SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HfBH WATER {^S^X. 10.11 SUNSET.—This Evening, 8.11 SUS"PISE.—To-morrow Morning, 0.8 M ir 'N'S AGK-Last Quarter, 2Uth, 10.52 a.m,

ARRIVALS.

Itowuna, s.s., Norris, from Whangarel

DEPARTURES.

Columbia, schoonor, Conway, for Napier Marshall S., brigantine, Craig, for Oamaiu Lucy James, ketch. James, for Whangarei ltio. schooner. McKenzie, for Mannkau Energy, schooner, Francis, for Greymouth

Inwards Coastwise.—Fawn, from Whan gir..i, with SO tons coal; Coralie, from Mercury Kay with J7OOO feet timber; Lagoon, from Thames, in ballast.

Outwards Coastwise. — Columbia, for Napier; Lastoan, for Tiritlrl; Mercury, for Tairua ; Mana, for Tairna.

The schooner Aurora cntired out at the Customs t i-day for Roruhi.

The s.s. Waitaki returned from Great Barrier early on Sunday evening.

The "Waitaki made an excursion to Groat Barrier on Friday evening last with a party of about 50 gontlemen. The trip was a most en joyable one. The weather boing fine, the beau tiful sconery of the Hauraki Gulf appeared to tho best advantage, and splendid sport was ob tained both at fishing and rabbit and goat shooting. Tho Waitaki - returned last evening, shortly before nine, after a capital run of 5J hours from the Barrier. The following gentlemen were of thesarty :— Justice Gillies, Wm. Aitken, R. C. Barstow, Percy Smith, A. Saunders, James Russell, Gamble, Joseph Bennett, N. F. Giblin. A. E. Whitaker, F. Earl, Dr. Honeyman, J. B. Rus sell. Captain 11. F. Anderson, Cosgrave, Mase field, Ching.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

Thes.s. Rotorua arrived from Taranafcl and the South at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Passangers: Mesdames Hooker, Goring. McKonzle. Hewitt, Stuart, Hardy, Oakley and family (3), Comisky, Burgess. Salmon. Holland, Milner and 4 chil dren, Missel Kaika Piako, Mcßean, Maloory, Wildon, and Smith, Messrs Holmes, Southern, Eagle, Athinasia, Dodd, Louri, Oprett, Athwin, Dandy, Johnston, Goodson. Medler, McLean (2), Webb, Brown, Harris, Mcßean, ComiskT, Stafford, Haywood, Witham. Holland, Broad wood Christie, McKay, Raid, Milner, Cromp ton. Colsnel Reader. Captain Hundley, Master Christie (2), and 23 steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Whasgabbi, this day.—Sailed: Macgregor, F.s, for Auckland, 11.40 a.m. Br.uj-i', Sunday.—Arrived: Manapouri, from Melbourne, at 2 a.m., after a smart passage of 3 days 20 hours. Passengers for Auckland: Messrs Tozer. Mackay, and 4 steerage. London, March 14.—The steamship Aorangi, from Lyttelton, has arrived at Plymouth. The frozen moat is in splendid condition. Wellington, this day.—Arrived, 12.30 p.m.: Haaroio, s.s., from Sydney.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this dar.

Mr R. Arthur teports of business done at his mart during tho last week. Wednesday: Sale of balance of bankrupt stock of groceries and fruit at mart. Fruit sold well. Nelson apples brought G3 9d to 7s 6d per case; plums, 7d per lb.; quinces, lid; Auckland apples, 13 to 3)d ; pears, 33d to ojd; damsons, 3d to 3Jd : plums, 6d to 6}d: grapes, Sd to 8)d; peaches. Id to 63d; quincos, 2Jd; tomatoes. Id to ljd. The groceries brought full price?. Tho attendance was large. Thursday: Clearing-out sale of balance of the stock of clothing, etc. ,at tho New Zealand Tweed Conipany.'s Shop, Queen-stroet. There was a good attendance throughout; it continued until after six o'clock; a largo quantity was cleared off. Friday .market day: Sale of poultry, produce, etc., attendance good, sale of poultry larger than usual; many out of condition, therefore prices low. Potatoes could not be cleared off at low prices. Fruit was entered in large quantity; all sold at very low prices. Fowls, Is Id to 2s 3d; turkeys, 2s lid to 4s; ducks. Is 8d to 2s 4d; pigeons, lid to Is 4d; pigs, 10s to 14s; potatoes, 2.i B<l to 3s fid; onions, id to Id; pickles.Ud; eats. 2s 6d; sharps, 5s Gd; chaff, 2s 6d; flour, 5s to 13a 6d; bran, as 6d; carrots, 3s; bacon. 2il to 91d ; cheese, 2d to sd; sugar, 4}; tea per box, 345; coffee, Is 2d; lemon peel, 10d: apples, 21d to fljd; pears. 2} to G3d; plums. 9d to lOJd; grapes, id to Is; peaches, 2{ to 3}d; quinces, Ud to 2! il; passion fruit. l}d to fi} per dozen; lemons, Is Sd to Is 9d per dozen.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as under :—

This Day.

For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per

Glenelg, at 4 p.m. For Russell, Kawakuwa, Whangaroa, and Mon

gonui, per Wellington at 5 p.m. For Whiliangi and Upper Mill, per Rowena, at 5 p.m. For Whangarei Heads. "VVhangarei, Kamo, and Mangapai, per Wairaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Tuesday, ISth inst. For Waitara. per Hannah Mokau, at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, Matakana, ana Warkworth. per Hose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Rotorua,

For Whitiangi and Upper Mill, per Coralie, at

For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 4.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Parua, Waipu, Kamo, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Macgregor, at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, 19th inst. For Coromandcl. per Coromandel. at 1.30 p.m. Per s.s. Rotomahana t>a follows — For India, China. Japan, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Australian Colonies and United Kingdom, via Suez and Brindisi, or Naples, for letters, &0., specially so prepaid and addressed, at 4 p.m. For France, Algeria, Aden, Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, &c. (per trench Packet from Sydney), at 3 p.m. For France, Algeria, Aden, Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, oto. (per trench Packet from Sydney), at 3 p.m. Money Orders, registered letters and news papers, at 3 p.m. Late lettors for Sydney and Melbourne only at 4.20 p.m.

Thursday, 20th inst.

For Giaborne, Napier, Southern Ports, 'and London, via Rio de Janeiro and Plymouth, per lonic), per Wairarapa, at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Ist April,

Per City of Sydney, as follows— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For Wnited Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered lettors and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of six pence in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamor up to the time of sailing. This mail will be due in London on Sat urday. May 10, 1884.

N.B.—The f.s. Waipara will leave Hokltika for Okarito on 2fith inst, and for Jackson's Bay and inftrmediatc ports on Bth April. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offlce. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

March 17, 1881.

Abbott's Opora House—Royal Comic Opora Company, 7.45 p.m.

Theatre Royal.—Fire Brigade Amatour Dramatic Club Entertainment, 8 p.m.

Lome-street Hall—McComish's Grand Hiber nian Concert, 8 p.m.

Newton Licensing District-Meeting of Rate payers. Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, Rich mond Road, 7.30 p.m.

Devonport Hall—Bluo Ribbon Army, 8 p.m. St. Sepulchre's Mutual Improvement Society —Impromptu Speeches. 8 p.m.

Nowmarket Hall—Remuera Band of Hope Soiree and Concert. Tea, fi.3o; concert, 8 p.m.

Masonic Hall, Newton—Quadrillo Assembly, 8 p.m. Working Men's Club-Fortnightly Meeting of Bootmakers. 8 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

A Reader.—The steamer taking tho homeward mails leaves San Francisco twelvo days aftor its arrival at that port Thoro Is barely timo, therefore for an answer by return post to a letter Bent to Now York. Constant Reader.-Upon tho wording of tho Act. it has been contended that overy elector should vote for fivo candidates for tho licensing committee.. This rending, however. Is contested.

Births.

CLAYTON.—On March 12. at her mothor's reaidenco. South-street, Newton, tho wife of H. It. Clayton, Esq., Postmaster, Warkworth, of a son. HUMPHREYS.—On March lfith, at hor resi dence, British Hotel. Qneon-street, tho wifo of Owen Humphreys of a daughter.

Marriage.

ATKINSON—MoKAIG.—On February 28th, at St. Paul's Church, by the Ilev. C. M. Nelson, Kobort Atkinson to Sai-ah McKftig; both of Auckland.

Deaths.

CHITHAM.—On March 17, at his residence, Nelson Avonue (off Nelson-street), Charles Lewis Chitham; aped 35 ycara. Tho funoral will loavo to-morrow, 18th instant, at 3 p.m. Frionds are respcotfully invited to attend. * PEACE.—On March It!, at hor father's roßi dence, Mount Eden Koad, Mary, infant daughter of Mr A. G. Peace.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1884.

