SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Tt'iin wattpb /This Evening, 8.1 H,(^H WATER { To . morrow Morning, 8.18 SUNSKT.—Thta Evening, 6.1S SUNRISK.-To-morrow Morning, C.2 BOON'S AQR-Lnst Quarter, 20th, 10.52 n.m.

ARRIVALS.

Rowcna, s.s., Norri3, from Mercury Bay Wellington, 3.3., Farquhar, from Tauranga Albert Che Good, brig (put back)

DEPARTURES.

Waihora, s.s., Edic, for Russell Wuitaki, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarci Reward, schooner, Collings. for Mongonui Gisborne, schooner, Skinner, for Poverty Bay Magellan Cloud, brigantino, Dnnlop, for Tairua

EXPORTS.

Per Ringarooma, for Sydney—l,2l2 sacks maize. Gil kegs butter, 100 mantelpieces, 250 bigs malt, 29 cases ckeeso, 12 sacks potatoes, 17 | bundles shelves, and sundries.

Per Fairy for Norfolk Island—ll bags rice, I' 2 bajjs sugar, 20 bags bißcuit, and sundries. For Noumea—2s.ooo feet timber, So sacks potatoes, 40 bags flour, 10 tins flour, 40 tins biscuits, 10 lceESboef.

Ixivards Coastwise.—Waipu, from C*o mundol, with 35 tons wood; Bessie, from Kennedy Bay, with 20,00 ft sawn timber; Puka- Suktt, from Great B*rrlor. with 40 tons firewood; 'orah, from Cabbage Bay, with 33,000 ft timber.

Outwards Coastwise.—Waipu, for Whan gaproa; Bessie, for Kennedy Ray; Ocean, for Mercury Bar via Waiheke: Pukopuka, for Barrier; Norah, for Cabbage Bay.

The ketch Venus, which arrived yesterday afturnoon.brought 401 sacks maize, 12 hides, and 1 tons apples.

The brig Albert the Good, which left for tljo Barrier last week, returned to port today, having been unable to secure a cargo there. The briganttno Magellan Cloud sailed las' evening for Tairua, where she ia to complete her cargo of timber for Rockharapton.

The s.s, Waihora, which left for Russell lflßt ovoning, will return on Friday morning, and proceed South at noon the same day.

The schooner Fairy Queen proceeds from hero to Nonmoa and Norfolk Island in charge of Captain Sloane. Passengers: Messrs K. Millot and W. Millet.

Tho fallowing vessels cleared at tho Customs to-day:—Albert tlie Good, brig, for Melbourne, via Mongnoui; Gisborne, schooner, for Poverty Bay; Queon, schooner, for Hokianga; Fairy Queen, schooner, for Noumea, and Norfolk Island; Vivid, for Molbourne, via Morcury Bay.

Tho s.s. Rowena arrived from Mercury Bay early thia morning with, the following pas sengers :—Mr Ewon, Mr Horton and family, Mesclamos Bryant, Brooks, French, Fitepatrlck, McGulnis, Master Williams, Miss Barling, Mcssra Turner, Borry; Normand, Morrow, Breen, Hino, Misses Brecn, Dyer, Bryant, and two stecrnge. .^y The s.s. Wellington arrived from Tauranga this morning, with tho following passengers :— Messrs S. Moody, Wilkinson, W. O. Fraser. Symes, F. Clay, Williams, Manahi. Percy, O'Connell, Alexandor Graham, Pope, Ferguson and party ((), Black. Cataring, Sullivan, Snod grass, Mrs and Miss Godfrey, Mr and Mrs Lowston, Judgo Wilson, Misses Naughton, Fernandez. Hyiand, and Kelsey, Mesdamcs Wright, Marden, Durnegne, Tunks, Wilkinson, Messrs Percavie, Tani, J. EUwood, Master Fanair.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Argyle, s.s., McArthur,, from Waitara Douglas, s.s., Scott, from Raglan

DEPARTURE.

Argyle, s.s., McArthur, for Waitara

Tho s.B. Douglas arrived yesterday ovoning from Raglan* with 20 pigs and 25 packages Bun drios.

Tho s.s. Argyle arrived from Waltara this morning, with 20 head cattle, 212 sheop, 105 kegs butter, 8 cases fish. 10 packages sundries, and IS passengers. She left for the same port at 30 o'clock, with 19 cases drapery, 1 case boots, G sacks seed, 20 bundles hoop Iron, 28 packages sundries, and Messrs Manahia, McGuirc, Stafford, Quick, and Alliscn; Misses Hutchison, O'Hanlan; Mesdanios Primley and Allon, as passengers.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Whanoakki. this day. — Arrived: Waitaki. from Auckland, 7 a.m. Sailed: Macgregor, for Auckland, 9.40 a m. Russell, this day.—Arrived: Waihora, from Auckland, 7 a.m. Hsßussell, this day. — Arrived: Waihora. Windbound: Adelaide. Sailed: Griffin. Tho Waihora sails at 8 pm. Passsengers: Messrs Black, Panter, Howard, Mesdames Stevenson. LAiks, and others. Nelson, this day.—Arrived: Hawca, from the North, 7.45 a.m. Wellington, yesterday.—Sailed : Loch Cree, barque, for London. "vvkblinoton, this day.—Arrived, this morn inn : lonic, from London, all well. Port Chalmers, yesterday.—Sailed: Roto mahima. for Sydney, via the North. Passen gers :—For Auckland: Mrs Robertson and 3 children, Messrs Hawkins, Frascr, Wing, Yon. For Sydney: Mr J. Dobeer.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as under:— Tnia DAY. For Whangarei Heads, Kamo, Whangarci, and Mangapai, per Rowcna, at S p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotikl, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Mangawai and Kaiwaka, per Ruby, at o p.m. Friday, 14th inst. For Tairua, per Atalanta. at 7 n.m. For Cowes and Coromandel, per .Uoromandel, at 1i.'.0 a.m. Per s.s. Waihora as follows :— For India, China. Japan, Mediterranean Ports, anc! Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For (iisborne, Napier, Southern Ports, and United Kingdom (via Suez and Krindisi, or via Naples, for letters; etc., specially so pre paid and addresscdl. at 11 a.m. Money Orders, for Southern Ports, at 10 a.m. For registered letters and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Lateletters till 11.20 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 3 p.m. For Port Fitzroy, per Waitaki. at 5 p.m. For Whangarci Heads, Whangarci, Kamo, Waipu, Parua, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Macgregor, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. N.B.—The.s.s. Waipara will leave Hokitika for Okarito on 2Gth inst, and for Jackson's Bay and intermediate ports on Bth April. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-oflico, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

March 13. 18S1. Abbott's Opera House—Royal Comic Opera Company, 7.15 p.m. Choral Hall—Service of Song, "Onr Fore fathers," 7.30 p.m; St. Andrew's School-room —Concert by the Choir in aid of SqliooUTunds, 8 p.m. Arch Hill Wealeyan Church—"Eva," from "Uncle Tom's Gtibin," Hymns and Narrative, 7.30 p.m. Young Men's Christian Association — Devo tion, 7.30 p.m. •

Births.

NELSON.-On 13th instant, at St. Paul's Par 'soiiage, tho wife df Rev, C, M. Nelson of n son.

Marriages.

STEWART—HANDLEY. —On March 12, at Pnrncll, by Mojisignor Fynos, John Fleming Htowart. of Auckland, to Ellen Bridget, third daughter, pf M. P. Handley. of Onehunga.

Notices to Correspondents.

Vavav.—Silver is not a lepal tender for pay ments exceeding £2, and pence and halfpence for amounts of more than Is. D.G.W.—Bohn, a standard authority, says of ■31 in oribbage: Every time yon nialcd 31 in tho only applies to the game when in progress of being played; it has nothing to do with the subsequentsummingup. Kndhole: If neither party make up 31, then ho who plays the card that makes up the nearest number to it with out exceeding it, as already stated, scores one; this is " one for tho go."

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1883.

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

Whether wisely or unwisely done, the Government exhibit no littlo courago in determining to face tlio clamour that will follow tho iasuo of tho new railway tariff, Tho Canterbury members, by combination and tho exercise of political pnssuro, hnvo forced down tho rates charged for all descriptions of agricultural produco until tho price has reached a minimum that will not recoup the actual oxpense.s ,of tho traffic. It is reported that on coin ing into office Mr Mitchelson insisted upon changing this at all risks, and making the railways bear less upon the consolidated revenue of tho colony. Tho revised tariff is tho outcome* It id no doubt an extromely disagreeable position for a now Minister to be placed in, biit tho effect of the former reductions, combined with a falling customs revenue, rondercd such a step necessary, and the landed intorost will probably prefer this mode of covering the deficit rathor than elect to pay for it in property tax. As Pro fessor Fawcott justly observes in his paper on State Socialism, pooplo are prono to forget that a government has- no power to croato wen lth ; whatover it spends must bo drawn somehow from tho people, and tho monoy obtained from indirect taxation costs those who pay it considerably more than tho Treasury receives. Now, the Govern ment have had to consider whether they .should lay new burdens on tho whole of tho population, or mako those who have ser vices rendored to them pay more in pro portion to the value received. 'They have decided on tho latter oourso, and if the re sults justify their expectations, there is very little doubt that, although they may lose a few votes meanwhile, public opinion will sustain their action.

