SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„ „„ .... - «r_ /This Evening. 0.20 II GH ._._!. { To _ morrow Morning, 9.1S _~]NB. T.-Thls Evening. 4.57 . _■' "IIISK.—To morrow Morning, 6.51 110 N'S AGE—Last Quarter, 18th, 133 p._t,

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Waitaki, s p., Crawford, from Whangarei

TO-DAY.

Columbia, schooner. Conway, for Russell Glide, schooner. Gillillan, from Navoni Ringarooma, s.s.. Tozcr, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

LAST kvknino. Macgregor, s.s., Johnson, for Whangarei

IMPORTS.

Per Glide—-.500 bags sugar. Per barque Presto-3,9C7 sack's oats, 351 Backs barley, 500 sacks wheat, 310 sacks flour, 10 sacks pollard.

EXPORTS.

Per Three Cheers, for Noumen-20 cases pre served meots, 20 kegs salt beef, and |to be shipped at MercurvßaylOO.OOOfcetsawndressed timber, 40,000 feet sawn rough timber.

Per Loch Bredan, lor London —12 cases pearl shell; 100 tons manganese. 211 tons cobra, 100 bags grass seed, IMS bales wool. 101 casks tallow, 12 caskß fat, 81 balca leather. It bales and 1 bags cotton. 13.37 D bones, 1..070 horns. IXI ingots spelter, 237 bales (lax, 3,lo3casesgum, 23 pockets wool. ' ■

Vessels Expected.

LONDON.—Doric, s.s., sailed May 1; Deva, barque. N.S.T.D., January 21; Crusader, barque, H.C.L.8., February 7: Glance, barque, L.C.G.K., March 3; Lalrn. barque. April 7; Glenrosn, ship. W.T.M.K.. March 18; Wanganui, ship, May 2; Otaki, ship, loud ing. , New York.—Claribel, barque. W.M.S.K.(vIa Wellingonl, January 21; Irene (via Dunedlnj, March 31; Nettle (via Wellington), loading. Java.—Manliegan. barque, sailed March 31 ; Maroon, barque, and Thames, barque, to follow. China.—Androklas, barque, early. Ba_ Francisco. — Senator, barque, sailed April. Australia. — Clansman, brigantine, from Rockhampton; Look Out. brigantine, and Adelaide, schooner, from Sydney. Southern Ports.—Presto, barque, and Stan ley, brigantine, from Oamaru; _olando, sch„ from Timaru

South Sea Islands.—Louie, schooner, from Long Island; Ada C. Owen, brigantine, from Rarotonga.

Tho schooner Three Cheers ID. Bulke) cleared atthe Customs to-day for Noumea via Mercury Bay. She loads timber at the last named port.

Tho s.B. Ringarooma arrived from Russell early this morning with 183 sacks gum, 12 packages ironwork, and 3 kitsflsh. Passengers :— Airs Armstrong and child, Mrs Cook, Mrs Poole.

Tho schooner Fanny Thornton olearod at the Customs to-day for Hokiunga .with a full general cargo.

The barque Loch Bredan is now ready to pro cood to sea. She cleared at the Customs hue this afternoon.

The barque Presto, the arrival of which vessel wo announced last evening, left Oamaru on the 3rd inßtant, and experienced favourable weather during tho passage up.

Tho schooner Glido left Navoni on April 30 with a cargo of sugar from Messrs Sharpo, Fletchor, and CO., and consigned to Messrs Tonka and Co. Sho 'had fine weather with south-east winds up till arrival here this after noon.

The s.s. Waitaki arrived from Whangarei last evening, with 85 tons coal, 3,000 feet timber, 30 sacks oysters, 1 ton sundries, and the following passengers:—Mi_s_B Richmond, Morey, Messrs Vickerman. Lawford (2), Shrcarey, C. Goodrich, Walker. Diddanis. D. McLean. 11. C. Holman. J. H. Scott, Fedarb. France, Stoney, Master Collings, and one in the steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Thamf.3, this day.—Anived: Awnrua, from Oamam, with produce. Whanoareu this day.—Arrived: Macgregor, from Auckland, 7 a.m. Waitara, this day.—Arrived: Lalla Rookh. from Onehunga, 0.30 a.m. New Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Hawea, from Manukau, 6 a.m.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

mails wi-c clobb a8 .under i— This Day. For Whangarei Heads, Kamo, Whangarei, and Mangapal, per Waitaki. at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Annie Milbank at 5.30 p.m. Thursday, 15th inst For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Craigieburn, Wark worth. etc, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. Per Ringarooma as follows :— For Gisborne, Napier, Southern Ports Aus tralian Colonies and United Kingdom (via Suez and Brindisi, ocr Orient steamer), for letters, etc., specially- so prepaid and ad dressed, at 11 a.m. For London, from Lyttelton. via Rio do Janleroand Plymouth, (per British King) at II a.m. Mono, orders, registered letters and news papess, at 10 a.m. Late letters till 11.20 a.m. For Waitara and Southern Ports, per Douglas, at I p.m. For Hokianga. etc.. per Areyle, nt 1 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 3.30 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohlnemutu, and opotikl, per Glcne! .at 4 p.m. For Tr> t.huna. Port Fitzroy and Whangapara para. per Rowena, at 4 p.m. For Mangawai and Kaiwaka. per Ruby, at 5 p.m. Friday. 16th Inst For Walbeko, Cowcs. and Coromandel, por Coromandel. at 1.30 p.m. For Wangarel Heads, Pariia. Waipu. Wangarei, Kamo, Tartglhua, and Mangapal, per Mac gregor, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 27th inst. Per Zealandia, as follows :— For Sahawien Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia,1 Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of tax pence in addition to tlib postage, will be reoeived by the Mail Agent on board the steamer op to the time of sailing. This mail will be due in London on Sat urday, July 5, 1881.

N.B.—The s.s. British King will leave Lyttcl ton for London (via Rio do Janeiro and Ply mouth) on 22nd inst. Expected passage, 4 days

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster Chief Poßt-offloe. Auckland.

St. Jacob's Oil Invincible

(To the Editor of Evening Stab.) . ' ! p.^arSlr,—l wish to add my testimony to the eSleaey of tlie.greatGormanremedy,St. Jacob's Oil. Your columns have Contained, from time i o time, expressions of gratitude from persons of known respectability, and having satisfied my self of the genuineness of tbe cures effected, I ot.tained a bottle, scarcely hoping it would suc ceed in relieving me. For tha past seven mouths I havo'suffered severely from a pain ful attack of _6iatioa, which. In spite of the u-.'ist able treatment on the part of ray medi cal ndvisor, continued to hold Its own in my svstom. My sleep at last began to be affected, itin. my whole system very much reduced. Tho inbstcnreful treatment faded to give me relief, and •1' than applied nearly every advertised remedy. - The s-latlca was principally located in my left thigh, and the pain at times Was most exa-uclating. In spite of the most thorough applications, and the 'great est care and attention- on my part, ■ ob tained nO appreciable relief, and at last, a_ . [nrlorn hope, I determined to apply St. Jacobs Oil. and lin-m that time the pain began to diminish. My sleep soon returned, and each application afforded me relief. At first I re garded the cessation from pain as only a temporary one, Scarcely daring to hope that, the cure was complete; but I have gratefully to acknowledge that I am now free from pain—in fact, a man again. I must confess t'nat I tried the Oil In abso lute despair. I had had no Bleep for three or four nights Drovlously. and my system was very low. The slices. 8. however, is complete, and I nuain tenilor my grateful acknowledgments to tho !,!•>•> .otortiiftheOil, und shall ever continue to rpcuiiiiii-'id it i" every sufferer who cornea vil.iiin range of-my influence. What medical _k!ll failed to do St Jacob's Oil effected, and I regard it as lao greatest boon of the age. I am, dear Sir, Yours taith-nlly. John Lbs. Ashbourne, Mudgee, November 12,1883.

t THE PAIN ENTIRELY LEFT.

"Clarence Cottage, • " Thomas-street, Balmaln, "21st August, 1881 "PubllshOl- EVKNINO STAB.

" Dear Slrs.-About a fortnight ago I had » severe attack of rhuematism In my back, whteh . avo me no end of pain and trouble. I used St. Jacob's Oil, and in one or two applications the pain entirely left. Since then I have had occa sion to uso the Oil on a badly-sprained wrist, and its effect was simply magical. My wife lias used it for neuralgia in (he head, with t-.qually satisfactory results, I consider St Jacob's Oil a valuable preparation, and shall not only use it In my own house, but shall recom mend my friends to do so. "Youre truly, "W. P. Booth,' * _ IT CONQUERS PAINT. IT CONQUERS PAIN. XT CONQUERS PAIN.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

May 11, ISBI. Abbott's Opera House — " Tho Lights o' Lomdon," 7.15 n.m. Special Meeting of City Schools Committee, 7.30 p.m. Masonic Hall, Prinees-Btreet—Professor Ber nard's Adult Dancing Class, 7.30 p.m. Congregational Homo Mission Meeting— Beresford-strcct Church. 7.30 p.m. Alexandra-street School-room. A.O.S.— Monthly Meeting; of Sanctuary City of Auck land, 8 p.m. Parnell Hall—Popular Quadrille Assembly, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

SCOTT.—At Parnell. on May 13th. the wife of

J. R. Scott of a son. STANTON.-On May 13. at her residence, Lin coln street. Ponsonby, Mrs Alfred titanion _f a son.

Marriage.