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

The statement made in our cablegrams, on the authority of the "St. James's Gazette," that the British Government intend pro hibiting the Messageries Maritimea Com pany's steamers from callijig. at Australian ports unless the French Government aban don the French Recidivistes Bill, will be received with great incredulity in the colonies. The control of these ports is not within thfl province of the Imperial authori ties, and any proposal of the sort would have to come merely as a recommendation to tho several colonial Governments. The criticisms of various Parisian newspapers, however, show that some importance hag been attached to the rumour, and the pos sibility of retaliatory measures cannot appear so yery improbable to the French mind, Australia has lately prevented un convicted Irish informers from landing on its shores, and why not Frenchmen ? We take it that the statement in the " St. James's Gazette" is thrown o.ujb as a hint, for the benefit of colonistsandFrenchmen, of the reprisals that are at the disposal of colonista if France persist in an unfriendly policy. Without pretending to express any opinion upon the wisdom of the proposed edict against the only French Ulje flf sfceamer3 that has endeavoured to open hp a regular South Pacific trade, we feel no. reserye Jn stating that the sugges. tlon is well worthy °* consideration. Ridiculous as it may seem to measure the strength of the colonies against a great Power like France, we venture to think that the European Republic gains more from the Anglo-Saxon communities in those soas than the colonies can possibly Jose by French displeasure, and that it js yery largely fn the power of tho Austral asian coionie>s ifco cripple French trade in %# Soujth Pacific ft they unitedly bend their r,?iijd» upon the task, The email in terests at present held by France in the goujbhesn seas #re insufficient po sustain $' y purely commercial venture, and Australm has only to turn the legislation of theseveraj colonies against Frenph ships and French manufactures ■of every description to, destroy that commerce in tho afif 10- And why should Australia afford facilities for any country to play so unfriendly a part towards her ns that proposod under tt^9 •proposed low for the liberation pi crirninafs £o jiiiundate thefe qujet communities with tno rjflf-rp/T of Europe? We betieyothatthe proper course for tho colonies Franco enter upon the iJQjjcy threatened undfii' ti}§ Recidivistes Sill, is not «jij}y to refuse peprnwision fqf pny Fretwl) steamer 0 6»tSY Australian ports, but also to place a prolubitory fcav pn eyery description of Frenph goods; refuse transit of all letters to or from Frapce, and block the cable figainst its tslegraphlo despatches —to send the osjjntfy, in short, to an lh.» ternational Coventry, There are other ways of showing a just resentment than de claring war, and if France has no respect for the reasonable rjghfcs of the colonies, that country can surely esteem it no wrong for t)w colonies iff refuse tf> trade wjitlj Jjep.

TUfi )H/?n. ijfisum J^rfcrd and dlillbe, of MeUwurne, r>esuri> tx> iojm to-nigjjt fry.the Wajketo tetfn fr«^ Qyfc y^* *0 #i e So^o -bourne via. f&ydmy by tiw stoaroor Rojtoina hasA on Wednesday, so tiiafc oar y^torjj have Uttlo more tban a single day in whtek to soo the scenes^ and eurroundinga of Auckland, * . .

At a meeting of the directors of the New Zealand Plate Glass Insurance Company held atDunedin last week, Mr Arthur l>. Bennett, tho well-known accountant and notary, was appointed agent for the Com pany for the Auckland district.

■ Tawhiao and Rewi are at present in town, having arrived unexpectedly from the Wai kato on Saturday afternoon. The object of the visit is to interview Sir George Grey wafting the King's visit to England. Tawhiao v ill probably proceed to Kawau by tO-mui'ruw'H steamer. On Saturday night the two chiefs were in Queen-street, in company with Mr E. T. Dufaur, nnd ap peared astonished at the throngs in the street. Subsequently they visited the Opera House. They are re.-iding ut the Auckland Hotel.

The first meeting ol the creditors of Gavin Weir will, be held on Friday next, the 21st iu-t , .and not on the date ad vertised on Saturday.

We understand that the City Temper ance Vigilance Committee lior watching tho public-houses has now been organised, and that a systematic plan will be adopted for ensuring the faithful observance of the pro visions of the Licensing Act, Special efforts will be made to repress Sunday trading. It is stated that sufficient proof has already been obtained to prove cases against several city publicans of violating "the Sunday clause" In that event, the licenses will not bo renewed at the annual meeting.

"Les Cloches do Cornevillo" was re peated at the Opera House on Saturday evening, before another good house. The performance was a thoroughly successful one, nnd the satisfaction of the audience was expressed by frequent applauso.and by tho invariable call of the performers beforo the curtain at the end of each act. "Les Cloches" will be repeated tonight, and " Patience " will be performed for the first time to-morrow evening. By inadvertonco it was announced in our Saturday's issue that " Patience " was to be performed that night.

The great total abstinence advocate, Mr John B. Gough, does not boliove in prohibi tion. When interviewed recently, Mr Gough said, "I hive given this question forty years of thought, and I am fully con vinced that the only way to deal with the liquor business is to annihilate it. First, we had a wave of license systems, then a wave of prohibition, and then a wave of blue ribbon ; but, like bubbles, they have all burst. No, sir, the only way is total annihilation, and my idea is to instruct tho young, who are ignorant of tho effects and results of alcohol."

A children's service was held yesterday afternoon at St. Paul's, and well attended. A number of hymns from the new collec tion wero sung, and an instructive and interesting address delivered by tho Incum bent.

The hearing of tho petitions against the validity of tho recent licensing elections at City South, East, and North, Ponsonby, and Karangahapc has been postponed until Tuesday week, tho 25th instant. Messrs Edwin and Samuel Hosketh have been en gaged by tho petitioner?, and Mr Thco. Cooper by tho Acting-Committees ; while Mr Tho.-i. Cottor watches the inquiry on bohalf of tho Returning Ollicer. In all probability the grounds of objections will be narrowed down to ono or two.

A largo number of people patronisod Mr Pooloy's marine concert, which took place on board tho Takapuna on Saturday after noon. Tho steamer loft tho wharf at 2.30, and procoeded down to Drunken Bay, Motutapu, where lines wore thrown out and fishing indulged in. Meantime the concert had boon oponed, and was very satisfactorily gono through. Tho four part song, "Ye Birds," was given with excellent effect, and Mr McComish playod "The hast Roso of Summer" and a. solo from- "Los Huguenots" upon tho cornot very tastefully, while songs were contributed by Madamo Pooley, Mr Seeats, Mr Worrall, and.Mr Simpson. Anothor part-song was rondorod, and v young lady amateur executed two pianoforte solos in good stylo. Tho singing of tho National Anthem by tho company brought a vory agreeable concert to a fcloso. A large haul of fish was made, amongst them boing two sharks. ■ Ono of theso animals was five foot long, and it created some amusement by its vigorous efforts to bite. It was eventually choked off with a nowspapor. Tho stcamor regained tho wharf at 0.30 p.m.

This morning tho Church of St. Sepul chre's was the sceno of a wedding which excited considerable interest among those who have boot)- long resident in Auckland. At tho early hour of a quarter to eight o'clock the Venorable Archdoaoon Dudley, assisted by tho Rev. Dr. Purchas, began, in tho presenco of a full choir and of a largo congregation of spectators, to colebiato the nuptials of Miss Connelland — Temple-r,Esq, Miss Connell has for yoars boon a regular and popular attendant at tho service? in connection with tho church and parish of St. Sepulchre's. Tho bridegroom was also, previous to his roccnt promotion to Hamilton, noted for his energetic co-opera tion in ecclosiastical, musical, and litorary circles. Tho bride, who looked charming in a dress of cream-coloured Indian muslin, gloves of a similar hue, a graceful veil dependent half M-ay down tho figure, and the usual accompaniment of orange blossoms and bridal bouquet, was given away by her brother, Mr W. 11. Connell, solicitor. The two Mjsses Pierco acted as bridesmaids, being tastefully attired in blue cashmere suitable to their ago. Tho Venerable Archdeacon Dudley read the ser vice most impressively, the choir sang a psalm appropriate to the occasion, and at the close Mr Rice played the party out of the sacred edifice to the soul-stirring strains of Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," After a short adjournment at the house of the bride, the happy couplo drove off amid the congratulations of numberlpss friends down the Kyber Pass to Newmarket, which they left by the 8.45 train for thoir future home at Hamilton.

On Saturday afternoon, another of the popular series of open-air concerts for tho ppople took place in tho Western Parkjinder the "patronage of His Worship the Mayor, who was present. The Artillery Band played a eelection of excellent music in gpod style and to the delight of the public, who wore prosent in large numbers.

