SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

man watjto J Thk Evonlng, 8.45 HIGH WArj£K} TomorrowMorniDtri 91 BtrNSET.-Tbis Evening, 6.19 BUNRISE.-To-morrow Morning, 5.9 MOON'S AGE.-Now Moon, 19th 0.12 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAT. Wairarapa, s.s., Chatfleld, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Sandfly, schooner, Burrell, for Tonga Oainarn.briganline. for Rarotooga Waltaki. fv»., Crawford, for Whangaroi Macgregor, s.s., Johnson, for Whangarci Penguin, as., Cromarty, for Fiji

IMPORTS.

Per Walrarapa, from Sydney-lOolengthsplpo, 1,003 felloes, i pkgs. machinery, 85 cases, 50 cases fruit. 13 parcels, 5 boxes, 1,321 half-chests and 1,397 boxes tea. 4 steel plates, 3 qr.-casks. 10 biles kapok. 1,409 ballots coir, 2(JO bags sugar, 13 bags tapioca, 50 bags tacks, 333 bags bonedust, SO bags rice.

EXPORTS.

Por Penguin, for Fiji- 2.95S pieces timber, 280 tierces beef, 301 ensea kerosene, 290 cases pre- Herved meats, 18 head cattle, 230 sheep, 276 tins blicuita, 182 sacks potatoes, 1,000 bags rice, and a large quantity of sundries.

Inwards Coastwise.—Lizotte, from Thames, with 23.000 ft timber; Leo. from Mercury Bay, with 27,500 ft timber; Ruakaka. from Ngunguru, with 3G,OOOft timber; Paku, from Tairua, with 2fi,ooort timber; Progress, from Whangapoua, with 29,000 ft timber.

Outwards Coastwise.—Lizette.forThamos Ruakaka, for Port Chalmers.

The brigantlnc Oamaru cleared at the Cub' toms to day for iiarotonga.

Per Oamaru, for ttarotoiiga—B.B7J pieces sawn timber, 1G boxes soap.

A schooner, supposed to be the Mary Camp bell, from Greymouth, anchored outside the Heads late thisufiernuon.

The b.s. Penguin left for Fiji lnstovening with the following passengers .-—Messrs Fiulayson, Harper, Douglas, J. Murchle, Sturgeon, Home, Patterson, Mrs Patterson, Miss Dawson.

The Union Steamship Co.'a s.s. Wftirarapa, Captain H. W. H, Chntflcld, arrived alongside the Queen-street wharf thismorningat9o'clock. She left the Company's wharf, Sydney, at 2 p.m., and cleared the Heads at 2.10 p.m. on the 17th 1 inst.; experienced Xght N.W. and S.W. winds on the passage over, passed the Threo Kings at 4.30 a.m. on the 2lnt, and was abrcaat of the North Cape at 9 a.m. Passengers: Mosdames Seward, Jameson, J lampsou, Warren, Knlgut, Miß3es Burnskle, Gardener, Fuller, Gordon, Messrs B. W. Hammond, T. G. Spioer, Scward, 11. Pain, P. Nash, H. Schatz, J. B. Turnbull, F. S. Kreronse. Gardiner, Fuller, E. C. Ralph, J, Russell, It. S. Lorn?, Rev. J. A. Nolan, Knight, Tawhiao. Major Topia Tnroa, Hori Hohopa, Te Tulil, and 50 in steerage

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Hanraki, s.s., Harvey, from Waitara Argyle, s.s., McArthur, from Hokianga

The b a. Hauraki arrived from Waitara at 7 o'clock this Hioming with 50 head of cattle, 216 sheep, 9 kogs and 12 cases butter.

The i.s. Argylo arrived from Hokianga at 9 o'olock thlsmomlng with 5,228 feet baulk totara, 21 sacks gum, 6 bales hides, and 60 cases and packages sundries. She leaves for Waitara to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.

The s.s. Stormblrd should arrive to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day.—Arrived: Penguin, from Auckland, 7 a.m.

• Whanoarei, this day.—Arrived: Wnangarci. from Auckland, 7 a.m.

Tha.mkr, this day.—Lizzie Grey, brlgantinc, rom Tiniaru, with prodace. The rivor steamer Patiki was successfully re launched this morning, after having her hnll sheathed and her machinery overhauled.

Sidney, this day.—Sailed, yesterday after noon, Union s.s. Hauroto, for We Hington.

COMMERCIAL.

Evenino Star Office, this day.

Messrs S. Cochrane and Son sold this day at thoir rooms, Queon-strect, tho fishing boat Grace Darling, for £10; Uahlng nets, £4 10s each. Mr It. C. Greenwood held a sale by auction at his new sale rooms, Vulcan Lane, this day, of a cottage, Newton-street, Newton, and freehold allotment (by order of the mortgagee). The at tendance was gooi, and the price realised, £160.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

October 22, 1881.

Abbott's Opera House—Mr Thos. Braoken: Poetic Gems from Tarious Authors, 8 p.m. Choral Hall-Art Students', 7 to 10 p.m. Auckland Rowing Association, Waltemata Hotel, 8 p.m.

Auckland Naturalists' Field Club, Musoum Buildings, 8 p.m. Excelsior Lodge, Franklin Road, " Service of Song," 7.30 p.m.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

ifAILSfWOX CLOSB AS UN DEB!—

This Day. For Thames, per Kotomahana, at 5.30 p.m.

Per Te Anau as follows :—

For China, Japan, Suez - and Continent of Europe, via Brinaisi or Naples, at 3 pjn. For Russell, Kawakawa, Australian Colonies, iand United Kingdom, via Brlndisi or Naples /(per Orient boat), for letters, etc., specially so prepaid and addressed, at i p.m. For Franco. Algeria, Aden, Sereholles, Mauritius, Cape of Good Hope, etc., per French Paoket, from Sydney at S p.m. - For money orders, ropiatorcd letters and news papers at 3 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only, at 1.20 p.m. TauBBDAY, 23rd last.

Fpr Waitara, etc., per Haurakl at 6 a.m. For Waiwera, Te Kapa. Craigieburn, and Warkworth. etc., per Rose Cheat, at 10 a.m. For New Plymouth, Wanf?anni, &0., per Storm bird, at 11a.m. Per Wairarapa, as follow: Forlndia.China Japan, Moditen-aneanPorts, and Continent of Enrope. at 10 a.m. For Gisborno, Napier, Southern Porte. Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom 'via Suez, and Brindiil. for letters, See,, specially so prepaid and addressed, at 11 a.m. For Money Orders, Registered Letters and Newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late Letters till 11.20 a.m. The United Kingdom Mail will he dne in London on Tuesday, the 16th December, at 5.30 p m. For London via Rio de Janeiro and Plymouth (from Lyttelton, per Doric, 29th inst), per Waiiarapa, at 11 a.m. Expected lenfjth of passage, 12 days. ! For T«oran*i, Ohinomutu, and Opotiki, per Glenelet, af 1 p.m. ffor. Whitiangl, Upper MUI, and Talrua, per Rffwena, at 6 p,m. Fbidat, 2ilh inst. ana f !orolMna«*.-»(M Coromandol. at Fcr Tfiiuneg, prir Rotomahana at <l IB n m For Thamep, per Enterprise, at 5.W p«tt, '

Births.

AUUNUEIu-OnUUiSopt., ut Sydney Island, v South Pacittc Ocean, thu wife of John T. '•Arunde Esq., of a daughter (Sydnoy Dorothy). 'DONALDSON.—On 22nd October, at Napior slrcot. the wife of William Donaldson of a L daughter. FJfI'.GUSON.—On Monday, 20th October, Mrs . John Ferguson, Cambridge, Walkato, of a daughter MAKTIN.—On October 20th, at her residence, Collingwood-street, Ponaonby, the wife of. Alex. J. Martin of a son.

marriage.

FAIRS— WARHELL.-On October 18. at St Thomas's Church, by the Rev. Lloyd Kedting M.A., Mortimer, fourth son of the late Ihos. Armstrong Fairs, of Berkshire, England, to Alice, second daughter of Mr George Wardell, Ponsonby, Auckland.

Deaths.

LEES.—On August 20, at her residence, Bargatß House, Brewood, Staffordshire. England. Mary, the beloved wife Mi William John Ijees; aged 59 years. DSeply regretted. R.l.P.—Sydney and Launceston papers please copy.

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1884.

Tat the cause that lacks asstetooM, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And tbe Rood that we can da.

