AUCKLAND MONTHLY SHARE LIST.

APRIL 20, 1834.

COMMERCIAL.

ATJOKIAND Cu»tom« receipts last quarter were £80,047 10* 10.1 ; Wellington ±.f.4,41b 5s lOd ; Lyltclton, JLT.I,S:!2 Ms 6tl ; Dunedin, £99,35G Gs (Id. The Customs duties, at tho Thames, tor tlio quarter ending March, including beer duty, amount to £2,01,") 3s lOd, an increase of ±'517 13s Cd over tho corresponding quarter of last year. Tho principal towns of tho colony contn beor duty as follows last month :—Auck land, £993 10s Id ; Wellington, £192 19s Cd; Christchurch, £907 lla Gd ; Dunedin, £1,059 17s. Tho first consignment of sugar for tho Colonial Sugar Company left Java for this port on March lilst last. The shipment comprizes 1,520 tons sf raw sugar, and comes in the barque Manhegau, which may be expected to arrive early next month.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET.

Fahm and Dairy Phoducb. —Wholesale; Butter fresh. lOd; Butter. salt.Sd to lOd; Cheese, good local, -id; Canterbury do.. 5d ; EfcTPS. per ooz., 38 9(1; Lavd, per bladder, 7d to7ia; Bacon and Hams, Provincial, Cd to 8d; Hams, 8d to 9d; Canterlmvy Ham and Hacon. aid, In cloth; Hams only, lid; .lams, per caso, odoz., £117s (id to £1 ISs Hi ; Honey in bulk. Id per lb. Retail: Huttev. fresh Is: salt do.. lOd to la: Cheoso, colonial, 9d to lOd; Eggs, per doz.. 2g; Lard, per lb, Sd to 9d; Bacon, per lb, lOd to Is; Hams, do. ,1s tolsJd.

Flour Market. - "Wholeaalo — Supcrfino flour, silk dressed, per ton, £1210s; do, do, house hold, £11103; hundreds, ss; fifties, 10 per ton extra, sacks and bags free; Southern do. £11 to £115s: bran, per ton. sacks included, local. £6 Southern, do, £6 ; sharps. £5 10s: cabin bread, do, £18; oatmeal, do, £11; maize. Is to 4s Od; oats, 2s Gd to 2s 9d; potatoes, £2 15s to £3 per ton: pearl barloy, do., £23 to *2l; bread, perUlb loaf, 3}d.

Kauki Gum, Flax, &c.-Tho market con tinues firm. We quote :-Ordinnvy, £40; fair to good ordinary. £42 to £11 : Etwt Coast, £ai>: produco for April, to dato. 420 tons; flax per ton. £18 to £21; tow, do., £7 to £9; fungus per lb, 23d to 3d; coeoanut tlbre. per cwt, 53 to lis ; beeswax, !)d to 10d lb.

Coal and Firewood Market.—Coal: New castlo (ship's side). 2Ss to 30s per ton; yard 32s to ?ss; Hay of Islands, at yards, 26s Cd- screened, KOslid: ditto at the mino, ISa 6d- ship's side, 2Cti; Wuikato, Ss to 12s; in Auckland, ISs to 225; Kamo, 12s per ton at loading ground; Tuupiri at mine, Ss Gd to i2s; at yard. ISs 151 to 225; WhmiKarci, at mine, Hs 6d; yard (steam), 17a; household, 21a; delivered, 233. Firewood: Uncut at wharf (cargo), 9s to ..0s per ton ; delivered. 14s: cut, 17s to 18s. ■ Buildino Materials.—Timber: Boards and scantling, 100 ft, best, Ms; second-class, Ss; best, planed, tongued, and (grooved, (irat-elass, 10s; medium, 12s; second ditto. 10s Gd. Mills: Cargo.besUls; second-class.as Gd; baulk, Ss fad. New Zealand palings. sft (sap), IPs; sft (heart), 13s; Gft. 14s: U-treo rails, £3 10s per 10J; puriri oosts. «"8 10s to £7 10s; shingles. IGs per 1.000; kobart palinss. oft, 208; 6ft. 225; Hobart rails. .■lO- selling quotations. Brick 3 (atAvondale), 'jOsVer 1 000: town vards,sostosss; dehvercd.uos toCOa l'niin pipes (at works), per 100 (G.inches ibore), 40s; 4 inches, 1 Is; 3 inches, 9s; 2 inches, £2 10? per l,(W: socket glazed pipes, 19 inches; •■is 0d per fool; 15 inches, 2s per toot: 2 inches, fti Ud per foot; 9 i»ches. Is per foot; G inches, «d per foot; 4 inches, id per foot.

MANURKS.-Bonedust, .Sydney, £7 103 to £8103, .according loquality; boneiUmr. £9lite; A'"jkla»d i£7 to £S 10s * l*ernviau guano, £18; JMaulcn Island,'£S: Huon guano, small lots, £5 to £G, ta"M included; Hurst's chemical manuro, £1 1037

SHIPPING.

SHIPPING SUMMARY.

1 M (I,p following list of arrivals and departures we only such as arc likely to be of interest to Home readers :—

ARRIVALS.

ApiiU-City Of Sydney, s.s., Dearborn, from 85prtf C-Auatralia, .s.s.. Ghost, from San feUin, Mailman, from Stanley, barque, Clausen, frara Java April 26-Robeeca Crowell, barque, Cwffcll, ffrnni Now York via Wellington. April i-Vmgain, s.s., Cronmrty, from Fyi

DEPARTURES.

April 1-City of Sydney, P.il. 8.8., Dearborn, M«Slla. P.M. 5.8.. Glwt. for SjT Amens-}'ensuin s.s., Cromarty, for FIJI. AprilMoShumberland ahip. Todd. for London via Napier and Lyttelton. April ii-Tsukub*. Japanese corvette, Capt. Ariji, for Chili.

LOADING.

feerVsas, brigantine, for New York, ioch Bwflan, barque, for London.

The baroue Tactallpn Castle left Lyttelton lot T nndon on MarcJi 30. and the ship Oainaju fol lmvea on April 4 with 9.871 carcases frozen mutton?l,Clob£es wool, and a quantity of pro d'fho steamer Florida left Wellington for Lon dOThetorquiuronhil(lß.fromAuckland,arrh-cd 3°.rmp°tionf''fefwas in Plicate healthor.iea.yinp: & ?efrigerator, she took no fro/. 9 n meat fko barque Norman Maclecd arrived at \\ el- Jingtea from London on ApuU. ffiSSSfiSaJb*.'" .-i,p Tanancse corvette Tsukuba left the har- 2. reached Port Ul>al m er S m

SHIPPING RETURNS.

JJ. UA? rcat impSven^nt inTinaratime move same peiioji in t»Jj entries inwards and crews n^lffi^fifc o f < lons, and fh'S m r««OßaJn||gßtarday, as m«4e up by »j m /-Justoms, is as follows .— " INWAEDS. Vessels. Tons. C.ews. United ICingdoni ■■ % ™'\% 4J^ Queensland .. ,• * 0 , igg jus New South Wales .. 3g -'•^ i 7 Tnsmania .. •■ * si™ JSJ Fiji Islands .. •• » "£;* 23 Tonga % i«i+ J,'J Cook •' 171 ji Gilbert \ j.7 Marshall .. •■ - g3gl 31a S^d :: :: m . Savage Jo?, 7 New York .. •- _1 _- n „ Tote].. •• -63 iW* 2'lCl OUTWARDS. Vessels. Tona. Crews. United Kingdorit ■• i 3-f$ £ ■Queensland .. /■ „„ IS f77 1,030 Sew South Wales ~ Ibgii l 8 Victoria.. •• •• J 57 4 Norfolk Island ... 1 t GO3 i 2 g Fiji •• ••.••§ ;JJ 10 Ton?a .. ■• •• ; Jfc 11 Cook .- ■• ■• r 23-f P Ellicc .. ■• • ! 62 » «ilbert .. •■ •• i 53 g4 Slii ■ Sandwich .. •• % u'i s3 i(j SCermadee ... - 5 |37 14 ; New Caledonia ..2 «| J5 Aastral .. •• •• | J O9 10 Suwarrow .. •• * 100 8 §rVork :.: ::j _JS ~- Totai .. :.-« •*«» *'n 2

ARRIVAL OF THE RANGITIKEI,-A Lengthy Passage.