An outdoor parade of the City Volunteers took place on Saturday afternoon. The parade assembled at the Diill-fhci!, and comprised the Naval Artillery, A Buttery Artillery, Victoria Rifles, City Guards, and Hobson Rifles. There was a capital muster of all the companies. Major Shepherd was in command, Lieutenant Clifton acting as adjutant. After some preliminary drill ftad been gone through in the Drill-shed, a march-out took place, Major. Shepherd putting the battalion through a series of movements on the line of march. On returning t,o the Drill-shed^ the Major addressed the parade, pointing out faults he had observed, which, ho said, should bo remedied by the non-commissioned officers of each Company. Previous to tho parade being dismissed, Major Shepherd presented to Volunteer W. Jennjngs (Hobson Com pany) a silver Maltese cross, won in a com petition in February. He (Major Shepherd) said it gave hjm great pleasure to present the prize on behalf of flip lady donor, and said no doubt it would causo more competi tion than if it had been presented by a gentleman. The cross is a very neat and appropriate trophy. It was manufactured by Mr Teutenberg, of Queen-street. On the obverse side is the effigy of a rifleman taking aim in the kneeling position, and the reyepso sfde bears the inscription: " Lady's prize, presented to Hobson Com' pany, I§S4."

To the Editor: Sir,—Tlio Latin proverb which says, "So many men so many opinions," is exemplified by the different ideas concerning art entertained by some of our Auckland professors. One gentleman says "art is progressive," by wjiich I sup pose he means to say that our students nooil nnf, go back to the (jrecks and Italians for instruction ; that the newly established I'l'DUl'oi-siye Art Society will teach them how to nj'ike beautiful pictures without theholp of I !.o old njastcj'S, In SyiJncy there is a difpiito about thp removal of ooj);/) ornaments at. (he Post-olliee. Mr ]S:.u'//c*., /)•" Polonjnl Architpct, re coinmeiids jthut tjjflj1 si/Cffi/' ho fp.nf.iffid by flew^ns furnished l;y himself, He »;iyt> tlio Kt.yioif' ngt g.hnnlrt ho that oii Lucca Delia Robbfa, Glijoprtj, nnit Poftafpjlp, arlj-its y/\',n Hogrjshfid previous to the time ut b£. Anaejo and h. p$ Yjncj, Mr Barnet is evidently of opjnjon that wo uiUHt progress backwards Jf we want to got at the beauti ful. On making ifjqjHfjps. I find fhat the Auckland /Society of Arts, is in ah, jghly satisfactory state, And that ita success lias been quite up to. the expectations of its.pro- W'otere, They say that the pomjng exhibi tion, to be held on the 2ith of April, to be oß.ened by fjis Excellpnpy the Governor, will bje tjie largest and mosj; interesting ever . fceld in Aupkland, The Gpmmittee beljeve that thp rules they harp adopted and % planswliicji tj)pyh/ivecarried Dafchaveßiven great satigfofitfon, Thpir prjncipa} c-bjepj; Jjas beep fttainjed, yhjfch was tp preafe.a tsiste'if)? the f hpgs tp tj>e beautiM in ## amongst ($3 Aujdkjand public, />jid mote fiDpscWiy rtroonggt ypung ppppip,-^! am, &c, AifAfcppß, ! ■ ■

The building of the Salvation Army barracks is being rapidly pushed forward, and the officers and soldiers are hoping to be üblo to opan it on tho 13th of next month, that being stated ns the anniversary of their first mooting here.

The third lecture of Professor Godot's series in defence of the Christian faith was delivered yesterday afternoon, in Parnell, Professor Aid is in the chair. The subject of the lucturu was the " Miracles of Jesus Christ." 'llifr lecture was in three parts, trvfttiug of historical evidence, possibility of miracles, of alleged discrepancies in the srospels bearing the impress of truth, and the general simplicity of New Testament writings. The lecture was listened to with much attention.

Mr D. B. llnasell, well-known in local musical circles as v very promising young baritone, leaves on '1 hursday week for Melbourne, where he intends to practice his profession as engineer. Mr Russell will be missed from the concerts, at which his services have always been highly accept able.

Six tenders have been received by Messrs Boylan and Lundon for the work of ex cavating Emily Place, reclaiming ground, and laying down tho foundations ior the New Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Company's premises. Tho names of the tenderers and the amounts of their tenders have not yet transpired, the manag ing director and tho secretary declining to give any information on this head until a meeting of the Board of Directors has taken place. It is known, however, that Mr Allan Maguire is tho lowest tenderer, that Mr D. Fallon is the next, and that Mr W Blewtlon is one of the other tenderers.

Letters from Christchurch inform us that St. Luke's vestry, after passing a resolution "that Mr Bnrnett's resignation be accepted with regret," proceeded to add : "The ves try desire, in accepting tho resignation of Mr Neville George Barnett, to place on ro cord their appreciation of the services he has rendered to the parish during the period of five years in his capacity of organist and choirmaster." Mr Bamott is expocted in Auckland early in May, when he will com mence his engagement as organist at St. Matthew's. Any communication for him meanwhile may, wo understand, be for warded to tho care of tho incumbentof the church. Now that so many of our principal teachers have gone by death or removal, the arrival of so good a musician and master will bo doubtless welcomed as a boon by many.

A case of honesty on tho ono hand and meanness on tho other deservos to bo re corded. It appears that very rccontly a membor of the Salvation Army when on his way to ono of tho early morning meetings, picked up a roll of cheques and pound notos, amounting in value to £54, the name of the ownor being on tho cheques. This was an exemplification of tho saying, "Tho early bird catchos tho worm," but it turned out n disappointment. Tho finder, with commondablo honesty, took tho troa sure to its ownor, but this individual could not find enough of common courtesy in his nature to return thanks, which would have been menu enough in all conscience. Legally, it is true that ho was not bound to give a reward ; but, morally, it might have boon expected. Howovor, it is to T>o hoped that tho finder will reap some satisfaction from the knowledge that ho did what he considered to bo his duty; but gonerally speaking tho conduct of tho man of " moans'" will not tond to induce people to roturn lost articles.

Members of tho Ponsonby Choral Society arc reminded that there will bo no practice in tlio hall this ovoniiiK. but ull aro re<|UCHtod to attend tho joint practice of tlio "Hymn of l'rniso " to-morrow (Tuosduy) ovenlntf, at the Choral Hall, at 7.15 o'olock.

1). F. Evans will sell at his land mart to morrow.at 111 o'clock. "Glondurrah/'allrst clans fumily residence, BiU'ated in boat part of Pon sonuy. Also, a very comfortablu villa resi dence, situated at Ulennnrn. Ponsonby. only a short diHtaneo from the bench; and n pretty residence and allotment (llylostrcotl. close to Kriir.klin Hond.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Laht three nights of tho Opera Company. St. I'atrick's Day in tho evening. Maunsbll, tlio alleged embezzlor, is out on bail. Anothor nice "row" Is on among the Hospital authorities. Now Government printing oflico to be built at Wellington. It is proposed to apjjoint a permanent Minister of Public Instruction in New South Wales.

Election of Auckland Col!ogo governor takos place on sth April noxt. A Firo Brigado demonstration, in which 2,000 men took part, was hold lately at Gee* long, Victoria, It is said that Ogcar Wildo in getting married to an Irish girl with i' 20,000 and no mother-in-law. To Kooti and his cavalcade are on flieir way to Thames from tho Waikato. A female doanon has been appointed in connection with tho parish church of South Yarra, Victoria. In tho trial of Hughes and Maloney for arson at Hokitika, the jury were unable to agree, and wore discharged. Customs receipts at Wellington last wcok were ±'8,905, tho largest ever known thero. A shop and bakory at Akaroa, Canter bury, wore burned down on Saturday. Tlioy wor6 insured for £300 in tho .Now Zoaland Office.

A young man, named Edgar Roborn, a recent arrival by the British Queen, was sevorely injured by a fall of earth on the Manawatu railway works. He is in Wel lington Hospital in a precarious condition. Hon, E. Richardson is mentioned as a certain candidate for Kaiapoi if Mr Wilson resign. The South Australian Government oflor £200 reward for tho apprehension of the authors of incendiary tires, A rowing contest at Wellington on Satur day resulted in a win for the Wellington toam, tho Canterbury team being second, and Wanganui last, Tho members of the Scots Church, Mel bourne, have decided to proceed with the movement for separation from tho Presby terian Church of Victoria.

