SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ntmi xvkTvn frllis >'V--n'n!T. ■">■'; IHGII WATl!,R^ To . ino] . i . l ,, v . ,\: wn ii lt: . j. SUNSET.-Thls Evening. 7.18 BUNRISK.—To-morrow Mor;.-'-. t.,',!l MOON'S AGE.-FIIII Moon, SUi,. .■'■ a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Rowena, n.a., Xorris, from Mercury Hay Glcnclfr, g.s.. Stephet>r;on. from Tmiraii.'ia

DEPARTUItES.

Defiance, brigantlne. Johnson, for lv:upar:i Opotiki, ketch, Rust.forOpotiki _<_ Venus, ketch. Noill. for Opotiki Reward, sch, ColiinKs. for \\hi>!i:;c.roi Penguin, 5.9., Cromarty, for \Vliang".rCT Kotomaiianu, s.s,, Carey, for tho Soi.'ili

IMPORTS.

Per i'orest Qneoii-:ini sm-ks wheat, 1.'.l sacks oats, 100 sacks mult, 32 sacks pens.

EXPORTS.

Perllauroto, for Sydney-SO bunrllea mantel pieces, 4,000 feet and SU p«r.k»«O9 umber, jl> bilea fungus, 3U bales flax, 20 bales tow.

Perßoromahana, for Melbourne and Southern porta-« cases bread, i-1 boxen eanrt es, 9 bales tow, 2 horses, SO eases twine. 12 sacks oil-cake, 2G9 bunches bananas. 11l rolls einva;.. IU) nag. peanuts, 10 boles wool, 89 bides.

Inwards Coabtwihk.—Olive:, from Man gawai. with ballast: I'aku, from Uaua. with §3 600 foot timber and o.'« biu?s Kinn ; >wn, from Whangarei, with 48 tons coal. ! Outwars COlffra'!SK.-l!ewar<l, for Whiin traroi; Venus,for Opotiki: Uputiki, for !;:'-ua and Opotiki; Fanny, for Whnngapoua.

The ship Pinko will sail for Napier to-morrow morning. She loads there for London. Tho barque Antaros, now loading for London, will be full about three iverk.s hem-e, an-t in tending shippers should therefore make haste in forwarding cargo.

Tho B.S. Glcnelß arrived from rmir.-iTitra nt 0 a.m. to-day. Passengers- Mr and Mrs .i;ivi. ~ Missea Clay and I*c, Me « Iteul Kn«lam . Walker, Morris, Purder, IFcmniy, A. Uuikett, O'Rocks. Dufliis, Boulatoiis. Smith, CarrlnKtun, J. Hall, Reokandh. Blanchftouea. Aront. War rinffton, McCabe, Smith, Robertson. Kutiiih'. Clay, Colethurst, Debt, and Conner.

Napier: Mr and Miss Thompson. MrC.. Jiai cv. For Lyttclton: Messrs I'nlnic-r C »*<•; "• . A; Brown, and Miss JoiiKh.-n. I'orl '''«'"; Messrs C. Taylor and Ulaason. For Moll« I . nt. "Messrs Smith and J. It. Hanrm, Miss Marlcy.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

PORT Chalmers, yesterday. -Arrive!: Day -BprinK,misslonsohooner,fromSouth Sea Islftnrts. Lyttfxtok, this day.-Arrived: lakapuna, from Wellington, G. 30 a.m.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

Mails wilt. Closk as under :—

This Bay.

For TauranKa, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per

<ilotieltc, at I p.m. For WlwuiKUiei, Wlianßiirei Heads, and Kamo,

per Ilowuna, at 4 p.m. For Tnirua, per Opotiki, at 1 p.m. For Mangawal and Ivaiwaka, per Ruby ut 5

For Whanßarci Hoiuls. Whangarel, Kamo, and

JfaiiKapai, per Wailal.i. at su.ni. For Tlianios, per Anne llilbank, at.'i.SO p.m.

ITIiIDAY, 11th inst. Fur Port Filzroy, per Water Lily, nt 7 a.m. For Waitara, vvv ljUhl Rookh, utß a.m. For Fricnilly Inlands, i>or Sandfly, at !l a.m. For Tliumcsi, pur Rotoinahuua. at 11.30 v.m. For 'l'airna, por l>aku, at 1 p.m. For Wallieke, ('owes, and Coromandol, per

Coromundol, at 1. 0 p.m. For Whangarei [lends, Parun, Walpu, WTian giirui, Kiuno, Tanglhua, mid ManKapal, per JlunnreKor. at I p.m. For Thames, per Kntorprisc, at 5.:<0 p.m.

Satfjipay, 12th inbt,

For Walwcrn, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manjca wai, etc., per Uo«c Casey, at 0 a.m. For Tarunaki, and .Sonthwn port.-!, por Tiika' puna, at IMo p.m.

Moxday, llthinst.

For Rnsscll, Knwokawa. Fi.il, ami Stunon, \ter PoiiK»in, at 4 p.m. Pur Australian Colonies, nor Australia. Im inciliatoljr nftLT her arrival from Honolulu. S. B, BISS, Chief Postmastor. Chief I'ost-ofllce, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 10, ISBI.

Ahhott's Opora House.—'

Ix)ntlon Assurance

Newton C'oncretjiitionnl School-room—Prat! tlco by llantld of Hope, 7 P,n).

United Service Hotel — Auckland Cricket Club. Election of Oltlcera, etc., 8 p.m.

Grafton Road Wealeyan School-room—Special Vocal and Literary Kntcrtainmcnt, 7.30 p.m.

V.M.C.A.—Devotional, 7,30 p.m.

Special Religious Addresses at United Mutho diat Free Church. Vincent-street, and Mount Eden li:iptist Church, 7.30 p,u>.

Deaths.

BLAKE.—At Drury, on January 9. William Rlnlco, iit,'oil 20 yturs. Deeply reyruttcd, Kunoral willWvo his inoilmr's rosidt'iice nt 3:«) p.m. on Kriilay, the Ilth January. Friends please accept this intimation.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1884.

For tho causo that lacks psaistaneo. For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And tho (rood that we can do.

The " Lyttclton Times " the other clay de voted a leading article to tho subject of rail way reform, more especially that peculiar if not original reform advocated by Mr Samuel V'ailo, the leading feature of which is an equalisation of rates of carriage for goods and passengers between certain fixed distances. To this scheme our contempo rary gjves a qualified approval, and sug gest* that ft twelvemonth's experi ment of it should bj3 frjpd on so;ne section of tho New Zealan'J rail»v»ys. That seems all very plausible and proper, hut we fancy it is scarcely the province of tho State to try costly experiments for the achievement of a doubtful good. New countries must of necessity bear the cost of not s few experiments in grappling with special dilfis.ulties that may arise, but tlicru is no reason why thfiy should waste energy and wealth in experimenting ijpon matters regarding which they have the experience of older countries to guide them. Such a question is that of railway management ; and we unhesitatingly affirm that tho only successful system upon which railways have beon conducted in any part of tho world lias been-the commercial system of charging a differential rate according to the oxtent of the service rendered, Our Canterbury friends, however, doubtless with to encourage a delusive scheme in oi'dcr to divert public attention from a more pressing and practical ques tion of railway reform which they would liko to keep conveniently put of sight. The favourite tactics of peoplp }vho wish to j>erpetuate an old abuse, or introduoe a new one, consist of raising a false issue which shall cleverly cover up and conceal tho evil while seeming to remedy it. The railways of Ney/ Zealand arc not in a satis factory position, and the " Lyttelton Times," instead of looking at tjjo defects in detail which are responsible for tho un satisfactory stato of things, recommends ft wholesale and revolutionary change 6f an entirely oxperjmsntal character.

Several rather striking fact;;,, mentioned to-day by our Wellington corrpspondfint, may give the clue to this new-born fervour for experimenting with railway rates. Jt i« pointed out that since 1881 a reduction of 75 per cent, has bsen (?).afi,e on the rates charged for the carriage o> grflin on tho Canterbury and Otago railways, f)j,e ell'ect being a lo.=s to the colony o{ about £90,000 por annum. A bad feature of tho wise is that political influence has been ift tha bottom of the reductions— inliuence which thp Iflite Minister of Public Works was top weak jo regjsj:, Canterbury intorestit ospecjally demanded a (.jfcd^fiQ" in the rates of grain carriage, and the ques tion of justice to the rest of tjje colony by the equitable working of the railways was never considered. It is vain forCantefbury to retort that the railways of that province are the only o»os that are worked profitably, and that so long as such is the easo other districts with non-paying railways have no right to complain, If the railways were provincial possMwions there would PO forcia id the reply, but they are colonial_property, and while they are no they muafc bo worked In tho Intercuts of tho whole colony. It is a clear injustice if any locality has its particular industries fostered by specially favourable rates of carriage at t!)P pxpense of others, and this is unquestionably what !;a* been done in Canterbury.

