SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

wii'M wtTirp /This Evening, 7.33 HltaH WATER | To . morro w Morning, 7.VS S! NSKT.-This Evening, 6.30 aUNraSE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.47 EICON'S AGK-New Moon, 27th, (1.14 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Raapchu, s.s.. Crutchler, from Plymouth, via lioburt Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, from Whangarei

DEPARTURES.

Tarawora, s.s., Sinclair, far Russell Penguin, 5.8., Cromai'ty, for Oamarn Macgrcgor, S.S., Johnson, for Wliangarci llingarooma, s.s., Tozor, for Sydney

FXPOIiTS Per Ringarooma, for Sydney-310 kega butter, 6 kegs lard, 60 sacks gross seed, 50 mantel pieces, 3,000 ft. sawn timbor, 500 sucks bran, 100 sacks maizs, 50 doors, 53 bales flax, 17 cases cheese, 33 bags cabbages, 1 bull, 1 liorso.

Ikwabds Coastwise. — Una, from Patau, with 31.000 ft timber ;* Famrie, from Whanga poua, with 28,000 ft. timber.

Outwabds Coastwise.—Una, for Potan; CoMlie, for Coromandel; Fannie, for Whnnga poua.

• The brigantino Linda Weber is discharging her coal at tho Sugar Company's wharf.

Tho barque Yolando cleared at the Customs to-day for Newcastle, whither sho proceeds in ballast.

Ths s.s. Ringarooma left for Sydney this after noon, with the following passengers: Mcsdamea Hoproftand family (i). Kornolt, and Bowman, Jfe33rs Blancy, Davidson, Tucker, Thomas, Bianop. Ilonoyman, Lyßaght, Forster, Mayno, Bathgoto, and Hay.

The following vessels liavo enterod out at the Customs: — Wcnora, barque, McKenr.lc, for Sydney, via Mercury May; Three Cheers, schooner, Burke, for Sunday Island.

Tho schooners Julia Pryce and Wairekn, which sailed yesterday, were to-day at anchor off Rangitoto reef, awaiting favourable weather to continue tho voyage.

The barquo Lutterworth, which is at prosent loading for London, was removed this morning from (Jneen-etrcct Wharf and borthed at the end of the Railway Pier.

The Chree-mastud schooner Adolaido was to day towed up from the powder ground by the ferry steamer Victoria and berthed at tho Railway Pier.

Tho s.g. Waitaki arrived from Whangaroi, with a full cargo of coal, frait, and sundrios, at nn early hour this morning. Passengers: Jlddamo Fuller, Misses Howard, Robinson, Fullor. Messrs E. Williams. J. Webster, Peace, Keys, Lcormont, Burko, Robinson, and five in the atporage.

The Bchooner Fleotwing, which arrived at Suva on the 15th inst.. had a short time previously sustained somo damage during a heavy galo. In which the vessel was thrown on hor beam ends and a portion of her dock cargo waa washed overboard. The Flcotwing was to havo left for Auckland about tho 23rd inst.

Captain Johnson, master and owner of the schooner Waireka, which sailed for Hokianga yesterday, has sent a complimentary letter to tho builder of the vessel, Mr McQuarrie, ox pressing his pleasure and satisfaction with both the schooner and her outfit (the latter was pro vided by Messrs Oxlev). Captain Johnson has also expressed his intention of having another vessel built here at an early date.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Nmw Plymouth, thisday.—Arrived: Rotorua, from Onehunga, 6 a.m.; 1 akapuna, from Wel lington, 7 v.m. Sailed: Tokapuna, for One huhea. 9 a.m. WHANOAnEr. this day.—Arrived: McGregor, from Auckland. 7.30 a.m.

RassEiiL, this day.—Tarawera, from Auck land, fi a.m.

Sydney. February 2C—Arrived, yesterday To Aiiilu, from Auckland.

Chief Post-office Auckland.

Mails •mix Close as under :—

<• This Day. For Wlinngarel Heads, Kamo, Whnngarei, and Mangapai, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. TnunsDAY, 28th inst. For Tarauaki, Wellington, and Southern ports, porTakapuna, at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, To Kapa,. Craigioburn, Wark worth, etc., per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Waitara. etc., por Argyle, at 11 a.m. For Gisborno, Napier, Southern Ports, and Australian Colonios, per Tarawera, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 2.50 p.m. For Tuuranga. Ohinemutu, and Opotikl, per Wellington, at fi p.m. For Whangarci Heads, Whangarei, Kamo, and Mangapai, por Kowena, at 5 p.m. Friday, ?9th inst. For Cowos and Coromandcl, por Coromandel, at MO p.m. Tuesday, 4th March. Per Zealandia, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Control 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 previous evening at i p in.. For registered letters and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of Bix pence in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be duo in London on Sat urday, April 12,1851.

N. B.—Tho British Queen will leave Wellington for Lnnrlnn via Rio de Janeiro about tho 6th of March. S. B. BTSH, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offlco. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

February 27. 1884.

Abbott'3 Opera Houso—Royal Comic Opera Company, 7.43 p.m.

Choral Hall, Symonds-street — Lecturo, "The Maoris: Who Are They?1 byF.D.Fenton, Esq., 8 p.m. Ash Wednesday Sorvices at Anglican Churches, 7.30 p.m.

Lawn Tennis Match, Paracll Ground, 1 p.m. Lodge United Service, Monthly Meeting, 7.30 p.m. Masonic Hall, Karangahapc Road — Eden Lodge, Monthly Meeting, 7.30 p.m. Alexandra-street—A.O.F. Sanctuary City of Auckland, 8.30 p.m.

Births.

MOORE.—On February 26th, at St. Stephen's Road, Parnell, the wife of Frederick Moore of a son.

Marriages.

HARRIS-MANNING.-On February 16, at St. Miahael's Church, Sydney, by tho Roy. H. Fryer, M.A., C. A. Harris, of Auckland, New Zealand, to Alice Burke, second daughter of Arthur Wilcox Manning, Esq., St. Aubyn's Villa, Moore Park, Sydney.

Deaths.

ROBINSON—Died, at her residence, Upper Nel son-street, Mrs Sarah Charlotte Robinson, rellctof the lato Owen Robinson, ago 66.

Tho funoral will leave her late residence, Upper Nelson-street, on Friday, at 11 v.m, Friends will pleaso accept this invitation.

RICH.-On February 27th, at Parnell, Agnos Rich, wife of Evelyn Arthur Rich.

Funeral will leavo her lato residence at 12 o'clock for St. Mark's Church, Romusra.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1884.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the gosd that we con do.

Much as we may deplore tho causes that have led up to the refusal of the Superin tendent of the Auckland Fire Brigade to use the hose at the Parnell fire last night, we cannot doubt that he was perfectly justified, And if this is admitted, it follows that the closely-built portions of the suburbs outside the city boundaries aro henceforth abandoned to the imminent risks of total destruction by the first fire that may happen to occur in their midst. The Associated In suranceCompanies,pursuingthelineof argu ment by which they have defended the recent discontinuance of their contribution towards the support of the Fire Brigade, may of course say —" Very well, we must make our premiums accordingly." If this theory, however, were given full swing, and the employment of Fire Brigades within the city, as well as beyond its limits, were abandoned, insurance business would be attended with such ruinous possibilities that nosaneman would dream of placinghis entire property atstakeunder its unlimited liability provisions. Every fire in a thickly-built street would mean widespread disaster, and the companies would be compelled either to give up business or organise means of their awn to protect their large monetary interests. Some years ago in Auck land this was actually done, and a firel! brigade for the protection of insured property was maintained and managed by the offices doing business in the city. There is, we think, not the slight est doubt that whatever the Associated Companies may profess, they do rely upon tho city continuing to maintain a brigade for the prevention of a general catastrophe. The loss to the community by the waste of property by fire is as great when property is insured as when it is uninsured ; and the companies are tolerably B»fe in concluding that public opinion would never allow this city to re main unprotected from fire merely because there is no law by which the cost of protecting it can be assessed in proportion to the benefit receiyed. But the ratepayers of Auckland cannot afford to enter upon any philan thropic schemes for the good of humanity in general and insurance companies in particular, and though they will have to retain the annual vote f,or fire brigade services, the operations of this body, so far as they entail any expense and are other than entirely voluntary, must be conuncd solely to the circuit of the city. The In surance Companies contend, we believe, '

that they do thoir sharo by maintaining a Salvage Corps. Tho resolution of the Companies T:o ceaso contributing towards tho support of liro brigades is the result of concerted action in nil parts of New Zealand. Tho City Council of Duncdin havo had under consideration a notieo similar to tho one that has occupied the attention of our own Council. Tho subject was referred to a committee, which has now reported. The Dunedin "Star," in a leading article, com ments on tho result in tho following terms:—

