To-morrow Morning, 6.7 m-K MOON'S A(JE.-Last Quarter, 20th, 10.52 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Glenels, S.S., Stcphcnson. from Tauranga Kowona, s.s., Norris. from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

Wuirarapa, s,s., Chatfield, for the South Kotomahana, s.s., Carey, for Sydney Waitaki, 5.3., Crawford, for WTiangarol

IMPORTS.

Per lonic—2 cases Men's and Boys' Bicycles it id Fittings for Service and Fitton, Grey-st Por licHance-930 sacks S.M.P.C.D. brand !.>onsdu3t, 151 sacks J.I. brand.—G. S. Jakms.;

EXPORTS.

Per Kotomahana. for Sydney—77o kegs i utter, SI 7 sacks maize, 120 sacks arrowroot,and sundries.

Per Wairarapa, for the South—6o flre bars, X bags coal, 20 sacks flour, 12 sheaves, 197 hides, 15 Gags gum. and a quantity of sundries,

Outwards Coastwise.—Saxon, for Thamos; Adah, for Thames.

Tho schooner Kenllworth. from Rarotonffa, ;oi.i '.Vliuieppa, from Marshall Island, are daily livi/idtedhcre.

The schooner Endeavour arrived at Lyttelton i terday from the Thames.

The ship Northumberland will probably bo b?rthed at Queen-street wharf to-morrow morning;

'i ho ketch Fanny Kelly, schooner Reward, •iK Albert tho Good, threo-masted schooner Adelaide, bargo Mabel, and whaleship Triton sverc at ilongonui yesterday. v

The s.e. Rowena arrived from Mercury Bay at •" a.m. today, with 30 sacks gum, 1 bales wool, :;nd tho following passongers :—Mesdames Folot, Watson, and Naughton (2), Mr and Mrs Cave, Mossrs Lee, Jones, Birch, Grey, Hard wire, Osborough, Monk, Haneken, and a native.

Tho 3.8. Glenelg left Tauranga at 5.15 p.m. yesterday, and arrived at Auckland at 7 a.m. today. Possongora: Mr and Mrs Campbell. Mr and Mrs McMillan, Mr and Mrs Anderson, <?. honil .iDd Miss Gossot, Messto J. Witt, J. Kilis, T. Turnbull, Judge Fenton, A. Warbrick, tbrgent, D.-. Beaver, Melrancy, Barclian, Owdson, J. Uodcll, Golliman, White, Douklob, srilney Taiwhanga, Renata, H. Te Whiti, R. C\ Jordan, McAasland. Tho s.s. Wairarapa loft for Melbourno via. Southern ports at 12.50 p.m. to-rtuy. Passengers i'ov Glsborne—Misa Douglas, M-jssrs J. Clayton, Hi Shcra. For Napier—Misses Levlson, Lizot, \tkin3on, W. G. Wood, A. Stewart, Cappor, Valentine, S. Ford, Smith, Claaey, Smith, Mel -.'osb, Brook, Nathan. Osborno. E. Forde, Lam hovt, N. Stewart, Messrs Musgrove, Scott, Kelly, Woodflold. Dimart, Harrison, Wallace, MoLaurie. J, Forde, X Vernon, Winter, l-nison, Beaumont, Gumbllle, Shndel, Halias, W'ilcox, Webb, Fredericks, Phlpps, Burrows, Pitt, Atkinson. W. Ford. Murray, Peacock, Harvy, Hurst, Nolson, Gallagher, Watson (2), White, Grundy, Rooson, Vernon.and I'eako. AHbsos Sinclair, Dudley, Milne, Charles lon, Dixon, and Liddiard, Mrs Woodfleld, Mrs Duncan. For Wellington — Mesdames John s'one (2), Messrs Sinclair, Kirker, Dodis, Black buro, Gregg, Southern, Shnrpe, and Master KUiotL For Lyttelton—Mesdames Day, and Miilcox, Messrs Day, Samuelaon, and Morris. For Dunedin—Mesdames Douglas. Anderson, and Harmon, Messrs Scott, Anderson, Douglas, W. Sibbin. For Melbourno—Mr Oswald.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Douglas, s.s., Scott, from Waitara Argylo, s.s., McArthur, from Hokianga

DEPARTURES.

Douglas, s.s., Scott, for Waitara Argylo, 8.5., Amodeo, for Kawhia and New Plymouth

The Northern Co.'s steamers' Argylo and Douglas arrived yesterday afternoon, the former from Hokianga and the latter from Waitara, with 57 sacks seed, 63 kegs butter, 2 casks lime juice, and Messrs Tompkins, Biroh, Love, Rayner, and Circus Co. (16) as passengers.

The s.s. Dongiag left again for the same port at 3 o'clock, with 10 cases kerosene, 20 coils -wire, 113 nests pipes, 10 mats sugar, and 53 packages.

Tho B.s, Argylo left at 3 o'clock today for KaWMa and Now Plymouth, with 10 bass flour, 3,200 foot timber, 10 bags salt,and 51 packages.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

- RPSSELL, this day.—Arrived: Rotomulmna, from Auckland, G a.m.

Wellington, this day.—The steamer Florida prrived heie from Lyttleton at noon to complete loading for London. She takes 5,000 carcases of •iiutton and 3,000 cases preserved meats.

London, Maroh 18.—Arrived at Plymouth: The P. and O. steamship Carthago, from Mel bourne, January 31, and steamship Victory.from Wellington, January 19, with a cargo of frozen mutton.

THIS DAY.

For Tauranga, Ohlnemutu, and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at I p.m. , For Whangarei Heads, Kamo, Whangarci, and Mangapai, per Kowenn, at 5 p.m. For Waterford, Taurauga, etc., per Rotoma-

liana, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 0.30 p.m,

Friday, 21st inst. For Cowcs and Coromandol, per Coromandel, at For Whanp'-v-; !toads, Kamo, Waipu, Paru.i, Tangihua, and Mangopai, per Macgrupor, at 5 p.m. For Thames, nor Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 22nd tost. For Waterferd, Tauranga, &c, per RotonW hana, at 7.30 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, etc., por Itose Casey, at iO a.m. Tuesday, 25th inst. For Taranakl, Southern Ports, and London via Rio de Janeiro and Plymouth, from Lyttel ton, per Ruapehu), per Wanaka, at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Ist April. Per City of Sydney, as follows— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m, For money orders, registered lottera and newspapers, Rt 11.30 a.m. Lato letters, bearing an eslfa fee of six pence ir. addition to t-b.u postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board tbo Btcamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be due in London ra Sat urday, May 10,1884.

N.B.—The 8.3. Waipara will leavo Hokitika forOknrito on2Cth inst, and for Jackson's Bay and intermediate ports on Bth April. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offioo, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

March 20, 1881.

Abbott's Opera House—Panorama of recent events, 8 p.m.

Choral Hall—Annual Meeting of the Church of EnglandMi3sionSociety. Papers by ministers, and selections of music by the choir, 8 p.m.

Devonport Hall—Monthly inspoction parade of Naval Artillery, IAS p.m. Y.M.C.A,-~Devotional, 7.30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Squib.—l. Yes, tho Sheik army was destroyed by tho British, under Sir Hugh Gough, in 1846. 2. The total abolition of slavery in nil the British colonies took place on August 1, 1833.

Marriages.

BROWNING-BUCKLAND.-On March ID, at St. Mark's Churoh, Romuera. by the Vener able Archdeacon Pfitt, Kobert Browning, of Auckland, solicitor, second son of Samuel Browning, Esq., to Kato, flfth daughter of Alfred Buckland, Esq., of Auckland.

Deaths.

COUPLAND -On March 11, 1881, on board tho Northumberland, John Coupland, brother of J, and T. Coupland, of Auckland. — Home papor< please copy. WHITCOMBE.—On March 19, at his parents' residonco, Nigel Aubrey, youngest son of Francis and Adelaide Whitcombo; aged 9 months.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 0, 1881.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the geod that we can do.