Tho effect of this very partial policy has already been won, ,so that we are not meroly theorising when wb say that the loss entailed i* cast upon othey pwtjs of the colony. Last year, wo have good ground for believing, tho extra fortlfing of property tax was imposed with no other view thai) to cover the deficiency in railway revenue which wa» caused by the reduction of grain rates In the South. Thus tho property owners of the North are directly taxed in order that Southern faimers roay Ijaye their produce carried cheaply to market, The problem'which has been puzzling some maplo, viz., how it" dime about ■ msfb railway revenue was ''decreasing I white the .gqqji; and passenger traffic were fcotji stetidiiy ipfitZMiisig, is solved by this piece of Ufigrant fayourjtis.in being exposed. Another matter which h&sx&ijfeib.utj&ct jte quota to the result—though it is not iio hfi classed with political jobbery—was the ad- A'ancp of wages granted by the ilinlster of Public Works to the workna»ji engaged on the Southern railway?; t!>e vyork}i)6j ex- Benses being cort.sider^Wy addeioT' ftp thereby. Afto? inflicting'all t.his mischief ,tli? late Ministeif hag quietly vfycatoi his post, and left his successor with a badly ■ tangled skein to unravel. .' AYe do hot know if the new Minister of Public .Worfcs wjjl

deem it consistent with his duty to reduce the wages of the Southern railway employes, but wo are certain he must face the task of re-adjusting the rates for grain carriage and placifig them once more on ;i satisfactory footing. We believe Mr Mitcholson has the necessary courage for this unpleasant duty. In his recent tour of the South he enchanted the people by his sutiriter in mntlii ; lei us hope they will not be disappointed when he i begins to show the other side of his I character.

We repeat, the work of the late Minister must, be undone, and the grain rates in the South raised to the figure at which they stood in ISSI if necessary ; they must at any rate be raised to <i paying basis. To show the ridiculously low figure at which grain is presently carried on the Canterbury line, wo may state that it i.-i less than the rate at which local coal, and even boulders and gravel, are conveyed by rail. Why grain should have this preference, or, in other words, why the Southern fanners should be enriched at the expense of their neighbours, can only be explained by tin; presumption that political favour secured them this concession, which justice demands should be withdrawn. The present Minister of I'ublic Works, who is entrusted with the unpleasant, task of introducing retrenchment and re form in the Civil Service, will be unworthy of his reputation if he does not boldly tackle this wrong and have it swept away. If he does so lie will earn the thanks of the colony nt large, though Canterbury politicians may not exactly stand up and call him blessed. Another addition to the Property Tax is tho alternative, and it is an alternative of a kind which the Ministry may well shrink from facing. lint they need not face it if the Minister of Public Works looks into this abuse and fearlessly sets his face to its abolition.

A Hailing Matter.

Thk unfortunate dilemmn in which the Harbour Hoard is placed through the mis take of its Engineer is not a thing to joke about ; but most people will smile on heal ing the views enunciated by the " llemhl " on the question. According to its learned dictum, the members of the Harbour Board had no right to bo guided by the pro fessional opinion of their engineer, but ought to have judged for lliemsclvcfi, ergo they are more to blame than he is for having approved of plans which cannot be executed with the money at their disposal. Tho question in every mouth, says our con temporary is, "What is to be done?" The obvious answer of the Harbour Hoard is " Hang the Engineer;" and hence they have combined to shift the responsibility from their own shoulders and sacrifice tho reputation of their oilicial. The logic which (smashed Bishop Luck's sophisms in conspicuous by its absence from the article in this morning's issue of ourcontemjwrary. How, may wo ask," we the members of tho Harbour Board responsible for the present deadlock ? Their responsibility to tho public is limited to managing the alTuira of the harbour and to employing cllicicnt aervantu to carry out matters of de tail. It would just be as logical to blame them for a pilot getting drunk as to charge them with tho mistakes of the en gineer. If they at all failed in their duty in such a supposition* case, it is solely in not being sufficiently strict in enquiiingiuto tho character of their servant. And what they allege with regard to the Engineer is substantially this—We trusted in your pro fessional knowledge and skill, and we have been deceived ! We do not imagine the ollence of the Engineer is such a heinous ono that it calls for "hanging" or anything so dreadful ; least of 7*ll docs it call for the indiscriminating vilifica tion of a public body earnestly striving to do its best in tho interests of the com inunity, But our contemporary is bent upon hanging somebody, and therefore we would suggest that it be done in a metaphorical sense. In telephonic slang, wo advise Granny herself to " hang up," and talk no more nonsense on a .subject which is evidently quite beyond her mental grasp, simple and plain though it is to tho average understanding.

Hon. Mr Mitehelson, Ministor for I'ublic Works, left by train to-day for the North. He returns to town on Saturday, after which he goes to the Knipara.

Many residents of Ponsonby who had been previously expressing fear that they should bo short of water during the present dry season were agreeably surprised to-day upon discovering that the water supply from the Western Springs had been ex tended to the new pipes recently laid down in the district. Several owners of property ■have already made arrangements to have the ■water laid on to their places of resi dence, so that a regular supply may be ensured.

Tho immutability of High -street for wheeled trallic was strikingly exemplified to-day. One vehicle was passing another, and the available space was so limited that. the wheels of each locked ; the result was that one of the vehicles was forced round suddenly, and the horse's head went through the window of MrLoigliton's shop, destroying a pane of glass worth £1.

Wo undqrstand that Mr Graves Aickin's action against tho Bank of New South Wales for damages for not delivering goods under a bill of lading has been settle!! upon payment of costs by the plaintiff. It appears that Mr Aickin, although advised that in law the case was a good one, elected to discontinue an action against a bank which, in tosting a question of banking authority, would carry itn suit through to tho Privy Council. Under the circum stances few persons care to pay for testing a principle. The final settlement was not without a contest, as defendants' costs wero reduced fully ono-third by the taxing master.

On (lit that at the termination of tho present dramatic season at tho Opera House, a very young lady bolonging to Auckland, whoso musical and other accom plishments are the subject of general admiration, Jwill make her clt'but upon tho stage, playing Juliet in Shakespeare's tragedy to Mjss Pomeroy'a Romeo. She lias been rehearsing tho part for some time past under the direction of Miss I'omeroy and Mr Elliott, and we understand that she displays such histrionic aptitudo and ready apprehension as to afford strong hopo of a highly-successful performance. At any lute, her talented tutor* will spare no oxer tpn to ensure a triumphal result.

Mr P. Clark, Captain Yatcs, Mr Codlin, and Mr E. Hamlin, M.If.R., waited upon t,ho Minister of Public Works yosterdny, and urged upon him the necessity of reduc ing the wharf rates at Onehnngn," deepening the channel, and lighting the beacons at Manukau Heads. Tho Minister promised jto look into the matter of tho wharf charges and send a reply as soon as possible; to havo estimate mado of tho cost of deepening the efiai.ncl, »nii have jt done if it would not exceed £200; and tobrfiigthe master of lighting the beacons under the notice of the Minister of Marino when he returned to Wellington.

The Prudential Mutual Sick and Bcnclit Speipty of Australasia has met with good success sinco commencing operations in Auckland. In order to thoroughly establish its position in New Zealand, tho Society is abqjjj; f.O appoint a local board of directors in this city, a sufficient number of influential gentlemen haying expressed their willingness to acpept ofti«o. Tho Society is doing very satisfactory business in Australia, and ja now being ro-organifed by the new general manager in Melbourne, Air Evans, so as to increasp ifs claims to popular favour. We understand that this gentleman will shortly visit Auckland to complete tho formation of tho branch here, under the Gare of Mr H, Ccwper, the resi dent Rgont. All policies for local members will then be issued here, which will be moro satisfactory to all concerned. The past year's report and balance-sheet will bo published shortly.

