THE DENVER EXPRESS.

[FROM IIELGRAVU.]

Anyone who has soen an outward-bound clipper ship getting under way, and heard the " shanty songs " sung by the sailors as thoy toiled at capstan and halliards, will probably remember that rhymeles3 but melodious refrain: I'm bound to see Its muddy waters, Ycoho! that rolling river, . Bound to see its muddy waters, Yco oh! the wild Missouri. Only a happy inspiration could have im pelled Jack to apply the adjective " wild " to that ill-behaved and disreputable river I which, tipsily bearing its onormous burden j of mud from tho far north-west, totters, reels, rune its tortuous course for hundreds on hundreds of miles, and which, encountering the lordly and thus far well behaved Mississippi at Alton, and forcing its company upon this splendid river (as if some drunken fellow should lock arms with a dignified pedestrian), contaminates it all tho way to the Gulf of Mexico.

At a certain point on the banks of this river, or rather—as it has the habit of aban doning and destroying said banks—at a safe distance therefrom, there is a town from which a railroad takes its departure for ite long climb up the natural incline of the great plains to the baseof the mountains; hence the inipoitance to this town of the large but somewhat shabby building serving as terminal station. In its smoky interior, late in the evening and not very long ago, a train was nearly ready to start. It wa3 a train possessing a cortain consid eration. For the benefit of a public easily gulled andenamored of grandiloquenttorms, it was advertised as the "Denver Fast Ex press, " sometimes with strange unfitness, as the "Lightning Express;" "elegant" and "palatial" cars were declared to be included therein, and its departure was one of the great events of the twenty-four hours in the country round about. A local poet de scribed it in the " live" paper of the town, cribbing from an old Eastern magazine and passing off as original the lines— Again we Btepped into the streot, A train came thundering by. Drawn by tho snorting iron steed, Swifter than eagles ny. Rumbled the wheels, the whistle shrieked, . Far rolled tho smoky cloud ; Echoed tho hills, trio valleys shook, The flying forests boweu. The trainmen, on the other hand, used no fine phrases. They called it simply "No. 17," and when it started, said it had "pulled out." On the ovening in question there it stood, nearly ready. Just behind the great hissing locomotive, with its parabolic headlight and its cD:il-laden tender, came the baggage' mail, and express cars; then the passenger coaches, in which the social condition of the occupants seemed to be in inverse ratio to there distance from the engine. First came emigrants—"honest minors" cowboys, and labourers, Irishmen, Germans, Welshmen, Mennonitos from Russia, quaint of garb and speech, and Chinamen ; and then in the great Pullman " sleepers " the busy black porters wero making up the berths for well to-do travellers of divers nationalities and occupations. It was a curious study for a thoughtful observer, this motley crowd of human boings; sinking all differences o r race, creed, Tiabits, in the common purpose to move westward—to tho mountain fast nesses, the sago brush deserts, the Golden Gate. Tho warning bell had sounded, and the fireman leaned far out for the signal. The gong struck sharply, the conductor shouted "All aboard," and raised his hand, the tired ticket-seller shut his window, and the train moved out of the station, gathered way as it cleared the outskirts of the town, rounded a curve, en tered on an absolutely straight line, . and, with ono long whistle from the engine, " settled down to its work. Through the night hours it sped on, past lonely ranches and infrequent stations, by and across shallow streams fringed with cottonwood trees, over the greenish-yellow buffalo grass, near the old trail where many a poor emigrant, many a bold frontiersman, many a brave soldier, had laid his bones but a snort time before. Familiar as thoy may be, there's some thing strangely impressive about all night . journeys by rail; and those forming part of an American transcontinental triparealmost

weird. From the windows of a night ex -8 prcis iv Europo or the older portions of the United States one loons on houses and lights and cultivated fields, on fences and hedges, and, hurled as he may be through the darkness, ho has a sense of companion ship and semi-security. Far different is it when the long train is running over those two rails which, before night set in, seemed to meet on the horizon.

Within all, is as if between two - great seaboard cities — the neatly . dressed poople, the uniformed officials, the handsome httinfjs, the various appliances for comfort. Without are now long, dreary level_, now deep and wild canons, now an environment of strange and grotesque rock formations—castles, battlements, churches, statues. The antelope -Jleotly rune, and the coyote skulks away from the track, and the grey wolf sullenly howls afar off. It ia for all tl)o world, to one's fancy, as though a bit of civilisation, „a family or community, its belongings nnd surroundings complete, "were Hying through regions barbarous and inhospitable. From the cab of Engine No. 32 the

driver of the Denver Express saw, showing faintly in the early morning, the buildings •■grouped about the little station ten miles ahead, where breakfast awaited his passen gers. He looked at his watch ;he had just twenty minutes in which to run the dis tance, as he hod run it often before. Some thing, however, travelled faster than he. From the smoky station but of which the train passed the night before, along the slender wire stretched on rough poles nt the side Of the track, a spark of that mysterious something which we call electricity flashed at the mo ment he returned the watch to his pocket; and in five minutes' time^the station-master came out on the platform, a little more thoughtful than bis wont, ond looked east ward for the smoke of the train. With but I throe of the passengers in that train has A' this little tale specially to do, and they were all-in the new and comfortable Pullman " City of Cheyenne." One was a tall, well made man of about thirty; blond, blue-eyed bearded, straight,, sinewy, alert. Of all-in the train he seemed the most thoroughly at home, and the respectful greeting of the conductor as he passed through tho car marked him as an officer of the rood. Such was he: Henry Sinclair,' assistant engineer, quite famed on the line, high in favour with .the directors, and a rising man in all ways. It was known on the road th,at he was ex pected in Denver, and there were rumours that he was to organise tho parties for the survey oi ah important extension. Beside him sat his pretty younjj wife. She was a New Yorker ; one could toll at first glance, from tho feather of her little bonnet, matching tho groy travelling dross, to the tips of her dainty boots; undone, too, at whom old Fifth Avenue prjmenaders would hnve turned to look. She had a charming figuro, brown hair, hazel eyes, and an ex pression at once kind, intelligent and ■A epirited. She had cheerfully left a luxurious homo to followthoyoungongineor's fortunes; and it was well known that thoso fortfines ; .h,ad-beon~matcrially advanced by hor tact _r -""and cleverness.

The third passenger in question had just! been in conversation with Sinclair, and the latter was telling his wife of their curious - mooting. Entering the toilet-room at the rear of tho car, ho said he had begun his = ' ablutions by the side of another man, andit wis as thoy were sluicing thoir faces with water that he heard the cry : " Why, Major, is that you ? Just tothink of meeting you here !" A man of about: 28 years of age, slight,. muscular, wiry, had i seized his wet hand and. was wringing it. ', He had black eyes, keen and bright, swarthy complexion, blaok hair and moustache. A keen observer might have seen about him 7 ' some signs of a jeunesse orageuse, but his manner was frank and pleasing. Sinclair A looked him in the face, puzzled for a moment. "Don't you remember Foster?" asked . the man. "Of course I do," replied Sinclair. " For a moment I could-not place you, . Where have you been, and what have you been doing?" - "Oh," replied Foster, laughing, "I've '.' "briced up and turned over a new leaf, I'm a respectable member of society, have a - place in the express company, and am going to Denver to take charge." •. „.. "I am very glad to hear it, and you must tell me your story when we have had our breakfast;" _, The pretty youngyroman was just about A io ask Who Foster Was, when the speed of the, train slackened, and the bi-akcmen opened the door of the car and cried out in A * Btentorian tones : A "Pawnee Junction; twenty minutes for * rafcwhirients.";"" .A- ~ ~

—~-'~' fir 1 - When the celebrated'Rockjr Mountain gold excitement broke out, more than twenty years ago, and the people painted " Pike's Peak or Bust" on the canvas covers of their waggons and started for the diggings, they established a " trail" or " trace leading in a south-westerly direction from the old one to California. At a certain point on this trail a frontiersman named Barker built a forlorn ranch house and corral, and offered what is conventionally called entertainment for man -and beast. For years he lived there, dividing his time between fighting the Indians and feeding tho passing emigrants and their stock. Then the first railroad to Denver was built, taking another route from the Missouri, and Barker's occupation was cone. He re tired with his gains to St. Louis, and lived in comfort. Years passed on, and the ex tension over which our train is to pass was planned. The old pioneers wore excellent natural engineers, and their successors could find no better route than they had chosen. Thus it was that "Barker's" became, during the construction period, an important point, and the frontiersman's nnmo camo to figure on time tables. Mean while the placo passed through a process of evolution which would have delighted Dar win. In the party of engineers which first camped there was Sinclair, and it was by his advice that the contractors selected it for division headquarters. Then came drinking " saloons " and gambling houses, alike tho inevitable concomitant and the bane of Western settlements; then scattered houses and shops, and a shabby so-called hotel, in which the letting of miserable rooms, di vided from each other by canvas partitions, was wholly subordinate to thebusiness of the bar. Before long Barker's had acquired a worse reputation than even other towns of its type, those abnornal and uncanny aggregations of squalor and vice which dotted the Plains in those days; and it was at its worst when Sinclair returned thither and took up his quarters in the engineer's building. The passion for gambling was raging, and to pander thereto were collected as choice a lot of desperadoes as ever "stocked" cards or loaded dice. It camo to be noticed they were on excellent terms with a man called "Jeff" Johnson, who was lessee of the hotel; and to be suspected that said Johnson, in local parlance, " stood in with " them. With this man had come to Barker's his daughter Sarah, commonly known as "Sally," a handsome girl, with a straight, lithe figure, fine features, reddish auburn hair, and dark ,l>lne eyes. It is but fair to say that even tho "toughs" of a place like Barker's show some respect for ! tho other sex ; and Miss Sally's case was no exception to the rule. The male population admired her; they said she "put on heaps of style;" but none of them had seemed to make any progress in her good grace?. Ona pleasantafternoon, just after the track had been laid some miles west of Barker's, and construction trains wero running with somo regularity to and from tho end there of, Sinclair sat on the rude verandah of tho engineer'squarterssmokinghis well-coloured meerschaum, and looking at the sunset. The atmosphere had been so clear during the day that glimpses were had of Long's and Pike's Peaks, and, as the young engineer gazed at the gorgeous cloud display, he was thinking of the miners' quaint and pathetic idea that the dead "go over tho range." " Nice looking, ain't it, Major?" asked a voice at his elbow, and he turned to sco one of tho contractor's officials taking a scat near him.