C'HATFIKLD-HARDINGE.-On April 10, at St. Matthew's Church, by tho Hcv. VV. Tebbs, Frederick Thomas, third son of the late Robert Chatfleld. Esq., of Greatham House, Sussex, England, to Norah Alicia, third daughter of Captain Frederick llardinge. LU3HINGTON—STYAK.-On the Cth May, at St. Jumus's Church, Thames, by the Rev. J. .laeky, M.A., Charles Hugh Lushin^ton. only son of the late C. H. Lushington, X.1.C.5., of Itodnemshani, Kent, to Sarah Jane, daughter of the late J. Styuk, J.P., of Green Mount, East Tamaki.

Deaths.

NAUGHTON.-Constable Michael Naughton deeply regretted. Funeral will leave Mr James Storey's resi dence. Grey-street, at half-post three on Friday. Friends please accept this invitation. ROBINSON.-At tho Provincial Hospital. May 12th, Gilbert Robinson; aged 30. Dublin papers pleaso copy. The funeral will leave tho Hospital at 3 p.m. May 15th. Friends me respectfully requestd to attend.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1884.

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

Colonists, as a class, have an unfailing belief in their ability to match their wit against the shrewdness of any new chum, and pull oil the stakes. But beneath this assumed hard-headness thcru is a soft spot which is very easily reached, and though wo aro hit very hard times innumerable our defences against artful assault remain weak as over. The blandishments of a titled visitor never fail in stirring up a dcop well of latent snobbery, mingled with " a lively sense of possible favours to come ;" but a representative capitalist—a man who pro mises monied settlers, fanners for our lands, and pigeons forouragents—is the idol before whom wo fall down and offer our dovo tions. Perhaps no member of this class was more lionised, or drow so unsparingly upon our weaknesses and credulity, as Mr Samuel Grant, who visited , Now Zealand with his friend, Mr Foster, as the supposed representative and delegate of Lincolnshire .armors. Free passes unlimited we'-e placed at his disposal, special steamer, chartered, our great men sought his opinion with deference, and tho champagne flowed in tho banquetting halls. Finally, the Government disposed ot a magnificent estate at Te Aroha, the pick of tho Govern ment lands in the North, ut very much less than its value, tho consideration being a prospective influx of agriculturists of the primest quality from England. Wo bade farewell to tlio honoured visitors, proud that their favourable smiles should have lighted upon us, and, poor hood-winked, plucked pigeons though wo might bo, wore happy. Time passed, but the Lincolnshire farmers came not. Sections of land woro certainly sold on tho block, but these woro chiolly disposed of to casual settlers on tho look-out . for land. It appeared that tho mighty Grant and Foster, towards whom our simple hearts had "gone out," as Oscar Wildo or Bunthorne might say, had not enough influence in all England to settle tho block, even when spurred thereto by the pros pect of a swinging profit, Tho Lincoln shire farmers verified the reports we had heard of their intelligence by flatly declining to give tho chosen messengers who had gone to spy out the land for them cent, por cent, on their acquisitions. Inpointoffact.choapasthclaiid was—£.3,92o for 17,600 acres-tho delegates were stuck with it, and could not see how the thing was to bo financed, Tho condi tions of purchase required that 45 houses should be erected on this land and 225 settlers located. If tho block had sold, of course the settlement and erection of houses would havo entailed no cost to tho speculator* ; but not selling, it becamo necessary to erect houses and introduce people in order to prevent forfoiture of the deposits and other interests. In short, Grant and Foster, with all their cleverness, and an undoubted bargain to boot, were in a mess, and probably wished themselves well out of it. Tho wtolo story of thoir subsequent dealings with the land is told in a report of Mr Grant's bankruptcy meeting pub lished on our fourth page to-day.

It is disclosed that when in extremis with Te Aroha and othei blocks which Mr Grant had speculated in on very slender resources, he found aid, not in Lincolnshire farmers or British capitalists, but in Mr Miles, whom he had met in New Zealand, and who offered to finance the thing for him in this colony. What was said by some Eeople who had had their eyo on the block eforeMrGrantcamaiipon tho scene,became literally true; there ware Now Zealanders ready to give more money for tho land than the Government accepted from this guile less stranger. Mr Miles knew that Messrs Grant and Foster had obtained a concession from the Government which no Now Zen lander had a chance of obtaining, and he offered to stand in. Mr Foster, a quiet, comfortable, non-speculative farmer, jumped at this chance, and transferred his interest upon being indemnified against any losses and guaranteed 23 per cent, of the profits. Mr Miles advanced, from time to time, £29,000 to comply with the terms of purchase, and they sold 8,000 acres of land for £23,500. The balance of eight or nine thousand acres was valued at £40,000, eleven thousand pounds more than tho delegates gave for the entire block. In other words, the land which the Govern ment sold for £29,920 is set down among Mr Grant's assets as being worth £03,000.

The land has gone, but tbe Lin colnshire farmers for whom it was in tended are still in Lincolnshire, while one-half of the profits on tho New Zealand speculation aro being appropriated to pay Mr Grant's debts in England. The houses erected to fulfil the letter of the conditions are unoccupied, and a report was current a few months ago that thoy were to be removed to To Aroha. This experience of special settlements and their promoters, though not withoutits grimly humorous side, should modify tho mania which colonists have of surrendering their good things at discretion to any man from abroad who poses as a dplegflte representing something or somebody. If wo want specui-settlefnents and are willing to sot lands apart for the purpose, there are speculators enough in the colony to take the schemes in hand and givo substantial guarantees that tho -Condi tions will be fulfilled.

Tenders are called for the construction of the new passonger railway station at Auckland, receivable up till Wednesday, lGth July next. We understand that plana, &c, will bo ready by next week, and in tending tenderers can inspect these at the Public Works Office here and at tho other chief towns of the colony.

A patient at the Lunatic Asylum named Michael Naughton died at an early hour this morning. He: was formerly a member of tho police force, and up to a few months ago was in charge of Helensville district. The deceased was highly respected, and had the reputation of° being a capable and intelligent officer Some five months ago he began to display evidences of mental aberration, and was admitted to the Asylum. Since then lie gradually sank, till at last death ended his sufferings. Ho leaves a widow and several children, who reside in Auckland.

The " Herald" is in error in stating that last year the City Council spent mora money on the Lock Hospital .than on street forma tion, liefeeiing to the recently published ,accooi*,tSj Wi9 _nd that, white the total cost .of the Lock Hospital was £312 7s lOd, -£11,541 was paid to contractors alone, and in addition to tha£ amount tbe following sums w.ore expended in connection with street formation and im provement :—J)ay lafcotjr, £~725 15s 44 carting. £2,156 7s 4d; asphalt, £1;069 9a lOd; road, metal, £821 fl~ 3d; drainage, £690 19s 9d j working plant, £561 18s 2d; timber, £426.2a 3d ; formation, £298- 10s4d; kerbing, £20 5s ; horse feed, 130 12s OcJ.

Regarding the complaint of " A Business Man." published in our issue of yesterday, Mr Biss, the Chief Postmaster nt Auckland, informs us that no blame attaches to the oilicials in the matter of intimation not being made regarding mails. The notices are regularly posted up, but it is alleged that boys sent to clear some letter-boxes de molish the placard. As to the placing of notes inside the boxes, Mr Biss states that this is done at Wellington and elsewhere by arrangement, and it does not form part of the duty of the Post-ollice, A box-holder undertakes to collect the necessary subscrip tions to cover the expense; and on this being done here the officials are quite pre pared to place notices as to the recent and sorting of mails into the whole of the boxes.

Last evening the Band of Hope members assembled in the Ne.ton Congregational School, for the practice of pieces to be sung at the annual gathering of the Bands of Hope in tho Choral Hall on Monday, 2lith instant. There was a great improvement in rendering some of the pieces, and with tho remaining practices it is expected to bo able to present them in good stylo. His Excellency tho Governor has kindly con sented to occupy the chair, and the gather ing promises to bo highly successful. The annual business meeting of the Band of Hope Union takes place this evening in th_ Alexandra-street School-room, when the report and balance-sheet will be submitted, olhoers elected, and other business trans acted. Tea will be served at six o'clock, and after tea the business of the evening will bo taken.

Tho following mining telegrams wero re ceived yesterday:—"Darwin: Cut small vein quartz ; few colours of gold.' " Now Kind: Returns for six day.—battery (ten held, slow speed), 10"o__; tailings, -lliozs.: total, 1530z5." "Colonist: Amalgam for week, Kl'Jozs."

His Excellency tho (iovernorhiissignilie.il his intention of being present at tho per formance of "Tho Rival.," in Abbott's Opera House, on Friday evening next.

