that four gentlemen came from England to Christchurch to com mence tho silk industry, but they com plained that 1,000 acres of land which they required could not be got for less than £20 or £30 per acre. Speaking of the profit which might be made from silk culture, Mr Federli expressed his opinion that many people in this colony wero simply slaving, and not working, for their money, In con clusion, lie suggested the establishment of a farm north of Auckland for the cultivation of mulberry trees and sub-tropical plants. He suggested that the farm should not bo a provincial ora locul ono,b ut a national farmi In case of the company^being started as pro posod, and floating shares, the shares should; ho thought, be divided equally amongst the provincial districts of tho colony, all of which were suitable, moro or less, for the production of certain sub-tropical plants. Professor Tucker, Mr J. M. Shera, Mr P. Comiskey, and Mr J. C. Firth spoke at some longth. Mr Comiskey suggested that the capital of tho proposed company should bo £20,000 or £30,000. Mr J. C. Firth moved as follows:—"For tho successful establishment; of sub-tropical industries in tho colony, this Chamber recommends: That tho Government be urged to intro duco a bill during next session of Parlia ment to provide a subsidy of £1000, per annum for five years, to be paid, under proper conditions, to a company to be formed, with a capital of not less than £10,000; also to procure not less than ten families from the South of Europe with tho necessary technical knowledge ; and that a concession of blocks of land of suitable quality In various districts bo set apart, of an area not less than 1,000 acres in all; and that tho Chairman of the Chamber bo re quested to forward this resolution to tho Hon. Mr Itolleston." Mr P. Comiskey seconded the resolution, and Mr J. M. Dargaville, M.H.R., having spoken, it was put to the meeting and carried. A vote of thanks to Mr Federli terminated the pro ceedings.

POLICE COURT.-This Way.

(Before Messrs Prinio and Moody, Justices) Drunkenness. —Six persons wero punished for this offence.—John Evans, drunk and disorderly in Chapel-street, 20s and costs; or in default, sevon days.—William Kendall, ss, and 9s cost of maintenance.