"Moro than nice looking to my mind, Sam," he replied. " What is the news to day ?" "Nothin'much. There's a sight of talk about the doin's of them faro an' keno sharps. Theboys is gettin' kinder riled, fur they allow the game ain't on the square wuth a cent. Some of 'em down to the tie camp wuz a-talkin' about a vigilanco committee, an' I wouldn't be surprised ef they meant business. Hey yer heard about the young feller that camo in a week ago from Laramie an' set up a new faro bank ?" "No. What about him ?"

"Wall, yer see he's a feller thot's got a lot of sand an' ain't a-feared of nobody; an' ho's allowed to hey the deal to his placo on the square every time. To my ideo, gamb lin's about the wust racket a feller kin work, but it takes all sorts of mon to make a world, and ef the boys is bound to hey a game, I calkilate they'd like to patronise his bank. Thet's made the old crowd mighty mad, an' they're a-talking about puttin' up a job of cheatin' on him an' then stringin' him up. Besides, I kinder think there's some cussed jealousy on another lay ■as comes in. Yer see, the young feller—Cyrus Foster's his name—is sweet on thefc gal of Jeff Johnson's. Jeff wuz to Laramie before he come here, an' Foster knowed Sally up thero. I allow he moved here to sco her. Hello! If there they ain't a-comin' now."

Down a path leading from tho town, past the railroad buildings, and well on to the prairie, Sinclair saw the girl walking with the "young feller." He was talking earnestly to her, and her eyes wero cast down. She looked pretty, and, in a way, graceful; and there was in her attire a noticeable attempt at neatness and a faint reminiscence of hygone fashions. A smile came to Sinclair's lips as he thought of a couple walking up Fifth Avenue during his leave of absence not many months before, and of a letter, many, times read, lying at that moment in his breastpocket, i " Papa's bark is worse than his bite," ran one of its sentences. "Of course he does not like the idea of my leaving him and going away to such dreadful and remote placesias Denver and Omaha, and I don't know what else, but ho will not oppose 'mo in tho end, and when you come for me— —"■ " By thunder !" exclaimed Sam, "of thar ain't one of them cussed sharps a-watchin' 'em." '" . . ' . 7

Sure enough, a rough-looking fellow, his hat pulled over his eyes, half concealed by a pile of lumber, was casting a sinister glance toward the pair. "The gal's well enough," continued Sam, "but I don't take a cent's wuth of stockUn thet thar .father of hern. He's in with them sharps, sure pop, an' it don't suit his book to hey Foster hangin' round. It's ton to one ho sent that ciifes to .wtotoh !dm. Wall, they're' a qii^ef 16t,;ar_':I'm' afeard thor's plenty of trouble ahead'among'em. Good luck to yer, Major," and he pushed back his chair and walked away.

After breakfast next morning, when Sin clair was sitting at the'table in" his office, busy with maps and plans, tho",doorwas thrown open, and Foster, panting'f or breath, ran in.' ... ... ' ■' : .-■

" Major Sinclair,"he said, with difficulty, "I'veno claim on you, but I ask you'to protect me. The other gamblers are going to hang me.' Tljey . are t more than ton' to one. ' They will track me here, and unless you harbour mel'madtiidmah." . Sinclair rose from his chair in a second and walked to tho window. ■ A party of men were aporoaching the building. He turned to Foster.

" I do not 1 ke your trade," said he; " but I will not see you murdered if I can help! it. You are welcome here." •'■'■' 7 Foster said ',' Thank you," stood still a moment, and then began to pace the room, rapidly clenching his hands, his whole frame quivering, his eyes flashing fire—" foijall Mie world,"Sinclair said, in telling tho story afterward, " like a fiercecagod tiger." " By heavens!" he muttered, with con-, centrated intensity; "to bo trapped, trapped liko this !" ;b< \ Sinclair stepped quickly to the door of his bedroom and motioned Foster to enter. Then camo a knock at the outside door, and ho opened it and stood on tho threshold, erect and firm. Half a dozen "toughs" faced him. , - " Major," said their spokesman, "wo want that man." ■" You cannot havo him, boys." " Major, we're a-goin' to tako 'im." " You had better not try," sifid Sinclair, with perfect ease and self-possession, and in a pleasant voice.- "I.havo given him shelter, and you can only got him oyer my dead body. Of course, you can kill mo, but you won't do oven that without one or two of you going down, and then you I know perfectly well, boys, what will happen. You know that if you lay a finger on a railroad man it's all up with you. There we five hundred men in the graders' catap not five miles away, and you don't need to be told that in less, than one hour after they get word there won't be a piece of one of you big enough to bury !" The men made no reply. They looked him straight in the eyes for a moment. Had they seen a sign of flinching they might have risked the issue, but there was none. With muttered curses they slunk away. Sinclair shut and bolted the door, then opened the one leading to the bed room.

"Fester,"hosaid, "the train will pass here in half an hour. Have you money enough ?" "Plenty, Major." • "Very well; keep perfectly quiet, and I will try to get you safely off." He went to an adjoining room and called Sam, the con tractor's man. He took in the situation at a glance. " Wall, Foster," said he, " kinder close call for yer, warn't it? Guess yer'd better be gittin' up an' gittin' pretty lively. The train boys will take yer through, an' yer kin come back when this racket's worked out." v

Sinclair glanced at his watch ; then ho walked to the window and looked out. On a small mesa or elevated plateau command ing the path to the railroad he saw a num ber of men with rifles.

" Just-wfexpecteo.," said he. "Sam, ask one of the boys to go down to the track, and when the train arrives tell the conductor to come here."

In a few minutes the whistle was heard, and the conductor entered the building. Re ceiving his instructions, he returned, and immediately on engine, tender, and plat forms appeared the train men with their rifles, covering the group on the bluff. Sin clair put on his hat. "Now, Foster," said he, we have no time to lose. Take Sam'sarm and mine, and walk between u_."

The trio left tho building and walked de liberately to the railroad. Not a word was spoken. Besides the men in sight on the train, two behind the window blinds of the one passenger coach and unseen, kept their fingers on the triggers of their repeating carbines. It seemed along time, counted by anxious seconds, until Foster was safe in the coach. * "All roady, conductor," said Sinclair. " Now, Foster, good-by. lam not good at lecturing ; but if I were you I would make this the turning point in my life." Faster was much moved. "I will do it, Major," said he, "and Ishall never forget what you have done for me to day. lam sure we shall meet again." With another shriek from the whistle, the train started. Sinclairand Sam saw the men quietly returning the firearms to their places as it moved away. Then they walked back to their quarters. The men on the mesa, baulked of their purpose, had withdrawn. Sam accompanied Sinclair to his door, and then sententiously remarked : "Major, I think I'll light outandfind somo of the boys. You ain't got no call to know anything about it, but I allow it's about timo them cusses was bounced."

Three nights after this a powerful party of vigilantes, stern and inexorable, made a raid on all the gambling dens, broke the tables and apparatus, and conducted the men to a distance from the town, where they left them, with an emphatic and concise warning as to the consequences of any at tempt to return. An exception was made in Jeff Johnson's case, but only for the sake of his daughter, for it was found that many a "little gnmo" had been carried on in his house.

Ere long he found it convenient to sell his business and retire to a town some miles to the oastward, where tho railroad influence was not so strong as at Barker's. At about this time Sinclair made his arrangements to go to New York, with the pleasant prospect of marrying the young lady in Fifth Avenue. In due course he arrived at Barker's with his young and charming wife, and remained forsomedays. The changes weroastounding. Commonplace respectability had replacod abnormal lawlessness. A neat station stood where had been the rough contractor's build ings. At a new " Windsor"(or was it Bruns wick ?") tho performauce of tho kitchen con trasted sadly (alas ! how common ia such contrast in these regions !) with the promise of tho menu. There was a tawdry theatre yclept "Academy of Music," and there was not much to choose in the way of ugliness between two "meeting houses."

" Upon my word, my dear," said Sinclair to his wife, " I ought to be ashamed to say it, but I prefer Barker's au naiu-rel."

One evening, just before the young people left (he town, and as Mrs Sinclair sat alono in her room, the frowsy waitress announced " a lady," and was requested to bid her en ter. A woman came with timid mien into the room, sat down as invited, and removed hor veil. Of courso tho young bride had never known Sally Johnson, the whilom bolle of Barker's, but her husband would have noticed at a glance how greatly she was changed from the girl who walked with Foster past tho engineer's quarters. It would be hard to find a more striking con trast than was presented by the two women as they sat facing each other; the one in the flush of health and beauty, calm, sweet, self possessed ; the other still retaining some of the shabby finery of old days, but pale and haggard, with black rings under her eyes, and a pathetic air of humiliation.

