SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIUH WAIICK {~,_ morrow Morning, 9.12 HUKSKT.—I_I_ Kveninp. 4.57 «- 'XKISH.—To-morrow Morning, 6^53 3-0 JN'B AGE.-Ust Quarter, 18th, 133 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST evening. Macgregor, 5.8., Johnson, from Whangarei

DEPARTURES.

LAST evening. Ringarooma, S.S., Tozer, for RusseSl Waftaki, s.s., Crawford, for Yv hnrgum Wellington, s.s., Farquhar. for Russtll Glenelg, s.s., Stephenson, for Tuuranga Rowena, s.s., Scott, for Mercury Bay Stella- Government s.a. Grey, for the North

Vessels Expected.

London.—Doric. s.s„ sailed May 1 ; Dova, ibarquc. N.S.T.D., January 21; Crusader, barque, H.C.L.B-, February 7; Olanco, barque, L.C.G.K., March 3; Laira, barque. April 7; Gleniwa, ship, W.T.M.K., March 13; Wanganul, ship, May 2; Otaki, ship, loading. New York.—Claribel, barque. W.M.S.K. (via "VVellingonl, January 21; Irene (via Dunedin), March 31; Nettie (via Wellington), loading. Java.—Manhegan. barque, sailed -larch 31 ; Maroon, barque, and Thames, barque, to follow. China.—Androklos, barque, early. San FkanCISCO. — Senator, barque, sailed April. Australia. — Clansman, bripantino, from Ilocknampfon; Look Out, bngantino, nnd Adelaide, schooner, from Sydney. Ssuthern Ports.—Presto, bar^uo, and Stan- Icy, brigantinc, from Oamaru; _olande, Bch„ from Tiraaru

Sooth Ska Islands.—Louie, schooner, from Long Island; Ada C. Owen, brigantinc, from Ra.otonga.

Inwards Coastwise.—Four Sisters, from Blind Bay. with 20 tons firewood; Paku, from Tairua, with 25,000 foot timber; Progress, from Whangapoua. with 28,000 feet timber; Kauri,, from Port Charloa, with 50,000 feet baulk timber; Coralie, from Mercury Bay, with 20,000 feet timber.

Outward- Coastwise.—Four Sisters, for Blind Bay; Paku, for Tairua, with ballast; Progress, for Whangapoua; Kauri, for Port Charles; Coralic, for Mercury Bay.

Tho barque Fusileer, recently stranded on Turakina beach, has been moved a distance nt SO feet, and it is expected she will soon be floated.

Tho s.s. Stella left for the North last night She is, as wo have already stated, engaged in lighthouso work.

The brig Annabell has cleared at tho Customs, -for Sydney via Mongonui. She wu.s 'towed into' tho stream to-day, and will sail with the first favourable wind.

Tho destination of the schooner Three Chcc'rs has been altered from Kockhampton to Noumea, via Mercury Bay.

Tho brigantlne Mary Campbell procoeda from here to Greymouth in ballast. She cleared out wards at the Customs to-day.

The s.s. Macgregor arrived from Whangarei last ovening with 17 sack, gum, 2 sacks hides, 7 boxes butter. 7 pkgs. leather and 3 tons sundries Passengers: - Mcssra Burt, Crowo, French, Captain McKonaio, Rev. McLean, _*_nder_. Simpson. Clarke, King, Crabtree, Purchas, Davis. Watkinson.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Lalla-tookh, s.s,. Bailey, from Waitara

DEPARTURE.

Hawea, 8.5., Hansby, for the South

Tho s.s. Lalla Rookh arrived from Waitara at 9 o'clock this morning, with 150 sheep, 30 pigs, 150 packagos. She left again for Waitara at 1 o'clock, with 20 packages sundries.

Tho Union Company's s.s. Hawea left for Southorn ports at 10 o'clock this morning, with 183 packages sundries and tho following passen gers :—Messrs Lowe, Wm. Konny, H. Fraser, Roid, Robt, Miller, G. Rigg, Bernard, Morris, Mr and Mrs Tipple, Captain and Mrs Wright.

The 8.8. Argylo should arrive from Waitara early to-morrow morning.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

GigpoßNK.thisday.—Arrived: Southern Croßs, from Anokland, 5 p.m. yesterday.

Tauranc.a. this day,—Arrived: Glenelg, from Auckland, 9.30 a.m.

RUBSELL, this day.—Arrived: Wellington from Auckland. 7.50 a.m.; Ringarooma, from Auckland, i a.m.

Whanoarei, this day.—Arrived: Waitaki, from Auckland, 7 am.

Waitara. this day.—Arrived: Argylo, from Onehunga, 10.10 a.m. '

Wellington, yesterday.—Sailed: Loch Ken, barquo, for London.

Port Chalmers, yesterday.—Sailed: Roto rua. for the North. Passengers for Manukau I —Mrs G. Grant, Mr C. H. Oliver.

Sydney, May 12.—Arrived, last night: Roto rnahana, from Auckland.

Melbourne. May 12.— Arrived, yesterday evening: The P. and O, steamship Paramatta, with tho Suoz mails, dated London, April I.

London, May 11.—Arrived: Hurunui, ship, from Wellington; sailod January 11.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mah-3 will C-ose aa ukder i—

This Day. For Upper Mill, cot Coralie, at 1 ft.VA- For W-angarei Heads, Pai_, V. alp-, Wlum gal-i, Kan«o,*-d Mangapai, per MacsrogOr, ■at-5 p.m. ' Wednesday, llth inst f_r Tairua, per Pakn. at 0.30 __m. ...... Pot Coromandel. per CoroMa-_o«, at 11;-'" a.m. For Whitianga and Noumea, per Three Cheers, at 3 p.m. „. Far Thames, f* Rotomahana. at 3.30 p.m. . . Kttr Whangai -l Heads, Kamo, Whangarei, *W« per Waitaki. at fi p.m., For Thames, per Annie Milbank al ;>..«) p.m. For Waitara. etc., por A<_yle, it 1 p.m. TMu«S»AV, 15th inst i For Wftiwcra, To Kap_, CT-iglcbuxtk' W_*rk-' worth, etc.. per Rose Casey, rf, Vi ft.m. Per Ringarooma a-t follow?. '.— l-'or Gisbdrne, NApieV 1, Southern Ports Aus tralian Colonies and United Kingdom (Tla | Suez and Brindisi, ncr Orient steamer), for | letters, etc., specially so prepaid ami ad- I dressed, at 11 a.ta. For London, from Lyttelton. via Rio de Janievoand Plymouth, ijper Brftish Kinu) at II a.m. Moncv orders, registered letters and news papers, at 10, a.m. L»toleWS_lill 1120 a.m. TCESOAT, 27th inst. I Per Healandia, as follows :— For Sanowicn Islands, UWted States of America, Canada, British Coliimblo, Control and South Amevlca, K_a Bi-RToU and Foreign Wflst Indies, atA >>.Wv For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, as i*._t. , , FpV YncV.oy ordCrs, registered letters and i; nefopapera, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of six pence in addition to tlie postage, will be received by tho Mail Agent on bo_m the Bteamer up to the tlmo of sfttlinß, This mail will bo duo In London on Sat urday, July 5, 188*.