" At tlio meeting of the City Council on Monday night the Firo Brigade Committee brought up a report in which they recom mended that a bill should bo promoted by the Council during the next session of Par liament having for its purport the appoint ment of the exponses of the maintenance of fire brigades betwoen municipalities, insur anco companies, and the Consolidated Fund. It was oxplained on behalf of the Commit-too that they had beon induced to make this recommendation in consequence of the action of tho firo under writers of tho city in notifying their intention to discontinue the pay ment of the subsidy to the Dunedin Fire Brigade which they had hitherto jointly contributed, to the amount of £200 annually. Considerable discussion ensued, but the general opinion of the mombers of tho Council was that the introduction of such a bill as was proposed would hardly be likely to have any practical result in the faco of tho determined interested opposition it would bo certain to moot with in both branches of tho Legislature. Tho con duct of the insurance companies, to which in a previous articlo wo advortcd, was universally condemned, and indeed stigmatised in veny strong language. Much amusement was further created by reforonce to the twonty-fivo categorical reasons which were stated by Mr William Brown, the Chairman of tho Firo Underwriters' Asso ciation, as forming tho basis of tho resolu tion to discontinue tho subsidy. These reasons certainly are conspicuously peculiar, in that, taken as a whole, thoy quito as much justify the payment as the withdrawal, and aro in truth so complicated and involved in their individual and relative meaning that it is impossible to understand on what principlo they r.ro strung together. If the companies do not choose to pay, howover, there is no means of making thorn do so ; and they are manifestly impervious to moral influences in the matter, although at the samo time ovidontly ashamed of conduct which required so elaborate a dofenco as the twenty-five-barrolled resolu tion forwarded to the City Council."

Wo do not think that tho objections urged by tho insurance companies against thoir liability for tho support of brigades are quite so ridiculous as the 25 proposi tions submitted by the representatives of the companies.™ Dunedin appear to havo been in tho estimation of our Southern con temporary. Insurance Companies do not fn'ofess to prevent tires, but to pay peoplo's osses when they occur. Without hres, or with a perfect system of repression thero would be very little insurance. There aro also great difficulties in the way of a fair adjustment of the burden between the com panies. That fire brigades render a valu able pecuniary service to companies in putting out fires in buildings ovor which policies aro current is a mere in cident, and is more an argument for a substantial reward from tho Company that is benofitted than for a regular pay ment. Nevertholoss it is true boyona all dispute that tho Companies doing business in Now Zealand get better valuo for tho money spent on fire brigades than from any other part of their expenses. Tho comparatively small contribution per office every year if recouped over and over again by tho services of the brigades. Tho question of formally recognising this, however, is entirely one of expediency, and tho Companies are, wo presume, entitled to determino for themselves what is the best thing to do in tho furtherance of their own interests. Still, we shsuld judge it to bo rather unwise policy just now to come into collision with tho Councils throughout tho colony, and so pro\oko retaliatory mea sures such as those which havo alroady been resolved upon in Dunedin. Tho right of freedom of action which tho Companies claim for themselves cannot bo denied to tho Corporations who believo they are bearing a burden which should bo shared by those mercantile associations which are directly bonefitted by the public expenditure—more especially as it is very strongly suspected that if on the one hand without fires there would be little in surnnoo, It is equally true that without insurance there would bo fowor fires.

Tho P.M. s.s. City of Sydney, with the January English mails, left San Francisco for Auckland on the 17th inst., two days later than the time-table date. Tho Aus tralia, with the January colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco from Auckland on •25th inst., two earlier than timo-tablodate.

The Secretary of the Onehanga Chamber of Commerce has been instructed to write to the directors of the Auckland City Tram ways Company, inquiring if thero is any probability of the tramways being extended to Onehunga. He has also been requested to gather all necessary information on this subject, to bo submitted to next meeting.

The team to represent tho " Mascottes " (Opera Company)against tho Licensed Vic tuallers to-morrow will be chosen from— Messrs G. Musgrove, W. Woodfield, J. Wallace, W. Harrison, T. Grundy, J. Forde, W. Beaumont, D. Harvey, H. Mus grove, W. Ford, J. Peako, C. Robson, H. vernon.

A meeting of the creditors of John Anderson, master mariner, was to have been held to-day; but it lapsed for want of a quorum. The bankrupt's liabilities (con sisting mainly of debts to tradesman) amount to £15012s sd. and tho assets are nil.

The tender for the timber contract of the new Auckland Railway Station has just been lot—the successful tenderers being Messrs P. and J. Bartholomew, of Fielding, and tho amount £1,490 11s 7d.

The lawn tennis match yesterday after noon between representatives of the Thorn don Club, Wellington—Messrs Fitzgerald and Kebble—and Messrs J. M. Dargaville, M.H.R., and W. E. Barton, of tho Govern ment House Club, Auckland, was witnessed by a large number of interested spectators. The game, which was played on the fine ground in front of Government House, re sulted in a victory for the local players.

Festival services, in thanksgiving for harvest, took place on Sabbath last in Holy Trinity Church, Devonport. Rev. J. Bates, incumbent, conducted tho services morning and evening, and the choir, which was present in full force, sang the music for the occasion in excellent style. The offertories reached a total of £10 10s Id, The fruits and vegetables, which, with evergreens, were used in decorating the church building, were afterwards handed to the Auckland Hospital authorities.

The temperance people of Newmarket have fixed upon Messrs Bishop, F. G. Clayton, G. T. Keetley, J. Tait, and F. A. White as their candidates at the forthcoming election of Licensing Committee. Cold water has rather a. poor chance in this " Brewerina " district, but the advocates of total abstinence mean to make a hard fielit of it. *

The cricket and football associations of the city have resolved upon presenting an illuminated address to Mr W. H, Vereker- Bindon, who leaves to fill the position of Inspector of Schools in tho Wanganui District. Mr Bindon, we are glad to learn, is making a good recovery at Waiwera from his recent illness. The address to be pre sented to him is now on view at Mr A, Tilly's, Queen-street.

There was a large attendance at the fruit soiree held in Ponsonby^Hall^Jast evening to celebrate the seventh anniversary of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church. Rev. D. W, Runciman, pastor of the congregation, presided, and briefly introduced tho even ing's programme in a congratulatory speech on the progress of the church during the year. Rev. Mr Evans, of Waikato, de 4sjfired an interesting address,full of humour alrajhnecdote; Mr Thos. Peacock, M.H.R., anther on "Aids to Happiness;" while at a later period of tho evening Rev. A. Reid addressed a sound moral lesson to the young of both sexes. A humorous reading entitled "An Electric Trip to London" was given by Mr R. S. Barry. A capital musical pro gramme was presented, under the direction of Mr J. G. Culpan, as follows:—Duet (pianoforte), " Diabolli" (in* D), Misses Culpan and Edmiston ; glee, " The Fairest Flower," choir; song, "Dream Faces," Miss McMillan ; "Bedouin Lovo Song, Mr Taylor; song, "I Do Not Love Thee," Miss Barton ; song, " Good Company," Mr Simpson ; pianoforte duet, "Home, Sweet Home," Misses Cossan ; trio, "LaCarrita," choir; "John Wellington Wells," Mr Taylor; chorus, "Ferry Maiden," choir; song, "Love, I Will Love Thee Ever," Miss Culpan; duet, ' "Friendship," Misses McMillan and Mackip ; chorus, "Good ijTight," choir. Misses Pulpan and Main played the accompanjmontsl Refreshments in the form of fruit and confectionery were liberally supplied. The gathering concluded with the usual votes of thanks passed by acclamation.

A man named .lames Hall was admitted to the Hospital yesterday suffering from a badly bruisedfoot. The injury was eausodlost Wednosday, through a log falling on Hall's foot while he was working in the Paparapa bush.

Tho matron of St. Stephen's Orphan Homo, Parnellj begs to acknowledge with ninny thanks the very acceptable presents of fruit (two) from "St. John's, Tamaki; also fruit and vegetables from tho harvest, festivals of All Saints' Church, Ponsonby ; Holy Trinity Church, Dovonport; and St. Thomas's, l'onsonby, kindly sent for tho children.

Professor Tucker was olectod a member of tho French Literary Society at tlio fort nightly meeting on Saturday ovoning. Mr C. do L'Enu roml an interest-ing local novelotto, entitled "The Shipwrights' Strike," which led to an animated dis cussion. Mr A. Villev.il (Hon. Sec.) announced that tho noxt concert would take place on Saturday evening, tho Bth of March, and invited contributions to tho programme,

. A young man, aged 22 years, named Patrick Ro«an, in tho employ of Mr \V. Waters, met with a very sorious accident on Sunday last. Whilst riding along the Man gore Road his horse slipped, and tlyow its rider, who was nt once removed to the sur gery of Dr. St. LogOf Krson. It was found that tho unfortunate man had dislocated tho shoulder joint, and fractured the collar-bone, besides receiving severe1 contusions. Dr. Erson soon reduced tho dislocation, and under that gentleman's treatment Regan is now in afair way to recovery.