The Knife.—Thomas Purdoy was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the wharf, and being very abusive.—Sergeant Whito explained, and called Constable Patrick Whito, who stated that prisonor was very violent on the wharf and created much alarm. Prisoner said ho was going to hell, and he drew a knife upon witness. He arrested him.—Fined 40s and costs, or 14 days in Mount Eden Gaol. Shop Liktinu. — Rebecca Ward, on remand, and Thomas Ward, her husband, wore brought up to answer to seven charges of larceny of sundry articles from city drapers during the month of March last. The first charge against Rebecca Ward was stealing fivo shirts, value 18s 6d, on the 2Sth ult., the property of J. H. Hannnn, of Victoria-street.—Mr Braseey, for prisoner, pleaded guilty, aud would make eomo re marks later on.—Sergeant White wished to state tho caso, but Mr Brassey objected, as such remarks would tend to prejudice the mind of the Bench.—Sergeant White said ho simply desired to lay the facts beforo the Bench from a conscientious sense of duty and in the interest of tho . public.—The Bench said they would reserve tho right to hear tho sergeant after the other case.— Tho prisoner was then charged with larceny of 12 pairs of socks, value (is, the property of John Green, hosier, of Victoria-Btreot.— Mr Brassoy pleaded not guilty.— Sergeant Whito said that a number of shopkeepers had made complaints respecting the loss of goods in a mysterious manner; tho police had boon at great trouble in discovering tho thieves, and at length thediscovoryvt as made by MrHannan, who saw the female prisoner tako a bundlo of shirts from his promises, and immediately after Mr Oreon, a neighbour, missed a bundlo of Bocks from his premises.—Wit- nesses wero called.—John Honry Hunnan, draper, of Victoria-streot, was sworn, and deposed that he had known Mrs Ward for 5 months. She mado inquiriesro peatedly about certain goods. Always caino in when ho was busy with other customers, but never made purchases. On the 28th ult. the prisoner came up to his door, and with a pair of scissors sne cut the string and took away the eliirts. His assistant went after her and brought the goods back. Ho went and found prisoner in a house at tho back of Mr Abbot's, grocer. She refused to ac company him to his shop. Said "Oh, I am subject to fits," and immediately fell down and kicked and screamed. Found a bundle of cocks with a ticket on them in hnr possession. He insisted upon her going with him. She then offered him money to let her go.—To Mr Brassey: Tho socks wero not his. He could not say that he had much feeling in tho matter. She said she got the thing 3 from a little girl. She had a shawl on her arm. Shop-lifters usually carry a shawl to cover goods.—Mr Braseey : Now, Mr Hannan.'we don't want to know what shop-lifters do.—Herbert Edward Potter", Assistant to Mr Hannan, gave corroborative evidence. Found the merino singlets in her possession aud recog nised them as his employer's property. Tho socks wero in a kit. The goods were handed to the constable.—John Green, hosier and glover, of 85 Victoria-street, was examined, and identified tho socks as his property. They had been cut from his window, part of tho string was left behind on the nail.—To Sergeant Whito: The string had boon cut by somo sharp instru ment. — Sergeant White arrested ■ the prisoner on the charge in Mr Hannan's Shop. Mr Hannan said the socks M-oro not his. He called upon Mr Green, who recognised them as his property, stolen that morning. —To Mr Brassey : f rteoner said a young girl gave them to her, but subsequently she said the girl's name was Jessie Clarke, of Newton. She pretended to bo in fits, and, by Sergeant Gamble's orders, he ran for a bucket of water. She was only gammoning. Ho had not received a medi cal training ; had no certificate. Knew she was gammoning.—Mr Brassoy : How do you know that ?—Sorgeant Whito: I poured a littlo water in hor: ear, and she gave mo a smack with her hand. (Laughter.) Unmistakable evidonco of gammon, your Worship.—Sorgeant Gamble gave evidenco as to tho arrest of prisoner. Ho was in tho guardroom at tho time. Sho said Jessie Clarke had given tho goods to her. He believed that her fits were fictitious.—Mr Brassoy objected to a repetition of tho story of the fits. It might bo very amusing, but it was only piling up tho agony.—Sorgeant Gamble said that efforts had beon mado to find Jossie Clark. Ho believed Jossio was a myth.—Mr Brassoy addressed tlio Court on tlie two cases. Thomas and Rebecca Ward woro then charged successively with tho following lar cenies.—(l) Two dolmans and capo, value 40s, the property of A. Linabury ; (2) 19 yards muslin, 19s, tho property of Win. C. Nicholson; (3) three pieces, of dress material, 30s, the property of Wm. Ren dall; (4) three aprons and one shawl, 15s 6d, tho property of Messrs Smith and Caughey ; and (5) silk capo, value 10s, the property of Wm. H. Dampier.—MrMahony appeared for tho malo prisonor.—The cases wero taken seriatim.—Sergeant White searched prisoner's house, situated in a little lane near Hobson-streot, and found a large quantity of new goods. Mr Linabury called at the station, but he was not pre sent.—To MrMahony: He was not amarried man. Had no experience of lady's require ments. Found no trace of Jessie Clark. It was all moonshine.—Augustus Linabury, draper, deposed to missing a dolman and cape. Could identify them, because thoy were their own manufacture.—To | the Bench : Had seen the woman in the shop but she did not buy anything. Elizabeth Sandford, a young person, of Newton Road, know Mr and Mrs Ward, and was in the habit of visiting them. Knew nothing of the charges.—To Mr Mahony : Mrs Ward's ear-rings were bought in Victoria-street. She, witness, bought them.—To Mr Brassey: Did not know Jessie Clarke. (Left sitting). j, i!

CABLEGRAMS.

BY CABLK.-COPYRIGi,

[SPECIAL TO MiKSS ASSOCIAIf I

A Society Paper Punished foi^, c i

LONDON, April 2.—Mr Edmund " teg . tn( j editor and proprietor of the " Wq >\ m been sentenced to four months' Prison ment for libelling Earl Lonsdale in ™ ra '. graph which appeared in the columgf the

London Market Telegram.