'2*er£SSJr ksf.&

concluding ;i longtliy voyfigo of 121 days from London. Tlio Uangitikoi lcfb Louilon on December Ifith, passed I'lymoiilh three days later, and experienced light and contrary winds almost through out tlio whole voyage. TJio trado winds were very bad, and it was not until sight of land that anything like a fair ; breezo was experienced. Tlio Equator was cro?sed on January 26th, and Tas mania was passed about seven weeks ago. The North Capo of Now Zealand was sighted 12 days beforo arrival, and since then the vessel has been knocking about tho const. The passengers, who aro in good health, speak of tho voyage as a very monotonous one, and they aro by no means delighted with their treatment upon arrival. Instead of tho Health Ollicer inspecting the vessel directly she enme up harbour, he was attend ing an inquest at Newmarket, and wasthere foro not expected to come off until 7 or 8 o'clock. This comes of too much work being required of Dr. Philson, a very able gentleman, but unfortunately un able to be übiquitous. The following deaths occurred during tho voyage:— Friday, 7th March, A. M. Macantea, weak action Of the heart; Sunday, 9th March, Margaret Harkor, aged one year; Sunday, 23rd March, infant named Slater, ngod about ono yoar: Saturday, 12th April, ifannan Murray, agod threo years. Two births have also to be recorded, the happy mothers being Mesdames J. K. Harker, and Slater. She brings a largo and valuable cargo and 312 Government immigrants, tho list being as follows-.—Families, adults: F. and M. Bain ; Richard and Susan Bourno; Richard, Percy, Reginald, and Edith Bourne ; Wil liam and Christine Bridge ; Harry, Philip, Mary, and Robert Bridge; Alexander and Elizabeth Clegg ; Elizabeth and Alexandor Clegg ; Horace H. and Sarah A. Crafts; Emma ana Nellie Crafts; Edmund A. and Mary Crotty; George Daw son and Elizabeth Dawson; Annie, Wil liam, George, and John Dawson ; Robert and Elizabeth Donaldson ; Robert, William, and Elizabeth Donaldson ; Ed ward and .lane farrow; Rachel, Janet, Charles, Robert, and Edward Farrow; James J. and Emma Ford ; Maria and May Ford : George and Emma Greenway ; Ada M. Greenway; John R. and Elizabeth Harker; Albert and Margaret Harker; Richard and Jano Harrison ; Samuel Har rison ; David and Sarah Jones ; Annio, Edward, Sarah, David, and Maggie Jones ; John and Sarah A. Larkin : Martha, Thomas, William, and Laura Larkin ; Georgo and Margaret Low; Maggio and Alexander Low ; Nathaniel and Susan Lowe; John, Edmund, James, and William Lowe; Benjamin and Mary McGillray; James, Catherine, William, and John Mc- Gillray; Andrew and Jessie Moncurj Andrew and Thomas Moncur ; Joseph and Matilda Murray; Hannah and Mary A. Murray ; William and Elizabeth Parish ; Elizabeth, Alice, and Emily Parish; Sydney 11. and Margaret Sapsford ; Thomas and Laura Slater, Annie Slater ; Lovi and Surah Stanton ; Alice, Lavinia, Lorenzo, and Ethel Stanton ; Thomas and Margaret Sulli van ; Thomas J. and Ann Tivist SINdLK Mkn—Wm. Athey, Thomas Beech, Samuel G. Brown, Samuel Bradley, John H, Breezo, Wm. H. Bridge, John Butler, James Craig, Alexander Donaldson, .Tamos Donaldson, Frederick L. Ford, Alexander Harvie, JamRS llamin, James Harrathy Wm. H. How, John Johnston, Thomas E. Jones, Samuel and Georgo Lowe, Georgo and William McGarry, Lewie and John Maekinteo, James Mc- Naughton, John McQuillan, John Madcll, Charles Mawkes; Horace K. and Frederick W. May, William T. Mill ham, John Mitchell, Thomas Moorhead, Robert M. Murdoch, Thomas Murray, Alexander Nicholson, James Northage, Daniel, Jeremiah, and Thomas O'Brien, Patrick Farrell, Richard Payne, John and William Prondergast, Henry J. Rendoll, James Shea, Philip Sparnon, John W. Stanton, George Strude, John Twohy, Carl W&ity, Joseph Wilson, Robert J. Wilson, William IXpncur. Single Women—Kate Adams, Laura and Frederick Ayling, Florenco B. Ayrea, Margaret and Mary Ballantine, Mary L. Balmet, Bridget Ban croft and boy, Alice Barnett, Helen Barrance, Amy Bertram, Mary Baxter, Annio Bowman, Mary and Bridgot ifrooks, Agnes Brown, Eleanor Brown, Mar»a?ot Callaghan, Georgina Catehpole, Mary A. Clark, Emma Clinnick, Amy Copping, Mary Corney, Anne Craig, Mary Cuthbertson, Winifred and Ellen Curran, Elizabeth and Helen Dalgleish, Elizabeth, Sarah A. and Emma Dawson, ,6raco Dillon, Mary Donaldson, Sarah Donaldson, Sarah Doulaghan, Annio and Sarah English, Annie Farmer, Mary A, Famell, Louisa L. Fielden, Mana Fitzpatrick, Rosabella, Elora J., Mary A Jane, and Elizabeth Friend, Sophia Garland, Mary A. Gibson, Jane Gordon, Sophia F. Grey, Jane Gner, Catherine Griggs, Jane Guinness, Elizabeth Gurnoy, Emma Harvey, Mary Georgo, Hannah Harvey and boy, Caroline A. Hawks, Jane Hemingway, Isabella and Rebecca Hewitt, Emma Biggin, Charlotte Hodgson, Kate Hughes, Laura Joijcsa, Isabella Joynt, Sarah Joynt, Eliza J. Levis, Efea Kpwe, Kara Lynch, .Christina and Mary tteVa? lane, Elsie McGillray, Teresa Me- Hush, Rose McGuillan, Mary Mo- KeoWn, Harriet MoKinley, Elizabeth, Ann, -Ellen, and Elizabeth McKintee, Elizabeth and Wjpifred Maddock, Hannah Mawkes; ' Margaret Mayland, Een Meonan, Ellen Morris, Katie Murphy, Ellen and Rose E. Newman, -Bridget and Mary O'Brien, Anji O!F>irrell, Louisa Parmestor, Margaret 1-lemin.gioh', Margarot J. Preston, Elizabeth J. Race, Maiy I#ly, Maria Ren dall.Ethel Roberts, Ba bluaSt»al> p,".J .ulia BJiea, Mary, Annie, and Thiilvsa Sljjioii aiui WP boys, Mary E. Solly, Emily SpaTWW, Adeline.Sponce, Sarah A Stanton, Honor Jackson, Ada and Mary Taylor, Sarah U. Thomas, Jane ami Janet Thomson, Annie Tonee, Phcebe L. TonUs, Rpse Tyere, Jane Macler, Louise Ward Emma and M,bhen Weitz, Jane Werry, Winnie White, Ma*y A. Williams, Margaret and Alexan dra Williamson, Ellon J. and Eliza beth Wilson, Emily Woods, Mary J I'flung, Jeanie, Mary, and Jessie Monaur, Harriet E. Reed. Summakt (Aucklandi-Warried, 20 male, 26 female» ; kngle, 05 male v2S female; cluldren 39 malu, 35 .female, infaat* ,?.. Total, JU souls.

ARRIVAL OF THE AUSTRALIA.

The it.M.S. Australia arrived from San Fran cisco at 830 p.m. on April C. We are indebted S \lr R: DoSaldson. purser, for press parcels, &/ and the following report :-Discharged San WraiSo pilot oh ISth Jfarch. at 0.30 a.m.,.and Stffienoea toe weather to Honolulu; arrived Roberta, and 1 steerage.

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF SYDNEY.

£iio PMSS. Company's City of Sydney

and Mrs Spillsbury and 4 chlldron, Miss B. I'urdey. The steamer resumed her voyage (o Sau Francisco, via Honolulu, about 5 p.m. the same evening. The following passongers were booked here:—Captain Field, wife, family, and servant, T. Mahonoy, J. P. Lumley, James Tobir, C. Lawaon and wife, 1). Uyan, M. ltodffera, J. Clark, J. Flitcher, Captain Tou logue, G. Pincer, J. C. Cardnell.Mr and Jlrs Hardy, .1. Fcnlott, H. Turner. J. Mervial, Mr and Mrs Fell, Captain Scheklham and wife. J. \\~. Uohertson and wife. H liuyhur.-it, Webb, It. V. Day. J. Campbell, Messrs Crouch, Steven ssn, und Wallers.

ARRIVAL OF THE ALASTOR.

The barque Alastor, an iron vessel of 824 tons, owned by the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Com pany, and consigned to Messrs Cruickshunk and Co , was nisrnnlled .it nn cavly hour on April 25, and dropped anchor at the powder ground shortly before 10 a.m. Her passage from London has been a rather lengthy one of 111 days, having been prolonged by contrary winds and unfavourable weather. Tho Alastor, which is in charge of Captain Glazebrook, brings the following passengers:—Second class: Richard Smith. Steerage: Jumes Wothorspoon (i), Mary Wothoranoon, John Wotherapoon. Willie Wotherspoon. Henry IT. Nuyes. JJridgut Joyce, Francis Oribbin. Geovgo A. Green. Kmina JC. Green, Lydia K. Green, Amy S. Green, George A. Green, Arthur W. (Sreen, Arthur Sulnian, James Johnston, Margaret Johnston ami child, William Forstor, Isabella Forster, Surah Forster, Maybella Korsler, James Forsier, John Foraler, John T. Oasgidy, and Annie Hngerly. The chief ollicer of tho Alastor is Mr Underwood, and tho second ollleer Mr Hart. Captain Gluze brook reporlH of Hie voyage as follows:—Left London on Jan. 1, and anchored at (Jriiveaend on (he evening of Ihe same day. Took in gun powder an j sailed again on the following day. Anchored in the Downs in the evening, with the wind from S.W. und fresh. On Jan. (Hit loft the Downs with wind from the westward, which continued till w-j passed the Lizard on the V'l h, with the wind from the northward. The weather continued line with a favourable wind until wo reached the Line, which we crossed in Ti deir. west, being liven 27 days from the Lizard. March Is; crossed the meridian of Greenwich, and on the liih of .March, abreast of Uapn of Good Hope, in Jli deg. south, between which and 15 deg., we made ourea.it ing and ex perienced the ino.Ht.of (Jiotimemoderate weathor. Cronßi'd the meridian of Capo Lewin on March :ilst, SO days from tho land : on the Sth of April abreast ol South Cape of Tasmania, and on Iho 10th High led Threo Kings. Had moderato weather down the coaut, arriving as abovo.

Interesting Ocean Race. — The City of Sydney Beaton by the Rotomahana.

'i'lie steamers Rotomahana and City of Sydney having loft Sydney on Thursday afternoon last, witliin two hours of each other, both bound for this port, the trip was generally accepted as a trial of speed between these two lino vossola. Tlio American boat having been recently docked, while the Rotomahuna had not hud that advantago for several months, the former wag the favourite, notwithstand ing tho fact that tho Union steamer, on a previous occasion, gained a decided victory over the same course. Tnat, however, wus attributed to a fog. which was said to have placed the "City" at a disadvan tage. At 8.10 p.m. on Thursday, the.City of Sydney '.eft Sydney Heads, and ono hour and forty-live minutes later tho Kotomahana passed tlio same point. Tho American stenmor was. of course, at this time out of view from tho Kotomahana, but a good look-out was kept ahead, and at S o'clock on the following morning the •'City's" smoke could be discerned in Ihu distance. It then became apparent that the Union steamer was picking up her opponent very fust, and interest in tho contest became intense. The Rotomahana (gradually lessum'il the distance between herself and the mail steamer, until n. 30 p.m. on the same day, when the vessels were abreast, and so elo.se that a bis cuit could have boon easily thrown from one to the other. Tho passengers of tlio two steamers were thusonablcd toexchange oompli-

monts ; those on.board tho Union boat having the advantage of anticipating v very fact pas sage, kindly oll'ered to roport the less fortunate travellers "all woll" upon arri val. At this time both steamers wero

apparently going at their fastest, and tho excitemont increased, but did not last long, for within ten minutes from tho time that the

Rotomahana caught up with tho City, she had gono right ahead, and must have been travel ling quilo a mile an hour faster than the other. The Rotomahana continued to incroaso her lead, and at noon on Saturday the American boat disappeared out of eight astern. At 7..'i;> p.m. on March 2!) the Rotomahana arrived in

harbour, and crowds Mocked on board to oon gratulate Captain Carey on hia victory, and it was not until l.:iO a.m. on April Ist. that the City of Sydney came in, so that she was fairly beaten by about 7 hours and 40 minutes. The iiolomahami's passage was a rapid one, having been made in I days 2 hours J'> minutes, against light head winds, which prevailed during the whole passage.

LAUNCHES.

