SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

■a ran w a twr /Thta Evening. 3.10 HltfH WATKK { To . morrow Morning. 3.17 BUNSET.-Thls Evening, 5.21 BUNRISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.30

MOON'B AGE.-New Moon, 26th, 2.37 a m

ARRIVALS.

SATURDAY EVENING. Rowena, s.s., Norris, from Whangaroi YESTERDAY. Rebecca Crowell, barque, Crowell, from Wel lington Loongana, barque, Evans, from Hobart Christina, schooner, Evanson. from Russell Ocean, sch.. Savage, from Whangaroa Coluiflbia, sch., Conway, from Russell TO-DAY. Nightingale, brigantine, Kendall, from New- Lcastle

DEPARTURES.

YESTERDAY. Reward, schooner, Collings, forMongonui Krlembilda. schooner, Bathurst, for Mongoaui Norval schooner, Kdwards. for Russell Fanny Kelly, ketch, Williams, for Whanßaroa TO-DAY. Waipu, sch, Nicholas, for Giabome

Vessels Expected.

London.—British King, s.s., sailed March 15; Thomas Russell, s.a., December 28; Alastor, barque, W.T.G.F., January 3; Deva, barque, N S T.D. January 21; Crusader, ship, February B; Laira, barque, April 9; Glenroaa and Glance, loading. New York.—Claribol. barque (via Welling ton). December 11; Nettie (via Wellington) and Irene (via Dunedin), loading. Java.—Manhcgan. barque, sailed March 31 ; Maroon, barque, and Thames, barque, to follow. Uiuna.—Androklas, barque, early. AU&tuama.—Naiad, brig, and Annabell, brig, from Newcastle; Clansman, brigantine, from Rockhampton. Southern Ports.—Camillo, brigantine, from Diinedin; Marion, from Oamaru.

IMPORTS.

Per Rebecca Crowell, from Now York—l,ooo eases kerosino, 70 pkga. dried apples, 30 pkgs. sewing machines, 400 barrels rosin, 145 oases turpentine, 57 pkgs. nails, 50 pkgs. sarsaparilla, 100 cases chairs, 10 cases lard oils, 10 cases wringers,72 cases scales. 3 cases shade rollers, 6 cases store trucks, 2 cases glue, 2 barrels blookß, 17 cases perambulators, 515 reals wire. From Wellington: 300 coses kerosine. Per Loongana, from Hobart —1,000 caseß fruit, 3,000 rails. 45,000 palings, 12,009 feet timber, 60 tons bark.

Inwardr Coastwise.— Mariner, from Rus sell, with 107 tons coal; Janet, from Whangarei, with 800 tons coal; Rata, from Waiara, with lit logs; Start, from Mercury Bay, with 24,200 ft timber; Mercury, from Tairua, with 21,000 ft timber; Morning Light, from Cabbage Bay, with J5 tons firewood : Coralie. from Whangra ret, with IS tons coal; Columbia, from Russell, with 7t! tons coal; Ocean, from Whangaroa, with 22.0'iOft timber.

Outwards Coastwise.-Lake Superior, for Wliangarnru; Janet, for Whangarei; Rata, for Waiara; Morning Light, for Cabbage Bay.

The schooner Sunday entered outwards at the Customs »o-day tor Tonga.

Tho departures of tho Southern Cross for Glß borno and Walvarapa for Sydney havo been postponed till 5 p.m. on Wednesday. 'Jhe Wairarapa will arrivo from Gißhorna to morrow afternoon.

Tho Governmont schooner Hawk arrived a' Whangantru from Whangaroa on Saturday last.

Tho schooner Saxon arrived at Lyttclton from the Thames on Saturday last.

Tho ferry steamer Tainui was boached for cleaning at Devonport this morning, and will be laid up for ono or two days..

The s s. Te Anau did not leavo Sydney till Friday afternoon, and is therefore not duo hero till Wodnosday morning.

The barque Rebecca Crowoll, from New York via Wellington, put in an appearanco late on Sunday evening. She left New York on Decem ber 11, and Wellington on tho 11th instant. Sho brings part cargo from New York for this port, including 1,000 cases koroalne.

Tho barque Loongana left Hobart on April 2; had wind light from S.E. to S.W. for three days, and then S.E. winds to the 16th, after whioh easterly winds sot in and prevailed until arrival hero on Sunday morning.

Tho yachts Rita and Arawa returned to har bour yesterday after an oight days cruiso, during which Russell and other ports wero visited.

A schoonor insido Tiritiri has been signalled since Sunday afternoon, but owing to light and contrary winds ano had been unable to reach the harbour up to the timo at which wo went to press. She appears to be tho Nightingale, 30 days out from Nowcaatlo, with a cargo of coale. Tho brigantine Ellandonan, owned by Cant. D. H. MoKenzie, of this port, arrived at Mel bourne from Nova Scotia on Friday last, after a passage of 111 days. As we previously stated when wo gavo a description of tho vessel, she goes from Melbourne to Newcastle, where she will load for Auckland.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Hawea, s.s., Hansby. from the South

DEPARTURES.

Hannah Mokau, b.s. Dale, for Waitara Douglas, s.s., Scott, for Waitara

The s a. Hannah Mokau left for Waitara at 4 o'clock yesterday.

Thu Northern Company's s.s. Douglas left for Waitaru. at 1 o'clock to-day with 28 cases korosino. 21 spools barb wire, 2 oasos and 46 shouts corrugated iron, 30 gunnies sugar, and 61 packages.

The Union Company's a.s. Hawea leaves for the South at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning, latest train for passengers 7.15,

' The s.s. Lalla Rpokh should have arrived from Waitara this morning but did not put in an appearanco np to 1 o'clock.

The s.s. Hawea arrived from the South at 3 p.m. on Saturday with tho following pas- Bongora:—Messrs Porter, Brett, Shapely. Roylo, Milner, Marshall, Elmsly, Hanson, Morris, Macadem, Henderson, White, Greenbough, Broo. Chester, Graham, Heather, Dockrell, Smith, Honnan, Winney, Hewitt, Mesdames Henderson, Dockrell, Misses Moverly, Sullivan, and 11 in tide steerage.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

April 21, ISB4. Abbott's Opera House— " Youth," a spectacu lar Drama, 7.45 p.m. Choral Hall—Kennedy's Songs of Scotland, last night, 8 p.m. Lome-street Hall—Quadrillo Assembly, 8 p.m. Baptist Band of Hope Entertainment—Pon sonby Chapel, 7.30 p.m. Newton Football Club Meeting—Edinburgh street, 8 p.m. Mr Clendinning's Tonic Sol-fa Elementary Singing Class — Opening night; Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, 7.30 p.m. Reclamation—Woodyoar's Electric Circui. 8 p.m.

Otahuhu Public Hall—Major Harris and the Floctors of Franklin North, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

MOBBERLEY.—On March 16, the wifa of John

Mobberley, of Dargaville, of a son. WILLIAMS.—On April 18. at her residonco, Wyndham-Btreet, the wifo of Mr John Williams of a daughter.

Marriage.

PROBINE-COLEMAN.-On April 14th, at St Sepulchre's Church, by the Vcn. Archdeacon Dudley, Robert Charles, eldoat son of Robert Probino, of Ponsonby, to Mary, eldest daughter of M. Coleman, f ormorly of Thames. Thames papers pleaso copy.

Deaths.

CARR.—On 21st April, 1881, at the residonce of her son, Arthur-street, Onchunga (after a short but painful Illness), Sarah, relict of the late John Carr; aged 72 years. R.I.P. The funeral will leave her late residence on Wednesday, at 3 p.m.

COUTTS.-On the 20th- April, at St. Mary's Road, Ponßonby, Arthur John, infant son of John J. and Alice Coutts; aged 7 months. Private funeral.

.VIABTIN.-On the 21st April, at their resi dence, Hepburn-street, the infant son of Antonio and M. J. Murtin ; aged six months. Private in crment.

MARTER.-On April 20th, 18SJ, at his parents' residence. Upper Symonds-street, William Henry, infant son of Frederick W. and Ellen M. Marter; aged 11 months and 16 days. FuDeral to-morrow at 3 p.m.

SCOTT.-On April 20th. 1881. at his parents' residence, Wainui, Thomas, fourth son of Thomas and Eleanor Scott; aged 31 years. The funeral will leave hia parents' residence, Wainui, to-morrow (Tuesday), at 12 noon. WALKEK.-On Sunday, the 20th April, at his residence, Gafford-street, Parnell. George Walker, late 65th Regiment; aged 48 years. Funeral will leave his lato residence to ■ morrow (Tuesday), at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this Intimation.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1884.