The New Zealand Loan and Mer u tU 9 Agency Company (Limited) roport n der date April 1 :—\Vool market unchfc e d Wheat market dull and lias a dowi> ar ,i tendency j Adelaide is worth 445, and Tew Zealand 40s per 49tlbs. Tallow m%et quiet; mutton is worih 41s, and beefjOs per cwt. Leather maiket firm; beet s| e g ate worth lld per lb. N Tcw Zealand hem nuchanged. "'

Sydxky, April 3.-—All iließriiMJi.nie.n-f. war in port will fire thirty wuns on Sat'urda; next, and Sunday will be observed as arjm of general mourning for the death of Priirt Leopold.

STREET-PREACHING.

Tho City Council Decides to Retain tho

New By-Law.

That a great deal of public interest has

been aroused by the proposal of the City

Council to introduce a new by-law relative

to street obstruction was conclusively

proved by the comparatively large attend ance at the meeting of the Council last

night. Fully twenty persons, amongst whom were "Staff Captain" Wright and other prominent members of the Salvation Army, assembled in the expectation of hearing the discussion on the by-lawj and they wero not disappointed. A fifth petition against the adoption of the by-law having been presented by Cr. Devore, it was agreed! on the motion of Cr. Aickin, ' that for the convenience of those present the consideration of the by-laws should be taken as the next business. The 4th clause, which was petitioned against, was read as j follows :— No persons shall assemble in any street, or congregate at the corner of any street, or where any streets intersect, and no pei-son or persons shall collect or cause any number of persons to collect or congre- i gate in any street, or conduct or hold any public meeting therein, so as to impede § persons passing, or be guilty of any con j duct calculated to annoy the bublifci The Mayor pointed out that the by-law had not come into force, and would require 1 to be rescinded if anything was to be dona to prevent its operation. In answer to Cr. .-- Thompson, he said he did not know what feeling had prompted the regulation, and while it was being considered he never ..: heard it hinted that the object of the by law was to prevent street preaching or in- ;• terfere with the religious rights of the people.—Cr. Thompson said it appeared to | him that the by-law would more properly . ; apply to "Cheap Johns" than to street preachers. If he for a moment thought that tho by-law was intended to interfere with street preaching he would move that ' it be rescinded, but he did not believe that j. was either its object or its intention.—The Mayor said the clause could not now be re scindedwithoutthepernrissionoftheGovern- -i ment.—Cr.Aickinsaiditappearedtohimthat while the by-law could bo mode to apply to street-preaching and Salvatios Armies, ~■■■: there was no intention that it should do 80. He thought its object was rather to remove, '■; the nuisance caused at street-corners on Saturday night' by itinerant vendors of ' wares. The by-law could certainly apply to religious gatherings, and they knew that ■;.:'< the police were often not slow to use any such power that they might have.—His Worship said the police had held this power under by-law for the last thirteen .0 years.—Cr. Aickin suggested the following provision to overcomo the difficulty *— " That clause 4 of by-law No. 26, to rego-" late stieet obstructions, shall not for the present bo enforced or mado te apply to "■ congregations of persons assembling in tho open air for tho purpose of exercising religious worship.—Cr. Thompson said if tho police had. the power referred to under by-law, there was no necessity for the Council to adopt & duplicate enactment. The nuisance arising from itinerant vendors of wares might be removed by refusal to grant their licenses.—The previous by-law was read by tho Town Clerk, and Cr. Aickin asked why, when this by-law was in existence, the present clause should have been introduced. —His Worship said one was a police by law, and tho other was the Council's.—Cr. Field seconded tho motion for rescinding, and it was supported by Cr. Fleming.—Cr. Garratt spoke in favour of retaining the by law, and said that while the police might not think street-preaching a nuisance, the Council's officials would possibly consider the matter differently.—Cr. Crowther supported themotion forrescindinginthehope of avoid ing a conflict of authority.—Cr. Holland thought some provision to prevent unseemly scenes or disorderly gatherings necessary, but believed the by-law already in existence was sufficient, and therefore supported the motion.—Cr. Devore said it appeared to ■'•■ him that some Councillors were glad to find a loop-hole by which to voteon a side-issue. 7 If there was a by-law in existence thirteen years ago, it was repealed by tho present •' by-law, and if this was now repealed there would bo no law in existence to regulate street assemblages. The petitioners had his entire sympathy, but he differed from the arguments used by previous speakers. He opposed the regulation of tho by-law. It was not aimed at street-preaching. If street - preaching did cause an ob- ■ struction it should be put a stop ' to, seeing that it was contrary to law. He believed a great deal of good •■ had been done to many people through street-preaching, and he thought it desirable t ': that tho privilege should be continued so long as there was ho obstruction. People wero entitled to free passage along the streets. —Cr. Mackechnie agreed with the -i remarks that fell from Cr.- Devort). He did not believe that the by-law was aimed at street-preaching. — Hie Worship pointed out that no assembly would be interfered with provided.they did not impede persons passing, or b'etguilty of any conduct oalou* ' lated to annoy the public He did not i think the by-law should be repealed, and -J considered that it was an imperative neces sity. Ho pointed out that if all the de- ,: i nominations in the city were to appoint street-preachers, a nuisance woula be ■■■'■■■ pretty "certain to arise. Ho waa con vinced that tho by-law was not espe cially directed against street-preaching. I —Cr. Stevenson opposed the motion, ■ / and pointed out that in Christcburch, where a similar by-law was in existence, orderly ;. street preaching was not interfered with.— Cr. Masefield behoved that the interests of >-J the advocates would be better conserved by adopting tho, present by-law thanbyleav ing the matter in tho hands of the police. Tho latter were the representatives of the ■'■■> General Government, while the Councillors wero the representatives of tho - people, is and might be got rid of by them if they did not conserve the interests a of the burgesses.—Cr. Montague also pointed out that tho interests of the petitioners were safe in the hands of the Council, who wore amenable to them. j He hod often listened to street-preaching, and possibly profited by it, and ho would cay that ho had seldom or ever heard anything that would justify it being called a la nuisance. Ho would vote for the retaining of the by-law.—Crs. Marshall and La Roche spoke to the same effect.—Cr. Thompson ■■ replied. He maintained that the old by-law a had not been rescinded, and pointed out that thoro was nothing in the present printed slip to show that it had been re pealed. Therefore, as it was still in exist .ence, tho presont by-law was not necessary. ■'; Ho questioned if tho interests of petitioners "■•' would be better conserved in tho hands of a Council official than of the police, who, ho added, were subject to instructions from their superior officers in Wellington. He did not believe that the A by-law -was intended for the detriment of -