N.B.—The s.B. British King will leave Lyttel ton lor London (via Rio do Janeiro and Ply mouth) on 22nd inst. Expected pasSSgo, 41 " yS' 8. B. BIBS.CM-I Postmaster. Chief Poßt-offlce, Ara=i___d.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

May 13, 1881. Abbott's Opera Houso -~ " __. Lights o' London," 7.15 p.m.

Lome-street H__ — Locturo by Mr Charles Bright on "What Civilisation Has Done for Christianity," 8 p.m.

Prince of Wales Hotel—Meeting of Arawa Football Club, 7.30 p.m.

Devonport Hall-Balfo's Drawii'if roolu Knter talnment " Odds and Kndo," (< p.m.

Junction Hotel—Meeting of Paper Hunt Club, S p in.

Ponsonby — St. John's Westoya_ Chm-eh Soiree, d.30 p.m.

Alexandra-street PrimitlW M-tuodist Soiree. Tea at B; church meeting, CM pm. Tempcrnnco HaII—N.Z.O.G.T., Good Samari lan Lodge "At Hottio," 7.30 p.m.

Births.

MASON.-On MayJl, at Dublin-street, Pon sonby, tlie wife of John Mason of a daughter.

marriages.

GLINKE-'BRAUER.-On MaY 1., At the Registry Office, John Gfth-- to Paulina Braver, both ot Germany-.

Deaths.

JESSO_\—On May 12th, at her parents' resi d-tfee. Norfolk-street, Ponsonby, Alico Annie, Ihc beloved daughter of Hichard and Mary Rnid Jessop ; aged 3* years. Interment private. KING.— On May 7, at Mangakaliln, acci dentally killed, Honry Holloway, second son ot the latn Philip H. King, of Collingwood, Waiuku; aged 38 years. O'BRIEN'.—On May 12, at his residenco, Eng land-street, Ponsonby, Timothy O'Brion; aged 50. Deeply regretted.—Sydney and Melbourne papers ploaso copy. Tho funeral will lcavo his laic residence Kngland-streot, Ponsonby, to-morrow (Wed nesday), at 1 p.m. Friends ploaso accept this invitation. Membore of H.A.C.U. Society arc requested to attend.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 1881.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that Deeds resistant*), For the futtiro In the distance, And t_o good that we can do.

If the peoplo of Gisborno wcro unhappy before in the choico of a representative, their experience has not taught them wisdom. There must-. In a district of that importance, be many representative settlors wlrese Interests are bound up with thoso of their fellow-colonists, ond who would have the strongest motives for doing their duty by tho constituency in Parlia ment. But tho Gisbornites, at tho instigation of a few wire-pullers, havo turned away from the men who have borne the heat and burden of colonisation to abase themselves belore a wandering star. Sir Julius Vogel has come to the colony avowedly for a fow months only, and to prosecute a claim of £6,250, commission on the five million loan, which tho Govern ment had refused to recognise. Why should any constituency bow its head to the ground in order that ho may use it as a stepping stone to power, and as a lover to open up the Treasury for his convenience and profit ? From his first entrance into publio life Sir Julius Vogel has used his opportunities solely for the purpose of self-aggrandise ment. His magnificent missions to England and Australia, tho bills for which fell heavily on the colony; his great contracts ; his scheming for knight hood ; his association with big land rinse; and his retirement,when his reign of self-seeking and extravagance had become unendurable to the peoplo, into the comfort, of the Agent-Generalship, stamp him as a politician who is to be eschewed. Even when he had rewarded himself with the blue ribbon of the colonial service, his in satiable greed and ambition were nn appeased. He sent a laboured plea for the alteration of the good old tikle into one more pretentious,in order that the holder of it might rank with Ambassadors and other foreign plenipotentiaries. The dignity of the colonial aristocrats had been rudely shocked by a plebeian sign-painter, em ployed to decorate one of their offices, sub stituting " General Agent" for the title which is regarded with so much reverence by colonists. Not succeeding in his en deavour to persuade the Government of tlie lessons conveyed by this awful example, the versatile official then favoured them with a series of despatches proving the peculiar adaptability of Falmouth as a depflt for New Zealand emigrants. The wherefore of this scheme became manifest enough when it leaked out that the patronage of New Zealand, so often abused in the colony, was now to be employed as a bribe in furthering Sir Julius Vogel's candidature for Fal mouth in the Tory interests. For tunately, thero was time enough to warn the Falmouth electors that if they - sold their birthright thoy would not oven get the promised mess of pottage, and they returned the Liberal candidate by an over whelming majority. His final , severance . from the colonial flesh-pots was effected only after an unpleasant struggle. The Grey Government represented to him that the discharge of his duties of Agent-General were incompatible with his appearance as the Chairman of a big Southern Land Company; he had, how ever, influence enough among the Otago members of the Cabinet to hold hls'posi tion and defy the Premier. Sir John Hall was not so easily managed, and Sir Julius retired on tho Land Company, _ after sundry wriggles and kicks, and with a monster bill against the colony for services rendered in his capacity as Agent-General, which the Government firmly repudiated. Since his official disseverance from New- Zealand we have heard of Sir Julius Vogel as a promoter of big schemes. His enormous emoluments as agent for an electric lighting company drew from the happy shareholders at a recent meeting lamentations loud ond long, which the directors endeavoured to soothe by telling them how proud they ought to be of having in their service so very distinguished a man. His name has beComo chiefly associated latterly with huge land and telegraph con cessions in Western Australia.

What, wo would ask, is thoro in this brief epitomo of a career of self-aggran disement and scheming to commend this candidate to tho acceptance of any cousti tnencylnNewZealand ? Colonel Whitmore's statement at the Gisborne meeting last, night is the only answer we have neard —and it amounts to this, that if he is returned for the East Coast now, Sir Julius Vogel may on his return to London work some financial scheme for Poverty Bay* Truly, representative institutions have come to a disreputable pass in the eyes of a man who once held tho post of Colonial Secretary in what arrogated to itself peculiarly the title of the Liberal Party I Sir Julius Vogel's projection into the Parliamentary arena just now would be a public misfortune. Thecolony wantsquiet, rest, and areturii to steady economical ways; Sir Julius Vogel is constitutionally unfitted to lead it in these directions. That he is clever enough to turn tho occasion to his own special advnntago and profit, we do not for one moment doubt, out that the politics of this country would gain any

gtfod impulse from his counsel we rofUso to believe. His whole career and even hia present miesiott to Now Zealand belle, the s-ppositkm.

