SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

V T -.,. m/.-i r iThl-- -"veiling,9.l9 3U 'o'T.-TW- av.r.ii'.r. n..*'> oU -RV'F.-Tn <->.r-V'.v Mornhu.. *> 15' MOON- .V_;i-.-- i'lv.i :.;i ut-r. _7l!i. v) P-m.

ARRIVALS.

I Nettie, brigantine, Locary,' from Wellington

io-n_v.

DEPARTURES.

jfee LAST EVENING. wl_ho.a. s.s., Kdie, for Sydney Macgrogor, s.s., Johnson, for \Y hangarei Waitaki, s.s., Ciawfo-d, for Whin ~'arti Omapcre, s.s., Allnian, for (Iroj moulli

TO-DAY

Ahtlions, brigantine, Andcr.on, for Greymouth

IMPORTS.

Ver Energy, from Grcymouth-2i"_ tons coal,

EXPORTS.

*>er Waihora, lor Sydney-;., sacks maize. 1,710 pieces timber,_'?Sfloors. .tl bundles shelves. 260 packages m.ntclpi-o.s, 137 bundles broom handle... :«n sacks oysters, W cusps preserved meats. 27 packages butter, 20 cases cheese, _0 bales flax, CI eaak.; whale oil, CO sacks potatoes, and sundries.

Inwards Coastwish

—Margaret, from Taka

puna, with 15 ton. stone.

The s.s. lona will arrive from HokiangO early this evening.

The brigantine Nettie, from Xciv York via Wellington, arrived late this afternoon. She left the latter port on September 1;".

-The brig Vision left Sydney for Kaipara on tho 17th instant.

Tho barnue Polham, which is now engaged between Kaipara, Greymouth, and this port, is shortly to be converted into a stoamor. Engines for tho vessel are coming out on Messrs Stone Brothers' now steamor Herald.

Tho brigantinc Defiance arrived at Port Chal mers from Kaipara yesterday.

Tho s.s. Waihora left for Sydney, via Russell, early last evening with the following passen gers:—Mossrs Button. Guest. Brown, Wybar, Crowe, Newey, Kerry. Fleming. Labg. Rantlell, Wood, Schoileld, Phillips, Press, Patterson, Gallaghan, Forbc3. Campion, Donaldson, Ren wick, Hoare. Walker, Mesdames Guest and family (31, Wybar and family (3). Bodily and family (2), Randell, Wood, Schoileld, I'roES anil famHy 12), Lind and family (':'), Hoare, Miss Maclean, and _! in the steerugc.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Argyle. s.s , McArthur, from Waitara Douglas, s.s.. Norbury, from Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Lalla Rookh. s.s., Campbell, for Waitara Argyle. s.s., McArthur, for Raglan and Kawhia Douglas, s.s., Norbury, for Waitara

The stoainors Argyle and Douglas arrived from Waitara this morning, the former with.il head of cattle, and the lirtter with 15 head of cattlo, 17S sheop, •_ horses, ID sacks seed, and 21 cases butter. They both left again at one o'clock for Raglan and Kawhia and Waitara resptctively.

Tho s.s. Lalla Rookh left for Waitara at two o'clock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day.—Arrived: Waihora, from Auckland, 7.30 a.m.

Lyttelton, this day.—Arrived: Ilinomoa, from Wellington, with 'Frisco mail. 0.10 am. Sailed: Wanaka, for Wellington, with Brindisi mall, 1 a.m.

Waitara. this day.—Arrived: Hannah Mokau and Lalla Rookh, from Onehunga, 9.10 tun.

Port Albert, this day.—Tho barquo Cabar feidh is being towed down river for Mel bourno with baulk timber.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stau Ofilco. this day. Messrs E. and A. Isaacs sold by auction at their stores. Queen-street, to-day, the steam launch lately used by tho pilot at Kaipara. The shipping community wero well represented, and the price realised for tho vessel was £33 10s, Captain Anderson being the purchaser.

-MrG.W. Blnney held a fruit and potato sale to-day, which was well attended. Apples averaged 9s per caso; potutoes brought £6 per ton.

Mr Gabriel T,,owl_ continue., his salo of drapery and general goods to-day. There wu3 a fair attendance of the trade, and considering the state of tho market, prices were satisfactory.

Mr Alfred Buckland held a sale of farms and suburban sections of land, situate at North Gisborne, to-day, but the sale had not concluded in time for report in the present issue. Some of the land averaged from -03 to 31)3 per acre.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

Mails wtix Closb as dndbr i-

THia Day.

For Thames, por Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Thursday, 25th inst

For Waitara, Sec, ' per Hannah Mokau, at

7.43 a.m. „ . . , _ For Walwcra, To Kapa, Crftigieburu, and Warkworth, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. Per Rotomahana. as follow: Kor India Chinu. Japan, Mediterranean Port-a. nnd Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For Glsbome, Napier, Southern Ports, Australian Colonies, und United Kingdom (via Colombo, Suez and BrindisiJ. for letters. &c, specially so prepaid and addressed, at 11 a in. For Money Orders, Registered Letters and Newspapers, 10 a-m. Late Letters till 11.20 a.m. Tho United Kingdom mail will be duo in London on Tuesday. Nov. IS. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 3._ op.m. For Tauranyra, Ohinnmutu, and Opotiki, por

Glenelg. at Ip.m. For Whitiangi, Upper Mill, and Talrua, per Rowena, at 5 p.m.

Friday. 20th in_L

For Cowc. and Coroniandol, per Coromandel, at 1.30 p.m. For Thame-, per Eolomohann, at -1.30 p.m. For Whangarol Heads. Parua, Waipu, Whangarei, Kamo. Taiigilma, and Mangapai, per Macgregor or Waitaki, at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Hth October Per s.s. Australia, as follows :—

For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.jp. ' For Monoy orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 11.30 a.ll?, Late letters, bearing an extra toe of six oence in addition to tlib postago, will be receivod by tlio Mall Agent on board tho steamer up to the timo of sailing. Thin mail will bo due In London on Satur day, Novemberjf_. N.B.—Tlio s,s, StoHa will lenvo tho Bluff for Wost Coast Sounds on or about t|)e pvening of Saturday, Ith Oetobor.

S. B. BI3S, Chief Postmaster Chief Post-offlce. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

September 31, 1881.

AbDott's Opera • House—American t'ontedy Company, 8 p.m. Thoatro Royal—Baby Show. St. Jamos's Hall—Lecture by A. C, DeLautour, Esq., on Liberalism. 7.30 p.m.

Robson's Rooms—Members ot Auckland Par liamentary L'nion. 7.St) p.m. Chiarini's Grand Circus and Menagerie, 8 p.m. .Masonic Hall, Onchtinga—Rowing; Club con cert, 8 p.m.

United Methodist Free Church—"Homo." an original service of song, by Rev. S. Maefarlar.e, 7.20 p.m.

H.A.C.B. Society and Juvenile Contingent, 7.30 p.m. Lodgo United Service—Monthly meeting, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

GRANGER.—On tho 21st September, at her rc_i_nce, Totara street, the wife of C, Granger of a daughter. Both doing wall. WHITE.—On September 22nd, at her residence, Stokes's Road, Mount Eden, tho wife of John K. White of a son.

Deaths.

LESTER.—On Scptcmbor 23rd, after a short illness, at the resjdenco of its grandparents. Mount Roskill Road, Bertram Vincent, only child of R, E. and Augusta Lester, of Heleus villo; aged 9 months. Interment to-morrow, 3 p.m., at General Cemetery,

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

WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 21, 1884.

For the cause that l__g_B assistance. For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future In the distance. And the gaod that we can do.

The plan formulated in Parliament yes terday by the Postmaster-General to , meet the determination of the English ' postal authorities in favour of assisting the Orient Service at the expense of this colony has the merit of clearness and vigour. He submits, and we think justly, that it is for the colony to choose the routes for the conveyance of its mails. In defiance of every remon strance, the Englisii Postmaster-General has made an alteration which has al ready cost the New Zealand exchequer several thousands a-year, and that lass will go on increasing unless measures are instituted by our Govern ment for its own protection. The course recommended in Sir Julius Vogel's reso lution is a recognition of the San Fran cis^ Service and the direct steamers as affording the quickest communica tion with '{yf&s. t Britain, and it pro vides that, as th,e .Brinclisi Service entails a loss, the postage oft letters for warded by that route shall be raised . ° one shilling per half ounce; in the event of any difficulty arising in Great Britain, the postage to be collected jn this colony. If the English Post-office should decline to recognise a resolution, of our Parliament, and refuse to aend exclusively by the routes indicated except when the extra postage is paid, the fine of sixpence _vipuld operate harshly upon receivers of letters here. They might obtain relief by instructing their regular corres pondents to addiess their letters in every case by San Francisco or direct steamer; but meanwhile a good deal of irritation would doubtless be caused. We do not believe, how ever, that if the colonists show they are in earnest about the matter, by fortifying the Government with a reso lution of Parliament, the English Post master-General will persist ip his strangely biassed course of action, which is working so unfavourably to. this colony both in lime of delivery and cost. The San Francisco and direct mail routes are those which it is j the interest and desire of the colony to maintain; the resolution submitted to Parliament by the Postmaster- General appears well directed to the attainment of the end in view, and we hope to see it receive the approval of the House on Friday.