On Saturday the directors of tho Mariebol Gold-mining Company, Tiki, Coromandol, mot and appointed YY. Samuel Hutclnnson mine manager. The man who recently cu,t the telegraph lino in South Australia, in the vain hope of bringing holp to save him from perishjng of thirst, prdvps p) have been Philip Millard, a traveller unacquainted with tho country. South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Society is in rather a sickly con dition. The last show wo.? a comparative failure, and the Association has now a bank overdraft of £431. A panvass is to be made for subscriptions. The follpwing was sent to a Mr Well: wood, who was much given to exaggera tion :

'! You double each story 7011 toll, You double each sight that you sco ; Your name's double it c. doublo I, Doublo it doublo 0 d." Perhaps ho was an Jirishman, and accustom^ to cfoiihlin'. The Manchester Unity of Odcjfellows are in a thriving condition in Otago. The annual meeting has just been held, at which reports were read showing tho receipts for the past year to have beep £7,488 12s 3d,and the expenditure £4,041 5b sd. The total value of lodge funds at present is £36,476 10s Bd.

Katp Mann sues Mr p. H. Mervyn, late M.H.R. for Mqunt Ida, for £500 wages as his housekeeper, and £200 damages for breach of promise of marriage. Defendant alleges that he has paid her q,U moneys due, denies that therp was eyer an agreement to marry, and phargps hpr wit}) gfpss jn' propriPty'-"

CRICKET.

Canterbury v. Otago,

This match was ponplu4ed at Dunedin on Saturday, when spmo very nice play took placo. Thp weather was glorious, but tlip wicket was s,till rathor dead. The fpllowing aro tho Rpores in tl|e second innings:—

OTAClO.—Bapker, 2: Boddingtpn, 12: Hurri •, 10; Crawaliaw, Ij t'pilinßfl'ri, fl: MANnll, -A Cooko; 10; Bixqn', 7; Austin, 7; SkltjiK, 4 Frith, 0; extras, ft: total, 73. " " ' O»STJ.'BIiI/Ky.—Second Innings: \Vi)diug. 20; Mirron.((;'r)rrrtuM»r.'S3; fapppk- (I: Barnes. L'o: Cotterill, 2; Harmaii, i ; n'uiilbn.' Ji'StpVpns! 2: Mc»owafl,4; I{oth\yell, 8. Total. 100. lifr. QtASfl'S anfiond iijnlngs Pocofck got 4 for 20. In Canterbury's seCODd innings Mpfml got no wipk'uts for 22 runs, Gpqke 7 for 87, Patite).- Hn () p fp|.-3, Pjxo'n none for 7, ajjd Austin 2 for 9. Copke \jias uamied Qliqijldpp lngll fjom tho field for his capftal bpwlinff perfofn)|inp(j. Tl)e gross scores show a victory for Qtagp—their twpln')jin),''a|:efj,chjngafofal gf 177, apjngt lj) rorl)i|:i l -r / p)if)|}cn ( .a.-

(fly OHKjfJs.Sl'piJflliNU',)

T.H'KiiNp.^ this day, Tnji cricket matph, Tauranga v, To Amlw, OP Saturday, a\, ftatjkatt, wwltef] in ft Win j?RF Taui-anga by aleven rur § Tlie wontheJF Was spljsndid, and ftOFP Wfta a largo gather: irtg, ee^eFal Te Aroha. Indjcs bpißg i)fe?Qnli> A dinner and dance took place in the uvoii* ing nt Clarke's Junction IJofel, ' '' '" ';' '•■' ' '''"'' % ■' "■

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

RESULTS OF THE LATE ENGAGE-

MENTS,

[BY CABLE-COPYRIGHT.]

(reittkr's cablegrams.)

Cairo, March 14. The latest telegrams from Souakim report that Osman Digna, with the remnant of his followers, has retreated to the hills near Tnmaneb. It has been definitely proved that in the recent battle the rebels suffered more heavily than was at first supposed. Their loss in killed alone is now set down at fully 4,300, and the wounded exceed that number. The wholo of the British troops engaged in the battle near Tamaneb are now returning to Souakim. Major- General Graham telegraphs from Souakim that Sheikh Mahomed, a prominent Arab chief of the Eastern Soudan, has expressed his belief that the recent victory of the Bri tish will have the effect of pacifying the natives of that district, and that the road to Berber will now bo opened. The Victorian gunboat Childors is at Souakim, and may not improbably be em ployed for some time as a despatch boat. London, March 10. Operations on tho Bed Sea. Lord Hartington has implied that Major' General Graham may possibly advance as far as Berber. (Received March 17—11.45 a.m.) Gonoral Graham at Souakim. Caieo, March 15, Telegwims from Souakim announce the return of General Graham to that place. His forces are now arriving thero also. Before leaving the scene of the recent battle all the villages in the neighbourhood of Tamaneb occupied by Osman's followers were burned to the ground. Spread of the Rebellion. London, March 15. In tho House of Commons to-day Lord Hartington, Secretary of State for War, in reply to a question announced that intelli gence had been received that the telegraph wire between Shendy and Khartoum had been cut, and that a stoamor from Khartoum had been fired upon. It was assumed, his lord ship added, from these facts that the tribes inhabiting the country between Shendy ank Khartoum wero now in rebellion. Borbor Not to lie Occupied Lord Edmund Fitzmaurice, Political Secretary to tho Foreign Oillce, replying to v quosoion, stated that orders had been *ont to Genorul Graham not to advance upon Berber.

[SPECIAL TO PRKSH ASSOCIATION.]

London, March 14,

Major-Gonoral Graham's force has re turned to Souakiin, after burning four villages and exploding vast stores of cap tured ammunition. Tho bodies of fifteen hundred Arabs wore found at tho spot whero tho squaro undor Colonel Davis was brokon. Tho total British loss proves to bo ono hundred and twonty, of which number tho o'sth Kogimont lost thirty, and tho Black Watch sixty-five, Including tun scrgoants.

Sunstroke Among British Troops.

Tho latest advices from tho Soudan stato that numerous canes of sunstroke aro occur ring among tho Britinh troops, the heat bo ing intense. The British Government disapprove, it is said, of tho nomination of Zobohr as suc cessor to the Mahdi.

ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR.

His XSxcellonoy's Visit to Kawhia.

Tn RGovornmont steamer Hinomoa (Captain Fnirchild), with His Excellency tho Gover nor, Lady Jervois, Miss Jcrvoiß, tho Key. W. Jorvois, Miss A, Richmond, Major Eccles, A.D.C., nrrivod at Onehunga from Wellington via Kawhia on Saturday. At Kawliia His Excellency landed on Friday, and was met and welcomed by tho nativo chiofH and people. Hone To One. Hone Wetero, and Pikia, chiefs of the Ngatihj kairo tribe, Tutnhi ltahi, chief of theNgati liana, and Tiki Taimona were spokoßmen for the nativel, and on their behalf ex pressed great pleasure at His Excellency's visit. I'ulii Raid that the natives did not tltwin! to no.ll tho lami, but to lease it. Their boundary wob ten miles from the shore", and they considered themselves ro sponsililo for what happened within the boundary. His Excellency replied, thank ing tho natives for their friendly giooting. no mid he hod found Kawhia was a fino harbour, where ships could stay in calm woather while the ocean was dis turbed, and its beauty was beyond his ox poctotions, He thon reforrcd to the recently increased value of the land, one-eighth of un acre having sold for L4OO, and attributed this to the advantages derivable from the establishment of a town there.. Ho wished to bco the land cultivated oven more bo than in tho pasti so that t)\e natives would bo como prosperous by securing monoy for thoir produce. He ontroatott them to re frain from upending money in drink, wljioh destroyed both body and soul. Thoy should remain sober and work. They could build good housos and decorate them, have fino gardens, buggies and horses, and good roads could also be made. Koads ■uch as that being made between Aotea and Kawhia, and also towards Alexandra, would open up tho country to the harbour and tond to thoir 'welfare. His Excellency also urged upon tho natives the advisability of educating their children, and in conclusion asked them to depline the qdvico of those who Bujd the Maoris should sail in a panoe by themselves. They should not trust to their littlo canoe,but como into the big sh,ip with tho Europeans. At the conclusion of the Governor's address somp of the chiefs begged His Excellency to arrango that no hotpl should be licensed in the place, that a nativo sphool should bo established, and that the Armed Constabulary, who had boon withdrawn, should be allowed to re turn. After tho meeting His Excellency yisited th,eold missignary station, a.ftor which he re-embarked, mid thp steamer left for the Manukau on Saturday morning. About 3 p.m. on the same day the Hinemoa, with Governor and party on board, left for Hokinnga, whenco she was expected, to proceed to \yiiangaroa, Bay of Islands, Tauranga, and. Auckland. Ilia Excellency expects to leave Tauranga on Monday noxt for Ohinemutu, in company with Miss Jervois, tho Rev. W. Jerrqis, and Major E.ccles, and thence they will proceed overlaid to. A.upkland via the Waikato, arriving here about the ond of the month.

NEW ROMAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE.

{by teleojmfh— press association.]