The altered tariff has now been dis tributed to the various station-masters ; it comes into force on the 17th inst., and por sons affected should consult it; a comploto analysis would be boyond tho limits of our space. Tho following rates are of special interest to this district :—

Timber. —Timber Irom Helensvillo to Auckland station will bo charged Is Gd per 100 superficial feet, including wharfage at Helensville, exclusive of loading or unload ing. Skidding kauri logs at Auckland, l^tl per 100 superficial feet. Consignees shall take delivery of logs at Auckland in tho harbour within the booms. Loading kauri logs at Helensville timber slip will bo charged 4Jd per 100 superficial feot. Coal. —A charge for demurrage on trucks employed in the conveyance of coals for shipment at Onehunga and Auckland will be made as follows, viz. i After six working hours from arrival and up to eight working hours, 5s per truck ; and after eight work ing hours the ordinary charge of 10s per day; or the coal will be unloaded and stored at tho usual rates for unloading and storage, at the option of the Department. Coal from Huntly and Taupiri to stations between Auckland and Onehunga, inclusive, will be charged 7s 6d per ton ; from Mere mere to stations between Auckland and Onehunga, inclusive, will be charged 5s Gd per ton; and from Mercer to stations be tween Auckland and Onehunga, inclusive, will be charged 5s 2d per ton in full waggon loads.

.Railway Wharf, Auckland.—Haulage upon all descriptions of merchandise, timber, minerals, or live stock, at per waggon, except for native coal, which is hauled free, 2s Gd.

Timber, Mercer to Auckland.—Timber from Mercer to Auckland will be charged Is 9d per 100 superficial feet, including wharfage at Mercer, exclusive of loading or unloading. ,

His Excellency Sir \Vm. Jorvois left Wel lington yesterday aftornoon at five o'clock in tho Government steamer Hinemoa. He is accompanied by his family and suite, and as they are coming by the East Coast route, will not arrive in Auckland before Saturday.

It is rumoured in Gisborne that the mem ber'for the district, Mr A. McDonald, in tends visiting tho Old Country, and will not stand for re-election. Many - tongued rumour also speaks of tho probable candi dates as Messrs Locke, DeLautour, Rees, Gannon, and Porter.'

A consignment of 40 Southdown sheep has arrived by the ship Halcione at Wel lington, and they are to be transhipped to Auckland. They are in good condition, along with 17 lambs, born on the passage.

The New Zealand Drug Company show a net profit for the year (with previous balance) of £16,474, from which a dividend of 10 por cent, is declared and £8,246 car ried forward to next year.

A child of about three years of age was reported at the police station this morning as missing from its home in St. George's Bay. He was dressed in a grey knicker bocker suit of clothes and straw hat lined with blue,' Anyone having seen a child answering to this description would greatly oblige by communicating with the police.

The success of accidont assurance in this colony has led to another company being projected, and to-morrow tho prospectus of the . Accident Assurance .Association of New Zealand will be laid before investors. The new Company is to have its head quarters in Dunedin, and to have a capital of £100,000 in shares of £1 each, 2s 6d of which will be_ called up. An influential list of provisional directors have been chosen, and -the Colonial Bank are its bankers.

In consequence of tho absenco of a wit neßS, tho action Peach v. Christie will be taken to-morrow morning at half-past ten o'clock. Tho case is one of interest, and tho claim of £50 made by John Peach upon Walter Christie is for alleged trespass upon plaintiftV land at Ellerslie, and digging a trench on the said land, which caused con siderable damage to plaintiffs property.

Mrß Elvoy, the widow of A. Elvey, who recently died in the Hospital, thankfully acknowledges the receipt of £6 2s 3d from the employees of the Auckland Gas Company,

There was a time when every steamer from Sydney brought large quantities of maize to this port, but during tho past two years the importation has ceased, ow ing to a plentiful supply from the East Coast of this island. The tables have therefore been turned, mid now, instead of receiving regular supplies from Sydney, our merchants are able, and even find it neces sary, to dispose of local produce there. Almost every week largo shipments leave the port, and the demand in Australia con tinues brisk. Last week about 500 sacks were sent to Sydney, and the Ringarooma, which left last evening for the same port, took no less than 1 ,'212 sacks. This was all East Coast maize, the shippers being Messrs (i. S. oakin«, Patterson, and Laybourn. Maize will realise adout 3s Gd a bushel here, and as it proves more profitable to send it to Sydney, the importance of this trade to Auckland can easily bo imagined.

His Honor Mr Justico Gillies has deferred judgment in tho case of trustees of Thomas v. Cohen, an appeal from a decision in tho District Court, argued before him yesterday.

Tho quarterly meeting of the Auckland branch H.A.0.8. Society was held in St. Patrick's Hall last night. There was a very large attendance of members. Fifteen gentlemen were initiated. The President announced the arrangements for St. Pat rick's Day, as per advertisement, and drew members' attention to tho sports to be held in the Domain under the auspices of the branch,particularly St. Patrick's Handicap, for which a substantial prize will be offered. The receipts for tho night amounted to £130, making the total receipts for tho quarter closo to £250.

Owners and trainers aro reminded that nominations for Takapunn Autumn Races will close at Mr Pcrcival's office to-morrow (Friday), at 10 o'clock p.m.

Tho Auckland Hospital librarian ac knowledges with many thanks tho receipt of a large package of English and Fijian papers from Mrs J. Marten Butt, Auckland.

To the Editor : Sir, —For some time past the residents of Karangahapo Kor.d liave been annoyed by troops of boys collecting round a small hall in the very centre of the neighbourhood. Here thoso passing can hoar all sorts of filthy language. It seems wonderful, too, as we have a constable living within a hundred yards of the hall. But then, we think that there is an hotel between him and the hall, which perhaps obscures his sight.—J am, &c, RESIDENT.

Last evening Messrs Press and Lilewnll, oi fclic I'ost-ofHcc Store, -Dovonporfc. gave a dinner to tho employes of thoir establish ment to inaugurate the commencement of the new firm. Between twenty and thirty sat down to tablo,and did justico to tho good things provided. During the evening the usual toasts were givon and heartily re sponded to', and the time passed pleasantly with speech and song until midnight, when all soparated woll pleased with their even ing's enjoyment,

T^io tomperanco cantata, "Tho Ro?cuo of Harry Gray," was performed before a largo audience at Onehunga on Tuesday evening last by about 40 members of tho Band of Hope Union Choir, undor tho conductorship of Mr Cranwoll. Mrs Goodson, Mr C. B. King, and Miseos Marson and Patarson per formod tho solos, and tho connecting nar rativo was road by Ml" W. Turley. Tho porformanco was most satisfactory through out, and olicited the heartiest plaudits.

A baker's cart accident occurred yester day afternoon, near St. Sepulchre's Church, but which, fortunately, did not result in broken bones. Thecartand horse belonged to Mr Teasdalo, baker, of (!rey-stroot,and tho vehiclo was crowned with those artistically moulded loaves which form tho stall'of lifo It is too much tho custom with lads on trusted to deliver bread to allow kindred spirits to tako a ride, and in this instance thero wore throo juvenile coachees, who al ternately took tho . reins of government. Tho animal did not understand it, and when opposite Sir Roid'j stcro ho suddenly stopped short, to go again, when over went tho cart, and tho three lively youths wero sent sprawling, whilo the loaves rolled in all directions. One boy was undor tho cart, and screamed lustily until ho saw daylight and about one hundred sympathisers around him. Strango to say, to the credit of tho crowd, not a loaf was missing, and but slight damage dono to tho cart. Tho appointed driver, a smart, littlo, dusty fellow, with curly hair, escaped with the loss of two front teeth and the gain of a bruised shoulder.

To tho Editor : Sir,—Will you allow me, through tho medium of your valuable paper, to suggest to tho committee of tho Orches tral Society that the Turkish Patrol March should bo repeated at their next concert. A great many pooplo havo oxprossed a desire to hear it, and those who havo already done so will be greatly pleased at its repetition. —I am, &C, A G'O.N'CEKI-IiOKR.