UNKNOWN.

There is still a probability that General L»rd Wclseloy and the British troops under his command will have some hard fighting to do before they offect a junction of their forces with thoso of Ge-Qral Gordon. Though we know that a portion of tho English expedition has reached Dongola, and though communica tion between that place and Khartoum waa open a few days ago, we also learn that the Mahdf is raising a fresh army to invest Gordon's position amd cut him off from retreat and from rescue. That Britain's "only general" calculates upon

mi easy victory is evidenced by tho Icct that ho has countermanded tho order for further troops which wero boinf,' sent irom Malta. Signs nro not wanting that ho is right, and that tho back of tho rebellion has been broken by tho gallant and stub born stand made by Gordon and his com pact garrison ; but it remains to bo seen if fanatic zeal has yet exhausted itself, or if it will respond to the Malidi's latest appeal and supply him with another kordo of fear less warriors. A curious historic parallel has been discovered by Sir Samuel Baker. • In _au article in the "St. James's Gazette," he points out that when, according in Josephus, an Egyptian army was led into Ethiopia (or the Soudan) in tho days of Mosoo, tho Egyptians being over come in battle, some of them woro slain, and the rest ran away .in a shameful manner." The capacity for shameless flight is thus shown to bo hereditary in the Egyptian race, for the words of Josephus might literally be applied to the conduct of tho Egyptian troops at various engagements in the Soudan this year. Sir Samuel also draws at tention to tho tactics by which Moses 'subjugated the Soudan when he was ap pointed to the command of tho Egyptian forces, and though Lord Wolseley will probably not care to follow in tlio stops even of tho great law giver, the successful strategy of tho famous Jewish captain is worth recording. Josephus says that Moses drove the Ethiopians into Saba'and bosiegod them there — his ob ject being not only to catch the enemy in a traji but to secure the safety of Lowor Egypt. It is contended that the city of Khartoum is near tho site of the ancient Saba, and of course the lesson for tho present day is self-evident. Sir Samuel Baker forgets, however, that with a small British force it would be impos sible to successfully invest Khartoum, supposing tho Mahdi and all his men wore onclosed within its walls, In this case history has not repeated itself, for tlio Soudan rebellion will bo found to havo boeu subdued chiefly by tho enemy being kept out of Khartoum. »

Suggestions on Australasian Commerce.

"Tuonan's andSuggcstionsCoticerning the Commerce and Progress of New South Wales," is tho title of a pamphlet by Mr Edward Pulsford, which is published with tho approving stamp of the Sydney Chambor of Commerce. Tho views of tho writer have been formed after n fow months' acquaintance with colonial affairs, and their chief valuo consists in tho sharp con trast which is drawn between English and Australian methods. If ho is oc casionally at fault with bin information on colonial subjects, his sense of comparison is always keen, and ho gives plain and unvarnished pnjisc or blame as ho thinks it deserved. If is useful for colonists to know how their institutions ami inotjjods aro viewed from an English standpoint, and as, with slight modification (ob for instance his extravagant oulogy of Sydney as " tlio chief emporium of tho southern world,") his notes apply to ill tjje Australasian Colonies, it may bo profitaula ro glance at his suggestion and criticisms. What ho has to say of harbour ami ship ping accommodation lias a peculiar appro priately-;: to Auckland, where tho natural configuration plo^oly resembles that of Sydney. Ho pojnjis but that this peculiarity ol tho harbour is certain _o leajj to the growth of an immense ferry tratKc and ex tended whai'f accommodation. On the curoful and economical conduct of wharf traffic, tho writer has tho following : —" Wo havo noted the absonco of sheds or other protection far -roods, and wo have scon packages of dolicato artjeje. ox posed alike lo tho full rays of the ipid.uuimer sun, nnd tho rain, which hero often comes si suddenly and heavily. Wo havo seen merchandise of all kinds crowding a common roadway in tho moat perplexing state of confusion. We havo seen tho valuable higgago of passengers bestrewing tho roadway in the samo rough manner. U'o noto an absonco of cranes and of railway facilities round the wharves, and also an absonco of tho usual timber yards. Wo sco evidence of great and rcmarkablo individual ontcrpri_o, but nono of any over-ruling power moulding tho whole into ono easy working system. Wo noto that ovorything tends to a maximum and not to a minimum of exponso." Tho scale of charges for cable messages at onco strikes tlio author as exor bitant, and his opinion that 4. per word for messages between London and Australia would bo omplo is sharod in very generally at thi. aid,o of the world, but tho difficulty lies in convincing the directors of the Cjmpanics that rec6ipi.i WQuki increase if rates wero reduced, His remarks on tho various agricultural and other pursuits whjch jniglit be profitably followed here are worthy of consideration, and at a future time, if space permits; jye shall return to the subject. Like most new-comers, Mr Pulsford lias been struck by anomalies in tho colonial labour market. Hence ho asks—Why is labour not wantod, if it is as valuable as generally stated . Why is there so little work to be had, when _o mutfli needs to be done '! Tho chief reason for tho seeming contradictory concom itants of high wages and redundant labour he finds in tho fact that agriculture is neglected. That the wool-producing in dustry should bea]louoJ nearly to monopoliso tiie glorious soil is only justifiable when labour is very scarce ; and even in pngland he. points out that agricultural industries contribute very largely to tlio national wealth and prosperity. Ho ovidently finds something congenial in the Free Trade policy of New South Wales, which doclines to fostor colonial industries by protective tariffs ; and in ropiy to thoso who havo a mania on tho subject of manufactures ho cries;—" Let us not prate of manufactures whilo import ing much of our bread, our butter, our moat, and our fruits." " Agriculture " (he says in another place) " must precede, and is tho foundation on which must rest, manu facturing prosperity. If wo put 30,000 men to manufacturing industries, and they pror duce goods that wo can buy at ono-third less than these cost us, then the result is the same.as far as wealth is concerned, as if wo put 20,000 men into natural employ ment and exile tho othsr JO.OOO ; and we reach the height of absurdity, if, whilo we practically banish tho labour of 10,000 men we immigrato another 10,000 mon with their wives and children at an immense cost." Other portions of tho pamphlet are devoted to cOfieidering the question of founding agri cultural colleges and schools, the establish ing of direct busineap relations between Australia and Europe, and bfliey subjects of importance to the mercantile pouimuhity, In every branch touched upon, Mr Pulsford betrays sound and practical views, kceii business qualities, and vigorous reasoning power*, s.nd ho deserves thanks for his attempt to let Gcfoniets sco themselves a? others sco them.

Mr Gojdie,. the Sanitary Inspector, wishes us to Btaio that any complaints with respect t.Q tho performance of tho night- Eoil oor.tr/ict shou)d bo addressed to him, and he will sco that thoy aro promptly in quired into and remedied.

: Ifis Worship the Mayor of Auokjand lias consented to preside at tho Baby Show in tho Theatre Royal atsevon o'clock to-night, and will present the prizes to the successful competitors,

Constable Herbert to-day brought up from tho Thames a woman named Mary- Collins, sentenced to four months' imprison ment for vagrancy by tho Thamea Bench.

The stock and sharemarket remains much the same. A few sales in Princo Imperial to-doyut27s, buyers'26s.

Our local bicyclists propose opening the 'cycling season early next month with a procession. It is expected that upwards of 100 bicyclists wjttl take part.

Blasting rock on the Mount Eden publio rood has assumed a very dangerous form. It seems that some private persons holding some land have begun—#t the j-isk of tho Jives of many pedestrians—to blast the rock in open daylight, A boy nearly lost his lifo on Saturday; as it was, his toe was cut clean off. Ths police are now engaged on the case.

I There are vandals at the North Shore as well as in Hobson-street. The Devonport Rood Beard lately planted a numbor of trees in Victoria-street; but some person, in spired by reckless malics, ov imbued with gn ignorant idoa that the trees would iijtjDr fere with business, or drains, or verandalis, or something el_o, deliberately destroyed them during last night. The Road Board offers a reward of £10 for the conviction of the miscreant-:.

The projected Parliamentary XJm'on for Ponsonby appears to bo still-born. 4-t fhg first meeting .8 persons attended, 6 of whom promised to join, and at the adjourned meet ing last night there was a muster of about a dozen. After waiting till past 8 o'.cloclf, and no one elso turning up, the slender meeting began to dissolve. A few suddenly recollected thatthey hadbusiness elsewhere, others went out to make meteorological ob eervaUons and forgot to return, and the' remainder sadly followed convinced that the whole affair had burst up. As t% con sequence, nothing whatever was done,

To petty robberies rccontly porpetrated in tho city, fowl-stealing lias boon added. A fow ovonings ago a line black Spanish rooster and a white Brahma hen were stolen from Summer-street, Ponsonby. Such of the residents of that thorouglifaro as keep fowls should thorefore koop a sharp look-out for nocturnal prowlers of tho thieving propensity.

The third performance of " Sparks," with "Mildoon's Picnic" as an afterpiece, by Clark and Ryman's Comedy Company, at tracted a fair audience lit tho Opera llouso last evening, and the hearty demonstrations of approval that were given showed that the popularity of these highly farcical comedies has not yet waned. The enter-' tainment will be repeated this evening.

Mr Howard Vincent proceeds to the Hot Lakes to-morrow.