WEttJifPTQif, S«nday, The cororaony pf laying the foundation stpne of St. Patrick's College took placo this flftprnoon before fully 4,000 spectators. |n honoar of the occasion, solemn high mass was celpbra^ed at thp cathedral by Rev. Father O'CtorQ, of Auckland, assisted by Father ppffey, pf Ashburton; Father Mulvahil}, qflfa>vea; an 4 Father Knight, of Wan.ganui. The mass was celebrated in the presencp of the &»g!ifc Rpy. Bishop Hedwpgd, pf >YeHingtfip ; Bjsl)Rp i^loran, pf Dunedin; qnd Bishop Jiupl?, of Auck land, the sermon bping preached by Bishop Moran. In the afternoon all the clergy assembled at the new college grounds. A procpssion was formed, headed % thenltar bpys, carrying tlie cross, lighted candles, and, hply water. Tjip procession passed through a dpublo ljnp Qf about 40 children of Mary, all dressed in white gp>yns, with blue caps aiu) white head-drossea, adorned with Bilvorrfloral wreaths. Bishpp Red wood laid tjio foundation stone, and addtcsspd {iljp asspmhluge at sq'^e length. B,ishop Mpran and pishon L«pk also addressed the asspjßljlqgg,

WKLLiNrifON, this (Jay.—The qfl'ertory at tho laying of the foundation stono of St, Pfttricli'B Colloge ypstorday ulightly ok cpetied £1,200. j5l B hop Uedwoad g ft ve £150, and it is understood paoh of tho other Bishops govp an equal amount, The ponti fical ves-pprg and the benediction of tho holy suerainent y/e\:e cplobroted in the cathedral, btfuiu »n immpnsQ conurugtttiop. The pro. cps«ion had tp be abontlonod, up the churc^ whs (iruwdp4- Wjs'ifjl tuck preached ftt lijyii mass in the niornjn(r, Tliere wag oleq iv very larp oongretfutipn, »»d Bjshpp iJofan preacJiort at botb bei'vicua. There w»a iimmiifipent music, the choir being Hiwtly strengthened by » full band added to tho organ. At the laying of tho founda tion atone, Bishop Redwood vend »letter fi-om ttio Roman Catholic prelates of Aus tralia, regretting their inability to attend, and expressing thoir best wishes far the institution,''1' ■ '"-' '"■ ' '■' ,**

CABLEGRAMS.

IBY CABUC.-COI'YRIUHT.]

[reuteh's telegrams.]

The Imperial Government and the Colonies.-The High Commissloner shlp.—Tho Fedoratlou Bill.

Lon-iion, March 15.—The Hon. Evelyn Ashley, Under-Searetary for the Colonies, replying to a question, announced that Government would shortly nominate a High Co«nm;s;ioner for the Western Pacific, whose duties would be en tirely diifnct from those of the Governors of Fiji and New Zealand. Mr Ashley further stated that the Govern ment had informed the various Govern ments oi Australasia that if their Parlia ments pass a resolution in favour of federa tion by June next, the necessary enabling bill will be introduced iv the Imperial Par liament during the present session. Threatened Dissolution of Parliament. Sir Charles Dilke, President of the Local Government Board, in the House today made a statement to the effect that if the Opposition succeed in forcing a dissolution of Parliament, Government will take care to appeal to the country, not upon their Egyptian policy alone, but upon their policy generally. The French Victory in Tonquin. Paris, March 15.—Telegrams from Ton quin announce that the French troops are following yp their recent victory, are pur suing the Chinese, and driving them from various positions in the neighbourhood of Bacninh. The press generally urge that tbo troops should advance toward tho Chinese frontier. Mr Gladstone 111. Mr Gladstone iB confined to his house. Tho Mission to Abyssinia. It is hoped that Abyssinia may bo induced to withdraw the Kassala garrison. The Capture of Backninli. The French captured 100 guns at Back ninh. Their loss was 8 killed and 30 wounded. The pursuit of the Chinese is being continued. General Gordon. Anxiety is being felt in Cairo regarding tho safety of General Gordon. London, March 14.—Homeward mails, via San Francisco, from Auckland, February 5, were dolivored to-day. London Markets. London', March 14.—Several Australian wheat cargoes have been sold at from 40s Cd to 41s 9d. The Paramatta lias arrived, and her cargo is offered at 40b. The wool sales have closed without any improvement in prices, which are 10 per cent, below Docembor rates. During the sales 317,000 bales wero catalogued, of which 20,000 were reserved. (Received March 17—noon.) London Market Reports.

London, March 15. —Consols remain at 102. Now Zealand securities are without quotable change. Colonial breadstulls—Adelaide wheat, now crop, remains at 4(>m, ex granary ; New Zealand wheat,' ox granary, 3Gs to 425; Adelaide flour, ex granary, 30s. The total quantity of wheat afloat for the United Kingdom is 1,130,000 quarter*. Australian tallow has declined by Cd to la ; beef, avorago quality, 37s 6d ; mutton, 40s Gd. Best Sydney sun-dried copra is £19 ss. Beet Australian leather, lid. The wool sales closed today. 300,000 bale* huve been sold during the series, and 26,000 aro held over for next auctions. Un washed Australian wools closed at a half penny lower than at tho close of the December auctions. Good medium Aus tralian, good qualities fleece generally, and medium to good scoured, havo closed in good demand. Faulty wools are a penny to a penny halfpenny lower than in Decem ber.

[special to press association.]

(Recoived March 17—11.30 a.m.) High Commissioner for Pacific.

London, March IC—The Hon. Evelyn Ashley, Undersecretary for the Colonies, has stated that the Government will shortly appoint a High Commissioner for the Pacific, whoso duties will be altogether distinct from the Governments of Fiji or Now Zet land.

Anarohlsts In Austria.

Sovon hundred anarchist; hare been ex pellod from Vienna.

An Australian Bishop.

Tho Ucv. Sidney Lynton will be conse crated to the Soo of Kiverina in Lincoln Cathedral by tho Bishop of that diocese.

Obituary : R, H. Home, author of " Orion."

London Wool Soles.

London, March 14.—Tho wool buyers have petitioned the Merchants' Committee not to sanction tho institution of five series of sales annually, Tho reply of tho Com mittee was that the change was essential to tho interests of both growers and consignees. Messrs Goldsborough'H offer to cablo all colonial wool exports was aooopted by the Committee.

Tho Fronoh Government havo determined to appoint an otlloial resident at Obok, in Abyssinia.

AUSTRALIAN.

Arrival of Hanlan,

Sydney, March 15. — Hanlan was accorded an onthusiastio reception on the arrival of the City of Sydney, by which he was a passenger.

(" Aok" Specials.)

Britain ana tho French Steam Sorvico

to the Colonies.

Lon-don, March B,—The " St. James's Gazette" states that the British Govern ment intend to prohibit tho Mesßageries Maritimes Company from despatching their steamers to Australian ports unless the Recidivistes Bill is abandoned by the French authorities. The "Republique Frangais " ridicules the threatened prohibition against tho Messageries steamers visiting Australia, " Lo Pays," another jou.rna.l puhlished in Parjs, discusses the matter in a similar strain, and1 says that the agitation is an amusing excuse on the part of England for annexation of the l^ew Hebrides on hor own account,

Tho report of tho proceedings of the Federation Convention at Sydney has been published in a blue book, which also con tains further papers relative to Now Guinea and the French Recidivistes.

Sir Hercules Robinson, Governor of Cape Colony, who hns boon visiting England, sailed from London to-day on his return to the Cape.

The Earl und Counters of Rosebery re turned to London last night, Messrs Redmond addressed a meeting of tl)o Irish National Land League last night, In thp course pi their speeches both denied tho statements that during their Australian tour they called for cheers for the Queen.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

[Boforp H, Q, Se^h Smith, Esq., R.M,) Dkvuk,—Spvpn persons wprp fined ss, and one lQa, hoing a, Sunday ease,

Boy TmuvKs, — Robert O'Neil, John Brashin., Thomas Martin, an.4 John Knox, fpur boys under tho ago of 14, wore charged with larceny of copper, value 10s, the pro perty Qf Mr Kair, ot Pansoflby,— Tho boys severally pleaded guilty.—Sergeant Gamble aaid that the boys had been frequently con victed fif petty ia.roonies.—His Worship «h4 ho was obliged., under the circum stancps, to spn(i the boys to prison. Sovon dayo eaph with h.ard labour, A Bk^iuctory Prisoner—WilliomHonry Crossley was brought up in evistody of tho wardor of the Mount liden Gaol, charged \vith a breach pf the Prisons Act, 1888, for rofusing *o work. The gaolor stated the casp, and prpducpd eyid.onco. Thp prisoner had oflfoncjed in a like manner previously. Prisonersaid ho was pot in a condition to « prk j hp was suffering from a bad foot through walking jn quest of employment, and, Strange to say,h,3 was prevented from seek ing work by feeing »r-ivrted for w oilence ami charged, n.s a vagrant, lie was unjustly oqnvictecj, and fpr tho life pf him he pouUJ not undovst-Jind tho Yngrant Act, the charge was proved, pud the prisoner waa BOntonced to sevgn days' confinenpentj fare, brcftd and \vm pr,

PKMBR^EKSi. — Bernard llmisen, Osmar Olson, and l(Ouis Fontenol, foreign seamen, ploaded gujlty to a charge of deserting from thp American ship Abiol Abbott on the 10th inst,, and were sentenced to seven days' imprisonment, NeuljsotedCiiili).— Maurice Fitjsmaurjce Plnchlnwap ordered to contribute 5s per week towards the maintenance of his phucj, oommitted to St. Mary's Qrphanagp, ' ' '' This wag a)l f{if business.