Mr Alderton, one of the Whan garei deputation who went to Welling ton in the interests of the Kamo-Bay of Islands railway, sends us some notes of his observations on the working of the political machine. The letter appears on the fourth page of to-night's issue. Our correspondent had a log to roll> and soon found himself in congenial company at the capital city. Accord ing to his description of the present condition of political parties, the second era of political corruption and extrava gance has begun in earnest. The Go vernment schemes, he says, it is generally acknowledged, commit the colony to an expenditure of B}4 mil lions sterling, »o be met partly out of grants of public lands, and partly out of borrowed money. Mr Alderton seems to have been less horrified by the mag nitude of the proposals which aro re ceiving a ready sanction in the House than that Auckland is being left out in the cold—and that, in great measure, through the action of her own represen tatives. What our correspondent says of the construction of railways by land grants will be readily admitted. There is no real distinction between borrowing money upon the security of the colonial lands and revenues and alienating the public estate. The Crown lands are the property of the whole colony, and a vote of those lands means a vote of their cash value, not to speak of prospective improvement. If the South is to have the lion's share of the grants both in money and land, as the Ministerial pro posals meditate, the case of the North is bad indeed. It was foreseen before the colony was committed by private land-owners to the construction of district railways that these works would ultimately have to be taken over by the Government. Confident of that, the South went in heavily for these lines. In the case of the Waimea Plains railway, the whole amount of capital subscribed was under jQ^oo. The promoters borrowed from the trust fu»ds of the colony raised further sums on debentures, and having opened up and disposed of their estates at enhanced values, they encouraged and aided an agitation among the land-owners, who are liable for the rates, to obtain relief from Par liament. If Auckland had plunged into similar schemes, we might now have the Waiuku and Northern lines in an advanced stage of construction, transferred to the Government at cost price. What the Whangarei delegate says of Auckland's posi tion in the present scramble is true. Fourteen ysars ago, our repre sentatives were "as the voice of one crying in the wilderness •" they denied themselves, and the people of the South chuckled and profited by their self-sacrific ing folly. Auckland cannot af ford to stand out again. The North Island trunk railway, which even Mr Holmes, of Christchurch, when speaking upon the Christchurch West Coast Rail way Bill, admitted tobedue to Auckland in compensation for past deficiencies in the apportionment of loans, will be con structed in the interests of Welllington, which has already had an undue share of public votes. Are we to bt out witted everywhere ? Our members owe it as a duty to the people who chose them that they shall sink minor differences and unite in obtaining a full share of the eight millions about to be appropriated. By combination they could, we believe, obtain the construc tion of a substantial section of the North Auckland railway which would promote the settlement of an im mense area of fine land, and bring vast forests of valuable timber into the market to swell our export trade, afford employment for labour, and a market for the produce of our settlers.

Conflict Between the Two Chambers.

In throwing out the Dietrict Railways Leasing Bill, the members of the Legisla tive Council have placed themselves in direct conflict with the members of the House of Representatives on one of the least objectionable of the policy bills of the Stout-Vogel Government. The ac uisition by Government of the railways constructed under the District Railways Act is a step which, sooner or later, must be taken, and the action of the Council may retard, but will not prevent, this being done. Already the present Go vernment, so infirm physically, but so fertile of resource and full of mental vigour, have hit upon an expedient to thwart the opposition of the Upper House. Sir Julius Vogel is to move on Friday, in the House of Representatives, a resolution declaring that Government ought to acquire the lines constructed under the Act named at a valuation. If the " Lords " have been ill advised in their obstruction to the passage of the bill, this attempt to secure the end aimed at is most objectionable, Supposing the resolution were passed, effect could not be given to it without the addition of a clause .to the Appropriation Act, providing the necessary funds for the purpose, and that Act, of course, must come under the criticism of the Legislative Council, when the clause would of course be struck out. The only result of the "smart" tactics of the Colonial Treasurer will therefore be to embitter the feeling of hostility which n,oj.y obtains between the two Chambers. It is opn to question, however, whother the House of Representatives will pass the resolution to be submitted on Friday, and this would at once end the conflict by postponing the matter till next session, This would mean a complete defeat of the Government on a question of policy, but it is not expected I±at there -would be in consiaquenpe any dissolution and appeal to the electors, English precedents in this respect are not always closely followed here, and Messrs Stout and Vogel, we fancy, will be quite [content to put thetr policy jn their poo£ets, I along with the direct affront offered them, until a chance occurs of carrying out the one and revenging the other. The Govern. merit organ attempts to work up a cry against the Upper Chamber over the present position of affairs, but it is manifestly a mere hysterical cry—the echo of the baffled rage of Ministers. The Legislative Council in this matter has not taken a stand in opposition to any right of the people, or in defence of any fancied privilege of certain ... ..., • -.- •. ..-:■■ - -

classes, but has boldly challenged the Government on a question of policy, and is thoreforo acting strictly within those lines of beneficial criticism and veto which form the chief safeguard of all legislation. If tho Council never docs a more mischievous thiNg than it has done now, it need not fear annihilation.

Mr Justice Gillies leaves on Tuesday next for the Taranaki portion of hia circuit, when he will proceed to Wellington in time for tho Appeal Court, which opens on the 3rd November. The only Auckland case sot down for argument before it is that of The Property Tax Commitsioner v. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company (Limited).

Mr Jas. Knox, choirmaster at St. Bene dict's, has been chosen to conduct at the Choral Society's practices until the return of Herr Schmitt, and the first practice un der his direction was very successfully carried through last night. At the close ho was heartly applauded by the performers.

Master George Leighton, a son of Mr Lcichton, bookbinder, of High-street, met with a serious accident to-day. Ho is a pupil at the Auckland College, and while amusing himsolf on tho Roman rings in the gymnasium attached to tho school, he foil, landing on his head. He was unconscious for somo timo, and was conveyed home in a cab. The exact nature of his injury has not yet transpirod.

Mr 0. S. Wright lms received a notifica tion from the Registrar of Friendly Societies of his appointment as a valuer of Friendly Societies.

The colonies can now hold thoir own in every clasa of work, Messrs (libb.«, Shal lard and Co., printers, of Sydnoy, have issued a series of Christmas cards in chronio lithography, which, both for choico of sub ject and execution, will compare favourably with English work of tho same description.

Wo understand that Mr Thomas Bracken has been invited by the Auckland Liboral Association to deliver a lecture on "Tho Triumph of Democracy." Tho lecture has been delivered in Duncdin, Christchurch, and Wellington with great success. Tho date has not yot boon fixed.

Bernard Quit), who had his leg broken by the fall of a derrick at Holensvillo on Monday, was admitted to the Auckland Hospital to-day.

Miss Marion Melrose, tho popular comedienne, was thrown from a buggy yes terday, and severely shaken.

There was a crowded attendance at tho sacred concert given last evoaing at St. John's Churah, Ponsonby, by tho Church choir. There wore no fewer than cloven anthems and solos renderod by tho follow ing:—Miss Mcllwaine, Mesdames Bottany and Goodison, Messrs Barnes, Clark, Primo, and Goodison. Mr R. J. Clark wi«lded the conductor's baton.

The following mining telegrams were re coiyed to-day:—(l) Waiorongomai: Returns for month—Colonial, 193 ozs. 9 dwts. re torted gold ; Canadian, 78 ozs. 8 dwts. retorted gold. (2) Cambria: Thirty pounds picked stone and specimens from winze; good show in faco. (3) New Find : Returns for month—4o4 ozs. 9 dwts. rotortod gold. (4) Now Princo Imperial: Seventy pounds specimens, stopes, No. 6 lovel."

An advertisement appeared to-day in our morning contemporary convening a me»ting of tho unemployed, to bo hold alongside tho City Council Chamber?, at 9.30 this morn ing, for the purpose of considering " what steps be taken as regards getting work." Tho announcement ended with tho enig matical sentenco: " A loaf of bread, virtue and honesty." Mr W. G. Garrard's por sonality was impressed upon tho stylo and wording of tho advertisement, and it was with no surprised,therefore,that the worthy patriot was observed on dress parade at the City Conncil corner by tho tnno above indicated. Ho had tho scene to himself at first, but with tho lapso of timo there ar rived in oiio's and two's somo six other* of tho unemployed. Although equal to any emergency, William Goorge porcoived that the essential olements of a duly-organised indignation mooting wero absent, and there fore, after a prolonged conversation with his half-a-dozon associates, in the course of which it was agreed that tho advertisement had not met tho eyos of the unoinployod, the agitator and his friends " varaoosod."