" Atkinson and Economy " not being a popular cry in the South just now, despite their dull times, it is not surprising to learn that the motion for tlio withdrawal of the mayoral salary and tho substitution of 100 guineas honorarium was; lost at the City Council last night, only tho mover support ing it.

Twenty-five Chinamen have taken passage by the steamer Changchow from Ghrist church to tho Flowery Land.

Tho rowing tournament at Dunedin yesterday took placo amid pouring rain. Reid and Grey's crew were tlio winners, and a surveyor's crew wero second.

Sergeant Cloary, of the Armed Constabu lary at Taupo, was charged at Napier with' being concerned in a murderous attack on Lolley, the well-known guide. The identi fication was not clear, and tho charge was dismissed, but tho K.M. refused to allow Cleary's costs.

At the inquest yesterday on tlio vuutli Hurry Cresswoll, who died from self-inflicted wounds at Nelson, nothing was elieted to show whether the occurrence was accidental or promediatod. Tlio verdict was, " Died from the effects of a gunshot wound."

Tho Conference of Chambers of Commerce at Wellington lias closed. Yestorday the delegates passed resolutions in favour of tho constitution of Railway Boards of Advice in each district, calling upon the Govornmont to koop down rabbits on Crown and Native lands, and deprecating, any increase in Customs duties for protective purposes.

Tho final rehearsal for the "jew servieo of song entitled "Home" took* place last evening in tho .Methodist Church, Pitt ami Vincent-street.. Tho sen-ice,which is to bo given this evening, is ono which was com posed by tho Rev. S. Macfarlanc somo three years ago, anil this will bo its first proline tion in Auckland. The selections of music throughout tho pieco aro very pretty, and will bo sung by an efficient choir, while the connective readings, which are both homely and interesting, will bo given by Mrs Mac ftirlano. There will be no chai go for admis sion.

It is not ofton now-a-days that we receive from the Church a [ilea for tho moderate drinker ; that individual, as a rule, is well ablo to take care of himself. The Rev. ll.' Vere Whito, M.A., lias, howovor, taken up the cudgels on his behalf, and, in a pamphlet of CO pages, he argues that the moderato drinker, and not tho totnl ab stain.}'.', is the truo type of a Christian. Messrs Upton and Co, are tho Auckland agents for this brochure, which is very well written, and should make Mr White the patron saint of tho publicans and other sin ners—in a total abstainers' souse.

Mr Win. F. Jones, of t'|is city, has lately perfected an ingenious invention for an im provement in pianofortes. It consists of a hopper rollor nnd circular hammer, which arc so obvious advantages that it seems a marvel tho idea has not been hit upon bo foro. Eor durability, improvement iv t.ono, and .b_enro of creaking, these inventions arc claimed to surpn.s tho prevailing adap tations, Mr .Jones has secured the patent right.

The Rev, John Sutherland, who has been labouring at Whangarei, Tauranga, uud other localities within tiie bounds of tho Presbytery of Auckland during the past 14 months, lias recently been appointed by tlio Church Extension Committee of the Synod of tho Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia to labour on the Harrington nnd Manning Rivers, Xow South Wales, whole there is a large Highland population, Mr Sutherland being v Gaelic • spooking minister.

Thcro was another largo attondanco at Chiarini's Circus last evening, when a cap ital programme was gone through, and was evidently thoroughly appreciated. Al though tho principal items were tho samo as thoso of which wo gave information in our last notico, a few new features wero in troduced by way of variety. This after noon a matinoo performance was given, to which thochildren of charitable institutions were admitted free oi elujrge. The circus anil menagerie will bo again open this evening.

In the District Court yesterday, tho her,;' ing of the ease of Cummin? v, Matthew c was finished, whereupon His Worship reserved judgmont. The noxt case taken was tliat of Samuel Cibson v. .lames Larkin ,md James 0 Brien, for whicli a jury of four was ompannollfcd, vi;., Messrs .I. 11. Garratt, 11. J. Garratt, Georgo Garratt, ond E. ,1. Got land. Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr E. Heskoth and Mr Cave for tho defendants. Tho claim was for £100 damages for injuries sustained by plaintiff when driving a cart along Customs- Street on 27th Juno last, through a scant ling, the property of tho defendants (Messrs Larkin and O'Brien, tramway contractors), falling upon his kneo. At 5.30 tho Court adjourned till this morning.

By nows por San Francisco mail just to hand, we learn that another and important step in the direction of Methodist union has been taken, Tbo annual assembly of the United Methodist Free Church, which re cently held its sittings in Nowcnstlc-on- Tyno, has unanimously consented to allow tho I'rce Churches in New Zealand to atnat gamnto with tlio othor Methodist Churches on the basis which has already secured the approval of the highest courts in tlio colony. Tho General Conference of tho Australian Wesleyan Chuychep, which meets jo Christ church in December nest, will, it is to be hoped, advance this "consummation so de voutly to be wished for" another stage.

Counterfeit florins are again in circulation in the city, and the trading classes should be on thoir guard against them.. The " flash " coins aro of somo white metal, and arc so .perfectly cast as to doccive tho most practised cyo. To tho sensitive touch thc-y aro not quite "tho thing," howovor, and they are decidedly wanting in "ring." The specimen wo have seen is a new one, and may bo the product of that snug coining establishment lately discovered in tho South Isl.rid. '

At the eloso of the Sabbath school scrvico n. the Presbyterian Church, Tamnki West, on tho 20th inst., tho Roy. John Macky presented to Mr Alexander Thomson, on behalf of tho scholars, a pair of massive fold spectacles and caso, made to order by Ir Prince, Victoria-street East, Auckland. Mr Macky spoko of Mr Thomson's thirty years service as superintendent of tho Tamakj Sunday-school, and of tlio affec tionate interest be had taken during that long period in the religious and moral welfnro of tho young people of the neigh bourhood; who Jiad contributed towards this fokon of tlf*ir csfoem, Mr Thomson, on receiving tlio gift of lijs scholars, replied fn grateful torms, and said that the happiest hours of' his life had been spent in the Sabbath-school and lr, tho Houso of God.

Tho Union-street Wesleyan Sunday-school held last evening its anniversary tea and public meeting. The church was comfort ably filled, about 200 sitting clown to tea. The tables were presided over by tho follow ing ladies :— Mesdames Pure* y, Catadus, Parker, Watts, Pelly, and Misses F. Purdy, E. Caradus, Blackburn, A. Ellworth,. and Joughin. Tho public meeting was commenced with singing nnd prayer. Mr Thos. McMaster occupied tho chair, and with his usual excellence conducted tho business of tho meeting. He did not trespass by giyipg a long speech, as some chairmen do, but was short and to the point, occasionally giving some words of counsel as he introduced the speakers. The report for the' year was of an encouraging nature. It showed 12 teachers and 109 scholars, and 240 books in the library. Mr Beaumont gave an address specially bear r ing on Sabbath-school work. Tho Rev. W. J. Watkin was very good in one of his characteristic addresses on "Our Boys." It was racy, was not perhaps overdone in humour, but b.ad. a good deal of tho solemn interspersed, which was forced homo ppon the boys and teachers. The Rev. ii'r Care gavp some reminiscences of the boy hood of an eariy Methodist preacher he had known, which ought to have made I an impression upon the hearers. Thoj Rev. A. Reid gave ,i short but pointed address upon the tabulated lcsg jp some of the churches at Home of thousands of bap tised children, who, when grown up, never came into church metjibertjiiip. A vote of

thanks to Chairman, ladies, and speaker. was promised' by Mr Wykps, jun,, seconded Try Mr Oaradue, and carried fey acclamation, The Dpxology was sung, ant} the closing prayer offered by tho Roy, A, Reid, 7

''■*•• Trial fives oi the Poii'.mby Kow'ng Club takos place oil Sliolly llouch on Satur day; 27th inst., for <i'ub trophies. Tho following are' tlio crews :—Seniors No. 1: D. Millor, G.'. SloKay, .). Currie, T. Moore, H. Culpan. 2 : _'. Latham, C. Stanford, V. Hewson, A. Culjxui, A, Coutts. ~ : 11. D. Morpeth, D. Watson, .1. W. Dickson, G. Scott, J. McKay. I : J. Edmonds, W, Laiifj,- A. Webster, W. Fngden, R. \Vittt Juniors—l : C. Culpan, J. Brnund, N. Ha__.ai'd, (J. Scott, J. 11. Sloan. '. : W. Scott, Whiting, 0. 11. Botteril, J. Swales, D. F. Ifamil. 3: J. Henderson, J. Ai'tioil, J. Lanier, J. MiHor, W. BloomllelJ. I : ,1. P.. Morpeth, McDonald', Johnston, Dickson, Gee. 5: Goudie, O. Mahon, li, Stoddart, O'Mera, Howin. C: M. Kirby, ",T. O'Bnen, E.^i.., H. Marlo'w, Hamil. As ti good afternoon's sport, ia anticipated, all members should bo at the Club shed.

The first session of tho House of Repre sentatives of the Auckland Parliamentary Union will bo opened this evening at Rob son's Booms, Queen-streot: Tlio busi ness will bo of a highly interesting character, including tho election of Speaker and Chairman of Commit tees. Mr Button will be nominated by the Government for the Speakership, but the linnio of the gentleman who will lie nominated to the Chairmanship has not yet transpired, Wo understand that Messrs W. Edmund Bennett and Robert William Ooinyns will bo nominated for the oiliccs of dork of tlio House and Deputy-Clerk re spectively.