CLAIRVOYANCY AND CATA LEPSY.

Exciting and Interesting Experiences.

Tiikre are not a fow people in Auckland and neighbourhood who " could a tale un fold" regarding the singular powers pos sessed by Signor Otto Hug, describing him self as,a "medical clairvoyant," and doing business in rooms over the St. Mungo Cafe ; but we question if anybody here or else where could recount such exciting ex periences as befel four " leading citizens" who visited the Signor on Friday last. The thing befel in this wise:—Two gentle men talking over the reputed skill of Signor Hug, expressed themselves as decidedly sceptical on the subject, but in a spirit of scientific inquiry resolved upon sub mitting themselves to his scrutiny with a view to having the defects of their internal anatomy pointed out. On their way, they encountered two other "leading citizens," who, having previously been "looked through" by the Signor, were firm believers in that gentle man's powers, and were glad of the oppor tunity to introduce two new clients to tho Swiss professor. The two sceptics we will distinguish by the initials H.B. andJ.M.,and the "believers" (one connected with a big factory in Customs-street West, and the other noted as a purveyor of hot water and sulphur in pleasant form) we shall designate 11. and G. respectively. A small boy in livery ushered the quartette into a dimly-lighted back room, in which sat the clairvoyant amid hia medical paraphernalia. Signor Hug is a young man of good physique and healthy ap pearance ; there is, in fact, nothing in his physical development to suggest the pos session of supernatural powers. But ap pearances are often deceitful. J.M., as tho stronger sceptic of the two, was the first to submit himself to the clairvoyant's scrutiny, which he did in a jaunty and jocular style as of one who says "Fire i away ; I know nothing will come of it." Signor Hug, as is his wont, took the hand of the patient in his own, and after a few spasmodic twitching*, wl.ich are tho invariable premonitions of his en trancement, he seemed to fall suddenly into a profound slumber. Appearances in this instance wore only too true, as tho sequel will show. It was three o'clock when the sitting commenced, and after sitting for ten minutes grasping the hand of tho un conscious clairvoyant, J.M. gave a knowing wink to his friends, as much as to say—" I told you so ! It's all humbug." Slowly passed the solemn minutes, measured by the Insuranco Company's clock opposite fifteen, twenty, thirty, thirty-five minutes had slid away, and yet there was no sign of the usual clairvoyant examination com mencing. 0. by this time was thoroughly alarmed, and ho asserted, with some warmth of feel ing, his conviction that the situation was serious.

H. aakod—Do you feel any sensation, M. ? J.M. (still smiling and sceptical)—l havo no doubt tliero is sometliing in it, for I feel as though I wero attached to a galvanic battery. How long am Ito remain in this position ? G. —I am sure there's something wrong, for ho IB novcr so long in becoming clair voyant. J.M.—V'es ; you had better send for a doctor, and when you are out, please bring me a drink !

The position had its comic aspect, un doubtedly. Here was a atrong man attached to an animated galvanic battery, in the form of Signor Hng, who had settled him self down to a sleep of uncertain duration, while three nonplussed citizens wondered what they should do—fearing to spoil the experiment, yet trembling for the probable consequences to the clairvoyant or to their friend. The serious side of the question will be understood when we state that Signor Hug at one period of his life had a cataleptic trance which lasted for eight days. His condition at this juncture lent colour to the supposition that he had gone oil' in a similar lit; but he lay so still and breathed so naturally that this frightful possibility was banished. Four o'clock boomed out from the big clock, and still the status quo was unaltered. G., in greater trepidation than before, de clared that the Signor would never coma out of this sleep. (An enterprising press-man who was pre sent pricked his ears at this remark and sharpened his pencil, confident that there was something good looming out for the Stah.)

As if to dissipato G.s fears, the Signor at this stage gave a sudden start and stretched out his limbs. All were immediately on the tiptoe of expectation, hoping that the moment had come for laying bare the good and bad " points" of the subject. The hope was delusive, for Signor Hug settled down again apparently into a sounder sleep than before.

Tho solemn silence which had fallen over tho oxporimentors was now broken by (J. remarking that Mrs Hug should be sent for.

J.M, (not quite sa jocular as before) —For heaven's sake givo me a drink, mid open the door!

It. (to the other sceptic)— Well, 8., I hope you are now convinced.

B.—Yes j I am satisfied there's somothing in it; and M. has saved me a pound by going first.

An interruption took place at this mo ment by the "little foot page" entering and announcing two ladies to consult the Signor. G. wont out, and succeeded in persuading the visitors to go away and call next day. Tho Signor made no sign ; ho was in a dead sleep, which it seemed not ovon the last trump could break. Little "Buttons" was now taken into consulta tion by the puzzled citizens, but he declared that his master was. not usually more than ten minutes in going into the trance condi tion in whiah ho diagnoses internal diseases. M. folt tho pulse of tho Signor.and found it to bo steady, strong, and at tho rate of 86 in a minute.

G.—I do wish ho would come out of it. I feel anxioua for him, and for his wife too !

J.M,—lf you don't got me a drink, 8., I shall be dead in five minutes !

Tho needful refreshments were got to sustain the energies of the unfortunate J,M-i chained as ho was to a sleeping oataleptio snbjeot, and the consulting trio procoedou to think out the curious case boforo thorn, G. slapped tho Signar vigorously nnd shouted in his oar ; but all was in vain j the sleep of the seven sleepers of old seemed concen trated upon tho person of the Swiss clairvoyant, who remained motionless and insensible,

A happy thought was evolved by a brief consultation ;—Lot J.M. try to loosen his grip; disconnoot the battery, as it were, and sco what tho result will bo. The sug gestion was carried out; J.M. let go his hold of the Professor's hand, which fell limply on his knee. But the Signor only gavo a sudden squirm, as a worm may give when cut in two, and then settled down to his nap again. It was now near five o'olock, and G., whoso uneasiness had increased, at last went off in a cab to. bring Mrs Hug. It should be stated that the signor very fre quently has his wife in attendance at his rooms, so that she may be able to attend to hini} but on this occasion she happened to be at their residence,

When the lady arrived, she at onoo saw that her husband was in one. of his cata leptic fits, which occur at intervals, and in which he usually remains for three hours or so. She at ohco had him carried to ait open window in the other room, where she wot herself tochafiiig his temples.and pro ducing a current of air by fanning him. In about ton minutes he began to show signs of returning consciousness, Ho stretched himself, and moaned like one in sleep ; gave soveral convulsive twitches, and re lapsed into sleep again. But Mrs Hug persisted, in hey efforts to arouse him, by fanning, shaking, an J speak ing to him. "Let me sleep," he murmured. But sho would not let him sleep. Procur ing a quantity of brandy, sho mado him drink a mouthful, at which he mado a very wry face, and motioned \t away. Shortly afterwards . sho gavo him. a gfajss of water, and the way In which ho gulped it down at a single draught was, n.s u> 'gentleman pre» aqnfc remarked, an eloquent temperance locturoiu itself, Aftot'this/theSignorsliglitly opened his eyes, but when told to rouse up, only put the question, " WflS J right ?" lie evidently had no aopsclousness but that he had been i\\ tho. usual clairvoyant trance, and was putting this question to know if his delineations had been correct.