thoee who objected to it, but he helcTJ r that it was unnecessary. He spoke in '"'■"■■ the interests of the liberty of the sub ject.—The motion was then put to the Council, and was negatived.—A division was taken, with the following result:—For the motion (o)—Crs. Field, Crowthor, Thompson, Aickin, Fleming, and Holland; against (10)— The Mayor, Ors. Stevenson, Mackechnie, Devore, Mar shall, Montague, La Roche, Burns, Garrat't, and Masefield.—Cr. Aickin asked if he - could propose a further motion, and the Mayor replied that he was surprised at such 1 a question being asked.—Cr. Aickin said '■', he simply wan ted instructions to be given - to_ the police in order to satisfy the public mind that there would be no unnecessary I interference with street-preaching.—The Mayor said this was scarcely required, i Nothing was likely to arise unices a nuisance was caused, and then a petition would, have to be received before action would betaken. The police I would have to carry out the by-laws, and [the Town Clerk was not likely to push §§ them prominently under their noses. —The ordinary business was then proceeded 'with' ■-: ■■ ■■' ■ ■. '■

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, APRIL 4, I*B4.



Special Advertisements. fiEBAI BABO AI N S BLANKETS, FLAUCNELS, JACKETS, ULSTERS, &a Has just opened ud a Splendid Lot of New Goods (or the Winter Season, exceptionally well bought, and will be sold at a very moderate advance to meet the times. 300 Pairs New Blankets, all sizes and quali ties, from 6s 6d pair, having been bought con siderably under usual rates, ■will be sold cheap, and cannot be beaten. BOUGHT A JOB. Nearly Two Hundred (£200) Pounds worth of Ladies1 and Girls' Ulsters and Black Cloth Jackets, which will be SOLD AT and UNDER WAREHOUSE PRICES; Borne Very choice Goods in Dolmans, So. Girls' Jackets, from 3s 9d; Ladies' Heavy 2,000 yard™ 'Flannels, all makes, from 7Jdjard Colonial Flannel, Hid; 32in. Heavy Welsh. Is 6}d, worth 2s 30 Coloured Alhambro Qnilts, 2s 6d Special Value in Grey Calicoes, 32in., 2|dyd Choice Patterns in New Cretonnes, 6jd yarfl, Stron^Woreted J-head Snpor Fingering Yarn, g^«rT»Ke«fel den> S SOMe^itfeweeicoVes lid. Bpl'd value very cheap, and worthy of inspection Flooroloth, in all widths, from 27in., 9d yard. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, UPPKK QUEEN-STREET. TEMPORAR* PBKMIBSB OPPOSITE A. OLABK AND SONS'. H # L. POSSENISKIB, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPORTER, Shohtland-street, Auckland, Wishes to Inform His Patrons and the Publle generally that he has JCST RECEIVED HIS FIRST SHIPMENTS OF AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, Per B.S. Ruapxhu. The above comprise aia the Latest Designs in TWEEDS and COATINGS, and are well worthy an inspection. A UCKLAND GAS COMPANY J\. (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED IBG2. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HEAT. AND POWER. The Company soil and erect gas-ntting*, in cluding gas apparatus and gas-powrr unginos. Stock Includttt Otto Gnu Kntfiiea,~Oll)cc and Fhow-romns. Kort-Htreot TERV OI S HOUSji PONBONBY. W. G. ALLEN" Begs to announce that he has opened in the above premises with a new and well assorted stock of Drapery, suitable for Ui'3 coming season*. LADIES' JACKETS AND ULSTERS In Qreat Variety. OPERA CLOAKS, HOODS, WOOL SQUARES; Clouds, &c (Plain and Embroiderod), A Large Assortment. WOOLLEN HOSIERY of Every Description. DRESS MATERIALS In all the Newest Shades of Cashmeres, Wool Toulea, Wool Checks, &c CALICOES, SHEETINGS, HOLLANDS, And all Descriptions of Manchester Goods. MEN'S & BOYS' CLOTHING, HATd. SHIRTS, Collars, Ties, and all Descriptions of men's mercery; MILLINERY AND DRESSMAKING done upon the premises. W. g7 ALLEN, Jebvois Road, Ponsonby. Mrs r. somerville, WELLESLKY-STREET (orposiTE Abbott's oi>eba iioubf,), Has Received, per Mail.Steamer, A BEAUTIFUL ASSORTMENT OF FRENCH AND ENGLISH MILLINERY. TO BE SHOWN ON MONDAY, APRIL 7, And following days, AT T. McMASTER'S, QUEEN-STREET, AT T. McMASTER'S, QUEEN-STREET, A Labgb Stock of NEW GOODS, JUST RECEIVED BY THE NORTHUMBERLAND, From London, Comprising— NOVELTIES IN MANTLES, MILLINERY, DRESSES, AND COSTUMES. ALSO, NEW GENERAL DRAPERY, BLANKETS, FLANNELS, Etc., MEN'S CLOTHING. SHIRTS, HATS, AND' SCARFS, T. MoM A S T E R' S, Opposite the Market. TVEMOVAL OF BUSINESS. ]yjILNE fe C HO V ° B Respectfully Announce that THEY HAVE REMOVED THEIR STOCK TO THE LARGE NEW BUILDINGS, WELLEBLEY AND LORNE-STREETS, Where they are now showing tha Latest Novel ties in . . FRENCH AND ENGLISH MILLINERY, DOLMANS AND JACKETS IN RICH BROCADE VELVET, OTTOMAN AND OTHER MATERIALS, CHILDREN'S and LADIES' ULBTERB, STYLISH COSTUMES, PRESS MATERIALS IN STRIPES AND CHECKS, AND NEW PLAIN FABRICS, FURS, LACE GOODS, HOSIERY, AND GLOVE 3. LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY LINEN. ' New Jjaw Partnership, rriK UNDKIiSII JNKI 1 beg to announce that they have Commenced Practice In Co-partner' lldpu - ,::.-:: , BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS. In Chambers In Hiob-btrsbt opposite Mr W, Atkin'B Printing Office. B. W. BURTON. !! W. J. NAPIER. Anokland, - . September 22nd. 18RJ TO BUILM:f'.S AND;■■•PUOJ'ERTy OWNKRS. rf- - - i The 'inderslgned are prepared to Excavate A Hut m ent« in the Lower of the City upon iptefally favourable terms.' ■ •'• .'" ;W.fc G. WINSTONB. CHE&F ' AND ClOOtf- CUTLERS. . ■ \- THOMAS SAMUEL, Importer pt CHtlSfyj.has iußfc received a good .<*••': ■ supply of all linds of ; I *■' TABLE AND P,OCKRT CUTLERY; •■■ , at Ivory and' Bond Table Knives, pocket Knives, LbckwoodVand Johnston's SciiMorsaiKl knKors. superior makers." it \ . ELKCT UO-.PL,A.T ( Ep -IVJ^B £-.•', • ■'■'" ';'. il■?oHc(f^Sp<iAnj,C|rUeia}Ipie.* * i ■*■■■-•■ 068 ' •^v 4'" -^thomaS SamußlV '"' •"'! y 108, Queen-at. faejrt Mr wlstpfab* flwrfmakerj