A representative of the Mosgiel Woollen Company is at present in Auckland with the view uf ascertaining if a regular supply of cocoons or reeled silk can be obtained hero for use in the manufactures of the Company. Wo understand that tho Com pany is propared to establish an agency in Auckland if there is any probability of thero being a steady supply of cocoons.

An entertainment in aid of the Devonport Naval Artillery funds was givon by tho Waitemata Minstrels in tho Devonport Hall lust evening, and was largely attended! Tho piogrnmnio included chorus by the Minstrels; song, "Sweet Chiming Bells," by Mr J. M Oiiilding; " Wlioii You \Vusli a Nigger White," Mr 11. Robertson : "The 01.1 Home," Mr R. XV. Skoals; "Sho Winked at Mo," Mr H. lTnifiavc ; "When Littlo Nollio Died," Mr W. Car alius; "Tho Buckles on Her Shoes," |Mr O. llnniicUen ; " Down by" tho i Doe)) Sad Sea,' Mr W. George ; Lucinduh at the Windali," Mr T. Loodham; then follow tlio tableau, representing Britannia, and tho second part of tho enter tainment was as follows : — Song, "Fatbor's Look," Mr A. Hartley; "Tickling Mad," Mr 11. llargravoj "The Good-bye at the Door," Mr J. Trcmvith; "Silver Shoo Danco," tho Uiley Brothers; glee (Orphous), Messrs llannckon, Tronwitli, C.irndus, nnd Hartley j song, "The Littlo Scrub," Mr 11. Kobortson. Tho entertainment con cluded with an Ethioniun sketch entilled "Tho Crowded Hotel.'"

Kov. J. S. Hill is to givo an exhibition of Hin.liK'lit views lv Mt. Seiiulclii'o's Bi'hool room to morrow (Thursday) evening, on behalf of _lt. David's Sunday-school. Musical selections, readings, and etc,, are lo ho _ivon ut intervals.

Trial sermons by students of the Wes loyan Church will bo preached to ni_ht at I'itt strct't und I'oiißonhy Wislejan Churches, ut half-past seven o'clock. "ROUGH ON COHKS. '..li. i,„ \ui__'.•■_.«_ _„ C-iii..- (Jul .-k i,-li.l. .... ■_■-, :. ....... 1.. l.t _1_ ('..11,.,, »»!__. tm-l-i... w ,.,„i.0...11,.. I'rwwi »_,,.. »(__t_, Auc_l.ua. The members of tho Star of Nowton Lodge nf (Icod Templars will give their annual tea meeting ami musical entertainment to morrow evening In the Newton Hull. Solos, songs, and poems will form part of tho entertain ment, Including up orbinul farce by a popular author, entitled "Judging by Appearance."

An entertaining sociable is advortisod to take plneo at St. Thomas's School-room to mor row evening. liufrcslimont.. will bo provided. Aft'-r Hie delivery of a lecture on" Electricity." by Mr R. Uonkin, t'.IC. and Electrician, songs and amusement* will cuii.ludo the evening's entertainment.

Mr Kx)cy purpose., ro-dclivcring those If c til res on "Conditional Immortality"-which ho (.Ives ill tho Christiana' Metttinjjr Ilous. , Cook-sti-cct, at tbo Nov.- North lioad ChaPo! ou Thursday evenings, t|io flrot taking piano to morrow (veiling. As the subjects advertised o's .where aro calculated to Interest those who have embraced this viow of Ulblical teaching, and to stimulate thoso who hnvo not yet given the subject much attontion, there should he a largo attendance.

Tho annual social gathering of tbo amalgamated engineers is ll.vod for Friday evening in tbo Lome-street Hall. A first-class progranimo has boon propsred for Die occasion, which, it is anticipated, will remit in a glorious evening's umu-Cmont.

Mr D, S. Chambers, tho well-known machinist, bos removed into his new promises, 20. Queen-street, where he lias on show a largo supply of now sewing machines of almost every stjlo and prico. and Borne entirely new to the Auckland public. Tho maeliino shop Is airy, roomy, and lilted With excellent taste and order. No industrious young person need be without a useful household companion to assist her in forming the ornamental nnd necessary require ments of a pleasant homo.

Sewing Machines, Wholesalo and Itoiui -IX S. Chambers.

CABLEGRAMS.

NY CAULK. —OOPVRIUIIT.]

(Received Sopt. 2-1—1.5 p.m.) Arrival of the Suez Mail.

At.n.vxv, Sept, 2,..—Arijvcd, this morn, ing i 1\ and O: steamship Cathay, with tho Suez mails.

Mei.i.oi'knk, this day.—Tlio Anglican Church Assembly has adopted a resolution in favour of creating a now diocose in this colony. Franco nnd tho Egyptian Fiiiaiio.B. Cairo, September 2-2. — Since making o protest, in conjunction with Austria nml Germany, against the suspension of tho Luw of Liquidation as notified by Nubar i'nslin, tlio French Government have further con sidered the question, and have now in -truotcd M. M.'tri'C, Minister nt tho Egyp tian ('otirt, to formally demand tho with drawal of the proclamation, and tho recogni tion of tbo functions of tlio Cnisso do la Dctto I'ubliquo, ns appointed by the docrob of the Khedivo'in 1881.

Lon'iio.v, September 23.—Tho English pros., generally is advocating an incrcaso m the navy.

Mr W. 11. Smith urges tho appointment of a Federation Inquiry Committee.

In consequenco pf tho frequent recur rence of riots, tho city of Brussels is vir tually in a stato of sioge. Mki.hoiih.xk, this day.—A meeting of tho Australian Natives' Association was held on Monday night at tho Town Hall, in connection with annexation, federation, and tbo rceidivlstes question. Several promi nent speakers addressed tlio meeting

THE THAMES MUNICIPAL HUDDLE.

(BY TKLEOUAPn—OWN CORTtESPONPENT.)

TfjAijK.*, this day, Tin: Borough Council has disregarded the proclamation extending tho time for holding tho elections of Councillor^, and is proceed ing on the principle that, tho regular elec tions having failed in two cases, the vacan» cies shall be considered extraordinary vacancies, and do'nlt with accordingly. It has, howovor, been found that tho status of the whole Council is open to question, see ing that all have been declared elected by a returning officer, who was not appointed severally for the different wards, and it is proposed to ask Government to pass a Validation fat rectifying this technical blunder. '

TRADE DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER.

Fostering of Local Industries,

(IIV TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

1 Weleixotox, this day. A deputation frefm the Trades and Labour Council waited on the Premier this morning for the purpose of bringing under his notice several questions. The first was with rej gard to Mr Godm.n'. Workmen's Wages Bill. Tho deputation urged that greatt^ facilities should bo given for attachment o moneys belonging to employers of labour and that merchants and others supply ing materials should bo provented from , participating in the operation of the Act. \ I'hc spcond qijcstiof) was \yith reference tq jMr Biadshaw's Employment of Females j Act. The deputation set forth that as tho f bill was ono to amend the present Act, it did not go far enough. Thoy urged a more rigid inspection of establishments emplqy i,-,g lajioqr, and thjjt steps {]0 taken to _|ii*,'va such estabjishmtints legiste^ed. The nazi questionwaslocallndustrios. Thadeputation { urged that tenders be called in the colony j for supplying a dozen of class J locomotives, tho tei(dpie;'s to hiive the option of taking 3, G, 9, or all qf thpm. Mr St^upreplied that dll tbo matters mentioned would'have his j serious coiisiduratjop,, but he could not givei a definite reply without fifst consulting bis oollpague?; He WQ)ild confer y-jth the Minister of Public Work? in'regard to thp Jqcoinotivps,. hpt he could pipption that jt)cal intlustrics had tho entire sympathy of the Government, and they would foster - them in every way possible.

A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS.