Two items of news from Dunodin havo n bearing upon similar questions presently agitating the Auckland public. It is re ported that tho Dunedin Botanical Gardens, which aro at present managed by the Domain Board, will be taken over by tho City Council, showing that a necessity has arisen for responsible control of an im portant public rosorvo. On tho question of providing salt-water baths, a poll of Dunedin ratepayers was taken yesterday to determine whether the City Council shojld borrow £7,000f0r that purpose. The voting was—Ayes, 174 j noes, 319. We fancy a pol on tho subject of baths would havo a different result in Auckland.

The consignment of Shropshire Downs rains by the Bronhildn woro landed from that vessol yesterday, arid havo attracted a great deal of attention. It is to tho cntor priso of tho Auckland Stud and Podigrco Stock Company that tho introduction of these sheep is due. They have been recom mended by tho most roliablo London butchering authorities as tho beet class with which to cross tho sheep of this colony to ensure good Hesh making and wool giving animals. They havo now been im ported with tho objoct of crossing tho breeds, and tho result of tho experiment will be awaited with no small amount of interost by our sheep farmors.

A concert in aid of tho schools of the Sisters of Mercy took place in tho Public Hall, Otahuhu, la.st evening. It was well patronised and was a great .success. Somo excollont singing by Miss Knto Huxtablo, a child of 9 or 10 years, brought down tho house (in a shower of bouquets). Mrs Mo- Curdy was encored for tho mastorly man ner and beautiful rendering of her song; Mrs Sephton and Miss Millgrovo sang a couple of duets very sweetly; Miss L)an and Miss McGco also favoured tho audience with songs. Mrs McCarthy sang " Minnie^ Fate ;" Mr Batcheld sang, " Too Utterly Utter" and "Tho Shaker's Wife," and Mr O. C. McGco gave "Finogan's Wake" Tho singing of tho National Anthem brought an enjoyable ontertainmont to a close.

Our Port Albort correspondent writes : — "On Tuesday next a trial of strength botween tho temperaneo party and tho friends of tho liquor traffic will take plaeo. Tho strong feeling existing in Albcrtland in favour of prohibition is well known ; but lately tho Mnngawni Licensing District has boon added to Albert, and consequently an attempt will bo made to withhold a license for tho house at Mangawni. I boliovo tho general feeling to bo in favour of small licensing districts, and certainly it is not in consequoneo of any action on the part of tho settlers of Port Albori that Mangawai is added to this district."—[lt will bo scon by a telegram olaowhero that the tompcr ance candidates havo carried tho election by a large majority.]

An adjourned sitting of the District Court was hold to-day boforo His Honor Judgo Smith. Tho case for hoaring was that of Albert Potter v. the Potter Wool Scouring Company. Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Edwin ileskoth for defendant. This action was to re cover the sum of £SO, claim for wrong ful dismissal, and £15 for three weeks' wages. Tho defendants aro carry ing on business in Auckland as a joint Btock company, and the claim presented submits that on the 13th March it was agreed • between tho plaintiff and ono Thomas Seddon and ono William Stcclo that for a certain consideration, and upon assignment of patent, tho plaintiff should bo employed as working manager for twelve months at a weekly salary of £5. Ho commenced and continued in that capa-^ city until the Bth May, when ho was dis missed. Plaintiff contends that defendants are indebted to him for three weeks' wages, amounting to £15, and ho also claims i'Bo for damages lor wrongful dismissal, making a total of £HO. Tho dofonco was to tho effect that while in tho Company's employ, tho plaintiff was guilty of gross mis conduct and disobedience to roasonablo and lawful commands, and that the plaintiff was indebted to tho defendants in a larger amount for rent than that claimed for

wages. An entertainment was held in tho Parnoll Hall last evening for tho purposo of raising funds for tho purchaso of a now piano for tho Convent School. Thoro was a large at tendance, and tho gathoring proved a successful one. The vocalists woro in good voice, and a brief dramatic sketch was given with good ofl'ect. The programmo was as follows :—Chorus, " God Dofend New Zealand ;" En Routo (two pianos), Misses George, Fitz, Hogan, and Aley; song, "Nover More," Miss Council ; duot (operatic), Messrs Knox and Edwards ; vocal solo, "Bide a Wee," Mrs McCurdy j song, " I'm Not Myself at All," Mr Yates ; song, "Carrissima," Mr Edwards; vocal solo (selected), Miss Sheehan ; song, " Tho Gallants of England," Mr Knox ; Fandango (two pianos), Misses Fallon, Edgar, Fitz, and George. The following took part in tho drama entitled "Folly Cured":—

Misses Fitz, Aley, Georgo, M. Edgar, Fallon, Richards, M. George, J. Hodgson, Kilfoyle, Hogan, and E. O'Brien, and Masters J. Hogan and J. Fitz.

Lovers of the " noble" art of boxing liad a treat provided for thorn in the Tlieatro Royal on Saturday night last, when no fewer than five different glove contests took place. The principal event was the fight between W. Murphy, of this city, and a " now chum" named T. Hogan, for the light-weight championship of Auckland and £20 a-side. Four rounds were fought amid great excitement among a large concourse of spectators; and wo aro informed that the stranger had throughout the best of it. In the fourth round Hogan's supporters claimed a "foul," and this being allowed by the referees, he was adjudged the winner, according to tho Marquis of Queensberry's rules. The Kirby Brothers followed with a friendly bout at sparring, and a "set-to" afterwards took place between McAnemy and O'Moara, after which Messrs Campbell and Butler displayed their "science" Tho wholo closed by the referees, Thomson and Harris, donning the gloves and engaging in a trial of skill. The evening's exhibition, though not edifying, appeared to give great satis faction to the spectators.

A social gathering of tho members of St. Thomas's Church was held last evening in the school-room, and largely attended. An excollent tea was provided under the motherly management of Mesdamea Arm strong, Cornish, Davies, Hamilton, Olive Ward, and Waymouth. Thenovei bachelors" table received the courteous attentions of Misses De Thierry, Lipscombe, Owen, and Vickery. After this liberal repast, tho chair was taken by the Rev. Lloyd Keating, the incumbent of the parish, who introduced the proceedings in a pleasant manner, referring to the merits of the musical and literary selections. Mr Keat ing contributed a humorous song, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audienco. Mr H. Hamilton made the speech of the evening, and spoke encouragingly of the prosperous and promisng condition of the church, a condition which he (Mr Hamilton) attributed mainly to the energy and abilities of the incumbent. He concluded his address by giving a hearty welcomo to the Rev. Mr Keating, assuring him of the hearty support and co-operation of the parishioners. The remaining portion of the evening was devoted to songs, readings, and instru mental pieces. The ovening was pleasantly passed, and gratifying to all present.

There will be the usual Ash Wednesday evening seivice to-night at St. Matthew's Church. On the Sunday evenings during Lent (6.30) the incumbent will deal with a very interestiog subject: "Tho Lord's Player, the Prayer of Prayers." The first ot mo lectures will deal with "Erayer, tho spoken longing of the heart aspiring to higher thingrs." The remainder of the series -will deal with the clauses of tho prayer seriatim.

We omittod to notico in our remarks upon tho testimonial presented to tho Mayor of Parncll that tho addross was beautifully illuminated by Mr J. Slator.

Tho project of securing a portion of tho Government Uouso paddock as a sito for a boarding-horfcc cropped up again incident ally at tho meeting of the Grammar School Covernorsyesterday. MrMackochniewished to know whether tho paddocks near tho Hospital, the leases of which expire in -Inly, could be obtained. Colonel Haultain mentioned that tho area was four acres, and that tho rent would be at least £l") 0 a year. They belonged to the trus tees of St. John's College It was thought, however, that they were too distant, and as tho impression prevailed that tho public and the Mayor wuro favourably inclined to the Board's proposed utilisation of tho Government House paddock, it was sug gested that tho City Council should bo sounded on tho matter. Mr Mackeehnio promised to mako somo preliminary in quiries. Tho ordinary meeting of the Onohunga Borough Council was hold on Monday oven ing, there being present—His Worship the Mayor (Dr. Scott), Councillors Jackson, Lundon, Tapp, Clark, Dunwoodio, Fleming ITnstie, and Hills. Mr Burden complained of a nuisance on premises adjoining his, and tho Mayor proposed to look into the complaint. Messrs Tolo and Cavo applied on behalf of James Huckstop for tho pay ment of £S Ss, being four weeks' wages duo as Inspector of Nuisances. A committee was appointed to take tho nocossary stops to defond any action that might be brought. Tho Streets Committee was roqucsteu to confer with tho Ono Treo Hill Board re specting repairs to tho boundary road on tho north side of the borough, and roport to noxt meeting. Permission was granted by five votes to four to form burgosses to hold a raco meeting on tho fifty-acre reserve on the 26th March. Tendors wore ordored to bo called for 1,000 yardsof scoria ash.