In the Police Court, Onchunga, before Captain Jackson, R.M., yesterday, Henry Cjai'kp was charged with cruelly illtreating a horse in Ofi.ehnngji on tlio 17th November last, Mr Thorne, Honorary Solicitor to the Sticjflfij' for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, appeared for the prosecution. Clarke, who bad been apprehended on warrant at Hokianga for disobeying tho .summons, pleaded guilty to tlio charge, Mr Thorne described tho case as ono of extreme cruelty, and one which should bo punished by imprisonment without the option of a fine, Tl:a Act gave this power to the Bench,' ami nothing short of imprisonment would put a stop to spme persons Musing animals, Goveral witnesses were examined, who de- Scribe,^ yrhiji; had occurred. Clarke had not T.iily brutatiy Ju.ctyai fhc animal, which \vm yoked up iij'fl tjray, bu v t hs ppq^-pd a new axe-handle from ft shop, wjilVsviijch j.e bean t|)o poor animal all' oyer the body acjcor3(ng Id oij.e witness. The axe-handle was fnvs. ;duced bythp polioei and it was covered 1 s^ith the marjtsof blood yh'Joh s yn remained On it. Afipe of £3 was jinpqsetj, %} coste bringing the Wjojjflt up to £6 78,

The Collector of Customs (Mr Hill) hold nn inquiry yesterday into the striking of the brig Restless on a lock all Mercury Bay, which accident, occurred several weeks since. It appeared in evidence that the brig struck the north-eastern side of Centre Island. A portion of her copper was torn oil" anil several planks damaged, so that she had to he run aground and patched up t, i enable her to come on to Auckland. She has bsen in dock here for several days undergoing a general overhaul. The ex tent of damages sustained is estimated at about I'Oll. Evidence has, as usual, been forwarded to Wallington.

A dray belonging to Mr Lamb, contain ing a load of ballast, was drawn upon the woigh-briilge on Queen-street Whir." this morning, when one of the wheels went. through I he iron facing and caused con- HiiliM'ublc damage. The load had to bo transferred to another vehicle before tho dray could bo extricated. Tho weigh bridge is cracked in several places, and will require to be replaced.

A young man who was unable to swim got out of his depth in the I'ublic Baths yesterday afternoon, and had a narrow escape from drowning. Another bather proceeded I,) I,is assistance, but as ho appeared unable to effect a rescue, Mr A. 11. Keeping also jumped into the water and brought the man ashore.

We understand that applications have boon roeoived by tho directors of tho New Zealand Tobacco Company for upwards of f-1,000 worth of shares by residents of the City of Auckland alone. Tho business people appear to have confidence in the Company, which, we are informed, will be engaged in tin; manufacture of between •JTU and 280 tons of splendid leaf about April next.

Mr.J. A. Haslett, chemist,, Queen-street, has published a prettily got-lip Calendar for 1884, containing besides other matter— 'bus directory, and 'Frisco mail service.

A new waiting-room i.s in course of erec tion on the North Shore ferry fee at Quoon streot Wharf. ft is much larger than the building which previously occupied that site, and will be much more suitably fitted out fcr convenience of passengers who may ilc-iro to wait tho arrival or departure of the ferry .steamers.

Tho adjourned meeting of tho Licensing Committee of the Auckland Licensing Dis trict was held yesterday, for the purpose of considering the license of the Notting ham Castle Hotel, which was adjourned for the purpose of giving the proprietors time to make definite proposals in respect of a new hotel. Mr Samuel Hcsketh appeared for the owners, and stated that it was tho intention to erect a neir house nt a cost of at least £1,000. Plans of tho proposed buildings, etc., were put in, which were so far satisfactory that tiie Licensing Com mittee resolved to continue the license con ditionally, the building to be commenced before tho iUh March, the day of the next quarterly mooting.

Col. Damon and Mr Rcarrett waited upon (lie Minister of I'ublic Works yesterday in order to solicit a continuance of the usual (lovernmeut subsidy of £200 for the I'anmuro Road, it having been stopped this year. The District, Engineer held that the road was in as good a condition as the best roads about Auckland, and the Minister, while regretting that the (iovorninent had no funds at its disposal for a work of this kind, suggested that application should be made for a loan underthe Koads and Bridges Construction Act. He would, however, look into the matter, and if ho saw his way to placing a sum of money on the Estimates for the work he would do so.

_ A Chinaman criticisine Christian civilisa tion, in lluont and forcible English, was one of the remarkable incidents of the meeting of the Melbourne Presbytery. Mr C'heok I long ('hcong appeared as v commissioner from tlie Fitzroy congregation in support ofn cull. Mr Cheong has been walking about with his eyes open, and tho result, of his observations is that ho has arrived at tho conclusion that Fitaroy presents a vast field for missionary enterprise. Several vene rablo members of the ('ourt arched their eye brows at this unlooked-for announcement of the shrewd Celestial, but their astonishment was intonsilled when Mr Cheong proceeded to express his conviction that there wore more heathens in Fitzroy than on any island in the New Hebrides. The young ministers smiled HignMieontly, but the "fathers of the church" looked grave, for the conver sion of the New Hebrides is one of their pet projects. The inferential suggestion, that the missionaries sent to tho Now Hebrides would be more usefully employed within a mile or two of Collins street, was evidently not relished by tho " fathers and brethren," and the plain-spoken Celestial sat down in silence.

Those who remember the attractive and popular performances of tho Pollard operatic troupe of juveniles will be sorry lo learn that the company has come to grief in India. The stage manager, Mr .1. J. Pollard, accidentally shot himself at Kan goon, and it is supposed that the troupe are now on their way to England. At. last accounts they wero playing at Allahabad. The taking of the juveniles to India, we aro informed, was a direct breach of faith with the parents of tho children composing tho company. It was not understood that they would be taken to India ; no notice of such intention was given to the parents or to tho children themselves until an hour or two before sailing; and the whole trans action had very much the appearance of kidnapping. The Victorian Government, on behalf of Australian children in the troupe, arc causing inquiries to be made through the Secretary to the Indian Government, and nlso through. Mr Bosisto, I'iwidont of the Royal Commission for Victoria at tho Calcutta Exhibition ; and a delegate has been sent on behalf of tho parents in Australia to look after the interests of the childirjn in the event of tho company breaking up. There aro three New Zealand children in the troupe—one of them being Florence de Lormo (niece of Mr W. B. Lnngbridgo, Auckland), and tho other two being from Wellington and Qunodin respectively. No doubt their in terests' will be scoured by the action which has been taken in Victoria ; but it would have been more satisfactory had our Government joined in the representations made by that of the sister colony. Wo be lieve the children are under contract for four years to Ihc Pollards, but as no re striction was placed upon the countries to which they might bo taken, it does not appear that any legal offence has been com mitted in taking them to India. None the less was it an unwarrantable proceeding.'ind one as dangerous to tho children's interests as it is painful to their parents and guardians.

The Hon. tho Minister of Public Works was interviewed yesterday by Messrs S. George and 11. Jlobbs (M.H.R.), Brown (Wliangarei County), Wilson (Rodney County), 0. Mays, Smytho, and A. Bootham (Waitomata County), Cliff (Hob son County), and Hon. Mr Williams (Hay of Islands), w if li reference to road works ami Public Works expenditure north of Auck land. MrGcorgo said that their principal object was to ask what portion of the voto of Jast session the various counties would re ceive, and when they would receive it, so that they might know what liabilities to enter into. They also though);1 that there should be moro local control over tho ox pendituro of the money. In the past it ha-1 been f.o extravagantly expended that for every £1 disbursed thoro was probably only 10s worth of work. He further ponsidered that Government should take over tho main trunk line of road north of Auckland and mako it a colonial road, like tho Christ church and Hokitika road and the Tauranga and Lakes road. Mr Hobbs urged the importance of tho fiovernment not only putting amounts pn t)io estimates for these road works, but in seeicg that they wcro allocated in time, so that the monpy might be used during thp summer months. The deputation ali?o desired to know, in viow pf a future loan, if the Government would set a part of it by for a line of railway north of Auckland. Messrs Wilson, Beetham, Mays, and Williams also sppke, The Hon, Mr Mitchelson, in reply, endorsed all that had been said as to tho necossity for tho immediate expenditure of tho money that had been voted. The voto was still £5,000, short, and ho hoped to see that amount added to the voto next year. JIo regretted that it had been kept back so long, but it was not the fault of the Government. During tho next fortnight ho hoped to afford tho chairmen of county 'councils such information as would enable them to at once proceed with the works. The allocations fjad not yp't been inado. The county councils were the proper bodies through lyhieh the money should pac s. Bis own opinion was that the main North Road should be a colonial road. Mr Ilobbs's question ro the main trunk rail way was a aubjepi for future consideration, for co far he had not oonsulted Iris colleagues upon it. He himself thought It should bo constructed, but the prosent survey wa3 almost useles?,as It passcd'along the seaboard, whereas the lino ought to go (trough the centre of tlie island. There wetfefw I'muls now for.the purpose.; Ho hoped to bo .able U>. inform tho counties ,nexfc week, of "the amounts thoy would .re ceive, and he ■would' pi'omise jtliat -tjjpy would be handed over to the councils* for expenditure, . ,»

" An Observant Hibernian " makes some severe strictures upon what he terms tho "second-class garden party" at Bishop Luck's residence to-day ; but it is not of a nature for newspaper discussion.