To the Editor : Sir,—Mr Carr trios to evade my challengo "to produce any correspondence wherein Miss Fletcher's attention to her school duties was ever questioned" by giving another, tho absence of which renders his challenge quito unnecessary, facts speaking for them selves ; for had there been any, it is certain Mr Carr would not havo failed to hove brought them before tho Committee of which he was Chairman and Secretary during tho tluco. years sho was mistress there, and which would havo been the only right timo and place to produce complaints hud thoro beon any, Publio position gives no license to traduce 11 public servant with out reliable evidence, and thun only with careful discrimination.—Yours truly, Fair Play.

The following ladies and gontlemeii havo promised their assistance at the Hope of Auckland, 1.0.X., entertainment to-morrow evening :—Misses Tapper, Gtibblo, Marson, King, and Moll, and Messrs King, Scents, Leudham, Maroon, Willooeks, and _ ranch. Mr E. C. Carr will preside.

Last Saturday's "Te Aroha News" has the following : —"Every advantage is being taken of the continued dry weatlier to push on tlio railway works in this district. Plato laying and ballasting the first section of tlio railway, from Hamilton to Morrinsvillc, is almost completed, and very soon we may expect to _co tho engine running into Morrinsvillc. This soction of the line will probably bo ready for opening in about four or five months' time. The station, good sheds, and other buildings throughout tho section are being rapidly proceeded with."

Wo are asked to remind tho bachelors of Auckland of tho Leap Year Reunion. This opportunity lost, cannot recur for four years.

The anniversary of St. John's Wosleyan Church, I'oiiHonby, was celebrated Inst even ing by a soiree. Tea was provided in the schoolroom, the following ladies presiding over tho tables :—Mosdames Carr, Hutchin son, I'nrker, Blotnfield, Knight, W, Thorno, A. Thorno, dittos, Cooke, Kully, and Miss Close. Mr Thomas Peacock, M.11.X .pre sided at tho meeting held subsequently in tho church. From the annual report sub mitted by Mr John Gittos, it appeared that thoro was a debit balance of about £258. Thanks woro returned to Mr J. Horslcy and tho choir tor musical assistance. Thoro were 251 scholars in tho Sunday school, while the teachers numbered 30. Tho Band of llopo possessod 330 members ; but tho Young Moo's Improvement Society was defunct. Tho receipts had been _2llt Gs Sd ; expenditure, i'li-JO 8s 8d ; defi ciency, £358 17s, but this was reduced by tho shore account, which amounted to £100 14s. Besides these sums, £203 IDs 3d had been raised for special purpose., Ad dresnoK wero delivered during tho evening by Revs. Carr and S.Macfarlano, Mr Keene, and tho Chairman ; while tho choir rendered several anthems. Two solos wero also con tributed by Mr Clark.

Many strange nnd almost incredible stories have been related concerning the loss and recovery of watches, and the following, tho truth nf which wo have verified, belongs to that class of accidental occurrences that transpire onco or twice in a century. Yesterday, a messenger in the employ of the New Zealand Loan and Mer cantile Agency reported nt the police station that he had lost his watch. lie had been in the habit of carrying it in an outside breast-pocket of his coat, the long chain attached to it being placed in tho side pocket of the same garment. Somo hours after giving information to the police, the loser of the watch returned and stated that he had recovered his missing property under thofollow ing circumstances. A gentleman while walking through the Stock Exchange had his attention drawn to tho fact that his watch was in a perilous position. On looking downwards he was astonished to find hanging to one of the buttons of his coat a watch that certainiy was not his property. Utterly at a loss to account to the strange appearance of this vagrant timekeeper ho proceeded to make inquiries and very soon discovered its owner, it transpired that the two men had passed ono another in one of the narrow doors in front of the New- Zealand Insurance Buildings, and it was no doubt during that brief contact that the watch, unknown to either, passed from its rightful owner into tho possession of a stranger.

Tho question of dredging camo pro minently before the Harbour Board at its meeting yesterday afternoon. On the recom mendation of the Works Committee, it was agreed that a hopper dredge be ordered, capable of dredging 2.50 tons per hour, at a depth of 30 feet, to steam not less than eight knots per hour. It was stated that, the cost of the dredge would bo between £15,000 and £16,000. The Board further agreed, on the motion of the Chairman (1) " That in view of the necessary deep-water berthage being provided alongside existing wharves by means of dredging, tho resolution of the Board ordering the construction of a wharf for ocean steamers bo rescinded." (2) " That it be an instruction to tho Works and Tariff Committee to consider the question of dredging in connection with the reclamation of Freeman's Bay ; tho Engineer to submit a scheme." Mr Aickin, in moving the latter resolution, said it was estimated that tho cost of tho work would bo between £10,000 and £17,000. It would take two years to complete, and it washoped that the reclamation would return 20 por cent, on the oulay. If tho Board could carry on reclamations of this character as cheaply as tho ono under consideration, it would bo an excellent policy to pursue, because they should bo acquiring a valuable endowment nnd increased revonup. It was estimated that if tho Board received a revenue of f 3,000 abovo the present rovenuo thoy would bo able to make a reduction of 50 per cont, on port charges, pilota_c, and shipping whnrfago, and thus endeavour by degrees to make Auckland practically a free port.

There was an unusually good attendance of members and visitors at the weekly meet ing of tho Ponsonby Baptist Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association last even ing, the President (Rev. C. Carter) being in the chair. Mr Alfred Collins read an essay on Peru, in which interesting information concerning that country, prior and subse quent to its being conquered by the Span iards, was given. Criticism ensued, and some defects in tho production were pointed out. The essayist was, however, compli mented upop the amount of care and research bestowed by him in the compilation of tho essay, and a hope was expressed that his future efforts in the same direction would be marked with that, in creased success which might reasonably be expected to crown energy and due atten tion to the principles which should guide essay writing. Mr G. W. Owen gave use ful information respecting the nature of the tQ,b\a lands of Peru, and their varied produots. He also referred to tho remains of a high state of civilisation found in Central America, Mexico, and other parts of the South American Continent, which plearly proved that America had been PAQplied jby p. race of njen whp had made great progress in civilisation, many' cen turies before it was discovered by Golumbns. j There were various theories as to who thoso interesting people could havo been, Mr I Owen observing that some Americans asser- \ ted that they were the descendants of Ham.

To the Editor : Sir,—Seeing tlmtit is tho inteiitiiiii of tlio East Const con. titlioncy to bring forward Sir .Julius Yogel CIS motnber of the House of Representatives for that district, may I venture to ask which electoral district of tho colony lias the honour of giving him the necessary qualifi cation to accept the scat vacated by Mr McDonald? Unless on some roll with a freehold qualification, ho must, according to tho Electoral Act, be 12 months in N.Z. und (i months in a district to enable him to be placed ou any roll. -I am, &C, Elkctok. [It is said that Sir Julius Vogel is on the supplementary roll for Dunedin city, but his qualification has been questioned.—El>. E.S.]

The following tenders for erecting a house in Kyle-street, Ponsonby, for Mr Muni-o, were received by Mr Hartley :— J. Wood, .290; E. B. Smith, £'2n9 ;H. J. Baker, £27- ;J. Lye, £275; Horsley and Morris, 1.256; C. 11. Olive, £255; A. Todd, £250; Stevenson, £252; W. 11. Jenkins, £250; Fitzpatriek, £235; P. Porter (accepted), £235.

The Auckland Hospital librarian acknow ledges with many thanks tho following London journals:—"Public Opinion" (1), "Tho World" (2), "1101110 News" (1), "Army and Navy Gazetto" (4), "Tho Times Weekly Edition" (I), "Tho Pall Mall Budget " (2), from the Auckland Club.

The Registrar of tho Supreme Court to day adjudged Robeit Thompson Martin, of Auckland, boarding housekeeper, and John Goodfellow, of Cambridge, store-keeper, bankrupts, upon their own petitions.

At 11 meeting hist Friday evening, the following ladies and gentlemen were elected tho committee for the Ponsonby "At Home" for the ensuing season, viz.: Mes dames I'oardm.-in, Devoro, Dawson, Evans, Musetield, and Quick, and Messrs A. Uovoro, 1). 1. Evans, T. T. Masefield, and Dr. Dawson. Tho first "At Homo " will probably tukoplnca on Friday, (ith Juno.

The attention of contractors is called to tho fact that the time for receiving City Council tendor.. for works in Nowton has been extended from the 15th to the 22nd (see advertisement).

A sito for 11 fish and oyster mnrkot is to bo sot apart by tho Harbour Bourdon the reclamation east of Hobson-street Wharf. At its meeting yesterday, the Board decided that Mr Ross be instructed to pro ceed with the orection of the new Harbour office-. Mr Brassey wrote complaining ef the careless manner in which tho ferry steamers are often brought alongsido tho Northooto Wharf and the consequent damage dono to tho structure, and of tho obstruction caused by goods being left 011 the wharf. Tho matter was referred to tho Works Committee.