Tho monthly mooting of tho Grammar School Board of Governors was hold ,late yesterday afternoon, there being presont: Messrs 1, D. font on (in tho chair), Colonol Haul tain, and Kov. C. M. Nelson. A letter was received from Mr G. IVaser, asking for certain information regarding tho scholar ship examination. It was decided to refer him to tho Secretary. On tho application of tho Secretary to tho Board of Education, it was resolved to grant frco tuition to C. J. Parr and A. G. Cook, winners of district scholarships. Tho Head-master applied for two assistant masters, and represented tha neod of extended school accommodation. It was decided to advortiso for an assistant master. An application by tho Univorsity College Council for the uso of two rooms for the purpose of ovoning lectures was re ferred to tho Property Committee Tho quostion of obtaining a portion of tho Go vernment Houso paddock as a sito for tho boardinghouso was raised, and Mr Mac kechnio promised to ascoitain tho mind of the City Council on the matter.

At tho mooting of tho Grammar School Board of Governors yostorday afternoon, a letter was received from tho Head-master reporting an incroase of 42 in tho number of pupils, bringing tho total up to 291, and applying for an incrcaso of tho teaching stall. Ho pointed out that there woro at present nino assistant mastors and nino regular forms for gonoral work, while further provision had to be miido for tho boys scattered through six forma, who did not learn Latin. Tho threo highest classes woro of modornto sizo, and tho avorago number of boys in each of the romainint; classes was 37, a number that could not bo taught by any master without a sacrifico of oflicioncy, and which was in excoss of tho clans-room accommodation. An addition of two masters would bo required in order to enable- him to arrange tho boys satisfac torily in classes, Tho building, howover, would not provido accommodation for more than one, oven when tho hall wan occupied by two classo.". Tho acquisition of a master oi experience and good'attainments in« En glish and classics, and especially in mathematics, would greatly strengthen, his hands, but if necessary he could arrango to utilise tho sorvioos of a young man of promise, who would bo willing to accept a lower rato of salary on tho ground, not of social or intellectual in feriority, but of youth and limited oxpo rienco. A second letter was recoived from the Head-master, stating that no more .scholars could bo received without ovor crowding, to the dotriment of teaching, discipline, and ovon health. Col. Haultain said that unless tho Board meant to restrict tho number of pupils to 300 it would havo to build. The Board had an overdraft of £500, but it had authority to borrow X'lo,ooo. After a brief discussion, it was resolved to advertise for an assistant master.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

La Mascotto.

There was a fair houso last evening to witness tho last performance of La Mascotte. Mr Howard Vernon's place in tho dramatis person* is effectively filled by Mr Harrison. Ho sang and acted remark ably well, considering the short notico at which ho had taken tho part. In tho " Olou Glou" dilot, with Miss Liddiard, ho received a perfect ovation, a double encore boing demanded. " Olivette " To-night* Audran's " Mascotte," after a successful run, has boon withdrawn from tho etago of tho Opera Houeo, and to-night will bo re placed with tho same composer's "Olivette," which has achieved a no less signal success wherovor it has beon produced. Thoro aro ono or two special points of difference between those two works that may bo indicated. "Mascotte" deals with titled person agos, courtiers and soldiers; " Olivotto.g' on tho contrary, whilo also con cernod with "pcoplo of quality," relies upon the nautical elomont for its rank and filo. Thus, whilo "Mascotto" has its engaging spoctaclo of girl-soldiers, in " Olivette " tho scone is changed, and wo are introduced to a full company of feminine sailors. Wo aro rcquosted to definitely stato that Mr Howard Vornon having ro covered from his indisposition will ro-appor to-night.

COACH ACCIDENT AND NAR ROW ESCAPE.

An alarming coach accident, which nar rowly missed having most tragical results, happened on Friday last to Robertson's coach, between Taupo and Ohine mutu. Coming from the former place, and when on tho other sido of the Ateamuri bridgo, the horses took fright through the coach being caught in a hole, tho jerk throwing oil' tho driver, whoso names is Williams. The horses started off at a gallop, tho reins dragging on the ground, and as it was known there was a dangerous precipico a short way ahoadon tho road the position of the six inmatos of tho coach was rendered perilous in the extreme. Mr Robert Graham, sen., who wis in tho coach at qpoe leaped oft" with the intention of seizing tho reins, and stopping tho career of the galloping animals, but in landing he sprained his heel and fell heavily, injuring his shoulder, Tho runaway horses meanwhilo ran at increased speed, and were within 300 yards of tho precipico when they were stopped through tho coolness and courage of a Mr Bowman, who was a pas- Eonger. Ho crept along the polo of the vohiclo until ho socurcd tho reins, and getting back to tho box seat, was able to pull up the horses. But for this exploit the coach most certainly would have been dashed to pieces, and probably all tho occupants killed. The driver, Williams, has, sustained injuries of a serious kind, and it will be three or four weeks bofore ho is again fit for duty. Mr Graham, wo aro glad to say, lias quite recovered from the injuries sustained by him.

A SCHOONER WRECKED.

PATEA, this day. The schooner Falcon, in leaving the river this morning, was carried by the sea on to the molo The crew jumped ashore. Tho sea shortly after carried the schooner off, and without a soul on Board, she crossed the bar safely and stood out to sea with all sail set. When about seven miles off she was observed to founder.

The following prices were realised at Messrs S. Cochrano and Son's land sale t> day:—Lot 17 and 18, Hackett-street, Pon sonby, £IS3. Tho following allotments leased for 40 yeai s at Eden Terrace : —Lois : 3, i'2s per annum ; 4, £22 per annum ; 5, £14 10s per annum.; 6, £12 per annum; 7, £13 per annum ; 8, £S 10s per annum ; 9, £9 5s per annum ; 10, iB per annum ; 11, £7 Kb per annum; 12, 1(5 10s per annum ; 13, £G 5s per annum; 14, £7 per annum; 15, to 10s per annum ; IG, 1C 10s per annum; 17, £C 10s per annum ; 18. £7 10s per annum ; 19, £5 10s per annum ; 20, £19 per annum.

Mrs Robinson, a widow, residing th South-strcot, Nowton, is, wo aro informed, in a destitute condition, rosulting from the loss of hor husband, who was accidentally killed at To Aroha latoly by a log rolling over him. With a family of thrco childron, all under sovon yoars of ago, tho Tidow finds it impossible to keep tho wolf from tho door. Somo kind friends havo thoroforo started a subscription on her behalf, and donations will bo received at tho Si'AU Oflico and duly acknowledged. Tho do ceased, Robinson, is said to havo boon a membor of ono of tho Waikato lodges of FroomasonSi

During tho Yoluntoor prizo-firing com potif ion, breakfast will bo prepared for Volui* leers every morning on tho ground at Kllerslic.

Bicycles, unequalled for finish, prico and quality, at Shakcapoar & Co., (oppOßlto tho Market) Quoon-RtrmiL-I A.UVT.J

Perambulators and carpets, revorsiblo bloyclo whcul and other kirnlß of ponunbulators just opened from £1 to in. Now (lcsinna lv ilrusaoll ami tapestry carpots. Furnlah your liciuho throughout from Uarlickaml Cranwolln City Hall FurniHhiiiK Warohouao, Quocn-atreot. - IADVT.J

SCINTILLATIONS.

" Omvkttk " in tho Opera House to-night. Rifle competitions start to-morrow at Ellerslio.

lion J. T. Peacock is choson as Chairman of Lyttelton Harbour Board. AtTimaru lately, H'7o inches of rain foil within thirty hours. Tho "Now York Herald" haH "good authority" for stating thotMary Anderson, the actross, is engaged to marry tho Duke of Portland.

The Governor and Major Cantloy, with a Biirvoy party, aro taking [sections, &c., in cotinection with tho defenco of Wellington Harbour.

It is said of tho averago Englishman that he has asaimilatod tho Old Testament, but not tho New.

Dunedin Ocean Beach Domain Board, latoly constituted, liuh no funds, and aaks a paternal Government to mipply tho neodful. Mr E. Pearco was yesterday unanimously oleetod Chairman of Wellington Harbour Board.

Tho roligious classes in Dunedin State Schools aro but thinly attended, and tho clergymen who conduct them talk of dis continuing. Tho tender of Mr Cameron, Auckland, £2,822, has boen accepted for tho Eureka station buildings contract No. 1, Waikato- Thames Railway. Yesterday tho Wellington shareholders of tho Titanic Stool Co. agreed to accept tho Government oiler of £3,000 in full liquida tion of claims against them. Mr W. Moody was unanimously re-elected Chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board yostorday.