The Auckland Corporation Loan was to be placed on the London market to-day, and advices as to its reception should be received to-morrow.

We have received from Mr Bell, the local agent of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, the handsome calendar for ISBI issued by the society.

Mr Fitton, bicyclist, was at Woodville at 1 I o'clock this morning, on his road from Wellington to Auckland. Woodviile is about l-i miles east of Palinoi'dton North.

To the Editor : Sir, —As a personal friend of Captain Savory, whoso name is brought somewhat unpleasantly forward iti your London letter, published the other night, I must say I think your correspondent might find matter of more general interest to write about. Knowing Captain Savory as well as I do, I think your correspondent is very wide of the mark in supposing that (V.ptain Savory, well known here under the soubriquet of " Hungry Dick," cannot hold his own even amengpt folks on the Clyde. lam rather inclined to believe he has proved himself rather too hard a nut for your correspondent to crack, and that he may have given ollence to some of the gentlemen' north of the Tweed, or tho Cockneys, by not "parting" as freely as might have been expected trom a colonial greenhorn or an Auckland boy. — lam, &c, A Lover of Fair I'i.av.

A very enthusiastic meeting of Welsh people was held last evening in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, Welles ley-Ktroet, Mr John Jenkins in the chair. The principal business of the meeting com prised tho consideration of the question,

" How shall we, the Welsh people of Auck land, celebrate St. David's Day?" and it was resolved, as the Ist March falls on a Saturday this year, that the celebration take place on the evening of the 3rd, at some suitablo hall in the city. Tho old spirit of the mountains seemed to revive, and all present were unanimous in desiring to honour "Taffy's Day" in a manner worthy of patriotic Welshmen. A com mittee of ladies was formed for providing refreshments, tea, etc., and nearly twenty ladies willingly consented to give their ser vices. A committee of gentlemen was ap pointed to arrange for a suitable place for holding the festival, and frame a programme for the occasion.

Wax Thread Sewing Machines.—D. S. Chambers.—[Advt.J

Buy the Xow Wilson, the Champion SowiiiK Machine; all others In stock. — I). S. Chambers, 70, Queen-street.—{Advt.l

As a New Year present, nothing in so suitable as the Domestic Sowing Machine of Hliakespear & Co., Queen-street, oppoaite the Market.—[Advt.

Hay's Art Uuion. —Drawing for prizes, St. Jinnee's Hall, Welliiiitfoii-stroct, 7 p.m., Tuesday. January 22m1. lluy tickets sharp. Fifty prizes. Tickets to be shown at door.—[Advt.j

An extensive auction sale of suburban property take 3 place at Mr Green wood's mart on .Monday, the 14Hi inst. This property in known as Scaviow, comprises 43 acres of good Heml-voluunic soil, divided into lots of from 1 to 8 acres, which ur« admirably suitable for resi dence sites, and pleasantly and conveniently situated m regards distance from North Shore, heinu' üboulS) minutes'drive from the Devon port Wharf. Some of the lots udjoln the beat uoACh In the neighbourhood of Auckland, and oiler every facility for sea-bathing, boating, »nd llrfli*iir. Plans and all information can ue ob tained from the olllce of the auctioneer, V2'J, Queen-street,

SUDDEN DEATH

Accidental Poisoning Bclloved to bo tbe

Cause.

A cask of sudden death, which Is boliered to have been the result of accidental poison ing, occurred at a gumfield about two miles distant from Henderson yesterday after noon. News of the occurrence was brought to Superintendent Thomson by a comrado of deceased's named .lames Foster. Only very meagre detail aro to hand, but the name of deceased is David Lucy. The death was very sudden, and from the symptoms poisouinig is assigned as tho cause, although thero is no suspicion whatever of foul play. Lucy has been on the Meld about eighteen months. The body has been brought into tho township to await the coroner's inquest, which will bo held to-morrow forenoon. Detective Twohey proceeded to Hondorson to-day to inquire into the affair.

THE STUAXDI.X; OF THE

TUI.

[l!V TF.LF.ORAni,

—I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.]

Wkm.ixgto.n, Wednesday. An inquiry into the circumstances connected with the stranding of tho steamer Tui on Passage Hock, near Kapiti, whilst on tho voyago from Foxton to Welling ton on the 30th ultimo, resulted in the following decision: — "We find Mr Baldwin, mate, guilty of an error in judgment in miscalculating his diatanco from Kapiti Island. Wo consider that prompt moasures were taken to insuro tho safety of the vessel and those on board after she struck, and that all was done both by master and mate that could bo dono. We do not consider it necessary to deal with tho cortifieatos, or pass great censure on either officers, but feel that coming through such narrow waters tho master should satisfy himself that tho vessel was on hor right course. Certificates will be returned to the officers. The costs of the inquiry to bo borne by the mate."

SCINTILLATIONS.

"London Ahsuraxck" by the Pomeroy Company tonight. Boston has 100 millionaires. Mokau coal is reported to be good for steam purposes. Railway labourers are bettor paid in New South Wales than any other colony of Australasia.

It is the engaging girl who becomes the soonest engaged.

A young man called his sweetheart " raro opportunity," because she is worthy of being embraced.

Gulls have begun to attack sheep in Otago in the same way as the kea. Mr Adam Porter, Thames, has been nominated for the Board of Education.

Salt Lake City used 20,000,000 bricks last; season.

The strawberry was introduced into Eng land from Flanders in 1530.

A number of blackfish wore caught on thp beach at Wellington yesterday.

The Otagp bar has shoaled two feot since Ootobor last.

When is a proojous Btono liko a lien ?— Wlipu it calls for a setting. Do clothos wiake the man ? My son, thoy do. They make him mighty bashful of his tailor.

The trial of Pearcc for murdpr comes on at Dunedin on Monday—Government pro viding counsel for his defence. Donald"Dinnie goes to Australia under pngagement to Josh P}ekcrsgill, of "pan tascopo" fame, and is to wrestle with Miller at Melbourne.

Tho Tauranga papers aro jubilant over Jiho Espieglo getting into the harbour there, and wo are asked |especjally to notp that a recent bar accident was on tho Qpotikj bar, and npt at Tauranga. if a man could but take his troubles as pasily as other ppople tyko them, what i\ jtappy, happy world this wpuld be ! Eighty thousand children in tho north qf England form the "■ Dickey Bird Society." They are pledged to protect birds and to feed them»" winter-

Judge Johnston, Ohristchumh,, has declared null the trials conducted on Mon day with a wrong man in thp jury-box. A suspicious persoji whom a London policeman ordered to "move on" proved to bo Lord Derby.

Christchurch Hospital Board wish the £1,000 Government grant derated to pro viding a new kitchen instead of drpiuage works,

Teetotallers, rejoice! All the membors of the Eight Hours' Demonstration are to don the ".bit o' bluo " on tho 29tli. " Como, join our Army." Who are those hotel-keepers who break tho law dajly by keeping tho barmaids at work till mjdnight ? f Mamma,'! said the littlp inquisitive boy, " what makes kitty always eat tl)e mpijse's headfirst? Ain't it so the raouoe catj soe whero he's gojng." " I fill the Bill," sajd Willie, when he gat into his mother's preserve closet. "And I foot the Bill," remarked papa, overhearing the eoliloquy, Aichibald Forbes was asked by a friend whpro he would choose to live in all the world. "Now Zpaland," was his reply; "the climate, the people, the country, all round are delightful,. New Zealand ims r great future." , v | The Tarawera "sailed' yesterday from Dunedin on a trip to the West Coast Sounds, She has over ,100 passengers, pf whom nirie are from AqpklanjJ,

CABLEGRAMS.

[keutek's cableqeams,]

(Received January 10, 1.20 p.m.)

Alexandria, January U.—Mr Clariford Lloyd, who for some time acted as adviser to the Minister of the Interior, has been appointed Under-Secretary in the Egyptian Ministry.

The Evacuation of the Soudan,

The Commission, of which Sir Evelyn Wood in ['resident, has been appointed to devise the best means for the evacuation of the Soudan by the Egyptian troops.

Explosion in French Battcrlos.

Honxi Ko.vc, January I).—lntelligence is to hand from Tonquin that an explosion Ims occurred at the French position ut Yangar Tonquin, resulting in the destruc tion of two batteries, and the loss of a con siderable quantity of material.

Arrest of Assassins.

St. I'ktksbkkiiii, January ilt.lt. — Five men have beee arrested here charged with being implicated hi the assassination of Colonel Sndikeri, of the Russian (lendarmes, on the :t()th ult.

The New Egyptian Ministry.

C.ui'.o, January B.—Nubar l'asha, who has been charged by the Khedive with the formation of a new .Ministry, lias declared himself a supporter of the policy of the British Government. Nubar l'asha has partially succeeded in forming a Cabinet, himself taking the portfolios of Justice and Foreign Affairs. No Europeans are in cluded amongst those who have already accepted oliice under his leadership.