Referring to tho visit of MajorCautlby to Auckland, tho "Northern Luminary" says ;—" Surely the Bay of I. lands— ono of the most important harbours in tho North Island—is not going to be overlooked in the mutter of defence! Wo wish to bo safe against the enemy as well as other parts of the colony. There is tho Bunk at Ku-sell to bu robbed, our railway line costing £90,000 to bo ripjicd up, and it would bo no joke for tho wholo populace to bo ordered into the mines some lino morning to got coal for a licet of liinn-o'-wiu- lying in the Hay.' What can our representative bo thinking about. Why, half his constituency might bo blown to blazes any time without its share of fortifications ; besides, tho Go vornor came and pronounced the place one ut the most picturesque ho had ever beheld ; then won't he givo us a big gun or two, to guard agaitmt nil emergencies—danger to our poor silkworms included."

Mr Firth's depressing Sjiceeli at Mat.-itnatn Harvest Homo is criticised by the " Waikato Times." As to tho assertion that wheat growing cannot bo made to pay in tl_- North Island, our contemporary says •- —" Wo do not hesitate to say that with good manngemcnt and average good land, wheat growing can bo Hindo to pay, as it has indoed paid scores of settlers in Waikato, notwithstanding the ex ceptionally low rates ruling for wheat this season. That it lias not paid at Mntainatn is attributable to obvious reasons. In the first placo, the soil is not suitable for wheat culture. It will giow magnificent c'.ver, turnips nnd grass, and probably, as it becomes firmer

and contains moro kumwt, will grow an occasional fair crop of barloy or outs. But a generation or more must iiassaway before wheat can take its place in the rotation of crops on tho Matamatn E.^tute. A writer in an Aucklund contemporary, referring to Mr Firth's declnratinn that ' growing wheat is simply exhausting tho soil and getting littlo or nothing for it,' asks that the proprietor of Matamatn should put his balance-sheets before the public. This ho is scarcely likely to do ; yet enough is known of tho circum stances under which the wheat crops of 1882 and 188,1 wero grown to render any such disclosure iinnoc. ssary byway of explanation of the unfortunate results. In the last hat-vest, the crop of seven hundred nnd fifty acres of wheat was entirely lost, because when the wheat was ready to cut tho head ing nmclilnos which Mr Firth had ordered were not ready foquse though the ordinary reaping and binding machines were stand ing idlo on the estate. These seven hundred and fifty acres of wheat wero left for nearly threo weeks to spoil upon theground because the decree had gone forth that the crop was to be cut with the header machines and none other. In tho harvest of the previous year the crop of no le.s than 1,500 acres of wheat was lost, that time we believe through an exceptional cause—the unfavour able character of the harvest season. Now, with such a per-centagc of loss was it possible that wheat-growing could have paid either last harvest or tho harvest be fore, oven on the best of lands ?"

Malarial __ver.—Malarial fevors. constipa tion, torpidity of the liver and kidneys, general debility, nervousness, and neunugio ailments yield recdily to this great disease conqueror, Hop Bitti rs. It repairs the ravauis of diseaso, convcrtlr.g the food into rich blood, and it gives new life and vigour to the aged and infirm.

The auction salo of furniture, &p., at Mr Adnam's. Home Bar. Ponsonby, is changed to Friday, the 10th May, as per advert!etnent. 'Bus leaves Union Hank for Home Hay at ten minutes to 10 o'clock, as per time table.

Bicycle.", unequalled for finish, price, nnd quality, at Shakepear and Co.'s (opposite tho Market) Queen-street.—{Advt).

Contracts taken for all kinds of concrete work, largo or sniull, and estimates and other information given to those wishing to do their own work.—John Wilson and Co., 76, Queen street.—) Advt.)

English Lever Watches packed and sent post freo to any part of Now Zealand on receipt of P. 0.0. for £3 10s. A stamped guarantee en closed.—A. G. Bartlett, 151. Queen-street. Chronometer and Watchmaker (opposite I heatrc Royal), established 22 years.—[Advt.)

SCINTILLATIONS.

Switch-tenders.—Hair-pins. A bad debt.—Owing agrudgo. Is that " nor'-easter" coming at last? The Hinemoa brings quite a lot of pas sengers.

Two last nights of London lights. New railway station for Auckland is coming—slowly.

Dunedin City Council havo an ovordraft of £36,320 which is within £5,000 of their legal limit.

In a half-hour beer drinking go as you pleaso at Pittsburg (U.S.) the winner drank 37 glasses.

A silver mine at Silvorton, N.S.W., has given as its lowest yield 6,000 ounces of silver per ton.

Thames folk talk of asking Vogel to re present thorn.

Tho Governor does not loave Auckland till the end of May.

A cavo containing Maori skeletons has been found at Ohinemutu.

The voice of tho gossip is more than six tcen-scandlo power.

Sir Julius Vogel is still at Dunedin, strug gling with an attack of gout.

A yawn in company generally indicates a gap in the conversation.

Sir George Grey will address the electors here shortly after Major Atkinson.

Mr Fitzgerald, M.H.R,., is appointed editor of the " New Zealand Times" at Wellington.

Tho clergy and Registrar are invited to the forthcoming Leap Year Re-Union. Bachelors are becoming apprehensive. Mr Blair, late Chief Engineer for tho South Island, got a present of £200 from the Dunedin public yesterday.

Quakers only number 18,000 in the United Kingdom.

The "Northern Luminary" hints that Mr Mitchelson had an eye to timber in his explorations of tho railway route. The old story.—Bishop Moran justifies Dunedin Catholics in not supporting the Benevolent Institution because it is a prose lytising concern. During the last week in February, 13,000 emigrants arrived at New York. The value of the Canadian fisheries last year was three and a half millions.

Dunedin City Council balance-sheet shows that rates have increased for the year by £1,336 and the rents by £784, but. licences have decreased by £516. There have been more Incendiary fires in Oamaru district, and £}00 reward for con viction of incendiaries is offered by the New Zealand Insurance Company.

Last night Mr Allwright, at Lyttelton, and Mr Stevens, at Marton, gave political addresses, and got votes Of thanks and con fidence.

EXPECTED VIOLENT STORM.

(IIV TKLKAHAI'II — PIUSSS ASSOCIATION.)

Wki.i.incvi-O-, this day. Tire following has beon received from tho Museum:—"Tho 'Dandonong' gales, to which the storm at present raging in Ebb' Australia is compared by tho Sydney " Observer " in to-day's telegrams, passod over Australia on tho 9th and 10th Septem ber, 1870. It followed a long period of drought, nnd began with a hard N.W. wind, which lasted several days, and then changed suddenly on the 9th to a south wind. As the centre of tho storm passed in a north-easterly direction over Victoria, the great strength of tho gale was thus a south wind, which com menced at Portland at li a.m. on tho 7th, and broke over Sydney with a terrific thunderstorm at ti p.m. on the same day. On tho 13th this depression passed alto gether north of Now Zealand, bringing a heavy easterly gale over Auckland ; but no great disturbance affected New Zealand generally until the 22nd, when the depression passed south of Bluff, with a violent N.W. gale, changing suddenly to S VY., .ith thunder and hailstorm. On this occasion, the maximum force of the wind was nearly 700 miles in 21 hours, as recorded in Welling ton. Tho storm now being felt in Australia is not yet affecting New Zealand weather, but strong winds prevail owing to the existence of another depression, ap proaching from the S.\V., the centre of which shows a tendency to pass over the South Island."

FIRE IN PARNELL.

At ix quarter to four o'clock this morning a eoach-houso and stable attached to tho resi dence of Mr James Philson, Avenue Road, Parnell, was discovered to bo on fire. Mr Philson was awakoned by Walter Breach, his stableman, calling out " Firo !" When he got outsido ho found tho edifice in (lames. Breach was able to save the horses and buggies, but tho harness was lost. The building was completely de stroyed. Breach, who had boon in tho habit of .looping in tho stabio, states that ho eamo home from Newmarket at mid night, and wont to bod in the Btablo. Ho used n lump, but is not certain whether he extinguished it or not before going to bed. He wns awakened by a feeling of suffoca tion, and found tho stable on lire near the bed. Tho loss is covered by insurance. The building was insured in tho New Zea land ollieo for £70,

THE MINISTERIAL VISIT TO AUCKLAND.

(HY TFLKIIKAI-l.— PRKS:. ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. Till-: lions, tho Premior and Minister cf Public Works, with Mrs Mitchelson, Messrs Seed (Secretary of Customs), Gill (Under- Secretary of tho Land Purchase Depart ment of tho Native Office), Mr Barley (Chief Inspector of Sheep), and Mr Murray, of the Bank of Now Zealand, wore passen gers by tho Hinomoa, which sailed shortly after midnight this morning for the Manukau. On her return tripthe Hinemoa will bring His Excellency tho Governor to Wellington in time to open Parliament.

MAN DROWNED IN A WAIKATO CREEK.

(by TKLKOIUPII.—OWN CORRKSI'ONDKNT.)

Cambriuuk, this day. Information has reached hero to the effect that a person engaged by Mr Heaney, of tho Lichfield Hotel, was drowned whilst driving across a crook between Lichfield and VV'aotu. Tho buggy and horses were found stuck in tho creek, but no traces of tho driver could be found. There are two creeks on the Lichfield-Wnotu track un bridged, and it is in ono of these the acci dent occurred.