(_T _-K_.rc4HJ.It. —OWN'OORRKHPO-fDENT),

CintisTt'inntcii, this day. It seems as if some debtors have hit upon a plan for inverting the usual order of things as regards tho relations of debtors and creditors. Thoy make the creditors send them money, and then pocket it. The operation is performed in this way : —A. owes B. a considerable sum ; ho clears out, and leaves his sorrowing creditors behind. By-and.-by B. thinks ho may as well sco what the law can do for him; ho takes out a summons, which A. re ceives in his new homo in another pro vincial district, and as he does not attend to it, judgment goes by default, and in due course a judgment summons follows. Now, iv order to compel a debtor who resides ut a distance to uttond under a judgmont sum mons, you must tender expenses. This B. does ; A., the impecunious debtor, puts B.s meney (L' 4or to) into his pocket, and em ploys a lawyer to argue learnedly that tho creditor ought to havo sent a great deal more. The creditor thinks this tho height of impudence. A.'s astute lawyer appears in Court, ami draws a most pitiful picture of tho poor debtor (just able to pay his way to Christchurch with tho travelling expenses sent him), starving here till tlio case is heard, and unable to got back to a-hero lie had a chance of living after it is over. The hard-hoarted Magistrate " can't see it," takes evidonco, and decides that the dobtor must pay. Tho impecuni ous debtor's lawyer generously takes the case on apponl to the Supreme Court on a technical point, for which those who draw up the printed forms usod in the Resident Magistrate's Court aro responsible. The Judge decides in A.'s favour. Clearly, A, has " bestod " B. out of tho money sont for travelling expenses, and when a socond judgment summons is taken out, and a second order for imprisonment in default of payment made, the lawyer says ho will appeal again. Lawyers, like other profes sional gentlemen, don't work for nothing. Probably A.'s lawyer is no exception to the rule, and it must be very comforting to B. to know that his debtor pockets the money sent to bring him to justico, and uses it to pay a lawyer whose business is to show that tlio debtor cannot pay. Tho foregoing is tho gist of a case heard at the R.M. Court on Monday. There was. a Bimilor ono yesterday—C. Howo aud Company v. J, Fletcher—in which tho defendant, who lives in Hokitika, hail £10 sent to jiay his expenses to Christ church. He roccived tho monoy, and in structed, his lawyer that ho had not re ceived it, and to say that he has no money and throw, himself on the mercy of the Court. Mr Boetham held very decidedly that if tho debtor had received money from his Creditor sufficient for expen-ca on tho way to attend on a judgmont summons, and fails to do so, the order for paymont would be made with tho usual imprisonment for contempt to follow in default of payment.

SPORTING NEWS.

J-itrrr and Necklacd aro to bo shipped to Christchurch by tho s.s, Rotomahana, which leaves to-morrow, for the purpose of ful lilling thoir engagements at tho Canterbury Jockey ("lub Metropolitan Meeting. Tho pair go down in chargo of J. Chaafo, and airangonients have been mado to locate them atE, Cutt'e stablo. Tho hurdle raoer Minuet is also to be shipped to Napior for tho Hawke's Bay Spring Mooting. A race mooting undor tho auspices of tho Epsom Racing Club will take placo on Saturday noxt. Tho programmo will bo found In our advertising columns. Tho following acceptances were rcceivod last night for the two principal ovonts of tho Hawke's Bay .loekey Club Spring Moot ing :— St'Rixu Handicap of 200sovs. instance, li mile, stlb i tlb Looimta .. ..'JO Pearl .. ..7 0 Kmir Boy.. .. 8 9 Forerunner 7 _ Administrator .. 8 0 Tigredia .. ..7 1 Armourer 7 11 Marksman 6 12 Tally-ho .. ..7 8 Abraham.. ..OS Laurel .. ..7 7 Yankee .. ..0 7 llayard .. ..7 7 Handicap Htum.u Rack of 7_sovs. Two miles. stlb Stlb Minuot .. .. 10 12 Flying Scud .. !l 7 Pastime .. .. 10 0 Denbigh .. ..0 1 Wild Dayrell .. 912 Notice of Motion II 0 blackbird.. .. 9 10 Stoeldust.. ..9 0 Pearl, Misdeal, Christina, Miss I.argon, and Marksman, paid-up for tho Guineas.

THE SOUDAN REBELLION.

LOItD WOLSELEYS MOVEMENTS.

fjiy (Ujljjp—L'OhTßlOHT.)

London*, Septembers... Lonn WoLHKLKYwiII probably proceed to tho front on Sunday noxt.

Tho Maliill Rororganlsluf;

Oa(R(i, September 22.

Laicst intelligence from tho Soudan states that tho Mahdi is about to rosumo the offensive, nnd that sinco the siego of Khar toum was raised he has been engaged in gathering an army of rebel troops, which, in Consequence of General Gordon's continued successes, is about to be despatched against Khartoum. *

TELEGRAMS.

Oamiihipop., this day.—The proprietors of Cambridge Racecourse hold their annual meeting yesterday, when a balance-sheet was brought forward. This sliowcd a credit balanco of i'Bo 13s 9d. A dividend of £10 per share, or 10 per cent., WaH de clared. No. 1 paddock was leased to Car tor at £95 per annum. The Land Court is still engaged over tho lists of names jn Maugatautari. 1,200 names havo been bunded in for tho block, averaging about 50 acres each. The case is expected to bo finished in about a fort-

night. Respecting tho Chooso Factory, thoro Is likely to bo a division among tho share holders on the question of site, Allwill's site not being unanimously approved of.

Timabd, this day.—James Connolly, cook ot the police barracks, died suddenly yes torday. Ho had complained of internal pains, but was not supposed to be seriously ill ; but" he died whilo being conveyed to the Hospital. Deceased was a singlo man, anil 70 years of ai*-e.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Boforo His Worship tho Mayor and Mr D. D. Macdoimhl, J.l'.'e.)

DnUNK.—Two women were dealt with accord ing to law. , , iiARCBST.—MorIa Gray was charßcd with stealing a pair o£ boois, value 10_, on the Both inst., tho property of Joseph Hart, pawnbroker. —Prisoner plcailed not guilty. — Emanuel Mouilelssolui, shopman to Messrs Hart und Levy, deposed that ho observed tlio boots In front of prisoner, and aftor sho left ho missod tin boots. Ho went after her and brought hor buck to tho storo, when she slipped the bop.ts outofhorkit, lihd potf.,cdthem bn'the Counter. ;-Prisoner': It's a deliberate lie,—To tlio Bttyoh .' There was a ticket "on "thft boats. Saw tlio prisoner' rpplftfia tholn,-Detective Hughes auested-thO prisoner on the charge.—Priaonor wub allowed to give evidence Sho donied the charge. She was sober at the time—The Bonoh gnve prisoner the bonefit of the doubt, and dis missed the caso.

' The Baby Snow.—Ellen McGeary was charged with being drunk, &n., and acknowledged that she had taken a drop for tho sako of the baby which sho intended for oxhibitlon. She burst into tears, an' mado a moving appeal for merer. —This was not Mrs McGeary s lirst offence, and tho Bench imposed tho lenient ncii'-lty of os.— Prisoner: Mr Cunningham, please trust mo until Saturday.—Mr Cunningham ; I've aft old score against you.'— Prisoner: Settle if alto- Kcther.—His Worship'paid the Qno.—Prisoner: Good luck to'your Worship! May the Lord bliws you I—Prisoner caught up Uie biil.-y r,nd danced out of Coii. t. ' O.v tub Linel—Martin Johnson, an old offender, was charged \vitl, ateiilihg froni ?. clothes li;-. 0 s.',ver..i _hlrts jiiil ..-tides or wearing apparel, on'tlto 21th inst., valuo £2 lCs, the property of Mary Ann Bozini, of Custom house-street West.—Sergeant Pratt explained tho nature of the robbery.—Prisoner, aftersomo hc:it_tioii.said,Wcl], I'll plead guilty; I stole tbo thinKS,— Three months'- inipriaonmerit w(th hard labour.

Tins \ya. all t|io buslnpss.

DISTRICT COURT.-This Day.

(Beforo H. G. ScUi Smith, Ksq., District JuAgp,) S. Gibson vi Larkins anp 'O'-JinißN.—Olalnv filOQ, (lar.in.gps, ff» personal injury tlirough al" joged negligonee of defendants.—Mr Devore for plaintiff, and Mr. C'ayo for defendants.-In this case, which wash pard yesterday, thp jurj Returned a verdict for T>ltiir\t iff for £t!0 d_,moec a and ousts fill lis. _, „ , . J. Lawrpnce v. WnE>:NE__-,.-Mr Napier for plaintitr, and Messrs W: Dignan and Cqttor iox defendant.—Claim, £[0Q dapifiges, for loss of health, dsumigo to property, ftnd inconvenience occimipned tlirough de.onu>nt depositing nißht soil on an adjoining allotment.-^." Pa. o (s PP. coed t'nK as We go. It press:

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.]

Last Nlght'a Debate.

Wiuxinotii!', this day. Tin: Financial debate yesterday cannot bo described as absolutely dull, for there were one or two smart things said in the course of it. Mr Holmes's deliverance occupied two hours all but fifteen minutes, but. the substance of his speech might' havo been compressed into a half-hour's oration at tlio most. The galleries were crowded at lhe evening sitting, but. tho expectations of thoso who sought so eagerly _ for admission tickets were scarcely realised. The speeches for the most part wero of a very "so-so" character. Some of tho earlier speakers made a dead set at Mr Wakefield, but ho was subsequently neglected, and the discussion was confined to attacks upon the defence of the Govern ment. The debuto will be resumed this afternoon, and arrangements will be made for taking private members' business on another day.

To-nporanco BbdiCß and the Licon.in,';

A Wellington temperance deputation, in troduced by Mr Hobbs, waited on the Premier to deprecate any alteration in the existing licensing law as contemplated by Mr Steward's bill. Mr Stout expressed sym pathy with tho views of tho deputation, and added that if the bill passed through com mittee it would only be with considerable modifications. Tho Unemployed and the Land. With a view to the settlement of tho un employed ditliculty, Mr Macandrew moves that free grants not exceeding 10 acres to oach malo adult bo made, similar to the conditions undei the Auckland Homestead Aot, and that 10,000 acres between Catliu's River and Waihaia bo laid oil' in sections of 10 acres each, to encourage special settle ment of Highland crofter., whose avoca tions combine sea fishery and cultivation of the soil.

Judicial Interchange.