Britain and the Transvaal.

London, January 9.—Lord Derby has agreed to a modification of tho Transvaal frontier; the re-adjustment of the boundary line being effected in order to secure the rights of the loyal chiefs, and to protect them from molestation by Boers or by natives who have not accepted British rule. London, January !).— Hope is still enter tained that tho steamship Duke of West minster will be floated, although her position is somewhat precarious.

London Market Report.

London", January B.—Wool : Market un changed. Wheat: Market dull; Adelaide is worth 40s Gd, and New Zealand 42s per 49(ilbs. Tallow : Market firm : mutton is worth 44s Cd and beef 30s Od per cwt. Kauri gum: The market is irregular. Leather: Bent sides are worth lOj'd per lb. New Zealand hemp: Market quiet; line worth £20 jier ton.

ISPKCIAt TO I-nESS ASSOCIATION. J

LONDON, January 9. —M. Ferry, the Prime Minister of France, proposes to limit the powers of the French Senate with re spect to financial mattci-.s.reserving the final decision in such questions for (lie Chamber of Deputies. The King of Abyssinia is marching on MasßOwah.

Tho brothers-in-law of El Malidi, the falso prophet, have captured Espeh, and they assert that El Malidi is desirous of coalesc ing with Turkey to expel all foreigners from Egypt.

AUSTRALIAN.

Accident to a Schooner

Sidney, January 9.—Captain Lancaster, of tho brig John Wesley, from the South Sea Islands, reports having seen the American schooner Greyhound, of San Francisco, ashore at Mnmouko, with loss of her rudder and false keel. Later intelli gence from Kahi states that tkodreylwund floated oil', and is safely anchored in Levuka.

K.M. COUKT.-This Day.

(lioforo H. G. Soth Smith, Esq., H.M.)

Thehe was a long list of cases before this Court to day, Ini'. fortunately a considerable number were sotUed out of Court, and others wore ad journed. In the following, judgments were given for plaintiffs with costs :—

Jervoia G.M. Co. V. E. It. Edwards. C 25 jcallsl. Mr Tlieo. Cooper for the Company. Mr Siodart proved claim due on 2.000 shares.—lonaG.M. Co. v. John Arnoy; (sails £-' 10a. Mr S. llosketh for Company.-John Kay and wife v. Henry Carter, £3 ltfci (board and lodging). Mr Cotter for plaintiff.—John Smith v. John Biickland; rent, i« 10s. Mr Griffith for plaintiff.- Messrs Coup land & Co. v. Donald McLean. £12 16s Sd. Mi- Hall for plaintiff.—Stodart G.M. Co. v. Charles Ihinatcr, 12s (culls). Air S. Hcsketh for tho plaintiffs.—Jane Hall V. .John Phclon, £S1 'As 'Ml. Plaintiff did not appear in support of claim; put hack.—Stodart G.M. Co. v. Peter Hansen, fit 19s (calls).—}!. B. Morton v. John Veielur, £11 4s 9d (P.X.I. Mr Campbell for plainlilf.— Hcsketh and Aitkcn v. Jas. DuHoss, £410s. Mr S. Hesketh for plaintiff.—ltorrctt (5.M. Co. v. Frederick Underwood. £t 3s Id (calls).—Joseph Call'rey v. Nicholas Marsh. £8 ISs Id (cash lent and board and lodging. Mr S. lleaki-m for plaintiff.—Collins Uros. v. T. U. Turnbull, £5 lL's 9d (goodsl. Mr Mahony for plaintiff.—William Adcock v. Alexander Lamb. £4 17a 9d. Mr bufaur for dofendant. Mr Then. Cooper said Mr Lamb had sent 15 to his solicitor, but this waR not enough by Is 9d.—His Worship said he could not well make out an order for Is 9d.— Mr lmfaur said he would pay it at once.—George Hoyd v. J. Yerran, £3 Is (id. Jlr Huddle for plaintiffI.—II. W. Ford y. Patrick Gordon, £5 (dishonoured cheque). — Alexander Hay. accountantltank of New Zealand at Whangarei, proved.-11. Tanner v. It. Monnow. £1 (Is (rent). Mr Coleman for plaintiff.-Jas. McCaul v. Frod Stephenson, £1 los.-John Kins v. \V. 11. Vaugh, iil 53.

JUDGMENT SUNMOJH COUHT,

A number of judgincntdebtor cases wcro held over until to-morrow, at 10 30.

Kmaimcl Newton v. J. ('. Hart.—Claim, £117s (goods).—Mrs Hart appeared on behalf of her hUßband, who was undergoing a term of imprisonment in default.—Mr Newton said he did not wish to prees too much upon Hart. He would wait a reasonable time.—Allowed to stand over for a month.

John King v. Spencer Ivcns; claim, £ .— Plaintiff, in this case, said he obtained judgment over two years ago, and defendant had not satisfied the claim. He was now in roceipt of a good Balary at Dunedln. Ordered to my £5 per month, or m default a ter: ir: .. .. ..nent. John Lock v. Wm. M 0... —De fendant in the case was c..»uunud by MrNapior. who appeared for the judgment creditor, and doposeu that ho could only olFer 10s a month.— Mr Jaokson Palmer appeared for the debtor.— This was a claim for drapery goods. Debtor said he was not in a position at present lo pay. Ho could scarcely cull himself a farmer, lie owned 10 acres of land, and yet ho could not fttlirm that ho was the absolute owner, lhn land being subject to a mortgage His little farm was situated in the vale of Wairoa South. He had only earned £t 14s since December Gth. Had two cows and eight mouths to food. Finally, the matter was adjourned until tho 7th inst. C. Kicliardson v. Joseph Mclsaacs.—Claim, £.0 (deposit).—Mr Theo. Cooper for claimant, and Mr Campbell for defendant.—His Worship proceeded to Rive judgment in this action, which was hoard on last lourt day. Thesnle was an interest on land and on some furniture, although thero was no implied authority, and in the absence of such authority it was doubtful whether the agent was tho propor person to receive the deposit, and, therefore, he could not properly claim.—Mr Cooper accepted a nonsuit. Thomas H. Webb v. Sidney Ashcr.—Claim, £18, value of n pianoforte, pawned by n, person who had rented it, and who committed such unlawful act without the knowledge or consent of the owner.—Mr Theo. Cooper for plain till', and Mr Campbell for defendant. — His Worship gaTO judgment at some length, and reviewed the several sections of the Pawn brokers' Act uoarihec more directly on the case. His Worship ruled that plaintiff is entitled to recover ia common law, and gave judgment for plaintiff, £38, and f.i> damages and costs, and if defendant return the pianoforte before Monday next, the amount to ho reduced to £35.— Mr Cooper submitted that in considering costs he hoped tluu His Worship would consider that defendant, was liable to lose £15, the money which he advanced to tho person (Kelly) who illegally pawned the instru ment. Costs of two witnesses allowed,

lielghton v. Tlionias.— Okim £1 6s, commis sion. Mr Keetley for plaihtiff. Mr 'Jluo. Cooper for defendant. This was a claim for conHnission on thcallogcd salocf a housoand sliop in tho Great North Road, for £290. to a Mr Cox, a portio.n of the claim to br paid in groceries Soveral poitfts weredisputed, anc!|is tho partit 8 could not settle their dilHirence the casp was adjourned for the production of certain'docu ments as to dates, &p :

Haddock and Lilleward v. Hrotliorton: claim. £17 13s 9d, services.—Mr C. F. Buddld iippenrcd for plaintiffs in this action, brought to recover of tho late commander of the Triumph for the amount claimed, according to an agrcemcn.of date,/)oc;. 6, throush Capt. Hrothcrton's agents, Messrs Nathan and Co, for doing certain work at the \yreck of the Triumph, viz., diver, £410s; 3 men. £2 10s3d; caitage, TsGdjanddefondnnt's time, labour, andgoar, £10.—I\IrS. Hcskcth for tho defence.—lt was agreed to Uike this case tq-morrow at 1 o'clbpk. (Left sitting.)

POLICE COURT.-This Way.

(Dcforc Messrs F, 11. Hull and F. h. Prime, J.P.)

Sthay Cows.—Mary Balrd was qharKod with dopoatiiring three cows, her properly, near llargrave-streot. —Constable Bernard proved tlio case.—Fined -Ob and costs. Ureacii ok Public Works Act.—John . <.„■ .Iwi was charged with behaving in an offensive manner, to the annoyance of persons travelling on the railway, on tho 2nd instant, between Ellerslie and Auckland.—Sergeant Wliito ex plained, and Sergeant JCicly gavo oviilence,— The Court found defendant guilty, and ovdorcd him to pay q. fine o( £6 and costs; or. in default, one month's imprisonment. This was all the business.