We wonder what Her Majesty, the Queen will say to King Tuwhiao, when lie asks tho hand of her favourite daughter, tho Princess Beatrice, in marriage. Should the old lady con. sent, It will of course, cause great political changes, throughout the length and breadth of the land, and also a great rise in the price of pork, may be oxpecteirto take place, in the ■umrer Waikato districts, as all tho pigs-will, be roaiiircd, for a big feast of welcome, on their re turn. We are glad f6 «a? however, that we have prepared for the emergency, and during His Majesty's absence, wo shall receive regular supplies of belt Canterbury Bacon and Cheese, which we shall pqnttaue'to^oH at our usual low prices, and .To-rn'orro-yt the old motto. "A big •piece for a little nttney * will he strictly adhered to. ' Auckland! Provision' Company, '"Hiaht" Corner Stall, Cityi Market. •— A. Bettanv, Manager.—[Advt.] ■'-■■■ ' - Contracts taken for all kind*' nf ooncrete ■work, largo o* smaJJ. a-rnt-Bstimatf.-s und other informstinngivipgt o tlmae ivfaHnij to do their own work.—JobD 'Vi'iUon and Co., 73. Queen street.—[Aevt ' . Bicycles, unequalled for finish, price and quality, at Sbakenpear & Cos. (opposite he _ .Market). Queen-streot.—l aj>vt.l ,17 *



We would, refer our readers to an adver tisement in our columns of Mr Arthur E. Spence's, announcing that ho has commenced tho merchant tailoring in these premises situated over Messrs WiUtn, Williams, and McCullagh. 172, Qucen-atreet. where those who require style and workmanship, together with very moderate prices, can be suited, he having extensive experience in some of the best trades' England and elsewhere. Venison II ! Venison !! ! Venison !! ! to be had at R. and W. Hollaby's, Shortland- Btreet,, Please order daily.-[ApvT].