" Yes, old boy," said J,M., " yo,u took good care of that, fo.r you never opened, your mouth I"

11, wanted the olalrvoyant to toll what ho hftd Been in h\a trance, but the latter only shook his head, wearily apd asked what wag the hour,'

On being informed that it was after 5, Signor lEfug' wurg a dazied expression,' and said, '! Am I still at the office J"

Being assured that such was the oaso, he aeked for. his prescription book ; then, seeming to recollect Himself, he added', "I was }n the o'£h,<w. r00m.,"" The phxmmstanees were explained to him by his wife, but he only seemed, ta halt comprehend the situa tion, He was soon, however, able to rise with assistance—his back being very' sore from lying go long in a orarapedposltion in

his chair—and shortly afterwards he drovn home in a cab. ■ 8 Mrs Hu-, who all through acted with ad raivable pvtisenco of mind, assured the <«„" tlemcn present that her husband wonM sufier no bad after-effects from his Catalan tic sleep, but would be " himself airain" within an hour. She thought he was betfcn after these fits and was glad that this one was over. J.M., however, was ratW perturbed at the thought that h had contributed to the untoward occur rence by hia pronounced scepticism whill another of the party thought that M had " too much magnetism " for the Signor The party of experimenters separated after hearing sundry wonderful tales of the Signor's clairvoyant powers, with thl resolve to repeat the experiment at a future date. The result so far has been to dianel all scepticism as to the abnormal constitu tion of the Signor; but M. and B still doubt his power to put his finger on'their weak points. Ther eyeing no danger of catalepsy for a long time to come (probably a year or more), our sceptics will go w ul full expectations of a true test of the Signor'n supernatural diagnosis being obtained, and when they go we intend to be there to see !

CANTERBURY OPPOSITION TO THE RAILWAY TARIFF.

[BY TELEQKAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CiiKisTonußCH, Saturday. Ax indignation meeting of farmers and

merchants was held this afternoon at the - Corn Exchange to protest against tho new ' j railway tariff. About GO were present, in cluding Messrs Holmes, White, Ivess, Pear son, and Wynn ■ Williams, 11. H.R.s 9 Resolutions were unanimously passed 9 condemning the action of Government in Wt raising the tariff at the present time, agree- B ing to form a league to agitate against the H proposals, and suggesting that the new m tariff should not be enforced until after the n meeting of Parliament. A telegram co n . Hi veying the result of the meeting was at « once despatched to the I'remier. . SB

LAND NATIONALISATION.

[BY TKLKORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Hokitika, this day. IS Mr Fitzgerald, M.H.K., both at Rosa and 1 here, spoke strongly against land & nationalisation, and said freehold was the m besttenure for the prosperity of the country 4, and was what was attracting men to the H colony. He argued that the Legislature phoulel either limit the area which anyone - man could hold, or should impose a pro- . gressivo tax on holdings above a certain area. He preferred the former plan, but had no objection to limited agricultural land being leased by tho Crown, but was sure "! that system would break down if any at tempts were made to push it too far. •l.«s|

THE CITY LICENSING ELECTIONS.

Hearing of Petitions.

His Honor Judox Smith sat this morning^ at tlie R.M. Court for tho purpose of hearAiil ing petitions against the validity of tho % recent elections of Licensing Committees I for City East, City South, City North, > l'onsonby, and Karangahape respeoti\c!y Messrs E. and S. Hesketh have been retained for the petitioners, and Mr S. llos keth this morning appeared in Court, while Mr Tlieo. Cooper appeared for the Acting- gH Committees. Mr Thomas Cotter has been . S engaged to watch the inquiry on.behalf ol:f? the Returning Officer (Mr Ridings). At the opening of the Court, Mr S±;is Hcskoth announced that he did not intend to proceed with the inquiry that day atany.; v length, but merely to adduce some evidence ■',:>' and then adjourn. There were good ground*.-!;' for this course. The hearing woula occupy;;;" 1 more than one day, and as His Worship's* i engagements would not permit him even! ":■ the whole of that day, it would be better to take on that occasion merely tho formal part of the 6vi- "; dence. He therefore proposed (.imply to || call Mr Stonoy (Clerk of the Court) for tho J| purpose of deposing to the filing of the peti- M tions, and then ask for an adjournment. Mr Coopor had consented to this arrange ment. Tho petitions were laid under the . 48th section of tho Regulation of Locales Elections Act, which prescribed that the ;1§ inquiry thereinto should commence 14daysi"*1 after the documonts had been filed. Aa for'1?-.'! tho grounds of objection, they were those H sot out in Section 50, Sub-Sectiona 1 to 6, ~'ii and ho anticipated no difficulty in the way of producing evidence to substantiate'-k: them. .*.' -,:>i

His Worship asked if it was necessary to ''$ take tho petitions separately, or if they , could bo taken all together. Mr Hesketh was afraid they would have to be taken separately, as the facto to be adduced were in some respects Bepnrato in . ■ each case. Mr J. B. Stoney (Clerk of the Court) having been sworn, then deposed that tho five petitions were filod with him at the hour of 3.50 p.m. on the 4th irist. The petitioners in each case were as follow :— City East: John Gray, A. 0. Carter, fl. A. H. Hitchens, Joseph Craig, H. E. Wook lams, Henry Renner, and M White. City ' South: John F. Saundera, Chas. Ooleman, - H. Matteon, Alfred Barchard, W. B. ,1 Montgomery, Joseph Craig, Thomas ; Monnock, and Thomas Holland. Cify'|s North i William Brnnston, J. WaroocnH W. G. Smith, A. G. Carter, John Grey, ;*§: Joseph Craig, and E. D. HakteaaVifJ! Karangahape : W. F. 8011, John J. Odium, : >|| H. T. Hill, Michael Looney, John Higgins, 1 Honry N. Napper, and John Walker. '. Ponsonby: W, B. Montgomery, C. F, /,' Mann, George Clarke, Thos. Keightley, John Kano, and H. E. Woollams. \,-'H Mr S. Hesketh then asked for an adjourn ment until Tuesday week, the 25th tout,, when ho hoped to bo able to go right ' through with the inquiry. Mr Thoo. Cooper suggested to hia learned friend that it would be fairer to the , Acting-Committees of the various districts who wore petitioned against that he should '/ ; state what charges the petitioners reallyi*^ intended to proceed upon. They had not - i only inserted in their petitions the whole of wj the charges enumerated in the 50th section of the Act, but others also, to form a kincT'jf of make-weight in order to catch the Com* '^ uutteos, if possible, on different grounds. /;•" His Worship: The charges certainly ffl seem to bo very sweeping. Mr Cooper went on to say that it wM^S§| very difficult for those petitioned against I to know really what charges they had t^Ji! meet. For instance, the first objection wWqi|| that notice of the time and place of election '.Jjji had not been properly given, and of course "X they could easily meet that. The second objection was as to the opening of the poll ' I either before the prescribed hour, or keep ing it open too long. The third charge, m I aooordance with the sub-section, was tb»t intimidation or violence was nscd. Now, < ho did not think the petitioners wore serious |jj in alleging this, and if so, ho thought tho Acting-Committees should be so informed. ■ :|-: The publication of the charge was certainly tho first intimation conveyed to the publieof any such thing. If, however, it was alleged seriously, ho hoped that Mr Hesketh would y let him ktow. The fourth objection was that names of certain candidates vert :,

omitted from the polling papers, and that ■ the names of other persons who were not candidates wore inserted thereon. He

would like to know, also, if this ground of objection was serious. The fifth charge was that voting papers hod been ir regularly put into the ballot-box, and other voting papovs irregularly taken out of it. It was, however, more parties lariy with respect to the third ana fourth objections that ho desired information. \l the petitioners did not intend to attempt to prove those charges, it was only fair that those petitioned against should bo acquainted with the fact, so that unneces sary witnesses might not be siibpcened to. attend. Ho did not ask for the infornui'

tion to be givon at once— any time before tho 25th would do.

Mr Heskefch said that as a matter of fact the ovidonco was not sufficiently complete to enable him to answer Mr Cooper's ques tion, but if tho matter were allowed tfl

stand over, he would be glad to let his. ]oarnod friend know of any points from lyhioh they intended to withdraw. He hap P.O. hesitation, however, in saying that in 5.0m.6 matters irregularitios did occur which would, tend to render the election y'os Beyond this he could not go on that qcca-

sjon. ' ' " ' The inquiry was then formally adjourned Jill Tuesday, the 25th inst., at 10.$

THE ifCKLAND VENING STAR, MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1884.