There is an urgent need that the Govern ment should exerciso some firmer control over the exactions of the natives at Rotorua. The members of the Victorian Ministry,who have just made the tour, were very pro nounced in their opinion of tho injury that is caused to the district by the continual demands for backsheesh. A tourist never knows what ho ought to pay-, and tho per sietency with which irregular demands are made upon his purse is more annoying than tho payment of a much larger hxeel sum would bo. The charges of tho natives have been steadily on tho increase. Tho feo at Whakarewarewa ia three shillings now, when it was only one shilling before, and everywhere about the district tho same extortions are practised. The boats for conveying tourists from Wairoa across Lake Tarawera to Rotomahana are also inefficient^ and a road should either be mado round to Rotomahana or a small steam-launch be placed on tho lake. The Thermal Springs Act was passed for the sole purpose of en abling the Government to ecquiro this dis trict for tho public; and, although several yeara have elapsed since tho Legislature granted absolute powers with the assurance that the Ministry would uso thorn in the public interest, matters aro in a worso state now than thoy were before. In fact, tho tourist is simply at tho tnorcy of the Maoris who swarm about tho Lakes, and who— from tho head chief to tho smallest-' boy— have an ever-open palm for gratuities. One capital story of tho proclivities of the natives for making fees is told in oonnoc tion with Miss Gordon-Cumming's visit to Kotorua. The lady was engaged sketching the scenery, when the natives interrupted with a demand for £10. Upon asking the why and wherefore of this strange request, sho was told that jihoto graphors paid £5 each for taktne away an ordinary picturo of tte scenery 7 but sho was taking colouP? tad all, and therefore ought to pa.y a higher figure. This story may appear somewhat apocryphal, but every tourist who has visited the Lakes oan tell something almost m good. Of course, persons who understand the native character will simply laugh at any extor tionate demands, and decline to be bled be yond what they have been assured in Ohine mutu are legitimate charges, and the Maoris will respect them all thS more for their shrewdness. But it is extremely dis agreeable to have to enter into a chaffering negotiation, froto which one invariably comes forth with a disagreeable sense of having been "done" somewhere. The Govern ment should appoint some competent officer immediately to make arrahgements for regulating the charges and improving tho means of convoyanco in the district, and if thoy initiate their negotiations by warning tho natives that a good road will bo made to Rotomahana, and tho sources of their various perquisites cut off, the obstacles to a reasonable settlement will, we doubt not, very quickly melt away.

French foreign Aggression.

The restless rage foi' military glory which distinguishes the French people does not appear to be satisfied by the recent decisive victories gained in Tonquin over the com bined forces of Annam and China. The Press of the French capital has adopted a most bellicose tone, and urges the folj lowing up of the advantage by fur ther aggressive movements. It is now considered probable that tha French commander will eeixo a large slice of Chinese territory, as guarantee for war indemnity. This is in the true style of the conquering hero> and proceeds on the as sumption that France has already humbled the potvef of China and has nothing to do save to enter upon the fruits of victory. In point of fact the Chinese power has not yet been exerted; her army has scarcely been set in motion; and France, so far from having conquered China, has yet to reckon with the multitudinous hosts which that country is able to put in the field. And whereas China might have felt- inclined, after the recent engagement, to withdraw from the defence of Tonquin and leave France in undisturbed possession, she will certainly resent tho attempt to occupy any portion of Chinese terri tory; and thus the great struggle be tween these eastern and western Powers will be precipitated. The attitude of Britain, in the event of a French invasion of China, will also be anything but one of friondly neutrality towards tho in vaders, and France will have difficulty in avoiding an open. rupture with the British. Cooler counsels will it is to bo hoped prevail at Paris, and there is still room tv believe that tho Franco- Chinese war may be localised and limited in its range and consequences. Another disquieting rumour ia contained in our cable news published to-day to the effect that the French Government intend occupying two islands in the Red Sea. The names of these islands are given as Obusla and Jerish; but, being unable to trace them in gazetteer or map, we cannot say ■whether their occupation will be a menace to Britain. There are several islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Suez, the holding of which by any Great Power hostile to Britain would enable them to stop British trade through the Canal, and there are other islands which would be of great strategic value in the event of war. We do not Know if any credence should be attached to this report of Frenoh

recouping advantage which might offer. But there can be no pretext for her annexing those islands: and nn tho whole we incline to the belid: that the rumour has had Us origin in the ncrvons foarsof some loyal Englishman rathor than in French ambition and in tricruo. Evo:i should tho rumour be true, the British Government are not likoly to allow the annexation to bo carried out, and France will very quickly withdraw her pre tensions when she pee« tho British lion wag his tail.

The mission of General Gordon (oKhar> town has !><?'■ proved so successful as lie hoped and believed it would, Hist efforts to pacify the tribes uV'oUnd Khartoum must have failed, for our cable message to day state that ft great rising of the disaffected Arabs in that district has taken place, and a numerous bdiid are threatening Slrendyv a. lown- about 100 miles distent li'tun Khartoum, Coupled With these tidings, the fact that ne intelli gence has been received Iroin General Gordon for nearly IHVeo weeks, givca rise to foars that he may be imprisoned, or perhaps murdered by some of the fanatics by whom ha is surrounded. With every confidence in •his own power to thrust his head into (lie lion's mouth, ho may havo miscalculated the temper and ferocity of the animal at this juncture ; and when his proclamation has had no visible effect savo in increasing the strength of tfic robollion, there is too much reason to apprehend that the intrepid General has been massacred by tho barbarous Bodouins, in whoso power ho has placed himself. The English-speaking world will await with 'eager anxiety the receipt of news from Khartoum which shall throw light upon the painful mystery which at present surrounds General Gordon's fate.

A bushnuu) named Kennedy was sent to prison for fourteen days on a charge of as saulting a little boy at Newton on St. Patrick's night. Tho evidonco in the case was very meagre and ■ unsupported. The man acknowledged that ho was down for a spree in honour of the saint, and had taken sundry potations of beer. The police had nothing against the man, and some surprise was manifested at his sentence, as almost every person in Court thought the prisoner would receive the benefit of the doubt.

Another large house is in course of re moval at present along Hobnon-tstreet, but its progress i 3 obstructed by the cutting up of the roadway for the tram-rails. It is to bo desired that in their future operations the tramway contractors will como. a little nearer to their pledge not to have the street open for a longer period than 4S hours. Hobson-streot has been cut up for three weeks, and tho result has boon a serious interference with general traffic. Any such tardiness in Queen-street, whero treble tho traffic parses along a narrower thoroughfare, would assuredly load to a dead-lock in business, and possibly to serious accidents besides.

Messrs Williamson, Garner, and Mus grove's Royal Comic Opera Company de parted for the South to-day by the steamer Wairarapa, after a most successful season in Auckland. Mr Musgrovo desires, through our columns, to express to tho public; of tho city Mid neighbourhood his warm -wise of gratitude for tho kind patronage so liberally accorded to tho troupe. Tho rwqrtion which they got ho considers most gratifying; and if tho Southern tour of tho Company has equally satisfactory results, the cnli-nprcncurs intend to pay an annual vieit to New Zea land, introducing all tho best operatic novelties on a scale of completeness and grandeur which will even surpass that shown during tho present visit. Wo con fidently anticipate for them a prosperous season in a'l the other cities of the colony.

A Compensation Court;, constituted under tho provisions ol tho Public Works Act, sat yesfelxl'ay for tho purposo of hearing a claim for damages preferred by Mr James Slator, of Parnell, against the Parnell Borough Council. Mr Slator alleged that his proporty had been injured by tho Cor poration's drainage works. After hearing the evidence, the Bench, Messrs Moody and Prime, J.P.s, gavo judgmont for Mr Slator for the amount claimed (£25), and costs, £15.

Thoso persons who porsist in fishing from tho wborvea, notwithstanding frequent cautions from tho poHco to ceaso this dangerous practice, would tlo ■\Vcll to make themselves acquainted with tho Harbour Board regulations; which Vendors anyone fishing frofa wharves, steps, or landings liable to a penalty not exceeding £5.

Captain Johnson, of (lie brigantino Dofiance, is unable to leave his vessel. On Monday last, during tlio voyage between Sydney and this part, both his foot suddenly became very much swollen and painful-. He was not aware of tho cause, and r.s iho swelling had not abated to diSy, ho secured medical attendance.