Sir Wm. Fox says tho cost of elementary education in New Zealand is less than tho valuo of half a glass of boor per day to every adult in the population, "Fish O!" It is oattmated that 2f>3,585,000 herrings wore landed from tho Great Yarmouth fleet during tho season which has just closed. Presbyterian Genoral Assembly at Wel lington closod it.H sittings last night.

Wellingto» Benovolont Society last year spont £2,172 in relieving 140 families, in cluding 367 children and 31 men.

A Scotch nobloman recently sent £5,000 to tho Chancellor of the Exchequor to bo devoted to the reduction of tho National Debt.

Tho Swiss sottlors for Pukekoho aro to leavo for tlio colony in tho course of ne~fc month.

In Wellington laßt year 13 wives, with 43 children, woro doserted by their husbande.

A houso at Greertown, Tauranga, was burned down on Monday night. Mrs Donnelly, wiie of tho ownor, is unable to account for tho occurrence, though she was at homo at tho timo.

Tho " Hawke's Bay Herald " knows how to treat tho local poet who loves to rhyme on local topics. It says in a recent issuo : —" A correspondent sends us a rhyming contribution on tho b'roakwater question, for the insertion of which ho will be charged at tho rato of 5s per line." Tho five-year-old son of Mr Jas. WHson, brewer, Dunedin, was yesterday pitched out of a buggy attached to a runaway horse, and had his skull badly fractured. Mr Yon Stunner, 11.M., Hokiaaga, states that though two cases of low foyer among tho natives of that district havo tndeu fatally, there is vory little more sickness than is usual at this season.

Walter G. Smith, chief olork to Welling ton Gas Co., absconded the other day with a barmaid from a hotel near the gasworks, and took passage to Australia. Tho erring man's wife, who has three children, got a warrant against him, and he has been ar rested at Bluff.

Tho Rev. James Cosh, M.A.. minister of tho Balmain Presbyterian Church, and for merly of Auckland, with his wife and family, was a. passonger for England by the It.M.S. Garonne, from Sydney. Mr Cosh has obtained leavo of absonco for 12 months from his congregation, who havo granted him full Btipond for that period.

NEWTON EAST SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT.

A VERY successful entertainment was given last evening in tho Nowton Athenajum, by tho tcachore and pupile of tho Nowton East School, in aid of tho pupils' library. Mr Buckland failed in his promise to tako the chair, and on tho motion of Mr Morrison, seconded by Mr Wilkes, Mr Theo. Ceopor, a member of tho Board of Education, was unanimously voted to that position. Mr Cooixir, in a briof speech, expressed his gratification at boing called to tho chair, and spoko in favour of a good library in connection with tho school, and hoped to soo tho day whon ovory school would be in possession of a library ; ho was of opinion that prizes should bo given to most deserving scholars—they woreincontivestostudy—and hoped tho timo would come when tho Board of Education would bo in a position to make grants for such a purposo. Tho programme of tho evening contained many choice items, and tho wholo was patisfactory. Tho pro ceedings opened with a pianoforte solo by Miss Honan, followed by a glee, "Hail, Smiling Mom," by the teachers, a Hunting Song, by Mr Wilkes, which olicitcd warm npplauso ; chorus, "Tho Warrior's Grave," by the children ; instru mental duet, rendered with skill and taste, by Misses Honan and McGlashan; vocal, " Tho Schoolmaster," by Mr Draffln, which lost much of its effect by tho stiff manner in which it wbb rendered. A duet was prettily sung by Miss Jervois and Mr McKinnoy, entitled " How Sad it is to Say Farewell ;" pianoforte solo, " Shepherd Boy's Lay,' by Mr Dorden ; song, "True to tho Last," by Mr McKinnoy. Master Tronwith, a youth, performed a pianoforte solo in correct style. Professor Lambert and Mr Hemus gave a duet, piano and violin, loudly applauded. Miss Wright sang "Auntie in a humorous and un affected manner. This lady and Miss Hop per woro also successful with " The Wind and tho Harp." Mr Marson gavo "In Happy Momenta." Tho chorus, "Some Folks Do " was lively and laughable. Miss Beedell and Mr Martin sang solos. The teachers sang several glees' with much effect, and a vory gratifying concert closed with tho National Anthem.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Botoro Messrs D. B. Macflonald and F. MaKuire, J.P's.

Drunk.—Ann Webb and Nicholas Codlln were punished for this oit'onco. Uncouth.—Win. X'ressloywaa chargod with using obscene language last night in Hobson stroot.—Sorgeant White spoke ot bud language used by prisoner. It wm very offensive, and spokon in tho public street,—Prisoner asserted that he was too drunk to remember anything, —Maurico Folcy, grocer, ot Hobson-street. de posed to tho language. (Children ordered out of Court) Ho advised the man to go away, Ho went and returned, and rQ-conimenced swear ing.—Mary Kopor, storekeeper, depospd that prlsonor came into hor placo drunk, Ho waa abusive, and she ordered him out; ho iised the languago on tho paper.—Prisoner said ho was sorry for whathad occurred, and desired tho leniency of tho Bench ! it was all owing to the beer,—The Bench said it was necessary for public morals that these ofr follows should bo severely dealt with.—Fined £o. or two months' imprisonment with hard Thomas Kcrr, on habitual toDor, was charged undortho Vagrant Act with having no lawful, visible means of a livehood.—De tective Walker said that Kcrr had not done any work for nioro than a yoar. Ho was frequently begging. Ho was in an unclean state,—Do teotivo Hughes said ho hiul several times cautioned the man.—Mr Moguiro thought it waa a hard thing for the country to have to Bupport an ablo man like tho prisoner.—One month's imprisonment.—John Mclßaacs, who had been suffering from delirium trcmena, was ordered to pay Us line nnd maintenance. Fuuiouß Dkiving.—Charles Smith, a strap ping youth, was fined 10b and costs for fast driving in Vemon-strcct, Ponsonby Koad, on the lath.—Constable Corn's proved the charge. William Berry was charged with leaving his horses and carriage unattended in Weljeslqy strect.—Defendant pleaded guilty; he wont into an hotel to refresh tho innor man.—Fined 10s Allkged Assault.—Samuol Coxwaschargod with assaulting Goorge Abdel.-Mr Brassuy, for the prosecution, desired a remand for a week as the complainant could not bo found.— Mr Tolo for defendant, offered no reasonablo objection, but asked for coats of adjournment, which woro allowed. This was all tho business.

THE SOUDAN REVOLT

[Rkotkii's Telbouamh],

British Advance Dolaycd,

Cairo, February 2.'!. THE advance of the British expedition now encamped near Trinkitat will, it has now transpired, bo delayed for somo days. Much anxioty is felt at Souakim in consequence of tho disaffection amongst tho Khedive's black troops.

[press association.]

London, February 20,

Tho Mahdi is reported to bo tamponng with tho Mussulmans of India, and the Nubian troops in Souakim threaten to join tho rebels.

ANOTHER FATAL FIRE.

Boy Bmncd to Death at Mastorton.

(lIV rKLKaiMI'IC' —I'KK.HS. ASSOCIATION.)

Mastertok, this day. TllK houso of John Harding was burned down this morning. A spark from the kit chen chimney is supposed to havo ignited tho shingles. Three adults and eight chil dren in bed at the time wero all suvod, ex cepting a boy, 9 years old, sleeping in an upstairs room, whoso charred romains wero subsequently found. Tho house was insured for-L'-iOO in the South British Oflice.

LICENSING COMMITTEE ELECTION.

(ISY Tia.KUIUI'II.—OWN COHUKSrONDENT.J

Pobt Aliiert, this day. Polling for tho members of tho Albert Licensing Committeo took placo yesterday. The temperance party nominated five candidates, and fire favourable to liquor traffic wero also nominated. Tho following was tho result of the voting:—Edward Browne, 01; Powell, 48; Thomas Gubb, 47 ; Rushbrok, 40; Geo. Hartnell, 45; Ashton, 5; Hogan, 0 ; Redmond, 5; Somomlle, 4; A. Smith, 2. Five strongly pronounced tomporanco candidates aro thus olected. Tho only liconsed house, tho Mangawai Hotel, will bo closed. The result of tho Auckland tomperanco vote gives pleasure to Albertlandors.

THE ACCIDENT TO THE WAIRARAPA.

Official Inquiry,

(UY TELEOBArH.—TRESS ASSOCIATION.)

DnNEDiff, this day. Somb other passengera by tho Wairarapa gire altogether v dift'oront account of tho collision affair to that already telegraphed. They asiort that there undoubtedly was a raco, and that tho Wairarapit waited balow Williamstown for the Adelaide to come up to her. It fully known on board that a raco was intended.