To the Editor! Sir, —Having read tho letter of "Pater," published In your issue of last evening, I feel it my duty to make a few remark? in reply thereto. If tho committee of any school district has the power of appointing or controlling tho master of the school, they hovo also tho power of dealing with him in tho matter of chastising scholars, and as a rule that powor may safoly rest in thoir hands. I feel satisfied that thero are some scholars who not only deserve caning on the hand, but to be expollod. Generally, Bchoolmaßtoi s aro too lotiient. For this renson, it is to their interest not to offend tho parents of thoir scholars, besides which it ought to be a rule that the members of committees should bo those who have the greatest number of children of tho ago to attend school.—Yours, &c, Another Patcb.

In Chambers yesterday morning, Mr Justice Gillios granted probate in re Frederick Davidson and Robert Murdoch (deceased), and issued orders to register copies of the wilU of John Pittncr, Maurice O'Sullivan, Joseph Thorp, and 'William Currwan (deceased). Upon Mr Button's motion to settle list of contributorics in re the Plutus G.M. Co., Mr T. Buddie was ap pointed liquidator, and as tho only contri butory represented was the Thames G.M. Co., tho rest of the list was sottled, while the consideration of this exception was adjourned. Tho matters of ap pointing Mr J. M. Alexander special guardian of R. C. C. Taylor and J. J. K. Taylor, and of appointing Susan Kemp thorne guardian ad litem of her infant children, were allowed to stand over, while the effect of charging order under rule 313 in re Slater v. McLood and another was extended for six months. The executors of the estate of Thomas Troan (deceased) were allowed 5 per cent, on passing accounts on gross amount of estate collected and realised, exclusive of principal of mortgages. His Honor also consented to tho estate being placed in the hands of the Public Trustee. A deed of assignment of David Asher's estate to Laurence David Nathan was ordered to be registered.

It would appear that the University Col lego Council and the members of the Pro fessorial Board have been working at crpss purposes lately in respect of an application by a Mr T. Knox (who had been at Oxford), regarding the terms be would be allowod to have kept if admitted to the University College. This letter had been informally submitted to the Professorial Board by the Registrar, which bo<Jy dpcidpd to allow Mr Knos two terms. This decision or recom mendation was not officially ''intimated to the Council, who subsequently allowed Mr Knox three years. At the meeting of tho Council yesterday, the resolution waa passed on the motion of Mr Justice Gillies, "That the Professorial Board be informed that this Council was not awarp that Mr Knox's application had been submitted tp the Professorial Board, or that thp Board had expressed any opinion thereon ; otherr wise the Council would have given great weight to the opinion of the Board. At the same time thp Council cannot repognisp that the duty pf determining what termb are to be accredited to an ad eundem under? Graduate of the New Zealand University evolves on tho Professorial Board under section 22 of tho University College Act, as it is a duty imposed on tho Counpil by a resolution of the New Zealand Unlvorsity , Senate in the year 1883." * i

Although very little actual destitution manifests itself in Auckland at present, there appears to be a considerable number of labouring men out of employment. In Saturday evening's Star an advertisement was published, stating that Mr Irvine, of &arnnguhape Road, requircd-"logoodpick and shflvel men," and requesting applicants to attend on Monday mprning. In re sponse to the advertisement potweon 70 and 80 able-bodied men assembled on Mon day, and from their number ttye required 10 were selected. 4- local coach-bufldor on a small scale came by just at this juncture and aijnouncel that he could afford employ .menfc to one man. A number at .once eagerly volunteered, and pno qf them (Mr Neylon) was immediately aooepted. On his way tq the scene of opera tions, his new emplqyer inquired whether he had a wheelbarrow. Mr Neylon replied in the negative, and explained thatit was not usual for navvies to own such requisites, but that they could be hired. The phllan r thpopio coachbuilder, however, could neither think of paying for the use of a wheelbarrow not of employing a navvy who was not provided with one. Rathor than miss the chance qf work, Neylon went fn quest of the npcessary barrow, and paving managed to borrow one from a friend, he " turned up " with it at the coachbuildgr'3 establishment. To his surprise that interesting individual laconic ally remarked, "Oh, I've changed my mind now. I don't intend to have the work done. So sorry to have disappointed yon." A pretty vigorous altercation, of course, ensued, but the navvy did not obtain his promised employment,

Some activity in sharotnarket today. Sales in Princo Imperial, 17s (id, 19a 7d ; buyers, 18s Gd. Cambria sales, 2s 2d, 3s 3d. Telegram : 301b. picked stone ; specimens from winz«, showing gold in face. Darwin : Salos, 2s 6d 3s Id ; buyers, 2s 9d.

Pollard's Juvenile Opora Troupe opened their season in Invercargill lastpight.

One of the torpedo boats recently brought out for the defence of the colony was taken a trial run at Wellington yesterday.

Poverty Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society held its tenth annual show yester day, which was most successful.

Mr W. J. Speight has, we learn,accepted office under the Government Insurance Department, making a special feature of the Temperanco branch. He made a good start by securing four policies.

Tho Auckland Gas Company have pro mised to extend their mains to Onehunga as soon as possible.

Tho total receipts of the Borough of One hunga for the last half-year amounted to £837, and the expenditure to £742.

At the meeting of tho Onehunga Borough Council hold on Monday evening, votes of thanks were accorded to Sir Maurice O'Rorko and to the Hon. Mr Tolo for tho. action they kad taken respecting the Manukau Harbour question.

The Secretary of the Auckland Liberal Association has received tho following letter from tho Hon. It, Stout: " I beg to acknow ledge tho receipt of your letter enclosing copy of rules of your Association, and here with enclose £2 2s as a subscription. lam very glad indeed to hear that Rtich nn association has been started in •Auckland, and having not a more sectional object but a national one in view, I wish id every success. After all, the Legislature only represents tho peoplo, and if thoy aro earnest for progress tho Logislaturo must follow." At a special mooting of tho University College Council yesterday afternoon an application from Miss Kate Colobrook, assistant teacher at tho Thames High School, that sho should bo allowed to pasß tho remainder of her 8..A. examination at tho Thames instead of ooming to Auckland was consider«d. The Council did not con sider it advisable to grant the request, but expressed a hopo that the governing body at tho Thames would not place any obstacle in the way of Miss Colobrook attending her examination in Auckland.

Tho sixth anniversary entertainment of tho Arch Hill Band of Hope was held the Newton West School last evening, and passed off vory successfully. Several choruses, glees, recitations, and dialogues wore given by members, and theso, together with solos by Miss Patterson and a lady friend, tho performance on the fairy bells by Mr Kenyon, a recitation by Master Barry, and selections by tho Band of Hope Union Drum and Fife Band (undor the con ductorshipof MrPook, bandmaster), formed an oxcollent programme. Mr Knott was the speaker for tho evening, and delivered a brief, practical, and interesting address. Mr Vickery trainod the children in their singing, Mr Whitaker assisting as organist. There was a largo gathering of friends pro sent,

The conference of Sunday-school teachers was hold yostsrday afternoon in tho large room of the Young Men's Christian Asso ciation. The attendance was large, about 00 teachers being present, besides anumbor of friends and visitors. Mr John Ellyett presided. Thofollowingpapers wore read and discuusod:—Mr Enoch Wood, Newton Con gregational School, read a paper on " Motives to Service and Rowards of Same j" and Mr A. Knight, of Mount Eden Baptist School, " True Secret of Successful and Efficient Teaching." Tho papors wero not without merit, ana their authors' views elicited an interesting disoußsion, in which tho following ministers and frionds took part:—Rev. Joseph S. Hill, A. Reid, W. E. Rice, T. Adams, Messrs Edwin Wood, Rodfern, F. Battloy, A. Cox, Sorvico, E. 8011, S. Parker, W. F. Tucker, A. Knight, and W. Cox. A public tea mooting was held at 5.30, in tho Baptist School-room, and the ovening meeting in tho Young Men's Rooms. Rev. R. il'. Macnlcol in tho chair. Mr Tuekor gavo a practical losson to ten lads on his (Mr Tuckor's) mode of teaching. Tho criticism which followed was of a highly complimen tary character. Favourable opinions of tho modo were expressed by Roys. W. S. Potter and W. E. Rice, and Messrs Battloy, Bell, and Cox. Tho proceedings closed with prayer by Rev. A. Reid. This(Wednosday) evening a eermon to teachers will bo preached by Rev. W. E. Rice in Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, followed by a communion sorvicc by Roy. T. McKenzie Fraser, M.A.