ALEXANDRA STREET PRIMI TIVE METHODIST SOIREE.

The anniversary soiree and Primitive Methodist Church meeting wero held last evening in Alexandra-street, and fully at tended. The proceedings commenced with tea. Tho tables wero laden with good things, of which about 220 persons partook. The following ladies of the Church courteously waited upon friends and visitors ;—Mesdamos Jeffery, Lo Griffin, Mewburn, Nichols, Button, Sbereon, Thompson, and Misses Potter and Stain- At the close of the repast, the friends ad journed to the Church, where the public meeting was held. We noticed, by the way, the exceedingly pretty decorations around tho platform ; flowers and evergieens were poetically wreathed around Scripture texts In quite an original style. This an niversary work was dono under the superin tendence of the Rev. Joseph Long, formerly minister of tho Church.—On tho motion of tho Rev. W. S. Potter, tho Roy. Mr Long, designated " Father Long " from his long connection with and affectionate interest in the Church, was voted to the chair.— The business proceedings opened with hymn 180 (Sankey and Moody) and prayer by the Roy. W. Parsonson.— The Chairman was received with expressions of pleasure. He said ho was very pleased in having an opportunity of meeting his old friends on anothor anniversary. They had much to be thankful for, and as a church had realised a measure of success. Mr Long proceeded to speak of small failures which every person experienced more or less in the journey of life, but thoy must not be discouraged,but contintiein the good work, and he would recommend, this being a time of special consecration, that overyono present would re dedicate himself to tho service of God.—Mr David Goldio then read the annual report and financial statement for tho past year, showing that the Church in all its departments had made very considerable progress. 14 new members had been added to the roll of membership, and places of members who had lqft for other parts of tho colony had been filled up. 74 good members were on tho list. Mr Goldio said the success of the church was due mainly to several causes, viz., to pastoral visitations, outdoor religious exercises, and tho Fri dnyoveningßibloclassos. which had been well attended by young persons. The financial statement showed : — Alexandra - street Church, L 336 lfls 2d | Alexandra-street School, LIBB 5s lOd i raised towards trust debt on Alexandra-street School, LSO 8s 8d ; Newton School roooipts, L 59 10s Id j Newton Church receipts, LSB 10s 8d; New ton Trust receipts, IS. 6s Id : total, L 761 10s Od. Tho following statement was mado in regard to Alexandra-street:— Seat rents: Last year, L 29 12s 6d ; this year, L 32 14s. Class moneys: Last year, L 37 10s 7d ; this year, L 46 2s. Weekly collections: Last year, Ll4l 16s 4d; this year, L 176 16s ; showing an increase under theso three heads of L 46 12s 7d. The gross receipts from all sources amounted to L"_l 10s 6d, being an average weekly in creaso of Ll-l 12s 3d. After the necessary d|sbarsomonts, thoro remained a balance in hand of L 50s 7d. — Tho Rev. J. Roothroyd, of Franklin Road, delivered an address on the "Advancement of the Churches," followed by the Rev. W. Parsonson on' "Life, its Uses and Enjoy ments," an animated and instruc tive address to . young men. — Rev. Joseph. Robinson alsq made some en couraging remarks at a later stage of the evening. Miss Froude delivered a poem of. much merit entitled "St. John the ' Evangelist." The piece was \yell recited and applauded.' Hymns were sung by the choir at intervals, Miss Potter pro siding at the organ. The meeting closed with tho Benediction by the Chairman.

The Late Highway Meeting at Otahuhu.

(To tho Editor.)

Sir, —Mr Hutton blames your correspon dent for being partial in his report of tho lato meeting of ratepayers, and also for not consulting tho dignity of the press. But Mr Button shquld know that the press has won its dignity by fearlessly exposing "thp wrongs that need resistance1' ana tims many an unfledgod tyrant has been dipped before it oould soar too high. Ratepayers attend annual meetings.to expose abuses, and not to sing te Downs as if they were at a hallelujah meeting. With regard to the accuracy of the report, I affirm it is not only impartial, hut true; yet, haying boon condensed, it nilght not have read well to the Chairman's way of thinking.—lam, &c, 'W.R.Wills. '

CABLEGRAMS.

HY CAB..E.-COPY-UGH-.]

[.SI'KOIAt TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Speedy Conveyance of Mails.

London, May 13.—Tho Australian ..larch mails via San Francisco were conveyed from New York to Quecnstown in seven days four hours and n-half. The False Prophet's Programme. El Mahdi has directed his lieutenant to capture Dongolo, and then march on Cairo. Adelaide Loan. The Adelaide loan will bo issued with the optional right of ensemption. General Gordon's Predicament. It is reported that Major General Gordon made an attempt to escape from Khartoum, but was compelled to return to the city. The New Fonian Policy. Stephon. nvows that the new Fenian organisation intend to embarrass England through her colonies. The Cape Ministry. Mr Thomas Upington, Q.C., member of the Assembly of Cape Colony, has formed a new Ministry. Tho "Thundoror" Condemns Mr Gladstone. The " Times " says that Mr Gladstone's defence of tho Government regarding its policy in the Soudan is empty and ir relevant.

[rkutkk's teleorams.]

Tbe Soudan Kebollion- Panic at Dongola,

Cairo, May 12.—News has been received from Dongola stating that a serious panic has occurred among the inhabitants of the town and in the neighbourhood in conse quence of the expectation that an attack will shortly be made upon tho town by tho rebels under Osman Digna. Motion or Censure in the House or Commons. LO..DOK, May 12.—1 n tho House of Commons today, Sir Michael Hicks-Bench introduced his motion, of which he had given notice, censuring the Government for the delay which has occurred in the arrange- , monts for rescuing General Gordon and the garrison of Khartoum. The mover made a lengthy speech, to which Mr Gladstone ' replied. The Premier said that tho Govern ment would not embark in a mission to re conquer the Soudan, as they have a duty towards the nation as well as towards General Gordon. Steps Mould be taken to assist the latter, if proved to be in danger, but it was nooessary to consider the season and tho climate of the Soudan before despatching the troops. Later. The division on Sir Michael Hicks- Bench's motion censuring the Government for the delay which has occurred in the despatch of an expedition to the Soudan to rescue General Gordon and beleaguered garrison at Khartoum, is expected to take place at a lato hour this evening. The de bate on tho motion is now proceeding. Serious Disturbances in Zululand. Capk Town, May 12.—Telegrams from Natal state that a party of malcontent Zulus recently made a determined attack upon Mr Osborne, tho British Resident Commis sioner. The latter, with the aid of his e»cort and a number of friendly tribes, re pulsed the rebels with heavy loss. The intertribal quarrels in Zululand are re : ported to have assumed a serious phase.

The Franco-Chlnoso Treaty of Peace London, May 12.—The intelligence that a treaty of peace has been concluded between France and China at Tientsin, is not fully confirmed.

South Australian Loan,

Tenders for the South Australian loan of £1,050,000, at 4 per cent., will be received up to the 20th instant.

New Zealand Frozen Meat,

The cargo of frozen meat on board the ship Canterbury, from tho Bluff, has ar rived in good condition.

The Australian Crlckotora in England.

The cricket match, Australians v. Lord Sheffield's Eleven, commenced at Sheffield to-day. The following are the names of the home team :—W. G. Grace, F. J. Greenfield, A, Shaw, J. Hide, H. Phillips, A. Shrews bury, Barnes, R. G. Barlow, G. Ulyett, G. P. Harrison, and Mycroft. The attendance of spectators was large, and the weather was splendid. The visitors met with agood recep tion. The homo team went in first, and wereall out for 80. The highest scorer was Shrews bury, Ibw, 39. The bowling of Giffen and Palmer was very effective. The former took . wickets for 50 runs, and the latter 4 for 30. The Australians then commenced their first innings, and at the conclusion of tho day's play had lost 4 wickets for a total of 172. Tho principal scorers were :—Mc- Donnell, b, 32 ; Bannermnn, not out, 71 ; Giffon, c, 27 ; Blackham, not out, 22.

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, May 13.—The manager of the .National Mortgage and Agency Com pany of New Zealand (Limited* reports : — Wheat, 4s Id to 4s 3d, with slightly im proved tendency. Malting barley in demand at 4s 3d to 4s lOd. New Zealand oats (feeding sorts), in good demand, at 2s 9d to 38. Milling ditto are firm at 3s Id to 3s 3d. New Zealand oats (under bond), are 2s Od to 2s 9d. The market is steady.

A copious rainfall has been experienced throughout the colony.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before His Worship tho Mayor and B. Tonka, Ksq.l

Drunk.—John Willis, ss; and Thomas Orr, drunk and disorderly on the wharf, 20s and costs.

Larceny.—Francis Hamburg was charged with stealing clothing, value «o, the prop, rty of Captain McArthur, on tho s.s. Argyle, between Onehunga and Hokianga, on or about the 2tith April.—Mr A. K..Whitaker appeared in defence, and pleaded not guilty.—Sergeant White asked for a remand, as a portion of the goods hod not been recovered.—Remanded until the 20th ins.