A report has been current both in Auck land and liore that Mr Justice Gillies is to bo removed from Auckland to Dunedin, and that hi. place will be taken by Mr Justice Johnston. I have made inquiries into the matter, and find that the change is merely a matter of arrangement betweon tho judges referred to themselves. Judge Johnston has arranged a temporary exchange with Judge Gillies, in consequence of ill-health. Nothing lias been done at the instance of the Department ot Justico.

Tlio Railway from Thames to To Arolin,

Yesterday's deputation to tlio Premier on the Thames-To. Aroha Railway consisted of Sir George (irey, Mr A. ,1. Cadman, and Colonel Frascr. Tbo Government were asked either to construct this lino or to remove tlio present ob.-tuelo. so that tho proposed Company could proceed with the work, The Premier seemed more inclined that Government should do the work, but said they would not bo able to schedule tho whole line at onco. Tbo deputation urged that another section at least should be im mediately proceeded nitli, as Government had the line surveyed as far as Ilikutaia. Mr Stout promised to bring tho subject under tlio consideration of tho Cabinet beforo tho Public Works Statement comes down. "Go Up, Thou Bald-head." Mr Ilolmos performed tlio comparatively easy task of raising a laugh at his own OKponso during tlio course of tho debate ye. terday afternoon. It might bo con ijjtfared rudo to describe tlio lion, member % yiie-tiou as bald-headed, but there is no tfb^f_mn\uy; the fact that he possesses one of flic most barefaced heads in tlio llouso. Tboreforo when ho was betrayed by the heat of party debate into the assortion that a statement given utternneo to by the member for Selwvn had caused bis hair to Btand on ond," tho ri.-iblo faculties of members were tickled to such an extent that peal of laughter echoed through the House. Maidenly blushes suffused tlio ex pansivo and intellectual forehead of tho modest Holmes. He was beard to sigli with relief when thero was an appearance of a subsidence of the cachinnation. Voluntoor Prize Shooting. It will be remembered that on the occasion of tho recent district prize-liringat Auckland some bad feeling was caused by the refusal to allow members of tho reserve to compete. Mr Moss brought this matter under tho notice of tho Defence Minister yesterday. Hon. Mr Bullance assured the member for Parnell that members of the reserve were entitled to compete under the present regu : lations, and that if any were prevented it was owing to tho neglect of the Command ing Oflicer in not forwarding the reserve list to the otjjcc. Groin Tariff on Railways. The important subject of tho grain rate, was raised in tho House yesterday after j noon. Mr Pearson asked if it was tho in tention of the Government to readjust the tariff with a view to a substantial reduction iv the rates for tho carriage of grain before novt session. Tho Minister of Public "Works replied that the Government recognised tlio fact that the railway tariff required : entiro reclassification and readjustment. I Tho Estimates, as referred to in tho i Financial Statemont, were based upon the tariff as at present existing, and the Govern- ' mont would not bo ablo to touch the matter this session. They would, however, go into : it thoroughly during tlio recess, and con sequently lion, members would see that it ' would bo some time before any change could ! bo mado. Notwithstanding tins reply, j some of tho Canterbury members appear ! confident that somo alteration will be made I boforo tho commencement of tho approach ing grain season.

Old Soldiers' Potltlons.

A very largo number of petitions from old soldiers praying for grants of land for military services havo been considered, nnd in overy instanco tlio report of tho Com mittee is that thoy havo no recommenda tion to make, which in othor word, is re fusal to grant tho requests miulo, Tlio fol lowing petitions havo been so dealt with : — John Gibbons, Marie Doble(in consideration of services of hor luto husband), Michael Judge, C. Culvert, Boyle, Whisker rind 12 others, J. J. Fitzgerald, Flood, MeKenna, Roth, Nelson, Pack, Meaghan, John Good and ttnotlior, Augustus Vincent, James gticklcy, Jas. Campbell, Jos. Hanlon, Albert Russell, F. J. Pringle, Jas. Walmsley and 37 others, John Kilkelly, Michael Traccy, William Simms and 43 others, Henry James gyms, James Stamp, William Sims and 77 ' "others, Georgo Dawson, John F. Connolly, William Mc- Donald, James Joseph Duvoss, Robert Hullowny, and W. Garrard..

Guardiangmp Of C&ilrtro..,

The Guardianship of Infants Bill, which has been introduced in the Upper House by Mr Waterhouso, makes tho mother of an infant its legal guardian on the father's death, and provides that when an infant becomes entitled to any real proporty or personal estato tho mothor shall bo joint guardian with any guardian appointed by the father's will. Tlio sole guardianship of Infante may, by any resident magistrate or court of petty session, bo vested in the mother in any of the following eases:— (1) When sho is deserted by her husband without reasonable causp. (Si) \Yhon slip ia subjected by her husband to ci'uolty, (..) When l\or Jmsbagd is guilty of living in ojaeu aitultery. (4) Whon her husband is guilty of habitual drunkenness. (5) When her husband habitually fails to provide a maintenance for his wife or infant without suoh failure being caused by sickness or other adequate cause. In \h. ca_o of any orphan or infryit abandoned by its parents if> tho charge of any benovolent or other society recognised by the Government as a suitable institution fo,y taking chargo of such infants, the manager of such society or institution shall, so long as such infant 13 in ciiargo of tho Government, bo its legal guardian.'

An alteration of an important character has been made in the bill amending the Minos Act. The. main principle oP the new measure is thn.t persons desiring to rid themselves of unremunerative shares may transfer them back to the Company upon due notice of their intention b<sing given. This clause was yesterday struck out by tho Committee qn the casting vote of thf. Chairman, and the bill has been returned to the Houso in its amended fofm. PolOng Boras; at Mr WaHofieltl, Mr W. F. Buckland perpetrated s. joke In tho House last night at the expense of tho member for Splwyn. Referring to a state n.ent that Mr Wakefield was studying for the law, Mr Buckland said he was reminded of the old conundrum in which tho qu.j__ion was asked—Why is a lawyer lijke a sleepless man? the answer being-Because he lie 3 on one ss-, and then on tho other, und is wide awake all the timo, If this latter were so, Mr Buckland added, then ho had no doubt that the mpwboi' for Selwyn would make a goo 4 lawyer. Mr Wakefield was also roughly handled by Mr Bevan, who described him as tho cssonr.o of ;> political weather-.c0p.!.,

BoßUlar Klectlou ef Jftstlcos. J advised van yesterday of the intention pf Sir Geo. Grey to Introduco a bill provid ing that Justices of the Peace shall bo nelected by the people, instead of being nor

mated by the Governmont as at present. I may add that strong support will bo given to tho measure in high quarters, and that even if the bill is sacrificed by tho early closing of the present session, there is every probability that it will become law noxt year. The petition of John Duncan and another respecting a grant of land lo natives in Waikato has evoked an opinion from the Committee that legislation is necessary in order to have revised Clown grants similar to the ono referred to.

Major Atkinson on tho Hallway Kouto.

The Railway Route Commission sat again to-day, when the evidence of Major Atkin son, Mr Field (surveyor), and Mr Mair (in terpreter), was taken. There are still nine witnesses to be examined. Major Atkinson is strongly in favour of the Stratford route, and considers Auckland to be the natural outlet for the West Coast district.

Tho Half-Million Loan.

It is said that the half-million loan, for which arrangements have been made by the Treasurer, is to bo obtained from the Colonial Bank.

Mr Larnach and tho Upper Houso,

It ia slated in well-informed circles that Mr Larnach will be called to the Upper House during the recess. There is moro in the report than may appear on the sur face. Mr Montgomery's Attitude. M r Montgomery's speech last night caused somo surprise. Practically it amounted to n declaration that lie was dissatisfied with the policy of tho Government, but that he wouldsupport them if only to keep Major Atkinson out of office.

Tlio Publio Works Statement. Of course, the most profound secrecy is being maintained respecting the details of tho Public Works Statement, but it is leak ing out that Auckland has very littlo to ex pect from tho million and half to bo borrowed. Mr Moss's Amendment. According to present appearances, there is no prospect of Mr Moss's amendment being carried. Government having mado a Ministerial question of it, their supporters will all vote against it, while it will not have tho general support of the Atkinson party. Tho Dog Tax. The bill introduced by Mr Steward abolishes the clause providing that tho fee for dog registration shall not exceed 10_, and gives authority to charge different fees for different classes of dogs. Only half fees aro to bo payable when registration is made in the second half of the year. Investment of Trust Funds. Tho report of tlio Commission to inquire into the investment of trust funds is not yet forthcoming, but its advent is likely to give rise to a very warm discussion. 'Die invest ments which are most generally condemned are tho following :—l'ntea Harbour' deben ture.., t'10,000; advances to Waimea Rail way (in excess of the £4, 000 authorised), 13,500; Arrow town debentures, ±'2,500; Queenstown debentures, i' 3,500; Putoa Borough debentures, ".'5,000; Hawera de bentures, £6.300 ; Waitara Harbour, £15,000. Somo of the.o arc considered to be bad investments. Tho Abolition of Gold Duty. The prospect that many measures now before tlio House will have to be dropped in viow of the early close of the session has alarmed tho Southern goldfields members for tho safety of tho bill abolishing the gold duty. They consequently waited on the Premier yesterday, and urged him to take up tho bill as a Government one. He pro mised either to do so or to afford Mr Brown facilities to get it pushed through by having it placed amongst the first bills on tho Order Paper. i ■■ i : l ( i i f t I