To the Editor : Sir,—What might have been a serious accident occurred about 5.15 o'c'ock last night in front of my shop. A large number of children are always playing thero, and just at that time tho horsoa that aro drawing the clay from Franklin Road wero going home, and I have noticed them night and morning, about a dozen or more, going along tho streets by themselves loose. Or.o of the horses came under my verandah in Hepburn-street, andcutacrosK the corner into Napier-street. Tho children tried to got out of the way, when my littlo girl Marguorito, 9 years old, was knocked down by tjio horse and jumped over. Sho was carried into tho houso, and Dr, Purchas sonf; for. He found hor loft leg ono mass of bruises from the hip to the thigh, the worst on the knee cap. Fortunately, no bonce wero broken. The doctor said that sho had had a narrow escape of hor lifo. Sho was also slightly hurt between tho shoulders, I would wish to call the attention of the city authorities to the dangerous practice of drivers lotting their horses go along the streets loose, and I must say the same of some of the butchers and bakers. They ride and drive round corners almost at a gallop sometimoH. I ilso would have you call their attention to the most dangerous stata of Napier-street, whore it crosses the gully, It only boing about twelve (12) feot wide and no footpath either side.—Yours respectfully, R. S. Boyes, grocer, Napier street.

At the fortnightly meeting of the French Literary Society on Saturday night, Mr E. I^. Watkins (French master at the Grammar School) read an original tale, entitled " Story of an Australian Policeman " It was well conceived and cleverly written, whilo the criticisms passed upon it were of a very complimentary character. The ac counts of tho benefit conoert tendered to tho Hon. Secretary having boen brought up and approved, tho Presi dent (M. C. de L'Eau), in handing over to Mr Villeval the net proceeds, expressed the sincere pleasure which it afforded him to make such a presentation on behalf of the Society. Mr Villeval had deserved well at their hands, for his efforts in the Society's service had been unflagging and RpiriteJ. Besides that the high }it«rary m«rjt and instructive character of ))is numerous le« ---tures had been of very great advan tage. ]foth as scprptary and as a member of the Society, he had spared himself no exertion to promote its success, and tp popularise the study of the French lan guage. Mr. Villeval, in a neat and pointed speech, expressed his acknowledgments. Anyone who has followed tho history of the French Literary Society must admit thp justice of the President's eulogy. Sincp its foundation at a public meeting in June, 1881, no one h.03 wprked with more ability and pains on its behalf than Mr Yilleval, andnp qno more thoroughly versed in the French language and literature has ever been associated with it. In his several rQles as its seorotary, organjspr qf its concerts, French teacher and editor of '' Le NeoZc\an^(ik" he lias secured a repute and a popularity wbiph are not by any maans disproportioned to his undoubted deserts,

The charge of violent anpault with intent to murder was heard yesterday afternoon, before MrD. B. Macdonald, J.P.; MrThos. Cotter in defence. Tho prisoror, Jacob Hansen, a foreigner, was charged with com mitting an unprovoked and violent assault upon John Constantino, in his hut at Vvainui, near tho Wade, on the Bth of October. Sergeant Pratt fully ox plained the circumstances of the case, and with which the public is familiar through flip columns of the Star. Defendant stated upon oath that on the day of tho qsjaujt ho was quietly reading in his hut, when prisoner entered, suddenly approached him, and struck him a blow with a bludgeon which felled him to the ground. He was unable to resist,and cried out "Murder!" Prisoner said, "I have been waiting $0 catoh you for some time," and beat him on the head and body in an unmerciful manner. Ho had no quarrel with Hansen, and could only account for his conduct on the ground pf insanity. Similar evidouoo was given by Robert George and Pej;er Fer guson. Dr. Bond, Hospital Surgeon, do posed to the wounds, and Constable Hutchinson (NortJ) Shore) of the arrest. Mr Cotter addressed the Bench at some length, arguing that the assault was but trivial, ana not so severe as had been represented. Mr Mandonald, .however, felt that he must commit the prisoner on the evidence before the Bench. The depositions were read over, and prisoner fully com mitted to take Ilia trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court. Bail was allowed, prisoner in-£IOO, and two sureties in £60 each.

Mr Nevillo Thornton and his threo daughters will givo thoir uniquo and varied entertainment in Abbott's Opera House to morrow evening, embracing comedy, bur lesque, farce, music, and song. The moonlight scene, "Romeo and Juliet," "The Female Detective," and "The Vil lage Belle " will form part of the entertain ment.

The horses in one of'the Mount Roskill 'busses shied at the road roller in Symonds-street yesterday afternoon, and the vehicle came to grief. No one was hurt.

The Mayor of Onehunga has some doubt as to tho validity of the last general rate struck in that borough, but other members are of opinion that it is perfectly valid. A motion by tho Mayor that the Colonial Secretary be requested to obtain the Governor's validation was lost at the last meeting of the Council by five to four.

Tho Art Exhibition continues to be well attended by the public, and the receipts for tickets, etc., have been vory satisfactory. This evening a concert will be given, the programme of which contains a number of attractive items. Mr Ralph Hood will preside at tho pianoforte, and play a selec tion of favourite pieces. Another substan tial attraction is the attendance of a number of Maoris, who will bo attired in native dress of tho old stylo. Tawhiao has re ceived a pressing invitation to be present, and ho i« likely, together with his " suite," to respond. Tho Exhibition is open every afternoon and evening till Saturday next.

CATAIIRH OF THE J|LADDEIB.--BUughi» u iiTit«- Tho monthly convocation of the Zealandia Royal Arch Chapter will bo hold on Friday ovouliig next, tho 21th, in tho Froomasonu' Hall, Princes-stroet. Tho business will be exaltations; and members of other Chuptctu nre invited.

Pokk Tka—For refreshing the weary, and cheering the social, pure Teanlono cxpvla all othor beverages. Try How's pure blended Tea, Is lod per lb.—Kew'» Gouoral Grocery and Pro vision Stores, Vietoria-street,-[ADVT,J

Sowing Machlnas to hand.—D. 3. Chambers

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, October 17. Thk Premier is improving greatly, but is not yet able to leave the Government offices. It will bo necessary for him to have com plete rest fora considerable time.

Thero is quite a bustle now amongst the warships. The Nelson has been coaling, and, with tho Diamond and Espiegle, leaves for Now Guinea to-morrow. Tho Harriet has already left Brisbane, with Mr Romilly, Deputy High Commissioner, on board. The German warship Elizabeth left Farm Cove suddenly yesterday, it is »aid for Africa, but it is believed for Now Guinea. Government are desirous of getting the Civil Service Bill passed and tho railway proposals attended to beforo submitting tho federation resolutions. The Council la delaying the passage of the former bill, and tho railway proposals aro meeting with opposition from Sir Henry Parked and others. A motion yesterday that the En gineer-in-Chiof be examined at tho bar of the Jlouho was negatived, A railway to Hurstville, nine miles from Sydnoy, boing tho first Boction of tho Illa warra lino, opened on Wednesday, adds scvoral now suburbs to Sydney. The mystery concerning the death of Rebecca Wilkinson, found on the Botany tram lino, has nofyot been cleared up, bat foul play is suspected. Edward Single, thu scamon Injured on board tho Wakatipu, died yesterday. The Land Bill has paused, and will bo assented to by tho Governor to-day. Vory warm weather has been oxperi oncod.

In the action, A.B.N. Company v. Howard Smith's (Limited), relating to tho collision between tho Briksgate and Baorabool, a vote was returned for plaintiff*, with L 4.172 damages. Memioctrnb, October 17. Tho Governor and Lady Loch received an onthusiactic reception at Warnambool. Mr Sorvico stated in tho Assembly that replies from other colonies received in answer to his circular were not vory en couraging, but that they varied ; one colony kilcos one view, and one another. Tho Executive decided that O'Bticn, con victed of tho Larnefield murder, should be oxecuted.

SPORTING NEWS.

The Caulfiold Guineas,

The following aro tho details of the run ning for Tiik Caulkiki.d Guinkah. » sweepstako of 10 so vs. each, 5 ft, with 300 added. The second horso to receive 75 soys., und the third horse 2) soys. from tho stake. Colts. Set 51b; lillies, Bat. Ono mile, (til subs.) Mr W, Gordon's eh f Sandal, by Winter lake-Instep, Bst(Trahan) 1 Mr W. Blackler.'s b f Gratitude, by Countryman—Serenity, Sat (William son) 2 Mr R, Love's br f Holetie, by Country-

man—Tinfinder, Bst (MeUrade) ... 3 Rebus (Nicholson), Merrimu (G. Williams), Rufus (M. O'Brion), D»rid (E. Power), Loporollo (Boaso), Tremando (Hale*), Sirocco (Robortson), Pilot (Colley). The Bohemian (Blair), also started. Betting—s to 2 against Rufus, oto 1 Helono, 7 to 1 David and Tremando, 8 to 1 each Gratitude and Sirocco, 10 to 1 Merrimu and Leporello, 30 to 1 each Sandal, Pilot, Bohemian and Rebus.