" Mrs Sinclair," shehurriedlybogan, "you do not know me, or the liko, of me ; I've got no right to speak to you, but I couldn't help it. Oh ! please believe me, I'm not real downrightbad. I'm Sally Johnson, daughter of a man whom they drove out of the town. My mother died when I was little, and I never had a show; and folks think that becauso I live with my father, and ho makes me know tho crowd he travels with, that I must be in with them, and be of their sort. I never had a woman speak a kind word to me, and I've had so much troublo that I'm just drove wild, and like to kill myself, and then I was at the station when you came in, and I saw your sweet face and the kind look in your eyes, and it came in my heart that I'd speak to you, if I died for it." She leaned eagerly forward, her hands ner vously closing on the back of a chair. "I suppose your husbaud never told you of me; like enough ho never knew me ; butl'llnever forget him as long as I live. When he was hero before there was a young man"—here a faintcolourcameinthewancheeks—" who was fond of me, and I thought the world of him, and my father was down on him, and the men that father was in with wanted to kill him, and Mr Sinclair saved his life. He's gone away, and I've waited and waited for him to come back—and perhaps I'll never see him again. But oh ! dear lady, I'll never forget what your husband did. He's a good man, and he deserves tho love of a dear, good woman like you ; and if I dared, I'd pray for you both night and day.'

She stopped suddenly and sank back in her seat, pale as before, and as if frightened by her own emotion. Mrs Sinclair had listened with sympathy and increasing in terest.

"My poorgirl, "she said, speaking tenderly (she had a lovely, soft voice) and with slightly heightened colour, "I am delighted that you came to see me, and that my hus band was able to help you. Tell me, can we not do more for you ? I do not for one moment believeyou can be happy with your present surroundings. Can we not assist you to leave them ? . The girl rose, sadly shaking her head. " I thank you for. your Kind words," she said; " I don't suppose I'll ever see you again, but I'll say God bless you." She caught Mrs Sinclair's hand, pressed it to her lips, and'was gone. •Sinclair found his wife very thoughtful when he came home, and he listened with much interest to her story. - " Poor girl," said he, " Foster is the man to help her. I wonder where he is. I must inquire about him." The next day tfiey proceeded on' their way to San Francisco, and matters drifted on at, .Barker's much as before. Johnson had, aftcAan absence of some months, come back and lived,without molestation amid the shifting population. Now and then, too, the older residents fancied they recog nised under slouched sombreros the faces of some of his former "crowd" about the " Ranchman's House,' as the gaudy saloon was called.

On the very evening on .which this story opens, and thejr were ' making up" the Denver express in the train house on the Missouri, "Jim" Watkins, agent and tele -grapher at Barker's, was sitting in his little office, communicating with tho station room by the ticket window." Jim was a cool, silent, efficient man, and not much given to talk about such episodes in his past life as . the "wiping out" by Indians of the con struction party to which he belonged, and his own- rescue by the scouts. He was smoking an old and favourite pipe, and talk ing with one of the " boys" whose head ap peared at the wicket. On a seat in the station sat a woman in a black dress and veil, apparently waiting for a train. "Got a heap of letters and telegrams there, ain't yer, Jim ?" remarked the man at the window. " Yes,"replied Jim. "They're for Engi neer Sinclair, to bo delivered- to him when ho passes through here. He leaves on NumherSeventeen to-night." Theinquirer did not notice the sharp start of the woman near him. "Is that good-lookin' wifeof his'n a-comin' with him ?" asked ho. "Yes, there's letters for her too." " Well, good night, Jim. See yer later;" and he went out. The woman suddenly rose and ran to the window. "Mr Watkins," cried she, "can I see you for a few moments where no one can inter rupt us? It's a matter of life and deuth. She clutched tho sill with her thin hands, and her voice trembled. Watkinsrecognised Sally Johnson in a moment. He unbolted a door, motioned her to enter, closed and again bolted it, and also closed the ticket window.. Then he pointed to a chair, and the girl sat down and leaned eagerly forward. S «If they knewl wasTiere," she Ba id in a hoarae whisper," my life wouldn't be safe five minutes. I was waiting to tell yon erriblestory, and then I helrd who in the train due here to-morrow night Air Watkins, don't for God's sake as| me how I found out, but I hope to die if I ain't tell ing you the living truth. They're gone to wreck that train—Number Seventeen—at Dead Man's Crossing, fifteen miles east, and rob the passengers and the express car. It's the worst gang in the country—Perry's They're going to throw the train off the track, the passengers will be maimed and killed, and Mr Sinclair and his wife are on tho cars. Oh, my God! Mr Watkins, send them warning !" / She stood upright, her face deadly pale her hands clasped. Watkins walked deli berately to the railroad map wbk# hung on

the wall, and scanned it. Then he resumed his seat, laid his pipe down, fixed his eyes on the girl's face, and began to question her. • At the same his right hand, with ■which he had held his pipe, found its way to the telegraph key. None but an expert could have distinguised any change in the clicking of the instrument, which hud been almost incessant; but Watkins had "called" tho head office on the Missouri. In two minutes the " sounder " rattled out, "All right. What is it?" Watkins went on with his questions, his eyes still fixed on the poor girl's face, and all the time his fingers, as it were, playing with the key. If he were imperturable, so was not a man sitting at a receiving in strument nearly five hundred miles away. He had " taken " but a few words when he jumped from his chair and cried : '• Shut that door and call the Superin tendent, and bo quick ; Charley, brace up —lively—and come and write this out." With his wonderful electric pcn —the handle several hundreds of miles long—Watkins, unknown to his interlocutor, was printing in the Morse alphabet this startling mes sage: " Information received. Perry gang going to throw Number Seventeen off track —near sixth mile post this division about nine to-morrow (Thursday) night. Kill passengers and rob oxpress and mail. Am alone here. No chance to verify story, but believe it to be on square. Better make ar rangements from your end to block gamo, No Sheriff here now. Answer."

The Superintendent, responding to the hasty summons, heard the message , before the clerk had time to writo it out. His lips wero closely compressed as he put his own hand on the key and sent these laconic sen tences : "O.K. Keep perfectly dark. Will manage from this end." Watkins, at Barker's, rose from his seat, opened the door a little way, saw that the station was empty, and then said to the girl, brusquely but kindly : " Sally, you've done the square thing, and saved that train. I'll take care that you don't suffer and that you get well paid. Now come home with me, and my wife will look out for you."

" Oh I no," cried the girl, shrinking back, " I must run away. You're mighty kind, but I daren't go with you." Detecting a shade of doubt in his eye, she added, " Don't be afeard. I'll die before they'll know I've given them away to you," and she disappeared in the darkness. At the other end of the wire tho Superin tendent had quietly impressed secrecy on his operator and clerk, ordered his fast mare harnessed, and gone to his privateoffice. " Read that, said he to his secretary. " It was about time for somo trouble of this kind, and now I'm going to lot Uncle Sam " (the United States) "tako care of this mail train. If I don't get to the reservation beforothe General's turnod in, I shall have to wako him up. Wait for mo, please." The grey mare had mado tho six miles of tho military reservation in just half an hour. Tho General was smoking his last cigar, and was alert in an instant; and bofcro the Superintendent had finished the jorum of "hot Scotch" hospitably tendered, the orders had gone by wire to the commanding officer at Fort —, somo distanco oast of Barkor's, and had been duly acknowledged. ' Returning to tho station, he remarked to tho waiting secretary: "The General's all right. Of courso wo can't toll that this is not a sell, but if those Perry hounds moan business, they'll got all the flight thoy want ; und if thoy'vo got any souls, which I doubt, may tho Lord have mercy on them !" Ho prepared several despatches, .two of which wore as follows :

"Mr Henry Sinclair, on Number Seven teen, Pnwneo Junction.

"This telegram your authority to take chargo of train on which you arc,and demand obedionce of all officials and trainmen on road. Pleaso do so and act in accordance with information wired station ngont at Pawnee Junction."

To tho station agent: "Reported Perry gang will try wreck nnd rob Number Seventeen near six mile post, Denver division, about nine Thursday night. Troops will await train at Fort -. Car ordored ready for them. Keop everything secret, nnd act in accord ance with orders of Mr Sinclair." " It's worth about ten thousand dollars,' sontontiously romarked ho, " that Sinclair's on that train. He's got both sand nnd brains. Good night," nnd he wont to bed nnd slept tho sleep of tho just. 111. Tho sun never shono more brightly, and the air was novor moro clear and bracing, than when Sinclair helped his wifo off the train nt Pawnee Junction. Tho station master's faco fell as ho saw tho lady, but he saluted the onginccr with as easy an air as ho could assume, and watched for an oppor tunity to sponk to him alono. Sinclair road the despatches with an unmoved counte nance, and after a few minutes' reflection, simply said, "All right. Bo suro to keep the matter porfectly quiet." At breakfast he was distrait; so much so that his wife asked him what was the matter. Taking her nsido, he at onco showed her the telo-

grams. " You see my duty," he said ; " my only thought is about you, my dear child. Will you stay here ?" She simply replied, looking into his face without a tremor

"My place is with yeu." Then the con ductor called " All aboard," and the train once more started.