Messrs Henderson and Bpraggon hnvo launched a new cutter called the "Ijirk," a ViUS'il of 15 tons remihter, which is to be employed on buhnlf of the firm in tho river trade, carrying bricks, coal, or lime, as required. Her dimensions are: length of keel, lOft,; beam, l:'.l't.; depth of hold, sft. Shots) a pretty crari, well put together, and appears to be v fast sailer. The Lark is in charge of C«pt;im Clarke, late of the culler Watchman. Messrs. Ifcwson and Molville launched on tho afternoon o( April 5 a new cutler of 'l'> tons register, built tor Mcsara 11. F. Anderson and Sullivan, who intend placing her in tho MMhiiningi linn- trade. The .dimensions of the vessel lire us follows:—Le»gtli on kiwi. It feet; beam, l.i feet -J inches; depth, .-i feet 'J inches. She will be ready for sea next week. The builders intend to commence a scow for Mr G. Andrews, of Grey-street, immediately after wards. !Shc will ho a vessel of about. .'iO tons measurement. At high water on April IS Mr Holmes - launched from bis North Slioro shipbuilding yards a small wooden Btoamer. for ilr Ughl,

who Intends to employ her in the Napier and coastal trade. Wo have alroady given some particulars respecting tho vessel, which is cti-ongly built, well lilted out, and in every respect a civuit to tho builder. Thn steamer is ii vessel.'!.»tona register, und her dimensions ere as follows: -Length,SUfi.; beam, lift. (iin. ; deiitliSlt. Shu is copper distuned throughout, and arrangements for both curco and passenger accommodation aro very good. She is built. however, cbielly for speed, and Mr Light, the owner states that tliis 19 the tlfth boat which Mr Holmes has made for him. and that each have allbrtlcd satisfaction.' Mc.iars Fraser and Tinno arc to fit the steamer with a surface-condensing ens;" 1" equal to 10 horse power. The launch was asucce«sful one. aud as the vcbfcl left the waysshc was christened the " Wairoa"by Miss Flolmes, who performed the ceremony in tho orthodox manner. A small screw steamer intended for tho pilot service at Kaipara, built for tho Go vernment, was launched from Messrs Sims and Brown's yards, Dovonport, at 10.30 a.m. on April IG. Among those present were Mr Nancarrow, Government Inspector of Machinery; Mr Fraser, of Fraser and Tinno; Mr Lawrence ; and several ladies. Tho christening ceremony was performed by Miss Nancarrow, who named the vessel "The Pilot." Tho steamer was built by Messrs Sims and Brown to order of Messrs Frasor and Tinno, who wero the successful contractors for tho whole, as designed by Mr Trerethick, naval architoct. Tho engines are by Frasor andTinnie, and aro of the compound surface condensing type, tho high pressuro cylinder being 9 inches, and the low pressure cyliridr' 17 inches, and tho length of stroke 12 inches. The oneinea will indicate about 80 horse power, with boiler pressuro of SOlbs to the square inch. The steamer is G3 feet in longth, 14 feet beam, 7 feet depth of hold. 'She is built with kauri planking and puriri timbers, and is coppor fastened throughout. Her registered ton nago will bo about 30 tons gross. She ia well and faithfully put together, and in every respect a credit to her builders. The vessel will bo ketch rigged. She will bo a suitable addition to tho Kaipara service, and will supply a want long felt.

NEW BRIGANTINE FOR AUCKLAND.

In November last a fino new wooden bngan tine of 269 tons register, built to order of Captain I). N. McKenzio of Auckland, was launched from the ship-building yard of Thomas Cofhn and Co., Nova Scotia. Tho vesßel is now due at Melbourne, for which port she has a full csi'SD of deal. From Melbourne she will pro ceoftto Niswoastlc, and thero load coal for this port. Tbe" Vessel i? in charge of Captain SlcGuinebß. llov dimanaisr.3 are .■—Length of keel, 10G feet; beam, 20 foot :i lnuhoS; (tppth of hold, I-1 feet 9 inches. She is to be employed in tlio intercolonial trade.

At Lyttolton, the ship Oamaru has just complotcd loading 9,623 frozen cross-bred sheep. At Port Chalmers, on April 10, some of the Tongariro's crow were locked up for refus fu<* duty. The men state that they con sidered "they had no right to work after two p.m. on. Saturday vhsn jn hai'bonr. Tl)9 Government steamer Hineinoa Lift on April 8, with Mr Blackett and Gaptain Johnson, of tlie Marine Department, for the Red Mercury and Cuvier Islands, toy the purpose of deciding upon the most suitable placo for tho erection of a lighthouse. Tha Union Steamship Company report that they are building throe stoamei's for the West Coast trade, and one for the inter colonial trade. The latter will bo over 300 feet long, with carrying capacity of over 2,000 tona, and a speed guaranteed on her trial trip of lGi knots. She is to be fitted up in a style hitherto unocjualled by any thing yet come to the colonies. ■ ' Til- Jnnanese corvette Tsukuba proceeded to'sc-a "bound for Chili, at 11.30 a.m. on Thursday, "17th Av^h bearing tho good wishes for a plea&ant voyage- oj pvoryone with whom her naptain and olticevs lisa become acquainted during their stay hero. On the afternoon of April 16 the Secre tary of tho Ponsonby Regatta Cjub (Mi- B. F. Evans) received from the Tsukubo a present in tho shape of a roll of silk cloth qI ii novel descriptian, and also a scroll yreitteri in tho Japaneso language, of which' ih'o Mowjng is a translation :— "H.JJ.W. ship Tsukuba, April 16, 1854.— Gentlemen,— We had tlie honour of joining the regatta held or, Monday, the 1-ti.h injt., and after the races tl.o officers and men present received very kind treatment, fjcn ilcfflQn, let us thank you for your kindness in the nainj) pf Tsukuba, and if you be pleased to accept ft. tyifling present in token of friendship, or keep it "as A s<Wgnir ; we shall be very much obliged,—We are, ggiii tlemen, yours respectfully, Captain Ariji and Officers of H.I.J.M. Sliip Tsukuba. The Committee of the Ponsonby Regatta Club." ; The necessity for suitable wharfage ac commodation in our harbour for tho large ■xJjrict steamers expected to call hero regu larly, JwS noy become urgent, and it will be satisfactory to our resd/jvs to learn that no time is being lost 'by the garbour Board in tho effort to supply tho requirement. Plans hava been approved

for the extension of the Pvailway Wharf, for tho berthing of ocoan going steamers. It is intended to carry the additional structure straight out from the present main wharf a distance of 200 feet, and then to angle it off in the direction of the North Head. This will give a berthing spaco at that angle of fully 400 feet. That there will be no lack of water in tho berth is proved by the fact that a, depth of fully 25 feet will be available at low water of spring tides. Rails will be carried to the end of the wharf to facilitate loading and discharging. Plans have now been forwarded to Wellington, and when the approval of the Govornor-in- Council is obtained, tenders for the con struction of the addition will be called. The estimated cost is something like £10,000.

On the 3rd April, a number of gentle men interested in the frozen moat trade visited tho ship Northumberland for the purpose of inspecting the refrigerating machinery, which is on tho Bell-Coleman principle, and is of a most complete and ex : tensive character. Tlio machinery was set in motion by direction of Captain Todd, and soon a current of cold nir was found coming down the various shafts, making the tem perature in tho freezing chambers very cool. Everything worked very satisfac torily, and the visitors, who wero present at Captain Todd's invitation, were greatly pleased with-tho result. The Northumber land lias three boilers and three freezing chambers, tho latter being capablo of storing from 20,000 to 30,000 carcases of mutton ;in fact, her arrangements in this respoct are far in advance of that possessed by any other sailing ship which has yot visited the colonies, and her cargo will consequently be of moro than ordinary value, anil greater interest will be taken in its transportation. From here she will proceed at an early dato to Napier and Wellington, at each of which ports sho will receive cargo, principally frozen moat, and' then proceod to London,

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS.

BIRTHS.

ANDKRSON.—On6th April, at Ponsonby Road, Mrs Wm. Anderson of twins — son and daughter. HOItUKU.-On April i). at tho Sugar Works, Northcote. tho wife of 11. J. Borger of a son. CHIUSTOPUKH. -On April 0, at Franklin lioad, the wife of John Christopher of a CONLON'.-On April IS. 1S»I, at Dublin-stroot, Newton, tho wile of I. Conlon of a daughter. Both doing well. KVKNSKN.-On April 18, at Te Awamutu, Waikato. the wifo of W. A. Kvousen of v son. FITZPATUICK. — On the 23rd April, 18SI, at her residence, l'igeon Mountain, the wifo of Kdwuril Kitznutriiik of a daughter. HIQGS.—On the 'J2nd April., at Ilomucra, tho wife of Mr W. Mowbray lliKgs of a daughter. HANSKN-On March 31. at her rcsidonco, 70, West Queen-street, the wife of ff. J. Hunsen of a son. IIKA.TIIKR.—On tho lOlh April, at her resi dence, lloxlcy, Mount Kdcn, tho wife of Arthur Hoathor of n duuKhtor. JONKS.-On April 17, at Wynyard noad, Mount Eden, Mi s B. B. Jones of a daughter. KING.—On April Ktth, at Brighton Road, KumuOTO, tho wifo of J. C. Harry King of a SIOJibICRLKY.-On April 17, at lior parents' rosldcnco, Hodborough Villa, Montague street tho wifo of John Mobborleyof a bod. Both doing well. MILLS.—On April 10, at lior rcsidonco, Vlctorla stniet, the wil'o of James Mills of a son (still born). McGINN I.—On April 11, at her rosldonco, Alox aiulra-stroot, the wifo of Owen McGinn oJ a son; b jth doing well. MacLKOD.—On Friday, 4th April, at herresl donco, Kpsoin Itoud, Kdeiulule, the wife of John MacLeod of a son. McKEAUNEY.—On the Gth April, at Vincent street, the wifo of William McKearnoy, Of Cambridge Waikato. of a daughter. O'KKKFE —At Claremont-street, Kyber Pass Itnad. on tho !lth of April, tho wifo of Patrick O'Kcolfuof a son. Both doing well. PAYNK—On April 12, the wifo of A. Payno of a daughter. UOWK.—Uu April I, at Slandlcy-stroet, Arch Hill, the wife of John Howe of adau«htor. SUOVK—On April 19, athor residence Wynd hillil-stroet, tho wifo ot Thomas Henry Shovo of a son. SMITH.—On April 12, at her residence, Jormyn street, Auckland, New Zealand1, the wife of Uco. W. Smith, formerly of Manchester, Kng land, of a daughter. Bolli jloing well.—Man chester, WarrliiKton, and Southport papers jiloiwocopy. TJIOW.—On March tho 30tli, tho wifo of Ca]) tain Charles Thow of a daughter. WAI.KKIt.—On tho -.'2nd April, at llobson's Park, ParnolU Mrs A. J. Walker of a dauich tur. Both doing well.—Otago papers please copy. WILL.IAMS.-On April IS, at her residence, Wyudham-street, the wife of Mr John Willinu.sof a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

H(>NI)-NTOIMMS.-Oii April 16, at St. John'B Culluko, by the Roy. T. F. King, Al. Homl to Kosa A. Norris, second surviving duuKlitorot ThoiniiH Xoiris, Tunuiki West, BJiAOKHUUN-COLVIN'.-Oii April ll.lSSl.nt tin; residence! of iho briilu'a father. Auckland, by tin: Ilov. W. a. rotter, Samuul IJlackburn lo KHzabeth, eldest daughter of Tlionma CV.vin. both lntnoflroluml. BENNKT'f—KING.—On April 12. 188-1. at the ixu'soiiOKO. Wesloyan Chapel, l'itt-street, by tho ttow ill- Hcid. Jfthviu Bennett, of Kent,