War betVt-Oti Franco a_>_ China has ooen avtt-tod. What wa'B looked forward to With keoii antici_iati.il, mingled with mis* glvings, as the opening calilpalg- in a great struggle between Occidental and Oriental _ivi!_.ations, lias boon indefinitely post poned by th'c conclusion of a tventy >?f p_a.e between the most Conservative of Eastern nations «nd the mo.st restlessly advancing co-U.ry of western Europe. The *«u!o merit Doing based upoi> ?. '.'.Yii promise, is not likely to prm- (ttsting, and hence wis conflict no"- snYOothed over may break out afresh at any time, Still, every lover of peace will rejoice that tlio threatened wtir has been averted in tho meantiliiOj And Will indulge the hope that the French mivy so conduct their protectorate of Aiilinm us to givo no occasion for Iresh disturbance. No doubts when tho whole of tho facts con nected With the recent rupture are known, it will be found that tlio influence of Britain has been powerfully everted towards securing a peaceful termination to the diffi culty. The position to England Would have been most embarrassing politically! j*iiii moat disastrous commfWeittllyjJh.-ul a War broken out between two Countries with which she was at p-aco, and with Whom she main tained such extensive commercial eolation?, Theroforo her statesmen would livitlg iili tho pressure in theiv jiOWer to bear upon the Chln.ro urtd FVench Governments with a vi'ow to Avoiding tlie uhplonsant complications which were feared, and .6 this pros.suro wo must look for tho ex planation of how tho bellicose attitude of the two opposing Powers has boen so sud denly converted into ono of mutual con cession and desire for pence.

Mr Robert Stout left for Wellington por 3.8. Hawea this morning. Ho hopes to return to Auckland in tho course of three weeks. Mrs Stout proceeded to Wniweviv this morning.

The plans for thtt n.W iio-ck at Cnlliopo Point write submitted to tlio Harbour Board this afternoon by Mr Errington, C.E. Wo understand that tho cost of the dock na proposed will be Within the limit of £1-0,0-0, including nil machinery. A great saving lifts h'.ien made by carrying tlio dock about lOiJft further inshore, thus reducing tho size of the cofferdam required.

Mr Gudgeon's new work on New Zea land, entitled " The History and Doings of the .Maoris from IS2O to tiio Signing of tho Treaty of Waitangi," will bo in the hands of tho publisher during the week, and promises to bo not only a concise history of tho past, but also a most interesting addi tion to our New P.oalf.nd 'i.oi-ftt'uiu. His third volume, .n'ttilod "The Moving Spirit.-f Iho War," is now fast approach ing completion, but being largely illustrated, will havo to go Homo for publication.

Mr John Muir Waylnnd Is gii/otted as Deputy-Registrar of Births, Mnn-infrti^i alirl Doaths at Auckland-.

Though tiii) woodwork of the Aurora Hotel has been pulled down, arrangements havo beon mado Dy tho proprietor by which tho business is carried on in tho brick portion of tho hotel in Clmpol-street, where there are sufficient apartments to uccommo- date tho usual otistolt'ersi

The Atmklttud Hospital librni lan acknow ledges with many thanks the receipt of four "UV_phics," thrco " Bulletins," ono "Il lustrated Sydney NeWs," t'.Vo " Scientific Americans," font " Illtistrfited hondori News" Humbcr?', tind throo nuiiibcrs of " Purteh," f..ni tlio Working Men's Club. A_ meeting, of tho Auckland Order of Druids was lioTd last evening. There was a capital attendance, and six candidates wcro proposed for membership. After tho usual business, tho ovoning was devoted to harmony, and songs wcro rendered in Eng lish, Scotch, Italian, nnd French by various members.

Thomas Kolly, of tho Wndo, was fined

10s and costn to-duy for permitting a horse to bo ridden when in an unfit condition. Tho cnßo was represented ns a vory gross case of cruolty. His Worship said ns tho costs in theso cases wero very heavy, tho

fine would necessarily bo inadequate to tlio offenco, Mr Dufaur wished to state, on behalf of himself and friend, that solicitors do not tnkoono nonny of costs awarded in theso casos, but tlio fees nro handed over to the Society for Preventing Cruelty to Animals for tho purpose of supporticg this necessary Society. He wished to publicly state this fact, as tlio public are under the impression that tlio fees aro pocketed by tho lawyors, Mr J. W. Dodgo and Miss Flora Anstcnd (Mrs I)odgo)have finished their engagements with tho Youth nnd Lights 'o London Company, and will leave for Melbourne on Thursday per Ringarooma, via the South. Mr Dodgo intends making arrangements for a New Zealand tour at a late dato, with Mr Georgo Darrcll nnd ti powerfully organised company to produce his pieces. Mr Darrell's reportoire is extensive, includ ing his great Australian drama, "Sunny Sotlth." John Sullivan, father of T. Sullivan, writes to contradict a statement, that

appeared in our columns last evening to the effect that during tho recent dingy raco between Masters Sullivan and

Bailey, the latter was leading up to tho timo he fainted, Mr Sullivan states that at the timo Bailey threw up tho sponge his son was leading by three length?. In our advertising columns to-night, young Sullivan challenges Bnilcy to row another race from the wharf round tho Muritai's moorings and back for any sum.

Tho programme of matches arranged in New South Wales for the New Zealand football team is as follows : —Wednesday, 28th May, at Parramatta, v. County of Cumberland ; Thursday, 29th, in Sydney. v. Combined Suburbs ; Saturday. 31st, in Sydney, v. New South Wales ; Thursday, sth Juno, at Newcastle, v. Northern Dis tricts ; Saturday, Juno 7, in Sydney, v. N.S.W. ; Wednesday, June 11, nt Bathnrst, v. Western Districts ; Saturday, June 14, in Sydney, v. N.S.W.

The second meeting of tho Committee for tho bridgo over tho Commercial Bond met last night at Mr Piper's houso, when the following resolution was passed :— "That a wooden bridge bo constructed ; dimensions : 200 ft. long, 4ft. wide, and height to level of high water mark." Mr Alderton was added to tho Committee, and Mr Piper elected Treasurer. Mr Pago kindly consented to prepare plans and speci fications for the work, to bo advertised for by contract, the Committee in the mean time to solicit subscriptions from all parties interested and have traffic on said road.

"Business Man" writes:—"l am in formed that in Wellington every Post-box holder receives daily a printed list of tho mail departures for the day, and that a notico-board is always put up when a mail arrives, "Mail being sorted," and when done exchanged for a board, " Mail sorted," Why, then, are such conveni ences not extended to the public here ? At present, you have to run probably a half-dozen times to the boxes without the slightest information as to when a mail has arrived, or if sorted. This complaint is repeatedly mado in the press, and should be brought under the notice of the authori ties at Wellington, as it is disregarded here."