Sinclair asked Foster to join him in the smoking compartment and tell him tho promised story, which the latter did. His rescue at Barkor's.he frankly and gratefully said, had been the turning point in his lifo. In brief, ho had " sworn off from gambling and drinking, hadfoundhoncst employment, and was doing welL "I've two things to do now, Major," ho added. "First, I must show my gratitude to you ; and next " he hesitated a little, " I want to find that poor girl that I left behind nt Barker's. Sho was engaged to marry mo, and when I came to think of it, and what a life I'd have made her load, I hadn't the heart till now to look for her; but, seeing I'm on the right track, I'm going to find her, and get her to come with me. Her father's a old scoundrel, but that ain't her fault, and I ain't going to marry him." "Foster," quietly asked Sinclair, "do you know the Perry gang ?" Tho man's brow darkened. " Know them ?" said he; "I knew thorn much too well. Perry is as ungodly a cut throat as ever killed an emigrant in cold blood, and he's got in his gang nearly all those hounds that tried to hang me. Why do you ask, Major ?" • Sinclair handed him the despatches. " You are tho only man on the train to whom I havo shown them," said he. Foster road them slowly, his eyes light ing up as he did so. " Looks as if it was true," said he, "Let me see, Fort . Yes, that's the —th Infantry. Two of their boys were killed at Sydney last summer by some of the same gang, and the regiment s sworn vengeance. Major, if this story's on the square, that crowd's goose is cooked, and don t you forget it! I Bay, you must give me a hand in," "Foster,' said Sinclair, "lam going to Eut responsibility on your shoulders. I aye no doubt that if we wero attacked the soldiers would dispose of the gang, but 1 must take all possible precautions for the safety of the passengers. We must not olarm them. Thoy can be mado to think that the troops are going on a scout', and only a certain number of resolute men need be told of what we expect. Can you, late this afternoon, go through the cars and pick them out? I will then put you in chargo of the passenger cars, and you can post your men on tho platforms to act in case of need. My place will bo ahead." "Major, you can depend on mc," was Foster's reply. "I'll go through the train and have my eye on somo boys of the right sort, and that's got their shooting irons with them."

Through tho hours of that day on rolled the train, still over the crisp buffalo crass, across the well-worn buffalo trails, past the prairie-dog villages. The passengers chat ted, dozed, played cards, read, all uncon scious, with the exception of three, of the coming conflict between the good and the evil forces bearing on their fate ;of the fell preparations making for their disaster ;of the grim preparations making to avert such disaster ; of all of which the little wires alongside of them had been talking back and forth. Watkins had telegraphed that he still saw no reason to doubt the good faith of his warning, and Sinclair had re ported his receipt of authority and his acceptance thereof. Meanwhile, also, there had beon set in motion a measure of that power to which appeal is so reluctantly made in time of peace. At Fort , a lonely post on the plains, the orders had that morning been issued for twenty men, under Lieutenant Halsey, to parade at «^i mk'n With °r? rcoate. two days'rations, S?,l» V*!^6s also for Assistant- XS to report for duty with the party. Orders as to destination were com municated direct to the Lieutenant from the post commander, and on the minute tho little column moved, taking the road to tho station. The regiment from which it ca .„ o had been in active service among the Indians on the frontier for a long time, and tho officers and men were tried and seasoned fighters. Lieut. Halsey had been well known at tho West Point fc/alls as the

•' leader of the German." From the last of :hese balls he had gone straight to the ield, and three years had given him an jnviablo reputation for sang froid and Ictermined bravery. He looked every inch he soldier as he walked along the trail, his :loak thrown back, and his 6word tucked mder his arm. The doctor, who carried i Modoc builet in some inaccessible part of lis scarred body, growled good-naturedly at ;he need of walking; and the men, en •eloped in their army bluo overcoats, narched easily by fours. Reaching the itation, the Lieutenant called the agent iside, and with him inspected on a siding a ong platform car ten which benches had .laced and secured. Then he took his scat n the station and quietly waited, ocoasion dly twisting his. long blond moustache. The doctor took a cigar with tbc agent, and ;he men walked about or sat on the edge of die platform. Ono of theiit, who obtained i surreptitious glance at his silent com nander, told his companions that there was .rouble ahead for somebody.

" That's just the way theLieutenantlooked, j0y..," said he, "when wo was laying for _hem Apaches that raided Jones's Ranch md killed the woman and little children."

In a short timo the officer looked at his Watch, formed his men, and directed them -<o take their places on the seats of the car ; and they had hardly done so when the whistle of the approaching train was heard. When it came up, tho conductor, who had lis instructiqjis from Sinclair, had the jngine dotached and backed on tho siding for the soldiers' car, which thus came be :ween it and the foremost baggage car when die train was again made up. As arranged, it was announced that the troops wero to bo token a certain distance to join a scouting party, and the curiosity of the passengers ,vas but slightly excited. The soldiers sat juietly in their seats, their repeating rifles ield between their knees, nnd the officer in ront. Sinclair joined the latter, and had a ew words with him as the train moved on. A. little later, when the stars wore shining 'jrightly overhead, they passed into the sxpress car and sent for the conductor nnd i.ther trainmen, and for Foster. In a few words Sinclair explained tho position of affairs. His statement was received with perfect .oolness, and the men only asked what they were to do.

" I hope, boys," said Sinclair, "that wo ire going to put this gang to-night where .hey will mako no more trouble. Lieut. Halsey will bear tho brunt of the fight, and it only remains for you to stand by the interests committed to your care. Mr Express Agent, what help do you want?" The person addressed, a good-natured riant, girded with a cartridge belt, smiled is ho replied: " Well, sir, I'm woaringawatch which tho lompany gave mo for standing off tho .lames in Missouri for half an hour, when wo indn't tho ghost of a soldier about. I'll _uke tho contract and welcome, to hold this 'ort alono."

" Vory well,"said Sinclair. " Foster, what progress havo you mado ?" " Major, I'vo got ton or fifteen as good mon as over drawed a bead, and just red hot for a fight." "That will do vory well. Conductor, jivo the trainmen the rifles from tho baggage :ar, and lot thorn act under Mr Foßtor. Now, boys, I am suro you will do your duty. That is all."

From tho next station Sinclair tele graphed "All ready" to tho Suporinton lent, who was pacing his ollico in much dispense. Then ho said a fow words to his jravo but anxious wifo, and walked to tho rear plat.'orm. On it wero .several armed men, who bado him good ovening, and isked " whon tho fun was going to begin." Walking through tho train, ho found each platform similarly occupied, and Foster ;oing from one to the other. The latter whisporod as ho passed him— "Major, I found Arizona Joe, the scout, in tho smokin' car, and bo's on tho front platform. That lots mo out, and although I know as well aa you that thoro ain't no danger about that roar sleeper whore the madam is, I ain't n-goin' to bo far off from her." Sinclair shook him by the hand, a__d lookcdfut his watch. It was half-past 8. lie passed through the baggage and express cars, finding in tho latter the agent sitting behind his safe, on which lay two large ro volvtw. On tho platform car ho found the soldiers and their commander, sitting silent and apparently unconcerned as be fore When Sinclair reached tho latter and nodded, ho rose nnd faced the men, nnd his fine voice was clearly heard nbovethe rattlo of tho train.

"Company, attention!" Tho soldiers straightened themselves in a second.

" With bill enrtridgo, load !" It was done with the precision of a machine Then tho Lieutenant spoke, in tho clear, crisp tones that the troops had heard in many a battle.

"Men," said ho, "in a fow minutes tho Perry gang, whioh you will romembor, are going to try to run this train off tho track, rt-ound and kill the passengers, and rob the cars and tho United Stntoa mail. It is our business to prevent them. Sorgoant Wilson (a grey-bearded, non-commissioned ollicor stood up and salutod). I am going on the engine. See that my orders aro repeated. Now, men, aim low and don't wasle any shots." He and.Sinclair climbed ovor the tender and spoko to the engino drivor. "How are the brakes working?" asked Sinclair. "First-rate." "Then, if you slow down now, you could slop the train in a third of her length, couldn't you ?" " Easy, if you don't mind being shnkon up a bit." "That is good, How is tho country about tho sixth-milo post ?" " Doad level and smooth." "Good again. Now, Liout. Hnlsey, this is a splendid headlight, and we can soo a long way with my nightglass. I will havo a " " Fourth milo post just passed," inter rupted the engino drivor. " Only ono moro to pass, then, boforo wo ought to strike them. Now Lieutonant, I undertake to stop tho train within a very short distance of tho gang. They will be on both sides of tho track, no doubt, and tho ground, as you hear, is quite level. You will Dost know what to do. Tho officer stepped back. "Sergeant," called he, "do you hear mo plainly?" "Yes, sir."

" Have the men fix bayonets. Whon the train stops, and I wave my sword, let half jump off each side, run up quickly and form lino abreast of the engine, not ahead." "Jack," said Sinclair to the engine driver, is your hand steady 1" Tho man held ifc up with a smile. " Good. . Now stand by your throttle and your air brake. Lieu tenant, better warn the men to hold on tight, and tell the Sergeant to pass the word on to tho boys on the platforms, or they will be knocked off by the sudden stop. No w for a look ahead," and he brought the binocular to his eyes.

The great parabolic hoadlight illuminated the track a long way in advance, all behind it being, of course, in darkness. Suddenly Sinclair cried out.

"The fools have a light there, as I am a living man, and there is a little red ono near us. What can that be? All ready, Jack ? By heavens ! they have taken up two rails. Now, hold on, all. Step her !"

The engino drivor shut his throttle'valve with a jerk. Then, holding hard by it, ho sharply turned a brass handle Thoro was a fearful jolt—a grating—and the train's way was checked. The Lioutennnt, stand ing sideways, had drawn his sword. He waved it, and almost before ho could get off the ongine the soldiers wore up and forming, still in shadow, while tho bright light was thrown on a body of mon ahead.

" Surrender, •or you are dead men," roarod the officor. Curses and several shots were the reply. Then came tho orders, quick and sharp. "Forward! Closo up! Double-quick! Halt! Fire!"