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

The earliest legislation affecting friendly societies in England took place in the laat years of the eighteenth century. Since that time about 20 Acts have been passed to regulate them, none of which can bo said to have given much satisfaction. It was at last determined (in 1870) to appoint a Royal Commission to make an ex haustive examination into the working of these bodies with the view of framing a comprehensive statute aiming at something like finality. This Commission, of which the Chairman was Sir Stafford Northcote, nnd which had among its members one of the most eminent English actuaries —the late Mr W. P. Pattison—conducted an in quiry extending over four years, and col lected a mass of evidence which is, to this day, the richest mine of information in ex

istence relating to friendly societies. As a result of their labours, all previous Acts wero repealed, and the Imperial Friendly Societies Statute of 1575, which is still the law in England relating to this .subject, was passed. As this statuto is substantially identical with the Act now in forco in Now Zealand, it may be interesting to mention some of its leading provisions. The main object of the Act is i iinilar to that which dominates the existing legislation in regard to life assurance com panies, namely, the enforcement of publicity. It is not meant by tills that any attempt is made by the Legislature to violate the secrecy of the great affiliated orders, but i-imply that the financial transactions and actuarial solvency or insolvency of the societies are to be made known to Govern ment officers, and reported on by them to the Parliament of the country. There is, however, this difference between friendly societies and life insurance offices, that whereas the latter are compelled, without exception, to come under the Act, the friendly societies are not so compelled, inasmuch as they are at liberty if they please to remain unregistered, the consequence being merely that they necessarily forfeit the privileges attaching to registration. These privileges are very numerous, but the principal one is that a registered society lias an easy legal remedy against its trustees and other officers for defalcation, whereas, in tho caso of an unregistered body, (he remedy is both expensive and doubtful. Let us oxaroine a little more closely what laattors a registered society is required to make public. It is first of all asked to send annual returns to the Registrar—the Government officer charged with the ad ministration of the Act—of its receipts and expenditure, funds and effects, number of members, and experience of sickness and mortality. Secondly, it is required to make ii n actual valuation once in every five years. What is a valuation ? It is a periodical stock taking, analogous to that which every prudent merchant would make. But there id this difference —that the assets are calcu l.ited for the purpose of covering liabilities that are yet to accrue, and have present elements of uncertainly about them. Still the uncertainty is not so great as persons unskilled in acturia! science might suppose. The law •• of averages, when applied to probabilities of sickness and death under nnalagous conditions, bocomes almost abso lutely accurate—so certain indeed that variation may be calculated upon only whon roasonablo proof can be given that the con ditions are essentially different.

Now, tho dissatisfaction with tho present Act and tho officers who administer it, which has led to tho agitation among various sociotios for tho total repeal of tho law, arises from two causes. Tho first is the work thrown upon lodgo ofiicors in tho compilation of very claborato returns re quired by tho Government Actuary; and tlio second, tho perennial controversy botwoon tho actuaries and the lodges concerning their solvency, and the ade quacy of their fees to covor tho proba bilities of claims under their guaranteed scale of benefits. J\lr Frankland'.s mission to Auckland has been undertaken with the object of meeting the representatives of tho various societies, and discussing these and other questions with them. The result of his conforenco with the Auckland dolegates his not been made public, but wo aro told that it was of a satisfactory character, and will, it is hoped, produce useful results.

With respect to tho first objection, thero does seem some reason in the complaint of tlio societies that tho expense of making up tlieso returnß, which aro not required by the lodfCß is thrown upon them. The (iovernment may, no doubt, reply that tliia work is enforced without rocompenso in England and Victoria, and in tho latter polony registration is compulsory, and the law Is in other rospoots moro stringent than it is here; but tho fact remains that tho domand for returns causos very great irritation, and interferes with that good understanding which it is most deairablo to promote among these admirable societies'. The alternative of discontinuing the returns is out of tho question. For tho good of the societies, and for their own information and guidance, as well as for tho public pro tection, a basis of acturial calculation, founded upon New Zealand experience, is absolutely indispensable. Wo aro sure that the leadors of tho societies who have fairly considered tho question will agree with this, and will acknowledge that the Government, in doing for all tho societies what any one Lodge or Order coujd not accomplish for itself, is acting for their common good. The societies, how ever, have a claim to consideration ; they are doing a great public work already, and Bhould bo encouraged rather than harrassed and disheartened. And we believe it would be generally accepted as a conciliatory act on the part of thoGovernmontif a moderate feo were allowed, adequate to cover tho actual cost of compiling these returns. Tho total expense would not bo very great—pro fa ibly not moro than £150 or i.200 for the entire colony, and it would get rid of that grievance. The other ground of complaint, in the present condition of the law, is moro sonti montal than real. The Government actuaries may declare lodges to be offering benefits which their tees can never give, and to be incurring responsibilities to their members which will, a few years hence,bring them down to a condition of insolvency ; but so long as thoy do no thing to constrain the lodges into adoptit g any other scale of fees, or to enforce their opinion by legal process, the societies have not much to complain about. Thoy can continue to set what they believe to be their experience against the decimations of the actuaries until a long enough period has elapsed to baso an average upon. The acturial reports will have a wholo somo effect on the management of tho societies, producing watchfulness, and educating the officers in tho mysteries of acturial science. Those who dispute the fairness of the acturial figures contend that four per cent, interest, tho rato upon which the acturial calculations are framed, is far too low—that tho actual average obtained is very much higher. The objoction has, wo believe, considerable force, and the Department might meet it half-way by publishing two scales of fees, one intended, as nt present, to cover every possibility of failure; the othor allowing a higher rate of interest and show ing the probabilities of safety in the event of a society escaping extraordinary disaster. The existing Friendly Societies Act is a very excellent measure; it is, however, capablo of improvement. Registration should, we think, be made compulsory, as in Victoria, but without insisting upon any scale of f 668 or code of rules. The Revising Barrister might be dispensed with, getting rid of a lot of useless red tape and expense which sej-ves no purpose. Any benefit society might be registered, no matter what its rules may be, if the Government en force the conditions for regular returns and institute a quinquennial valuation, the re sults of which, with the opinion of the actuaries on the solvency or tho society, is published in the district where the so ciety carries on its operations. Provision should be made for doing this, and then members would join with a full knowledge ' of the facts. The societies exist by mutual agreement and for a mutual benefit, and tho less State interference there is with them the better. The Government while doing everything that can be accomplished in the way of collectine evidence and employ ing aeturial skill, should depend entirely upon the growtli of opinion within the lodges favourable to the views of the actuaries. When they are fully persuaded, that their societies lack the element of stability, the members will only be too glad to initiate measures for placing them on a better foofng.

His Excellency tho Governor having kindly consented to present tho silver medal given by Herr Schmitt for musical composition, competitors are invited to be present at the conversazione of the Society of Arts on Thursday evening, when the award of the judges will be announced, and to perform their own compositions either in person or by deputy. Tho Secre tary of the Society will issue orders for ad mission.

The ball-room of Government House was crowded on Saturday afternoon by a fashion able assemblage to witnesß the investiture of Miss Alice Crisp, Lady Superintendent of the Auckland Hospital, with tho order of the Royal Red Cross. Miss Crisp wns neatly dressed in the uniform of her pro fession. His Excellency the Governor made the presentation, and a report of his address" on the occasion will be found in another portion of this evening's issue. The Royal Red Cross consists of a cross, enamelled crimson, edged with gold, having on the arms thereof the words Faith. Hope, and Charity, with the date of tho institution of tho decoration ; the centre having thereon the Queen's effigy. On the reverse side the Royal and Imperial oipher and crown is shown in relief on the centre. The cross is attached to a dark-blue ribband, edged red, of one inch in width, tied in a bow and worn on the left shoulder.

Elder, the local one-legged gymnast, whose wonderful performances on the horizontal bar and trapeze have won for him a colonial reputation, has joined Wood year's Electric Circus, and will proceed with it to Australia. It is intended by Mr Woodyoar to play a short up-country sea son hero before leaving the colony.

At the meeting of the Board of Education on Friday Mr Carr stated that, taking the wholo colony, tho number of scholars to ciqli teacher is 31. Mr Talbot, who U teach ing the most difficult standard (I), has between 00 and 70 pupils in his class.