An inquiry into the Wairarapa collision ■was begun yosterday at. Port Chalmora before the Collector of Customs and Captain Thom son. The following are tho principal points brought out in tho evidence. Captain Chat fold Btatod that the Adelaide was close astern, when she tried to pass and collided. By Mr Hackworth : He did not report tho collision to tho Customs authorities. The Adelaide loft Melbourne immediately aftor us. On reaching Williamstown tho Adelaide was about a ship's longth astern, and ho gave tho order for full speed ahead. If he had stopped or ceased tho engines tho steamer would havo cannoned off the bank, and probably sunk tho Adelaide. They were going tho ordinary full speed. Tho Adelaide got nearly abreast, and seemed to tako a run over towards tho Wairarapa. Tho Adelaide kopt so closo he could not get away from her. Thomas Popham, chief engineer, also described the collision. He had heard nothing in rofe.-^nce to the two boats racing.- The weather was quite clear, and the lights of both vessels could bo plainly Been. Fredk. Parker, passonger, said at tho time of the'.collislon there was a great deal of shouting going on principally from the Ade laide. He did not imagine, and heard noth ing on board to donoto there was any race. Wm. Mowatt, engineer, said they went full speed after leaving Williamstown. The Adelaide was closo behind. Henry Andor «on (second olficer) and Frederick Galling (quartermaster) were also^examined. The latter said ho believed it was the Adelaide's intention to drivo tho Wairarapa over on to the bank. Ho did not hoar any remarks about the two boats racing. Tho inquiry Etands adjourned for thejovidence of Captain Cameron, Marine Superintendent of the Union Company.

RIFLE ASSOCIATION FIRING.

Mooting of tho Executive

A mektino of tho Exocutivo of tho N.Z. Rifle Association was hold last evening at tho Albert Hotel, the Hon. Major Bailleo presiding. The Chairman intimated that tho principal business was the consideration of tho prizo list. By resolution of the Council at a mooting held in November, it was agreed that it would bo necessary for about 200 men from all parts of tho colony to enter for the sovoral matches in order to cover tho necessary expenditure, the total amount of donations raised in Auckland to bo addod to the programme should that number enter, but if that numbor be not reached a proportionate sum to bo added to th» programme, in accordance with tho numbor of entries. It was stated by Captain Payne that the subscriptions on hand amounted to £150, and it was expected the amount would be raised to £200. Tho Seerotary (Mr Stevens) stated that the prize list, according to tho present programme, totalled £560. The meeting nad been hold in Auckland because a promise had boon made that Auckland would subscribe as liberally as Dunedin had done. Tho Dun edin subscriptions amounted to .-£370. Tho range work cost £100. Lioutenant Furnell moved that a Committee of five be appointed to prepare a rough balance sheet, to bo submitted on Saturday night. He did not,mean to impute blame, but from the balance-sheet last year he noticed that it took £1,000 to oxpend £1,000, and it was time those expenses were cut down. If not, the pooplo would not subscribe to the Asso ciation, and it would come to grief. Tho Socrotary said it would be impossible to prepare a correct balance-sheet before tho shooting was over, Mr E. Cooper seconded, saying that ono company had refused to have anything to do with tho firing till a balance-sheet was submitted. It was ridi culous that they should oxpend 30s to fire for £1. They might bo disappointed at the amount collected in Auckland, but there were several reasons why their expeo tations had not beon reached. In the first place, they expected the full grant of £1000 from the Government. The re serve members of the Association being de barredf rom competing for tho belts, hadper hapaunintontionallylostinterest in the meet ing. An addition to that, money was ilghtin Auckland as in tho rest of the colony. The Chairman said that the Council had no hopo of getting more than £500 from Parliament. Tho next question was with "regard to tho reserve men being allowed to compete. That was brought before tho Council in November, and it was resolved that as Government subsidised tho Association, and the belts were originally derived from the Government, the Council saw no reason to alter the published programme. There was no understanding with tho Volunteers regarding the reserve men. Mr Cooper said the spirit of the Volunteer regula tions gave the reserve men all the privileges of Volunteers. Lieutenant Griffiths, after supporting the motion, referred to an item of £90 on last year's balance-sheet — commission for collection of subscriptions at tho rate of 10 per cent.— which had been charged by a Mr Smith. The Chairman stated tho Council thought that Smith waa only entitled to 5 per cent., but he had retained the 10 per cent. Capt. Payne said there would be no commission off the Auckland subscriptions. Further discussion ensued, in the course of which Kir Steven mentioned it had cost tho Colonial Government £3,000 to expend £900 in prizes when they had tho management of the firing. Lieut. Purnell's motion was then carried, Messrs Griffiths, Hoskins, E. Davy, and the mover being the Committee. Some discussion ensued on tho motion of Lieutenant Griffiths, "That in the opinion of the Executive Committee, the Associa tion ehould not bo governed by a Council who did not pay their subscriptions, and that the names of those who did not pay their subscriptions should bo struck off the list." The motfqn was eventually with drawn. It was then decided to commenco firing at 9 a.m., and that the Secretary draw all the men in squads equal to the number of targets. This terminated the proceed ings.

ARRIVAL OF THE DIRECT STEAMER "RUAPEHU."

Particulars of the Voyage and List of

Passengers.

Till! Now Zealand Shipping Company's magnificent steamship lluapehu, of which wo have already given a full description, arrived from Plymouth, via Hobart. just ns wo wcro going to press. News of her ar rival spread rapidly through town, and as clio cape up tho harbour tho wharf was packed with a largo crowd, eager to get a Klimp.se of tho grout vessel and her living freight. Her trip from Plymouth, exclusive of stoppage*, has been done in tho very fast 1 time of 43 days 13 hours. She is under command of Captain Crutchlor, R.N. We append particulars of the voyage, along with lists of passengers and other informa- ' tioi). Tho Captain's Roport. Captain Crutchlor reports having loft Plymouth at 2 p.m. on January 12. Ar rived at Tenerifl'o at G. 15 p.m. on Jan, 17, the passage thus far occupying 5 days 3 hours 15 minutes. Head winds were ex perienced all the way. Left Ten oriffo at 0.30 p.m. on the same day, and head winds, with fine weather, prevailed thence until arrival at Hobart on Thursday, the 22nd instant, at 9 a.m. Tho Ruapohu remained at Hobart coaling until C p.m. on Friday, when she resumed her voyage to Auckland, variable- weather beiug experienced during the voyage, port being readied as above. She has proved herself to be an exceedingly fast boat, hav ing covered the distance from Plymouth to Dobart, exclusivo of stoppage, in 38 days IS hoars. The best day's run was 327J knots, and tho consumption of coal on that occasion was fifty-five tons. Her average speed was thirteen knots, burning fifty three tons of coal per day. List ot Officers. Tho Ruapehu's crew numbers 109, in cluding officers, the names of the latter boing :—Commander, Captain C. Crutchler,. R.N. (formerly of tho Union Steamship Company's Mexican), first officer, Mr 1. Cross ; second officer, Mr John Baxter ; third officer, Mr F. Mayoss ; fourth officer, Mr J. W» Turner; Surgeon, Dr. T. C. Moore, M.D. (late of the Peninsula and Oriental Company); purser, Mr R. B. Williams; chief engineer, Mr D. Hender son ; midshipmen, Messrs G. Spooncr, H. Grekim, and A. Oswald. Cabin Passengers. In addition to Government immigrant, tho Ruapchu brings 86 cabin pas.sengors, including 10 first saloon, 22 second cabin, and 24 third cabin. The list of first saloon passongera is as follows : —Misses Carnegy (3), Kennon, Messrs. R. W. Billings, Kennon, Harris, G. Hodges, P. Pobson, P. Streetmun. The passengers, we under stand, have enjoyed good health during tho voyage, no serious illnoss having occurred.