To the Editor : Sir,—The Queen's Birth day falls this year on a Saturday, and as it is well-known that the retail tradesmen of this city and suburbs will not, and, in fact, cannot afford to lose that day's business (the most important in the week), would it not, then, bo well to fix on anothor day in lieu for the holiday ? I am aware tho matter came before tho Chamber of Commerce and rejected, but theso worthies seem not to see beyond their own conveniences and a sec lion of the community. Were our worthy Mayor requested to proclaim the following Monday as tho holiday, I havo no doubt it would be accepted with pleasure, and the general public would have an opportunity of a full day's enjoyment.—l am, &c, Citi zen.

It is a fact, though it may hurt our prido to admit it, that in pushing business on tho West Coast of this island tho Wellington wholesale firms display far more enterprise than the great Auckland tradingfirms. Com pared with our mercantile houses, most of tho housesof tho BmpiroCity arc very gim-crack concerns, and trade on a capital that would bo considered altogether inadequate here. Yet, despite theso disadvantages their travellers are found where ours never think of penetrating, and, as a result, they are rapidly acquiring n commercial connec tion in districts that properly should look to Auckland as their emporium. In striking contrast to the inertness and lack of enterprise of local firms, the recent action of the Northern Boot Company stands out with prominence. This Company recently sent a traveller round these districts and into the South Island, and in the course of a few weeks ho secured orders for upwards of £2,000 worth of work Jt is time that, the Auckland mercantile community woke up.

A very handsome landau carriage has been imported from Sydney by Mr Abraham Bowden, and is being elegantly fitted up by Mr Whitt, of Durham-street.

Private letters received In this City dd: scribe at some length tho serious depression ftoW existing in New South Wales and othet Australian colonies. Our-' ttablo messages tell of the suffetings of tho Unemployed id Sydney, where, do-pit. -Government aid in various ways, numbers of Unemployed men ale homeless and destitute, and tiro sleeping in the open air nightly. Tho pri'.-ato letters indicate that otio cause df the dopressioti is the _ev.ro drought that has prevailed ill Now South Wales. Ff.m this bduso ond owner, who had 140,1130 sheep, lost rlo fewer than 120,000, and the losses of others havo also been enormous, nmttiiii.lrig 111 I'll'J aggregate 10 many millions of pounds, Tlio depression in Now South Wales isaggravated by the fa .1 that in none of the other colonies is the.o any briskness! of trada or demand for labour. Queensland, is suffering dopins sTon on account of til. great fall in the jirice of sugar;, Tho price, of this product Is much lc>«er tlUii it lia_ boon "lor lliany yoid'si Pd!lsei_uont upon the enormous yield of beet-i-oot sugar in Europe. In South Australia, also, there nvq complaints of hard times, partly tho result of drought, but chielly caused byjthc low price of wheat now rullti-f. Victoria', system of Protec tion Would appear til liilie kept tlio wolf from the dobr of that colony, but she is not In it position to.relluve the necessities of her lic!gli-_ttr_. TIHwM facts have somo signifi cance for ns in New Zealand, pl'oi'lng that wo are hot solitary in our exporienco of industrial depression, and that wo are not BiltVarjttg tit, rtlk lij comparison with our ilolgMll-iite |i) fTofr South ; It is said that "whqn things ,aro at theii' worst they begin to mend," and it is to bo hoped that colonial prospocts are now at tho lowost ebb, nnd that we shall soon witness a chango for tho better in the condition of nil tho colonies,

The final selection of tho Auckland con tingent of tho New Zealand football team has now been mado, Clayton and Webster being unable to go, their places have been filled by Lccky nnd Cnrtot'. The Auckland quintette now Consists cf Ryan, 0 Connor) YVorbrieh, l-.nckvj ittirt CitrteV.

A patient at tho Hospital, named Gilbert Robinson, died last, night. He was for merly in the employ of Messrs Helluby, of Shortland-street.

Among Now Zealand patents roconlly ap plied for in .no By, Mr ,'o«lrt*h"«ti Ptefcoring ot Birkenhead, Auckland, for an invention for extracting tallow or other fata or oils by means of bi-sulphide of carbon, to be called " Pickering's Hi-sulphide Plant."

To the Editor : Sir, -Under the heading " Persecution of a Teacher," your correspon dent of lu»t- evening has been pleased to charge mo with being "n public traducer of a public servant." If (he writer desires to j>u into the matter, and wishes to elicit tho truth.,! am teddy. Will ho join mo in conVonlng a mooting of the Committeo and parents of tlie Mount Roskill district, co that tho persons most interested nnd who havo the knowledge may give tho verdict?— Yours, Ate., .Umks Wi ( .Mm, Three Kings.

The popular diaiHn " Lights, 'o Jjontloti," W-s repeated lasi nigh, at Abbott's Opora ttuiisd to a largo nnd delighted audionce. Thoso who havo not witnessed this roalistic play must looso no timo if they wish to do so.as it is to be withdrawn after throo more productions. On Friday evening first tho famous comedy of "The Rivals" will bo placed upon tho stngo, and on Saturday it will In turn givo place to the Scottish drama "f "Bob Kbyi'' Tho mniirigemoiit.it Will bo seen, Is sparing ho effort to provide! excel lent entertainments for the public', rind thfc hitter, it must bo admitted, havo hitherto shown no hick.of appreciation.

The ntlnivoivnry services In connection with tho Wesleyan ('hutch, Birkenhead, wcro brought to it closb on Friday night by tho children of tho Sunday-school being invited by tho trustees to tea. A most numerous gathering took place, as outside children wero admitted at a low figure, and tho result was an unquali fied success, the tables having to bo replenished several times. The subsequent proceedings wcro, however, almost as inter esting as tho ton, Mr Button, of Auckland, having kindly eonsonted to bo present with his magic lantern. A largo number of views were exhibited by Mr Button, nnd tlio applause and quaint remarks which greeted the majority of tho pictures testified to the enjoyment of tho children*. At the close of tho entertainment Messrs Dickens and Johnstono proposed and seconded a vot'j of thanks to Mr Button, which was cordially acquiesced in by thoso present in rounds of boisterous applause,

Thorc aro four cases of typhoid fovcr in tlio Hospital just now—all convalo.cont.

Lust night an excellent lecture was delivered in tho United Methodist Sunday school, under tlio auspices of the Literary and Debuting Society, by tho President (Rovi S. Mnofnrlnno). Oil the subject, "A Century of English Histoty from nn Ecclesiastical I'oint of Vlo#." The lecturer, in starting, took his audienco back as far as the passing of tho Ccn vcnticlo Act, tlio Fivc-Milo Act, Con venticle Extended Act, Tost Act, -CO., and explained what those Acts wore; The|still ness which prevailed in the room bespoko tho deep interest felt on tlio subject. The speaker then treated such religious ques tions ns the opening of Sunday-schools, the starting of Missionary nnd Bible Societies, <fee., quoting many well-known authors. During the lecture such names as Dr. Priestley, William Carey, William Fox, Alexander Fuller, William Pitt (Earl of Chatham), John Bright, and our m«st Gracious Majesty's father, tho Duke of Kent, stood conspicuous as shining lights for religious and social reform. At the close of the lecture, Mr Ewlngton said that tlio greatest reform now necessary in religion was that in stead of all denominations being soparated, thoy should bo united, not in form but in spirit, in which case a groat deal moro good would result from their labours. After a hearty vote of thanks to tho Chairman nnd lecturer tho. meeting closed with the Benediction. It is Mr Macfarlano's intontion at nn early date to review tho last half-contury of English history from a scientific stand point.