Typhoid fever continues its fatal ravages among Northern natives. Tho "Northern Advocate" of lust Saturday says :—Mary Ann Taurau, daughter of the chief of that name, succumbed to typhoid fever at Maunu on Monday last, making the third victim that lias died at that settlement lately of tho saintf disease. There aro others down with it, but they aro said to be convalescent. Unlike tho Hokiangu natives, thoso at Maunu havo had medical attendance, Dr. Edgelow having had the ca.se in hand for somo time past, yot the Maoris die. That is evidence, if any were wanting, that tho epidemic pre valent amongst the natives is of a severe type, and it appears to us rather strange that the County Council, which body is by law the Board of Health, has taken no steps to ascertain thecausos which brought about this epidemic, or whothor thoso causes have been abated, or whether there is danger of the disease spreading to the European popula tion. Some steps ought to ho taken so that Government could adopt measures to pre vent the periodical recurrence of this disease amongst the natives, it being generally admitted that tho cases aro pre ventible.

"Student" writes: " It appears that an outcry has beon raised at Christchurch because tho University authorities have set Swift's ' Tale of a Tub' as one of tho booksfor the.degree examination in English. Tho book, as is well known, is coarse and disgusting in parts, and I have no intention of justifying its selection. Still, thero are one or two things to bo said on the side of the University authorities. There is not a greater amount of obscenity in tho famous ' Tale' than in Shakspere's ' Henry ll.' parts I. and 11., which wero among the books appointed two years since, and which do not appear to have raised any hubbub at all. Again, tho satires of Juvenal formed part of the work done by honours students in 1883, and surely Swift never wrote anything more in decent than some of the passages of tho Roman poet in question. If the least-read of English classical writers, viz,, Swift, is to be better known, the ' Tale' cannot be skipped over. It is tho most brilliant work of one of tho greatest geniuses England has seen. I should not like to read it along with ladies in class, but I have not the slightest objection to studying it in private. Tho objectionable parts can be easily passed over, as no questions set in the examination will havo reference to them. It may be interesting to undergraduates to know that a volume of the ' Parchment Library' about to be published will be composed of selections from Swift's works, and doubtless a Bowdlerised vorsion of tho offending ' Tale' will havo place therein."

A most remarkable escape from a fatal accident occurred about 3 o'clock this morning. Again the scene was Queen street Wharf, and as has happened m&ny times before, the victim fell over the sido of the pier. At the hour named Captain Jones was asleep on the schooner Queen, lying off tho eastward side of tho wharf, when suddenly he was awakened by a heavy shock, as if the schooner had been struck by some weighty object. He immediately went on deck, but owing to the prevailing darkness could not discover the cause for sometime. Soon, however, •he found a well dressed man lying on the vessel's deck. He was unconscious, and blood was ilowing freely from a wound in his head. Tom Barron, the waterman, was coming up the wharf at the time, and proceeded to assist Captain Jones in his efforts to bring tho un fortunate man round. They applied cold water, and in about half-an-hour's time had tho satifaction of seeing the man rise to his feet. Constable White was then called, and tho imn was hauled on to the wharf with a rope. He gave his name as John Bromhad, a resident ofMount Eden, but declined to give any account of his mishap. His injuries, strange to say, did not prove serious, being confined to a rather severe cut in the head, and at his own request the man was allowed to proceed homo. Bromhad had a very narrow escape from a violont death. Ho must have fallen from the wharf at low water, and therefore about 12 feet before he reached tho schooner. In his descent struck the bulwarks of the vessel and car ried away about four feet of tho woodwork, besides splitting one of the stanchions, ho that carpenters had to bo employed to-day in effecting extensive repairs. How the man escaped so easily appears no less than a miracle. The necessity is now very plain that the wharf should be enclosed by a movable chain, the same as in Sydney and, many other ports. This would prevent accidents of the nature just recorded, anir' should therefore have immediate attention.

To the Editor: Sir,—l hope you will grant me space in your valuable paper to say a few -words re Mr Thos. Warner's Art Union. I inspected Mr Warner's collection of water-colour drawing on exhibitionsatE. Henry's Registry, Shortland-strcot. In my opinion they are a beautiful collection of genuine drawings, and there being one prize to every six tickets, I think the per centage veiy good and fair. Surely public taste must be on the wane when such a collection find a ditliculty in being disposed of. I should recommend lovers of art to inspect the above and judge for themselves. — Yours, 4c.', A Lover of Atct.

It was John Wilson, and not T. Wilson, who had his hand cut off at the Dovonport Sawmills. The initial letter was given wrongly in our last issue.

About 5.30 p.m. yesterday, William M. Holland, a carter, employed by Robert Peace, of Mount Eden, whilo engaged load ing his cart at Porter and Co's store, ac cidentally fell from tho step. His backstruck the giound, and the result was that he re ceived a contused wound on the back of the head. His injuries were dressed by Mr Gilbert, chemist, after which he was taken home. Mr Gilbert said that the wound was not of a dangerous character.

A Mercury Bay bushman named Walter Dyer was .admitted to the Hospital to-day suffering from an injury to the foot. The "spear "of a timber jack ran into his big toe, inflicting a nasty wound.

We are requested to correct our intima tion last evening that Mr Binney's sale of 19 wooden houses takes place on Monday. It should read Friday (to-morrow).

Tho Newton West School Committee solicit the attendance of tho parents of tho children at ."t.30 on Friday afternoon, to witness the presentation of two silver medals for good conduct, tho gift of the late headmaster of tho Newton East School, Upper (Jueen Street.

Tho captain of the brig Albert the Good, which returned rather unexpectedly from tho Great Barrier this morning, informs us that he found there was not the slighest prospect of getting a cargo of timber thoio within reasonable time. Thero is plenty kauri cut down in tho bush and squared, but as it has to bo brought to tho loading ground by bullocks, progress is extiomely slow. Tho steamer Coquotto, however, got a full cargo of 150,000 feet of baulk kauri timber at tlw Barrier and sailed for Newcastle on Saturday last, and it would therefore appear that it was the unusual circunistmicc of tt large vessel nrrivin^j im mediately after another, both wanting full cargoes, that made tho demand so much greater than tho supply, Tho Albert tho Wood will go from hero to Mongoimi, and there load timbor for Melbourne.

To tho Editor: Sir,—l do not wish to dictate to tho Relioving Ollicer, but I think ho has overstepped tho bounds of prudence in taking away tho rations from that poor woman, Mrs Skcllon, who has been loft by hor husband without a farthing in the world, with (ivo littlo children, who uro living in a room in Cross-street without anything to cat, entirely depending on tho littlo food she can get from the neighbours around. 1 think, sir, by tho publication of this in your valuable paper, something might bo done for the poor woman, who is left entirely destitute. Tho Government rations which she was receiving havo been stopped by tho Relioving Ollicor this four weeks, four somo unknown reason. This is a case of urgent need. If a subscription list was started for tho poor woman, and tho rations allowed her again, I will head the list with i'l.—Yours truly, Antonio Martin, builder, resident Cross-street, Newton.

A fatal accidont occurred at Woodsido, on tho Croat South Koad, on Tuesday last, when a littlo girl, daughter of Mr John Carr, farmer, met hor death in a vory pain ful manner. Mr Carr had brought homo a load of wood in a cart, and hnd left it for it niomont to open tho gate, when his little girl climbed upon tho curt. When tho curt started again, the unfortunate child fell on the ground, and beforo Mr Carr could prevent it, tho wheel had passed over hor body. Sho was carried into the house, and medical attendance was secured, but tho child died within half-an-hour of tho accident. Tho doctor stated that there were no bones broken, and that tho child had probably died from internal injuries.

The circumstances of several recent fires aro still boing investigated by tho police, and it is quite possible that inoro than one prosecution for incendiarism may yet be tho result. Although no chargo has yet beon sheeted home, it is creditable to Detectives Walker and Twohoy, who have tho matter in linnd, that sovoral chains of evidence required only a link or two to make them complete Tho liro in Messrs Wall and Company's premises, Queon-streot, will form the subjoct of n coronial inquisition during tho present week. Unexpected revelations ore likely to be made during the progress of tho inquiry. Tho insurance companies have v man at present onguged in a valuation of the stock, and his work must be com pleted before tho inquest can take place. Mr Crothier, assistant to Mr Wall, and one of tho principal witnesses, is said to bo in Christchurch at the present timo applying for his discharge from tho Bankruptcy Court, sothat it is probablo that tho inquest will bo delayed until his return.

The interesting service of song entitled " Psalms and Soups of our Forefathers," in aid of Hid Jliipllst Tabernaclp, will bo (riven this evening in tho Choral Hull. A largo and ofllciont choir will be in attendance, and the narrative of the service will bo road by Mr Thomas Spurgeon. A concert In aid of SU Andrew's School funds will ho given in tho Schoolroom near the Supreme Court. At tho Arch Hill Wcßloynn Church, "Eva" will form tho subject of a service of song.