Government Immigrants. There are 110 Government immigrants on board, tho majority being for this port. Wo havo information of 80 out of this number, of which thorp are 11 married couples with their families, 14 single men, 23 single women, and 12 children. The following is the list of names so far as at present known: —

Families: Vike, Francis. Jemima Hoard; Gco. and Louissii ])oswoll ; Louisa, Henry, und Annio Itaswell; William nnd Mary J. Hamilton ; William, James, Eleanor, and John Hamilton ; Michael and Bridget Knox : Mary, Thomas, and John Knox ; Thomas and Annie MoCune ; Agnes, Alexander, and Andrew McCiine; Patrick Moughcr, Kato. Maria, LevineMcagher; Othello and Jano Morritt, Joseph William and Isabella Merritt; Mark and Mary Jano Webber, Luke and Margaret Webber; Mark and Eliza Webber; Thomas und Harriet Waller, Lltch fleld and Ellen Whitehcad and child. Single Men.—Jamos Blackley, Gcoree Charles Cran slinw, George Eetell. James Flanagan, William Griffiths. W. Hutehlnson, Charles Langstuff, Kobort D. Malchell, Charles W. Metcalf, Robert Mawhinnv, Patrick Molloy, Dawson Petrie, Matthew Nattrass. and Robert Mills. Single Women — Annio Carter, Sarah J. Chambers, Agnes Griffiths, Lilly HolKnan, Emily Hylamb, Louisa A. Langstafl', Mary Lyman, Bedilia Lyons, *Lonora Maulo, Elizabeth McClelland, Ellen and Mary Jane Mills, Helen Molloy, Mary Morris, Edith Murphy, Sarah Quin, Susan Rundle, Catherine and Mary J. Smith, Elizabeth Smytho, Susannah Strihvick, Kato and Susan Trainor. Thoro are, besides, 30 other nominated imniißranls on board, the names of whom have not yet boon received. Trades and Occupations. Tho following is a gumintry of the trades and occupations of the immigrants named in tho above list: —General labourers, 0 ; ongine driver, 1 ; ploughman, 1 ; shoe maker, 1; coachpainter, 1 ; carpenters, 3 ; constable, 1 ; painter, 2; chemist, 1; sawyer, 1 ; cooks, 2; general servants, 11 ; housememaids, 2; parlour maids, 2 ; mill hand, 1 ; nurses, 2. Those not accounted for comprise children belonging to the families. Accommodation for Immigrants. Arrangements have been made here by friends of about half the immigrants for their accommodation here, but tho disposal of the balance will rest temporarily with Mr O. Mays, Immigration Officer. He proposes to house them as follows :—Families and single men at tho Immigration DepOfc (otherwiso known as the Old Hospital), and the single women at tho Howe-street Home. Of the single women on the steamer, seven are already engaged, and this will leave sixteen opon to accept employment. They will, while at tho Howe-street Home, be under the care of Miss Jackson, matron of that institution. It will thus be seen that arrangements, so far as Mr Mays is con cerned, aro very complete. Othor Particulars. It is expected that the Ruapehu will remain hero four days or more, probably till Monday, an 1 during her stay nere she will be berthed at tho end of Queen-street Wharf. At this port she will recoiyo general cargo for conveyanco to London, and ac understand that arrangements have also boon made for her to convey from here a quantity of butter and cheeso in her cooling chambers.

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

[BY OUB LONDON CORRESPONDENT.]

Fast Passage of tho lonio.—Fire in tho

Refrigerating Chamber.

London, January 11. Tub s.B. lonic (Captain Parsall) arrived st Plymouth from Now Zealand on January Urd, after a " phenomenal fastest on record" pnsiage of 41 days 1 hour and 30 minutes (including stoppages); tho actual steaming time being 3S days 12 hours and 10 minutes only. The lonic left Port Lyttelton on November 24, rounded Cape Horn on December 7 (fourteen days out), and arrived at Rio do Janeiro on De cember 15. After a stay, of forty-eight hours for coaling purposes, the lonic sailed again on December 17th, and arrived at Plymouth on the 3rd January, docking at Woolwich two days later. The largest day's run was 325 miles, and the shortest 276. The average must therefore have been remarkable. Tho Company fondly antici pate that tho Tongariro's run Home will even make this extraordinary passage look " small." Tho lonic's passengers have been landed all well. In addition to a general cargo, she brings 12,000 carcases of mutton and a chamber full of cheese. The former is in fair condition, and so far as can bo judged at present is fine meat. The engi neer in charge of the freezing apparatus (Mr Raeburn) reports that the average tempera turo of tho chambers during the passago was 60deg. Fahr., the average being 20deg, Fahr., and tho lowest 22deg. below zero. Later Particulars.—The Meat Damaged.

When I first went down to the lonic her meat was being discharged in apparently Al condition, and everything seemed right. Certain rumours afloat in the city, however, induced me to pay the steamer another visit, and I then learnt that though the affair was kept quiet, and vory few even of tho passengers knew of it, thero certainly had been a fire in the freezing chamber during the voyage homo. The circumstances of tho case (as recorded in the steamer's log, which was cavilly placed at my service) were as fol lows :—On December—, at;s a.m., when the vessel was in sSdeg. 49mins. S. and 98deg 43min. W, the chief refrigerating en fineer, Mr Raeburn, going down into the old to take tho temperatures as usual, observed smoke issuing from among tho car cases and apparently proceeding from tho orlop deck, lleat oneegavp the alarm ; the hatches were taken oil', and yolumesof smoke ascended. The stoam and hose wereapplied, and so soon as the smoke diminished suffi ciently the men reulived 1,000 sheep on deck, this work was continued till the smoke again grew dense, when the hatches were once more put on, and steam applied for a considerable time. On reopening them the danger was over, and by-and-hy | the sheep were put back and the chambers!

ro-frozon. Beyond being discoloured, and a few of them a trille burnt, the sheep don't seem much injured. None of them, curiously enough, appear to have gone bad, though tho icicles on tho wrappers show that they mu6t have been soaked with tho water. The extent of the damago done has not as yet been estimated. Tho good meat por lonic (excellent in quality) realised s|dto Od per lb. wholesale, and the damaged from 3d to scl, according to the extent ot the injuries. . Passengers for Auckland. Per P. and O. steamer Ballarat, leaving January 24th, Mr and Mrs Gore and family (4) are passengers for Auckland. The City of Auckland Loan.-A Marked Suooosg. Tenders for £100,000 City of Auckland 5 per cent, debentures were opened at the National Bank of Now Zealand on the 10th of January, no tender being received below £101 per £100 debenture. The opening of the tenders attracted some little attention, j and any doubt that might have been enter tained as to the success of tho lpan was speedily set at rest by the opening of a. tender for tho whole amount at £102 7s 6d, which showed that it would be placed at a good advance on the fixed minimum. The total amount applied for was £702,000, at prices ranging from £101 to £103 15s, and in addition to the large tender already mentioned, four were for £25,000 each, at £101 to £101 10s ; two for £20,000 each, at £101 12s Cd and £102 8s ; and sixteen for £10,000 each, at £101 12s Od to £102 13a lOd. Tenderres at £102 7s 6d will receive about 0 per cent of the amount applied for and above in full. The avcrago prico ob tained was £102 11s 4d per cent. •

[Fkom the "Homk News," January 11],

Steam to New Zealand,

Now that New Zealand has been brought within forty days of the Thames, it is hardly possible to believe that a little more than ton years ago the only service to that thriving colony was by sailing ships, which occupied more than double the time. But now, when the first of the magnificent lino of steamships has already reached New Zea land, and the second is on the way out, whilo the third will follow in a couple of days, rapid inter-communication between England New Zealand may be considered assured. The fact is hailed with great satisfaction in this country, as it must certainly stimulate the importation of frozen meat. Consumers are already realis ing the merits of New Zealand mutton, and would gladly have more of it if they could. As each of these steamers is fitted to convoy 14,000 carcases, there seems at first sight no reason why the dosire should not be gratified ; and yet it is an extraordinary fact that New Zealand' mutton as such is not to bo met with in the English markets. It appears to undergo some sort of transmutation in the process of thawing, and passes from the docks to the butchers-shop as the primest South down. Of course, the explanation is not far to seek. The best New Zealand mutton c.in be handed to the retail trade at about sixpence a pound, but this would not suit the middlemen, who call it English and sell it at home exorbitant prices. There Is a lino fortune waiting for any enterprising capitalist who would attack and break up this ring. A Bad Commencement for 1884. The new year which has just opened upon us has been ushered in with more than the usual amount of crime and disaster for the season of tho year. True, we are trained to expect such things as robbei'ies and assaults in the lonely districts of the suburbs of London as soon as long, dark evenings sot in upon us, but this year we have been startled by much more than the average amount of crime, accidents, and disasters. The northern suburbs of London have just becomo notorious by a shocking murder which has been committed in tho neigh bourhood of Stoko Newington, near the boundaries of Finsbury Park, where a young gentleman named Tower, a resident of the vicinity, and clerk to a firm of under writers in the City, has been foully and cruelly murdered. It appears that with Borne friends and neighbours Mr Tower had been attending a religious night-watch ser vice, on the old year's night of December 31, and shortly after midnight he was on his way home, accompauicd by a friend. They parted at a very lonely spot near the Stoke Newington reservoir, belonging to the New River Company, where Mr Tower's body was found the next morning by the people in charge of the work*. From what can be gathered by investigation and con jecture, it is supposed that the unfortunate gentleman was waylaid and assaulted by some miscreants, and that after being robbed and murdered, his body was thrown into the water of the^ reservoir. The Go vernment have offered a reward of £100 for the discovery of the perpetrators of the crime, but up to the present time no clue has been arrived at which is likely to elucidate tke mystery of the sad event. In the neighbourhood of Clampham, also, a young gentleman residing in the locality, named Violas was seriously injured in an attack by a supposed robber, who was only prevented from carrying out his purpose to the fatal extent by the sound of foot steps. In Westminster, and the provinces alco, other similar cases have occurred, and in several of them the bodies of women have been found dead, after having been cruelly assaulted. The dreadful crime of wife murder also seems about to becomo pre valent, for there are|already two or three of these cases in tho hands of the provincial police, in the course of investigotion. Ac cidents are [also rife] and prevalent. The other day, as some men were in the act of demolishing a bridge which spans the Lon don and North-Western Railway near Wigan,the 6ntire structure gave way all of a sudden, and buried several of the poor fellows buneaah the ruins, and before the debris could be cleared seven of the men who had been at work on |the bridge were killed. Disasters at sea and shipwrecks are also numerous. Besides tho wreck of the Duke of Westminster passenger steamer from Australia—particulars of which dis aster are given elsewhere—we hear of nu merous wrecks and great loss of life in severe storms and gales. The Celtic passenger' steamer from New York is now nearly six teen days overdue, and her absence has caused great anxiety. Fortunately, she has been heard of at sea, proceeding slowly t<y wards port under sail, having broken her main shaft. The above events, with many others not particularised in detail, throw a sort of gloom over the advent of the New Year, and darken the shadow of the Christ mas just passed away.