- Special Advertisements. *^T JVTrs k. somerville, WELLESLEY-STREET (OPPOSITE ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE), Has Recoived, per Mail Steamer, A BEAUTIFUL ASSORTMENT OF FRENCH AND ENGLISH MILLINERY. DR. P H I L S 0 N, Late District Surgeon, Attends frovnpo a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m , AND DR. J. H. HONEYMAN From U a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., at Aickin'b, . THE PHARMACY Qncen-Btrcot TUTS "VTEW ZEALAND TWEED COMPANY HAS REMOVED TO THE . PKKUISES LATELY OCCUPIED- BY Mb HAMPTON, SHORTLAND-STREET. Joseph hoses, Manager. ' ■ (; ':__ ;_ . i NOVEL T I B Q 0 WE L T I E O. V'li :< ■ EX S.B. DORIC. r : ■ ■'; \ MILNE AND CHOYCE \ v Have just Opened Several Cases of Novelties, including— VERY HANDSOME SASH RIBBONS FANCY LACE BOWS FANCY LACK TIES OPERA WRAPS . MOB CAPS PLASTROVS, for street and evening wear KERCHIEFS, Now and Fancy Designs JjAOES, including Coloured Beaded Laces and the New Flouncing Lace GOLD BRAIDS VELVETEENS, tho new Twill Book. Mil nb a Choycb, Q.UEEN-3TRKKT. B A R B OPENING UP OUR NEW SHIP HE NTS NEW SHIPMENTS ~, ... . OF' * DRESS MATERIAL, J t LADIES'TRIMMED HATS, BLACK AND COLOURED VELVETEENS, &C, &<!. . T i^OSQRAVE & riO. jN^bw Ijaw Partnership. ■ riTE UNDERSIGNBD beg to announco tliat (hey have Commenced Practice In Co-partner • t BhJp as . BAaBIOTKKfI AMJ SOLICITORS, ; In CUawbenj In Hiuh-strket opposite Mr W. LAUdn'a PrinUns Offloo. - B.W. BURTON, .. , m ' W.J.NAPIBB, Auckland, feptemberSJml.Mtt



Special Advertisements. nREAT BARGAINS BLANKETS, FLANNELS, JACKETS, i ULSTERS, Ac. WILLIAM t» T3RIDGMAN ILLIAM It. JJRIDGMAN Has just opened up a Splendid Lot ol New Goods for 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. B0 U G H?"l JOB. Nearly Two Hundred (£200) Pounds worth of Ladies' and Girls' Ulsters and Black Cloth Jackets, which will be SOLD AT and UNDER WAREHOUSE PRICKS; some very choice Goods in Dolmans, &c. Girls' Jackets, from 3s 9d; Ladies' Heavy Ulsters, from 6s lid 2,000 yards Flannels, all makes, from 73d ya.'d Colonial Flannel, lljd; 32in. Heavy Welsh, Is 6jd, worth 2s 50 Coloured Alhambro Quilts, 2s Gd Snosial Value in Grey Calicoes, 32in., 23d yd (jnoice Patterns in Now Cretonnes, 6jd yard, worth 9d Strong Worsted i-head Super Fingering am, 2a head Nice Assortment.New Dress Goods, from 3Jd Boys' Strong Tweed Trousers, 3s 9d; Mons Tweed Trousers. 4s lid 30 Men's Strong Twoed Coats, Gs lid, spl'd valuo New Winter Goods in all Departments Job Lines in great variety, and lot of. Remnants, very cheap, and worthy of inspection Floorcloth, in all widths, from 27in., 9d yard. JUNCTION "DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, UPPER QUEEN-STREET. A P O L O G Y. SAMUEL COOMBES & CO. Desire to most Sincerely Thank thoir Patrons and the Pablio generally for the PROMPT AND LIBERAL PATRONAGE during the First Two Days of their SALVAGE SALE, but at tho same time S. C. & Co. doairo to APOLOGISE for the Incomplete manner in which the Goods have been BROUGHT FORWARD. This was unavoidable, as the Stock was only PURCHASED ON THE SATURDAY, and wo were compelled to bring the WORST otr THE STOCK FORWARD FIRST, in fact, all tho Goods MUCH SATURATED BY WATER. Thoao having now been principally disposed of, wo shall. On SATURDAY AND MONDAY, Bring Forward as much as we can possibly PREPARE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. Q|\ PEPv CENT. DISCOUNT. W. R ATTRAY Desires to inform his Customers and tho Public that owing to the Incrcaso in his GENTLE MEN'S MERCERY BUSINESS, and conse quent want of Room for tho proper displayof flic LARGK SHIPMENTS OF NOVELTIES TO ARRIVK for that Department, he has determined to CLEAR OUT THE WHOLE OF HIS LARGE AND VARIED STOCK OF READY-MADE CLOTHING AND WOOLLENS. To effect this resist as speedily as possible, he has decided to OFFER THE ENTIRE STOCK OF THESE GOODS AT A HEAVY DISCOUNT TO CASH PURCHASERS. It is well-known that all Articles offered for srle at NEW ZEALAND HOUSE are marked in Plain FiaußEß. the excellence of which plan is admitted by its numerous patrons. TO ALL CASH PURCHASEEB OF READY-MADE CLOTHING AND WOOLLENB There will be allowed from those marked prices (which compare rery favourably with similar goods shown elsewhere) the ENORMOUS DISCOUNT of TWENTY PEE CENT., on FOUB SHILLINGS IN THE POUNP. .SALE NOW ON. aESTIiBMEN'S BLACK CLOTH GENTLEMEN'S BLACK WORSTED MORNING COATS GENTLEMEN'S TWEED SINGLE &.; GENTLEMEN'S TWEED PAGET O fChIntIeMEN'S TWEED BIJJOLE BREASTED SAC SUITS /-s GEMTLEMEN'S TWEED TROUSERS LbmJ ■ . A nTTI VIPfITS ' - ' -. f JZ J GENTLEMEN1* TWEED TROUSERS B gjgMreWSKft^S PW *BREAOTED JAGS _ ' YOUTHS' ftfBBP BJNOLE- H YOUTHS'TWEED TROyBERgAKD H YOUTHS' MACINTOSH COAT 3 YOUTHS' TWEED OV.EiJCUATd SC BOYS' WORSTED BAC BUM'S' BOYS' TWEED SAO SUIT* - ,/S BOYS'WORSTED SAC COATS OCO BOYS' TWEED TROUSERS ANP VESTS ■ • i ' »3r BOYS'TWEED TROUSERS , Sf; iß|l.M^^ T#i 0N^ s tweed W OVERCOATS U' mSMAC£I BOYS' WORSTED SUITS {3 ' SMALLTBjJYS' FANCY TWEED Cj < SUITS ■ ffl I jfsUlii BOYS' MAN.-OVWAR SUITS CO 'BMALJi-BOYS' JERSEY SpiTS BLACK BROADCLOTH aW.JJ.OE £^ BLUE NVENETfIAN AND DIAGONAL LD BLUE AND Bh4.UK WORSTED J^, COATINGS P WEST OP EKGLAND ANP BLOTCH fn tweeds MOSGIEL AND ROSLVN TWEEDS SILK AND WOOL VEBTINOB WHITE MARGELLA YESTJNfIS .r {_ fee., .. fte., Ke, . REMEMBER! 1. The Goods are all marked lit plain figures, and are good value at the marked prices. 2. The Stock jis New, Sedsonablo, and Well assorted. ; 3. The Narad of the Houso is a sufficient guarantee Uiatj Fjrstnclasa Goods only will be Sffened. > *f 'v. i. For ererr iWnd's worth purchased 20-per cent (four shillings in the pound) will be ro tar nod to readyrooney purchasers. & As Buch advantage!) are obtainable only once perhaps in a lifetime, it ia desirable to note the address jtod make an j»r}/inspection. ."WILLIA-M. RaITBAV, CLOTHIER AND GEKEUAL DEAPEK, NEW ZEALAND HOUSE. 176, ME, in 182, QdEBN-emtEST, AaaaMm • (Feur doflts below tine New Savings Bank),



Rri-'i cat Is. ,rum;-:i3 and StramtiEa, ex Tin » . -"• .. in I .il.it Cases, Stethoscopes In v-I-ielv ': •>■■ • X ■ .:.:iia, C'nthotere a Boule, \ i.!i ■■••i-i" I i'■ .JV'-,:i:.i l.int. Absorbent ■ft.", w ,ni! ! i i-.V"a Chemical 'I l.er r. ii-w-'c • '■■-■<• ci« t;r:'"' '■^"- COBhUl'a .;,,','•.,; ~: >.:>.,i, ■■ i.,. .n.-iiwrii sprays, Dr. ;•' j-.\ ~',,.;.. "i! j:- ];,-. chamois JJouble iMim t'l'ru'i-f.ur- «iiidri (Jalv.mic Uerferators r :. „.'•.-„,'■•■• •■« - RiM-uiVed at "The I'hlii'inucy,1 Al(:i:'.ns=. Queen street.



Perarabulatorg ajjd oftrpete, reversible bicycle wheel and other kinds of perambulators Just opened from £1 to &. Now qaaigns in Brussoll and topegtry qarpeU. FwnUh your house UiroHghont from Qarflol? and Grftnwoll b City Hall furnishing Warehouse, Queen-aireot. -lAdvt.l' :,.......



Bicycles, unequalled for finish, price and quality, at Shakeapear & Cos. (opposite the Market), Queon-dtrent—tADVT.)' ' Contracts taken for all kinds of concrete work, large or small, and estimates and other Information giving to those wishing to do their own work.—John Wilson and Co., 75, Queen- M etreet,-{ADVT.I , ■- ■■ ■■ "■■■^g