Mr Moss on That Portfolio,

When Mr Moss was told yesterday that I his amendment on tlio Financial Statement had annihilated his chances for tho vacant portfolio, ho replied that ho would always be ! proud to take ollico if ho could do co con } scientiously and consistently, but nothing of I tho sort would deter him from speaking and acting as lie thought right. Like many other Auckland members, he is disgusted with the humiliating position in which they ' aro placed in having a portfolio constantly j dandled before them as a prize beforo a schoolboy. Nearly every member who spoke ! during "tho debuto yesterday appealed to ! Mr Moss to withdraw his amendment, Napier Harbour Loan, I The feeling in the House appears to be in favour of giving Napier Harbour Board I power to raiso 1300,000 for the construe | tion of harbour works. It appears that j out of 35 names attached to the petition j against the loan, 24 are those of men more , or less regularly in the employ of Mr Kin j ross, tlio promoter of the petition. Ihe I Hawke's Bay members are working hard on behalf of the bill. Auckland Petitions. The following petitions, in addition to thos. previously wired, wero presented yesterday :—Petitions protesting against any alteration in the Education Act—From Whangarei Heads (Mr Mitchelson), Wairoa South (Mr Buckland), Thames (Colonel Eraser), Te Aroha (Colonel Frasor). Pro testing- against alteration in Licensing Act—From Auckland (Mr Peacock), Kaeo j (Mr Hobbs), Takapuna (Mr Hurst). From [ Catholics of Newton (Mr Tole) and Coro | mandcl(Mr Cadman), asking that education grants bo allowed to their schools. Fi'pai J David Graco, formerly of the -lOthi Regiment, j and Edward O'Hare, sen., formerly of tho i 5-th Regiment (Mr Thompson), praying for grants of land in recognition of military ] sorv'eca. From Elista Oiniiston, To Totnra_ praying that a piece of land belonging to her lato husband, which she suys "was wrongfully conveyed to Government in payment of claim by 11, 11. Lusk,bo rccon veyod on payment of money due (Mr Hobbs). From Peter Donnelly, praying for compensation for outlay on Crown Princess mine, which was wrongfully sold to him by tlio warden of Coromandel, and which, after ho expended £300 on it, Mas taken from him (Mr Cadman). From Emile Bonal, praying for losses sustained during war (Capt. Morris). Alleged MaladmlEl?tra_lo__, Tho Joint Sheep and Rabbit Committeo has discovered that a sum of fifteen thousand pounds in excess of the amount placed af; tho disposal of tho Department has been expended in a most irregular manaer, Tho Committee have appointed v sub-Committee to examine tho booUs of the Department, and havo demanded production of Vouchers. It is understood tho Committeo will report in favour of dismissing the-whole, of the Department with a view to the lota! re organisation thereof,.

MINING NEWS.

(BY TI-LF.fiRAril—OWN COBItESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day

Rocky Poin-t.— Tho manager has discovered the main portion of tho Adelajdo roof in tbo hanging-wall of tho branch hitherto worked at the southward sido of the break. It is 2ft, jr. width, and it was bore the picked stone referred to in yesterday's telegram, and erroneously credited to tho cross leader, was obtained.. Driving will shortly bo com menced TO it Tho quartz is being con veyed to Bull's battery, and crushing will bo started next week.

COROMANDEI,.

Success.—The manager, under date 22nd September, reports :—" For tho present week tho niinp has beon gradually improving. Anotl.o. patch of 28ozs. of speoimens of gold obtained, an account of which I sent you by wire, and in thp different breakings down sinco tb.erq havo beon occasional dots of IpiOSO gold obtained, making a total of ITOozs. which I have banked, of which 120ozs is good stuff. At present tho lode is not quite defined, but still continues to show some of the metal,"

SECOND EDITION. FRIGHTFUL CATASTROPHE OFF THE IRISH CDAST.

WRECK OF A BRITISH WAR

VESSEL.

FIFTY DROWNED.

(Received—24th, 3 p.m.)

Lo.vno.N, September 23,

H.M. _v.-.boat Wasp, 4 guns, Command ir Nicholls, has becomo a total wreck on the coast of Donegal, Ireland. Fifty of tho officer, ifnd crew aro drowned.

Leading articles are now appearing 'n tho metropolitan and provincial newspapers strongly advocating a nr aterial increase in tho strength of tlio British navy.

Caiko, fepfc;mber23.

Lord Vvolselcy proceeds to ifcofiontfor the purpose of joining the main bofy of troops proceeding in Khartoum on Satur day next, '

THE AUCKLAND BABY SHOW.

AITHOUOH only a comparatively short timo elapsed yesterday afternoon between tho adinissiou of the general public to tho Baby Show- in the Theatre Royal and our

going to press, it was sullicient to enable us in that day's issue to indicate the state of confusion into which things were drift ing. Everyone, of course, can be wiso after the event, and retrospective advice is abundant. The promoter had made his arrangements with the best in tentions, and no serious fault can be found with them. He lacked, however, the necessary assistance to maintain order and to carry out systematically what he had designed. Double rows of forms placed back to back had been arranged on tho stalls portion of the Theatre, with convenient spaces between for promen ading. These forms were intended for mothers and nurses of competing babies. It had further been resolved that the whole of the babes of each class should be brought on to the stage at the one time,in order to De judged, and that as soon as they had been disposed of they should retire, and givo placo to the youngsters of the next class. As a means to this end, and with the object lib-oof affording a clear view to the assembled spectators, chairs had been arranged semi-

circularly around the stago for the mothers of tho infant competitors, while tho inner space was to be occupied by tho judges nnd tho weighing apparatus. Subsequent complications proved that it would havo beon far better for each mother