It was speedily ovor. Loft on the car with tho men, the old Sorgeant had said— " Boys, you hoar. It's that cursod Perry gang. Now, don't forget Larry and Charley, that they murdered last year " —and there had come from the soldiers a sort of fierce subdued growl. The volley was followed by a bayonet, charge, and it required all the of ficer's authority to save the lives, even of those who " threw up their hands." Largo as the gang was (outnumbering the troops), well armed and desperate as they were, everyone was dead, wounded, or a prisoner when the men who guarded the tram plat forms ran forward. The surgeon, with pro fessional coolness, walked uj) to the robbers, his instrument case under his arm.

"Not much for me to do here, Lieutenant" said he. "That practice for Crcedmooris telling on the shooting. Good thing for the gang, too. Bullets are better than rope, and a Colorado jury will give them plenty of that."

Sinclair had sent a man to tell his wifethat all was ovor. Then he ordered a fire to be lighted and tho rails speedily relaid. The flames lit a strange sceno as the passengers flocked around. The Lieutenant posted men to keep them back. "Is there a tolegi'aph station not far ahead, Sinclair?" asked he. "Yes? All right." He drew a small pad from his pocket and wrote adespatch to the post commander. "Bo good enough to send that for mo," Enid ho, " and leavo orders at Barker's for tho night express eastward to stop over for us, and to bring a posse to take care of the wounded and prisoners. And now, my dear, Sinclair, I suggest that you get the

passengers into the cars and go on as soon as those rails are spiked. When they realise the situation some of them will feel precious ugly, and you know we can't have any lynching." Sinclair glanced at the rails.nnd gave the word at once to the conductor and brake man, who began vociferating " All aboard !" Just then Foster appeared, an expression of intense satisfaction showing clearly on his face. "Major "said ho, "I didn't use'to take much stock in special providence, or things being ordered, but I'm darned if I don't be lievo in them from this day. I was bound to stay where you put mo, but I was uneasy and wild to be in tho scrimmage ; and if I had been there I wouldn't havo taken notice of a littlo red light that wasn't much behind the rear platform when wo stopped. When I saw there was no danger* there I ran back, and what do you think I found? There was a woman in a dead faint, and clutching a lantern that she'd tied up in a red scarf, poor little thing! And, Major, it was Sally! It was the little girl that loved me out at Barker's, and has loved me and waited for mo ever since. And when she came to and know me, she was so glad sho 'most fainted away again; and she let on as it was her that gave away the job, And I took her into the sleeper, and the Madam—God bless her ! she knew Sally before and was good to hor—she took care of her and is cheering her up. And now, Major, I'm going to take her straight to Denver and send for a parson and get her married to mo, and she'll brace up, sure pop." The whiatlo sounded and the trainstarted. From the window of the " sleeper" Sinclair and his wife took their last look at the weird scene. The Lieutenant, standing at tho side of the track, wrapped in his cloak, caught a glimpso of Mrs Sinclair's pretty face and re turned her bow. Then, as the car passed out of sight, he tugged at his moustache and hummed: Why, hoys, why Should wo bo melancholy, boys, Whoso business 'tis to die? In less than an hour, telegrams having in tho mcantimo boon sent in both direc tions, tho train ran alongsido tho platform at Barker's, and Watkins, impcrtubablo as usual, mot Sinclair and gave him his letters. "Porrygang wiped out, 1 hoar Major," said he. " Gobd thing for the country. That's a lesson the " toughs" in these parts won't forgot for a long time. Plucky girl that givo em away, wasn't sho ? Hopo she's all right." " She is all right," said Sinclair, ivith a smile. "Glad of that. By the way, that father of horn passed in his cheeks to-night. He'd got one warning from the Vigilantes, and yesterday they found out ho was iv with this gang nnd thoy wero a-going for him ; but when tho telegram camo ho put a pistol to his head and saved thorn all the trouble Good riddanco to ovorybody, I say. The Sheriffs horo now, nnd is going east on tho noxt train to get them follows. Ho's got a big posse together, and I wouldn't wondor if thoy was hard to hold in after tho boys in bluo is gono." In a fow minutes tho train was off with its living froight—tho just and the unjust, the roformed nnd the rescued, tho hnppy and tho anxious. With many of tho jvissengere tho episode of tho night was already a thing of tho past. Sinclair Bat by tho side of his wifo,te whoso checks tho colour had all come back ; and Sally Johnson lay in hor berth, faint still, but able to give an occasional smile to Foster. In tho station on the Missouri the reporters aro gathered about tho happy Superintendent, smoking his cigars and filling their notebooks with items. In Denver they would gladly have done tho same, but Watkins failed to gratify them. Ho was a man of fow words. Wlion the train had gono nnd a friend remarked : " Hope they'll get through all right now," ho simply said : "Yes, likely. Two shots don't 'most al ways go in the samo hole." Then he went to tho telegraph instrument. In a fow min utes ho could havo told a story as wild as a Norse saga, but what ho said whon Denver had responded was only : "Number Sevonteon, fifty-five minutes late."

the auckLAND EVENING STAR THURSDAY MAY 9, 1881.

6



ANOTHER FIRE! WHAT TO DO IN CASK OF FIRE. Tho most fruitful sources of fires aro—tho careless uso of matches, candle tlanio coining ki|oontact with window curtains or bedhung- Ings, tho mismanagement of kcroscno lamps, and tho leaving of ordinary household lamps untended. Matches should always bo kept on a high shelf out of tho reach of children. When employed In stores, warehouses and factories, thoy should bo proteotcd from mice by moans of proper metal-boxes. Caro should bo taken not to drop unllghtod matches, nor to throw down unextinguished matches care lessly on tho iloor. Novor leave a lighted candle unwatched noar hanging drapery, especially if there bo nn open window in tho room. Heading In bod bycandlo light is a practice very much to bo condemned, nnd a burning candle should novor bo aufforod to romaln after tho Inmatos of tho houso aro asleep. Gas should bo turned olf at tho main whon not in übo. In caso an osoapo should ho strongly smelt, turn olf at onco from tho main nnd set open tho doora and windows, but on no account tako a lighted candle into tho room till tho smell has passed off. Novcr pile up partially burnt wood against tho chlmnoy; scores of houses havo been burnod In this way In New Zealand. Novorput llrowood lnsldo tho fonder or on tho atovo to dry. Paper, clothing, or similar combustible material should novor bo left noar tho grate. Ashes should novcr bo thrown away against a woodon building, or kept In a wooden box or barrel. Tho abovo hints relate to the preven tion OP kiiik. When unfortunately a fire docs occur, remember that wot blankets and rugs economise tho supply of wntor, and nro moro effectual In preventing the spread of iUo than water simply thrown cm, and at tho same timo cause less dainago to furniture. In tho hurry and conf iißion of a lire doors and windows aro too apt to be thrown open ; they should be kept SHUT aa much as possible. Fi re can only spread rapidly when It Is plentifully supplied with air. Havo your chimnoya regularly swept, nt llxed Intervals; at least once in thrco months. WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE. Tho assured must uso his host endeavours to savo and protcot his proporty during tho fire and afterwards, and until an ofllrer of the Insuranco Company arrives, he should act precisely as ho would if ho had no in surance whatover, i.e., do all in his rowicu TO PREVENT FUBTUEH LOSS OU DAMAGE. This Is especially necessary where the loss Is on merchandise or chattels, it being a mistake to suppose that goods damaged by w in con sequence of a fire must bo allowed to romain in the chaotio condition into which a flro §onorally throws them, to await Inspection by le adjuster. On the contrary, thoy should first of all bo removed (if necessary) to a safe, dry placo, and everything dono that Is requisito to prevent further shrinkage of values. After this thoy should be straightened and assorted, tho damaged separated from tho sound, and tho whole cor rectly invoiced. The policies make this a part of the duty devolving upon tho assured, and Srompt, intelligent compllanoo with this condl on is calculated to facilitate the adjustment of losses. As tho goods saved from a flro belong to the assured they oannot bo abandoned to the Underwriters, but tho Companies are liable for all damage thoreto so far as the polioiea will reach. WHAT TO DO BEFORE A FIRE. Eflteet a policy of Insurance with tho NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY, whoro nvory description of Insurances aie taken at __iOWE6T RATESOF PKEMIUM. GEORGE P. PIERCE, Gonoral Manager



GOODWIN'S ELEPHANT BRAND BAKING POWDER ONE TRIAL Will. PBOVK ITS SUPBBIOBITY. fIOODWIN'S RAKING POWDER. v*OODWIN'S JJAKING a OWDER. GOVERNMENT ANALYST'S REPORT. Colonial Laboratory', August 8,1882. Mb. GOODWIN : Dear Sib,—Having made a vefy careful analysis of your Baking Powder. I find it to be a vory superior article, containing nothing In any way deleterious to health. I nave, there fore, muoh pleasure In giving itmy certiflcate.>- J. M. TUNNY, Colonial Analyst. Or all Storekeepers, in Tins Is 6d ANSIs 6d. Manufactured try GOODWIN & CO., ONBBT7NQA. STEEDMAN'S SOOTHING POWDERS . FOB CHILDREN CUTTING TEETH. CAUTION TO PURCHASERS, The value of this woll-known Family Medicine has been largely tested In all parts of tho world, and by all grades of Bociety, for upwards of cutty years. Its well-earned extonsivo sale has induced spurious imitations, some of which in outward appearance so closely resemble the original as to havo deceived many Surohasers. The proprietor, therefore, feelß It ue to the public to give a special caution against the use of such imitations. Purchasers are therefore requested carefully .to observe tho four following distinctive char acteristics, without which nohe are genuine !— Ist—ln every ease the words John Steed man, Chemist, Walworth, Surrey, are en graved on the Government Stamp affixed to eaoh packet. 2nd—Eaoh Single Powder has directions for the dose, and the words John Stcedrunn, Chemist, Walworth, Surrey, printed thereon. 3rd—Tho name Steedmau is always spelt with two EE's. 4th—Tho manufacture is carried on solely in Walworth. Surrey. Sold In Paokots by all Chemists and Medicine Vendors, at Is lid to 2s 9d eaoh. Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co., Auckland, Wellington, Chrlstchurch, and Dunedin. STOP THAT COUGHI DONT DELAY. How oan you stop it 1 Whore is the Remedy! BONHNIGTON'S "PECTORAL OXYffIEL OF QARRAQEEN OR IRISH MOSS (REGISTERED). Can produce moro ovtdonco of real merit than any other articlo for tho purpose. Sold everywhere.. G- BONNIS t 2Wch. J YOUNG, Family Grocer, Shortland-1 street, Auckland