Indkcbnt Assault. — Norman McKcnzie, charged with Indecently assaulting Margaret Jane Hurley, aged seven years, was again brought up; Mr Napier in defence. — Tho cvi-'enco of the child appeared in our last issue, nnd which gives the nature of the offence.—Ann Brido deposed that she lived near Mrs Hurley in Albert-street. On Saturday last, in the fore noon, she saw the child in the passage. Saw the prisoner turn into tho passagn and come out. Piesently ho went in again. Recognised the prisoner as that man. Saw him go into Mrs Hurley's house; noxt saw the child crying against the fence. Asked her what sho was crying about. Sho said thoro was a strange man In the house. Prisoner was standing inside the doorway. The child told witness that the man had assaulted her in the way which has beon dessribed. The man was not quito drunk.—Mr Napier: The man was drunk as the charge sheet will tell.—Wit ness : Prisoner left and went into the Eagle Hotel. On leaving sho pointed him out to the constable as the man who had been in .Irs Hurloy's houso.—By Mr Napier: The constable immediately arrested tho man. She went out to gee if Mrs Hurley was coining, and saw the man at tho Kaglo from the stroet. Did not go for a nobbier. Could see tho man co into the hotel from her door across tho way. -Eliza Jano Hur loy doposod that sho was a widow and mother of the child. Sho obtained her living by wash ing clothes. She returned from the wharf, where sho had beon with clothes, at a quartor to twelve Inoon) on Saturday. Witness then stated what tho child said about the strange man who had been in the house.—Constable Donovan deposed to arresting the prisoner in Albort-street on the 10th on charges of drunken ness and indecent assault. Prisoner denied having been in the house. —Mr Napier addressed tho Bench at somo length, and argued that, according to Taylor on Evi dence, no person can give evidence in a court of law who may bo incompetent irom any cause of understanding tho nature of an oath, and in this easo, owing to the child's tender years and unsupported testimony, hor statement could not bo received.—His Worship said the child's statement was clear and intelligible.—Finally the Bench retired to consider the facts, and thought that they wero not warranted in com mitting the prisoner for trial for indecent assault.—Prisoner was fined 5s and costof main tenance on the charge of drunkenness. - Norman McKcnzie was then charged with committing n common assault on Margaret Jane Hurloy. to which a plea of guilty was made.—Mr Napier consented to the same evi dence being received.—The Bench imposed a fine of £5 and costs, or in default, one month, hoping it will be a warning to other men in similar positions. Savape Attack. — William Breon, tho younger, was charged with unlawfully assault ing, beating, and wounding Thoma. Aehesonon tho l.'th instant,—Prisonor was arrested on warrant by Sergeant Donnelly.

R.M. COURT, TE AWAMUTU.- THURSDAY, MAY 8.

(Before the Resident Magistrate far Waikato.] iuDOMENTS Fon Plaintjf.B.—W. T.Miller v George Noil, £6 *> i w. T. Miller v. W. P. Ford, judgment tor plaintiff for costs 15sGd: W. T. Milier v. Rohinson. £1 83 6d; *W. T. Mil'er v. Robert Campbell. £5 Gs; Ruthcrfftrd y. Mudg way, £11 15s. Mr Greßhp,n\ aopetucd for plain tiffs in all oases, '

JunRME-Vi' 1"A . UjeFENDANT.—W. T. Miller y. A. Pfttey.jan (Mr. Grosham for plaintiff, and Mp t)yer rpr defendant), 183 Cd. Several Other pases were settled out of Court,

R.M. COURT, ALEXANDRA.- FRIDAY, MAY 9.

' tßbforo the Roaldoot Magistrate Judgments ran Plaintiffs.— A.Smith v.Hsns Krippner, £1 Is 9d; A. Smith v, A. Townwolt, £1 Qs ?d; Keeps v. Mud. way, £8 Bs. Judgment Hhserved,—Asmuss v. Day i Mr; Gresham for plaintiff; Mr Dyer for defendant. :

LORNE STREET HALL.

Lecture by Mr Charles Bright.

Mv Charles Bright, tho well-known Froethought lecturer, delivered last night, in the Lome street Hall, before a large audience, the first of a course of three lec tures under the auspices of the Auckland P.ationalistic Association, tho subject being, "What has Civilisation Bono for Thris tianity ?" Mr William Cooper (President of tho Association) occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the speaker, intimating ns he did so that discussion would be per mitted at the .close of tho discourse. Mr Bright, who was well received, began his lecture by stating that tho age was one of theological unrest. Its leading spirits in art, science, and literature wore outside the creeds because the creeds were too narrow for them. Thomas Carlylo found religious dogmas quite unthinkable, and did "without them altogether. In America, a mind of a different cast, but likewise prophetic, had to abandon all the churches and sects, even the Unitarian one, for a similar reason, viz., Ralph Waldo Emerson. So too with the scientists. How came it, then, that the popular orthodoxy was unable to contain and to satisfy the mightiest intellects of our time, seeing that it was put forward as the real cause of our present advanced civilisation ? Was this claim true, or was it not rather that Chris tianity owed almost everything to civilisa tion '! What, in the first place, was civili sation? It was obviously that motive force that was discernible amenget all races of mankind which made in the direc tion of advancement —improved society and surroundings — progress in art and mental culture—advancement in all directions. Christianity was a system which purported to be supernatural, while civilisation, ou the contrary, was wholly natural. Tho latter was found in all quarters •of the globe, while Christianity was restricted, and it had flourished before Christianity was hoard of. Tbe lec turer then proceeded to deal, with classical and modern history, for the purpose of showing that in the outward forms and ceremonies, symbols and pretensions of Christianity, tremendous changes had taken place in a warfare against that which ho termed civilisation. He also showed that the Hebrews were indebted to Grecian literature for many of their conceptions, and by quotations pointed out the exalted character of some of the Grecian religious beliefs. Thence he pro ceeded to refer to Roman and Japan ese civilisation, taking the case of both as showing that. civilisation was a force of natural development. Christianity, on the contrary, he maintained, appealed to the lower feelings of our nature—to the weak ness of fear and to the passion of pride—the wish to be pre-eminent. Christianity did not claim the honour of having initiated the great Temperance, movement. Clarkson, the most powerful advocate in England of slave emancipation, was outside the creeds, and it was on the platform of aFreethought Hall that William Lloyd Garrison set out upon a similar warfare in America. It was civilisation that was continually operating upon Cliristianity and changing it. If the latter was a wild boast, civilisation had pared its daws and curbed its licentious cruelty. The Christianity of some sects, which professed simply to follow theexample of a single life, was the Christianity moulded by civilisation, but it had no right to attach names of reproach to Mahom medan, Jew, or Atheist. Advancing civilisation would not allow reason to be impeded or shut out from any field of investigation by claims of sacredr.ess too great for intrusion. All Christians out side the Salvation Army were now begin ning to be ashamed of a hell, the miracles and magic were being put out of flight, and Christianity was said to be so wonderfully full and free that it was roally astonishing that it should ever have proved a barrier with its " Thus said the Lord." Dogmatic theology must die before the world could advance to its heritage of a grander and purer civilisation. After a pianoforte selection by Miss Keturah Campbell, discussion was invited, when Mr G. A. Brown mounted the plat form. He said the lecture had been a most interesting one, and that he agreed with fully two-thirds of what Mr Bright had said. He claimed, however, that the Chris tianity he had treated was a perverted Christianity. He believed that a large proportion of the priesthood had been arrant scoundrels, butdenied that civilisation could be dissevered from religion. Hu_s and Wyelift'e, with an open Bible, had been the heralds of modern civilisation, and true Christianity—the real, primitive Christian. ity—introduced no evils. All our State Churches were steeped in Pagan ritualism, and that was the curse of the age.

Mr Bright, in reply, complimented Mr Brown upon his pluck in addressing what he had reason to think a hostile audience, and accepted his views and conduct as of the very essence of Freethought. If his friend meant by "religion" reverence for the Highest, he concurred with him in holding that it could not be dissevered from civili sation, for it was itself a part of nature. Mr Bright then answered seriatim Mr Brown's other objections, after which the meeting was dissolved.

A MINISTERIALIST RETURNED FOR THORNDON.

(EV TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*.)

Wellinctox, Tuesday. The election for the Thorndon'seat took place to-day and resulted as follows: —Dr. Newman, 636; Mr Bunny, 379; Mr Divan, 121. There was great excitement through out. .

SPORTING NEWS.

A cablegram from Adelaide published in our late edition last' evening states that Conjecture is favourite for the Cup at 4 to 1 ; Creswfck, 7 to 1 ; King of the Yale and Sting, S to 1.

From a private cablegram received in town we learn that Ironmaster won the Goodwood Handicap run at Adelaide on Saturday last.

Minuet has been scratched for the Taka puna Steeplechase,

A meeting «f those interested in forming a Paper Hunt Club wa3 held at the Junction Hotel last night. Owing to somo of those present thinking it had not had sufficient publicity given, it was agreed to postpone the meeting until nextTucsday,at the same place and hour.