John Fisher Wanstull, who had been re manded for soven days through the offects of excessive drinking, was again brought up, and pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkennesss. Ho wished, however, to mako a statement, viz., that ho was a man of education, had travelled nearly round the world, and wns woll acquainted with litera ture. Ho felt his position keenly, and deeply regretted tho disappointment he had caused in not giving his pro mised recital of Lord Tennyson's "Enoch Ardcn." He was suffering that morning from a weakness in tho chest, and unfortunately took a glass of sherry, which clouded his poetic vision and resulted in a public disappointment. Ho certainly spent a few shillings from tho sale of tickets, but in this he felt justified, as at that timo he was in full possession of his faculties. If the Bench would kindly let him go free; as he had no money, such an offence would not bo repeated. Sergeant White explained that defendant had acted vory badly towards tho Benevolent Society. Instead of fulfilling his poetic promise to deliver a great poem, he sank far below the ordinary proso of human life, and, like Noah of old, ho got drunk. His Worship commented on tho case and censured prisoner's conduct, re commending that in future when about to perform a prodigous feat of memory such as the recital of " Enoch Arden," ho would bo careful not to take sherry in the morning. But as he had suffered already, and had been disgraced by his conduct, ho would bo discharged. Prisoner bowed his head in gratitude and loft tho Court.

Tho Good Samaritan Lodgo of tho Now Zealand Order of Good Templars will hold another of their interesting "At Homes" this ovening in tlio Temperance Hall. A well arranged programme has boon pro pared for tlio occasion, consisting of musical selections, songs, parlour games, recita tions, foe. Refreshments in tho interval.

Drapers and others will do well to attend tho large sale Ixi be held to-morrow at 11 o'clock,' by Mr G. Lewis. Thore is a. vory largo lot of winter goods to bo offered, which will be sold without reserve.

Contracts taken for all kinds of concrete work, largo or small, and estimates and other information (riven to those wishing'to do their own work—John "Wilson and Co., 75, Queen strcot.—[ADVT.l

English Lover Watches packed and sent post free to any part of Now Zealand on receipt of P. 0.0. tor £S 10s. A stumped guarantee en closed.-A. G. Hartlctt,, 154. Queen-street, (ilironometer and .Watchmaker (opposite Theatre Itoyul). established 22 years.—[Advt.]

Perambulators and carpets, reversible bicycle wheel nnd other kinds of perambulators just, opened from _1 to £7. New designs in Jfnissell and tapestry carpets. Ji'urnl.h your house throughout from CJnrlick and (Jranwellß City .lull Furnishing.Warehouse, Quecn-strCet - lAdvt.l

THE PREMIER AND MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

[BY TELKfiRAPII. —OWN COKUKSPONDENT.]

Wellington, this day. Ma.ioi'. Atkinhon nnd the Hon. Mr Mitchel son leave here for Onehunga by the llinemoa on Wednesday morning at eight, arriving on Thursday at midday.

SCINTILLATIONS.

TitOßNDtlfr election tnfeos ffirtcO to-d«;y. Thß Premier is tjO gi*o urn address ifi Auckland. , A Countoi- Attraction—A protty bar maid. London hits 25 daily newspaper-.' Last ,tUrb. nights 'til " Mghtil & London." , , _ . Til. gubernatorial *isit to A-nckland is drttwliig to a fc10... , ~ . " OdJs ilrid Ends " in tho _7flvoifJWrt kfnll

tonight. ..-.,. . , 1.-jfid-'t. Idalls drftfctl April 4th arrived JMelbourno Sunday nk'lit. TeWhiti wiii r.9t be allowed tOrtSMm tho Parihuka meetings. Thcro nro nearly 10,000 diroctors of com panies in Great Britain. Mi- Cadtiiun, M..ILR:< uddi-isas Thames Sector's *_-|%Hr; ~, . . Runnings Opera Troupe lii. .Htying " Boccaccio " at Wellington. In tho laddor ol farao the strongest rungs are of brass. "You're too hard on mo," as the corn said to tho btioti . Will there be a '' coalition " between hit George and Sir .Julius? Mr (I. B. Eederli w.'rft So'-tW by the H_wea this iiiornlii(_, ~ Jit,*- In, Smith Loudon lately a woman sola hei b*ibv fo'. tori shillings; Tuwharotda tribe of Maoris object to tho survey of the King Country. Ninety per cent, of the Russian po.pie Can rioithor read nor write. New _e_l_*ju Government prohibit seal hunting for two years lengnr. . Groenshields's latest patent .c for "hygienic kncelots." That ia a modest nnmo for healthy garters. Mr Dwnn has withdrawn his candidature for Thorndon, and a close contest is ex pected betweon Mr Bunny and Dr. New man. Archdeacon Edwards rebukes the Catholics of Dunedin because only three of them pubscribo to the Benovolent Institu- Dunodin Catholic-, pit'(S tltO-Sfltlds of pounds to the Church' arid ten. of ji-ifndS to charity. Madame Lotti Wilmot, n well-known cbaraetor, has died in poverty at Hutt, Wellington. It is thought that tho Japanese Christians of d_tere_t, denomination* will unite in carrying on th' 6 fCotfe in' Weil. The Chicago Board tit ?'r_d6 1 «d(flbe« nearly '2,000 members, tlio m.nib-rsfflp' tickets reprosontine a value of -1,200,000. A Salvation Army funeral, hold in Wel lington yesterday, was headed by a brass band, followed by the soldiors, Hallelujah lasses, etc, The , Christian population looked on in amazement. ; Sims Reeves suys he suffers from incipient gout, which somotimes Hies to his throat instead of to his big too. Complaints aro mado that Thames fisher men nro in tho habit ot catching flounders for the Auckland market so young that tlio cfToct will bo to ruin tho fiahorie-. Mr „awes, who libelled Mr Belt, the scHlp'tor, and was let. In for £30,000 costs and damages, noW deflates himself a bank rupt. Two houses were destroyed by fire _t Wellington yosterday morning — ono occupied by Mr Preston, wino merchant, and ono by Captain Steele, of tho Mnnawatu. Insurances—£4oo in National and £100 in South British offices. A woman named Mrs Gibson, found doad at Wellington, is found to hnvo had hor ond accolCi-ted by h'fl-ttnrd rtnd e+cccsive drlnk- Ilanlan offers to row Hearri, tn. N6'w Zonlnnd Champion, on the following terms ■ Stakes to bo LfiOOa-eido, and he to be allowed Ll3o for expenses of going to New Zealand. Archdeacon Edwards, of Dunodin, stated at a public meoting that during a residence of twenty years in Dut'iedln, ho has not known such distress as at nrosent e-is'ts: Yesterday morning, Robert Leather wood, aged 24 years, dropped dead of heart disease at Richmond, near Nelson, while washing himself. Ho leaves a widow nnd child. Tlio now volume of tlio Now Zealand Shorthorn Herd Book has been issued by Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. It contains no loss than 1,016 now entries of pure shorthorns from various parts of tlio colony.