England, to Minna Matilda King, daughter of Philip Hanson King. Native Interpreter, mid Charlotte Dcursley Kins, o£ Walultu. Cni:Tl.S—MrXNlrill —On April !!•. at Muroury Bay, by tlio Registrar, Richard CortistoMiuy, relict of Iho laic Wm. McNelsh, both of Mer cury Hay. DANUKN—USHAW.-On tlio 25th March, at hia ruaklencu, Wailiou. Hokiangu, by the Rev. F. (J. Htiimiioml, Henry Dungon to Margaret Uhliuw, lato of Auckland. FITZOIUHONS-LIiKWELLYN. -On October 2fl, ISS3, at St. Thomas's Church, Ualnmin, sy.nicy, by Itov. K. D. Madgwiuk, 'J'liomas Fitzxibbons, Auckland, N.Z., to Jnnot Llowcl lyn, of Balmuin. QUILDFORD-LONGSTAKF. - On February 28,1*51, fit St. Matthew's Church, Auckland, by the Hoy. W. Tebbß, Ktlwin Claronce Guild ford, of London, England, to Louisa Ann Longstaff, only daughter of the lato Charlos Longstull', of Dalston, England. GRIFFIN—DeCARTERET.—On tho 3rd of April, at tho residence of tho bride's parents, Ellcrslie. Auckland, by tho Rev. \V. J. watkin, Principal of Throe Kings College, assisted by tho Rev. T. G. Brooke, tho Rev. Thomas Nicholas Griffin, Weßluyan Ministor, lato of Whitehavon, Cumberland, England, to Lydia Augusta, second daughter of John De- Cartorct, Esq., lato of St. Potor's. Jersey, C.I. HARRI3ON-LISTER.-On Deoember 21,1883. at St. James's Church, by tho Roy. Mr Mac nicol, Walter Henry Harrison, son of Bonjamin Harrison, merchant, of Birmingham, to Isa bella Lister, eldest daimhtcr^of Mrs Cowper, of Dublin-street, Ponsonby. HOLMES-AITKIN.-On April lfth, at the residonco of Mr Exloy, Jorvois Road, by H. Kxlcrt Evangollst, Louis Wm. Holmes, to Marian Chalmers Aitkin, both late of Dunedin. JOYNEK-WATSON.-On Fobruary 21,1881, at St. James's Presbyterian Church, by tho Roy. R. V. Macnicol, William Walter Joyner, only son of \\\ W. Joyner, of Southampton, Eng land , to Agnes Watson, second eldest daughter of Captain C. A. Watson, of Auckland. LKPPER-STEPHENS.-On the 7th lnst., at Summcratxoet. Mount Edon. by the Rev. Mr Carrick, John William, oldest son of Mr E. Loppcr. to Mary Jane, eldest daughter of Mr J. Stephens. Both of Auckland. NEWMAN-LONGLEY.-On April 10, 1881, at the residenco' of Mr Geo. Nowman, by tho ltev. William S. Potter, Henry Nowman to Mary Jana Longloy, both late of Dunedin.— Dunedin papers please copy. OWEN-COWDROY.-0n the sth April, at Auckland, by tho Kosiatrar, Thomas C. Owen to Louisa Francis, iifth daughter of the late William Burdett Cowdroy, of London. PJtOBINE—COLKMAN.—On April Hth. at St, Sepulchre's Church, by tho Yon. Archdeacon Dudloy, Robert Charles, eldest son of Robert Probino, of Ponsonby, to Mary, eldest daughter of M. Colenmn, formerly of Thames. Thames papers please copy. QUICK—NORRW.—On Soptombor 12, ISS3, by tho Rev. 'f. Hamer. at his residence, Frank James, eldest son of C. G. Quick, to Maude Etherdon, eldest daughter of G. S. Norris, Devonport, North Shore. HICHAHDS-IjKB. —On March 20th, at St. Matthew's Church, by tho ltev. W. Tebbs, Ralph, olde6tson of the late John Richards, o£ Nottingham, England, to Sarah Annie, second daughter of John Leo, of Kaipara, SPENCE—MILNE.—On April 10, at Dcvonport, North Shore, by the Rev. J. Robertson, M.A.. assisted by tlio Rev. Rainßforrt Bavin, tho Itov. George W. J. Spenco to Jessie, younge9t daughter of John Milno, Esq., Holmhurat, North Shore. SETH-SMITH—LARKINS.—At Biahopscourt, Auckland, by Bishop Cowie, assisted by the llfiV. F. T, Baker, brother-in-law of the bride, Iljlffh Qavdea Sefh-Smlth, Esq.. M.A., Rosi dent Magistrate of Au'plzland.'saeohd son of C. E. Scth-Smitl). Eaq:, of Silyermcrc, Surrey, to Florence McLeod. youngest daughter of F. Larkiiiß, Fiaq.. of Rcmuera. Auckland. WILSON-BKYAN.-On Marcn 12th, at St. Peter's Church. Hamilton, by tho Rev. Robort Big«s, George Charlos, socond son of Robert Wljann, late of South Hoads, Mfinukau, to Sarah Jano, stiipdaughlcr of John Evnns, Waitehum, Raglan,

DEATHS.

BRYAN.-At Bath-street, Parnoll, Richard Bryan, Into o£ the 58th Ilogimont j aged U BRUCE.-On April lflth, 18S1, Robert Bruce, asjeil ilyoars, third son o£ Alexander Bruce, Into o£ Caithness, Scotland, now o£ To Awa nuitu. Waikato.

CARR.—On 21st April, 1831, at tho residonco of her sod. Arthur-street, Onehunga (after a short but gainful illness), Sarah, relict o( the lute- .Tr,);:; Cnrr; aged 72 years. R.I.P. COUVfS.—O;V thn Sfith April, at St. Mary's Itodd, Pon3qnbi% Arti;ur .loiui, infant son of John J. and Alicjj Übutts; iiged 1 months. DOWKJNQ.;-pn'the 22nd o'J April, at the resi dence of her son, Chapal-slrect, Auckland, Honora, widow of Thomas Downing1, la.*o of KiimQy Cjjijnty,' Cork, Ireland; agjid, 75 .veal's. GKAJIAM—At Shelly Beach-, PGntjonby, on April 8, Mnggie Na Noba Graham, agw 12 years, second daughter of the late Jamoa Graham, builder. GIBLIN.-On Bth April, at Hobart, William (Jlblin in the 75th year of his age. GUNNitta.—On April il, at Short-street, New hiarftet, Jame!? A'lisoy C^iijtopher, youngest eon of J. and M. 'jSjimJingI.' ■ • HARDING-, - Match 22; ISSI, at Sandhurst, Victoria, Ausfaiia. Edmund Harding, late of Catford, Kent, England, of U fit; from which he never rallied. Aged 58 years. De mortius nil nisi bonum.—Homo papers please copy. IfKS'JJON.—On Hth April, at Ellerslie, Mr John Hendon; aged W years. HYAUIASON.-On- April 13, at jt>'Nefl-jiti'eet Ponsqnby, James Hyauiason i'aged 21 ybars. JENKINS.—On April 8, at Brpwri-strect,' Pon sonfiy, David Jenkins, late gf Laugharne, BouthWaloai aged 40 years; ' ' KELLY.-On the X7tU Apytl, lS?i, at the Provin cial Hospital. Patrick Kelly, formerly miner Thames goldflelds; aged 13. Deeply ro trrettcd. LEE.—On the 13th April, at the residence of her , parents, Drill-shod, Wellesley-street, Mary •mo, third and dearly-loved daughter Of Edwin and Matilda Lee; aged 12 years.

LKE.-On tho ICth April, 1881, at Uio Provincial Hoapital, William Henry, second ami dearly beloved son ot Edwin and Tiluiililu Leu; aged 10 (his birthday). LEERS.— At his parents' residence, Crncroft street, Arch Hill, Aclolph, infant son Moritz S. and C. Leers; aged fourteen montliß, MARSON.—On Sunday, April 6th, 1884, at Gundry-stroct, Nowton, Alfred, tho youugest son of James and Annie Marson ; aged sixteon inontha. MARTIN.-On tho 21ot April, at their rosi dence, Hepburn-street, tho Infant son of Antonio and M. J. Martin;aged six months. Private imerment. MARTER.-On April 20th, 1881, at his parents' residence. Upper Symonds-atreot, William Henry, infant son of Frederick W, and Ellen M. Marter; aged 11 months and IS days. MOORE.-On the 10th April, at his late resi dence, Hobson-street, Robert Moore, brass . founder, late of Belfast, Ireland; aged 37 MoCOIiKINDALE.-At Onohunga, on tho 13th of April, Oliver Charles, infant son of Aaron and Annie McCorkindalo; aged 14 weeks.— Oamaru papers please copy. NOONE.-On April 11, Arthur Thomas, infant son of W. H. and C. Noone: aged 11 months. PKNMAK.-On the 7tlj April, at Manning-sL, bottom of Newton Road, Margaret, relict of John Penman, of Mangawai; aged 53 years. PULLiENG.—On April ith, it hor late resi donee, tho Red Won Hotel, Auckland, Eliza heOi, wife of A. OS, Pullong, aped 55. RATTRAY.—On April lltli, nt her late resi dence, Dcvonport, Mary, tho beloved wife of Captain William Hattray, in the 81st year of her ago. SMITH.—On April 4th, at her father's resi dence, Mount Kden Road, Edith Flossie, infant daunhtcr of William and Amy Smith; aged 13 months. Private interment. SMITH.-On April 7lh, at her late residence. Lincoln-street, Ponsouby. Mary Annie, dourly beloved wife ot S. J. Smith, and youngest daughter of John and Mary Chambers; uged 22 years. RUSSELL.—On April 15, at his late residence. Lower Nelson-street. John Russell, formerly of Glasgow; aged 80 years. SCOTT.-On April 20th. 1881. at his parents' rcaideiico, Waimii, Thomas, fourth son of Thomas and Eleanor Scott; aged 31 years. STIX AHAN.—On April 17, at hor Into residence Queen-street, Oncliungii, Julia, the beloved wife of George Stratum ; aged 17 years. SHORT.-On April 17th, at his paronta' rcsi deuce, Newton, Thomas, youngest son of Kdwaril and Marion Sliort; aged MiJ yoars.— Homo and Colonial papers pleasn cop*'. TAYLOR.-On April 7, at her rosidence, Water stroot. Thames. Mary, tho beloved wife of John Taylor; aged 53 years. UTTING.—On April 10, at Vermont-Btroot. Ponsonby, Edwin Giles, second son of Walter and Carollno Utttng; aged 6 years. WALKER.-On Sunday, the 20th April, at his residence. GtUrbrd-streot, Parnell. George Walkor, latofjoth Regiment; aged 48 years. WELSH.-On April 17, at tho residence of her atop, father, Hugh McGrothy, Nollio, only beloved daughter of the Into Richard and Ellon Welsh; aged 17 years. Deeply re grotted. WEBB.—On April 18th, at Vormont-stroet, Ponsonby, Porciva! Georgo, infaut son of Thomas and Annie Webb; aged 11 vo weeks. WHITK.-On tho 23rd April, 1881, at his late rosidonco, Adolaidostrect (oil' Sale-street), William Whito, latoly in the omploy of Mr Alfred Buckland, aged 52 years; dooply regretted. WILLETTS.-At Harapipi, Waikato, on 30th March, Jomima, beloved wife of Mr .Samuel Wlllctts, North Shore, and daughter of David Failaygon, Harapipi; aged 32. Dooply regrot tod. WILSON.-On April sth, 1881, Thomas Wil son, tho boloved husband of Ellen Jane Wilson, and sixth son of John Wilson, Black- Bin ith.—Thames papors please copy. WKLLS.-On April J, at Albert Park Lodge, Norma Lilly, tlie infant daughter or Orlumlo and Cathorlno Ann Wells; asfod 7 months. WILKES.—On April 2nd, 188-1. at his parents' residence, Wesl-stroot, John George, the in fant son of J, W. nnd Kliza Wilkcs; uged three months.

AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS.

Thk fourth annual Exhibition of this Society was opened on April 25 by His Excelloncy tho Governor. Tho Hanging Committee woro very busy at work during April 23 in tho Choral Hall putting tho oxhibits in their places. The latter number rather more than last year, though the area covered is, perhaps, not quite so large. Thero aro 114 oil paintings hung, the averago standard of which is undoubtedly higher than that of the last Exhibition, They aro, of courso, noarly nil landscapes, and many varieties of New Zealand scenery nrc well represented. The artists seem to havo gone fuithor afield, and not to have worked so near to the city as formorly. The familiar outlines of the North Head aro happily this time conspicuous by their absence, at least omong tho oil pointings. Southern Lake Hcenery forms the subject of a considerable proportion of pictures : but

there is not a single view of the Hot Lakes of tho North Inland. It cannot bo com plained that the native and peculiar characteristics nf this colony are in any way

neglected ; the present collection is posi tive proof to the contrary. It is true that the Maoris themselves have no place, but that in only saying ovor again that the time for original figure painting and draw ing is not yet in New Zealand. Even thoso artists who might bo expected by their previous attainments to attempt tho moro difficult department of art, viz., the delineation of tho human figure, have de clinod tho task and appliod themselves to landscape alono. Tho Maori has yet to be worthily pourtrayed on canvas.

Tho Loan Collection promises to bo a good one. Several of thoMacKolvie collection from tho Museum, including Armitago's "Dawn of the First Easter Sunday," liavo a place. Thoso who havo not yet seen this grand pic ture should mako ueo of tho present oppor tunity of doing so, Other striking pictures are :—" Message from the King,' by Leo coni ; " Cattle," by Chiativa ; " Sheep on tho Cotswolds," by Briton Riviere, K.A., who is among tho foremost animal painters of tho day.

The following is a list of tho special prize awards of tho Society : —

Silver Medal and Prize of £2, Mr Gilmoro, for best pupil's study from Round. Bronze Medal and Prize of £1, for best Outlino Drawing from Flat, Miss Nellie Havill.

Silver Medal for special artistic excellence to Mr Samuel R. Keesing, for original de sign, Decorated Door Panel (Hawk on Hy biscus).

Bronze Medal for special artistic excel lence, to Miss Bleazard,f#r original design, Single Plaquet, hand painted. Silver M.«dal, tho gift of Mrs J. McCosh Clark, to Miss Kate Ridings, tho competitor receiving tho highest number of First Class Certificates.

Prize, Brooch and Ear-rings, gift of Mr I. Aloxander, Miss H. Stuart, for best work in the competition by female students in the ■Auckland Free School of Art

Prizo, £5, gift of Mrs Clayton, for the best Shaded Drawing from the Round, open to pupils in Auckland Public Schools, to Arthur Cooko, Grammar School.

Prize, £2, gift of Messrs A. B. Broomhall and Co., to Mr P. A. Weston, best set of six Landscape Photographs. Prise, Picture (No. 20 in tho Exhibition) painted and presented by Mr J. G. Trevi thick, to T. Blewden, Beresford Street School, for best drawing produced in the Schools.

Prize, value £110s, to Matthew Kennedy, Wellesley-street school; prize, valuo £1, to George Whitelaw, Grafton Road school, for Outline Drawings by pupils in Auck land district schools.

Prizes and certificates of first class to— Class I.—James Hutchinson, Arthur Cooke.

Class 2.—Miss Ridings, Miss C. W, Homo, Mrs Halcombo, Miss L. White (2), Miss Eames, Mr J. O. Shorland.

Class 3.—Miss Hidings (2), Miss Bloazard (2), Mr S. R. Keesing, Mrs Calder, Miss M. H. Ansley.

The Society of Arts fourth annual exhi bition was successfully inaugurated on the 25th April in the Choral Hall with a suitable address by His. Excellency the Governor. An interesting feature of the ' proceedings was the presentation of Herr Schmitt's gold medal tp Mr Thomas Wood for- the best original composition, It proved 'to be a sonata, and was played upon tho pianoforte by Mr Kalph Hood i whiloMrsJudson sang tho next best composition, a song, entitled "Sweet Evening Hour," by her brother Mr H. F. Edger, Secretary of the Orcheatral Society. According to Judge Fenton's re port, tho sonata was " a long away ahead of anything else produced. It is clearly the work of some one who has not only studied music, but stndjed with r,rdpiir, ijnd as a labourotlove. itteadmimhle-jiwiUprinccps. Here is evidence of muok study, and of con siderable natural gifts. If amateurs in Auckland write like this, what ought our professors to do '!" The song '.by Mr Edger was describod by the Judge as " a very excellent composition, written with great care, and containing only one error that I can discover. I speak of the tliird bar of the symphony interlude, where the first A in the pass should havo been B. ; ''•:''''.' I pannotspeak too highly of tnis Tho writer has clearly studied musip in theory, and has produced a vpry delightful Eong, which is equal in all its parts, and is so carpfully written jn all its harmonies that it might be sung as a quartette from MS. as it now is." The third best composition was a triumphal march by "Delta," whose identity has we have since ascertained to be Mr A. A. Whitohorne, C.E. It is spoken of as '-'BoW and radical," and as corresponding wftn ita riatii6, '''Whe Judge considers that'" it will be listened to with great satisfaction, for it is a' fine, manly composition. ans some of the undulations are Very' fceautifu}.'f Wp understand that Mrs J. M. Clark, Miss Bella M. Hastings, and M» A. Wiseman are ampng ttye unsuc cessful competitors. Their works, and par ticularly those of the two ladies, were favourably noticed by Judge Fenton. Herr Schmitt intends to present a medal annually for the same class of composi tions.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

Half-Yoarly Mooting.

The regular half-yearly meeting of the pro prietors of the Bank of New Zealand was held on April 25th, in the new meeting room, at tlie northern side of tho banking house, Queen-street; the Hon. James WIU liamson, President of the Board of Direc tors, being in the chair. About thirty other gentlemen, of tho proprietary were present. Mr D. L. Murdoch, Genoral Manager, read the following report and balance-sheet: —

The operations of the past half-year enable the directors to lay before shareholders the following result: —Tho net profit for the half-year ended 31st March, after full appropriation for all known bad and doubt ful debts, and in reduction of bank premises and furniture accounts, amounts to £79,504 10a ; to which has to be added, balance from half-year ended 30th September, ISS3, £8,900 10s 4d, giving a total availablo for division of £58,405 0s 4d; which it is proposed to appropriate as fol lows :—To payment of dividend at the rate

of 10 per cent, per annum, £50,000; bonus of 5a per share, equal to 5 per cent, per annum, £25,000; balanco carried forward to prolit and loss new account, £13,405 0s 4d: total, £88,405 0s 4d. Tho dividend and bonus will bo payable at tho hoad oflico, Auckland, to-morrow (Saturday), tho 2Gth instant, and at branches on receipt of ad vice.—For tho Board of Directors, James Williamson, President.

Aggregate Balaiico-uhcet of the Bank of Now Zealand, at 31st March, 1881, including London Oltlco at 31st January,' 1881 :—

LIABILITIES.—Dr.: Capital paid-up, 41,000.000; resei-vo fund, £fi'.'s,ooo; notes in circulation, JlJll.UJli; bills payable in circulation,£l,osl,3o9 lis7d; deposits mid other liabilities, Jll.Sfi.VM 17s lid; balance or profit and loss, £88,-105 Os Id : total, £11,030,120 Jr. lOd.

ABORTS.—Or.: Coin and cash balances at bankers, £l,O7O.li7010s; money on short call in London, £7G0,007 ; bullion on hand and in transit, £110,002 13s 3d; Uovorumont securities, £JHI,7IU 8s lid ; bills receivable and securities in London, £1,010,011 7s ad; bills discounted, and other debts duo to tho Hank, £1),057,5lI 27s lid:

landed property, bank premises, &c, £580,17(i Us Gd : total, £11,030,130 la lOd. Profit and Loss Account.—Todividendon

100.000 shares, of £10 each, at rate of 10 per cent, per annum, £50,000; bonus at tho rate of is per share, equal to 5 per cent, per annum, £25.000; balance carried to prolli and loss new account, £13,105 08 Jd: total, £88,105 0a 4d. Hy balance from half-year ended 30th September, 1883, £8,!)0010s 4d; net proilt for half yciir ended 31st Alarch, 1881, £79,50110 d: total, £88,405 0a Id. Hesebve Fund.-To balance, £G'25,000. By balance from last half-year, £025.000.

The Chairman : Gentlemen,—lt is again my pleasing duty to submit for your approval and adoption the roport and balance-sheet which have just been read. Notwithstanding tho unfavourable in fluences (to which I will horoatter refer) under which business has been carried on during the past six months, we are ablo to put before you a statement of profit which, though not proportionately as good as some which havo preceded it, will, I am sure, be considered satisfactory. We aro able to maintain our dividend and bonus, and to

carry forward the respectable balanco of £13,405 0s 4d with which to commence tho now half-year. Had wo been intent on tho mere swelling of our Profit and Loss Account, it would havo been a very easy matter to do so by raising our advance ratos : but, recognising the difficulties with which traders generally have had to contend, we have considored it better policy not to increase rates beyond what ailbrds a reasonable margin of profit, as we fully recognise that the prosperity of the bank doponds on thab of its customers, and in tho oxisting condition of business we do not consider transactions will bear heavier rates than those nuw current, With a view to lower lending rates we would gladly have aided in the reduction of de posit rates, but have been forced to main tain thorn at tho level of those current in Australia, where there lias been consider able pressure for money, and there appears at present little prospect of any oarly relaxation. The figures in the. balanco sheet present some noteworthy foatures. There i* a slight contraction ill the circulation, attributable to the genoral absence of activity in tho retail

trade of the colony. Exchange trans actions, under the heading "Bills Pay able in Circulation,' show, 'as is customary at the corresponding season of the year, a considerable increaso on the balance as exhibited in last statement. There has been an increaso of over a million in deposits and other liabilities, due, in some measure, to tho operations of the Go. vcrnment account. The immediately avail able resources of the Bank, as exhibited in