TELEGRAMS.

[FROM OtFR OWN' CORUESrOKDEST.]

CAMimimiK, this day.—lntending visitor? to the Hot Lukes will be glad to know that they can now make the through journey from Auckland to Ohinemutu via Cam bridge in two days with ease. A buggy and pair from Kirkwood's was driven through the bush road from here in ten hours, and returned next day in eleven hours. The opening of the new road has afforded much satisfaction to the public of this district.

Hamilton, this day. — The Waikato cricket representatives leave for Auckland on Monday, 14th. The following constitute the team :—Forrest, Fitzpatriek, Griovson, Collins, Stephens, Chapman, Hunt, A, li. Stubbing, and Case. Edgecumbe's Government survey party lias arrived wifely at Hauhau.ru, en route for the Tulwa country.

[PKR PRE&H ASSOCIATION.]

C isiiuiiNK, tlii* day.— TheKe.-idont Magis trates Court was occupied all yesterday in hearing n charge of alleged rape preferred against Richard (ircoiiawuy, baker, by Mary Walker, the shopwoman where he worked. The offence was alleged to have been com mitted while tho woman was insensible through a fall from a horse. The case »os dismissed without calling Oil the defence.

Through tho North Island on a Bicycle.

Wklmnciton, this day.—Mr Fitton, of Fitton and Service, Auckland, rode from Auckland to Musterton on a bicycle. Ho intended riding to Wellington, but on reaching Masterton two of the spokes gave out, and he had to come to Wellington by train to have it repaired, as ho did not think the machine would stand going over Kimatuka. He left by train for Featherston yesterday morning, and intended to leave Featherson this morning and ride to New Plymouth, and take the steamer thence to Auckland. He left Auckland on Christinas Day, and came into Wellington on Monday night. At the Supreme Court, Joseph Lyons, convicted of passing vulueless cheques, was sentenced to 13 months'imprisonmentwith hard labour.

CuRTSTCiinPX'H, this day.—Major Cantley is engaged on examination of Lyttelton harbour with a view to a scheme of defence.

Fires.

A cottage at Eyreton, occupied by Kobt. Miller, was destioyed by fire on Monday. Insurance, £200. A lire occurred early this morning, by which Hare's corn store in Manchester-street was damaged, but not heavily. The loss is covered by insurance.

The Selwyn Election.

Mr John McLachlan announces himself as a candidate for the Selvyn seat. He will address the electors on Monday. The state ment that Mr Wakcficld Ims offered his services is denied, but lie has consented to address the electors on political matters on Tuesday noxt.

Di-nkijis, this day.—Fully 20,000 people visited the Manapouri fit the City Wharf last night.

SUCCESSFUL WHALING CRUISE.

[BY TKLEOBAPH. — OWN POIUIKSrOXDENT ] ~

Russell, this day. Advices dated December 13th from Captain Fisher, of the whaling barque Alaska, rei>ort his having been successful at whaling this season at the Chathams—taking 110 bar rels sperm oil, f>oo barrels right whale oil, and u,ooolbs whalebone.

WELLINGTON NEWS.

[l!Y TEf-KQIUPII.—OWN COItHESI'ONDENT.)

Wellington, this day.

The Now Zealand Boon.

Advices received by Government state there is no doubt felt as to the successful floating of the loan of one million in London

to-morrow

Decline of Railway Revenue,

A serious falling-oil'in railway revenue has been experienced, and I am led to un derstand that the late Minister of Public Works is directly resposible for it. During the time ho was in office, repeated reduc tions were made on the rates of carriage for grain on the Christclmich and Dunedin line. In 1881, the reduction amounted to '25 per cent. In 1882 another 25 per cent, was knocked off; and in ISS3 yet a further reduction was made to the same extent, making a total reduction of 75 per cent, in the course of three years. This has, doubt less, been the result of Canterbury pressure on tho late Minister ; but the result is, grain is carried at a loss. The deficiency for last year was between iTO.OOO and dJOO.OCO—I cannot get the exact figures, but the latter, I am inclined to believe, is nearest the mark. In consequence of this there will be a large deficit to face when the Ministry came before the House, and if the present Ministry remain in power, I believe that the solution of the diih'culty will be the imposition of another farthing of Property Tax.

MINING NEWS.

[BY TELEGRAPn. —OWN COnitK.srONDKNT.]

THAMES.

Thames, this day. New Prince Imperial.—Quartz was broken down on Wednosday night in the new winze below No. 5 level on No. 2 lode, and a number of nice gold-bearing stones were secured. The manager has Just com menced another important prospecting work, viz., a winze on the Mariner's Reef, from No. 4 level, about thirty feet eastward of the break. From the fact that the reef was of a capital grade hereabouts in the drive but less rich in the otopes, it may bo presumed that a pay able block, at least, exists between Nos. 4 and v levels. A crosscut lias also been commenced at No. 5 to intersect the leader near the Mariner boundary, and will follow the course of the break in the lise on the Mariner reef above No. 3 level, to meet the winze. Colours of gold are found in branch A, footwall leader.

Dart.—A portion of No. 2 reef was broken down in the western drive yesterday for the first time sinco the resumption of operations. The footwnll branch is nbout six inches thick, and showed the precious metal _ freely. These are hopeful signs, auguring an extension of payable ground beyond the valuable block already in hand. Messre Porter, Fraser, nnd Vines, directors, have visited the mine, and authorised the uianager to. commence drivina eastward on No. 2 reef at the low level, and to prospect the Alfred leader at No. 2 level; also, to construct a tramway across the creek for the conveyance of mullock. The battery is now working full 21 hours, and the quartz is shaping payable. Qukknok Beauty.—The experiment for the expulsion of gas by means of air boxes has been thoroughly effective, and should provide ventilation foy driving the full dis tance to tho Vanguard reef, City of Manchester.—The proprietors of this claim have banked aozs Sdwts gold. __ Dart.—The third and fourth stopes in No. 7 lode produced a small parcel of stone yesterday.

Queun- of Beauty.—Several directors were at Thames yesterday, and a few in spected the mine. It has been decided to continue the present crass-cut at No. 8 level to the Vanguard reef, a distance of 270 ft. ; also to commence operations on the reef at Nos. G and 9 levels. It is considered probable that now macliinory will be ob tained for economy of water-power. Mr T. Dunlop, of Golden Crown mine, lias been offered and has accepted the manage ment of tho Caledonian Low Level Com pany's operations. Arrangements have been completed with the Moanataiari Com pany for the uso of the rock drill, and tho manager has instructions to prepare for the removal of an air compressor and its re erection near the big pump as soon as a supply of steam is granted by the Deep Lovel Cross Company.

TJio Miners' Strike at To Aroha.

Te AnonA, this day.—Warden Ken rick addressed a meeting of miners hero yester day, and advised the men to accept eight shillings. He stated that he had rocom. mended the companies to pay skilled labour more than unskilled j but they had declined to accept his advice. He thought tho companies should have given tho men notice of their intention to reduce the wagos. The meeting cheered j\li' Kenrlck, but did not appetir inclined to accept his advice.

NEW GUINEA.

EXPLORATION AND RESOURCES OF

THE COUNTRY.

[Special Letters to the " Star."]

No. lI.—A Trip up the Fly River (con' eluded).

iJiiRRAv Imlaxo, New Gttinju, December G, 1883. Bfiifnl) the village of Katau there is but a narrow belt of mangrove, passing which we came to fine open country studded with plantations, all well enclosed with strong and close bamboo fences, nearly (ift high, to preserve them from the numerous wild pig? kangaroos, and cassowaries. Indeed,scarcely had we left the mangrove belt when we started a kangaroo on our track. Hnawia justified the opinion that 1 hod formed of his love of sport, for no sooner was the kangaroo seen than lie bounded after it, hopping over the long wet grass very much like the animal he was pursuing. We heard a shot and waited for the result. He soon returned "like a drowned rat," with his red waistcloth in tatters, but without the kangaroo: still he was smiling and shaking his head knowingly at the narrow escape the animal had had, and seemed to be explaining to his friends that the ball had passed through the kangaroo's ear, but that not being a vital part, it had escaped. We walked about six miles through fine country, in which it is difficult to find a stone. It is deep, rich, alluvialsoil, covered chiefly with long grass and scrub, with here and there some very fine timber. There are miles of plantations, and it is probable that the plains through which we passed have been cleared by the natives for that purpose, for the bits of forest through which our road lay are heavily timbered, and there is abundance of water. We crossed two arms of the Katau River, over which.the natives have constructed a very good bamboo bridge about 100 feet in length. In fact, there is far too much water in this part of Ne,v Guinea; but if the land was drained by digging trenches, as the natives do near their villages, I have no doubt that it would be considered amongst the best of sugar growing land. The wild nutmeg seems to indicate that spices that have failed in Singapore might flourish here.