His. W»r»hip tho Resident Magistrate gave judgment this morning in tho case Mooney v. Heslop, heard a fortnight ago, when Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for tho plaintiff and Mr S. Hcvketh for the de fendant. Tho case viasoi solno importance as regards the fight oi persons or amuse ment committees to Roll tho privilege of having refreshment stalls at amueemonts in the Domain. In this case, Mr Hoslop, Chairman of the Eight Hours Demonstra tion Committee, had sold to tho plaintiff the sole right to vend refreshments on the Domain Cricket Ground on tho 29th Janu ary, IMS 4. Other persons, however, had stalls there,'and the plaintiff found that sho could not compel them to remove. His Worship held that the plaintiff had not obtained what it was agreed sho should have, and gavo judgment For the pMntiff for £20 damages and eoate.

Mr W. Sibbiii, who lyis for many years taken tt prominent part in a' hletic sports here, and who left for Dunedin to day, was entertained by a largo number of friends at Pearce's Masonic Hotels Devon port, last evening, Mr Malcolm Niccol, who occupied tho chair, presented Mr Sibbin with a testimonial, in tli'a shape of a handsome silver cigar-uaso and a silver mounted cane Ho said they wero all sorry to lose a patron of sport, who both an a competitor and officer of various olubs, had invariably distinguished himself. Mr Sibbin suitably replied, and thanked his friends for their kind wishes and beautiful gifts, which he valued very highly. He had always taken great interest in sports here, and would continue to do ho, and hoped they would flourish in his absence. "Health and Success to Mr W. Sibbin" and several other toasts were drunk, and after n very plea?ant evening tho company separ ated.

While the head of the Public Works De partment ia effecting considerable reforms in various branches of the administration, it is curious to find Napier people chuckling over a " soft thing " which they have just played off on the railway branch of the department. At the mouth of the Nga roro River, the land was being washed away so as'to throftten the safety of the railway. The County Council undertook certain protective Works, the Railway Department paying half tlio cost. A few days ago the Departmentrefnucd to continue its contribution, so the Council ceased work and discharged all the men. The Department thereupon took up the works and are now carrying them out on the same basis, bearing the v hole cost. The County Council is said to be very pleased at this funny turn of affairs, which statement is easy of credence.

Tawhiao, Eewi, Major Te Wheoro, M.H.R., and their friendß, who have been on a visit to Sir George Grey to converse with him respecting the pro posed Maori mission to England, returned from the Kawau last evening. The nativos were evidently well-pleased with Sir George's reception of them, not withstanding the fact that ho had no prior intimation of their intention to visit him. Sir George gave Tawhiao to understand that if they were going Home to urge any political matters on the British authorities, in all probability they would be referred back to the Colonial Govern ment. But if the object of the mission was to ace the famous places of tho Old World, they would no doubt be well received by the English people. Sir George carefully avoided asking them the object of their mission, but merely expressed his views concerning it in the manner we have stated. Sir George, Grey gave Tawhiao letters of introduction to a number of gentlemen in England, amongst them being one to Mr Gorst, M.P., who was Resident Magistrate at the Waikato before tho war. Before the party left, Sir George induced all of them to sign the pledge to abstain from intoxicating liquors for one year, and Mr Seymour George, who wan present during the interview, adorned the natives with pieces of blue ribbon. It has tran spired that Tawhiao and the other members of the mission will leave for Europe by the next 'Frisco mail steamer.

Talk of the perpetual motion! The " Herald " has made a much more important discovery. It announces that during the north-east gale which was blowing yester day " the movements of vessels outward bound were stationary."

t2S9 10s ; A. Pattinson, £275 j W. Frank ham & Son, £295.

The notion brought against the Parnell Borough Conncil by James Slator for damage done to his orchard through certain drain age works resulted in a verdict being given for tho amount claimed, with £15 costs. A large amount of evidence was taken by Merer* Prime and Moody before tho decision was arrived nt.

A committee has been formed to make the necessary arrangements for the "At Home " in tho Devonport Hall on Easter Tuesday ovening to celebrate the installa tion of tho W.M. elect of tho Lodgo Albion, E.C-, consistingof Brothers G. N. Brassey, M. Niccol, A. W. Gardner, S. Vospcr, and W. H. Fenton. Applications for invitations must be made as early as possible to members of committee.

Messrs Ingifttn and Co. havo started tlw construction of one of McL.Qcd*3_ maize cutting Machine", "liiler tho supervision of tha ratcntoo. This machine* is suitable for harvesting maize, sugar-cane, millot, juto, hemp, and flax, and it w, wo bolicvo, the ih-at patent of any kind, ever applied for from Bay of Plenty district.

Woodycar, the cireua proprietor, has hired tho New North Ruling School for three years, and intends using it as a training establishment for liin liorues and performing animals. It is his intention to make Auckland tho houd'quavtQlß of his business, laying up hero in tho winter and making a tour of the colony during tho spring, summer, and autumn. Ho goes to America shortly in search of frosh novoltios,

At the first annual meeting of the Church of England Iloine Minion.Society, iii tho Choral Hall, this ovoning, Bishop Cowio in the chair, several interesting papers on the mission will be read, viz.:—" Hnme Mission Work Twenty Years Ago" (Rev. F. Gould), "Home Mission Work of the Present' (Rev. YV. Calder), and "Home Mission Work of tho Future" (Rev. J. Haselden). Selections of music at intervals by the Diocesan Choral Society.

The now bell lately received by Messrs Garrctt Bros., of Wakefield-street, if not the largest in New Zealand, 13 beaten by very few. It measures four feet in diameter, which means ovor twelve feet in circum ference at tho ba33, n!id it stands about four and a-half foot high. Its weight is stated to be a ton or thereabouts, and it is reckoned to bo heard at a distance of fifteen miles, depending of courso on positionand weather. Tho boll is to be erected 50 feet from the ground, and when this is accomplished there is little doubt as to tho ellcot being "striking."

In thefio days, when travelling is almost entirely done by rail or by our smart and luxurious coastal steamers, people are apt to forget the great improvement that has of lato years taken placo in tho roads of tho colony. The recent tour of Wood year's Circus attests this. Since the circus loft here somo six months ago, it luis travelled fully 2,000 miles by road with its own caravan. After leaving Auckland, steamer was taken to Wattnni, and thence the show travelled to Wellington. Anothor steam trip took it to Lyttoltoiit, and from tho " City of the Plains " the South Island was travelled from otic end to tho other, without tbo Una of stoamor or train. Tho show was to leave Wellington today on its overland journey to Auckland. Tho Wai rarapa townships arc to bo visited, then Woodvillo, Napier, Taupo, Tauranga, To Arolm, tho Wttiknto townships, and it is expected that tho circus will be hero about April next.

The harvest in Bay of Plenty district promises to turn out favourably, though somo fours wove felt for, the maize crop, on account 'Jf tho coki and lato season. The bulk of tho maizo in Opotiki district (says tho " Bay of Plenty Times") will ripon well. Notwithstanding tho inclemency of tho season, tho last fow weoks' warmth and sunshino have dono much towards remedy ing tho ovils of tho cold early soason, and with tho exception of the late sown crops, tho yield and quality will bo up to tho average. This soason horse boans havo boon grown to somo oxtent and done well, tho crop being fulU Hops aro looking en couraging, and a substantial return will, wo trust, roward tho enterprise. South of Opotiki, tho wheat and maizo crops aro considered safo* but thorb is 2b'nib anxiety about tho potato crop.

To the Editor : Sir, —I am sorry to havo to trespass further on your valuable paper, but I must ;U:X your permission to answor Mr Graham's letter of tho 14th inßt., asking me to inform tho public what is tho cause of Mr Skillon'a absence. Myanawor to that ]>, that ia boat known to himsolf. Mr Graham nnil t-ho public Way rott assured that the causa my aytispathy has been en listed in in a good and justonn. Sir, it will nut help l.ho cause I havo undertaken ono iota to rail and call vile names, or to fill your paper with a long cataloguo of misery ami distress. I have appealed to tho public for thoir assistance, and I don't think I will appeal in vain. If my letter of tbo 13th has hurt Mr Graham's feelings, I am very soi iy for it, for it was not written with that intention, but in justico to the poor woman and her fivo littlo ones to try and havo tho Government rations restored to her, which I am vory pleased to say Mr Graham has allowed hor to receive again. I must apolo gise for putting four weeks; it should^havo been two weeks instead.—Yours truly, Antonio MAUTtK, builder, Cross-street, Newton.