POLITICAL JOTTINGS.

We understand that tho Government, among their other acts of tampering with the doctoral system, will make a strong attempt during the approaching scission to secure such amendment of tho Regulation of Elec tions Act as will abolish tho system now in vogue of holding all elections, at a goneral election, on tho same dato. Tho prognosticated result of the late Minister of Public Works' partiality for the Central routo of tho INorth Island trunk railway will be manifested by the Govern ment submitting detailed plaits during the forthc.niing sessidn. Along the whole line only ono tunnel will bo required, its length being about tlirce-quart_rs of a mile. The plans for the western route, owing to the steppage of the surveys from time to time, will not be ready for six months yet. Tho work of preparing thorn will be com menced immediately, Mr Ross startiflg from Kihikihi, and Mr Holmes tlie Stratford end.

It is not beyond the range of probability that the Hon. E. Mitchelson will contest one of the city or-suburban constituencies nfc the forthcoming general election. Thoso behind tho scones in matters poli tical prognosticate that Mr Seymour George will have a very hard strugglo to secure the Rodney seat again. Mr Moat, who makesnosecret of his intention tocontcst tho scat, will be supported by tho powerful timber intorests that aro to a considerable extent dominant in the Rodnoy electorate.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Hcfore His Worship tho Mayor and B, Tonks, Esq.)

DitvNic—Five persons wore punished for this offence BiiEAcn op Game Act.—Tho New Zealand Frozen Meat Company wore charged with sol Una game without a license, aud with having a dead hen phe-iant on their promises on tho Oth inst.—Mr Hudson Williamson appeared to prosecute, and said that Mr Fishor was manager to the Company, but porsonally he know nothing of tho charge—Mr Buddlcfor tho Compa_y,B__a h. would plead guilty under the circumstances. The pheasants were sent down trom tho Viikato to Mr Fisher's shop for Bale, but ho woa nrt awiiro they wore thcro; ho Would therefore n^k the Bench to Inflict as small a penalty as possible.—Mr Williamson said ho had been in structedby the Auckand Acclimatisation Sooiety to bring this case. The ranger was informed that game was being sent down by the train. Ho watohod, and saw tho hen pheasant token into Mr Fisher's shop, and immediately demanded to see them.—Mr Knight, appointed Ranger, deposed to tho facta of the case. Saw the pheasants nddressod to Fisher aud Company at the railway station, and subsequently saw thorn on Mr Fisher's promises; they were addressed, Fisher and Co., from C. Young.—Mr Buddie desired that Mr Fisher might bo heard. Mr Fi-hor nave his vorslon of the affair. Tho ranger asked to see Mr Banks, who was not in at the time. He was a sportsman hlmsolf and would not encourage tho destruction of hen pheasants, but on tho other hand would do all in his power to protoct tho birds.—Tho Bench considered tho case proved, and imposed a line Of 20s nnd _OBts,-.ls.

Cruelty to a House.—Thomas Kelly was chargod with unlawfully causing a horse te 1 c 111-trcatcii by allowing William Scott to ride th« sumo from the Wade to Dovonport while the said animal was suffering from a sore back. —Mr Brassey appeared to prosecute for the Society for the Prevention ot Cruelty to Animals. —Mr Dufaur said it was -tatcd by Mb clerk tho other day that he would appear in defence, but Mr Kelly, who was now In Court had determined to defend himself.—Kelly pleaded not guilty; he did not lend the horse to Scott, and consequently was not responsible.—Mr Brassey then .tited the case, and called witnesses.—William Scott de posed that on tho 30th April ho was at the Wado, looking for a man. Ho wanted a horse, and Mr Kelly consontod to let him havo one, but It had a small sore. He wns not awaro that I was so bad. Horodo thohorso to Dovonport,— Cross-examined at some length by Kelly.—To Mr Brassoy: Tho horse was saddled and bridled when given to him; it was 10 o'clock at night—Richard Davis, cabman, describee the sore hack. Ho had since looked after the horso. It, is not at present fit for the saddle—To the Bench: Ho had paid, great attention to the horse. Continually washed its back, and used Kdaon's Farmorß' Friend.— A gentleman of the North Shoro said the horse was in a wretched stato. and entirely unfit for use—Mr Kodgate produced tho horse-cloth in ovidenco of the state of the wound. It was disgraceful.—Dofcndant said it was not his fault, but tho fault of a young man namod Thoburn, wholettho horso go out without his knowledge.—The Bench considered defendant. -runty, and. imposed a fine oC lCs and costs, 17 OS,

Allkgbd Indecent Assault. Thos McKoi zio was charged with indecently assaulting Margaret Jane Hurloy, a little girl living with her paronts in Albert-street.—rrrgcant Wh te conducted the case, and Mr Napier appeared in defence.—The child was under the age of so\e ', consequently Mr Napier argued that tho child was incompetent, owing to her tender years, of understanding the sanctity and moral nature of an oath, and sho could not be examined aa a witness. Even if she made n statement it could not be accepted in law. The authorities are quite clear on this head.—Sorgeant White said he was instructed that the child was seven years of her age, and which can easily be settled by the child's mother.—Mrs Hurley de posed that the child was seven years old on the Ist. of January last.—Marparet. Jane Huiley stated that she lived in Albeit-itriei with her mother; on Saturday last the prisoner was near he mother's hou*e, he came in and took heron hi 3 knee, and put his hand under her clothes; she got outside and cried, and a woman came up from the lower house, and a_ked wnat was the matter: she told her that she had been assaulted..and that the man was in the honse; her motuer had gone to tho wharf with some washing; was quite sure the prisoner was tho man,—Cross examined by Mr Napier.

(Le Bitting.)

SIR GEORGE GREY IN THE SOUTH.