Contracts taken for all kinds of concrete work, UirßO O" .small, and estimates and other information giving to thoso wishing to do their own work.—John Wilson and Co., 75, Queon street.—[Auvr.l

Bicyclos, unequalled for finish, price and quality, at Shakespcar & Cos. (opposite the Market), Queenntrnp.t.—[Aovt.l

Perambulators and carpots, reversible bicycle wheel and other kinds of perumbulatora just opened from £1 to £7. New designs in Brussoll and tapestry carpets. Furnish your house throughout from Uorlick and Cranwoll 8 City Hall Furnlshiag Warehouse, Queen-street - [ADVT.I

Pony, gig, and harness, complete, suit ablo for a doctor, traveller, or private gentle man : the lot £20.—Francis J. Shortt, 110, Queen street.—[Ad vt.)

SCINTILLATIONS.

Staok coaches—Theatrical tutors.

"Patience" is to be produced by the Opera Company. Butter and cheese in large quantities aro sent from New Zealand to Australia.

Another Government Insurance man has gone over to the enemy. Gisborne gasworks are being rapidly pushed on.

The publicans talk of overturning Cam bridge West Licensing election.

It would cost £2,500,000 per mile to cut the Jordan canal.

* Eleven acres at Petone aro secured as a site for Wellington Woollen Factory. A man named James R. Lambert is lost in the bush at Opunake.

American bull-frogs are among the latost exports to Germany.

Yesterday 07 draught horses wore shipped to Sydney from Lyttelton.

The foundation stone of St. Patrick's College, Wellington, is to bo laid on Satur day next.

The Oddfellows throughout the world gained 18,050 members last year. Not an " odd" number.

Swift's "Tale of a Tub" is selected as one of the works of English literature for this year's University course at Christ church.

Port Chalmers bar. has shoaled up till there is only a depth of 17ft. Gin. of water at low tide.

Too utterly toe-toe! There is a young lady in Philadelphia who plays the piano with her toes.

This morning's "Herald" has a "liar rowing " tale of sharks and gulls—particu larly gulls !

Messrs Forbes and Coopor, who retire from Christchurch Fire Brigade after 19 and 16 years' service respectively, were last night tho recipients of handsome pre sentations.

Titokowaru, with 200 followers, tried to visit Parihaka yesterday, but was turned back at tho bridge by Col. Roberts and Captains Powell and Messonger, whereupon they retired in good order. Francemado nearly 7,3oO,ooofrancs by the sale of tobacco during tho last six months of 1883,

Last night a disturbance took placo as tho Christchurch Salvationists wero enter ing their hall, and a man was.dangerously kicked, while a little girl in the crowd re ceived a violent blow on the taco. The police were somewhere else

Mcßeth, the friend of the Maoris, is described'by the Wellington "Times" as "a consequential, fussy, and by no means woll-informed young person, the botom friend of tho smart but shady young Maori iJTaiwhanga)." It is proposed by the ■" canny" Dunodin ites to inorp the two officcß of Health Officer for the Bunedin District and Lec turer on Public Health amd Medical Juris prudence at the University. Could they not combine also the dutieß of Inspector of Nuisances andLecturoronMoral Philosophy?

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY OABLK.-COPYRIBHTJ

[keuter's telegrams.]

French Successes In Tonquin,

Paris, March 11.—Despatches to hand from Tonquin announce that the main body of the French army had ai'rived before Bac ninli, and that two forts in the vicinity of that town had been captured and occupied by the French troops. (Received 13th March, 12.40 p.m.) Arrival of Suez Mails. Albany, this day. — Arrived, King George's Sound, last evening: P. and O. steamship Ballarat, with tho English mails dated London, Bth February. The Late Steamboat Collision. Melbourne, this day.—The Victorian Navigation Board have written to Dunedin to ascertain the nature of the enquiry held there into the collision between tho steamers Wairarapa and Adelaide. The Board wish to know whether its prosed en quiry is invalidated by the official enquiry held at Dunedin.

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

A PRELIMINARY SKIRMISH.

[HY CABLK.-COPYRIGHT.)

[lIKUTKR'S TKMtORAM.]

Cairo, March 11. Telkorams are to hand from Souakim re porting that firing has been heard in the direction of Zariba, a small town eight miles from Souakim, whero the second battalion of the Royal Highlanders (42nd foot) and tho 10th Hussars aro oncainped, and that tho whole British force at Souakim has beon suddenly despatched to the scene of the supposed battle. Later. Further intelligence has been received from Souakim regarding the fighting which was believed to have commenced near Zariba. The troops despatched from Souakim found that the firing was only duo to a skirmish which had taken place with a body of Arab rebels -ivho had attempted to intercept tho convoys despatched to the British at Zariba. Tho rebels wero dis parsed without ditliculty. It is now ex pected that a battle betweon the main body of tho robels under Osman Digua and General Graham's forco will tako placo to morrow.

PREPARATIONS FOR ATTACKING THE REBELS.

Caiko, March 12.

Latest telegrams to hand from Souakim announco that tho whole British force undor Coneral Graham reached Zariba last evening, and the troops bivouacked for tho night. Orders havo beon given for an advance to bo mado to-day at noon against Osman Digna's position. Tho troops will bo formed into two squares, and in this order will attack tho rebols, who are en camped in strong forco at Tamanob, a short march from Zariba.

THE HIKUTAIA BUSH DISPUTE.

[11Y TELKGBAPH.—OWN OOKHKMPONDKNT.]

Thames, this day, Sevkn bushmen employed by tho Union Sash and Door Company wero arrested at Hikutain to-day on a charge of forcible entry, and wiil be brought before tho Police Court this morning. Their names aro Birch, Fletcher, West, McClear, Clayborough, Hopkins, and Johnson. The matter is connected with the timber dispute between Blair and tho Company. The charge is laid undor a vonorablo enactment of Rich aid tho Second's reign. Tho seven bushmon arrested at Hikutaia were brought boforo Mr L. Ehrenfried, J.P., this morning and charged with for ciblo entry, Mr Lush appearing-for tho pro secution, and Mr Miller for the defence. A remand for eight days was mutually agreed to, and defendants wero admitted to bail in small amounts.

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. IONIC.

371 Passengers on Board.

fnV TELEGRAPH —I'UKSH ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, this day. TllK lonic arrived at 7 this morning, Sho left London on January 24th, Plymouth on January 28th, and Santa Cruz Tenoriife on February 3rd, making the voyago in 43 days 5 hours, oxclusivo of stoppage The lougest day's run was 338 miles. Sho has 20 first, 3(1 socond, 74 third cabin, and 2.'tß steerage passengers, besides 2,147 tons of cargo. No deaths took placo on tho voyago, but ono birth took place. Sho ex perienced a fiorco galo with heavy squalls of rain and wind, and a high head sea in tho English Channol. Passed Capo of Good Hope early on tho morning of 20th February Experienced moderate weather with occa sional squalls of wind and rain from the Capo to Wellington, with fresh breezes and overcast weather.

NEW ZEALAND MUTTON IN THE ENGLISH PROVINCES.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington', this day. Tut " Frame Times," an English provincial paper of January 16th, states that Mr J. W. Oram, late of Christchuroh, and now resid ing in England, received by tho lonic a consignment of frozen sheep and lamb from his brother, Mr Harry Oram, of Chriatchurch. After making a number of presents, Mr J. W. Oram had the remainder sold by auction in Mid somcr Norton and Bath, and it realised an avorage of 7J per lb by tho carcase at Bath, and at Midsomer Norton BJd per lb for mutton and lOd for lamb. Tho paper states that the meat was vory good, and perfectly fresh.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

[Before Messrs F. L. Prime and A. Bourdinon, Justices].

Namesakes.—John Buckland, John John son, John Fagan, and John Leonard were punished for drunkenness.

The Life ok St. Patrick.—John Mac- Millan was charged with tho larceny of a book as a bailee, viz., "The Life of St. Patrick," value £'2 10s, the property of Mrs_ Ann McKerrall.—Mr Napier in defence.— Sergeant Gamble usked for a remand until Friday, tho 21st inst., which was granted. —Bail allowed.