tho first five items on the credit side, con tinuoamplefor every requirement. The bills discounted and other debts duo to the Bans aliow an increase about equivalent to that in deposits, and the landed property and Bank premises have been increased by £12,000, chiefly duo to tho necessary alterations at Head Oflice, and to fitting up premises at Adelaide, where thoßank is nowin operation, and with promising prospects. As far as the business of New Zealand is concerned, we arc still contending with the result of past over-importing—our stocks, as a rule, being Yet; much too heavy, but the break long since applied is fast telling, and it may reasonably bo anticipated that importers will soon be relieved of the extra weight they have for some time been carrying. Tho prices of wool and wheat are exceptionally low, and, in addition, agriculturists have had tho further dis advantage of a partially unpropitious season, which will render the general average of farming operations throughout the colony unfavourable. As against these discouraging features, wo notice the rapid development of the export trade in frozen meat, which is becoming an important factor in the transac tions of tho colony, and we have, further, tho establishment of numerous dairy factories, which in their operations gtive fair promise of being a permanent beneht to farmers. A considerable amount of capital continues to flow to the colony, our population is rapidly increasing, and full employment is obtainj able for every class of labour, and at highly remunerative rates. Amid seme discourage ments, therefore, we are not without good ground for having full faith in the future of tho colony. Seasons which have now been persistently adverse for three years are not likely to continue so; the staple products of the colony, wool and wheat, having almost reached a price equi valent to cost of production, any change is likely to bo far the bettor ; and refrigera tion and dairy factories, it may reasonably bo hoped, will materially enhance tho in come from land, and so increase its value and the prosperity of its occu pants. Tho general outlook at pre sent suggests caution, and wo are duly exercising it, but at the same time we are extending a liberal support to every de serving industry, confident that such con tinued policy will conduoe to the best interests of both the Bank and its valued customers. With these remarks, I beg to move tho adoption of the report and balance-sheet as read. (Applause.)

NORTHERN STEAMSHIP COM PANY.

Annual meeting.

Tkk annual meeting of the shareholders of the Northern Steamship Company was hold at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce,

Insurance Buildings, on April 25. _ Mr IX B. Cruckshank occupied the cliair. Tho minutes of the last annual mcoling were read and confirmed.

Kei-obt.—The directors' report was read by tho Secretary as follows :—The operations of the past year epah,lp tlie directors to place beforo tho shareholders the following favouvablo report;— The net profit for the year ended 31st March, 1884, after full ap propriation for all known bad or doubtful debts amounts to £0,747 19s Sd, to which lias to bo added—balance from year ending March 31,1553, £1,0531959d,1e5s honorarium paid directors, £250—150319s 9d, leaving a total available for division of £7,551 19s 5d \ The following appropriation of which is now recommended •— To payment of dividend for sis months ending March 31st ISS4, at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum,'£2,S3B 12s ; amount written off for depreciation, £3,000; amount carried to Insurance Fund, £1,500 ; balance earned to Profit and Loss (New Account), £218 /s 5d : Total £7,551 13s sd. The dividend will bo payablo at the Company s ofiiee, Queon-steot, on Monday next, April 28 inst.—For the Board of Directors, D. B. Ckuicksiia>"K, Chairman.

BALANCB-siiEF.T.-Thc following is the state ment of ancountß for yo,n.r ending 31sf Mmm 1881;-ta(ibUitiOS.~Capltal paid' VP. iESb,G72; premiums on shares si)ld.'£2D»Zs9tt'; insurance fund £6 000; depreciation account, £2,000; oiit- Assets —Stock as schedule, £74,875 03 lffd; cash in hand, SIH IPsgd t outstanding accounts owing to Company, £5,17018 sod: Total, mS6I 3a Gd. PnoFiT and Loss accouxt.—Dr.—To divi dend payable, £2,833 12s : d epreeiatipn written off £3 000; insurance fund, £1,500; balance £218 78 od: Total £7,55119 sod. Cr.—By balo.nce from year ending 31st March, ISS3, £1,053 Ifts9d, less honorarium (£250), £803193 9d; net profit for the year ending 31st March, 1881, £6,747 19a 8d: Totiil, £\SSJ IBs sd. Balance to new account,tßt Apru, vm;m% :<<tM. ■ ■• : •■-

Directors.—Messrs Ball,||J. M. Clark and T. Morrin were the retiring directors. Th.o fqllowing we?e proposed tp fill the vacancies: Mr Arthur Bull (nominated by the directors), George Fraser, Thomas Melville, Ball, and J. M. Clark. A ballot resulted in eleotion of Messrs James Clark, Bull, Melville, and Ball. Auditok.—Mr Milne was appointed anditor &t a ealary of 20 guineas per annum.

MISCELLANEOUS.

MosriiEL Woollen Company declares a dividend of 10 per cent. An Enrly History Society for Otago and Southland has been formed.

A largo native college is to bo built at Giaborne, nt a cost of £1,400. Tho Marquis and Marchioness of Nonnanby and sifito aro passengers by the mail steamer Australia. Mr Georgo Hooper, brewor, Nelson, died yesterday afc the age of 78 years. He had been 42 years in the colony. Good Templarism is declining in New Zealand ; blue ribbons are cheaper than "bibs."

A servant maid at the Star Hotel, Wel lington, has horsewhipped a lodger whose attentions annoyed her. Two men have been severely scalded at tho Standard Brewery, Christen ureh, by

the bursting of a boiler tap. Mr T. C. Moot-house announces himself as a candidate for Avon, in opposition to Hon. Mr Kolleston.

The present annual value of property in Dunedin is £303,724. The actual total value of tlio same is estimated at i' 5,760,000.

Ninety|draught horses were taken on tho Bth April by tho Wakatipu from Dunedin to Sydney.

Last year 22 deserted wives and 918 children wore relieved by Christchurch Benevolent Society. Quarantine Island, Dunedin, has been ex amined by the Hon. Mr Dick with a view to its suitability for prison site. In March last thevo were 185 births in ' Auckland district, G9 deaths, and 42 mar riages. On a single treo in Northern Wairoa, 1,51)0 oranges were counted tho othor day. lion. Mr Dick says there is no probability of it Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill being introduced next session. Lust year £2,400 wereexpended on Thames Hospital, and only £ICO collected by sub scription. Major Itopata, the loyal chief of Poverty Bay, has had his salary reduced from £300 to £100 a-year. Waimea Plains Railway Company, Otago, have resolved to levy a rate of 3s 4d per £ on the district served by the railway.

Mr J. C. Mason announces that he will contest the Ashburton seat with Mr Wright at next election.

Mr T. Brydon has been elected President, and Mr Gray Russell Vice-President of Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion.

An old man named John Skidnaore lias been found dead in his house near Christ church. His face was partially eaten away by rats.

An English syndicate has purchased 40,000 acres of land for £2,000 at Taupo. Tho negotiations were conducted by cable messages, which alono cost £750. Mr J. C. Mackay, of Sydney, has chal langed Mr Robert Boswell, of Christcliurch, to a match at draughts for £50 or £100 a -6ide.

Alex. Whitehead, a Westland miner, was lately lost for 16 days in the bush. He tramped the whole time trying to get out, and was very emaciated when found. Three skeletons, one with a bullet hole in

tlio skull, have been found at Tolago Bay, and are supposed to be those of Maoris killed in Te Kooti's raid.

During last year the New Zealand Acci dent Insurance Company paid claims on

274 accidents, fatal and otherwise, tho com pensation amounting to £2,345 2s sd. The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, on April 18, passed a resolution asking Govern ment to continue Sir F. D. Bell as Agent- General of the colony.

Dr Keyworth has been appointed senior surgeon in charge of Wellington Hospital. Ho lately visitod England on account of ill-health.

Gaol officials throughout the colony havo gathered £292 16s lOd for the widow and family of Warder Adams, murdered in Nelson Gaol.

By tho steamer Ruapehu, on April 5, tho Acclimatisation Society sent a number of Paradise and Blue Mountain ducks to the London Zoological Society. Mr John Waymouth was, on April 8, declared duly elected to tho City Council for the South Ward, vice Mr W. J. Offer, resigned. Last year, 1,354 persons received chari table aid in Christehureh, £2.262 being col? looted on their behalf. Of this sum £453 was raised by a " Charity Sunday." Kate Boyle, who was lately found not guilty of child-murder on the ground of in sanity at Wellington, has been released from gaol on the Governor's order. Six stacks of grain, belonging to James Beaid, near Marton, were burned on April 23. The loss is £250, and there is no insur ance. Tho origin of the fire is unknown. Tho 20 seamen of the Tongariro, charged with insubordination, have been convicted and released, after being two days \n prison. A Dunedin shoemakor 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, In New Zealand there are two. Govern ment officials to every hundred of tho popu lation. With their wives and families, there is one-eighth of the population of the colony supported by Government money. In the Otago Lake District receently, 200 sheep were killed by keas in a single night. A bonus of 4s per beak is offered to the des troyers of the kea, and 1,574 birds were killed last year. Tho captain of the barque Glenlora died on the passage from London to Lyttelton lately. Mr Sergeant, chief officer of the Halcione, has been appointed master of the Glenlora.

The Chairman of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce condemns the large joint stock companies dealing in lands, loans, and in vestments, as "draining the life-blood of the colony."

At the Lyttelton Magistrate's Court on April 4 a Customs officer named Caverdale was fined £18 for dealing in smuggled goods—viz., 581b3. of tea, smuggled ashore from the s.s. Ruapehu Major Harris, M.H.R., addressed his constituents at Howick on the 31st March, giving an account of the past session and a statement of his views on pending legisla tion. At tho close he received a vote of thanks and confidence.

The sharpest shock of earthquake felt at Wellington for years occurred at ten minutes to seven on Friday night, April 11. It sot all the firebells ringing, and was preceded several seconds by a loud rumb ling noise with slight vibration. How Auckland is so rapidly going ahead in population is explained by a glance at the vital statistics of the colony. In March last there were 111 births in Auckland against 82 in Wellington, 59 in Dunedin, and only 53 in With the object of encouraging the seri culture industry and the cultivation of sub tropical fruits, the local Chamber of Com merce has decided to request the Govern ment to introduce a bill subsidising a com pany with a capital of not less than £10,000 for five years, at the rate of £1,000 a year. The Executive of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, lately sitting at Oamaru, chaw the attention of the Government to the fact that houses licensed for the sale of liquors wore, in some instances, used as post-offices, contrary to the provisions of the Licensing Acts and the postal rpgula-

turns. I:\cli\ci^g Hie piUKO shipped bytho steamer Te Anau,' which left for Sydney on April S, wero 400 oases of Hitehens's Blood Restorer, to be transhippod at Sydney for Mauritius. The To Anau also takes several other items of Auckland produce, including 3 tona sulphur from White Island, about 350 sacks maize, 2S cases cheese, and «houb 100 kegs butter. Extensive purchases of native land by English syndicates have been taking place recently. During the past day or too one block of 40i000 acres of fond in the Taupo country, belonging to Mr K. Graham, has heon disposed of, the price being £32,000. The negotiations were oarried on entirely by cable, and tho cablegrams alone cost upwards of £750. Mr John Hay acted as agent for the purchasers. "Still they come." A letter has been got from Ontario, Canada, inquiring, on behalf of two grand-nieces of the late Edward Costley, whether they are men tioned in tho will. The querist has asked for a reply by cable "Yes " ftr '■' No," and, however hr.rd \t may b'p to disappoint the hopes pf the dear relatives, the answer must be in tho negative.