A Dirty and Diminutive Tribe.

When within about two milea of the town, we began to meet natives of the place, and from that to our destination the num ber increased. The last mile was the worst part of the road, being through a swamp. It appears that the people used to live on

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Construction of Calliope Dock.

(To the Editor.)

Sin,—On reading your report of the recent meeting of the Ilarbour Board, and the Engineer's explanation of the discrepancy between his original and his present esti mate of the ccst of constructing the Calliope Dock, one cannot help being impressed with the idea that there has been a want of practical judgment in dealing with the question of the materials to be used, and their cost. One would imagine that our local materials for making concrete, however suitable they may have been proved for the monolithic system of work, were not to be relied upon if made into blocks and used as masonry, but that dressed stone, no matter what the cost, was the one and only matsrial available. If prece dents were wanting for using concrete blocks in works of this kind, and if the local stone was not only good but plentiful and cheaply worked (which is just the reverse), one cou'.d understand the omission of the blocks in this particular case; but reference to some works carried out in different parts of the world during the last 30 years, in which concrete blocks nave been largely, successfully, and economically employed, is surely ii sufficient authority to warrant their use in the Auckland dock. I believe the merits of our local lime and the utility of concrete blocks for works of this descrip tion, are fully appreciated outside of this district, and I am informed on very good authority that in one or more of the com petitive designs for some extensive harbour works contemplated on the east coast of this island, the specification provided for the exclusive use of concrete and concrete blocks throughout the works, and what is of more importance, very strongly recommended the use of Mahurangi hydraulic lime in preference to the im ported and not always reliable Portland cement. In order to bring down the cost of the woTk, I notice that the Harbour Board Engineer proposes to substitute in some: parts of the dock works rubble masonry and timber face-work in the placo of dressed masonry. This will undoubtedly be a saving in the first cost, but with such a loss of strength and stability in the work that the majority of practical men would hesitate to recommend it. An example of the weakness and unre liability of rubble masonry is brought pro minently under our notice in the tumbled down retaining wall in Fort-street, and as for timbering, it seems utterly inad miesable in a work of this importance. If a saving has to be effected, it must be done without impairing the strength of any por tion of the work, and in the interest of the public, and for the credit of the present members of the Harbour Board, I would suggest that the question of the cost of, and advisability of using concrete blocks.laid in courses in precisely the same manner as dressed masonry, should receive the careful consideration of tho Board and tb«ir Engineer, when I have but little doubt it would be found that the dock could be thoroughly well constructed for a sum within a reasonable range of the amount originally proposed to be ex pended.—l am,&c,

Citizen,

Auckland, January 10th, 1884,

OPERA HOUSE. -"Cymbeline."

This play drew a capital audience last evening, and its performance came fully up to expectations. Miss Pomeroy enjoys the distinction of having been the first artiste to produce it in New Zealand.and to Shakes pearian students the treat must have been as'aoceptable as it was rare. " Cymbeline" was quo of the latest efforts of the immortal dramatist's matured genius, and it is dis tinguished by most of the features which mark " The Tempest" and " The Winter's Tale," which were composed about the same period. In it the dramatic continuity is rather slendor, thero are the same variations from the severer typo of drama represented by "Hamlet" and "King Lear," and the absence of tho low comedy element restricts its popularity tp a select circle. For this latter season doubtless its performance has fallen into disuetude, and its many charms do not receive their due prominence. Miss Pomoroy deserves high commendation for tho refined taste and scholarly appreciation which have prompted her to revive a work containing such an exquisitely beautiful,chaste, and womanly impersonation as Imogeno, and carrying with it such a poworful vindication of feminiue fidelity mid unswerving constancy; The whole success of the performance de pended upon her, for thero is no character sutiiciently conspicuous to materially share the responsibility, while the want of low comedy renders the success of the piece with a mixed audience a problematical matter. Mies Pomeroy, however, gave such a charming embodiment of Shake peare's lovely creation, and played with such graceful naturalness, that the interest of the audienco gained from the outset was sustained uninterruptedly to the finish Her indignant repulse of lackhimo's insi dious addresses was spirited and noble and tho situation fairly brought down tho "house." Her poignant grief at the unjust suspicions of her lord was equally effeotivo and so also her joy at the reunion with him. It was a highly succeasful por traiture, and tho appreciation of tho audience was marked by soreral recals and numerous floral tributes. Mr Elliott dis played his abilities to advantago in the role of Jaclnmo, Mr Appleton made a good Posthumus, and Mr Kennedy did such ample justice to the part of the faithful Fisamo as to share with Miss Pomoroy the honour of a call before the curtain Mr Joyce's Belarius was very satisfactory, and so also were Miss Bronton's Avirague, and Mr Arrowsmith's Guiderius. Mr Hall im personated the King, Mr Dillon Caiug Lucius, Mr Foley Cloten, and Miss B. Lewis the Queen, all being fairly done. The mise en scene was good, and the in cidental music was well executed.

To-night "London Asauranco," Boucioault's sparkling play, will be given. Miss Potneroy will appear ns Lady Gay Spanker, and should make another hit in that vivacious rflle,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1884

(Continued on Fourth Page.)



Special Advertisements. T M P 0 II T A X T. AQ N E D D E N , One b d k n (successor to 3. i.kck) Haß much pleasure in announcing that lie has PURCHASED THE WHOLE OF MR J. LUCK'S STOCK MX 3. LECK'S STOCK AND GOODWILL AND GOODWILL at A GREAT REDUCTION, . OREAT REDUCTION, f\~/~ AND WILL ¥:■ CONTINUE C 0 N TIN U E THE CLEARING-OUT SALE THE CLEARING -OUT SALE ■ . For. one month i.ncc.r.i:. ONK MONTH LOXCKR, SpF JH OONSKQUENCE OP THE OVER-STOCKED STATK OF THE DRAPERY MAEKCT, HE HAS BEBM EKABLKD TO BUY A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF GOODS, WHICH WILL BE OFFERED AT SALE PRICES. ' 158 & 160 PLEASE CALT- Qncon-et , 158 & 160 PLEASK CALL Queens 158 & ISO PLKASK CALL (j»cen ; Bt ' IMteJTO AND INSPKCT Queen-3t 1M & 160 AND INSPKCT Queen-st : ■ »ira&l6o AND INSPECT Snoen-st MS & 160 Qneon-st 158 & 160 GRAND DISPLAY Oncen-st . 168 & 160 GHANU DISPLAY Gtioen-a 168 1160 6KAND DISPLAY Queen-st : tsfl Sr iftn yueon-st 158 & ICO NEW GOODS Quccn-st ' ~ 158 & 160 NKW GOODS Quccn-9t I I*B & 160 NKW GOODS Quecn-st i« fe }m Queon-st '-•' 168 & 160 JUST OPENED. Quccn-st ' 158 & 160 JUST OPENKD. Queen-st W SIS juß* opbnku- fas* irq sr tan wiiccn-si iSgioo 61 CASES Qucen-st 158 & 160 W CASES Quccnat I ISS & 160 CJ CASES Qucen-st X 188 & 160 NEW CLOTHING Quccn-Bt W 158 & 169 NEW CLOTHING Qucen-st V 158 & 160 NKW CLOTHING fe^ii 1 -ma »r inn Quoon-st tfS&lffl HAT 3& HOSIERY. Qucen-st' 158 & 160 HATS&IIOSIKUY. Quecn-st • - * lS8&lfiO HATS & HOSIERY. Queens 1M * 160 Quecn-st 1 Jsßfcl6o Qucen-st KfglOO Qneen-st M? & 160 Queen-»t 158 & 160 Queon-st • 158 & 160 THE NEW ZEALAND Qncen-st j&5 /k 160 wueen-si IWfcXBO CLOTHING FACTORY, Queen-fit tM & 160 Queei-st 138 & 160 Quken-stoeet, Quocn-st 158 & 160 Queon-st IK & 160 Auckland. fen st in a. im QllCOn-St 1M&1B0 Quccn-st IHC& 160 J. FITZSIMONS. Unocnst i«S*fe 160 Queen-it 168 & 16C Branch Manafrer. ( uoon-st Hew Law Partnership, fHB UNDERSIGNED beg to annonnco that ttiey have Commenced Practico in Co-partner ship as BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, I. Chambers in High-street opposit Mr W. Atfehi's Printing Office. E. W. BURTON, W. J. NAPIKR. Auckland, September 22nd. 1883. HE COLONIAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY (LIMITED). FOR MUTUAL n L^|SURAFCE AND CHIKF OFFICES^Ncj^ Zoa-ana,:. HIGH DIRECTORS: W. J. M. Labnacii, C.M.G., MHR • Edwin J. Si'EXCK (Dalgety and Co.), and Robert Stout. ALL PROFITS BELONGTO THE MEMBERS. Policies Unconditional, Unchauknoable, and INDEFEASIDLE. 11, S. H. LYALL, Seckbtary. Gentlemen required to act as TravoHlng Agonta. Liberal terms to capable men. I^HBAP AND GOOD CUTLERY. THOMAS SAMUEL, Importer op Cutlery, Has just received a good supply of all kinds ot TABLE AND POCKET CUTLERY, Consisting of B • Ivory and Bone Table Knives, Pocket Knives, 1 ' "-^ SKand Razors, Table Knives and. Forks m »ases? suitoble for wedding and complimentary isSsonta; also, Electro-plated Ware, Sihvnan l^&j aid Spoons, specially cheap value, Sider- ODhron- Forks and Spoons, having the lustre finish ariM ring o£ Stovling Silver. All the abovo goods sclliiEß at very low prices. THOMAS SAMUEL, 108, QUEEN T STREET, ; ITaiot to Mr Westpfonl" Bootmaker.. »,; =\?T: H. SKINNER AND SON, BbfSEftffJyV # Baildors, Carpenters, and Joiners, H. ;'•;' • Vulcan Lane. ' ■■^%^Seßot the Building Trade executed ly •' -#Oixnerlonced Workmen.'; M^^tl flnia,_pince_Fittlngs, Sk. .