(Hi TBLROKAi-'fl.—lliKß.l „-«OCLV_fOK.)i

fevEKcmSiti,, Mcmtlii..'. S:te Gi.tn.d- tlnitv nrrrvod here by ejipress*, aria Was' received at the station by the member for the town and Aw'ar__, sm others-, 'flic reception Was informal. To-

fright h. addressed _ fcro*wd.d meoting of citi/eiis i*i fJI-an'. theatre, the lVinyar pre siding. Tliospoecli wiif. >'ri ths main on ths

I'nw of thoso delivered in tlie NoriJicfrt cities, F. history of tlio Chinese polltax enactment af.'d its. PflMftgO through the House being substituted tor the history of the Canterbury land BotHeWMnt. Ho asserted that the people had no _6_t?o» o<rnt pArliftinont, nor any knowledge of its proceedings. Tile property tax, he hold, camo out of tlio fWeliete of those who did not pay it directly, but through purchase of goods from thoso who did. He held that Hi. people should not bo interfered with in rrtaki-tT l_wa f especially by nominated bodies, sited as the Legislative Council, irt its present form he hoped soon to he rid of. IHte did so because ho knew that many t'dhla.W-,' irii'asurea,were mutilated be fore being laid before PrtrNatoent to please members of the Council who" woul_ Only ngree to support bills on thoso conditions; In th's connection SiV (leorgc referred to a matter of wii'.tJ ho had not spoken pre viously. Practically .life f».iecn rs assent to colonial enactments was given by th*' Secr etary fortheColonics, who again was naturally indebted fir his information to the per manent head of hk department. At pre sent Lord Carnarvon (tic) was Secretary [Lord Derby is Secretary cf , State for the Colonies ; Lord Carua'ffoW held that position in the Beacons fiold administration], and his relative Sir Robert Herbert is permanent Secretary of the department, and tho names of both these officials appeared on the maps pub lished by tho Eucla Land and Pastoral As si/piatirm as ownorn of 04,000 acres each. Tliis As.c'cht.ifoi WAS on Australian one, holding 7,000,000 n.i'Ss; -pd he objected to tho laws passed by our I aillrwent being submitted for approval to officials who' W.re Australian equnttors. It was a breach oi constitutional practice and of propriety, flnd he thought tlie colony should say they Weald r-ot have men interested in the way be had fef6rftt! te paw or reject their laws m the Queen's name, ftir George made the reservation that Lord Carnarvon and Sir It. Herbert might n'bi be aware that their names were se displayed pri maps, and that they wore being made decoy ducks in furtherance of this company. The ques tions asked were not important. A unani mous vote of thanks and entire confidence in Sir George as leador of the Liberal party was passed with vociferous cheering.

SIR JULIUS VOGEL AND GIS BORNE ELECTORS.

(SV T_-_OBAPII.— r-KKSS ASSOCIATION.)

Gisborne, Monday. A okkat public meeting is being held to night to consider the question of Sir Julius Vogel's candidature. Sir Julius sends a long and most interesting letter on the con dition of the colony, which is to be read to night* In It he goes minutely into the pfoo-h. depression nnd its causes. He asserts that i-b' n_tfri cause is the uncer tainty and disquietude cafie.d to property owners during tho last few years I'y the various taxes and proposals for taxes.so that confidence in tho value of property has much decreased. He explains that at con siderable length, and as a remedy would abolish tho proporty tux, believing that some other taxation is dcvisnble which shall not have such a disastrous and in direct effect. Among other subjects, he assorts his belief that in tho matter of education an equally good article could be got at much less coat. In telegraphed re plies to inquiries re nativo matters, Sir Julius says:—l have net closely fol lowed tho nativo land policy altera tions. Before leaving, I favoured a bill by which the Government were to act as agents for the sale of native lands, charging a commission. How far this is practicable now I can't say. 1 do not think in good faith the Government can assume the old pre-emptive right. I am strongly of opinion that the natives should bo treated honourably and justly ; at the same time it may fairly bo questioned whether they should not, in Borne shape, contribute to the cost of the railway, which, passing through their land, will make it of great value. The question is involved in con siderable difficulty. I am profoundly anxious to sco the North Island settled, as it is capable of supporting an immense popu lation. The Whole colony is interested in promoting such settlement."

Public Meeting Declares for Vogel.

Gisborne, this day.

At tho meeting last night, there were seven hundred peoplo present. The Mayor presided. The meoting was almost unani mously in favour of Sir Julius Vogel, only about ten dissenting. Mr Gannon, one of tho candidates, took tho lead advocating for Vogel, and proposed a resolution that the rest stand aside, which was carried with three cheers for Sir J. Vogel. Sir George VVhitmore, who was among the speakers, pointed out that Sir Julius Vogel would render service in London in getting a loan for this district. Messrs Locke and Gannon being willing to retire, all now depends upon" the action of Mr Rees, from whom no answer has yet been received.

MISS CLARICE BRABAZON'S CONCERT.

Tins very young pianiste, Miss Clarice Brabazon, an interesting and gifted child, gavo ber first ovening concert last night in tho Theatre Royal, and fully realised by her performances the expectations of her friends. In fact, wo havo never heard so young a musician exhibit musical abilities to such a remarkable degree. The concert was under the patronage of Sir G. M. O'Rorke, who was present in company with several lady members of his family. Throughout there was a display of popular appreciation highly satisfactory to the organisers of the concert and the audience. The performances of Miss Clarice Brabazon were received with much enthusiasm and encored. The selec tions which the little pianiste represen ted were : " A Fantasia on American Airs " (Jules do Sivrai), " Beethoven's Sonata, Op. 49, No. 2," "Souvenir de Versailles" (Jules de Sivrai), "Mossa's in the Cold, Cold Ground " ' Willie Pape). The soloists fave the opening operatic chorus, "Non Far loto," from "Lucrezia Borgia" ; "In Ma Fe," from "Martha"; and, at the end of tho first part of the programme, " I Loved Her" (Hatton), a four-part song, finally closing with "In Elvezia Non V'ha," from "La Somnambula " (Bellini). The follow ing songs were rendered successfully :— "The Wolf" (Shields) by Mr Huxtable, whose well-modulated voico brought out expressively the special sentiment of this song. This gentleman was equally success ful with Dibden's well-known "Tom Bow line," which was pleasantly received and encored, Tlio bost melodies of tho evening wero "David Singing Before Saul" (Bordeso), by Madame Pooley, sung with splondid precision and effect, meriting the round of applause which followed. Mr Pooley solicited tho indulgence of tho audience on behalf of Miss Staunton, who was suffering from a cold. This young lady, however, sang with pleasiug power and appreciative feel ing the aria, "Scones that are Brightest" (Wallace),:and ". Com 6 Bello" (Donizetti), and in both of her songs Mies Staunton's abilities as a vocalist were displayed with conspicuous credit to herself, and with no inconsiderable addition to the general ex cellence of the concert. Mrs Revitt ~ two songs were "To the Woods " (Warner), and the lively "production, " A Damsel Fair was Singing." Both songs wore well executed; but tho latter was undoubtedly this lady's bost effort. It was a charming composition, and suited to Mrs Kevitt's harjpiest style of singing. Mr Burnham sang, 'Alice, Where Art Thou?"; Mr Gould'.'The Gauntlet," and subsequently, "Sailing," and in response to an encore, "The Tar's Farewell." "Childhood's Days," an original song of English country life, written by Mr John Blackmail, was sung as a trio by three voices—Miss Staun ton, Mrs Revitt, and Mr A. W. Gould, The music to the song wus composed by Miss Henrietta Brabazon, and was highly creditable to the composer, who evidently caught the spirit of the song;, and inter preted it with due effect. W c havo only to add that Mr Alfred Pooley conducted with his wonted ability, and that the con cert was very satisfactory.