As instancing tho wonderful increase that has taken place in the value of land about Auckland during the past few years, we may cite the following fact ;-~Fivo years ago 100 acres of land adjoining Sylvia Park was disposed of for £5 per acre. A wef»k ago the same piece of land was again in the market, and it found a purchaser at £40 i per acre—just £800 per cent on its value half a decade ago. An'Anti-Smokjng Society, is the latest de velopment in A'ucluani'fprthe fashionable rage of forming organisations for the en couragement pf habits pf temperance, thrift, and self-control, The new society is called the young Men's Antl-Smoking Association, and the declaration wade by members is as follows:—" Believing tho practice of smoking to be injurious to sound health, also a useless habit, and usually pro ductive of artificial thirst, I hereby agree to abstain from the same, and In yitn'^sa thereof eubsriba mvnam^afld^fesS''' '

At an extraordinary general meeting of tho shareholders of tho Rotorua Railway Company, held on April 24, the following resolution was carried :—" That the capita: of the Company be reduced from £400,000, divided into 400,000 shares of one pound each, to £300,000, divided into 300,000 shares of one pound each, by cancelling; 100,000 .shares of one pound each, which are unallotted." The Chairman remarked that the Premier would meet the Minister for Public Works in Auckland shortly, and he had no doubt that tho directors would take the opportunity of meeting them, with a view to arranging for the second section of the line, which would be pushed on energetically. The Hon. Mr Bryce has received from Messrs Chambers and Hall, publishers of Rusden's "History of New Zealand," a letter of apology, and stating that all copies of book will be withdrawn from circulation until the matter complained of is expunged, or tho libel case goes in favour of Mr Rusden. It was not Mr Bryce'B intention to proceed against the publishers unless his agents Messrs Pains and Company, London, thought it necessary for their client's interest. Mr Bryce has also been advised that the writ has been sorvcd on Mr Rus den, at Cannes, in Franco. Tho amount of damages is not known, as the sum to be fixed is loft in the hands of Messrs Pains and Co. No date is stated for tho return of the writ, but it is under stood that if necessary Mr Bryco will go Home.

Mr. Mitchelson has kept tho promises ho made to tho Auckland representative bodies in January, and has pushed on tho prepara tion of the plans for tho new station build ings at Auckland with so much expedition that ho has brought them back with him all comploto for tondering. Thoy comprise commodious buildings, erected generally upon tho design prepared by Mr O'Connor when in Auckland, tho buildings beingplaced on either side of the lines of rails, with en trance into a side street. They will be con venient for traffic, and will effect a wonder full improvement upon the unsightly recla mation which has so long disfigured the entrance to the city. The estimated cost is about £25,000. Mr Mitcheleon is, we believe, prepared to call for tenders at once. The passenger station building will be a very handsome erection, two stories high, a neat tower surmounting the central en trance from the new street running parallel to Custom House-street. The length of the building will be about 240 feet, and on either side will run plat forms, one 1000 feet and tho other 900 feet in length. The only alteration in the building as previously designed is that the Queen-street entrance will be through a handsome archway. Along the Queen street end of the station thero will run a handsome concrete wall with iron entrance gates for passengers and car riages. The plans were inspected by the President, Vice-President, and other mem bers of the Chamber of Commerce on April 22, and were approved of by them.

VOLUNTEERING..

Mr Sheehan has presented £30 to the Thames Volunteers for shooting prizeß. It will be equally divided between rifles and carbines

A band contest, in which the Dunedin Garrison, OamaruGarrison, DunedinNavals, North Dunedin Rifles, and Queenstown Bands contested, was won by the Oamaru band, Dunedin Navals being second, and Dunedin Garrison third.

The rifle match between the City Guards and tho Japanese resulted in favour of tho City Guards by 329 points, the former scoring 1,071, and tho latter 742. Colour- Sergeant Hay, who headed the local scores with S3, was presented by tho opposing team with two handsome vases. It is the intention of the Guards to return the com-

pliment with a present to Seaman Kawa kawa, whose score was 08.

Before the Tsukuba left port on April 17, Captain Isaacs, of tho City Guards, presented Seaman C. Kainakami, the

highest scorer at the recent shooting com petition at Mount Eden Range, with a handsome silver watch ; and Captain Le Roy, on behalf of the Naval Brigade, presented the officers of the ship with photographic shields of the crews which took part in the recent rowing race, Tsukuba v. Naval Brigade. Copies of the shield are to bo given to each of the men who took part in the race, and therefore the Tsukuba's crew will be forwarded to Honolulu.

On the 17th April, Gunner Lee, of the A Battery of Artillery, was buried with military honours from the District Hospital, where he died of typhoid fever. The coffin was carried on a gun-carriage, covered by the Union Jack, and drawn by the Artillery, assisted by some of the Nasals. Captain Payne \ya3 in command, and Lieutenants Norrie and Qeddes, of the

"A" Battery, Captain Pignap, of the Kobson Company, and Sub-Lieutenant Solfe, of the Victoria Company,were among those present. The Garrison Band played the " Dead March in Saul" on the road to the Cemetery, and the Rev. C. M. Nelson, of St, Paul's, officiated at the grave.

SPORTING.

To Correspondents.

X.Y.Z. (Newmarkot).—The handicap for the New Zealand Cup is due on the Ist of Juno. Subscriber (Parnell).—Mr Percival informs us that the jockey of Mitrailleuse was weighed in to the satisfaction of the Clerk of the Scales. R.G.-NO 5.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

Our Waikato friends will hold high carnival next week, for Wednesday and Thursday are the days set down for tho decision of the Cambridge Jookey Club Autumn Meet ing. The entries for the various events a/c unusually large, and among those who figure in the lists are a number of the Wan ganui and Taranaki horses that took part in our Autumn gathering. The following are tb,e names of those in the two principal events on the first day, acceptances for which are not due until Monday :—

Cambridge Cup.—Administrator, Bst 101b; Consul, Sst lib; Normanby, Sat; Radames, 7st 101b; Wltiora, 7st 101b; Rewi, Vst 81b; Fish woman, 7st 81b; Woodpecker, 7st 81b; Maori, 7st 61b; Libeller. 7st Jib; Kalo. 7st; Larry, 7st; Smike, 6st 81b; Gildoroy, 6st 71b; Victoria, Get; Victory, 6st.

H'JBDLES.—Woodpecker, list 51b; BUly.go by-'em. list; Chandler, lOat 101b: Quilp, Bst 101b; Whalebone. Bst 101b; Fair Ka'y, 88t 101b; Native, Bat 101b.

The Takapuna J,ockey Club kave issued the programme for their Winter Meeting, which is set down for Saturday, 24th May, and a most liberal and well-arranged one it is. There ar,e seven events, viz!. Winter Oats Handicap of 35 sovsj 1 mile; Handicap Steeplechase of 55 soys, about 3 miles; local Hack Race of 15. soys, 1 mile ; Birth day Cup of 100 soys, 1.2 mile; Selling Hurdle Race of 40 soys, lj mile; Elat Sell ing Race of 30 soys, ljs igile; aod Selling Steeplechase of 4Q cflvs, about 3 miles. Nominations for the Winter Oats Handicap, Birthday Clip, and Handicap Steeplechase, close on the 2nd' of Mayi aijd the weights will be published o» the 9th, Chaafe taws over Mr J, Marshall's recently purcliasod yearlings this week for tho pur pose of educating them. They comprise a colt by Musket—Perfume, colt by Muskot —Rosalie, and colt by Musket—Lock^s (full brother to Necklace). These $ro indeed a nice trio, and with tbs oaveful treatment they are sure to. reeelve at the hands ef Chaafc, it will be strange indeed if they are not in the van in the two-yo&r-ojct contests next season.

After a spell oi ftbpufc ofehteeu months, Mr P. Butler's old slave Tho Ajrent is once more to the fore, for at the South, Canter bury Jockey Club. Meeting on Thursday last he succeeded in getting home in front in the Steeplechase with the good impost of 12st, Eleven started, and the race is de scribed as a grand one. Barbary led all the way to the third jump from home, when he fell, and The Agent then went up and suc ceeded in beating Black Doctor by a neck. Tasman again did good service a.t the.meet ing for Mr D. O'Brien, by winning the big handicap, and wit!} Cat 21b beat Sou-wester (7st 121b), L,ady Emma (Sst 121b), aad five others, including Ike and Nonaense. ihe time for the 1| mije WAsSmin. I2sec

From the Sydney papers to hand this week I gather that there seems to be but one opinion about the A.J.O. St. Leger, and that is Martini-Henry was fairly de feated. In " Nemo's " account of the meeting, he writes as follows :—" The ox oitement of the day reached its height when Martini-Henry and Le Grand stepped on to the course to do battle for the St. Leger. Both looked fit enough to run for a king* dom, and their trainers had evidently spared, no effort to bring them tq the post fit to, play a part in such a, oontest. M<jrtini-HeUry did his preliminary canter quietly, and. appeared to realise that Hur ley was his master, for he did not evince the slightest temper. Le Grand, who had O'Brien In the saddle, moved very tenderly hi his canter, but, as usual, warmed up when extended, Martini-Henry forced the running at a great pace to the. home turn, where he apparently h^d h,in opponent At hia top, and in aomo frftubhj.; bat wh,o« fairly in the straight O'-Bpen eaot bin? up to the faypur^te)'and after a brief struggle he cut binidpwn.^ml, amtdst a groat roar from the pktwd) the Queea^landor drew away, and

beat him by a length and a-half. As he swept past tho post and when ho returned to scalo the cheering was deafening, and hor6e f owner, trainer, and rider were applauded to the eclio. The victory was decidedly popu lar, and as both colts were thoroughly fit, and their riders did them every justice, there cannot be any excuse for the favourite," and it must simply be admitted that in Lo Grand ho met v better colt, and his

master. Trenton has passed into Mr D. O'Brien's hands, ho having purchased him privately from Mr Stead after his auction sale for 850 guineas. One of the local papers says that he "won the Champagne Stakes like a high-class racehorse, and such we believe him to be. His victory was exceedingly well received, and no doubt those who raised their voices remembered the consistent run of bad luck that has so long attended Mr Stead in his racing ventures." ■ Trenton's time for the six furlongs was 1.20. Several wagers have already been booked on next season's Derby and Now Zealand Cup (says a Christchurch writer). Trenton and Liverpool have received most support for the former event at 100 to 20, while July has been backed at 100 to 7 for tho Cup, The two Liverpool were pencilled during the week in ono wager at 500 to 10 for tho Derby and Cup. Favo's victory in tho Sydney Gold Cup was not only a great surprise to tho public^ but his party also, and the result affords another illustration of the "glorious uncer tainty of tlie turf." It scums a few days before tho late Hawkesbury Meeting ho carried Cst, and Sardonyx something liko 9st 21b, and tho pair ran a tot trial, when Sardonyx ran rings roui'd him, bo that his owner decided to scratch him for tlio Hawkosbury Handicap. Ho not only withdraw him from that raccj but sold him soon afterwards to Mr W. At Long, of Grand Flaneur famo, for something like £200, and tho seller laid the pur chaser 100 to 3 against him for tho Sydney Cup. Favo left the paddock at 100's to 5» and the slow time recorded for the racf) viz., 3min. 36sec. is accounted forbythQ heavy state of tho course. In " Robin Hood's " sweep on the C.J.C. r Autumn Meeting, the whole number t i subscribers, 5,0(8), were obtained. Vai - ■ guard the first horse in the Great Autumn Handicap, went to a threshing-machine . hand at Greendale, who received £675 net cash ; Hippodamia to a railway guard i i Timaru, who received £270; and Lacy . Emma to a coach-builder at Leeston, who received £90. In tho Easter Handicap, first and second horses, worth £150 and £90, went to a saddler in Colombo-street, Christchurch, and the third to a publican in Chriatchurch. "Robin Hood "has now a consultation open on the Dunedin Birth day Handicap and Grand National Steoplo chase, 2,000 shares at 103 each.