Publications. npESTIMONIALS TO <c T> RETT'S /COLONISTS' (AJUIDE JDRETT'S COLONISTS' UTUIDE AND /CYCLOPAEDIA OF TTSEFUL I_;YCLOP_3"DL_. OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE » NOWLEDGE, BEING A COMPENDIUM OF INFORMATION BY PRACTICAL COLONISTS UPON FARMING, HORTICULTURE, AND ALL SUBJECTS OF INTEREST TO NEW ZEALAND SETTLERS. Edited by TnoMSON W, Lets, The publisher has much pleasure in acknow ledging receipt of tho following testimonials from well-known agriculturalists and other practical colonists on the value of tho abovo work:— Tho following letter is from Mr James Wal lace, Hillside, Papatoitoi. As ono of the most § radical and successful settlers In the Auckland istrict, his opinion Is of great value "Sin,—l havo looked forward with a con siderable degree of interest to the publication of Brett's Colonists' Guide, and can now say that it has far exceeded my expectations. Hardly a day passes without my finding some thing in its pages both interesting and instruc tive. It is a book that should be In every Bottler's houso In tho colony. Tho portion dovoted to farming is full of reliable informa tion, and I havo no hesitation in saying that it Is tho most comprehensive nnd useful guide for a Now Zealand colonist ever published," From 8m George Grey, K.C.8.-"Mydcar Sir,—l have kept In constant uso for upwards of two months the copy of 'Brett's Colonists' Guide and Cycloi'-Edia of Useful Know lkdue, which you wero good enough to send me. I havo tested it in many ways upon a great varioty of useful subjects, and am satisfied that it is by far tho best work of the kind I have ovor floen. I fool that Its merits and usefulness In re lation to all praotical subjects, on which a settler's comfort and success depend, render it a noocssaryappendagoto every home In New Zea land.—Faithfully yours, G. Grey. —Kawau, January 7th, 1884." Mr JortN Wallace, of Bothwell Park. Waluku (formerly of Flat Bush), who is one of our earliest Bottlers, and has been for many years closely connected with every effort to pro mote the agricultural Interests of tho Auckland district, writes as follows:— "Dear SIR,—I havo much pleasure in adding my mite in warm commendation of Brett's Colonists' Guide. It is a book that should be, not only in every farmer's library, but should also be on every colonist's book-shelf, no matter In what line of colonial industry he or she may bo engaged. There is information for all. In look in g back over a perod of 11 y ears' of hard colo nial work how much valuablo time and monoy might have boon saved if attho beginning such a fund of Information had been available to guide us as is now within the reach of all in the shape of Brott's Guide. Colonists, who desire to be worthy of the namo, should not, from its ele gant appcaranco or the quality of tho material, make it a drawing - room book, to bo looked at and admired as ono would a picture or a curio; they should havo it on the mantle-shelf, tho sofa, or tho corner of the table; in fact, anywhere so that the eyo of Father, Mother, Johnny, and Jenny, and oven tho helps, may have a chance of look ing at It during spare minutes in tho hoat of summer or tho inclemenoy of winter. Mr Brett has shown pluck in bringing out such a book, has been exceedingly fortunate In the selection of his contributors, and I sincerely hope it will provo a financial success." Mr George Holdsiiip, Managing Director of tho Auckland Timber Company, and a practical colonist of long experience, writes :— "Sir,—l havo looked over your Settlers' Guise, and consider it one of the most useful and valuablo books for tho New Zealand settlor ever published. Tho Information is so varied, nnd tho advice so practical. A single paragraph will often bo found worth more than the cost of tho book. Mr T. W. Hickson, Estate Agent, Auck land, has contributed the following :— "I have much pleasure in stating that, having carefully examined Into Brett's Colonists' Guide, I havo no hesitation in saying I consider It good value for the price asked for it, in fact, worth ton and twenty times tho monoy to almost anyone engaged in rural Industries.' 1 From a Pukokoho Settler. Pukokohc, December 1,1883. "Dkak Sir,—l havo recently boon presented by a friend ot mine with a copy of your valuablo work, The Colonists' Guide. It contains well written articles on nearly every Buhjcct of Interest to tho settler, except religion, with which It docs not meddlo. Those articles are evidently written by practical men, and oontaln tho result of much experience In a compact and roadablo form. Thus wo havo descriptions of tho best broods of Horses, Cattle, Sheep. Poultry, etc, etc, for this part of the world ; and therelß also a well-made digest of such laws of New Zealand as aro of spcolal Interest to tho ordinary settlor; Indeed, the book Is a real Vade Mocum, nnd should be in tho possession of every settler In the Colony. — Yours respectfully, W. H. Madill." "Dear Sir,—Having subscribed for Brett 'b Colonists' Guide, I beg to say that I am very pleased with it. Tho amount of praotical infor mation contalnod In it is lnvaluatilo, and I con sider It tho host 20s worth yet offered to the Now Zealand Public No settler or buaineßa man should bo without it, I think public opinion will say that you havo oonforrod a boon on tho colony by your Bplrltcd effort. Thanking you personally, and wlßhlng the publication ovory success, I am, Sir, yours truly, Noah Wood." Consul Griffin writes as follows with re ference to this work. As a gentleman of exton slvo literary acquirements, and acquainted with tho valuable'library of praotical works for whioh wo aro indebted to the United States, his opinion Is noteworthy :— " The book Is tho moat valuable work of the kind published In the Colonies. I have road evory ohapter In it with attention and pleasure. Tho extent, variety, and accuraoy of its infor mation aro extraordinary. It is what it claims to bo, a Cyelop-edia of Universal Knowledge. Tho Insight that it gives Into tho most approved methods of agriculture the management of live stock, the dairy—ln faot everything portalnlng to farming operations—commend it to everyone interested in the prosperity ot the colony, Tho editor has displayed most excellent taste and judgment. All his idoas are ominontly broad and praotical. Tho arrangement of tho subject matter Is simply admirable. I am especially ploased with tho articles on vinery, flax, fruit, and hop culture The abstract ot tho local Government and land laws of tlijs colony Is the most sucolnot and intelligiblo that has come under my observation, whiM-.tho printing, binding, and illustrations of the work are superb?' SUMMARY OF CONTENTS: The "COLONISTS' GUIDE AND CYCLO PAEDIA OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE" con tains 830 pages, and is profusely illustrated with engravings, comprises sections on :— THE FARM, by Thomas Allen : Dlroodona for Bush aad Fern Land; Growth of vari ous Cereal and Root Crops; Management of Cattle, Sheep, and Horsos, with Cure of thoir Diseases, etc, etc. This soctlon, whioh contains 217 closely-printed pages, with many diagrams and illustrations, including speolmens of tho best pure-bred horses.sheep, and cattle, togothor with selections from the Stud and Pedigree Stock Company's thoroughbred stock, comprises the carefully collated experience of somo of tho most successful Auokland and Canterbury Farmers. HORTICULTURE, by W, Goldie: In this section, which covers 106 pagos, with numer ous illustrations, special attention 1b paid to the management of Fruit Trees, with suoh I stmplo dlrcotlons and diagrams for Pruning, Grafting, Budding, etc, that any settlor, without [previous knowledge or skill, can - manage his orchard profitably. POULTRY, by Thomas Allen : This seotlon, comprising 14 pagoa, gives specimens of tho best varieties of Poultry, with directions for their Management, Designs of Fowl-houses, Treatment of Diseasos, etc USEFUL MECHANICAL CONTRIVANCES. 31 Pages: Under this heading have been classed a variety of contrivances, which will be found useful to the settler; hints and helps for the bush; oheese presses, oarts, fences, gates, measuring and splitting tim ber, measuring garments, ereoting walls and banks, windmills, &c„ &c. PRESERVING AND STORING, SO Pages l Includes the best methods of storing, drying, bottling, canning, and preserving fruit; tho most approved modes of curing bacon and hams, with design for smoke-house; Instruc tions for pickling, sauces, vinegar-making &c, &c. INSECTS AND AGRICULTURAL ENE MIES, by Capt. Broun: In this seotlon, Captain Broun, the well-known New Zea land entomologist, supplies tho results of years of observation upon native and im ported insects, useful and injurious, with illustrations of tho same, and directions for destroying garden and orchard pests. SCIENTIFIC BEE CULTURE, by J. Hop kins This interesting department has been fully and ekiltully treated by Mr Hop kins, of Matamata, whose works on the subject aro well known throughout New ■ - Zealapd, ._- ..... .,t~:±_, _.-_ v,^^"