To a wretched start the dozen were tent off, Merrimu being first away, with David and Rufus next. Tremardo fared baHly, and Leporello worse. When they settled down into thoir places Gratitude made play for half a mile, when Sandal took up tho running, came on, and won by a couple of lengths from Gratitude, with Helene, Sirocco, David, Rufus, Tremando, and The Bohemian next at long intervals. Time, linin, fiOJece,

Melbourne, Tuesday, Robert tho Devil, Skipper, and Victresi have been fecratchod for the Cup.

Result of the Cambridgeshire Stakes.

(BY CAJII.E—COI'TRIOIIT.) London, October 21. At the Newmarket Houghton Meeting to-day, the following was the result of the race for Tnn Cambridgeshire Stakes of 25aovs. each, with 300 added: second reoolros lOOsovs.. and third saves Btake; Cambridgeshire courso (1 mile 240 yards). J2Q subs. Mr J. Hammond's b f Florence, by Wisdom—Enigma, 4yrs, p.it lib ... 1 Mr H. T. Barclay's b c B.ondigo, by Bon Battlo—Hasty Girl, 4yrs, Bst lib ... 2 Mr Mainlpy's b p Pizzarrq, by Uncae— Lydia, ityrs, 7st3lb ... 3

FIRE AT NELSON.

(BY TELEOKAnr.— PRESS ASSOCIATION)'

iftiLsoN, this day, Bryant and Mills's flour-mill at Motueka was destroyed by firo yesterday afternoon. The fire commenced in the roof of the en gine-room, but it is not known how it was paused. Therp was a heavy stock of wheat on hand, an 4 only about 10 tons wero saved. The buildings were insured for £000, divided between the Standard, South British, and Victoria offices. Tho outbuildings were saved. The estimated loss on the building is £900 abovo the insuranoo ; and the total loss £600, the contents being uninsured. There was also a large quantity of wheat and flour belonging to other persons, also uninsured.

OPERA HOUSE.- "AN EVENING WITH THE POETS AND HU MOURISTS."

Mb Bracken gave last niftht, under the above title a Borlos of recitals from Tennyson, Lover, Burns, Whlttior, Thorpo, and Banim, supple mented bj two of his own compositions. There was a Rood attendance, and the utmost an prociation was evinced. Starting with •'Lady Clara Vere do Verd," Mr Bracken passed ploaßantly through his programme the grave and gay BOIOOUOII3 alternating through out, and the clement of gaiety being wholly drawn from that prolific wit, Samuel Lover, from whose works no loss than six pieces were given. Theso wore—"What's Your RoligionJ" Faddy and the Bear," "It's Molghtylmprovin', '■' the Irish Post Boy," " Handy Andy and the Sodawator," and "Father Phil's Subscription List," and they wero caoh and all interpreted wii ha skill that had its full effect upon the risible nerves of the audience. Burns s beautiful apostrophe, "To Mary iv Hoaven," was recited in such a way as to bring out into relief its tender mournfulness, while the reciter's own compositions. "Passing Through the Gate"and " Not Understood," wore given with a studied offeot that evoked loud plaudits from all parts of the "house." "Curfew Must Not Ring To niehf'and "Soettarth Aroon,"(Prieatdean) were also rendered vory ably, while -Father Phil's Subscription List convulsed tho audienco with laughter, bringing a pleasant entertainment to an agreeable close. The final series of readings and rocltationß will be given this evening, on which occasion a splendid programme is pro mised. Among ita chief features will be " The Charge of the Light Brigade," "Caoch, the Piper," and Mr Brackens own poem ''Old BendißO."

PARLIAMENTARY.

(BY TELEGRAPH. -SPECIAL REPORTER.

Wellington, this day, The Government Insurance Bill.

Nearly the whole of yesterday's sitting was devoted to the further consideration of the Government Insurance Association Bill in Committee. The proceedings were un interesting and tedious, but it is a relief to know that the remaining clauses were got through. Sir Geo. Grey, Mr Moss, and several other members combined their opposition to sevoral clauses. The Pre mier's new clause providing that no person can vote for the election of directors unless he is of full age, and has been a policy-holder of at least jtlOO for 6 months, was carried. An amendment by Major Atkinson, making the Boards elective in stead of nominative, was rejected. It was provided, on Mr Seddon's motion, that all policy-holders of the age of 21 be entitled to vote at elections of members of local Hoards. Clause 24 was altered so as to pro vide that five directors instead of three should form a quorum. Other alterations were of an unimportant character, and the bill was reported with amendments shortly before midnight. The Ot.igo Harbour Boards Loan Con solidation Bill was repented from the Legislative Council, and tho amendments agreed to.

Public Works Amendment Bill.

Tho House then went into Committee on the Public Works Amendment Bill, In clauso 12, providing that Road Boards pay tho cost of maintenance whero the Counties Act is suspended, a proviso was inserted that the clause should not affect existing agreements. Several technical alterations were made, but were of no consequonce. At a quarter to 2 o'clock this morning, 10 out of 24 clauses in tho Act had been passed.

Mr Smith is endeavouring to induce Go vernment to allow a. small increase of salary to those country telegraphists and post masters whose hours of duty have been increased by the now regulations. He asks a question on the subject to-day. The Premier Attacked by Sir George Gray. Sir G. Grey last night twitted the Go vernment with the fact that if they had a servila majority at their back in the Lower House, they did not possess such a tail in the Upper Chamber. This was very con clusively proved on the previous evening. (Laughter.) Sir George added that the Premier had broken faith with those who had assisted him to g«t int» power by intro ducing Buch measures as that (the Insurance Bill) before the House. A sharp passageof arms between Sir Geo. Grey and the Premier terminated by Sir George being called to order.

Influenced by tho petition of Henry McPheraon, Mr J. B. Whyto intands to ask Government to-day if they will relax as re gards labourers tho rule referring to age over which no one can bo employed on Government railways.

Insurance Abominations,

During the discussion on the Insurance Bill last night Mr Mobs was called to order for tho statement that the Colonial Treasurer would be degrading the colony by accepting the control of a department which had beon|guilty of so many abominations. He asserted that tho agents of departments had disgraced themselves by tho monstrous dovicesto which they had resorted in "touting" for business. Sir George Grey addod that tho institution was merely a trading one, and it would be an undignified position for any Minister to assume to direct its proceedings in a departmental capacity. Mr J. B. Whyto intends to ask Go/ern mont to-day why the petition from the sottlers in the southern portion of Thames County praying to bo eovorod from that county has not been complied with. Tho Diatrlot Railways BUI Counter-move to tho " Lords." Tho goneral topic of conversation is the resolution given notice of by Mr Stout to overcome the difficulty caused by the shelving of tho District Railways Bill. Tho motion is to the following effect :— "Thatthe difficulty surrounding the rail ways constructed undor tho District Rail ways Act, and the hardship of ratepayers ure euch, that the House considers that Government should seize a favourable opportunity of acquiring the said lines ; the cost not to exceed the amount fixed by a Court of Inquiry, presided over by a judge of tho Supremo Court, such amount to be based on the actual cost of the rail ways at tho timo of construction, less depreciation and deterioration since their construction." Tho resolution also provides that it should bo made a condition that all proceedings against the ratepayers should be stopped, payment to bo niado, one-third in cash, and tho balance to bear interest at 4 per cent., to be paid in four equal instal ments. A bill is also to be introduced to make the ratepayers liable for any defi ciency between tho receipts from the rail ways and 4 per cent. Interest. It is the general opinion that tho cash required will appear in the Appropriation Act. Of course this Act cannot be amended, and must bo cither accepted or rejected. If the latter course is resorted to, it moans the rejection of all the votes for public works. The posi tion then would bosome a very delicate ono, and tho only meant by which Government could introduce an Act would be by pro-, roguing tho House for a few days, and then holding a new and short session. This would mean anothor half honorarium for members. All theso tactics aro quite pro bablo.

Finn Preserving Industry.

Thore was a brief but interesting dis cussion on tho question of the fish-canning industry in the House yesterday afternoon. Mr Macandrew asked the Government if they would conpider the advisability of en couraging the industry by a bonus for production of tho first 20 or 30 tons of canned fish in the colony. Ho pointed out that our imports of canned fish last year amounted in value to £43,000. He believed there weie several small canning factories in existence at the present time, but they wero not on a sufficiently large sojuo. The Premier said that the Government recognised the importance of the question, and drew attention to tho fact that the export of fish alone from America exceeded the value of our whole exports, including gold. He said tho Government would see what could be done in tho direction of having one such factory established in the South Island, and another in the North.