The anniversary services of the Parnoll Wosleyan Sunday School were largely at*p*.ded yesterday. The Rev R. Bavin, of ft-afton Road, preached in the morning, arid Revs. W. J. Watkin and Griffith officiated at tho after services. Tho annual soiree will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) evening.

Tho interior of St. James's Presbyterian Church having undergone complete renova tion, the Church was re-opened for divine worship yesterday by a series of special services. " The Rev. T. McKenzie I'raser preached in the morning, and Rev. S. Mac farlane in the evening. A service for the young was also conducted in the afternoon by Rev. J. Robertson. There was a largo congregation on each occasion, and the collections amounted to £41.

One of the first convictions in this police district for a breach of tho 167 th section of the Licensing Act—supplying liquor to a prohibited person—has just been recorded at the Thames against a man named John Smith, alias Koegan, ho having given beer to a person with respect to whom a prohibi tion order had been issued. Tho penalty was a line of £5 of one month's imprison ment. Smith failed to pay tho line, and was on Saturday brought to town by Con stable Staplcton, and is now expiating his misplaced generosity in Mount Eden.

Pene Thaka, a native «ho was sentenced by tho Mongonui Bonch to six weeks' im prisonment with hard labour for the larceny of greenstone, was brought to town by the s.s. Wellington on Saturday, and lodged in Mount Eden Gaol. Piiiohu Jleta Pakaraka, committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter by the Kussoll Bonch, was brought down by tho same steamer. It ap pears that this l'inohu took part in a brawl in which a number of natives were engaged, and one of their number received injuries that subsequently caused his death.

His Lordship Bishop Cowio held a confirmation service last evening in St. Thomas's Church, which was thronged by members of the congregation and visitors. Leaflets on which wero printed the special confirmation hymnworeliberally distributed along tho seats (all free). Tho young ladies wore suitably attired in light drosses. which, with tho Mas-tor decorations, im parted a pleasant picturo to the spectators. 1M persons, among whom wero sovaral persons who had reached tho summer of life, underwont tho religious ordeal at tho liandn of tho Bishop.

At tho Police Court on Saturday after noon, Daniel Driscoll,aliasCharley Webster, was charged with using provoking and threatening languago towards Thomas Higgins in Lome-street on the 12th inst. Mr Napier appeared for tho prosecution. A number of witnesses wore oxamined on both sides, and His Worship finding tho charge established, ordered defendant to be bound over to koop tho poneo for six months—himself in £'20, and two sureties of 1110 each, and to pay costs, l'-l. A second charge against tho samo defendant for using provoking language towards Annio Higgins was withdrawn by Mr Napier.

A mooting was hold last Wednesday in the Choral Hall to consider tho advisability of again starting tho Auckland Skating Club. Tho club was most successful for four yoars. Tho meeting was very largely attended, and a club was formed, to bo again called tho Auckland Skating Club. Mrs J. M. Clark was elected presidont, and an influential committee of ten ladies and gentlemen was also olectcd. It was decided to opon tho season for skating on the first Wednesday in May. Tho numbor of mombors has boon limited to HO. and there is no doubt that tho club will havo a most successful season.

Tho friends of tho Epiphany Church and tho public in general nro reminded of tho concert advertised olsowhero to tako place in tho Nowton Congregational Schoolroom, Edinburgh-street, to-morrow (Tuesday) evening, commencing at 8 o'clock. It is to w bo hoped that tho peoplo will rally round and make it a succoss.

There was a splendid attendance at Wood year's Electric Circus on Saturday night, and the performance was quito as success ful as on previous evenings. Albert King had met with a slight accident at tho after noon performance, and was absort from tho arena, but his special feat of performing a double somersault ovc the backu of iivo horses was porformed by tho clover Japanese Cooma Kotchio. Tho Elder brothers as sisted in tho horizontal bar porformanco, and performed some now and ditlicult feats. To-night is tho last of tho season. A now programmo will bo prosonted, concluding with " Turpin's Rido to York."

At St. Matthew's Church yesterday, Rev. W. Tebbs announced that special sorvicos would bo hold next Sunday as follows : — At S a.m., Holy Communion j at 11 o'clock the Vonerablo Archdeacon Clarke, 8.A., is expected to preach ; at 3 o'clock p.m. thoro will be a special children's service, after which an adJress to children will bo mado byMrF. W. Pennefather, M.A., Privato Secretory to His Excellenoy tho Governor ; at the half-past six p.m. service, tho sermon will bo prouched by the Rev. W. 11. H. Jervois, M.A. There was a largo congre gation at St. Matthew's last evoning, whonMr Tebbs preached on "Solomon's Parable of the Resurrection."

To the Editor : Sir, —It was my son who mot with tho accident in Wellington street on Thursday evening last. Ho was on his way to band practice (being a member of tho Artillery Band), not coming homo as it appeared in youi local of Saturday's issuo, The accidont was not a broken arm; it is a dislocation of tho elbow.—Yours rospoct fully, Richard Hales.

Several cricket matches were proceeding on tho Domain Ground on Saturday after noon. Our Boys and Auckland continued their match, which resulted in favour of the former by 15 runs on the first innings. Our Boys' second innings produced 85, of which \V. George made 22, Duukley 14, J. George 13, and Yatos (not out) 13. Auck land lost nine wickets for 91, O'Brien get ting 24, Ansenne (not out) 23, and McKinnoy 20. West End commenced a match with National, but kept tho wickets all the after noon. When the stumps were drawn, nine West End wickets were down for 177, of which Hoffman (not out) made 42, Taylor 38, Woods 30, and Colebrook 17. Alpha also " hold the fort" against Eden all the afternoon, and made IS2 for tho loss of eight wickets. Nesbitt (not out) contri buted 121, andWaddingham26. Holland's defeated Franklin by 26, Beard playing a good innings of 27 for the winners.

In Saturday s issue we gave the annual reportand balance-sheet of the St. Stephen's Orphanage. The annual meeting in con nection with tha institution was held in the afternoon. His Excellency tho Governor was present, also Bishop Cowie, the Roys. C. M. Nelson, W. Calder, W. Tebbs, Wal pole, Davies, Hitchcock, and Percival, Mr Pennefather, Mr F. J. Moss, M.H.R., Mr Ruwlings, Mr G, P. Pierco, etc. |Tho ro ports having been read and adopted, the Governor addressed the.meeting. After expressing gratification at the satisfactory nature of the report, he said he could not imagine an object that more worthily com mended itself to those interested in the welfare of their fellow beings, and he would impress on all Auckland and on all New Zealand to do all in their power to maintain and inorease the efficiency of the institution. It had been mentioned in the report that the bequest of the late Mr Costley was the cause of the annual sub scriptions to tho institution falling off. If that was tho result generally of tho bo ques-t-?, he considered that it was the reverse of a benefit to the community. Bequests should be placed to the capital account, and not bo chargeable to ordinary expenditure, the object of bequests being to increase tho building and accommodation of the institu tion, and to erect a fine building, which, as time goes on, will be re quired for the accommodation of an in creased number of children, and the sub scriptions should therefore be maintained beyond the present rates. If he were to say what was in his mind as to the object of this meeting, ho should say it was to get money to carry on the institution, and if he were to make a speech he should say that we were met today to get all the money wo could, and he would therefore say, "Put your hands in your pockets and shell out." That was the advice he would give in Auck land, and to all in Now Zealand interested in the work of this institution—that they should shell out, so that no more overdrafts may be required, but that the institution might bo carried on energetically and usefully to tho satisfaction of all concerned in its welfare. A number of votes of thanks having been passed, a highly satisfactory report from the examiner of the school, Rev. W. Tebbs, who had been assisted by Mrs Tebbs, was read. The prizes were then handed to the winners by the Bishop, and the proceedings terminated with the singing of the Doxology. We neglected to mentjon tjjat the choir of All Saints' Church was present, and enlivoned the proceedings by singing glees, eld.

John Mills, a bibulously-inclined indivi dual, who was found drunk at the Hamilton railway station, and when arrested used In decent and profane language, has been sent to Mount Eden for two months.

Great interest was manifested in the riflo match on Saturday afternoon between the City Guards and the A Battery of Artillery. After a close match, the former won by 17 points. The complete scores are pub lished elsewhere.

To the Editor : Sir, —I saw by Saturday's paper that Mr Coldie was getting £200 per annum for his duties aa Inspector, and I think he is getting quite enough. lam sure there are plonty of men in Auckland fully competent for the work who would be glad of the "billet" at the same figure.— Tours, &c, John Church.