Tho following memorial has boon sent to tho trustees of tho Mount Albort Road Board :—" Gentlomon,— \\'«. the under signed rntepayern and rbsldbiits of tho Mount Albort district, have for a very long time past felt very much dissatisfied with tho imperfect manner of carrying out tho Impounding Act, and wish to submit to your consideration the following abuso of tho same: 1. Cruelty to animals. Mr Miller will give information on this point; also see late Coiirt case. 2. Attempting to take cattle out of paddock ; also, taking foes for cattlo without taking thoni to the pound. Mr and Mrs Little, of Now North Road (late Maxwell's), will readily give information on thoso points. 3. Wo also considor the pound-book unsatisfactorily kept. 4. Wo aro of opinion that after sunset, and before Sunrise, and also On ■Sundays, is not ft proper, tinio to take up cattle. Wo lira most anxious that tho Im pounding Act should be carried out in tho spirit of tho Act, but wo feel very strongly on its infringement and abuse. No man is justified in making money by abusing this Act. Gentlemen, we respectfully solicit your serious consideration of this matter." (Thb above is signed by IS ratepayers resident in tho district.)

The monthly meeting of the Univorsity Collogo Council was held yesterday after noon. A communication was received from tho Board of Education inquiring if Miss Louise Dunieu, who had matriculated at the University, and held an open scholar ship under the Board, would be permitted to attend University olasses subject to the conditions of her scholarship; The Regis trar was instructed to ascertain whether tho tuition as desired could be given. Sir G. M. O'fiorke was ro-olected Chairman for tho ensuing year. The Committeo brought up the report on the question of providing temporary accommodation for the pro fessors and their classes. It stated that the cost of a building of the specified dimen sions would be £600. Efforts had been made to socuro Government House or Admiralty House, l)ut without success. The Committee were therefore restricted to tho following buildings, which they sug gested to tho Council:—St. Paul's School, St. Andrew's School room, and Auckland Grammar School (class-room for evening classes). It was decided to select St. Andrew's School, and it was decided to give instructions to execute the alterations that might be required. The Committee was instructed to draw up the annual report of the College for submission to the Govern ment.

As a suggestion of how some portion of the misery of " horrible London " might bo averted, aMr Allinson has been giving tlie " Times " tho results of an experiment he made in vegetarian diet. For 6d a day he gets tho following food, which after a week's trial added couaiderably to his weight : —" Breakfast consisted of a basin of porridge made from a mixture of oatmeal and wheatmeal, which I found more pal atable than cither singly. This I usually ato with bread, to insure thorough insali vation. Then came bread fried in refined cotton • seed oil, or fried vegetable haggis ; for drink I had a cup of cocoa, or fruit syrup with warm water and sugar. Tho cocoa used «■'<£ a-n ordinary one, with plenty of starch in it, which makes a thiuk drink, and no mi!.!. U Vhon required. Dill.-. nar couuitftdl of a l-iiicii vegetable soup and bread, potato pie. savory pic, vegetarian pie, vegetable stew, stewed vice and toma toes, etc. For a second course I had bread plum-pudding, stewed rice and fruit, baked sa"o, tapioca and apples, stewed prunes, fig's, raisins, and bread. Tea meal consisted of bread and jam, stewed fruit, or some greon stuff', as watercress, celery, tomatoes, etc. I had only threo moals a-day, and frequontly, when busy, I had only two, and a cup of cocoa and a biscuit for supper."

the ship's side caijsed the alarmed occupants of the boat to rash to the stern and one side, so that, the sea being very rough, t.io small craft speedily filled. The accident was observed from the ship and other small boats, and the unfortunates, all rather wet, wcro rescued from thoir perilous position.

Mrs Rollinson, South-street, Newton, desires us to thank those kind friends who havo assisted her with subscriptions which she has duly received. She is also desirous of expressing her indebtedness to Mr O'Dowd for a month's supply of milk gratis.

The following tenders were received for a 12-roomed houso at Ponsonby:—H. D. Jones, £818 ; Wm. Hutchison, £797 ; E. Davis, £795; J. Pollard, £777; Wrigloy and Handcook, £767; A. T. Craig, £763; Hardy and Thompson, £759 ; A. Hanson, £755; Ellingham, £725; Wpi, Hanson, £719 : Henderson and Co., £700 ; Nowson and McKauiish, £C 88; J. A. Potheriok, £Gu7 10a (accepted). Thomas Holder, architect.

The members of Williamson, Garner, ;ind Mußgrovq's Opera Company left to-day by tho n.fi, WairarapafotNttpieri season of four weeks and four nights in tnis1 City is declared to havo been tho most profitable over achioved by a dramatic or operatic troupe in any part of New Zealand. Ovor £700 was taken during the first week, and tho total rooeipts averaged £620 per weok for tho whole season.

The grand testimonial and farewell con - cert to Professor Cailliau takes place in the Choral Hall, under tho direction of Herr Carl Schmitt, on Monday evening next- Besides a host of local talent, the Orchestral and Phijharmonic Societies have given their assistance dnd a programme of great choiceness and variety is in coureo of pre paration.

On Wednesday evening' the Building Committee of tho proposed now Wesleyan Church at Northcotp mot to receive the Treasurer's report, and to consider plans. It was gratifying to find that the friends had responded so very liberally on behalf of the schome, and as there were .still a largo number to be waited upon who would bo disposed to assist, tho Committee felt satis fied that the project would bo completed without any sondus financial burden re maining. I'lans wo.ro submitted, one of which was considered suitable, aild With some slight improvements ia likely to bo adopted. It shows a npat and commodious ohureh, capablo of seating about 200 com fortably, with minister's vostry. It is pro posed to Bhift the prbsent church to tho rear of tho allotmont, and uso it for Sunday school purposes, public meotlngs, tec. Tho sito ir, rt very commanding ono, and the new church, when erooted, will bo an ornament to tlw district*

The olection of tho Lieonsing Committed for the Borough of Onehunga took place at the Court-house, Onohiinga, and resulted in the tomperanco ticket being carried. Tho poll resulted as follows: —Andrew Dun woodio, 101 ; John Bycroft, 09; Charles C. Fleming, 99 i James Kobb, 9f>; John DoKouson Jackson, 94 j William Suther land, !).'!; Daniel Noilson,00; P. J. Donovan, 80; James Mclntyro, 85; Richard Webb, S2. Tho fivo first-named gentlemen were declared duly oloe'ed. There woro lOurute payers polled, mid !) infoniial ballot paper, were sot aside. From tho commencement of tho poll to its close a vory lively interest was manifested in tho proceedings by both parties who put forth thoir tickots. It was circulated by some persons in tho Borough that if tho tomnorunco party got into power, four out of tho oight liconsed houses at present in oxistenco would bo done away with as being unnocossary. Vehicles woro used on both sides, and tho contest is said to have been a most spirited ono throughout tho day. The loading temporance men and publicans maishslfid thoir respootlve sup porters.

Tho annual session of tho Native Parlia ment, which was first established at Orakei by tho chief Paul, is at present sitting at Aotea, Kaipara. Tho session opened on Monday last, and amongst the subjects dis cussed aro tho treaty of Woitangl—a never failing text for the Maori orator-^and tho Kohimarama conference, also proposals to abolish tho Nativo Lands Court, land sell ing, and laws bearing hoavily upon tho Maoris, such ns the I encing Act, the per centago on the transfer of nativo land, and taking land for road purposes. It is pro posedto prohibit solo of nativo reserves without consent of runanga, and to give the Maori committoo a consultative voico in rospect to tho forests. Paul Tuhaero bado farewell to his compatriots prior to his de parture to England, and moved a vote of thanks to Lord Kimborley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, for taking into con sideration tho petition font to England some timo ago. This complimentary vote Paul no doubt hopes to present tinrßohally to His Lordship. A resolution has been passed that all should adhere to tho faith of the Gospel,and that all should love and honour tho Queen. Tho "Parliament" is still in session, and will probably "proroguo" about Monday next.