At the annual meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club, held last night, tho balance sheet showed that the Spring Meeting made a profit of £1,500, and the Autumn Meeting one of fSOG. The New Year's Meeting showed a loss of -73.

The date of the N.Z. Grand National Steeplechase Meeting has been altered to Monday, 26th May. The following accep tances for the two principal events were re ceived last night :—

Grand National. Handicap, i miles.

St. lb. st.lb. Hercules .. .. 12 7 Uarbary .. 12 4 Agent .. .. 12 6 Black Doctor .. 10 3 Tho highest weight accepting being under l__t Tibs, tho top weight has been raised to 12st "lbs, and the others in proportion.

Tally-ho Handicap, 3 miles.

Canard Hercules .. Black Doctor

12 10 Hard Times .. 10 0 12 9 Woodstock .. 10 0 10 7 Topthorn .. 10 0

Vine Culture.

(To the Editor.)

Silt, —In your issuo of last evening you publish a letter from Mr Federli, which purports to be a reply to miuo of the 30th April. I have thought all along that Mr Federli had soß\e praotic_l knowledge of vine cultuve, but his last letter proves to me that, beyond a little knowledge gathered from our settlers, and badly applied by him, his experience is very limited. He has brought forward no now ideas worthy of any notice. The fact of a very flatter ing notice of the late Mr Rayer's vinery ap pearing in print on the 20th January, ISS3, which Mr. Federli makes a strong point of, ri.t_e_ amuses me. .11 vine gVOiyers of any experience know that the fruit at that period is just about the slvq of peas, and generally of healthy appearance. It is not for a month or sis; weeks later that the full extent of _\\. damage caused by tho various in3uonces which affect tho vine \a th.is district makes itself fully apparent. As regards the late Mr Rayev* \ still contend that his death was hf^teaed by the utter failure of the so^^ohe had taken in hand, a.nd in p^PA. <_ this I can refer Mr Federli to ft French gentleman in town who intimately Mr Rayer, ancj ixo)» whoni I got my information. In conclusion, were Mr Federli a wo.* hy and practical- opponent, I Would gladly haye discussed thi. subject fujfehe]- wit§. him, sb. wc Mm t_at wV^V W «Q* w* wly cause, of failure. P,ther causes do exist which M* Jederli's TOform»v_s .a not seejn. to. two acqw- ate. bin*, with, and' -.Woh practical experience alone will teach bin. are not ''touhhles.** but <( hard facts,"—.TiLLSE^RemNo kw Facts,

AN AUCKLANDER'S VISIT TO PARIS.

Changes and Impressions.

Eleven Emperors In Place of One

M. H. S. F. Veltzkr, the well-known French teacher who left for Paris duri 1882, after a residence of five or six yea in this city, returned with his family by th British King on Friday, the 2nd inst. TJw gentleman enjoys the reputation of being a keen politician, an ardent Republican and close observer of facts, while his ten'veai_ absence from France rendered it probabl that he would be powerfully struck by an changes of tone, feeling,, habit, and sentf ment that may have occurred in the cnur_, of the last decade. For these reasons . reporter from this office interviewed M Peltzerand obtained from him the follow' ing statement: — Changes for the Better. .' I left France in 1872 after ,the establish ment of the Republic, and I re-enter, r* t» in July, 1882. My first feeling waß ™, " fear. At every stage on the journey I found myself looking around in dread lest some police emissaries should appear to "run me in." I travelled from Bouloena to Paris by the Chemin de Nord, and on the way passed several of the places noted for hard fighting between the French and Qer mans, as, for instance, La Courteneuve and Bourget. So great were the changes which had taken place that everything seemed new to me, and I was pleased to notice a general air of contentment and comfort, which people did not havo under the E__! pire. In Paris. The same thing struck me in Paris There was no appearance of the old look of restraint and suspicion, or the same avoid ance of the petty State officials. The policemen did not have the aggressive bear ing that they maintained under the Empire but looked more like the English "bobby," and_ the people crowded together in publio places and talked and gossiped with a freedom that I had never seen under the ancim regime. Having lived for more than twenty years in Paris 1 speedily noticed great changes in its archi tecture and streets. New Doulevards had been laid out, new streets had been formed and built upon, and the names of old and familiar ones had been changed to Buch an extent that I often got quite confused in well-remembered localities. I felt like a shipwrecked mariner return ing home after the absence of a life. time. Nobody among the multitude of people who streamed by me recognised my face, and I, in my turn, knew no one. I might have traversed miles and miles of streets with this feeling of loneliness about me. I paid a visit to tho quarter wherein were situated the law offices, in one of which I had been employed. Some of them bad changed hands four and five times since I was last there, and with respect to theformeroccupantsof otherSjtheconcterjM, or neighbours, could give me nainfond. tion whatever. I went to my. old-, office, and found that the whole staff had been changed. The head-clerk received me, and in answer to my Inquiries after fellow clerks told me that some had lost their lives during the war, that two others had been killed behind the barricades, and that another had been sent to New Caledonia, where he died. The head-clerk then asked if I did not recognise him, and on shaking my head, announced himself to be the Tittle saute ruitseau ("gutter-jumper"), who had been employed to run errands. About three weeks elapsed before I met with my former friends, and even then I came acra... very few. You might wander lor: days without seeing a single acquaintance. Then, too, if you talk of such' French matters as still engage interest in foreign countries, people look at you as if you had just arrived from the heart of China, and as for the Commune, it has almost been for gotten, and is no longer talked off.

Dearer Living. Yankee Advertising, eta

I was struck by the increase in the-price of provisions and beverages. For instance, a glass of wine, which was formerly sold at 2 sous, is now worth 3 sous, and a cop of coffee, which one used to have for 3 sous, now commands no less than 6 sous. Other things hare advanced in price pro portionately. Another change that arrestod attention was a growing adoption of the " loud " Yairikee style of advertising. Men sandwiched between placarded boards^ promenaded the side walks—a thing I lis. never seen in Paris before—and huge poetere on the deadwalls of the city ndvertfeHl music-hall entertainments, concerts. And so forth. Most of the public.gardens, too, tt. now left open until 2 o'clock in tho morning, and on fine summer nights they are .not , closed at all. People may therefore bo found abroad at all hours, and the cafes i and wine-shops are kept open for their con venience. Rents have gone up folly one i hundred per cent, through overcrowding, caused chiefly by great public works, which have attracted to the place large numbers of foreigners, principally Germans, Italians, - and Belgians. Notable Civio Improvements. Never before ha 3 there been so many rich foreigners resident in Paris, and of course many superb edifices have been constructed 1 for them. I noticed that some old quarters, such as Le Pare Monceaux, had been en tirely cleared out, and splendid palaces of stone and white marble, lavishly embellished with gilding, erected upon the Bites. There has been a great deal of over-speculation in the buying up of land and the erection of sumptuous mansions upon it, and as a result many of these structures are empty for want of tenants. Since the Republic was established mori improvements have been effected in Paris and its environs than throughout the whole duration.of the Empire, and that,-too, not withstanding the paying of the war in demnity and the restoration of injured house and other property. The change may in a large measure be attributed to the fact that Paris has now nn elective Municipal Council instead of a nominated one, as formerly. The city is divided into 20 urondissements of 4 quartiers, each of., which qmrtien returns a representative to the Council, sq , that there are SO Councillors in all. Tbe Council has its regular sessions, which are opened and olosod by a decree of the Presi dent of the Republic. Extraordinary meet ings can be summoned upon a reqnisittOi irom one-third of th 6 Councillors. I soon ascertained that the Municipal Council had wrought many and great improvements for the working classes. Ib tho poorer quartos of Paris like La Boquette, La ' Barritre d'ltalie and La Place d'Enfers, very many shanties had beon pulled down, and beautiful public squares, planted with trees and containing fountains and water basins, constructed in their place. Hither the working women resort, carrying their children with them and engaging in their various avocations— such as sewing boot uppers, making up slop-clothing, fancy needlework, etc., in the open air under the gratefulshadoofthetrees. AttheAvenuePar mentier. near La Boquette, where for merly there was a filthy slaughter-House, thoro is now ono of these handsome public squares. At tho Avenue d'lt«lfe^ there wa. under tho Empire tome block-houses used by the Octroi or Customs, but they have been razed to the ground, and an imposing Mairie erected in the midst of a public square in, the? place. Almost everywhere, too, tjiw are tramways, end for 6 son* inside nnd 3 Sous outside, or on what is known as L'lmperiale, one may travel fc* miles, as, for instance, from the BarrUtre dela \'filetteto tho Trocadero, a distance of ti\. miles, while the inside passengers havo tho privilege of changing cars at any of the intersections without j furthfev expense. I perceived several public museum, and thoatres in course of erection, and I could not help noticing how English terms and customs are coming into vogue. As examples, I may mention the Eden Theatre, behind the new opera, the Palace Theatre, and the fact that one now spft&s of the " hall " of a building instead of the vestibule. In most of the mercantile establishments, too, atthe banks, insurance offices, otc, they have servant called "grooms," dressed in a kind of Polish livery, with rows of buttons down the front of their tunic*. Their duties are to show in visitors, execute messages, etc. The use oftiio English language also has been _v«ttly extended in Paris, and there is now established there an English newspapor called " The Morning News." * *

Poetical Indifference and Dissatis faction.