A Fearful Threat.—Abraham Bowden, described as a cab proprietor, was charged on summons with clutching William Taylor Davis by the throat and threatening to spitticato (choke) him.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.—Mr Napier appeared for tho prosecution, and opened the case, and said that defendant hadfrequently made the ac quaintance of tho Court on account of his pugilistic capabilities, and tho present case was anothor instance of his combativoness. —Complainant deposed that ho was a clerk in the employ of Mr Quick, livery stable keeper. On Tuesday last defendant called after him, and asked him why he had designated him a loafer. He denied that he had said anything of the sort. Bowden said, "You told Bob Campbell so," and immediately clutched him by tho throat, Btruck him two blows in the face, and threatened to spiflicato him.—Edwin Baker, ironmonger's assistant, and Charles John soc, contractor, of Waiorongamai, wit nessed the assault.—Edward Rogers, for tho defence, was standing on the middle rank. Saw defendant shove the young man, but no blow was struck that ho saw. —Alfred R. Tucker, anothor cabman, gave similar evidence. Saw Bowden running after Davis, but did not hear any threat. It occurred opposite Mr Atkins, tho draper.—To Mr Napier: Could not say that it was an affectionate embraco—it was a mutual shove. (Laughter.) If there was a blow, it was invisible and impercep tible to him.—Wm. Price did not see tho first of the squabble. Saw Davis smack Abo's face, and Abe retaliated by a right hander in the bread-basket.—Defendant gave evidence to the effect that Davis first assaulted him. He shoved Davis away, and persuaded him not to fight.—He did not catch him by the throat. Mr Napier then addressed the Bench, and after due con sideration defendant was ordered to pay 40s and costs, or, in default, 14 days' im prisonment, and to find sureties, himself in £50 and two others in £25 each, to keep the peace for three months. This was all the business, ■

THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION.

Visit to the Hunua Falls,

At the invitation of tho Mayor, a party of gentlemen including ten Councillors, several civic officials, two or three private citizens, and representatives of the Stak and "Herald," left by the s.s. Kuby on Tuesday afternoon for Wairoa South for the special purpoi'e of visiting the Hunua Falls, and ascertaining the availability or otherwise of the water as a source of supply for the city. The excursionists' names were given in our Tuesday's issue, and,with the exception of Mr J. M. Brighani, all therein mentioned left by the steamer. His Worship, of course, dispensed the honours of host. The wind at the start was light, the water smooth, and the little vessel both steady and rapid in her motion,sothat there was every promise of a speedy trip, while apprehensions as to the weather were dispelled by an official assurance that the conditions were altogether favour able, as the glass was rising. Others who were more concerned for the needs of the inner man recognised with unconcealed joy the form of the active Castles bustling about the forward quarter of tho vessel among a stock of cases and tins whose variety and amplitude were eloquently sug gestive of gastronomical delights. As the little steamer glided down the harbour in the wake of the departing bearer of the Australian mails, stovepipes and hard hitters were replaced with soft felts and smoking-caps, pipes and cigars were pro duced, and the commissariat corps busied itself with laying out a meal for those who hud indefinitely deferred their luncheon. After the " dish had been trimmed," in a nautical sense, by a careful disposition of tho heavy weights, and the fears of some thirsty souls, who foreboded an enforcement of tho 10 o'clock license system from tho presence of Mr (Soldio, hail been allayed, every one prepared to adjust himself as pleasantly as possible to the circumstances which prevailed. The mouth of tho Wairoa was reached about half-past four, and as the steamer went up the historic river the oldest inhabitants began to expatiate upon tho ardours, the rigours, and the perils of " the good old times," interspersed with a choice solection of porsonal reminiscences. Here lay the point where the Auckland Volun teers landed to inaugurate one of their earliest campaigns, there they had their tfrst brush with the enemy, and yonder was tho site of a Maori village that they had surprised and stormed. To all this the men of yesterday listened with duo awo and respect, and tho civilian veterans insensibly rose in their own esteem. The steamer meanwhile rapidly threaded her deviousway up tho sinuous course of the rivor, at ip tervals startling clouds of curlew from the mangrove-fringed flats, and every minute disclosing to view some now feature in a vory pretty and changing landscape. As the vossol got into tho upper reaches of tho river, tho banks gradually contracted until tho willows on either hand came within easy reach, forming a charming vista in tho long straight stretches that now becamo frequent. At ten minutes to six tho Ruby ran alongside the little wooden pior, ana, vrhilo she was being made fast, the war-worn heroes pointed out the sites of the redoubt and stockade, and were full of wonder at the progress of the settlement, tho invasion of tho forest with axe and saw, the patient subjugation of a howling wilderness, and tho laborious tickling of a not ungratefnl soil that now laughed in season with a plentiful harvest. The settlers wore in ignoranco oi the probably time of arrival of their guests, but they were well represented by Mr C. \V. Stephens (Chairman of the District Board), Mr Daniel Crawford (Treasurer), and Messrs W, 11. Thorpe and F. J. Wilson (members), who welcomed tho visitors with the utmost warmth and cordiality. Mr Crawford at once undertook upon him self tho billeting of the party. A dozen or bo, by their express wish, wero assigned to the tender solicitude of Host Dudley, of the Wairoa . Hotel, and the remainder in two and threes wero apportioned among the nearest settlers. Each party, as soon as its destination for the night had been fixed, at once pounced down upon its host and struck a bee-line for his homestead. Meanwhile, Mr Castles, with a due apprecia tion of the importance of the commissariat department, had secured the use of the Public Hall, and tho word was passed round that the visitors Bhould rendezvous there at eight o'clock for dinner Long before that hour tho bulk of tho party camo smilingly up to scratch with sharpened appetites, and a profound conviction of the philosophical truth that nature abhors a vacuum. The ox-Mayor und Town Clerk were nan est, but tho growing uneasiness for their safety was quieted with tho news that they had gone to a prayer meeting in the neighbouring church where the Key. Tlios Norrie was holding forth. However, Mr Clark's appearance immediately afterward some what confounded tho author of tho report, whilo tho Town Clerk, who followed hard upon his heols, admitted that ho had reconnoitred tho church, but had boon frightened away by the collection. By this time a tablo mounted on trestles had been laid tho whole length of tho hall, and covered with a most tempting array of good things, flanked with n choice assort ment of beverages, from champngno down wards. His Worship tho Mayor took the chair, and Mr J. M. Clark the vico-chair, supported by the Rev. Thomas Norrio, who was one of tho invited guests. Tho meal was quickly despatched with a keen sonso of gustatory relish, and then followed a small corroctivo dose of speechifying. Tho Mayor gavo tho toast of " Her Majesty the Queen, and Mr J. M. Clark, in a speech of much eulogy, interlarded with some roeollee tions of the war, proposed the health of" Tho Wairoa Settlers." Mr Crawford made a neat and modost reply, and, after assuring tho excursionists that the settlers woro anxious to render their trip as agreeable as possible, proposed tho toast of " The Mayor, City Council, ox-Mayor, and tho Visitors," which was duly honoured. Tho Mayor then called upon Mr Norrio for a speech, and the rev. gentleman, nothing loth, treated tho company to a discouraivo ad dress upon the past and present of tho dis trict, relating a few of the trials of the pioneers, Baying a good word for the inns, and bespeaking the assistance of Licensing Commissioners in the improvement of the liquors. With the poet, he was inclined to regard water as a blessing to man, but mixed with whisky a doublo blossing. After this the period of post-prandial con viviality was inaugurated with a sot tier, who sang a song entitled " A Norriblo Tale," which fell with such funoioal gloom upon tho spirits of tho banquetters that they furtivoly stole from the table, and repaired to their several lodgings. The start for tho Falls had beon fixed for 9 o'clock next morning, and despite the dinner the members of the party were up betimes, and at the place of assembly—viz., the hotel—in good time. An adequate supply of well-conditioned nags had been sent in by Messrs D. Crawford, C. W, Stephens, W. H. Thorpe, J. Bell, John Henderson, J. S. Wilson, G. Munro, J. Mathieson, A. McNiccol, Thos. Hyde, .T. Dow, J. O'Hagan, and W. Moore, and before long all tho party but three were mounted. These were Superintendent Thomson andCr. Mackechnie—who,warned by previous experiences, elected to drivo leisurely round the countryside—and Cr. Devore, who was indisposed. Woll pro vided with guidos and refreshments, and in high spirits, the exploration party cantered oft in an irregular cavalcade, eventually separating into three or four small but com pact forcei as the journey proceeded. Tho route lay for a short distance along the road to Papakura, then struck off from it obliquely towards the highest point of the nearest ranges, familiarly known as Skyhigh. The guides wero Messrs D. Crawford, C. W. Stephens, J. S. Wilson, H. Henderson, W. Smith, J. Turner, Thos. Hyde, and M. Kelly. Messrs Wade and Errington, as the heavy men of tho party, were mounted on powerful and ssdato animals proof against the fantastic capers of youth ;Mr Pond, carrying a varioty of utensils for analytical and scientific pur poses, gracefully bestrode a safo steed ;Mr Crowther, as a " horsey " man, was entrusted with thecareof acobthatlooked exceedingly "groggy " on its pins; andCr. Fleming had the opportunity of displaying his skill in horsemanship by managing a steed that "played up"- considerably at intervals along the rood. From the summit of Sky high a magnificent panoramic view was ob tained; extending on the right hand from the Manukau Heads and tho indented coast line near it to the rugged surface ot Waiheke,and the lofty ranges of the Thames on the left. Away beyond Maraetai could be discerned tho unmistakeablo three coned form of Rangitoto, and in the middle distance immediately beneath lay the fine alluvial basin of the Wairoa Flat, enclosed directly in front by the Pakuranga ranges, its surfaco lined with hedges and fences, and dotted over with smiling home steads, just far enough apart to suggest for each a dower of ample acres, and the whole valley bearing that placid, homely, settled look caused by tho progress of culti vation. The country*" through which