to have been called up separately to have her treasure weighed and adjudged, and that the interest of the spectators would have been enhanced had each youngster been ticketed with its name and age. The first breach of the genera. arrangements was mado at the request of one of the doctors. After tho "ex hibits " and their mothers or nurses had been admitted, this gentleman noticed with some concern that amongst the waiting crowd outside there were some 50 or CO women with children in their arms, and at ins desire they were admitted to the pit, a plank being interposed to prevent them finding their way down the passago to the stalls. As soon as the outside public were admitted thero were some amongst them who conceived that they had a right to bo upon tho stage, and thither accordingly thoy went. Their example was contagious. Others followed them, and the mothers iii tlio pit, finding their view impeded, cleared away tho barrier and swarmed into the vacant exhibition seats in the stalls. By this time the stage was crowded, tho mothers seated thereon could not withdraw to the stalls, as tho seats reserved for them had been " jumped," whilo the largo as semblage in the dress-circle could see no thing but a' mass of adults nnd babies upon the stago—hear nothing but childish squall ing, mingled with tlio soothing endearment., of anxious mothers, and the hum of general conversation. Mrs Cowie and Doctors Wright, Walker, and Cobbett did all they could to stay tho fast-gathering confusion, but without avail. Tho doctors became so completely hemmed in around the weighing scales that thoy were obliged to confine their attention to the operation of weighing tho exhibits. Mothers possessed with tlio notion that thi3 was the all-important requirement of the Show, pressed forward eagerly to the scales, competed energetically for precedence of attention, and volubly rehearsed to the scribes of the press the strong points of their littlo darlings. Thoso who wore fortunate enough to be on the, stago enjoyed tho spectacle for a time. Amongst tho HI babes between 6 and . , months, there were two of Irish parontaga ; each 7 months old, which in proportion to age, and in a metaphorical sense, carried off tho "cake" unchallenged from all comers. One was Thomas Fraach Cutht bort, of Parnell, and tho other Lottie Fin nerty, of Panmure. They wero largo ancS fat infante, with double chins, plethoric faces, and abnormal arms and legs. On the scale they tied at 26.}1b5., but a suspicious mother finding that Lottie had her slues on, had them removed, whereupon Thomas was declared tho winner by a quarter of a pound. Father Walter McDonald was present, and in rapt enthusiasm gazed upon these sploft. did developments of Irish physique said! beauty. The lightest child in this elasst was a puny and emaciated littlo thing of 9}lbs. Although B ix months old: it was no bigger than a newly-born infant, and its wailing cry, piteously sharpened features, and miserablo little arms touched tho hearts of all beholders, There wero eight pairs of twins, and for i», long time thoy woro tho cynosures of all eye 3. The prizo Mas awarded to Mawd and Nellie Higgins, of Grey-street—twins of five months old. Of the babes three months, and under, Mabel Brewin, of Mount Eden {». months) was adjudged the handsomest, while of those betweeu 3 and 6 months, the prize for beauty fell to Frederic Robinson, Pr,r. well (5 months),that for light-weight to Alico Chatwln, Newton Road (C months), ftjlbs. j and that for heavy weight to William East field Jerram, Ponsonby {Z_ months), 221b__ 2ozs. Walter Elwin Smith,, Victoria-streeC 21-jibs., and Boy Smith, Sheridan-street (both line children, were close up. The latter poor little fellow had lost bis mothei. at birth, and although brought up since on the bottle, was thriving, stout, and vigorous. Of the young?tors betweon 6 and 9 months, tho heaviest, as before men tioned, wero Master Cuthbert, 2&11b.. and Miss Finnerty, 201bs. (both remark ably fine children), and tho next U. order is Beatrice Alice Poulter, Alex andra-street (7 months), 2^bs. The lightest, so far, is Minnie Sfifcce Colson, Union-street, a pretty, curlj^gred maiden of S months, who weighs only 131bs. Thore are others in this class, however, to bo weighed. Tho twins range in age from 2 months to 22 months, and in weight from SJlbs.—Blbs. C 0?,.. to2si lbs.—2s}lb9. Of tho babies between 9 months and 2 yrs. old the heaviost yet weighed are Maud Branley, Onohunga (18 months), 321b5., and Nellie AUanach, Eden Crescent(2l months), 2911b_,, while the lightest is Thomas Graco, Nelson street (10 month. J, I9|lb_. Tho prettiest child of this class, and perhaps, also, of tlio whole show, is Elizabeth Gertrude Dunn, Onehunga, an IS-months old, red-cheek<_d curly-haired, and well-grown littlo girl. About 4.30 the stage became so crowded that Dr. Walker wns obliged to appeal to ah thereon (except mothers of competing babies and the press) to withdraw. The appeal, however, was vain, and so after struggling on with their work for somo 15 minutes longer, the judges threw up the sponge and incontinently abandoned tlio stage. _ The mothers, unaware of tho cause of thiai-etiremont, and seeing the re porters still busily taking down weights, pressed forward In greater numbers to the. scales, where the wearied clork plodded on with his duties, huskily calling out tho weights as tho dim light would enable him to mako them out. Somo trouble was ex perienced in comfortably laying out the youngsters upon tho concave scale (a very awkward tiling for tho purpose), and several of tho exhibits gave voice to their disgust with this portion of tho arrangements by j yelling at a sustained fimtismw, Tha strain was taken up hy tlio others, and a porfect Babel of .(.riming ongned, during which tho concerned mothers adopted the customavx expedients of appeasing the in&Ktmo emotion. Amongst tho dis tinguished visitors who appeared upon the stage in the course of the afternoou were His Worship the Mayor (bix- Waddel), Messrs Jas. Coates, E. T. Dufaur, M. Montague, Edward Lewis, L. H. Neu megen, and Bertrand. Mrs Waddel was prevented by indisposition from being pre sent. At 5.30 it became evident that sorae decisive action would have to be taken ia order to stay the intensifying confusion. On behalf of the promoter, therefore, Mr F. Jeune mounted a chair, explained the un avoidable retirement of the judges, and announced that the Show and the judging would be resumed tliisj \ afternoon. Those mothers, however, who chose might remain longer. There was sin. gulav unanimity, however, in tho desire lo get home, and as a consequence the Theatre was cleared soon after (5 o'clock. There was no Show in the evening. Refreshment for mothers aud ohildren was procurable in tiio building from 4.30 till 5.30, and thus much further inconvenience wns spared. As a moans of indicating tho trying nature of tho task still- before the judges, we append the full prize list:— For best all-round baby—£3, and special prize. For handsomest baby, 3 months and under—Pair pictures. For handsomest baby, above 3 months and under 6 months— Japanese tea service. For handsomest baby, above G months, and under 9 months—Glass flower stand, blue and gilt. For hand somest baby, above 9 months, and under 2 years—Polished oval table.. For heaviost baby, 3 months and under— Japanese cabinet and christening cake. For Heaviest babyj above 3 months, and. under 6 months—Pair blankets. For heaviest baby ,above 6months, iind undorO months -Set of vasesand basket. For lightest baby, 3 months, and under— Bath. For lightest baby, above -3 months, _nd under G months—lmage and set frosted. .ishes. For lightest baby, above 6months, md under 9 months—floral album. Fort -1 nest twins, 3 months, and under—Toilet tot. For finest twins, abovo 3 months, and inder 6 months—Pair Japanese vases. Foe- Incst twins, above C months, and undes-

:R& AUC&LktiJ) B^BMKG STAR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1884.



Special Advertisement.. ■jVTEW QPI.ING "Tilt APERY . MILNE & CHOYCE Now having received thoir importation of SPRING GOODS, will mako their FIRST SHOW ON TUESDAY NEXT, 15ru Instant. ' The following Departments willbofound fully stocked with oil tho Xorcltio-, market! at very _Ut_-.ONAn_._l prices :— MILLINERY AND MANTLE DEPART MENT SUNSHADE AND LACE DEPARTMENT HOSIERY AND GLOVE DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY LINEN DEPARTMENT SILK. PRINTS AND FANCY DRESS DEPARTMENT MANCHESTER AND FURNISHING DEPARTMENT. A Call is Respectfully Solicited. PREMISES CLOSE G p.m. SATURDAYS. MILNE & CHOYCE, Queen and Lome-streets.



WAN T E D, INSPECTION OF THE QUEEN-STREET WINDOW. A GRAND NEW STOCK OF WARRANTED GOLD AND SILVER JEWELLERY. WATUHE3. CLOCKS, &c.; BOHEMIAN VABES, LUSTRES, Sco.. Sec; ENGLISH CHINA TEA SETS (somo lovely patterns]. Just arrived by tho Wanganul. 1— VICTORIA-STREET WINDOW— Contains a Splendid Assortment of Artistic IMITATION JEWELLERY, PHOTO. FRAMES, SCRAPS, &o. O—VICTORIA-STREET WINDOW— /"S Contains somo Groat Specialties in BTA fioNERY, ALBUMS, STOVE ORNAMENTS, ftC 8— VICTORIA-STREET WINDOW— Contains WORK.-SAGS, BASKETS, BOXES, TEA SETS, DINNER and TETE-A -TETE SETS, and Novelties in PEN-WIPERS. A —VICTORIA-STREET WINDOW— Tjr Is tilled with Specimens of GOODS all at ONE SHILLING EACH. Somo splendid values. THE ARCADE ITSELF is RADIANT WITH ATTRACTIONS. All are invited to inspect them, and purchase if approved. THE LARGEST ASSORTMENT TO' SICLEOT FROM IN THE CITY. PRO VINCE, or COLONY, and tho CHEAPEST. f-lOODSON'S T ONDON A RCADE, QUEEN AND VICTORIA-STREETS, And at CHRisTGnURon ond Wellington DR. C. NEWBERRY COBBETT, M.8., M.S., EDINBURGH ILato Resident Physician, Accoucheur, Rotunda Hospital. Dublin, Sec. fee), ALFRED-STREET, ALBERT PARK, ■^ Nwu- Choral Hall. - " ' Hotntß OF CONSULTATION. At Hc^ce: 9-H n.m-, G-J. and 8-9 p.m. At Mr Aiofcin's Pharmacy, Queen-street: 12-1, And 1-5 p.m. Special practice in Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children. SPECIAL -\TOTTCE. PB-CIAL INOT-ICE. H. L. POSSENISKIE. _H__tCa_--*T TAILOR AND IMPORTER, SBORTLAND-STREBT. Begs to Inform his Ci__to__c__ and the Public Kenorally that he has JUST RECEIVED A LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF SPRING GOODS OP THE VERY LATEST PATTERNS, And he having Labob and Various Shipments to follow, HAS DETERMINED, __a order la mako room for same, TO ALLOW TEN PER CENT. On all Goods Ordered from thla-dato '__ to Ootobor lat, 18S_, far Cash. {TRADE SUPPUKD WITH SHORT IKNOT.- OK AS UKQUIRHD , AT .WHOLESALE PiSICE. iirlriniiwiiiiiiiiiiiMii'i j, __ .:..'-. .:/. .



Special Advertisements. WHY ARE ALL. / MAIIURANGI TIMES AHUR AN G I JUIMES NOT ALIKE? DR. WILK IN S, F. R. C. S. Consuming and Operating Soboeon, Ib at his Surgery for General Practice, also Eye, Ear, and Throat Diseases, Mornings, Afternoons, and Evenings. Consultation Foes very Moderate. Dr. Wilkins spent aoven years at jVlooroflelds Eye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman and Crichott two at Throat Hospital, Loudon, seven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, aud eight years at Eye, Ear, and Throat In firmary.Mo.bourno. Adjustsspectacles to Bights. -Consulting Rooms, Queen-street (near Post aliice), Auckland. T A M E S SLATOR tj (Eight Years Draughtsman Railway Department), ARCHITECT. . ENOINEK'R AND DRAUGHTSMAN, ILLUMINATOR, &o„ &c. COOMIIKS'S CIIAMUI-RS. QUKKN-STRERT. Residence : St. George's Bay Road, Parnoll. Agent for A. Hodman, Engineer, Lynn, Norfolk. Contractors' Quantities taken out THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY I fob RHEUMATISM and GOUT.-Tke CIMICIFUGA (ACTCA RaCCMOSA) OR B-AbK. SNAKE ROOT has been long celebrated AS A RHEUMATISM REMEDY. THI3 PREPARATION IS THE MOST CERTAIN IN ITS EFFECTS, AND RARELY FAILS TO AFFORD RELIEF OH EFFECT A CURE. 6>. PEB BOTTLE, AT MGMN'S, IW_ .r\IV?U,,.CV OWOSUt-MIKO? N.Z. OAI.tH SI



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