The Victoria-street Star runner thinks that he gave away in change half-a sovereign for a sixpence on Saturday night. If ho did so, will the recipient of the gold coin kindly return it to the Star Office and get the silver coin in exchange for it.

At St. Paul's Church yesterday, sermons were preached and collections made on be half of the Home Mission of the diocese. In the morning, Rev. W. H. H. .Tervois, M. A., gavo an interesting and very practi cal discourse on the words, "Thy Kingdom Come " (Matthew vi., 10). The incumbent preached both in I lie afternoon and evening. The collections were: —Morning, t'l2 7s 10d* evening, £12 Ss :M ; early communion and children's service, £1 4s 7d ; ranking a total of £20 7(1.

We have bofoi'e us a copy of the pro gramme of the concert to bu given at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday evening next for the benefit of Madame Uuquosno. Amongst the vocalists aro Mesdames Alexander and Judsoti mid Miss Staunton. Messrs Edwards, Ivnox, Sccat.i, Boyle, J. llanna, and S. It. Keosing. Tho in strumontalists includo Messrs C. and J. Hemus, Clough, and H. P. Edgar (who will contribute a string quartette), Misses Clayton, Donovan, and Campbell, and Messrs Ralph Hood mid W. JI. Webb. Messrs Tonks and Co. have kindly lent n grand piano for the concert. M. Albin Villeval, who has organised tho concert, deserves praise for the really oxcollent array of vocal and instrumental talent ho has 'succeeded in bringing together. The object in a good one, and wo anticipate a large attendance.

To the Editor : Sir,—Would you kindly inform mo, if in your powor, how tho very unrepresentative football team, Hardware v. Soft (ioods (as published in your issue of 19th inst.) came to bo chosen 'I Certainly, to my mind, there must bo somo one at fault, for whilo somo warehouses have throe and four representatives others hnve none, and another houso is positively honoured by i^iie, ar.d he, I boliovo, can't bo hero to play, when at least three more good players could havo been secured. ■ Now, sir, I think when the reputation of tho " soft goods " men as " kickistK " is at stake, a propor canvass should havo been made of tho dill'oront houses, or call a mooting and ascertain how many playors in all, and then pick out a team by ballot or otherwiso, thereby scouring the best men irrospoctivo of fear or favour, and consequently havo a far more representative team than tho present ono.— 1 am, yours truly, Soft Goons.

Tlio first of Mr Horace Doan's weekly promoinule concerts wua held in tlio Choral Hall on Saturday, and waa very fairly at tonded, considering tho numbor of currant fnnnseinentri going on "^ tho caino time. Tlio dances wore nicely interspersed with sentimental, humourous, and cliaracter songs by Motors Dean, Montaguo.and other vocalists. Thcso hours woro introduced as a relief at, intorval.l to the votaries of Terpsi chore. Some of tlio ladiofl, however, ap peared unwoavy, and while listening to the songs the " light fantastic too " was in perpetual motion. Mr Wybar acted as master of ceromonioa with his usual activo ability. Mr Dean intends to continue those Saturday entertainments; opening at 8, and closing at 11.30, so ns to civo tlireo and a-lialf hours' recreation to his numerous patrons.

Tho Ponsonby Regatta Cemmittco mot at tho Ponaonby Club Hotel on Saturday evening, when prizes won at tho lato Regatta woro handod over to tho successful competitors. Mr T. T. Masofield, who oc cupied tho chair, announced that tho umpire (Mr Stodart) had not arrived at any decision re protest entered in tho Whaleboat Sonior Race, and had referred tho matter to tho Rowing Association. Votes of thanks wcro passed to tho Secretary, Treasurer, Umpiro, and Starter for tho interest they had taken in the Regatta; to tho Northern Steamship Company for tho uso of tho s.s. Wellington as llagship ; to Mrs anil Miss Fnrquhar for flags presented for competition, and to subscribori" to tho Ko gatta generally for their liberality. It was decided to give tho roll of silk presented to tho Club by tho Tsukuba's ollicerti to tho Hon. Treasurer, and tho address which ac companied tho gift to Mr Masefield. Mr Masofield intends to havo the address photographed, when ho will be enabled to furnish a copy to each member of tho Com mittee.

"Mount Eden," writing about the non paying character of our railways, attributes their want of pecuniary success to tho lack of ellbrt on the part of the management to cultivate possible lines of traffic. Ho says of tho Kaipara connection :—"{I) The rail way is called the Kaipara and Puniu Kail way, but until the Ist of this month you could not get furthor than Mercer in one day ; but now,with an intersecting time table, when you get your ticket you aro in formed they don't guarantee you a passage from Newmarket—that is, if tho Kaipara train is late the Waikato train doos not wait, so you must take your chance. Very consoling. (2) If you wish to go to Onehunga from any station on the Knipara railway,you may arrive at Penroso Junction at 9.3!) a.m., but you must wait until 12.30 before you start for Onohunga. (3) If you wish to sco Onohunga you must start for Auckland by tho 8.40. a.m. or wait until tho noon train. No wonder tho Onehunga omnibuses nro in creasing anil the railways not paying ex penses, and the employes at Pemcxo aro kept from C.30 a.m. until midnight two days in the weok. Lot the Tramway Com pany lay a lino down to Onehunga, and tho Government may declare tho railway only a scoria and coal track. (4) There is only one intersecting train betwoen tho Kaipara and up and down trains. Now, in other largo centres of population a circular rail way pays woll. What can bo more circular than from Auckland to Newmarket, Mount Eden, and Morningside, or Arch Hill, because Newmarket may be called Auckland East, Mount Eden Auckland South, and Kingsland, &c, Auckland West. Lot tho trains run so as to take out and bring in workmen, bricks, and coal, 4c., night and morning, and three or four each way during the day, and in a short time it will loso the name of a political railway, or my namo is not—Mount Eden.—P.S.— You will find the down morning train just as incon venient, the one" leaving 9 minutes boforo the other arrives. See time-table."

The Sydnoy " Morning Herald " has the following regarding the Maori King and his train :—" There have been numerous illustrious visitors to this city, but none perhaps who have played a more im portant part in a country's history than Tawhiao, tho Maori King. He and his Buite arrived here on Sunday night from New Zealand in the Union Company's steam ship Tarawera. The party landed quietly yesterday morning, and took up their quarters at the Coffee Palace in George: street, where they will remain until the 2fith inst., when they leave for England in tho R.M.S. Cuzco. (Our telegraphic news shows that this intention has been departed from—tho party after visiting Melbourne having sailed from that city in the Sorata. The object of this visit home is for tho purpose of bringing under the notice of tho Queon and tho Imperial Parliament several grievances from which tho Maoris allege thoy are suffering at the hands of the Now Zealand Government. King Tawhaio and tho other members of the party are very reticent as to their object in visit ing England, and merely state that thoy wish to sec Queen Victoria, and to visit a land of which thoy have heard so much, the home of tho pakeha. Tho chiefs aro dressed in plain tweed suits. Tho king, although adhering strictly to European costume, has imbelliehed this somewhat with the sharks' teeth set in red wax in his ears, and the plume of Huia's feathers in his hat, while on his watchchain there dangles a considerable quantity of greenstone and other trophies. As the party proceededaboutthetown yesterday thecrowd became so great that the visitors were glad to seek refuge in a cab. They enjoyed their trip from Auckland, speaking highly of the steadiness of tho steamer, but ex pressed no surprise at her size, the fittings, or even her speed, They were also unim pressed with the appearance of our shops and public buildings, saying that there were hnor in Auckland. The fear that was entertained by New Zealanders that these representatives of the native race by this visit to the old country would simply bring disgrace on themselves and their cause by giving way to intemperance is groundless. The party are teetotallers, and carry thp blue ribbon in their coats, eyideptly con sidering it sonic badge of honour; and they are living quietly at a temperance establish- j ment. '

One of the most ludicrous instances of the present " centralism-gono-mad" state of tho colony is that in Auckland, Port Chalmers, and Lyttelton, the municipal authorities are precluded from replying to tho salute of a loroign man-o'-war without first obtaining the consent of the Colonial Secretary. Time after time the local bodies have represented to the Government that they should be empowered to request the Volunteers to fire these salutes, but no notice has been taken of those communi cations. Indeed, from one end of the colony to the other there are complaints from local bodies of the insulting in. difl'oronce with which their wants are treated by the authorities at the Empire City.