As regards politics, there is _ general hi diffevence and distrust amongst the people on account of the deceptions which they have experienced at the hands of those in power, The Republic exists only in name, aM^we haTQ in force all the arbitrary laws of the Empire, In fact, the subjects of such liberal monarchies as Great Britain, Holland, Belgium, Italy, &_., enjoy wwU mo*p freedom than the people of so-called Republican France. As v. il-ustratisjjtt of this, I may quote the. circuso-ta_ees fn connection with a meet. ing of the u_«H_ployedo_ the __pl*nad»de_ Italaona It was convened for tho purpose of allowmg the unemployed to ventilate their grievances, and to call attention to

T___i_. 14, 1884.



2-Tew Law Partnership. THE UNDERSIGNED beg to announce that thoy have commenced to Practice In Co-partner ship as BARRISTER 3 AND SOLICITORS in Chambers in High-street, opposite Mr W. Atkins Printing Oflice. E. W. BURTON. W. J. NAPIEfe.. __c_la-__, September 22nd. 1883. ~ «-_' " '''"' "■" "' ' 'Hi '' i TUB I'kbsiak Ciia?iomi'i,e,: or Ryre thrum _LiriHi«n>, U (ii«'lieni. Insi-vt _ ertroyor.' Jl i. i'lmuiittiiit to, vrtwup; -. Uiu; m: .is rowi.i_u__i> Fi-iwi-ioi, _»t)u> waiyoiii«j)t uvi.'TV lies in the ll.j-i-r yf. «,Ue, i_>l»"L -Tills , fKini. d»r'i|uaHty.> K'aMiu'ly «-l._t«'i, .is sold 111 lin* u» aiokinV i',:il. lA. iNriKOlil-IH.. "Jill is f|ll'nlliUl() llg.lipßt. llt.-as. niiisi|intyi!3. naudi'.iej, moths, &c. PritSi. Sgtv Is 01 Jier tin.' *»''•r' ■«* ■' ' 9- *



Special Advertisements. |' i miLE AUCKLAND STAR" . ISA GAZETTE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF AI.L NOTICES j IN RELATION TO BOROUGH COUNCILS, COUNTY COUNCILS HIGHWAY BOARDS, &o. TTVR. MACMULLEN can be Consulted at Haslett's English Pharmacy, Queon-street.from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and at his Residence. Pon sonby Road, from 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. TELEPHONE NUMBER, 18S TO PRIVATE HOUSE. Mrs r. somerville, WELLESLEY-STREKT (OPPOSITE ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE), Has Received, per Mail Steamer, A BEAUTIFUL ASSORTMENT OF FRENCH AND ENGLISH MILLINERY. TEMPORARY PREMISES OPPOSIT. A. OLABK ___> SONS'. Ha L. POSSENISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPORTER. SHORTImUJB-STREET, AUCKLAND, Wishes to Inform His Patrons ami the Publio generally that he has J OST RECEIVED HIS FIRST SHIPMENTS ©F AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, Per s.s. Ruapehv. Ths-above comprise aix the Latest Designs In TWEEDS and COATINGS, and are well worthy an inspection. AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED ISC PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER. The Company sell and erect gas-fittings. In cluding gas apparatus and ga. power entjtnes. Si.K-k inoludus Otto Gas Kiiein»!_—OuHv-an- Bhuw-rounis. Fort-rftree.U DR. WILKINS, F.R.C.S.. Consulting and Operatino Surgeon. Is at his Surgery, for General PracUce—Morn ings. 10 until 12; Evenings, 7.30 until 8.30: Afternoons. 2 to 4. for Eye, Ear. and Throat diseases. Dr. Wilkins spent seven years at Mooreflelds Eye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman and Crichett. two at Throat Hospital, London, seven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and eight years at Eyo, Ear. and rhroat Infirmary. Melbourne Corrects sight tor glasses.—Consulting Rooms, Queen-street (noo Post-office), Auckland. T> A R E T> A R G A I N S HOSIRRV !! N HOSIERY !! In addition to nsual Well-assorted Stock of Hosiery. William R. Bridoman Has just purchased from a Warebxrase 4,119 PAIRS OF ASSORTED HOSIERY In Great Variety, And will be sold, to Clear Quickly, at and UNDER WHOLESALE PRICE. 141 very nico WINTER SKIRTS, 3a lid (worth 5s Od). 2,010 ya.ds Foul. DRESS SERGE, in Navy. Brown, Myrtle, Grey. Prune. Peacock, Ma rone ; to be cleared at 7Jd yd (worth Is). 500 Pairs BLANKETS very cheap, from 6s6d pr. Splendid stock FLANNELS, good wide line. Is yard. . Job Line 10/1 WHITE BLANKET3,I3s lid pr. (very cheap). Largo Assortment CHECK DRESS GOODS from 9d yard. Very good line DRESS GOODS. 3:jd yard. Largo lot of Job Lines in MEN'S and BOYS' . Nioo lot New Pattern FLOORCLOTHS, from 9d yard. LADIES' JACKETS and ULSTERS in great variety, cheap. ALL GOODS MARKED AT VERY LOWEST WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN, 1 288, UrPER Queen-street. i , _ , _—^ pHEAP AND GOOD CUTLERY. THOMAS SAMUEL, Importer of Cutlery, has jußt received a good supply of all kinds of TABLE AND POCKttT CUTLERY, ! Consisting of Ivory and Bone Table Knives, i'oeket Knives, Loekwood's and Johnston's Scissors and Razors, superior makers. ELECTRO-PLATED WARE- Forks, Spoons, Cruets, etc 1 All the above Goods soiling at very low prices, 1 wholesale and retail. _ , THOMAS SAMUEL, : 103, Queen-st. (next Mr Weatpfahl. Bootmaker J ! QJALE! SALEM SALE!!! t_r READ THIS AND BAVE MONEY! *_» ; 1. FERNANDEZ , Having Purchased at an ENORMOUS SACRI FICE tho Entire Stock of A. Rennie, Draper, Karangahape Road. - is now almost ' GIVING AWAY DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. i Not having sufficient space, aFull PriceLlstcan i not be given; but this being really a Genuine i ' Sale, Intending Purchasers may rely on getting the 1 GREATEST BARGAINB EVER OFFERED | .... IN AUCKLAND. [ Read the Prick List :— s. d. Men's Good Tweed Suits 15 0 • Men's White Shirts 2 11 i Men's Working Shirts.. .. .. ..10 [ Men's Coloured Mole Trousers .. ..3 11 I Men's Tweed Trousers ..all i Men's Trousers and Vests, warranted to i wear 1J 6 I Men's Undershirts 1 11 I Men's Hats 1 » Men's Books, per pair .. .. ... ..0 4 Strong Winter Dress Material in nice dark colours, peryard 0 6 Boys' Strong Tweed Suits .... .. »11 Ladles' Good Tweed Ulsters . . 511 Ladles' Winter Skirts, nicely braided .. 211 Really Good Wincey ...... -. . Splended Cashmeres and Merinos, In black and colours, per yard .. .. IJJ 91 White Witney Blankets, each.. .. 11l I Welsh Flannel .. .. 71 j Scarlet Flannel, per yard wj Good White Calico .. »\ Strong Grey Calico .. ... .. -- j ' Good Flax Shirting _-,'•• •• i\ Best China Matting, one yard wide .. 8. Splendid Bedroom Carpet, per yard .. .1' 0 Full-sized Lace Curtains, per pair.. . - - v Strong Cotton Ticking -- « Floor Cloth forpassages, 27 inches wide, j nice patterns »J Children_ Books •-. _}_ Women'sHoee *i A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OK NEW MILLINERY, BTYLTSH, CHEAP, AND GOOD. NOTE THE ADDRESS— !' FERNANDEZ, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, •Karanoahape Road, Newton, directly op poslteMr Lambourne'e. riOKE. COKE. COKE. THE AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY LTD.) Invito Orders for GAS COKE. Delivered p. within 1 mile of the Works, for Cash; longer distances at proportionate rates:— Sample Sack of three bushels .. Is 6d Five Backs (or quarter ton) .. .. 0s 3d Ten Sacks (or half-ton) .. .. lis 6d Twenty Sacks (or one ton) .. .. 22s 6d The Company s COKE Is made from tbe best Greymouth Coals; is superior to that made from Newcastle coals, being free from stone and clinker in a rem_r__bl_ dogr-ee. gives a RELIABLE FIRE. CLEARER fc HOTTER THAN COAL. LIGHTS READILY, and - ■■ __' MAKES NO BMOKE. iii; ■'•' GOOD FIRE JN M MINUTES. '. . • • . "■' '■ ',"' '. -.A".,.'-.;. _>■"~.'-.;.- -l' _f.j • OFFICE: FORT-STREET. ; .*__£. COKE. COKE.