WINE-GROWING AND MANUFACTURE, — Practical Arboriculture, Tobacco Culture, Hop Growing and Silkworm Rearing, with Cultivation of Olives, Tea, &0., are each exhaustively treated. THE FAMILY DOCTOR, BY DR. KnioHT and Mr. "J. A. Pond, of Auokland, comprises Treatises on both Allopathic and Homceo pathlc systems, compiled with special regard to Country Settlers. To it is appended a MAORI PHARMACOPOEIA, giving the medicinal properties of Nsw Zealand Bush Trees and Plants. COTTAGE COOKERY AND FOODS, covering 120 pages, Is a complete Trsatise on Cookery, according to the beat methods, and com prises somo thousands of easy receipts for tasty dishes, without tho flummery of ordi nary Cookery Books. HOUSEHOLD HINTS extend the Information in the Cookery Books with maqy usefu directions on Household Management. COTTAGES FOR SETTLERS: Four designs of Useful Cottages, With plans and detailed Estimates, nro given, so that the settler can simply copy tho specification and send to the mill and procure the complete material for the erection of his house. aLES, WINES AND SYRUPS, PAINTING, TANNING, SOAP-MAKING, and HINTS FOR PROSPECTORS, form separate sec tions, containing a largo amount of Valuable Information. LEGAL MEMORANDA, prepared by Mr Thomas Cotter, Auckland City Solicitor, giving a digest of all tho laws which It la Imperative for a settler to know, including Fencing Act, Scab in Sheep Aot, Timber Floatago, Roads, etc,, etc. Tho above recapitulation only enumerates the General Heads Indicating the scope of the work, tt is the largest Book ovor published in Austral asia, is Handßomely Bound in Cloth, and published at an exceedingly (Low Price, for a Cycloptedla of this description — namely, twenty shillings (208). JJenry Brett' WYNDHAM- STREET, PUBLISHER. Chlorodyne^ DR. J. COLLIS BROWNE'S CHLORODYNE, THE ORIGINAL AND ONLY GENUINE. Advice to Invalids.—lf you wish to obtain ijulot, refreshing sleep, free from headache, relief from pain and anguish, to calm and assuage the weary aohings of protracted disease, Invigorate the nervous media, and regulate the uiroulatlng systems of the body, you will provide yourself with that marvollous remedy discovered by Dr. J. Collla Browne (Late Army Medical Staff), to which he gave the name of CHLORODYNE, and which is admitted by the profession to be the most wonderful and valuablo remedy over discovered. CHLORODYNE Is the best remedy known for Coughs, Consumption, Bronchitis, Asthma. CHLORODYNE aots like a charm In Diarrhoea, apd is the only specific in Cholera and Dysentery. CHLORODYNE effectually cuts short all ittacks of Epilepsy, Hysteria, Palpitation, and .pasins. ~ , CHLORODYNE is tho only pallatise In Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Gout, Cancor, Tooth iche, Meningitis, &c From Symes & Co., Pharmaceutical Chemists, Vledical Hall Simla, January. 5,1880. To J. T. lavenport, Esq., 33, Great Russell-street, lloomsbury, London. Dear Sir,—Wo embrace his opportunity of congratulating you upon the vidc-sprend reputation this justly esteemed nedicine, Dr J. Collis Browno's Chlorodyne, has arncd for Itself, not only in Hindoatnn, but all ivcr the East As a remedy of general utility, we much question whether a better is Imported nto the country, and we shall be glad to hear of ts finding a placo In every Anglo-Indian homo. The other brands, wo aro happy to say, are now elegatcd to the native ba?jiars, and judging from heir sale, we fancy their sojurn there will be but vancsccnt We could multiply Instances ad njlnitum of the extraordinary efficacy of Dr. 'ollis Browne's Chlorodyne in Diarrhoea and lysontry. Spasms, Cramps, Neuralgia, tho 'bruiting of Pregn__ncy, and as a general seda ivc, that have occuriscd under our personal liscrvation during many years. In Choleraic liarrhoea and even more terrlblo forms of holera itself, wo have witnessed ita surprising ontrolling power. Wo have never used any t her form of this medicine than Collis Browne s ram a firm conviction that it Is decidedly thobest, nd also from a sense of duty wc owo to the rofession and the public, as we aro of opinion 1 at the substitution of any other than Collia rowno's is a deliberate breach of faith N TnK PART OF 'HIE CHEMIST TO PRESCRIBER .si) patient alike. Wo are, Sir, faithfully ours, Symea & Co., Members of the Phar. ociety of Groat Britain, His Excellency tho •'iceroy's Chomists. Sold in bottles at Is l.d, 2s 9d, 4s 6d, and lis ach. None Is genuine without tho words "Dr . Collis Browne's Chlorodyne "on the Govern iont stamp. Overwhelming medical testimony ■^companies each bottle. t 'imlion.—Bcwaro of Piracy and Imitations. Sole Manufnctnrer-J. T. DAVENPORT, 33, rcat Husscll-atrcot, Bloonisbury, London. Railways. VTEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. TIME TABLE AUCKLAND AND ONEHUNGALINE. 1 __ 1 A§ »I • « a- 1 3 d * _ * -?.-■ % —1_ s a a . __. ..§ a a ? 1 & i H 1 § 1 : 1 1 : I ft «• w» s 19 • •■ a 9 s 4§l§l 1 i 1 1 0 00 1 o ,s.. a as s I j 3 ' a • 'a3 >i 5 ill§l 1§ 11 I g j 3 '1 »•2 3 s I , s i m , a . .8 as z 3t« a ■ •wt« »i g —*: ...... ■ .—. .a.a ■a I B I I 1 S _. -I a-a 11 ill *li S SS ?fi »_5 l__ *» 06 "~ j i _ „ ~" " 3 „• 5 ti d _i ' ' S ' d do 1 _* . 8 •3 v £ * js 3 2 • •3' '• 3 1 : _=-j> -.. —" -S I i !H 33 3 • ■ 3 ■ 3 1 ■J , ____, j $ 1 :'i 1 1»s 1|? J o »,■■ » * 1 6-1 I§33'»i* 3r« 3 I SS X j 1 & jo B J3.35 t'iJ »3 I ~— 2 i « • • «■3 • a i io a a . . g , s i £e4el ci ' •ci *ci £ i",°, 3, ti *i •51 I ao. s a , jB, 9, 1 iaaß, ,si . a a 11 i'- •j' 1 ! I : . .-J , , 8 111 11 "fa 1 i I i # i;J I o or m -l __ ~_ 55-5 1