Reports of Petitions,

The following petitions have been de cided upon by the Petitions Committee :— from Captain . JCrippner, Puhoi, praying consideration for service rendered by the introduction of immigrants from Bohemia : The Committee considers that although it appears petitioner did rpndor some service in the manner indi cated, he has not proved any claim against the colony, consequently Government have no recommendation to make ; from Robert Atkinson, formerly of H.M. Customs, Auckland : Tho Committee endorse the report of tho previous Committee ; from Hall and others, for ship harbour at Wai komiti: Referred to Government; from McLaren and others, in favour of Central Railway being pushed on : Roferred to Go vernmeat.

Wheels Within Wheels. The following suggestive paragraph ap, peared in last night's ''Post "i—"lt is curious how many wheels working within whools there are in matters of legislation. Few would suppose that the question of who should be Agent-General would have anything to do with the throwing out of the District Railways Bill by the Legislative Council; yet, if we are correctly informedjit has had a groat deal to do with it. A cer tain gallant knight deems himself greatly aggrieved because the Agent-General wns not dismissed, and himself appointed in his stead. By a curious coincidence, following his disappointment, his convictions turn in the direction of throwing out Government measures."

Trip to the North Island.

Mr Hobbs brought forward in the House yesterday his scheme for a trip of Southern members to the North Island in the month of January. The Premier said if members of the Legislature desired to make the trip, and would pay the necessary outlay inde pendent of the use of the steamer, Govern ment would not have any objection. Mr J. 0. Brown considered that if the North Island members were to make a trip South they would learn move than would the South Island members by going North.

Answers to Questions,

The following information was elioited from Ministers in reply to questions yester day :— By Mr Bruce—That the Colonial Secretary is taking steps to afford facilities for vaccination in the outlying districts. By Mr O'Callaghan—That it is too late in the session te bring in an Act dealing with the alteration of tariffs. Members would doubtless object to an Act specially provid- Wfy for the abolition of the duty on bmding twine, and the Government could not under take to move specially in this direction.

Tho duty would not, however, be collected until the Ist January next, to give farmers time to get their twine for this season. By Mr Holmes—That tho question of a reci procity customs treaty with Victoria would bo considered. By Mr Wakcfield — That the field force did not draw long service pay, owing to the temporary nature of their service ; that the force was liable to be reduced or dispensed with at any time, but men of long standing or good character were constantly being promoted into the civil police. By Mr Macandrew— That a bonus for the production of oil from shale was not confined to the North Island, but applied to all parts of the colony. The Premier believed there were large deposits of shale in the southern part of the Middle Island, and considered there was no doubt that the House would bo willing to en courage the development of those deposits.

Rock Drills tor Coromandel,

In the petition of Prescott and others, of Coromandel, the Goldfields Committee have decided to recommend the Government to purchase several rock-boring machine?, as requested.

Tho County Council Elections.

A paper is being largely signed by mem bers asking the Goveinment to delay the County elections till the third week in November. It is understood the object is to allow members to get to their homes before they take place. There are no less than twelve County Chairmen in the House.

The Costley Bequest,

Mr Peacock and Captain Daldy are endeavouring to secure tho local ad ministration of the money from tho Costley bequest instead of it going to the colonial revenue until a permanent arrangement is mado. Another Injustice to the South. Captain Fraser intends to ask in tho Legislative Council today if, when making fresh appointments to the Legislative Council, Government will tako into con sideration the present preponderance of North Inland, and especially Wellington, members.

Public Works Bill Reported.

After the telegraph office closed this morning Clause 18 of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill relating to the licensing of unused roads by tho local authorities, was, after a warm discussion, struck out. Clauses 21 and 22 were also struck out, and the cill was reported with amendments.

A Growl at tho "Lords.'*

The "Post," which is the acknowledged Ministerial organ, has an evidently inspired article deploring the fate of the District Railways Bill. I make the following ex tract :—" The Wellington members of the Council, for purely party purposes, have chosen to ally themselves with the avowed Auckland opponents of the Government for tho purpose of embarassing the Govern ment. They have thrown out a measure which was deemed of tlie utmost importance by a large section of the Southern represen tatives, and we shall not be at all surprised to see those who feel aggrieved by what has been done leave Wellington to the tender mercies of Auckland when the question of tho North (Island trunk railway line comes on. If the central route is not en dorsed by the House, the result will bo largely duo to the votes given by the honor able gentlemen, who sit for, although they do not represont, Wellington in the Council. Their most ill-advised action last night has created a feeling which will not easily bo re moved, and we greatly fear that tho interests of Wellington will suffer. Those who have watched the attitudo of the members for Thorndon and To Aro towards the present Government, and have noted tho votes they have given in tho Lower House, will be at no loss to account for the block vote given in the Council last night. We shall not bo at all surprised if all the policy bills of the present Government meet in the Council with the same fate as the District Railways Bill. Such a thing would, of courso, entail a good deal of practical incon venience, but it would tend to expedite a reform which is urgently required, and which cannot be much longer delayed. No oiio objects to tho Council fairly consider ing and conscientiously deciding on tho merits of any measure brought before it, but most serious objection must be taken to important policy bills being dealt with in tho indecent and improper manner in which the District Railways Bill was dealt with last night."

Mr Buckland interviewed the Minister of Defence today, and urged upon him the advisability of selling the stockade, as it was becoming an eyesore and a nuisance. Mr Ballanco promised that he would do so. . It is said on good authority that the total cost of the four railways referred to in the Colonial Treasurer's resolution will be LGOO.OOO, representing L15Q,000 a year for four year?. The railways in question are Duntroon, Waimea, Ashtmrton Forks, and Rotorua.

The New " I-ord."

Tho " Post " has the following respect ing tho elevation of Mr Reeves to tho Legislative Council:—"We cordially con gratulate the Hon. Mr lleeves on his eleva tion to tho Upper House. He has long been known as a prominent and consistent member of the Liberal party, and he is not without considerable Parliamentary experience, having sat for several years as the representative of n Canterbury consti tuency. In 1871-72 Mr Reeves was a mem ber of the Fox-Vogel Ministry, and held the office of Resident Minister for the Middle Island." To this eulogy I may add the fact that Mr Reeves is the proprietor of the " Lyttelton Times," which journal has been an enthusiastic supporter of Sir Julius Vogel since his return to the colony.

Unemployed Workmen In the Colony.

From a return laid before the House it appears that the total number of unem ployed who applied for work up to May 9th last was 558, of which 412 were labourers and 33 carpenters. It is stated that 46 have been in the colony over 25 years, 47 over 20 years, 31 over 15 years, ISS over 10 years, 140 over 5 years, 37 over 2 years, 25 over 1 year, and 27 under 1 year.

Waste Lands Committee. . The following petitions havo been re ported on by the Waste Lands Committee: —J. Charlcton, claim for the land on which the township of Kawhia stands-no claim against Government; James Louden—not sufficient evidence to enable the Com mittee to arrive at any conclusion ; Win. Harrison—that the claim has been already discharged by the payment of L 250.

Buoys for Manukau.

Correspondence relative to tho stoppage from Mr Mclntyre of over LIS for contract money for the manufacture of buoys nt Onehunga has been laid before tho House, on tho motion of Mr Harnlin. From this it appears that Captain Wine recommended full payment because no inconvenience had rosulted from delay in completion. Govern mont refused to mako full payment on the ground that Mr Mclntyre tendered to make tho buoys for LICS if only five weeks wore allowed, and Ll5O if eight weeks. Tho former tender was accepted, but it is as sorted ho took tho full eight weeks to com plete the contract.

V*tlng Under Miners' Rights.

Mr Seddon has given notice of his inten tion to ask Government (1) If they are aware that the Resident Magistrate at Thames had ruled that in accordance with Section No. 41 of the Counties Act Amendment Act, ISB2, the holder of a miner's right could legally demand a voting paper, and to vote at a county election on simply presenting a miner's right, and answering a question in the affirmative that ho resides in the riding for the representation in the Council of which the eaid election is being hold, although at the timo the name of the holder of tho miner's right does not appear upon tho County rolls compiled by the County Clerk under Clause 42 of tho Counties Act, 1576. (2) Seeing the whole of the county elections tako place next month, will Government tako the necessary steps to have tho question definitely decided ?

Auckland Petitions.

Amongst the petitions presented to-day were the following from Auckland district : —From settlers of Bombay, praying the Houso to grant relief to Catherine Piggott, who has been left in indigent circumstances with a large family (Mr Hamlin); from Mary Miller and residents of Te Awamutu, praying for the extension of the franchise under the Licensing Act to. women (Mr Lake); from Shortland natives protesting against tho Act (Puke Te Ao).