LATEST CABLEGRAMS.

[beuteb's telegrams.]

(Received February 27th, 2.40 p.m.)

The New Speaker of the House of

Commons.

London, February 20 (evening).—ln the House of Commons to-day, Mr A. W. Peel, the Liberal M.P. for Warwick, was elected Speaker, unopposed. British War Credit. Credit for half-a-million sterling to cover the expenses of the British expedition to Souakim is shortly to be asked for by Gov ernment in the House of Commons. London, February 26. — No clue as to the perpetrators of the explosion which occurred last night at Victoria Rail way station, has yet been discovered. The police have in their possession, however, a Gladstone bog which was burst open by the explosion of the dynamite, and was found in the wrecked cloakroom.

MINING NEWS.

[BY TKLEanAHI.—OWN CORREBPONDEKT.]

Thames, this day. London.—Since last report, about lOlbs of picked stone have been secured from No. 1 reef at the intermediate level. Mariner.—The manager is cleaning out the cross-cut towards No. 4 reef at No. 3 level with the intention of prospecting a large block hitherto unknown. Q.oeen- of Bkauty.—The leader at No. 10 level is separated into three veins, each 3in. wide, but the favourable indications for gold remain unchanged. New Prince Imperial.—The air in the low level has so far improved that ■ opera tions can be resumed. In the eastern stopeg No. 2 lode and winze, however, are still in accessible. Caledonian.—The eastern drive at No. 2 level will communicate with the winze within a day or two. The reef is eighteen inches thick, and still shows gold freely. The crushing shows a slight improvement. Caledonian Low Level Company's rock drill was started to-day, and answers its purpose admirably, breaking out stuff faster than it can be trucked away, and necessita ting the employment of a second shift for the salvage of dirt. New Mamjkau.—No, 2 reef was broken in the stopo above the 109 feet level to-day, but only o,bout 41hs of picked stone were secured; The reof shows littlo change, ex cepting that the bands of quartz are less frequent in the mullocky formation.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1884



Special Advertisements. DR. . P H I L S 0 N, Lfito District Surgeon, Attends from 10 n_m. to 1 o'clock p.m., AND BR. J. H. HONEYMAN From 11 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., at Aiokin'S, THE PHARMACY Queen-street. AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED 1862. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER. The Company soil and erect gaa-flttingß, In cluding gas apparatus and gas-power engines. Stock includes Otto Gas Engines.—Office and Show-rooms, Forfrstreet. F You THE GOODS To Note For You Manufactured by '£,°S°\l §&?£ THE NEW ZEALAND SnSS For You CLOTffINS FACTORY To Note For You From tho Celebratod To Note For You MO3GIEL TWEEDS To Note Fo^u Are Acknowledged ft™« For You To 1)0 tho Most To Note For 101 l STERLING VALUE I°%^ For You AndJ!<">* To Note For You WEARING WArvMENTS To Note For You Ever Produced, For You While tho Range To Note For You Of Prices Xp Note' Fo. You T .-Tr.-i.i To Note For You 13 80 Varied To Note For YJ>M That the Most To Note For You ECONOMICAL, T,° g°'° For You V, -tTn, nm To Noto For You To Whom To Note For You MONEY IS AN OB JECT, To Note For You Will bo T° Note Forlou" Thoroughly Satisfied. 5S JfSto For You To Note For You To Note fes» AUCKLAND BRANCH, ftg°£ ■f&ISl 158&160, «£ f&?°S QUKE^-STnEET. ?g SSS X™ J. FITZSIMONS. KnSS |S?SS Branch ManaKor. For You To Note For You To Note ISySS N.8.-Patterns and all &§& For You information sent Post Free. To Note $ P E C.I A L . Wo respectfully invite Public Attention to the following BARGAINS: 600 Dozen Flax Shints, lined backs, Is 6d, were Bs6d fIOO Trousers and Vests, 12s 6d, worth 18s Cd 10 Cases Printed Mole Trousers, Ss lid SO Dozen Men's Felt Hats, 2s Cd 60 Boxes White Dress Shirts, 3s 6d 100 Dozen Felt Hate, 2a 0d 6,000 Yards Nun's Veiling at Is 10,000 Yards All-wool Flannel at Is 800 Pairs Super Blankets, AU Wool, 12s 6d. The Public must not overlook the advantage In solectiDK from an Entirely Now Stock, and tho tact that we offor none but Reliablo Goods. J« C/OSGRAVE* & C/O. TXrBEIW SHALL I FURNISH Mr n HOUSE FROM? ■ ,- . ■ THE CHEAPEST ALL ROUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL AEOA3GARLICK & CRANWELL ! I BEDDIN^A^CK & CRANWELL. BED-ROOM^INITORE^to^ CAKPETGA*RLI>CX & CRANWELL. GARLICK & CRANWELL, House Furnishers. GARLICS & CRANWELL, Upholsterors. OARLICK & CRANWELL, Manufacturers OF AM. KINDS OF FURNITURB. Cheap Tapestby & Brtjhsri. C arprts. Cheap Oilcloths & Linoleum. Cheap & Beautiful Cjiktonnks. •^hEap Blankets & CuRTAmB. QARLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS City Hall Arcade. Queen-8 crest, AUCKLAND Mr Wertheim, the proprietor of the cele brated, wonderful Wertheim Sewing Machines, has opened one o£ hla agencies at 170 Qucen stTcet. Tho machines of tfiis firm havo obtained a woll-deserved fame all over Australia. No doubt tio Auckland public will appreciate them, Mr W, J*. Beale is the sold asont for Auckland " and tho Northern Island of New Zealand. Ho htis been for years the manager of tho Adelaide brunch of Werthoini'B Sewing Machine Depot. Contracts taken, for all kinds of concreto •work, largo or small, and estimates and other , Information giving to those wishing to do their own work.-John Wilson and Co,, 75, Queen t-Btrco>-lADrrJ '



Special Advertisements. BA ,L A N C E OK W. MEREDITH'S BANKRUPT STOCK! BANKRUPT STOCK! AXD A LARGK LOT OF JOB LINES, TO BE CLEARED AT REMARKABLY LOW PRICES, AT WT> T>RTDGMAN'S. . Jtt JJRIDUMAN'S. Dress Goods in greit variety, 12yds for 2a Cd, 3a (Sd, 4s tid Balance Summer Stock of Prints, 2id. 3id, 4Jd, 5Jd Strong Cotton Shirtings, 3R -lid, 5Jd White and Grey Calico at wholesale price 20 Indies' Leather BaRS, half-price, from Is Cd Ladies Underclothing much under usual price Strong Cotton Tweed for Boys, slightly damaged. Is yd Boys' and Youths' Tweed Trousers, from 3a fld 20 Men's Strong Tweed Coats, 7a 6d 20 Men's Strong Tweed Trousers and Vests, 7s lid, 10s Od, 12s Cd Boys' Serge Sailor Suits, 49 lid Largo Stock of Men's Tweed Suits, 153 Cd, ISs 6d, 213 Men's Tweed Hats, la, 13 8d Boys' and Youths' Sorgo Hats, 13 Gd Rush Hats, 2!d each Linoloum and Floorcloths considerably less than regular prices. LOT OF REMNANTS AND JOB LINES, EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD VALUK. WILLLIAM R. BRIDGMAN, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. JUNCTION DRAPEUY WAREHOUSE. Just Opened a splendid assortment of C D T D R A OI E M W M T A X I O S L T N X S I N S E E S s These Goods are Very Choice, and have been selected with great cara especially for MY OWN TRACK. Wl LLIAM Ii ATTR AY, DUAPKR, CLOTHIKR, AND SILK MKRCER, 178, 180, AND 182, QUEEN-STKEHT (fcur doors below tho Now Savings Bank), AUCKLAND.