An attractivo and well-attondod ontcr tdinmbnt was given last ovoning in thb Franklin Road School-room by members and friends of tho Excelsior Good Templar Lodge. Mr D. Goldio, President of the New Zealand Ordor, occupied the chair, and introduced tho proceedings in a for cible address on tlio progress and odvan ■tagos of the caueo, intorsporaod with statis tical facts and improssive and amusing anecdotcß. The Rev. Mr Boothroyd also addressed tho audience. Tho programme was varied, and successfully carried out, including selections by tho church choir. Tho following eongs woro sung:—"Be Careful Who You.Marry,"MlsoDerbyshire, an excellent rohtioriug; Mrs Cann, a favourite ballad; Mrs Reid, "Tho Skippor and his Boy j" and Mrs Hardwick, "The Gipsy's Warning." Songs wero also rendered by Messrs Marson, "The Wolf;" Wilkins, "In Happy Moments" (too low and sluggish); and others by Messrs Stainton and Holland. Miss Gob;lacre accompanied on tho piano with her wonted ability. The recitations of tho ovening were : " Tho Signboard," by Miss Kuto Goodacro, given with fine ex pression, woll-modulatod voice, and appreciation of subject j Mr Turley won quite an ovation by his "Sailor's 'iarn ;" Mrs Anderson met with dosorved recogni tion with tho "Wreck of tho Schiller," a navraliVo of tlio Sea j Mian FVoado's recita tion was of a pathetic character, and was received with applause A scene from Otway's " Venice Preserved" was very fairly given by Miss Anderson and Mr Grant. Altogothor tho entertainment was successful, and closed with the National Anthem.

Wo understand that Mr Dampier was tho puichasor of almost tho entire lot of boots and shoes at Cochrano's auction to-day.

An extra trip of tho Auckland Fishing Club will (weather permitting) take place on Saturday next, tho 22nd March instant, leaving the Usual wharf at 1 o'clock.

FIRE AT KAWAKAWA.

Explosion of Powder Shatters Neigh bouring Buildings.

SotkrintendentThomson is inreceiptof the following telegramfrom Const-able Coughlan of Kawakawa :—A wooden store containing mining materials, oils, paints, tallow, &c, belonging to the Bay of Islands Coal Com pany, was burnt to ashes at 7.30 p.m. yesterday. Tho -cause is unaccount able-, |[s(tviug spontaneous combustion, an there was no tiro in (ho building or it.s vicinity. It was raining at tha time. There was a miraculous! escape-of lifo from an explosion of a snuiU quantity oi powder and dynamite caps. Onu man was slightly hurt, and buildings in the vicinity were shattered. The property is insured.

[BY CABLE.-COPYRIGHT.]

[HEUTKII's TELEGRAMS.]

Tho Franco-Chinese War,

Paws, March 18.—Official despatches from Tonquin state that the Chinese) troops have been utterly routed at all points, and thai General Millot is now returning to Hanoi, having established a line of out posts in the neighbourhood of Bacnlnh, which are now occupied by the French garrison. The French will probably seize a large portion of Chinese territory, pending the payment of a heavy war indemnity/ The Austrian AttaroUlstfi. Vienna, March 18.—The Imperial Aus trian authorities havo addressed a formal protest to the Swiss Federal Government, complaining of the Gounteitanee which ie being given by the Republic to tne aiiaf chist conspirators, who are permitted to find an asylum, and carry on their intrigues in Swiss territory.

Republican Conspiracy in Spain. M adrld, March IS.—Three general officers Have been placed under arrest for complicity in the recent discovered military conspi- March IS.—lt Is ruuioiirea that Prince Napoleon has issued a focn'festo, and fled to Switzerland.

[.SPECIAL TO TRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Sir tt. Parkes on Federation.

London, March . 19. — Sir H. Parkes, Speaking at Edinburgh, said that the federation of the Australian colonios was impossible without the osttJblislfmont of a Parliament similar to tho Dominion lorha nient of Canada,' the existing colonial Legislatures continuing to leglslato in local i affairs. French Annexation In the Red Sea. London, March 19.—The French intend to occupy tho Islands of Obusla and Jerish, situated in the Red Sea.

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne Groin MarKot,

Melbourne, March 19.— The Melbourne manager of tho National Mortgage and Agency Company of Now Zealand (Limited) reports of tho local grain market as fol lows :—Wheat, 3s lid to 4s j malting barley, 4s to 4s 7d. Markot for who'ilt ftild barloy firmer, New Zealand oats : Feeding qualities aro quoted at 2s 4d to 2s Bd. The mark6t is weaker. Milling sorts are in fair demand. Tor New Zealand oats, under bond, 2s 3d to 2s 7d.

TELEGRAMS.

[Phi PKES.S ASSOCIATION.;

Dunkdik, this day.—Notwithstanding tho Crown Solicitor's advice to tho contrary, the Land Hoard havo recommended the Chict Commissioner to buo for trespass in tho matter of the Silvor Peaks c«so of dummyism. . Tho Qucon's Thoatro leaso with adjoining shops has been sold for £4,900 to the mortgagees', Sir Francis tfnd Mr James Smith.

Dunedin, this day,— Dalgotty nnd Co. have received a cable that the s.e. Bombay arrived at ttio on tho 36th instant. The meat is in prime condition.

SILK-WORM CULTURE

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORKKSPONDKNT.]

Cambridge, this day. Me FtUERti, engaged by the Government to disseminate knowledge in respect to silk worm rearing, held discourse with a number of leading settlers in the Public Hall last night. Ho accompanied Mr J. C. Firth to Matamata in the beginning of tho week, with which placo he was highly impressed. Ho rocommended the meeting last night that if tho settlers here desired to make a successful offo'rt in the silk-worm in dustry, tho best eourso would be to start a company and commence operations by establishing a nursery farm and import tho best plants from the South of Europe. Other industries, such ns olive-growing, wild fruit, etc., cotlld be undertaken in conjunction with silkworms, and to carry on the business four families of skilled hands would be imported from the South of Europe. The proposal was received with much favour, and offers were mode to take shares in case of the Company being started.

THE OPERA.

The season of Williamson, Garner, and Miißgrove's Opera Company was brought to b close at the Opera House last night. Tho Thea'tro t?aa crowded in every part, and Gilbert and Sullivan's " Patience" was again produced with complete success. At the cloao of tho piece, tho whole Company joined in singing " God Save the Queen." We cannot allow this admiroblo Company to leavo our city without passing a cordial eolcium upon the oxcellont productions which they have placed before the musical public—five of the most popular modern comic operas. No operatic season in Auck land has afforded a greater amount of pleasure to admirers of tho lyric stago.

SCINTILLATIONS.

No amusements to-night. The north-easterly " buster has spent its force.

Thoro aro 209 telephone subscribers in Auckland.

Mr Waltor Johnson M.H.R., is now in this city on a visit. Manilla is to be invited to row Uearn, the Now Zoaland Champion.

Tho Govornor and party are at Whan garoa or thoroaboute. Tho Maori King's preparations for his English visit embrace donning tho bluo ribbon and getting vaccinated.

Taurmiga Regatta on Tuesday was a com plete success in every respect. Tho threo Maori natives charged with arson at Wanganui wero found not guilty.

Further lots of quartz have boon taken from Kauri Mountain, Whnngarei Heads, and is to be tested for gold. Last year 35,000 emigrants loft t'ly mouth alone for tho Australasian colonies. Of these, 4,977 came to Now Zealand.

Tho Mahommedans of the world number 170,000,000, and tho Orook Church Chris tians 84,000,000.

A Canadian colonist named Samuel Walsh has distinguished himself by suing another man's wife for £100 damages for alleged broach of promise of marriage. There are now as many telephone stations open in the Auckland provincial district as there are in the rest of the colony put together. It goes far to reconciling me to being a woman when I reflect that I am thus in no danger of marrying one— Lady Montague. There are 92 telegraph stations in Auck land district as against 38 threo years ago, and there aro now 1,507 miles of wire in the district.

On Tuesday night a carter named Win. Duffy was found dead on the North Road six miles from Dunedin, having been run ovor by his cart and killed. Drink, as usual, hod a share in the catastrophe.

There aro 34,274 newspapers . and periodicals published in the world, of which number 16,500 are in the English language, 7,800 in German, 3,850 in French, and 1,600 in Spanish. Napier Harbour Board yesterday ap proved of a draft of v Bill to provide for a loan of £200,000 on the security of tho rates to build the breakwater.

English Radicals, according to Mr Labou chere in "Truth," want to make education freo not only in primary, but also in second ary and technical schools. A lot of clothing was stolen from Dunedin Gaol on Tuesday. A recently-discharged prisoner named Carrol has beon arrested on the charge. Of every 1,000 soldiers in the British army, 756 are now of superior education. Twenty years ago, only 52 per 1,000 could bo so classed.