the track pursued by the excur sionists wound was broken and soft with mud, but presented no special difficulties to travelling. Very few inci dents of any note marked the journey up and along tho range. Cr. Fleming's "mount" gave several circus exhibitions, Master Phillips was projected carefully on to his back in a soft spot by the way, and found it prudent to exchange horses with Mr Cotter, while one civic father strewed certain memorials along the road in the shape of cheque-books, drapery and butchers' bills, municipal by-laws; pencilled memoranda and other interesting trifles, this example being imitated by an official magis trate, who dropped a complimentary testi monial.

About noon the Falls came into view at the distance of a quarter of a mile, and although the volume of water appeared to be great, the noise of its fall into the basin below did not seem to travel very far. The horses were picketed, and a walk of several hundred yards brought the ex plorers to the verge of the extensive pool, into which the waters empty themselves after a perpendicular descent stated to be 98 feet in length. They fall in a sheet much broader than that of Wai takerei, for a greater part of the distance churned into foam by their rush down the face of the precipice, but on the further side surging down in a thick and rather turbid torrent. After a hasty lunch had been discussed and washed down with Buch boverages as were to hand, including draughts from a crystal spring in a small cave, the leaders of the party began to collato their data. For this purpose a hand over-hand olimb had to be made through undergrowth to the head of the Falls, and during the ascent several men of sub stance came sternly down upon their "luck" v la Duke Laurent. Above the Fulls the water flows with a strong current over a bed of slate, and after discharging itself into a bubbling cauldron, finds its way theuco with great velocity over the rocky bank, throwing the vaporous spray far and wide as it strikes the basin below. Its temperature abovo tlio Falls was found to bo Cl degrees, and below them C 0.5 degrees, while the height abovo the sea level was stated to be 270 feet and 172 feet respectively. There was very littlo sediment, and it was computed that the daily flow of water would amount to 1G,250,000 gallons. By these measurements it will bo seen that the supply is not available for a gravitation scheme, the Kybor Pass reservoir being 300 feet, and Ponsonby reservoir 230 feet above the sea level. The distance from town is about 25 miles, and allowing 8 feet per mile for friction, the supply would only yield a force equal to a height of 40 feet in Queen-street. It is said that some three miles higher up there is another water fall, and that at its crest an additional 100 feet of height would be gained, but even this would not suffice. The Mayor, how ever, thinks that it would then avail for the Ponsonby reservoir, and lie intends to re commend tho Water Supply Committee to send Mr Errington there with a couple of assistants in order to gather all possible in formation. Within tho last month or so Mr Tinne purchased the Falls and 400 acres of the water-shed, while the Government hold_ 70,000 acres in the district. If the requisite height cannot be obtained, tho water may yet be run by gravitation to tho Western Springs, and thonco pumped into the existing reservoirs. Mr Pond bottled up some of the water for analysis, and Messrs Errington and Ander son carefully compiled the requisite data. Ail thoughts of bathing having then been routed by tough yarna from the settlers as to the rapacity of the eels, the homeward trip commenced, the paco of the party being accelerated by a drizzling rain. A discreet detachment of the cavalcade, com prising tho staid, the elderly, and the fleshy, struck a beeline for the settlement, but the majority set out under the guidance of Mr Kelly to inspect a monster kauri, the wonder of a neighbour ing forest. The ride thither was long and toilsome, and then the bush, dripping with raindrops and thick with undergrowth, had to be penetrated for some distance before the trco could be found. On the way to it a lusty giant, about 24 feet in girth, was passed, but its proportions dwindled before those of the Colossus itself. Its circumference was ascertained by measure ment to bo 39 feet 4 inches, or 13 feet odd in diameter, and the barrel was fully SO feet in length, the branches ex tending outward from that vast height.. It was stated that there were 90,000 feet of timber in the tree. Some Vandal had made a breach in the trunk, from which the visitors chipped off mementoes of the exuded gum. There were also several inscriptions upon it. A hasty return was made through the falling rain and over the slushy tracks, one well-known official riding in his shirt-sleeves for want of his coat, which had been confided to a negligent care taker. Tho only accident was a misadven ture on the part of Mr Cotter, who, in riding down a hill, was suddenly precipitated over his horse's head. The animal jumped over his prostrate body and stood Rtill, and the man of law being unhurt, took things coolly and remounted. At the hotel the travellers arrived in ones, and twos, and threes, soddened with rain, spotted, with mud, with battered and cobwebbed hats, exceedingly tonder of tho saddle, and bearing all tho evidence of soro fatigue. Castles, with prophetic eyo, foresaw the effect of the trip, and ho had laid out a dinner of surpassing excellence, to which tho wayworn voyagers and the settlers, after somo gentle exercise with soap and water, did complete justice. Active preparations were now made for tho departure. While Captain Parker was gotting steam up and tho Commissariat was " clearing away," soino of the visitors visitod the school under Mr Lo Gallais' (the master's) pilotage, and others smoked and chatted tho tirao away. By degrees the whole party assembled on tho wharf, where tho ndieux were said. Tho Mayor thanked tho settlers for their hospitality, and tho visitors cheered. Mr J. Bell expressed tho pleasure of tho visitors in meeting tho members of the party, and led off a round of cheering for them. Mr Crawford thanked tho Mayor lor hispntertainment of the sottlers, and Mr Superintendent Thomson mude a similar acknowledgment on behalf of the visitors. The ex-Mayor, Mr J. M. Clark, and Mr M. Kelly were then in succession cheered, while as the steamer cast off and got away both parties—viz., those on shore and thoso oh board—joined in singing "Auld Lang Syne." There is no need to say much of tho return trip. A few weary and sore heroes sought the seclusion that a cabin yields, others as sembled to smoke and banter in the deck cabin, but the majority gathered at tho stern. After a while the ardour of Scotch spirits, stimulated by sundry "wee Donalds o Glenlivct," asserted itself by breaking forth into patriotic song. In answer to tho challenge,' Mr Pond "bobb'd up serenely " from a recumbent posture, and in a good tenor voice gavo "The Englishman." From this point up to tho wharf irusic held sway on board, and banter and jest filled up tho interludes. After a smart passage of 3J hours, tho wharf was reached at 10.30 p.m. From his station on the bridge, Mr Clark called for three cheers for His Worship the Mayor in acknowledgment of his kindness and hospitality, and they were lustily given. The Mayor briefly replied. He said ho was pleased if the other mombers of the party wore. It was not in his power to com mand the weather even if lie tabled a by law for the purpose, but ho did not think they had suffered much from it. The party then disembarked, and dispersed well satis fied with their outing. .

TEMPERANCE TACTICS IN DUNEDIN.

Only Four Hotels to bo Licensed.

[by telkqimph.— press association.]

Ddnedin', Wednesday. It is stated that a conference of tho Dunedin Licensing Committees has been held, and a decision come to to close all hotels in the city but tho four principal ones— Tho Grand, \Vain's, tho City, and Criterion. Tho Licensed Victuallers' Association held a meeting to-day, and resolved that the time has now arrived when more unanimous action should be taken in reference to their interests, A committee was appointed to consider matters affecting tho trade, and to call a further meeting shortly.

MINING NEWS.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRKSrONDKXT.]

Thames, this day. Kuranui Hill —A contract has bsen let at 13s per foot for driving 150 feet on Long Drive No. C lode at 80 feet level. This"drivo will connect with the Herald shaft, after which the manager will cross-cut to the other loader* which ho is desirous or prospecting. Alburnia.—The only -work in progress is a drive on Hatter's lino at the low level. The reef averages a foot in thickness, but ia variable in character.

Hero (Waiorongomal).-A parcel pf 12 ozs. 2 dwts. has been lodged, produced by about 10 tons quartz. 4 DArt.—Tribute Childortiouse has banked 8 ozs. Udwta. gold. -,•- . I

NOXIOUS GAS IN THE THAMES MINES.