MAIN LINE. AUOKLAND - MERCER - TE AWAMUTTJ! SOUTH.-WEBK DATS, I pg , : ■ ~:,!. a.m. a.m. a.m.tp.m. p.nu 0 Auckland dep. 6.15 8.10 8.25 4.18 8.0 A 2 Newmarket Junot. 6.25 6.50 8.37 4.25 6.10 8 Remuera .. - 6.30 __ 8.44 4.30 6,16 "4 Green Lane.. .. .. __ .. ~ ~', 7,i.S «6 Ellerslle- -. ™' .. - .. .. „ mm 6 Penrose Junotlon.. 6.45 7.16 8.5914.4516.30 9 Otahuhu ._. __ 8;55 .. 9.10 4.57 6.4__ 11 Papatoltol .. _».._. 9.19 8,6 "77 •15 Manurewa._. _. -. - „•• .. ~i 19 Papakura ... - - » 8,45 6,35 _. ! •21 Hunua •* - — •• - «■ * 22 Drury.. .. ~ •• 8.i710.3 5.63 _~ *M •23 Runciman • „ , ( 80 Pukekohe 9._5510.35 6.25 ._ < *33 Buckland „■_..,.•;„ •• •• i 35 Tuakau 9.5010.53 6.43 „', A «37 Whangarata .. .. .. ; 40 Pokono ._•_ u-12 7-3 '.. ilB ,„ ," farr. .. 10.25 11.22 7.15 .' 9 43 Mercer -I dep. ~ 10.30t11__12 "77- ".} . «49 Whangamarino _. „ "54 Wairangl » .. „ i ; :! «56 Rangiriri .. .. \ •69 Ohlnewai •• .. ... „ , 65 Huntly .. « •• J2.s 1.0 .. „ 69 Taupirl •- fls „ _. I 74 Ngaruawahla .. .. 1.16 1.35 .. .. .E § •78 Pukete ~ •- .- ..., ..,7; •81 Teßapa .. .. _ ..- I 81 Hamilton Junction ... - 2.13 „ .. 85 Hamilton 1 .. - .. | 90 Rukuhia •• _- .. • II 91 Ohaupo 2.60 .. „. ,; *B6 Lake Road .. .. ~ •• _ „, •98 Ngaroto •• .. .. ; -.-<. 100 TeAwamntu arr. .. .. 3.15. ..________ 7 NORTH.—Week Days. j B a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m: __% 0 To Awamutu dep 9.20 i 2 Ngaroto «• ; ' '-"-' «4 Lake Road .. ■■•'-? 7 Ohaupo - *9U .. .. •11 Rukuhia - -. -. 17 Hamilton -• 2.5 „ ; 16 Hamilton June 10.33 2.8 _~ • «20 Teßapa - .. .. ~ •23 Pukete .. - •• •• - -~. 26 Ngaruawahia n.lo .. .. . 31 Taupirl '}•» .. .. , /; 35 Huntly 11-55 3.45 .. i •41 Ohinewpl .. .. - ..-_i •15 Rangiriri ( . 7| •46 Wairangi .. .. .• - • •51 Whangamarino - .. __ ( arr 1.10 5.0 .. 57 Morcer ---{dep. 6.15 .. 1.30 5.20 .. •60 Pokeno .. ■• 6.26 .. 1.41 .. .. •63 Whangarata .. •• -• •• .. -.. i 65 Tualtau .. -• 6.40 .. Z.l .. ~ •68 Buckland .. .. ■■ •• „-...■•., -; 70 Pukekohe .... 7.6 .. 2.25 6.25 .. ; •77 Runciman .. .. •• .. -• ■■ ...; 78 Drury "-13 •• »-3 »•* » •80 Hunua _. ■• •■ •• - •• •• 81 Papakura .. •• 7.81 .. 3.15 .. ..1 •85 Manurewa .. .. .. .. - •• 89 Papatoltol .. .. 8.28 3.49 7.80 . :._ W Otahuhu .. •• 8.40 7.5 3.59 .. 6.50 91 Penrose Junction 19.0 17J6.U5 8.20 7.5 •95 Ellerslle - •■ •• "S? BSSSe^" 8:: :: m» : 8.35 7_50 -A Juno. 9.21 .. 14.40 8.41 7,25 ;f 100 Auckland .. arr.. 9..ifl .. i.® 8.601 7.35 KAIPARA BRANCH. A| AUCKLAND-HENDERSON-HELENS VILLE. OUT.-WEBK DAY& J ■ ~ o ■ -••■ a,m. a.n_, p.__u 0 Auokland dep. 7.1511,0 4JO ' i Newmarket Junction ~ .. 7.26 U.U 4.41 H Mount Eden _ __, ~___. 6 Klngsland.. _ - ......... g ♦8 Morningßide „ - .. .. _. _. -A •7 Mount Albert ~ ~ ••»•;-„-««'? 8 Avondale .. .. - .. 7.1711.37 6J •9 New Lynn.. _ __. „.._._. ■.. -o.ii '11 Walkomia- _ - .. ~ - .. m *14l Henderson- _. 8.1012;2 _. •17 Swanson .. - - ..... ~ •20 Waitakerei - - - - - •22 Taupaki -. - « - - - „••„ :,..■: 25 Kumeu Junction _. -. .. ..6.17 7 •29 Waimauku .. - - .. - »•' •31 Rowetl .. _ - .... - -.. -. •33 Woodhlll .. _. ■ - _ .. .. - .i| •34 Paeroa - - ••_ .. ,~ 38 HolensvUle _ -. arr. 9.55 _ 7.30 , 7 _ jt ■ ■' ;■■■■:s IN.—Week Days. -—— - - ..7 :.-**7 a.m. p.m. p.m « 0 Helensville dep. 6.25 » 4.30 •'. •4 Paeroa .. _ - .... ... .. 7 •6 WoodhiU .. _ - ......... A •7 Rewitl _ _ - - ~ - » •• '-it "10 Waimauku ~ - - •• . 14 Kumeu Junction .. 5.35 S •17 Taupaki .. _ - „__._. •19 Waitakerei .. - _-.... ■_ •21 Swanson _._._... ~__ - -■ ....*> "25 Henderson.. .. .. .. 8.10 2.0 - ■27 Waikomitl.. _ _. _ _ „ _ ■29 New Lynn- __.__._ - .. .. 31 Avondale .. _ _ .. 8.40 2.27 6.47 '32 Mount Albort .. - .. - .. - _fi "33 Mornlngsida - _..._._. --. ~; ■31 Kingsland.. _. _. _..._._ ---■35 Mount Eden _ _ ...._. -..7}' 36 Newmarket Junction.. - 9.10 2.53 7.15 . 38 Auckland _- arr. 9.20 3.2 7.28 9 O-Goods Train—a Passengor Carriage Isa^ tached to this Train which stopß for Passengers by Signal only. * FLAG STATIONS.-Trains do not stop at 7 theso unless required. Notice should be given 7 to tho Guard at tho previous stopping Station. t Change for Onehunga. B—Goods Traln--a Passenger Carriage is attached to this Train which stops for Passengers by Signal only, and . runs from Huntlr to Hamilton on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only. II Change for ,; Auckland and intermediate Stations. J Change >| for Helensville and intermediate Stations. GENEKAL CONDITIONS. Tho Railway Department does not pledge It -3011 to tho despatch or arrival of the Trains at »I the exact times notified In the above Tables, 8 and, In tho event ot any circumstances arising, ; ?■ either during or prior to tho journey being mado, which may rendor It impossible or inex pedient for a Train to procoed, will return the Fares paid, but does not undertake to forward the Passengers. '* ■ ■ bbi LUGGAGE.—Eaoh Passenger 1b allowed to take 1121bs. ot PERSONAL Luggage free (not Including merchandise of any kind), and for I every 661 be„ or fraction of 66108., above this weight, for every 50 miles or fraction of 50 miles, the oharge will be One Shilling. No Luggage will bo allowed to be taken into tho carriages, unless of such a size that it can be placed undei tho seat without inconvenionce to other Passan gors. Passengors are strongly recommended to ! have their Names and tho Station to whioh they aro proceeding distinctly markod on their . Luggage, and to satisfy themselves that it la placed on tho Train, as the Railway Depart ment will not bo responsiblo unless It is booked and paid for. Passengers can be booked at Stations only on condition that there Is room iv the Train, Children under three years of age travel free; abovo three and under twolve years of ago, half-faro. HORSES, CARRIAGES, &c.-The Railway Department does not undertake to foward Horses and Carriages by any particular Train; ; . but when aent, thoy muat be at the forwarding Station half an-hour before the departure ot the Train. The Owners of Horses mußt provide k; mcana for securing them in tho Horse-box, and the Railway Dopnrtmont will not bo account able for any injuries sustained through their breaking loose or otherwise, nor will it under take to oarry unbroken or vicious Horses, At Country. Stations requisitions for Horse-boxes or Carriage-trucks must bo mado the day before thoy are wanted. DOGS mußt bo provided with chains, or othor sufficient means of socuring them. Thoy wilt » not be allowed In oarriages, and the sender ' muat obtain a Tioke., to bo given up at tho end of the journey, and beforo the Dog 1b delivered. RETURN or PERIODICAL TICKETS Will not bo available for Special and Excursion ~, Trains, exooptwbon the Ordinary Time Table Is suspended. 53n|| SPECIAL NOTICK. -To ensure despaloh. L Parcels, Extra Luggage, and Ilozs must bo at .... the Station at least THIRTY M IN UIES before 5 the Advertised Timo of Departure ot Train. ■ All Time Tables issued prior to this date are now nanoolled. 3, P. MAXWELL, General Manager. ' " V '" . I Public Notices. I ■pUBLIC NOTICK. Notlco is hereby given that the Waitakerei West Highway Road Board intend to stop part of tho Road leading from Mound Springs by , Spring Hill to Wairiri. Tho Road proposed to !j bo stopped adjoins Allotment No. 4, Wtutakoroi West, and is Immediately opposite the house and premises of John Smyth. The plans of tho proposed alterations aro on view at the ,: Offlco of tho Board, Mr W. Buchanan's real- %, denco, Waitakerei Railway Station. - ■ _ JNO. SMYTH. - ;772 Chairman Waitakerei West Highway Board AUCKLAND BENEVOLENT i SOCIETY. OFFICE: Over Upton's, Stationer, Queen-street <• Hours of attendance from 3 10 4 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. . | GENERAL COMMITTEE OF MANAGE MENT, n PRESIDENT: 4 His WOKsnir the Slayor of Aucio_anu. t m VICE-PRESIDENTS: J. M.Clark,Esq. The Hon. Col. Haultun. :' MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE: ' ■> Mesdames— ' Brame, J., Esq. *. • . Brame Buddle, Thos.. Esq. Cosqrave Daldy, Capt., W. C. ; COWIK GR-_ENWOOD,R.O.,KSQ. '~:'■ Hay, J, Macffari.ank, T.,Esq. JUDD MURRAY-MOORE.DB.J. --, Macfkariaue, T. Nathan, L. D., Esq. W Nathan, D. Peacock, Thos., Esq. '« White, A. Thorne, Wm., Esq.. | EXECUTIVE: „ M BoonANAN, Jno.,Esq. Dando, Sydney, Esq. Cooper, Theo., Esq. Ewinoton, K. G., Esq. Keesino, Ralph, Esq. . M TREASURER: SECRETARY: *M C. O. McMillan, Esq. Tom. Doppuy, This Society was called into existence at a publio moetlng of citizens for tho purpose of relieving cases of sickness and destitution which the Relieving Ofllcor could not so well deal with. Tho frequent appeals lo the citizens of AucKJ* 7-,, land for charitable aid havo becoino burden- .; some, and tho help given being unsystematio is not only ineffectual but sometimes wasted on the undeserving. Convinced that tho publio will be Bayed much annoyance from begging. and expense, and that this organisation will do 7 moro real good to tho poor and needy than Isolated benevolent efforts, the Committee ap peal for support. Thoy will administer with groat caro all funds entrusted to them, and / cause strict inquiries to be made into such ap- '-_, plications for relief. Whenever possible, they will try to avert a tendency to pauperism by 1 getting work for men and women, thus making them self-reliant. You are, therefore, respect- - fully invited to pay to the Treasurer, or any of 7 the Committee, whatever you may feel disposed to give, to enable tho Committee to carry out the above objects. . N.B.—Tho Secretary can generally be seen at i We private residence, VYell«sley-Btre»t W. (three doors above Neleon-street), any evening between the hours of 7 and 9. ~.,.. ' - jMI