Thousands of pounds have boen spoilt on native schools in Hawko's Bay district; but all the buildings are used as. Maori dwell ings or store-houses, and not one for educa tional purposes.

" Mary, is your muster at homo ?" "No sir, he's out." "I don't believe it." " Well, then, he'HJ come down and tell you himsolf. Perhaps you'll believe him."

Tho difference in cost of sending frozen meat from Napier and from Wellington is about Id per lb. against the Hawke's Bay port, which entails a loss of £50,000 a year on Napier trade. There are »0,245 Ciyil servants in England and Wales, 32,508 policemen, 22,936 doctors, 17,386 lawyers, and 171,831 toaehers of various kinds, Of the latter-72 per cent, are women,

[Before His Honor Mr Justice Gilliea.J

Re William Hehky Hamilton, a Debtor. —Mr Cave for the Official Assignee, Mr E. W. Burton for the debtor, and Mr J. B. Russell for Mr Nathan (a creditor).—Mr Cave suggested an adjournment for tliroo months. He said that the bankrupt alleged that he was possessed of certain property in Ireland, and it waa «P°n the faith of s«ch representations that he had obtained from Mr Nathan the credit necessary for starting in business, seeing that he had no capital wherewith to do so. The Assignee hwl written to the trustees ttnder the will, and if ths debtor's assertions turned (rat to be correct tho sstate would more than pay 20s in the £, whereas if they were incorrect he might be proceeded against in another way.—Mr Russell concurred in tho suggestion, and Mf Biirton offered no opposition.—His Honor' thought it desirable to adjourn the matter. If it should ftppsar that there was no ground for the bankrupt/* representa tions, bo would have laid himself Open to a criminal piwculion.— Adjourned ar.cotd- IDKe'James Frederick KfteJi, fruiterer, of Pitt-street, a debtor.—Mr CaVO for the assignee, and Mr Burton for the debtor.— The° report stated the liabilities at t9S Sa 9d, and the alleged assc-ia at £111 os2d. There were 18 creditors,all unsecured. . Tne. debttif *as erne of Vesey Stewart's special settlers, and riffs? expending £150 upon im provements on hlo l&ict flt Te Puke.he was obliged to come to AticKlnnd. He had purchased for £76 Mrs Taylor's 1/uemess as fruiterer, but it had proved a bad invest ment. He had also kept a boarding-house. —Under examination tho debtor said that he would have to pay £33 on his land in order to secure a Crown Grant, and that it was1 riot worth more than that amount. Ho had twice tried to sell it in Tauranga, and also to got a mortgiigo upon it, but without avail.—This closed the examination. Re William MoNTtioMKiiy Go'e?*f.t, time keepers debtor.—Mr Cave for the Assignee, and Mr Burton for tho debtor.—According to tho report, £ho.liabilities amounted to £C 8 10s O^d, and the assets to £12, leaving a deficiency of £50 10s OAci. There were eleven creditors, all unsecured. Ifc answer to questions, tho debtor said he had con tracted tho bulk of the liabilities at Darga villc, where ho had been in Mitcholson and Co.'a employ. He had subsequently been out of work, and somo of his creditors pressed him; hence his difficulties. He was now earning £2 Cs per week.—This ended tho examination. Xc Thomas Down, master manner, a Debtor.-Mr Cave for the Assignee.and Mr George (instructed by Mr Bmssey) for the debtor. Tho liabilitfc-T were stated at £181 11s 9d, and the assets at £5, leaving a deficiency of £l 7& Us Del among' twenty • ono creditors, all un secured. Tl.'c debtor had hired a- trading vessel and run her between Auckland and Coroinandel, but ill-health and adverse weather had rendered it a losing venture.— After a very brief examination, the Assi£n--;e being <iuUo satisfied, the investigation was! closed. ~ Ke James ,I(;.'ipstok {a debtor).—Mr Cavo for the Assignee, Mr Hall for tho debtor, and Mr Burton for Mr Leek (a creditor).—lt transpired, however, that Mr Look had- not proved. — Tho Assignee's' report stilted that the liabilities amounted to £1U 12s 9d, and the assets to £14 2s, leaving n deficiency of £130 10s 9d. There were fourteen creditors, all unsecured. Tho debtor had a family of thirteen. He was not in constant employ ment, and could only earn 5s per day ; consequently thlflgs had been steadily going from bad to worso with him during the last three years.—ln answer to questions, tho debtor Baid that he lived with hi? family in the houeo of his step-son (agod IS), which was built upon a ten-aero lot. Two of tho children wero 61 work, but not earning much. His eldest step-daughter was an invalid. The immediate causo of his insol vency was the pressure put upon ate? by Mr Leek. The past season had been an exceptionally bad one.—This closed the examination.

Es Robebt McVeagh, a debtor.—-Mr Cave for tho Assignee, Mr Cotter for the debtor, and Mr (Jeorge for the opposing creditors (Messrs L. ~f>. Nathan and Co.)— According to the report, ths ansccured lia bilities amounted to £1,235 3s 3d, and the secured liability (lees £75, its esthE!tt*d value) £817 Sa Id, making a total of £2,052 Us 4d. Tho assets were estimated at £1,429, leaving a deficiency of £623 11s 4d. There wore 18 unsecured creditors, ranging in amount of claims from £779 J3s to £1, and oiie secured creditor for £817 8s Id in excess of hi? security, _ A strong feel ing had been manifested nguinst the debtor at tho creditors' meeting. He was accused of a Wffnt of candour and straight forwardness in his denlintH with his whole sale creditors, and with so- misrepresenting hia position so aa to leave tho inference that ho waa perfectly solvent. A mun was sent up to take charge of tho debtor's store at Cambridgo, and this person re ported that ho had never seen a more dirty, ill-kept, and unassorted stock. The debtor was totally unfit to carry on a general business, and his assets would not realise moro than Cs in the £. It was a matter of surprise that the creditors did not find out the debtor's incapacity long ago. In answer to questions by Mr George, the debtor said that he had been carrying on business in Cambridge for the past six years. Ho started with a capital represented by I 1& acres of land, which he conveyed to Messrs L. D. Nathan & Co, There was one acre of land in Cambridge containing five buildings, which was settled upon his wife. That settlement was made about four years ago, when thero was only one building upon the land. Subsequently he borrowed £240 from the Building Society, and erected four additional cottagos with the loan. A month boforo his insolvency lie purchased some goods from Mr Lewis, of Cambridge. In reply to Mr Cotter, the debtor also stated that lie had been noarly 20 years at Cam bridge, having settled there as one of tho military settlers. The acre referred to was then granted to him. Ho attributed his insolvency to a falling off in businoss, consequent upon keen competition and the cessation of tho Land Courts, Ho had a groat many uncolloeted debts, and had do clarcd his iusolvoncy before any creditor had sued him.—Mr Cave asked for au ad journment of the examination, as two supervisors had been appointed to act with the Assignoo in inquiring into the position of the proporty alleged to bo settled on the debtor .* wife. The examination was ac cordingly ndjourned to the first sitting in April." Re MtcnAKL Lesnas, otherwise known as Michael Kyan, muster mariner, a debtor. —Mr Cavo for the Assignoe, and Mr Burton for tho debtor. The liabilities wero stated at £100 IS?, and the assets at £33 10s, leaving a deficiency of £127 Bs. Thore wore 18 creditors, all unsecured. The debtor had hired a steamer, which ho ran between Auckland, Puhoi, tho Wado, and Hot Springs, but the trade was not sufficiently remunerative. The largest creditor was tho owner of tho steamer. Tho average earnings of tho boat \i ere not as much as £7 or £S per trip. It was a bad speculation on account of the opposition ho had to contend with. Tho steamer's name was theTam-o'-Shanter, and tho Lily and tho Jo had been running against her.—This closed the examination. This being all the business, the Court ad journed.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Messrs Prime and Moody, Justices.)

Dkunk.—Pata, a Fijian, 5s and costs.