Narrow Escapes of Two Miners [ny TELKORAPH—OWN CORRESPONDS, 1 Thames, this day Two mineis, named Andrew Thorburn and Thomas Guy, narrowly escaped suffocation in the Deep Level Cross Mine last evening.' The reduction of water in the low loyal restored the currents of air arid drove ,1 &"*! b f °?. y of gT into the- wor Wn g8 Most of the workmen received timely warn I ing, but these two who were working at thn seaward end of No 5 level could not he noti fied. Messrs Clark and Coutts, mine man agers, being apprised of their danrrer took two men named Nolan and line and proceeded below at considerable' personal risk. Guy was found in th south cross-cut, and Thorburn in the trims drive. The former was raving like a raani&n and the latter exhausted and unconscious' Both were taken to the Hospital, and are now doing well, though they will probably be unable to work for several weeks. Great praise i« due to the gallant little party M rescuers for their unhesitating action. . Thorburn and .Guy have recovered sufficiently to leave the Hospital, but will suffer from the effects of the adventure for some days. Fhey attach blame to no person.

THE FUTURE OF NEW ZEALAND.

[11Y TBI.KUUAPH.—I'RESS ASSOCIATION.) Blenheim, this day. ;. In the course of a speech made at the open- §i ing of the Wairau Bridge yesterday, the W& Hdn. E. P. Connolly said that without ' touching upon matters political, he would' 4 express a strong hope that the day was ''"•I coming when they would see a greater !sj unity of the colony, and that the days PSj when district was set against district and province against province might be taken to be at an end. Ho believed that the colony, thoroughly united, would go r on and prosper. There were indications also that before vary long—possibly not in" his time—there would Be unity bf all the' jl Australasian Colonies, and possibly of the whole South Pacific. Then there would be ''i established on this side of the world an im portant confederation of colonies, adding a much greater portion to the empire on . which the sun never sets.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

" Los Cloches do Cornevlllo."

Despite the unsettled state of the weather, ' there was an excellent attendance at.the'jl Opera House last evening to witness thJo'-w first production of Planquette's romantiofS opera bouffe, " Les Cloches de Corneville" '$ by the Royal Opera Company. The opera '■ was already well-known to the mueic-kmng "'; people of Auckland, and the excellent manner in which it had been staged on theoocasion of: :'Si its production here over a year ago left an S| opening for the belief that,notwithstanding -.■■' the resources of the Royal Opera Company, ''« the production would suffer by comparison with itp predecessor. We consider we aro according a very high meed of praise to last night's performance when we say that it I did not suffer that comparison. The great ;"?|j resources of the management enabled them '■§• to stage the opera in a style never before Wm attempted here. The scenery is new and ''|8 appropriate, and the attractiveness of the S| scene and tableaux was heightened by ,-'. novel stage effects. The representation of i the ruined, ghost-haunted hall of the '*$ chateau is one of the most perfect things 1 of the kind we have seen for some time, £| a strange realism being given to the scene - ! by the excellently contrived moonlight ¥| effects. The cast was as follows:—Ger- m maine, Miss F. Liddiard ; Serpolette, Miss. h Nellie Stewart; Marquis de Corneville, Mr ' ! Howard Vernon; Gospard, Mr Edwin '"■' Kelly; the Baillie, Mr John Forde ; Greni- I cheux, Mr W. H. Woodfield ; Gobo, Mr J. Wallocei Miss Liddiard was,as usual,a sue- ' cess in the part in which she was cast, but the somewhat colourless Germaine gives her but little scope for her abilities. Miss Nellie Stewart had a congenial task in the portrayal of the hoydenish, flippant, but , withal charming Serpolette. She excels ..;. in characters of this closb, and her If Serpolette is quite as good, if not M better, than her Mascotte. She is a;; comedienne of more than average ability, h Her singing of " Just Look at That," and I "I May be Princess," was perfect. Mr ■•I.- Howard Vernon, to whom was entrusted the part of the Marquis, achieved a genuine ■ success. We have heard the part better M suinj, but his excellent acting made amends 8% for other defects. Mr Woodneld did justice p I to the part of Grenicheux, and there was,vi~ some excellent fooling between Gobo (Mr Wallace) and the BaiHie (Mr Forde). Mr - ' Kelly's performance in the rfile of Gaspard, ■ the miser, is one that will be long remem bered. His Gaspard is in every respect a wonderful personation, and by itself, ' would be sufficient to establish the reputa- m tion of an actor. During the course of the &| evening Eeveral encores were demanded and "' responded to, the celebrated chorus, "Silent*§* Heroes," fairly bringing down the house," ,'J " Leg Cloches de Cornevillo" will be per- w<lj> formed this ovening and to-morrow, and wo mj I can confidently commend it to our readers 11 as one of the greatest successes of asuecessi^Si ful season.

CORRESPONDENCE.

A Caution to Ministers of Religion.

(To tho Editor.)

Sir,—The notorious J. Wyman Rogers, il alias Cecil Jolinetono, ig again hoaxing the • 1 credulous of Auckland and its neighbour- V|| hood. A few days ago he represented him^ Si self to an Aucklaud clergyman as a discon- ■ - -^ tented Roman Catholic desirous of being I received into the Church of England; and only last night he stated to another clergy man that he was a new arrival in Auckland, ,'fi and intending shortly to proceed to Sydney |S| to complete his medical education. As in §§, the country districts visited by him, so in ;, Auckland, his entertainers have almost in variably missed property after his depar- I turo. He seems to be unable either to speak the truth or to keep his fingers from ' •' picking and stealing.—lam, 4c, Vigilans, ' , March 13.

Frozen Meat.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Roading in your paper of last even ing respecting the frozen meat trade in England, I thought it not out of place to eond you a jsaper I received by last mail from Home, in which you will sco a para graph referring to N ew Zealand frozen meat received by my brother from Canterbury. What struck me the most is this: If small shipments of New Zealand meats were sent Home from here by growers to. their friends and disposed of, as in this instance, by auc tion in large provincial towns, it would do more in advertising our colonial meat trade, besides placing it within the reach of pur chase by labouring classes in England, than any other way I know of, and would be the means of holding a better market price, not liablo to fluctuate, as heretofore, either in Srice or requirements.—Yours truly, Icbert Oram,

Mutton from Nkw Zealand. — Our readers will doubtless remember our report of Mr J. W. Drain's successful lecture on New Zealand just before Christmas, in aid of the funds for making an addition to the Church schools at Midsomer Norton. Pol lowing upon this, wo understand that his brother, Mr Harry Oram, of Christchurch, lias lately oxported to him, by the steamship lonic (which has made one of the fastest trips' on record, being under 39 days' steaming time), a large number of carcases of lamb and mutton, killed in October last, through Messrs Hen derson and Mcßeath, breeders and but chors at Christchurch. Several of these during tho laßt two or three days have been cut up in joints and distributed by Mr Oram to his numerous friends in Midsomer Nor ton and the neighbourhood, the remainder having been sold at Midsomer Norton and Bath, and fetched an average price of 7Jd per lb in the carcase at Bath, when sold by auction; and at Midsomer Norton BJd per lb for mutton, and 10d per lb for> lamb. Although somo of the meat was ac cidentally damaged in transit, it was very good, and perfectly fresh. We congratu late NewZealandorsand theirShippingCom pany on their bold and enterprising efforts in introducing such a boon to England at this season of the year, and wish them every success. Mr Oram, we hear, is again in? tending to return to New Zealand, and no. class of persons will regret this n>ore than thfteppor p,f Midsomer Nortpn, wjio jiave a,hvay_3 found in him n friend—but more especially so at Christmas-tide—when; as .ishis custom.ho always gives Christmas doW to every poor person in the parish.—From' <<Timn »T n „.,;,,„, ia ..r ' ■•■ "•- ■■; .71.