Bonus for Clioeso Export. From a return laid before the House it appears that tho New Zealand Compary, Ashburton Company, and the Te Awamutu Company put in applications for £500 bonus for the first 50 tons of cheese ex-. ported. After considerable correspondence on the part of the Government and the two former companies, tho bonus was awarded to tho New Zealand Company.

CABLEGRAMS.

BY CABLE. —COPYRIGHT.]

The High Commissioner of Now Guinea.

London, October 21. — Major-General Scratchley will sail by the P. and O. steamer Ballarat on November 20. He will probably be allowed carte blanche to arrange with the Colonial Ministries respecting New Guinea. He will, in all probability, also exercise a partial control in the affairs of the Western Pacific,

Melbourne Gas Company's Loan.

The Melbourne Gas Company's loan of £197,000 has been floated. 188 tenders were sent in, covering £407,200. The average is £102 0s 4d.

Great Fire in New York State,

New York, October 21. —A most dis astrous fire has occurred at Carthage, a town in this State, on Black River. Numerous houses, factories, and several churches have been totally destroyed, and great loss of property resulted.

Blockade of Ports ia Formosa.

HoNd Kono, October 21.—AH the ports in the Island of Formosa are now blockaded by the French fleet.

Tho Franco-Chinese War.

London, October 21.—Tho blockade of the Island of Formosa has been notified. General De Lisle, in command of tho French troops in Tonquin, lias made a demand for a further reinforcement of 10,000 men.

Great Fire at Moscow,

St. Petersburg; October 20.—A rooßt destructive fire occurred to-day in one of the principal streets of Moscow, causing tho total destruction of eighty shops. The damage is estimated at 3,C00,000 roubles (fSOO,OOO sterling).

Tho Claimant Out on Tlckot-of-Leave,

London, October 20,-r-The Tichborne Claimant, Arthur Orton, was released from prison to-day.

Assault on a Presidential Candidate,

New York, October 20.—Governor Cleve land, of New York State, and a candidate for the Presidency, was assaulted to-day at Albany, but escaped uninjured. The assail ant was arrested.

Egyptian Affairs.

Cairo, October 20.—Lord Northbrook will return to England at the elope of the present week. It has been decided to limit the strength of the Egyptian army to 3,000 men, but at the same time to materially increase the police force.

London, October 21.—A Roman Catholic mission is proceeding to New Guinea. H.M.S. Lark, a survey vessel, has been commissioned for the Australian station.

(Received October 22— 1 p.m.) New Railway for Sydney.

Sydney, this day.—ln the Legislative Assembly last evening, a resolution autho rising the construction of a railway through the city to Circular Quay was passed by 53 to 13.

Adelaide, this day.—ln tho Housa of Assembly last night a lengthy debate took place on Mr Mattingson'g motion, re flecting upon the action of the Minister of Works in dismissing Mr Thow, Locomotivo Superintendent. A division was, however, avoided by the House adopting unanimously an amendment to the motion moved by a Government supporter.

JUDGE RICHMOND ON IN FANTICIDE.

(nV TKLKORAPII—rBESS ASSOCIATION.)

Blenheim, this day. At the Suprome Court yesterday, Judge Richmond, in charging the Grand Jury upon the charge of infanticide against Fanny Bonnington (which is the only indictment in the calendar), referred to the reluctance of juries to convict for child murder even on most convincing evidence. The law on the subject was not in accord ance with public sentiraent.and ought to be amended, though it was easier to com plain of the existing law than suggest a satisfactory improvement. One would liko that the partner of the woman's guilt should share her shame and- punish ment, but such was not practicable to ac complish. The Grand Jury found a true bill of concealment of birth only. Prisoner was a domestic servant to Mr Dodson,M.H.R.,and entered h-s employment in February. Sh» was delivei-ed of an infant on the night of the 3rd July, its dead body being found in the closet next morning. After trial, pri soner was acquitted on the ground of in sanity, and was ordered to be detained during the Colonial Secretary's please re. Judgo Richmond refused an application to-day to send the prisoner to the Hospital instead of the Asylum. His Honor said the girl had got off cheaply, and the usual course in the case of criminal lunatics mtist be followed.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.)

Letting ix the Air.—John Smith was charged with drunkenness and with breaking glass in tho Nevada Hotel last evening, value 80s.—John Barrett deposed that prisoner came to the hotel and wanted drink, but as he was intoxicated, he was refused. Prisoner wasputout. and went to the road, picked up a stone, and threw it through the gloss door,—Corroborative evidenco was given by the waiter at the City Buffet.— Prisoner said he was just about to sail for Sydney, where he had obtained a situation.— Fined lCs and SOs damage, with costs, or 7 days. Young Thieves.—Robert and John Wingate, John Twohsy, John Jones, and Thomas Connop wero charged with larceny of *1 Sa in money and five boxes of cigarettes, £1 Bs.—Sergeant Pratt stated the case, and aeked to withdraw the charge against Twohey.—John Clunan de pqaod that he wag a tobacconist at Ponsonby. His wifo missed the money from the till, and on looking round his shop on Monday he missed the cigarettes.—Constable Thomas Co lis deposed to arresting tho boys. Jones told him that two of the other prisoner! had taken and dividad the money.—John Twohey deposed that he knew Mr Clunan'a shop. He and two others took tho cigaretUß,and Jones took the money. The Wingateß did not share in the money.— Michael Alexander saw the boys Jones and Connop slipping out of the tobacco shop. They went round behind a draper's Bhopt and com menced smoking. Saw money in their hands.— Constable Hsbson (Parnell) on recoivinsr in formation tliat Jones and Wingate had stolen lemonade from Mrs Washer's Bhop in Parnell, arrested the prisoners Wingate and Jones: the latter pleaded guilt/.-His Worship wished to hear something about the boys.—Conßtablo Hobson said the boys Wingate had been up before for potty larcenies; their father was dead and their mother a woman of intomperato hnbits; they run about the streets at all hours, completely wild, and seldom went to school.— Ilia Worship said he did rot like to send the boys to gaol if he coald holp it.—Remanded • until Saturday.

Dronken Coachman.—John Joseph Farley was charged with being drunk while in charge o! two horses.—Sergeant Pratt said tho prisoner had been in prison fora week, and consequently he would ask for a withdrawal of the case- Withdrawn. •

Milk and Water.—Goorgo Wilson was charged with selling adulterated milk to Thomas Smart on the 15th September.—Mr ])ufaur. In defence, pleaded not guilty.—Mr Cotter opened the case for the prosecution.— Thomas Smart deposed that about f oVloek in the morning lie obtained of a man named Howotson a quantity of milk for the purpose of analyeation.-To Mr Dufaur: He told the man why he wanted it. He offered to divide it into three parts, and roturn ODOto Hcwoteon. He seated two bottles, and kept them for the analyst - Jnme3 A. Pond, public analyst, de posed that he was duly appointed under the food Adulteration Act. He received aßiunple of milk on the lath ult from the last witness; analysed it, and found that the solids fat did comply with the standard requirements of theAot; butoftho butter fat, 15 per cent, had been extracted; ottierwiso the milk was wholesome, and not injurious to health.—Cross examined by Mr Dufaur: The sample contained 9per cont. solids. - Mr Dufaur addressed the Court, and said no evidence on the part of the prosecution had shown what class of milk hnd been supplied; if it was skim milk, then tho prosecution mutt fail. Mr Cotter said milk was atked for, and not skim milk.—His Worship considered that a person oskinp for milk did not expect skim milk. — Richard Hewetpon. in the employ of Mr Wilson, deposed that Mr Smart came out with a jug in his hand, and wanted a certain quantity of' milk. He took all i hat was in the can. He could easily account in two ways for pai tial absence of cream. This was the only complaint evor brought against him. Mr Wilson was very particular with hii milk, and never suffered adulteration. Witness then gave an interesting account of the action of the atmosphere and travel along the roads and other influences on milk, especially along tl o rugged road of Arch-hill, the jolting of which churned the butter.—Fiuod 10s and costs. Mv Staines's Shopping Adveniure.— Georgo S aincs wa3 charged on summons with using provoking language towards Margaret Knight on tho 11th inst.—Mr Theo. Cooper for complainant; and Mr Georgo in dofenco.—Mar garet Knight deposed that she kept a green grocery Bhop near the Turkißh Baths. Sbe occupied two rooms. On Saturday wo-k Kr Staines oame into her shor, and called for a bottle of something. Ho then looked at some vegetables. He used filthy languago.-Mr George asked for tho words used —Mrs Knight here burst into tear», and said she could not re peat tho words; they wore too drcadfu'. -The case occupied a long time —The defence waa a general denial.—Kinally His Worship ordered defendant to find sureties, himself in £20, and two sureties to the same amount. Costs, £4 Is.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1884.