A dingy race for £5 a-side between Masters Sullivan and Bailey took place on Saturday afternoon. The course was from Queen-street Wharf round the hulk Clara Hsrgreaves. Sullivan won easily.

The recently-appointed Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association have begun their duties by adding a number of now books, comprising some of the latest interesting and instructive works. A list will bo found in our advertising columns.

VV. M. Carrollo will opon in the Temper anco Hall, Albert-ai roet. his private gymnasium to -night, and will be prepared lo receive mem bers, and coinmenco his tirst clubs on Wednes day next.

Tho residents of Carlton Gore and Graftou Uoads uro reminded that Proleßsor liornard Is forming an evening dancing class In Mrs Palnier'snewlargescnool-room. The first term he-gins on Monday, lilth May. The evening dancing class at Mrs Glover's Seminary. Symonds-strcet, under Pro feasor Barnard's supervision, which proved such a vast eourco of pleasure to many last season, will begin on the 23rd May next. Those desirous of joining ar» reminded that early application Is needed, as only a limited number will be received.

Perambulators and carpets, reversible bioyclc wheel and other kinds of perambulators just oponed from £1 to £7. New designs in Bruafiull and Uijioatry carpets. Furninh your houHe throughout from Oarllck and Ounwoll a City Hall Furnishing Warehouse, Qucen-streot - lAnvr.l English Level- Watches packed and sent post free to any part of Now Zealand on rooelpt of 1.0.0. for £3 Ids. A stamped guarantao en closed.-A. G. Uartlctt, lU, Quoon-Btrcci, Chronometer and Watchmaker (opposite Theatre Itoyal). established 22 years.—|Advt.)

SCINTILLATIONS.

Mn Gladstonk's health is reestablished. Kennedy's farowoll to-night, Tho Governor has gone to tho Northern Wairoa.

There aro 40,000 telephones in tho United Kingdom. Major Atkinson is to speak on Friday at Christchurch.

Historical Society of Now Zealand to be formed at Duiredin.

Professor Uonton's widow is writing his biography. Sir Henry Loch leaves London for Vic toria on 28th prox. :S,OOO shares havo boon taken in tho North New Zealand Farmers' Association.

Nathaniel Boyce has been killed at Ash ley, Cantoijbury, by a kick from a horse. lion. Mr Dick says there is no probability of a Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill being introduced next session.

Tho old saying, "It novor rains but it pours," seems suggestive of a baby, who never has pains but it roars. Tho Great World Circus Company open immediately at Holonsvillo.

Wm. Urimmer.tho woll-known jockey,lm? been killed at Kamo by being run over by a loaded timber cart. Deceased's mother resides atNowmarkot.

Mr G. H. Fedorli is back in Auckland from his tour of the Northern districts. Ho speaks highly of tho capabilities of tho North.

'This is the poetry of motion,'said the editor, as ho slued a bundle of very blank verso into tho wasto baskot.

Dr Koy worth has been appointed eenior surgeon in charge of Wollington Hospital. Ho lately visited England on accouut of ill-health.

Tho bakers of Port Augusta, South Aus tralia, in order to secure cosh payments, proposo to charge 3d per loaf, and instead of giving chango they will issue tickets similar to thoso used on tranicars, at 3s per do/.on.

At Port Chalmers yesterday somo of tho Tongariro's crow wcro lockeu up for rofus ing duty. Tho men state that thoy con sidored thoy had no right to work aftar two p.m. on Saturday when in harbour. Tho steamer Wnirarapa is now at Wel lington, boing prepared for hor trip to the South Sea Islands. Bho eomos on to Auck land shortly. A Dunedin skoomaker not having stuck to his last, is landed in the Court for libel. He called a brother " soutar," a dirty low scamp— a thief, a robber, and a swindler,

Mr Wm. Tennont, a commercial traveller, has been accidentally drowned by boing thrown out of his buggy while crossing a river near Ophir, Vincent County, Otogo. The captain of tho barque Glenlora died on the passage from London to Lytttilton lately. Mr Sergeant, chief officer of the Halcione, has been appointed master of tho Glunlora.

At a native meeting held at Kihikihi on Saturday it was resolved to hold the Land Court tlioro on 22nd inst and put the Maungatautari block through. It is rumoured in Wellington that the in suranco compii.ics are likely to decline insuring frozen meat sent by sailing vessels, except at rates which will bo prohibitory. An Amorican coroner's jury rendered a very singular verdict, that a man whoso body was found in the "river came to h!s death by a blow on tho head, •' which was given oithcr before or after tho drowning."

SPORTING NEWS.

The A J.C. Autumn Meeting.

Tim last day's racing of the A.J.C. Autumn Meoting took placo at Randwick on Saturday. Regulator won tlio Rous Handicap, Archie being second, and Aimee third. The Plaoo Handicap of 300sovs. fell to Empressf Hypatia second, and Gloncoe third. Tho Nursory Handicap resulted in a dead heat botween lolantho and Lord Exeter:

Cambridge J.C. Autumn Meeting.

Tho following are tho nominations for the swo principal events of tho Cambridge Autumn Meoting, which takes place next week :—

Hurdles.—Woodpecker, Chandler, Fair Play, Native, Billy, (juilp, Whalebone. Our. —Larry, Snake, Rewi, Victoria, Victory, Radames, Woodpecker, Fish woman, Kalo, Norraanby, Witiora, Gil deroy, Administrator, Consul, Maori, Libeller.

CORRESPONDENCE

Disinfectants and Disease.

(To the Editor.)

Sir., — Your excellent leading article in Saturday's Stab upon the present pro valence of typhoid fever, mid upon the use of cheap and effective disinfectants, is thoroughly well-timed, and will do much to rouee the attention of your readers to the necessity of prevention of disease. I wish to call all notice to one point in the manage ment of the sick which is often overlooked. I mean tho important part that flies play in the dissemination of contagious disease. It has long been known by medical men and travellers that the ophthabuia which is the great local plague of Egypt, is spread from child to child and from adult to adult by tho swarms of flies which beset the miserable victims of this virulent inflamma tion. From lack of exact microscopic ob servation wo are not able to measuro the amount of mischief done by these insocts in any warm season. But, as naturalists know, the house-fly feeds upon whatever albuminous and saccharine fluid it can pick up from any living or dead protoplasm. And there oan be no doubt that " pus," that is, " matter," may bo freely conveyed by its proboscis and legs from wounds, ulcers, eruptions, and purulent inflam mations of the eye or nose to any sound but sensitive mucous surface, for instance, tho corners of the eyes of a sleeping infant, thus exciting disease of a similar kind to that from which the matter was brought, In our semi-tropical climate, where we need our windows and doors open for several months of the year, these occurrences may often take place. I suggest, therefore, to those who nurse any invalid who has open sores or purulent inflammations, or who expectorates matter, to be careful to keep the flies off, not by the ceaseless labour of fanning, but by arranging a light frame over the head and face of the sufferer cov ered with mosquito netting or muslin. And in the case of consumptive patients, the ex pectorated matter should be received in a proper spitting cup, which is Inaccessible to the flies. Furthermore, any fly tpat biteß should be killed, for they are pojsoii bearing.—Yours faithfully, J. Moore, M.D. •■

THE DOMAIN RAPE.

Goodward's First Flogging.

Hknby Goodwahd, who was convicted at the last criminal sossions of the Supromo Court of rape on the person of Ellen Payne, and was sentenced to five years' imprison ment and two floggings, received the first instalment of his flagellation within the precincta of Mount Eden Gaol at 6.30 this morning. Tho proceedings were strictly private, the only persons present being the Deputy Sheriff (Mr G. W. Basley), Dr. Philson (Gaol Surgeon), Mr Reston (the governor of the prison), and the warders. The prisoner, when brought from his cell, seemed quite composed, and did not ex hibit any feelingduringthe process of pinion ing. In place of the old-fashioned "triangle" formerly in vogue in flogging in the army and navy, two upright poles were used. To these the prisoner was securely tied, a collar of leather being placed round the neck to protect that part of the body. The eentence of the law was carried out by two warders of the gaol, whose gloomy faces Bhowed clearly that the task was not a con fonial one. Tho "cat" was composed of notted twine, and apparently calculated to inflict severe punishment. At a signal one of the warders stepped forward "cat in hand," there was a sharp "swish " through the air, and "number one" foil on Henry Gooclwal'd'd body, leaving a discoloured mark from the shoulder to the ribs. The prisoner squirmed, but emitted no sound. Tho flagellant inflicted cloven other blows, each of which loft its mark on the bruised back of the prisoner— now fairly quivering with pain, But ho retained his senses, and gave no vocal in dication of the agony he .was suffering. Another warder now stepped forward, and taking tho instrument of judicial torture from his fellow, administered tho remaining thirteen blows. At tho fifteenth or sixteenth stripe a little blood name from the bruised and excoriated back of tho victim, and the twitching of the muscles and wriggling of tho body increased, but not a cry did he utto'i Tho sentence of the law having been ful filled, tho prisoner was escorted from the scene. It is probable that the flogging will not keep him from work more than a week. The second instalment of the flagellation will be inflicted in Juno.