THE AUCKLAND VENING STAR THURSDAY, MARCH Hi, 1884



Special Advertisements. g JUST ARRIVED AND TO § S BE SOLD CHEAP, W >• j „ WINK GLASSES, 3a daeen 2 £j LARGE TUMBLERS, Ss dozen g f WHITE AND GOLD CHINA .CUPS rj and BAUCfIRS. Gjrttozen. P&ATEB, 2 . H TEAPOTS, Sl/OAR BOXES TO X '{ ' MATCH in pattern ana price g W STOVE ORNAMENTS, Is eaoh and g O upwards 3 , S BOX IRONS (nnoquallcd), 3a 6d J WEIGHING SCALES, only 7s 6d _ 3PRINO BALANCES, lOd each p ~ KNIVES AND FORKS, good and oheap O M CARVERS, STEELS . 2 g NICKEL AND E.P. SPOONS AND '•; g FORKS ■ FANCY GOODS of all descriptions, a Beautiful Selection — GARDEN" TOOLS ot all kinds f ' S [NDIAJIUBBERHOSE,HOSEPIPES, 2 Q with jets and roses m « CARPENTERS TOOLS to variety " , S UNWARE g o FURNISHING IRONMONGERY, &O. . ,S rpHE T\IRECT QUPPLY CJTORB, hj , - * •*■ HE- JJIRECT OUPPLY ©TORE, g - W 249, QUEEN-STREET, 3 f q TITaEE DOOKS ABOTB WBLUBBLKY-BT. m V 3 : y ; , .- — ; "EIIRE! FIRE!! FIRE!! I THE SALE OF DAMAGED GOODS HAS NOW COMMENCED AT ( T ]\i°]y[AßTEß's'. ,-, This is a chance seldom to bo met with by Bayers of DRAPBRY, and MILLINERY. CLOfHING, | As Most of tho Stock is hut SLMHTLY DAMAGED, Yet aU will be SOLD AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICEa Ladies' Hats, from Id each Ladles' Capes, from 2» Ludies1 Costumes, from 4s Cd GodU Trimmed Millinery, vory choap Prints, from 2id yard Light Summor Drosses, from Id yard Millinery Net, from Id yard Men's Felt Hats, from 6d each Mon's Molo Trousers, from 4s Men's Tweed Trousers, from 6a 1 - T. MoMAS TE R, 252, QUEKN-STREET (opposite the market). "PRELIMINARY NOTICE, WILSON, WILLIAMS, & McCULLAGH, or many years in tho employ of Mr W. Rattray, Draper, Queen-streot, have ; THIS DAY ENTERED INTO PARTNERSHIP AS GENERAL DRAPERS, SILK MERCERS, &c. And having SECURED THOSE CENTRAL PREMISEB ' At present occupied by tho NEW ZEALAND TWEBD CO. (Next to Messrs Boylan and Tanfleld'e), QUEEN-STREET, Intend OPENING THE SAMK on or about the 22nd INSTANT, WITJI AN ENTIRELY NEW AND WELL 4, SELECTED STOCK or . .GENERAL DRAPERY, Particulars of which will be given in a future isauo. | & ]^[CQULLAGH - 172, QUEEN-STREET. | " Dated this 3ra March. 188*. •rcsiroiunv phemishh orrobrrs a. clauk : AWil tONS". H. L. POSSENISKIE, MERCHANT TAIbOU AND IMPORTER,. SIiaWTLAND-BTIIKBT, AUCKLAND, : .;. Wishes to Inform His" Patrons anil the Publlo generally Inm ho lias . • : ! ' JDSTEKCMVED HIS FIRST SHIPMENT-! OF '" T ; ; AUTUMN AND WINTER OOOpsJ PBK B.H. IIUAPBHO. V; Tlie abova comprise aij. the Latest Designs in TWEEDS and COATINGS, and are well' worthy an Inspection. t ■.-■••■ 1 .■::.-'i ' . '



Special Advcrtiscuicnts. DR. P H I L S 0 N, Late Distriot Surgeon, Attends from 10 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., AND DR. J. 11. HONKYMAN From 11 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., at Aickin's, THE PHARMACY Queen-street. TENDERS WANTED For the Whole of the S.tock of MEN'S AM) BOYS' CLOTHING ANT» MERCERY NEW ZEALAND TWEED COMPANY. It is quite New. not being more than ten months old. The Men's and Boys' Clothing has been Manufactured at thcKaiapoi Fnctory, and ° Tenders wilFcl'oae on MONDAY, 10th inst. ryIIKUK SHALL 1 I'UMIMI MY HOUSE FROM f THE CHEAPEST ALL ROUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL AHPATIIi' GARLICK & CRANWELL ! ! IRON BEDSTEADS, go to GARLICK & CKANWKLU BEDDING ko to OAitLICK & CRANVVELU BED-ROOM FURNITURE, go to GARLICK & CHAN WKLL. CARP CT S. /& tO cK&cßAmvKu> GARLICK & CRANWELL, Houso Furnishers. GARIJCK & CRANWELL, Upholsterors. GARLICK & CRANWELL, Manufacturers OF ALL KINDS OF FURNITURE. CHEAP TaPKSTRY & BRUSBKL CARPKTB. CrfEAP Oilcloths & Linolkum. Cheap & Beautiful Cretonnes. 'heap Blankets & Curtain*. GARLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS City Ham. Arcade. QUHEN-SrREKT, AUCKLAND For You THE GOODS To Nbto For You Manufactured by SoNoto For You THE NEW ZEALAND To Note For You CLOTHING FACTORY To Note Kon From the Celebrated To g o |° For You MOSGI EL TWEEDS To Note for You Are Acknowledged ftNote For You To "c the Most t 0 Note For You STERLING VALUE T°S oto for You A»™ ToNole 6 For You WEARING GARMENTS To Note For You Ever Produced. ™°£ For You Whilo tlio Rango To Note For You OfPricoa ?'°Note £-&v *« Varied «£ For You That the Most To Note For You ECONOMICAL, 'l°n°\ 0 for You ToXVhom &$& For Yob MONEY IS AN OBJECT, To Note For You ■ Will bo '&>Noto ]™ Thoroughly Satisfied. «£ For You To Note For You To Note ForYOU mnirr ivnmnunu To Noto For You. AUCKLAND BRANCH, To Note | or fc 1S8&1M, ? 0 N0t? |°j?ou QUKKN . BTRKKT . To Note |*?SS J. FITZSLMONS. T 'oNog fS?¥SS Branch Monaeer. TfoVtZ, For You To Noto For You '" To Note ForYoS N.8.-Patternsandall KlJSto 'For You information sent PostFroo. To Note AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED 1862. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER. The Company soil and erect gas-flttlngs, in ohiding gaa apparatus and gas-power engines. Stock Inclndos Otto Gas Engines.—Offloo and Show-rooms. Fort-street. S P EC I A L . We respectfully invite Public Attention to the following BARGAINS: 500 Dozen Flax Shirts, lined backs, Is Gel, were 3s Od 500 Trousers and Yeats, 12s 6d, worth 18s Gd 10 Cases Printed Mole Trousers, 5s lid SO Dozen Men's Felt Hats, Zs 6d 50 Boxes White Dress Shirts, 3s Gd 100 Dozen Folt Hats, 2s 6d 5,000 Yards Nun's Veiling at Is i 10,000 Yards All-wool Flannel at Is £00 Pairs Supor Blankets, All Wool, 12s (id. The Public must not overlook the advantage In selectinK from an Entirely New Stock, and j the fact that wo offer none but Reliable Goods. J", CoSGR'AVE k Co. BA L A N C E OF W. MEREDITH'S BANKRUPT STOCK! BANKRUPT STOCK! AND . ..- A LARGE LOT OF JOB LINES, TO BE CLEARED AT REMARKABLY LOW PRICES, AT WIJ T>RIDGMANU . Jtv JDridgman's. Dress Goods in great variety, 12yds for 2s Gd, 3s 6d P ls6d Balance Summer Stock of Prints, 23d, 3Jd, did, 5Jd Strong Cotten Shirtings, 3Jd. did, 5Jd : White and Grey Calico at wholesale price 20 Ladies' Leather Bags, half-price, from Is 6d Ladies Underclothing much under usual price Strong Cotton Tweed, for Boys, slightly damaged, Is yd Boys' ana Youths' Tweed Trousers, from 3s 9d 20 Men's Strong Tweed Coats. 7s 6d 20 Men's Strong Tweed Trousers and Vests, 7s lid, 10s 9d, I2s Gd Boys' Serge Sailor Suits, 4s lid Large Stock of Men's Tweed Suits, ISs Od, IBs $1,218 Men's Tweed Hata-ls, Is 8d Boys' and Youths' Serge Hats, Is Gd Rush Hats, 2}d each Linoleum and Floorcloths considerably less than regular prices. LOT OF REMNANTS AND JOB LINES. EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD VALUE. . WILLLIAM R. BRIDGMAN, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE.. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. FORT-STREET, AUCKLAND. T> U T C H E R A N D C 0., STEVEDORES, RECEIVING AND FORWARDING . ■ . AGENTS, i. ARE PREPARED TO TAKE . LARGE OR BMAU, CONTRACTS. LARGB OR SMALL CONTRACTS. ENGINES FOR HIRE. WOOL DUMPED FOB BHIPMKNT. ISTbw. Ijaw Partnership. ' JCHB UNDERSIGNED beg to announoe that they ha,ve Commenced Practice In Co-partner ship bb BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, In Chambers In Hioh-strebt opposite Mr W. Atkins Printing Office. . ' , , i B.W. BURTOK, \ .'„", j! ', t W. J. NAPIKR. ''" ' Auckland, ■:,., ;Septanib«r2i!nd.lgß3; -