Hop Bitters ore the Forest and Beat BKters Ever Made. They are compounded from Hops, Malt Buohu, Mandrake, and Dandelion—the oldest, best, and most valuable medicines in the world, and contain all the best and most curative pro perties of all other remedies, being the greatest Blood Purifier, Liver Regulator..and Life and Health Restoring Agent on earth. No disease or ill-health can possialy long exist where these Bittere are used, so varied and perfect are their operations. They give new life and vigour to the aged and ■ infirm. To all whose employments cause irregularity of the bowels or urinary organs, or who require an Appetiser, Tonic and mild Stimulant, Hop Bitters are Invaluable, being highly curative, toniß and stimulating, without intoxicating. ' No matter what-your feelings or symptoms ar», what the disease or ailment is, use Hop Bitters. Don't wait until you are sick, but if you only I eel bad or miserable, use Hop Bitters at once. It may save your life. Hundreds have been saved by so doing. £500 will be paid for a case they will not cure orlie.p. Do not suffer or let your friends suffer, but nso and urge them to use Hop Bitters. Remember, Hop Bitters is no vile, drugged, drunken nostrum, but the Purest and Best Medicine ever made; the "Invalid's Friend and Hope," and no person or family should be without them. Try the Bitters to-day. Get at Chemists' or Druggists'.



Special Advertisements. i* ■■:■■■'■■ ;■'.■'■-'. .;'.■.. ■ - . ; ; GO TO mHE 11/rELBOURNE TVRAPERY AND /"ILOTHING /COMPANY, QUEEN-STREET. FOB NEW AND FASHIONABLE DRAPERY NEW AND FASHIONABLE DRAPERY NEW AND FASHIONABLE DRAPERY NEW AND FASHIONABLE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. AND CLOTHING. AND CLOTHING. AND CLOTHING. ALL GOODS AT WHOLESALE PRICES. The M.D. & C. CO. Sell STERLING GOODS ONLY, and NO RUBBISH. The Establishment is Lighted Throughout by 50 Incandescent ELK CTItI€ LAMPS. TERMS CASH. THE MELBOURNE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING COMPANY Call your attention to thair Extensive Stock OP 0 GENERAL DRAPERY and CLOTHING, Which they SELL AT WHOLESALE PRICES. R. WILK IN 8, F. R. C. S. CONBOLTTNQ AND OPERATING SUHQEON, Is at his Surgery for General Practice, also Eve. Ear, and Throat Diseases, Mornings, Afternoons, and Evenings. . Consultation Fees very Moderate. Dr. Whkins spent Beven years.»t Mooronelds Bye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman ■nd Crlohptt. two at Throat Hospital, London, seven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, *nd eight years at Eye, Ear, and Throat In flrmary.Melbonrne. Adjusts spectacles to sights. -Consulting Rooms, Queen-street (near Post- QiUc€>)t ATinkland,. M» Alfred Smith ARCHITEOT (Fellow of the Rof At Institute)* HAS REMOVED" ■; , TO 18. SHORTLAND-STREBT, .• ; IVdll^ J^. gOMERVILLB, WKLLKSLKX^TRBIKT , (OFPOSIKB OPEHA HOUSE), . ■ BEGS TO INTIMA.TK THAT SHE 13 NOW SHOWING m wwSKiS ;W PARISIAN MILLINfifeY ■ BNOLIBH ahb PABIfIIAN MILLINERY ■ RECEIVED PER lONia ■ , p :; October t. U^W ■



Special Advertisements. I LEATHER DYEING OR CLEANING < PAX EXCELLENCE. STRAW HATS AND BONNBTS PERFECTI.T CLKAKKD, DYED, OB ALTERED. Quickness of Execution and Moderate Cost specially considered. MBS D. P. FISHER, For many years in business in Wellington, and well known in scvoral parta of the colony, de sires to intimate the opening of premises at ORAM'S BUILDINGS, Corner of WELLESLEY AND HOBSON STREETS, On the line of Tramway. In the art of Dyeing Mrs Fisher acknowledges no superior in the colonies, and admits of very few equals. E. HUXTA BL E, M. D. • MASTER IN SURGERY, Has Removed to Welleslewjtteet East, one doors from Symon JSWftreet. At Home fob Consultation, 8 to 9.30 a m., 2 pan., G to 7.30 p m. At Kino and Son's, Queen-street, 11.30 a.m. At Robinson's, CnEMiST, Parnblf,. 1 p.m. Publio Vaccination every Friday, at King's.



JVJILNE & QHOYCE Have jittt received SPECIAL IMPORTATIONS IN MILLINERY, DRESS MATERIALS, LADIES' AND CHILD'S COSTUMES, LADIES1 AND CHILD'S UNDERGLOTHINO. N.B.—Wedding- Orders, Mourning Orders, DRES'SMAKINO, Manllemaking, Ladies' and Child's Outfitting, and Boys' Clothing all well and expedi timtsly made, on the premises. All Goods Marked in Plain Figures. FIVE PER CENT. Discount for Cash. MILNE & CHOYCE, LORNE AND WKLLBBLEY STREETS.



WE FURNISH HOUSES THROUGHOUT. SaUUCK & CRANWELL'S ■* IH THE CHEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE. JUST OPENED, Beautiful Assortment BRUSSELS °TAPE3TRY, KIDDERMINISTER CAUPKTS. SPLENDID LOT BEDSTEADS, Just Received, IRON AND BRASS, NICKEL-PLATED. QABXICR AND rjBAHWBLL, FURNISHING WAREHOUSE, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND.



SPLENDID VARIETY NEW SPRING GOODS. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN Desires to Intorm bis Customers that'he is now Showing a BEAUTIFUL ASSORTMENT OP NEW GOdDS FOR THE COMINQ SEASON. Very Choice Patterns of New Prints, from 2jd yaffl, to the very best The New Heverslblo Prints, choice patterns Newest Designs in Sateens, very pretty good* Splendid Assortment New Dress Goods in great variety, very low in price Large Assortment Now Lace Goods, in white Ivory, cream, &c; real Maltese Lace, from 7jdy»rd Job Line Coloured Dress Beiges, bought low sold cheap Nice Goodu in Black BrochiS Satins New Patterns in Cretonnes, from 43d New Aprons, Ribbons, Gloves, Collars. Ties Good Floorcloth, Is 3d yard; New Umbrellas Splendid Assortment White and Grey Calicoes' wholesale price by the piece New Clothing in Men's. Boys', and Youths' 50 Boys' Leopold Suits. 4s lid, 5s 3d, to 12s 6d 60 Men's Tweed Suits, 22s 6d, worth 30s New Hats in great variety Kaiapoi Clothing In consequence of the Intensk Comfetitioi In the Uhai-kry Trad& W. R. B. has deter mined to MAKE ALL GOODS at the LOWESI MARGIN OF PROFIT, and auuequonUy NC DISCOUNT can be alloweaVrSg; REMAINDER OK WINTER BTCCff AT A ORKAT REDUCTION. /UNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE 288, UPPER QUKBN-STRKKT THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY ron RHEUMATISM and GOUT.-Tut Cimicifuga(Actea RaccuobaJoji Black SNAKE ROOT has been 1.0 no celebrated IB THtHOrr (ftfITAIN IN ITS trtZCTB, AMD RARELY FAILB TO AFFORD RELIEF OR EFFECT A CURE. «>, PCR »»TTLt, AT MCMH'S. Tttt PHhMkJkCft;1' OTOSITt BMiR Ot H.I, OUM.H ST



Concrete paths and yams ensure perfect drainage and banish mud, dust and woods. The cost is small, the comfort great. Conorotq build ings, foundations, retaining and garden walls tanks, etc., are cheap. Estimates and circulars explaining treatment supplied free to those using our lime: references given to concrote workers. On sale hydraulic and other limes bricks,sand,cement/pipes.otc. Ourtradeboiwr largo, we can guaranteo good fresh Lime. All Mahurangi limes are not alike.—John Wilson and Co., 75, Queen-street.—{Advt.J



FLIES AND BUGS, twu«..lt..«t«, »»cbtt nt**t- Injg. ™u,(ujlto, jopliew, cUlmnuuk* cleared out byl'KoutUo» — Ktpijttioins, Prosier t Co., Agwli, Aucktaijij J