Alleged Indecent Assault. —John Kennedy was charged with an indecent as sault upon a boy, George Fox, on the 17th inst. Not guilty. On tho application of Sergeant Gamble the chargo was reduced to one of common assault. — Constable Henry Clarke arrosted tho prisoner at Newton. The Court was cleared at the re quest of tho Bench.—Mrs Fox de posed that sho was the wife of David Fox, residing in Upper Union street, and hearing of the assault, she com municated tho facts to the police.—Georgo Fox, the little boy in question, deposed that tho prisoner mot him on St. Patrick's night. He was staying at his grand mother's in Newton. Tho man took him into the passago by a hall.—Tho Bench preferred hearing tho constable.—Con stable Ciarke deposed that a number of larrikins were mating n, noise in the new Hall wliicli is in course of eroction, find in trying to suppress tho noiss ho discovered the prisoner with tho boy. Tho latter was crying. It wu,- in a private pas.->a;_'c. Not thinking that aavtliii!p; was wrony, ho did not then avioat tho nun. Mi' CoUinghnni informed him that the child hed been as- Hwltfcd, and ho wont it search of him, found him jit the Edinburgh Castle, and arrested him on the charge. Prisoner treated the matter with indifference. Pri soner said he was a bushman ; had been twenty-two years in the colony ; had never been in a court before ; came into town to keep St. Patrick's Day ; met two little boys and gave them twopence to get seme

DiuTY Yakd. — Charles Wilson was ' • charged with a breach of the by-laws in not ' keeping his bao-k yard in a cleanly condi«v;t tion. — Inspector Goldie appeared for th& I City Council, wid said defendant was tha 1 proprietor of a boarding-house in Fort-street ■ Lano, and lie had previously warned Wilson ' to remove the nuisance,but he had paid no V attention to it. —Defendant said he was | sorry; he had been a resident in the colony : for 17 years and not been brought up before. " Fined 20s and costs.

Unbeoirtehed Dogs.—Mrs Mclvor was charged with possessing a dog without a collar. —Mr James Burtt said he lodged - at Mrs Mclror's house, and could positively - assert that the dog belonged to .the captain of the Sybil, but had' returned to his old mistress. Mrs Mclvor was too ill to ap pear this morning. The dog will be on tho sea in the course of a few davß. — Thomas Hodges corroborated Mr Burtt's statement, but in his opinion, as Mrs Mclvor kept the dog at her house, I she was responsible in law.—Mr Goldio eaid if Captain Sinclair claimed the dag he was responsible.—Fined Is and costs.—-Mrs Naughton was charged with a similar offence. The lady resided in Victoria-Btreet.. The dog was now registered.—Thomas Hodges deposed that ho might have missed tho little animal, but it flew out as he1 was passing and shook hfe trousers, Is and costa.—Thos. Hartington, not served.—Captain Philip Jones, Colin Campbell Henderson, John Keesing, and Ann Mclntyro wero also fined Is each for similar neglect. This was all the business.

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

(IlEUKdB's TeLEOKAMS.J

VtKTJEEIt RISINtiS OF REBELS.

tfHREATENED ATTACK ON SHENDY.

(Received March 20—12.15 p.m.) Cairo, March 19. Intelligence has been received here that a lafgs body of Bedouins have occupied Tabooka, rw the Fifth Nile Cataract, and communication beyond Berber is conse quently prevented, tbe roadts to that town being in the possession of the Bedouins. News is also to hand that a considerable forco of rebel tribes has collected near Shendy, v town übout 100 miles north of Khartoum, and it is stated that an attack upon that place (Shendy) is imminent.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

[uv TELEdßArii—rwtsa a.«ociation.J

Wanuanui, this day. A tkue bill was brought in against George Nicholson for stealing, and no bill against Higgins for the same offence. Nicholson pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, to run concurrently with a similar sentence passed on him at Wellington for the same offence.

Hokitika, this day,

At tbe Supreme Court ye3torday mornv ing, the second jury in the arson case againat Hughes and Maloney were dis- , cEarged, not having agreed. Prisoners" were remanded till next session, bail being allowed. This concluded the calendar.

SERIOUS BOILER EXPLOSION.

{BY TELEGRAM. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Christchubch, this day. - AS accident occurred on the Papanui tram yesterday afternoon. A tube in the boiler bivffst, and the engine-driver was blown off, on to the road. He was removed to the Hospital, but. it is believed he is not seriously injured. Miss Champness, a paswnger, jumped off,and severely injured the base of her skull. She is now in on unconscious utate.

ACCIDENT TO MR R. GARRETT.

Mr Robert Gabrett, of tho firm of Garret* Brothers, boot manufacturers, met with a painful accident yesterday. He was driving a spring-trap fromWaikomiti to Avondale, | when one of the wheels suddenly sank in a deop nit. He jumped out.fearing that tho . 1 vehicle would capsize', and in doing so ha fell. Two other occupants of the trap ' fell on top of him, and when he at tempted to rise he discovered that one of hie legs was broken. Ho was assisted to1 Avondale, where Dr. Young set his broken limb. Word of the accident -~_ having reached town, a brother of Mr R. Garrett's called on Dr. Tennent and asked him to proceed at once to Avondale, but' .'''■ that medical gentleman waa prevented from leaving town by business engagements. Dr. Hooper, however, visited the Bufferer last ovening, and again to-day, and Mr .; Garrett is now progressing aa favourably as could be expected.

THE GARDENERS' HORTICUI TURAL SHOW.

Tub Aucklnnd Gardener' Horticultural Society hold their Autumn Show to-morrow _, and on Saturday. This promises to be the f best exhibition ever held in Auckland, es pecially in tho way of fruit. The general ! | interest is evinced by the number of special prizes offered by friends of the Society. No committeo could have done more to induce - growers to come forward and placo their best productions on the tables to-morrow. Those exhibitions are held with the object ■ of raising tho standard of horticultural pro ductions in tho province. The amateur and M professional can at once see what his neigh- '■'■: bourscando. Theyeanalsoteachoneanother and the general public how improvements ;. can bo eftected in tho growth of any special subject. Hew introductions are stagedj " .■.-■; showing whether theh- introduction will be successful or not. Lovers of iruit at this exhibition will receive a raro treat. AH :|| the best growers are coining to the front. No person who takes the slightest interest in horticultural matters should miss the opportunity of seeing what will be the best ■ . flower show everheldmthoProvinceofAack land. The apiarists, who are making bee culture v successful industry, will a&o be | strongly represented at the show, and will"' Eg exhibit all tho appliances necessary in the bee industry. - '

CORRESPONDENCE.

Tho Ship Northumberland.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Would you allow me through yonr valuable paper to endorse the article written upon '; The Steerage Accommodation w the Ship Northumberland." Being an in mate of that wretched hovel we termed "Bachelors' Hall," I consider it a duty to make known a truo account both for the benefit of tho colony and intending emi grant?. Your notice has been called to the measurement of the place, and the fact of there being no port-hole or ventilation^ of any kind in our cabin, but no mention is mado of the fact that we had to work and keep our week's stores in a vacant bunk situated in the bottom row. The stench arising from foul air, &c, you can imagine our feeling when waking, and the condition of our food. Having suffered \-ery much from it, I applied to the doctors, and arrangements were made for us to sleep in a Boat, but not being able to de pend upon tho weather, we afterwards slept on the table ; that being objectionable to other passengers, having nowhere to lay1 our hoads, our only resource was the cabin. Many wore tho nights wo traversed the deck rather than risk the consequences of sloeping in such foul air. Other matters, such as the condition of the bread, we fully endorse, although we got very little cf-ifc, I "think other arrangements should foe mud'j regarding "messing." Wo (14 younjj men) ha.l to niswj togothor and cook all our own food, which was to our incon venience. In conclusion, wo must join in tho praise to Captain Todd, he doing all in his power to vaults us happy. We ask yoat lv taku the opportunity, "if uil'orded, of visiting our quarters, thus teeing for your self the state of affairs. Wo intend to send a copy of the memorial presented to tho New Zealand Government, likewise tho article which appeared in your paper. Again thanking you,—l remain yours, Sfl.j Walter C. Kikby.