We understand that the gaol authorities experienced considerable difficulty in ob taining the services of the two warders ±o administer tho flogging, and thoy only complied with the order when they ascer tained that they must obey the behest of their superior or lay themselves opon to dismissal from tho service. It is stated that it ie unusual to require wardors to per formsuch an office, which must bo revolting to any but those possessing utterly callous —we had almost said brutaiised—natures. Our informant givos us to understand that tho innovation was first mooted by Captain Humo, Inspector of Prisons, when that functionary was in Auckland some two months ago, and that ono of tho warders sont in his resignation sooner than lay him solf opon to bo called upon to porform an actiou so revolting to his sensibilities.

THE YOUTHFUL VOYAGERS.

(BY TKLKfiRAPII.— OWN' COBREBFOXDENT.)

Thames, this day. The prolonged absenco of the lads Spencer and Allom is causing much uneasiness. Nothing has been heard of them since thoy left Auckland on Wednesday last.

THE SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE CASE.

[|IV TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, thU day. Mks LyNOH, for making a false declaration

of marriage, has been committed for trial.

FOUND DROWNED.

Early on Sunday morning the water police were informed that the dead body of a man was floating in the harbour, near Mr C. Bailey's shipbuilding yard. Constable Mackay proceeded to tho spot, and had the body conveyed to tho Morgue. He subse quently learned that tho deceased was Edwin Welcomo, a man who arrived from Taranaki about a week ago, and who had been lodging at a boarding house in Turner street. Welcome was last seen on Saturday morning when ho left his lodgings. It is supposed that he met his death by falling from the Queen-street Wharf, or from the sea wall adjacent, during Saturday night.

POLICE COURT.-This Way.

[Before H. G. Setu Smith. Esq., R.M.]

Drunkenness.—Two persons were fined for this oflbnee. Josoph Robinson, charged under the Vagrant Act with being an "habitual," was sentenced to 14 days' im prisonment. Thomas Smith, ss, and 9s for maintenance in gaol during eight days. Family Jars. —Samuel Jones was charged with threatening to " settle " Wm. Nickles, of Cook-street.—Wm. Nickles was charged with assaulting Samuel Jones and damaging his nose ; also, with assaulting his wife, Elizabeth Ann Nickles, in a manner fully set forth in the information. Mr Jackson appeared for Jonee.andMrßladesforNickles. Mr Blades opened with the description of a scene in Cook-street on the night of the . 17th; of the affectionate character of his client, who was a man of heart, and of tho stealthy manner by which Jones had crept into the affections of Mrs Nickles in tho absence of her husband. Tho disclosures weio painful, and tinged with Pick wickian sadness. — William Nickles, a labourer, deposed that ho had been residing at Mahurangi. He returned on the 11th inst. He continually wrote for lizzie to come down, but she would not. On going to his house in Cook street, he was received with coldness, and on discovering that Lizzie had taken in a lodger (Mr Jones), he felt angry and took his child away. Sent her to Mahurangi. Lizzie said she would not go; she loved Jones better. He ordered Jones out of the house, but Jones would not go. He tried to put him out and a scuffle ensued. He did not strike Jones. Acted only in self defence.—To Mr Jackson : Had known Jones previously. Had written to Jones in friendly terms. Had called him " Dear Snm," but never sent a kiss to his wifo through Sam. Did not solicit Sam to pro tect Mrs Nickles; not quite so bad as that. Jones caught him by the throat when his wifo asked him where her darling was. Tho scuffle was on the stairs. He caught up an axe, but not with the idea of murder ing Lizzie. Jones said, "I'll cut your throat." Witness replied, "If you make the attempt I'll axe you," and had Jones approached, ho might have cut him down. —Samuel Jones, engineer, deposed to the coming home of Mr Nickles, and the taking; away the child. On the next occasion, Mrs Nickles cried for her child. She wept, and cried, " Willie, Willie, whero's my child?" He said, "Gone to Mahurangi." She said, "My heart will break," and immediately swooned upon" tho couch. Witness interfered with gentlo words, when he was seized in the most ferocious manner by Nickles, who said, "I'll choke you." He caught up tha spade to pro tect himself from the violenceof Nickles.—To Mr Blades : He was a lodger and nothing more. Ho paid 5s a weok for his room, and found his own victuals; yes, Mrs Nickles was kind enough to cook his food. Did not indulge in " chops and tomato sauce." Put up the shovel to prevent tho axe from coming into contact with his headi Was not caught in Mrs Nickles's arms on Saturday. Went to his own room.— Mr Jackson asked for tho evidence of Mrs Nickles. To His Worship: I never in terfered with Nickles's wife. Would not interfere.—His Worship thought it bett not to call the wifo.—Mr Jackson put in several letters breathing the warmest foelings of friendship between the two men.—ln tho charge against William Nickles for assaulting his wife, Elizabeth Ann gave evidence. She appeared, however, in a very nervous condition, and was permitted a chair. She then gave her version of the struggle, which was entirely in favour of Jones and against her husband. Jones merely acted in her defence. They both swore. She, put a ticket in the window for a single lodger. Mr Jones called and engaged tho room. Ho was a very nice man and always paid his way. He had several times ill- treated her. She wished for a protection order.— His Worship ordered Nickles to be bound ever to keep the peace for six months, him self in £20, and two sureties jn £10 oach.— Mr Jackson applied fop a protection orde.r, but His Worship did pot cpnsidor the grounds sufficient, and refused to. grant tjip application.—The cross-pases were dis missed. This was all the business.

CABLEGRAMS.

BY CABLE.-COPYRIGHT.]

(Reutek's Telegrams.)

Illness of the Queen.

Darmstadt, April 19.—Her Majesty the Queen is suffering from lumbago, and is confined to her apartments.

British Protectorate ot Egypt,

London, April 10.—It has transpired that Major Sir Evelyn Baring, Consul- General at Gairo, has been summoned to London by the first mail. It is understood that the Government have now under con sideration important questions relative to the state of affairs in Egypt.

It is understood that the Egyptian army will not bo touched by the British pro posals, which indicate a limited protec torate. The French press shows an in creasing hostility to the establishment of a British protectorate, and rejoices over Sir Vernon Harcourt's disavowal of any inten tion of annexation. Outbreak of Cholera in Calcutta. Calcutta, April 18.—The cholera is now rajring severely in this city, and has already committed great ravages among the native population. . Cairo, April 19. —Tn consequence of tho outbreak of cholera al Calcutta, quarantine has been declared at the Egyptian ports against vessels arriving from India. Anti-Foreign Policy of China. Hono KoNd, April 19.—The now Supreme Council of the Empire has been appointed. At Pekin, the Ministers who wore recently publicly degraded on account of the want of success attending the Chinese arms in Tonquin havo been replaced by the avowed supporters of the anti-foreign policy.

[special to press association.]

(Received April 21—11.15 a.m.)

The Recidiviste Bill and the French Chambers.

London, April 19.—M. Deblowitz, the Paris correspondent of tho " Times," writes that M. Berenger's bill now before the French Chambers largely supersedes the Ilecidiviste Bill. If M. Berenger's bill is shelved, tho Senate will modify the Recidi viste Bill in several directions. Tiio Colonies and French Convicts. London, April 19.—The "Observer1' says that the anger of the Australian colonies on the recidivistes question is rmtural and legitimate, and it denounces the folly of France in persisting in tho matter. The "Spectator" says that M. Ferry does not understand the earnestness of tho Australian colonists on the recidi vistes question, or the nature of the danger it involves. Manitoba Threatens Separation. The Premier of Manitoba has declared that that State will separate from the Dominion unless il is more fairly treated by the Federal Government. An Australian wheat cargo, April ship ment, has been sold at 40s, and another one at Gd less.

A Mr .James, of Victoria, has patented a system of underground telegraph wires. Sir Thomas Mcllwraith presented the prizes at tho School of Engineering in the Crystal Palace.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received April 21—12.40 p.m.) Illness of tho Chief Justice of New South Wales. Sydney, this day.—Sir James Martin, Chief Justice, has been taken ill while on circuit, and has been obliged to return to his residence here.

The Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby. The steamship Liguria arrived yesterday from Melbourne, the Marquis and Marchion ess of Normanby and su'te being among the passengers. Tho Marchioness's health is now much improved, and the Vice-Regal part}' will prooeed by (he stoemship Aus tralia for San Francisco on Thursday. The Maori King Sails from Melbourne, Melbourne, April 19.—King Tawhiao continued his journey to England by the Orient steamship Sorata, which sailed to day. Shipments of Sugar from Mauritius. Mauritius advices to tho 14th instant are to hand. Messrs Iroland, Fraser, and Co. report of the local sugar market that prices are unclmngod. The clearances include 25G tons to Port Chalmers.

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

[BY CABLE.-COPYRIGHT.]

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS. 1

Defeat of the False Prophet.

Cai ko, April 18. Despatches are to hand from General Gordon at Khartoum, dated the 9th instant. Ho announces that a prominent merchant at El Obeid reports to him that the followers of the Mahdi had been recently twice defeated by a force of loyal Arabs, and that the rebels are now surrounded. Osmon Digna Threatens Sonakim. London, April 20. Osman Digna has rallied two thousand men, and now threatens Souakim, when the British retire. Refugees from Shondy Massacred. It is reported that 300 refugees from Shondy havo been driven on a sand-bank in tho Nile and massacred. General Gordon will probably order Stewart and Power to escape across the equator. Inciting Rebellion in India. Bombay, April 18. The police in this city and other towns in India havo effected the seizure of large numbers of a printed proclamation, signed by the Mahdi, urging the Mussulmans to join his ranks.

NATIVE OBSTRUCTION AT THAMES.

• A Snagging Party Turned Back.

[l)Y TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thanks, this day. A snaogixo party sent by Mr Read, of this place, to clear about a mile- and a half of the Piako River, just above the junction of the Waitoa Kiver, so as to allow him to get sleepers up there in dry weather, was on Thursday turned back by orders of Winikerei, chief of the Ngatipaoa tribe. No violence was used,but the natives stated that had not Sa vage^ half-casto,been with them, the party would not have been let off so easily. The natives do not object to them snagging most of the river, but would not let them touch one log lying right across the stream, and.which they say is tapu. This, how over, is only a quibble, as the tapu has been taken off by one of tlio natives years ago cutting a hole in the log.

MINING NEWS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thames, this day. New Prince Imperial.—Though the hard rock in tho shaft is appreciably diminishing, there is still about 3ft. of it in tho southern corner. The sandstone in the bottom is also rather tight for working. Belcher (Workman's Claim) : A shaft has been sunk from the surface to catch tho underlie of the reef found in the creek bed. A slide has loon passed through, and faultless sand stone country now prevails. A vein of rubbly quartz Gin thick has been intersected, and colours of gold ore seen in it. The main reef should come to hand within the next 10ft.

Qiiekn of Beauty.—Tho manager has decided to leave tho cross reef which he has been following so long in the Vanguard tunnel, and strike a direct course towards the lode.

Caledonia?)- Low Level.— A series of quartz stringers with interlacing mineral veins has been passed through iii the cross cut since leaving tho lode intersected last weok. Calculations have been made re specting tho cost of working the rock drill, which show a clear saving of 16s 6d per foot as compared with manual labour.

Rocky Point.—About half adozonppunds of picked stone were secured this morning from flm hanging wall brunch of the reef in I ho southern drive.

ORDER OF THE RED CROSS.

Decoration of Miss Crisp.

The investiture of Miss Crisp, lady suporiii tendent of the Auckland Hospital, with the Royal Red Cross, took place at Government House on Saturday afternoon. Fully six or seven hundred ladies and gentlemen who had been received by Lady Jervois during the "at home" earlier in the afternoon assembled in the ball room to witness the ceremony. Shortly after 4.30 p.m. Lady Jervois entered the room in company with Miss Jervois and Miss Crisp, and His Excellency the Governor and staff followed them im mediately afterwards. On the dais, when the ceremony commenced, were Hon. F. Whitaker, His Worship the Mayor and Mrs Waddel, Mrs Crisp, Messra J. M Clark, Thos. Peacock, M.H.R., E. A. Maekechnie, S. Dando, Col. Haultain, Dr. Campbell, Bishop Luck, Monsignor Fynes, Captain Daveney, Dr. Haines.

His Excellency said: Ladies and Gentlemen,—l do not think there could be any more fitting occasion for the duty winch devolves upon me this afternoon than that of our first gathering at Government House during our annual visit to Auckland, and I am glad to see so many of our friends presont. But I know that to the interest of the ceremony which I am about to perform must be due the large number of ladies and gentlemen I see before me and around me. 1 havo especial pleasure—it affords me, in deed, unusual gratification—that it falls to my lot to take part in the ceremony of in vesting Miss Crisp with the decoration which she has so nobly earned. Miss Crisp's name is well known to you all as the superintendent of the nurses of the Auckland Hospital, also as one who has been engaged actively in hos pital management in the ■ mother country, who has been engaged in active service during war, in two campaigns, and who on all occasions, and throughout her career in the public service, has given the utmost satisfaction, not only to those above her, but to the patients whom she has tended, and with whom she lias ever had that sympathy which is almost more to them than the actual nursing of their maladies or their wounds. Miss Crisp, as you all, I believe, know—for it has appeared in the public papers—began her hospital nur sing career in the year 1873 at Birmingham. She was afterwards employed in the United Hospital at Bath, an institution I know very well as one of the finest hospitals of its day • then she entered the public service, and went to the hospital at Netley, a grand establishment on Southampton Water de voted to tho sick of tho military service. After being there some two years she went to the Herbert Hospital at Woolwich. During that time she was selected as one of the nurses to tend the sick and wounded in the war in Zululand, and acquitted her self there in a manner which gained the praise of all concerned, from the Queen downwards. She then returned to her former duties at the Herbert Hospital, but had not been there long before she was again selected to nurse the sick and wounded in the Egyptian campaign, and was there several months. Now, just imagine the difference to the patient in a military hospital being attended by such nurses as Miss Crisp, and being waited on, as formerly, merely by soldiers told off for the duty, and you will understand the difference in the state and condition of military hospitals before and after the present system of nursing was instituted. I well know the history ot the introduction of female nurses into military hospitals, for it was during the time I was in the War Office that the system was carried out. First, Florence Nightingale, whose name you all well know, was employed in the military hospital at Scutari, and from that time the practice of employing female nurses in military hospitals has gradually gone on gaining ground. Not long after the Crimean .War, when Netley Hospital was built, there was on organisation of female nurses under Miss Shaw Stewart, a well known lady, the sister of a Scottish baronet, Sir Michael Shaw Stewart, and she undertook the management of the nurses at Netley Hospital. At that time there was no special education given to the nurses in military hospitals, but gradually it waß found desirable to organise what I may call a corps of trained female nurses, and these are now employed in the Victoria Hospital of Netley, and the Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, and also in tending the sick and wounded in military cam paigns. Now imagine a woman—a young woman, too — imagine her at Ismailia, where the dust and flies abounded in a manner that you in New Zealand have no idea of; where there were none of the comforts of life; where she had to lie down on straw in a shed, just like any private soldier. When you think of her there in that position; hundreds of wounded coming in after a battle-r-eome with shattered limbs, and others bleeding with horrible gashes ; when you think that no less than some 400 of these wounded were brought into this hospital at Ismalia, I think you must admit that it is to no com mon person that the duty of nursing them could be entrusted. (Cheers.) Why, even the sight of one of these wounds would be sufficient to make most people shudder, and what must be the courage, what must be the devotion of a young woman who is able to nerve herself to the work of tending the sick and wounded under such circumstances? I think you will agree with me that Her Majesty has done well in instituting the Order of the Bed Cross, whereby those who perform such gallant service to their country may be decorated ; and I think you will also agree with me that Her Majesty did well in inviting to Windsor the ladies who had thus shown their devotion, and there herself, with her own hand, pinning the decorations upon their breaste ; and I can only regret that Miss Crisp, who was one of those who, had she been in England, would have gone down to Windsor and there had this decoration presented to her by Her Majesty, will only have it pinned to her breast by Her Majesty's representative. (Cheers). I wish that her Majesty could have herself conferred this honour upon her. From all her career, from all you have heard, and, I venture to say, from all you will hear of her, I think the public of Auck land, and the people of New Zealand, are to bo congratulated that they have amongst them one like Miss Crisp as superintendent of nurses of one of their hospitals. (Cheers.) She is capable of larger things, but still she does her duty there in a manner which gives satisfaction to all, as she has on all occasions previously, whatever may have been the degroe or nature of the duty with which she has boon entrusted. Ido not know, ladies and gentlemen, that I need say more, but I mupt add that I heartily wish Miss Crisp success in her career, and I now have the greatest pleasure in pinning the Red Cross upon her breast. (Load cheers.) The cross was then placed on Miss Crisp's breast above the medals which she already wears. lady and Miss Jervois congratulated the recipient of the honour, while His Excel lency returned thanks on her behalf. The gubernatorial party having with drawn, the assemblage dispersed.