In the race for the Hawkesbury Autumn Handicap, Archie got badly away, and re fused to race, and Stockdale, coming into collision with Sardonyx, nearly brought tl'Q latter down when passing the stand. Whf n about half the journey nad been travelled Respite fell on his knees, and Soldier Boy and one or two others nearly camo to griif over. him. When clinging to the horse's neck, Williamson was knocked offby Soldier Boy, but although several horses galloped over him, ho waa not hurt. ; , •

CONDENSED ITEMS.

The Adelaide Cup acceptances were duo on Tuesday last. £1,100 passed through the totalisator at the Papakura races. Mischief broke down while running in the Great Autumn Handicap. • The time for the A.J.C. St. Leger was the fastest yet run at Kandwick.

A Southern purchaser has offered tho tempting price of £800 for Krupp. Bargo won the Claret Stakes at tho Hawkesbury Autumn Meeting. Martini-Henry's sister Woodnymph has been turned out at Sylvia Park.

Libeller, Musketeer, and Tetford woiQ taken to the Thames yesterday, Mrßobbe't having decided to winter them there. :

£12,886 went through the totalisator at the C. J.C, Autumn Meeting, being nearly £2,0*0 in excess of last year. Sir Thomas Elder's colt Guesswork waa recently cast in his box, and is said to bo a good deal hurt.

W. Edwards to*k Leonora and the two year old filly that he purchased at the Stud Company sale to Napier yesterday. Mr Kent, the Queensland breeder, has named the filly by Epigram—Legend (full sister to Lo Grand)" Lady Bell." Colonel Fraser bought in Sham after the Selling P v aoo at Papakura on Wednesday! He has put him into French's hands.

Messrs Houghton and Sheenan's steeple chaser Hercules is reported to have changed hands at something Uke 300 guineas. Off Colour's withdrawal from his A.J.C;-ij engagements was on account of his having split his hoof while galloping with Littlo Sister.

For the future, the Christchurch Middle Park Stud Company intend holding their annual sales after the C.J.C. Spring Meeting. LeGrand started a. ho* favourite for the Sydney Cup at &to 2, but Morpeth and Martini-Henry's accident interfered with him.

The Fielding Handicap, run on Easter Monday, was won by Ahua, Armourer being second, and Hinemoa third. Six others started.

The Canterbury Jockey Club, netted-be! tween. i? 00 and £800 over theif recent Autumn Meeting, which now [places tho Club out of debt.

Buckingham recently pulled up lame.and £j it is probable the match between him and : t\ lolanthe did uot take place on Saturday | last owing to this cause. Previous to tho race for the Great Autumn Handicap, Ike became greatly I excited in the paddock, and at the Btarting § post tried to dislodge Wattie. , • I Power rode Martini-Henry in tho Sydney - Cup, and Hales had the mount on Morpeth. I I The former had his collar-bone broken, but L Hales escaped with a severe shaking. ' " i Vanguard was: bought in at the Christ- ' church sale by Mr E. Ray, and ?ione of 1 Mason and Vallance's team were disposed 1 of. Mr Stead's colt Ike was not offered. * 1 Mr W. Profit has put the Musket—Dun- i dee's Katie filly that ho purchased at tie 1 Stud Company'» sale last week into R. ! Thorpe's han,ds, She, has been christened' - Welcome j^atie. ■ ■ ;

A number of Mr DeMestre's two.year-" ' 5 olds were sold in Sydney the other week, "i The highest price obtained was for Sirocco who fell to the nod of Mr Maitland for 235 " guineas.. Two oi the classic events of the English ' tuvf -will be decided next week, viz., tho • Two Thousand and One Thousand Guineas. The former is run on Wednesday, and the : ■ 1 latter on Friday. ; The loading Australian bookmakers re-" •'. fused to. bet at the Hawkeabury Autumn ?■■ Meeting, and the owner of-Empress waa ; L compelled to pick up his wagers £50 at a- .' time from the small ring men. Tho Melbourne ring got off with a clean :. book over tho Sydney Cup, and Pavo's . victory, it is stated, will go a great way to wards making up their losses over the" '■'', V.R.C. Autumn Meeting. ■*'.- Vanguard's time for the roile-and-a-ha'lf;; in the Great Autumn Handicap was incbr- : , rectly talegvsphed. It should have been ' 2.40J, w.hrch ia 2soc. slower than the 1 fastest thne yeb reoorded for the race, ! Ivimy, at one time in Mason and Val- ' laneo'sewploy, and who wontheNewmatkefc Handicap on Malua, has purchased, as a' ■''■ result of that 75$ hoc. ride, a neat little . villa residence at Kensington, Melbourne. I Mr J, Thompson ("The Leviathan") cables to a Melbourne friend that he was betting at the Lincolnshire, Liverpool: 1 Grand National, and Kempton Park Meet ings, and lost about £1,000 at the three * gatherings. The Supreme Court of Sydney hasrevetsed 'M the decision given by tho police ConfT^ Magistrates in the eases taken by Davis, ; the bookmaker, against the Australian : Jockey Club, and considers the Magistrates, ruling was. wrong. , An, English trainer and horseman named I Wood arrived from the South during the $ week, and is open for engagement. He has boen jn two of the best training establish ments in England, and until recently was * in the employ of Mr D. O'Brien. :? Voluptuary, the winner of the Liverpool ' Grand National Steeplechase, was at one time the property of Lord Rosebery, arid 1 ran several fast races on the flat as a two year-old. Since then he has been gelded and schooled over fences. ■ "

In the " Tasmanian Mail": there is an ae~ " count of a trotting match for £5 a-sido I from Hobart to Green Ponds and back, th» I distance feoing 60 miles. Money must bo ; sea.roe in Hobart, or else horsofleah and time f areoSKttle consequence. The week before the A.J.C. Meeting, i V Martini-Henry, was most erratic in hia • gallops, One morning ho swerved right I across the course three times, and although Hales got him going again each timo, Be i wont as unkindly as ever s horse could go, : and -wound up by rubbing Hales up against >>? a post. in the course of his speech at Hawera, the i*remier, In reply to a question re the I § totaliiiator, said that he disapproved of any . public recognition of gambling. -■; Tlj^V v matter bod not yet been considered by ■the' Cabinet, but inquiries would bo matte, and if the Government found that thetotoJisator was the evil it was represeßSsd' to boJ Parliament must deal with the matter. I

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, ' APRIL 26, 1884

5



Companies. 8 M 8$2 BANKS- : £ \ New Zealand ..' 100,000 j l.nn'VXVi National .. .J 200.000 350,000 Colonial .. ..i 100,000 i -100,000 INSURANCE— I New Zealand ..! 100.000 i 200.000 National .. ..! 200.000 | 100.000 South British ..i 100.000 i WkOM Standard .. .. 100,000 i 75,000 Union 100,0(10 ! 100,000 • Colonial .. .. 100,000 ; 00,000 Acuidunt .. .. 100,000. 2,000 Loan— I i N.Z.L.&Mereantile liO.OOO i 311,!;I5 National Mortgage. 100,000 1 75,000 Auckland Gas - 15.000 02,015 Thames lias.. ..| 10,000 18,91)5 L'n'im'iS. anill). ..' 10.000 i 130.000! Aiiekliiiid Timber;; 1 'Jl.000 I WUWO ' New Zealand ..! Ki,"00 [ -".000 ! JhMv.'ry li'.v Timber JOfl.Om ( ;17,!H» IfrlensVilli- Timber! l,0;0 I 7,829 | Union Steam Ship..' SO.000 : 800,000 X.Z .sliippintf ' S5,«fiO 125.0110 |),':voii|'i>rt I-Vrry .. ki.iimii ' lO.mW CoroiniindelSteiini.; l/>00 X0II1 I Northern Steam ..[ 150,000 j r.0,000 I ■ Bay of Islands Coal 4.000 30,000 1 Taiipii'i .. .. 1LMUI0 7.S00 ! MlSCKLLAUKOlS— New Zealiiiul DniR. 100,000! 77,059! Aivh Kill lirick ami ; ,i Tile .. .. G.000 <,0S*| Auckland Fibre : ! M.0Q0 18,1-15 Northern Boot and, ".'^ [;^ ; N Z 'l.iind Mni-l-.rage.i -0i),ft>0 lOD.nilO !

I j Amount Share. | & 10 10 5 10 10 20 10 20 10 1 23 10 h I i 10 10 1 1 1 in i i i i

£ a. A. 10 0 0 3 10 0 2 0 0

2 0 0 II 10 0 2 0 0 0 15 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 0 2 0

2 10 0 10 0

5 0 0 1 IS 0

Paid-up per Share.

Last Div'dj X per Annum.

fi 15 8

15 20 10 io 5 111

15 10

1" s

Lntest Ann'l. Int. Market | at Quotations. jC'ut. Kate. J

& s. (1. 22 15 0 c.d. 3 S 0

3 15 fi ! 13 0 | 2 l(i 0 c.d.; 0 12 0 ! 14li! 0 8 8 I 0 7 0 5 12 8 1 S 0

9 15 0 ] 17 0

e, OJ-10

8 $ 7 1-10 US s"n-io ii} 7 2-10

10 v

100/ & 00/ 10 0 5 0 0 0 15 0 5 0 0

10 0 0 f> 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 10 0

la 15 10 10

!) 10 II) 10

7 10 0 3 2 I! I 5 5 0 1 0 12 (i par 13 0 0 1 '1 0 (I IS (I Oil 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 1 3 (i 1 0 0 0 10 0 (111 (i

S ]•' i:s 10 7-10 30 (1-10 11 1-10 ■20 Hi IS 8-10 s SI-

10 0 0 0 13 0

'ii\

10/ & 20/

10

1 0 0 1 0 0

0 12 fi l-i 10 0

10