Special Advertisements. ■ -For You THE GOODS To Note Fen You Manufactured by To Note fg You. THE NEW ZEALAND ?° ggS For V6U CLOTHING FACTORY To Note !?orYou From tho Colobrotod ToNo'e ■ rf.rYou MOSGI EL TWEEDS To Note I'i-Yo-a Are Acknowledged T»^ i\v You To bo the Most To Note 1-V.i You STEKLING VALUE To Note • :; : ;jv™ Andßcßt tonojc :■ or You WEARING GARMENTS To Note goi-JTini Ever Produced, Sj.HSJ* For mv . ■ 'To .^to irurYo.ii WMlo tholtaago TuKote iv,, .■,„„ OfPric:.? To Noli & ;;;::■,■;:; i M v«, u . .ft.^ - •■,.■■..,., ■ Tiiat l!ie Li ml To Xntc ! ■< '" r.coNO*.i:t'Ai.. ;i:>!-; n!R > !■'.' ••.-» -„,-, ' TuNotc ;■.:,■ Vm: v ' -V o'" Tv Vote ; c.rv,ii MOKISY Iff AN OlWi-XT, To Note '•-..: V..11 Will bo To Not* i^VoM Tliovonftlily'Satisfied. To Vote , ' ;v; v,;i I -_ To Note % r«:r'Ynu I - To Note j;.;;;; you I Auckland buanch. '!■£ i;;H:ou laa&tw, Is^te <™ . QUEBN , STBEET . To Note . {£?£ J- FH-ZSUIONS. ? r °|j°[ c c i $#°g Branch Muuuwr. SSSSS Kor You To Note For You " To Noto %%¥* N.8.-Patternsandall 7'or You information sent Post Free. To Noto AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED 1862. PUBVEYORS OF LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER. The Company sell and erect gas-fittings. In cluding gas apparatus and gas-power engines. Stock includes Otto Gua Engines.—Office and Show-rooms. Fort-street. I|IIRE ! FIRE !! FIRE !!! The Northumberland having arrived with T j\ic]\iaster'8 NEW SEASON'S '^"' DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, the sale of smoke-stained Goods MUST SOON BE BROUGHT ~ TO A CLOSE. Persons Desiring GI^EAT BARGAINS cull this week at T. Mo M ASTER1 S, QUEEN-STRKET (OPPOSITE THB MARKET). "VTOVELTIEO .. 1> 0 V E L T I E O. XX S.S. DORIC. MILNE AND CHOYCE liu/e just Opened Several Cases of Novelties, , ' including— ■.'. VERY HANDSOME SASH RIBBONS FANCY LACE BOWS | FANCY LACK TIES '■ OPICRA WRAP 3 § MOB CAPS |i; ~: PXiASTKONS, for street and evening wear t : ' KERCHIEFS, Now and Fancy Designs | LACES, including Coloured Beaded Laces and the New Flouncing Lace GOLD BRAIDS -ay, TELVETEEKS, the new Twill BaclS Milne & Choyce, QUBEII-STBBBT.



Auckland from'the 19th Maroh to 15th April, during whioh time DR. STALKER, of Bur elgh-street,has kindly undertaken the chargo of hia practice, and will attend at Mr Dawson's, Chemist, Wcl!e.-ley-st.,.dai!.v from 9 to 10 a.m. DR. P H I L 8 O N, late District Surgeon, Attends from 10 turn, to 1 o'clock p.m., AND DB. J. H. HONEYMAN From U a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., at Aiokin's, THE PHARMACY. Queen-street. A P 0 L 0 G Y. SAMUEL COOMBES & CO. Desire to moat Sincerely Thank thoir Patrons and the Public generally for the PROMPT AND LIBERAL PATRONAGE during the First Two Days of their SALVAGE SALE, but at the same time S. C. & Co. desire to APOLOGISE for the Incomplete manner in whioh the Goods have been BROUGHT FORWARD. This was unavoidable, a3 the Stock was only PURCHASED ON THE SATURDAY, and we were compellod to bring tho WORST OF THE STOCK FORWARD FIRST, in fact, all tho Goods MUCH SATURATED BY WATER. Those having now been principally disposod of, we shall, OS SATURDAY AND MONDAY, Bring Forward ag much as we can possibly PREPARE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. We .have just added to tho SALVAGE STOCK, 2,000 FASHIONABLE JACKETS and ULSTERS, whioh we have- bought a job, and which wo shall sell at iiat.p prick. THE •VTEW ZEALAND TWEED COMPANY -Ll " HAS REMOVED TO THB PREMISES LATELY OCCUPIED BY Mb HAMPTON. SHORTLAND- STREET. JOSEPH MOSES, Manager. T>RELIMINARY NOTICE. WILSON, WILLIAMS, & McCULLAGH, or many years in the employ of Mr W. Rattray, Draper, Queen-street, have THIS DAY ENTERED INTO PARTNERSHIP AS GENERAL DRAPERS, SILK MERCERS, &c And having SECURED THOSE CENTRAL PREMISES At present occupied by tho NEW ZEALAND TWEED CO. (Next to Messrs Boylan and Tanfleld'e), QUEEN-STREET, I Intend OPENING THE SAME on or about the , 22n-d INSTANT, with AN ENTIRELY NEW AND WELL SELECTED STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY, Particulars of which will be given in a future issue. TyiLSON, -yyiLLIAMS, & -fy[CQULLAGH 172, QUEEN-STREET. Dated this 3rd March, 1881, ]S4rs r. somervillb, WBLLESLEY-STREKT (OPPOSITE ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE), Has Received, per Mail Steamer, A BEAUTIFUL ASSORTMENT OF FRENCH AND ENGLISH MILLINERY. TEMPORARY PREMISES OPPOSITE A. CLARK , . AND SONS'. H# L. POSSENISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPORTER* Shortland-street, Auckland, Wishes to Inform His Patrons anil the Public generally that ho has JUSI RECEIVED HIS FIRST SHIPMENTS OF AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, Per 8,8. Ruapkiiu. The above comprise all the Latest Designs in TWEEDS and COATINGS, and era well Worthy an inspection. IyHEMS SHALL I FUHMBB MT HOUSE FROM 1 THE CHEAPHbT ALL ROUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THB CITY HALL ARCADE GARLICK & ORANWELL I! , IRON BEDSTEADS, go to GARLICK & CRANWKLi, BEDDING go to GARLICK & CRANWBLL. BED-ROOM FURNITURE, go to GARLICK & CRANWELL. CARPETS, go to , ' GARLICK & CRANWELL. GARLICK & CRANWELL, GABUCK&CRAfwt^^ 0"' GARLICK & CRANWE^£: olatererß> Manufacturers O» ALL KINDS O» FURNITURE. 0 i;i;r.APTArESTBY&BRUBSELOABPKTH. ' CnKAP Oilcloths & IiiNor.KUM. cusai l & beautiful cretonnes. - Cheap Ijunketb & Curtains. GARLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS City Hall Abcadb. -■ ~ QUKJEN-BTBXKT, —I. ~ AUCKLAND..



Attention of members of the Auckland Gymnastic Club is callfd in onr advertißomont columns to notion of the annual meeting to bo hold in the gymnasium. Professor Bernard has returned to Auck , land aCter hla vacation, and resumes duties forthwith. Classes are about to be formed, which, no doubt, willprovooa successful during; the coming season aa last wlntor. Particulars will be found In tho Professor's advertisement in tho amusement column. Perambulators and carpets, reversible bicycle wheel and other kinds Of perambulators just opened from £1 to £7. Now designs in Brusaell and tapostry carpets. Furnieh your house throughout from Garllck and Sranwoll s City Hall Furnishing WarohoußO, Queen-street. - [Advt.l . Wo would call attention to the sale of superior housohold furniture, comprising draw in?, dining and bedroom furniture, to bo held by Messrs B. Tonka and Company, at tho residence of the lato Mrs Edmision, Bradford street, Parnell, commencing at il o'clock. Contracts taken for all kinds of conorete worlt, largo or small, and estimates and other information giving to those wishing to do their own work.—John Wilson and Co., 75, Queen street.—[Advt.l Bicycles, unequalled for finish, price and quality, at Shakcspear & Cos. (opposite he Markot), Queen-dtruot.—l A.dvt.l



Summer ConpiAT.s.— Those who u--e Selt ssoKones should try Aickin's Genuine Frith SYRUPS — guaranteed free from artificial cssonces-Kaspberry, Nectar, Black Currant Lemon, Ginger, &c. (in quarts), at 2s 6d ea& Address; ••ThePharni6cy,"Qu«ep-«f^ti s'