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

A match between the City Guavds and Artillery Companies took place on Saturday at the Rifle Range, Mount Eden. The match arose out of a challenge given by Captain Payne, and Captain Isaacs, on behalf of the City Guards (which is consi dered by a great many to be the best shooting company in the province) quickly arranged particulars for the match on behalf of his men. The ranges were 200, 300, and 500 yards, seven shots eacli range. Lieutenants Norrie and Osborne were in command of the range. After a somewhat exciting finish, the result was found to be in favour of the City Guards, who won by seventeen points. Good feel ing prevailed all through the match, mutual cheors being given by the victors and the vanquished. It is probable another match will take place. Tho following are the soores :—

T^ ITL L GuAM)S-~Soret- Buchanan, 79; Vol. White, 72; Sergt, Hay, 72- Vol J Leigh, 70; Vol. Sterling, 69 ; Vol. J.'h! Leigh, 67; Vol. Partington, 64; Vol. Hazard, 64; Sergt. Soall, 63; Lieut. Osborne, 62 : total, GB2.

Artillehy Company.—Gunner Woolley, /8; Gunner Webster, 77 ; Corpl. Hender cli n J G«"ner I'ayi'o, 70; Gunner T. Bell, 09; Gunner W. S. Trayes, 67; Gunner Shaw, C 6; Gunner Parslow 03 ?"""«*£• rrft?es. 58; Gunner Rose, 44 : total, GOS.

The scholars of the following public

THE OTCEEOT) EVENING STAR, MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1884



Special Advertisements. yiTBERB SHALL I FUBNIBB UT HOUSE FROMI THE CHEAPKfcT ALL BOUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL ARCADE GARLICK & OR AN WELL 11 . IRON BEDSTEADS, go to GARLICS £ ORANWELfc, BKIIDING KOtC GARLICK ft CRANWELL. BED-ROOM FURNITURE, go to * ' GARLICK & CRANWELI* CARPETS, go to GARLICK & CRANWELL, GARLICK & CRANWELL. House Furnlshera, GARLICK & CRANWELL, GARLICK & CRANWELL," ~ Manufacturers ov ail kotos of rubnitcbs, Qheap Tapestry & Bbusskl Cabpets. Cheap Oilcloths & Linoleum. Chkap & Beautiful Cretonnes, Cheap Blankets & Cumtainb. QABLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS City Hall Arcade. (jusaof-srBKKT, AUCKLAND. FG. EWINGTON • estate agent (Ehtabijbuhd 18 Years.) FOR SALE, in Hepburn-street, for £650, a New Concrete House with every convenience. There are seven rooms and a bath-room, gas and water are laid on, there is a good wash-house, ; the property is well drained, all the paths are _; Jit'oonerete, and tho house is pleasantly situated in an elevated position. Tho lease has over 30 years to run, and the ground rent is only £7 a-year. One-third value of the buildings al lowed on expiration of the lease. Without exaggeration this is a bargain. FOR SALE, a House and Farm of 140 acres, near Wellsford, Kaipara, for £200 caßh. There is a large and valuable orohard. If porsous requiring VOLCANIC LAND in largo or small allotments, with or without houses, within walking diatanoe from town, will favour me with an intoiview, I think I can satisfy them in every way. MONEY TO LEND on Mortgage. TO SPECULATORS.—A Large Property For Bale in Priaces-strcet for £800. Freehold. T?iOB; IMMEDIATE SALE; VALUABLE CITY FREEHOLD PROPERTY, SITUATED IN QUEEN-STREET. Tho property comprises that Valuable Free hold Allotment and Building situated in Queen streot, and occupied by Mr G. Staines. The feuiWingr consists of Large Double Shop (35 x 27), 6 dwelling; rooms, and lofty store room JSO x 27). This property, situated in close proximity to the Town Hall bUo, is without doubt one of the best investments now offering, and should com mand the immediate attention of investors and capitalists. For further particulars apply at once to D. F. EVANS. Land and Estate Agent, Queen-street (next Bankof .Australasia). ; OIATO £10,000 LENT on Building dm> JL" Society principles, or on other terms to suit borrowers. Allotments bought and Houses built on Weekly Payment System Mortgages and Loans negotiated. See List of Properties for Bale on 4th page. Six per cent, allowed on money deposited for Investment— O. Williamson Land. Estate, and Financial . £ cent and Valuer, High-street Auckland.



Special Advertisements. INSURANCE COMPANIES ASSOCIA TION. The Insurance. Offices will bo closed on WEDNESDAY, 23rd inst.,St. George's Day. 11. WORSP. Secretary. REMOVAL OF BUSINESS. JJILNK & C H ° V ° * Respectfully Announce that THEY HAVE REMOVED THKIR STOCK TO THE ARGE NEW BUILDINGS, WELLESLEY AND LORNE-STREETS, Where they are now showing the Latest Novel ties in (■•RENCH AND ENGLISH MILLINERY. DOLMANS AND JACKETS IN RICH BROCADE VELVET, OTTOMAN AND OTHER MATERIALS, CHILDRKN'3 AND LADIES1 ULSTERS, STYLISH COSTUMES, DRESS MATERIALS IN STRIPES AND CHECKS, AND NEW PLAIN FABRICS, FURS. LACE GOODS. HOSIERY. AND GLOVES. LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY LINEN. TEMPOBAHY PREMISES OPPOSITE A. CLARK AND SONS'. H« L. POSSBNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPORTER. Shortland-stbeet, Auckland, Wishes to Inform His Patrons and the Publlo generally that he has JUST RECEIVED HIS FIRST SHIPMENTS OP AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, Pbr s.s. Ruapehu. The above compriao Alt, the Latest DasraNa In TWEEDS and COATINGS, and are well worthy an Inspection. _f_w Law Partnership. THB UNDERSIGNED beg to annonnoe that they have Commonood Practice in Co-partner ship aa BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS. In Chamber* In High-street opposite Mr W. Atkln's Printing OlHce. K. W. BURTON, W. J. NAPIER. Auckland, September 22nd. IBBS, Chief Fost-otticc, Auckland. Mails win Close as under i- This Day. For Russell Kawakawa, Whangaroa, and Mongonßi, per Glenelg, at 5 p.m. For Tanranga. OtUnemutu, and Opotiki, por Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Whitlangi and Upper Mill, per Rowena. atsD.ni.' For Whangaroi Heads. Whangarei, Kaino. and Mangapai, per Waitaki. at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 22nd inst For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Hawea, at 6 a.m. For Waterf ord.Tauranga, &c, per Rotomahana, at 9 a.™. For Thames, por Rotomahana, at 9.30 a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, Matakana, and Warkworth. per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. Por Wairarapa, as follows :— For Russell, Kawakawa, China, and Japan, Australian Colonies and United Kingdom, via ' Suez and Brindisi, for letters, etc specially 80 prepaid and addressed, at 4 p.m. Money orders, for Australia only, at 3 p.m. For registered letters and newspapers at 3 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only at 4.20 p.m. Fo* Talrua, per Mercury, at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi and Upper Mill, per Coralie, at 3 p.m. For uamaru, per Penguin, at 4 p.m. For Gisborne and Southern Pons, per Southern Cross, at i p.m. For Wangarel Heads, Parua. Waipu, Wan garei, and Mangapai, per Macgregor, at 5 p.m. Saturday. 26th inst. For Sydney Island, por Explorer, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, 29th Inst Per 8.8. Australia, 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 United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at'l p.m. For money orders, registered lotters and newspapers, at 11.30 a.in. Late letters, bearing an extra feo of six pence in addition to tl!fe postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be due in London on Sat urday, June 7,1881. a B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Eost-oflioo, Auckland.