Special Advertisements. I ! Tl/rONSTER /"ILEARIXG OALE n.OTIII\(i AND DRAI'ERY! CLOTHING AND DRAI'ERY! I CLOTHINC AND DRAPCUY! j CLOTHING AXD DRAPERY! I £20,000 worth £20,000 I 1 DRAPERY AND CLOTHING TO BE I DRAPERY AXD CLOTHING TO BE SLAUGHTERED!• ' SLAUGHTERED ! ! ! U /^OOMBES & pO., I JfKIXi; AROUT TO CLOSE THEIR CLOTHING ESTABLISHMENT : NIOXT THE AUCKLAND HOTEL, 1 I AND IN' ORDKK TO RKOUCK THEIR STOCK AH MUCH AS POSSIBLE PRE VIOUS T<J STOCK-TAKING, WILL HOLD A MONSTER CLEARING SALE A MONSTER CLEARING SALE OF THE WHOLE OF THEIR L.VIIOR ANT) WELL-ASSORTED STOCK or DRAPERY AND CLOTIIIN(! DHAI'KKY AND CLOTHING AT BOTH OHOI'S, OTII OHOPS, CoMMF.xcrxti TMRIDAY, -|-|TH TNSTANT. St (_/OOMBES & C*O. HAVE PURCHASED TWO WKLLKN'OWK STOCKS FOlt LESS THAN 10s IN THE £, j WHICH WILL BE IXCI.DDED IS THEIR MONSTER /CLEARING QALE. ONSTKR V/LKARINU lOALK. REMEMBER! THK SALE COMMKNCES ON FRIDAY, 11th INSTANT, ON' THE PREMISKS LATELY OCCUPIED By J. COSGRAVE & CO., AND OUR CLOTHING ESTABLISHMENT, NEXT THE AUCKLAND JIOTKL, ' WHERE EVERYTHING WILL BE SLAUGHTERED. OUR ESTABLISHMENT WILL BE CLOSED O>r THURSDAY, » FOR THE PURPOSE OF MARKING DOWN THE STOCK. BfiOOMBES • & • i/OOMBKS & VVO., CANADA BUILDINGS, QUEEN-STREET. Sale of [ bankrupt stock. I William R, Bbidcman t HAS PURCHASED A t BANKRUPT STOCK t DRAPERY, FANCY GOODS, AND TOYS, t AT A \ GREAT REDUCTION OFF COST, t AXD WIIX OFFER [ T H E WHOLE t, TO THK PUBLIC 1 AT HALF USUAL PRICE. ] JUNCTION t CHEAP DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 1 ?88, UPPER QUEEN STREET. I riUT SILVER ! CUT SILVER ! i t, The Effect is Marvellous at night, same effect 1 as Diamonds. In this line I am NOT TO IIE - EQUALLED. Bracelets, NookleU, Pfna Brooches, and Earrings. F. H. LEWISSON. You all know whore I am to bo found. 1 ryilEltli SHALL 1 IIUHNISH MY HOUSE FUOMt I . THE CHEAPEST ALL ItOUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL I ARCADE— GARLICK & CRANWELL ! ! IRON BEDSTEADS, ro to GARLICK & CItANWELL. ■ BRDDING pro to ' GARLICK & CRANWELL. BED -BOOM FURNITURE, go to GABUCK & CUANWISLL. ) CARPETS, go to GAiiUCK: & CRANWELL. UARLT.CK & CRANWELL, House Furnishers. OARUCK & CRANWELL, Upholsterers. GARLICK & CRANWELL, Manufacturers ' O*1 ALL KINDS OF FURNITUKK. ? . Cheap TAFK3?uy (c ßiiuhsel CAitPitTS. Cheap Oilciatob tjc. Linoleum. CHKAP & BKAUTf^bli GitETONfJEa. "heap Blankets & Cue-TAms. f I i GARLICK & CRANWELL, j 1 fIOUSE FURNISHERS J City Hall Arcade. I QUEKN-SrREET, AUCKLAND JM Jul E' 'B i E. THLS SEASpS's ■ WAIKATO CHEESE (To Awamutu Fepiosy) NOW ON SALE.' Wholesale Agents: AUCKLAND AGBICULTPBAL AND MEKCAJf TILE COMPANY (tiMITED), a and It, Queen-street Wliarf. [



Special Advertisements. 'New Story i ]S"ew Storyi A WOMAN'S FAITH; OR TUB MYSTERY OF A BUNCH OF PAN3TES. liv Chaiilks T. Mas.vkrs, AUTIIOU lib' "The 1.0r.t of Lyle," "Octavla'aPriilo, l'lie ' Ul.'tJiane KnwWaltls, I'lus Flaw in the lii.unonil." " IJrafjßinif Him Down." •• A Silver Brand," &c. A lllli lIL V SKNBATIONAL TA I.X, ' hoarlng the above title. WILL UK COMMENCED i "OT All Qll'ri 1 L E M B XT " : ft ft ox SATURDAY NEXT, .JAN. 12. Rentiers should pee that they secure the first part, as the opening chapters plunge deep into the story. TltKltE AIM. fKRTAIX AKKKCTIOX3 which, althotigh not elassitled in the same eategorj'i are relieved l>y the same agencies. They may spring from ditl'crcnt eaiiscs. but are attected by the same results. Thus, gout, gravel, acilto or elironie rheumatism, dropsy, (latiilenee, colic pains of tlie stomach and bowels, whether In , adults or in infants, eases of urinary, bladder, or renal obstruction.dyspepHia,i,'eneraldebillt.y, sluggish circulation of the blood, mal-assiniila tion of Hits food, and vital exhaustion. lire all re lieved, and almost invariably cured by Uoou'lio . WOI.FK'S SCHIKDAM AIiD.MATIL'



A Rattlesnake's Bite.—Tho quiol: veaom of tho rattlesnake has not killed so man)' poGplo as tho maro insitiuouß but doadl y poisons found In tho ah-of foul rooms. Tho aeration of the blood by the lungs becomes impossible Bonio times, and the failing health, growing weak ness, and loss of appotito arc harbingers of ap proaohing death, For such cases Ifop Bittora (vre the potont and alUpowcrrul remody to. dvivo all fovera out of the aystom, purifying the blooa -and giving a now. and happy leaso of life. Notice. • •■■ • ■■■■■ :n •



: Teilra Cotta Ware.—A large assortment just opened by Boylan and Tanfleld, 171, Quoen -Btrcet.-IADVT.I v •' .•;■'■■■■'."■



SO pairs Lace Curtains—bought a job from Homo manufacturer; fow slightly soiled, but some very great bargains amongst them, now being told, lit less than wholesale price at Garlick and-Cranwell'a-Furnishing Warehouse, Queen-street—{Apvt,]



£100 RKWARD.-Thoj-cure all discuses of the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, ncrvos. and kidneys, and £100 will be paid tor a caw itfiey will notflureor help, ojrfor anything impure or tM injurious lound in them^jHpp Blttck Test it. si ■'■'• ■■•'" ' ■■--•■•■ •■'■' -■ ' ■ ■' ;'' ' '