CABLEGRAMS.

BY CABLES-COPYRIGHT..

[R__TJ_l_ TE-EGB-MS.] The -.cVptian Question. — Tho Relief of Khartoum. Cairo, May 11.—The statement that the military authorities had received an order from the British Covornment to make pre parations for tlie despatch of an expedition into the Soudan, under the command of Lord Wolselcy, has been ascertained to bo _f*C<frreot. iSuch an order, however, is ex pected hourly.

Tlir-at.-.d Invasion or Upper Egypt-

The latest totel.fecftes from the Soudan has caused much alarm hei'c. It is to the effect that the Mahdi has ortfefc„ Owmti: Digna, the leading rebel chief ifi the Sifafcarn Soudan, to attack and capture Donfff/ffi #nd thence to advance into Upper Efypt. Nothing as yet is known regarding the force that Osfnnn Digna has now at his command.

Tho Egyptian Conference in jW*et In London.

I.OSDON', May 12.— It has transpired t__S the Porto has consented to forego its demand that the projected conference on Egyptian affairs should take pfaCs at Con stantinople nnd has agreed to the pi-pseal that the delegates should meet in London. ■*% Franeo-Clilneso Difficulty.-Treaty of Peace Signed. In its isst/O this morning the "Times" publishes a tolegi'arA! from its special corres pondent announcing that a' treaty has been concluded at Tientsin, between IVanee and China', for the cessation of hostilities nnd the settlement of the Tonquin difficulty. By the terms of the treaty it is agreed that China shall recognise the French protector , ate over Tonquin nnd Annani with the exis ttSg frontiers. The towns of Kuanghi, Quantun'g, sud Yunnan shall be opened to international tfade, It is also agreed that the French Govern__i*rf shall waive its claim to a war indemnity, The treaty has been signed. Recent Fighting in Annam. PAKIS, May 11.—Telegrams from Tonquin state that numerous skirmishes have of late taken place between the French troops and 1 a }htpb force of Annamese pirates-, cul minating te n battle, which extended over four days. Ih* French were ultimately victorious, nnd their ._rvs considerable. It is believed that the rebels s-^effed heavily. Death of Midhat Pasha.

COSSTASTINOI-LH, May 11.— Intelligen.s has been received of the death of Midhat Pasha, V/ho in 18S1 was found guilty of complicity in tho murder of thelato Sultan Abdul Aziz ami sentenced to exile.

London Tallow Elarlcet.

Tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company have received the fol lowing cablegram,- dated London, 10th May :—Tallow- - Market overstocked. Aus tralian mutton has declined 2a per cwt.

[.SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIAT.OS.]

London-, May 12.—The Royal Commis sion in connection with the Colonial Exhibi tion to be hold at KensJn_;ton will be gazetted shortly. Deposit notes of tlio Oriental Baft's »re selling for 13s Gd in the £.

AUSTRALIAN.

Suffering'- of Sydney Uncni_Jl-yed.

Svdnet, May 12,—Notwithstanding the large amount of work tiia* has been offered by the Government to the unemployed, there is still much distress in the city,- and nnmbcrs of men arc sleeping in the ope> air every night.

Colo_i£a- Protest Against French Convicts.

Melbo.hne, Kay fg.—The Governments of the Australian coion.es have sent, by telegraph, to the Imperial Government an identical note, protesting against the action of France, and urging the imperial Govern ment to use continuous and vigorous efforts to prevent tho carrying out of the French proposals regarding the recidivistes.

CABLE NEWS.

[" Aok" Specials.]

An Australian tfavy.

London, May 4th. — At tho annual Academy banquet held ktet night, Sir Astley Cooper, K.G., and Lortl of the Admiralty, referred in the course of his remarks to tho Australian navy. Ho spoke in high terms of the torpedo and gunboats recently constructed in England to the order of the Victorian Government, and eu logised tho patriotic spirit which prompted the Victorian Government to offer tho=e vessels to the Imperial Government for use in the Rod Sea. He hoped the other Australian colonies would follow the ex ample of Victoria and assist in forming one united fleet under the British flag. Australian Legislation Recommended for England. A deputation has waited upon the Attorney - General to request that the Government would adopt the Torrens Act for facilitating the transfer o. property originally passed in South Australia. Sir Honry James promised to give the appli cation his consideration. The Kentish Hop Crop. Reports have been received of the appear ance of fly in the Kentish hop gardens. Another Banquet to Sir Henry Loch.

Mr Simon Frasor, late of the Vic torian Legislative Assembly, ond Sir Samuel Wilson aro making arrange ments for entertaining Sir Henry Loch at a banquet prior to his departure for Vic toria on 24th May. A Colonist Sooks to Enter the House of Commons. Mr Heniker Heaton, of Sydney, has de cided to contest Canterbury at the next election of members of that place for the House of Commons.

THE WORKING OF THE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT.

[BY TELEGRAPH— TKESS ASSOCIATION.]

Dunedin, this day

Mk Fish, M.H.R., intends to movo for a committee of inquiry into the working of the Insurance Department.

IMPORTANT DECISION TO LOCAL BODIES.

[BY TELEGRAPH. — toess association.]

Hokitika, this day. At tho District Court yesterday, before Judge Broad, the case Borough of Hokitika v. Weatland County Council was heard. Tho quostion wns whether the borough or county was entitled to tho fees paid for an anctionoer's license by Mr Robinson. The facts proved wero that Mr Robinson's license empowers him to sell anywhere in the Provincial District of Westland ; that he sells at Greymouth, and sometimes in Hokitika, but generally at the cattle-yards, Araharu, In the county of Westland. His office is in Hokitika, and there ho keops his books and conducts his correspondence. Judge Broad said the case was of some im portance to local bodies, but ho had no doubt as to the true construction of tho Act. A man's usual place of busi ness was where ho carried on tho supreme management or administration of his business as a wholo, and could not bo any placo in which ho might transact some special portion of his business, no matter now considerable that portion might be. Here the books were kept, and the contracts made at the office in Hokitika. It was M r Robinson's usual place of bttsi noss, the others being only places whcro ho transacted parts of his business, lie there fore decideu that the borough, and not the county, had the right to the fees.

The Bad and Worthless.

arc never imitated or counterfeited. This is especially true of a family modicino, and it is positive proof that the remedy imitated is of tho highest value. As soon aa it had been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Hitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprang up and began to steal the notices in which the Press and tho people of the country had expressed tho merits of H. 1!.. and in every way trying to induce .uttering invalids to use thoir stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B. Many others started nostrums put up in similar style to H. 8., with variously devised names, in which the word " Hop or 'Hops" were used in a way to induce people to bolieve they were the same ac Hop Bitters. All 6Uch pretended remedied or cures, no matter what their style or name is. and especially those with the word "Hop' or "Hops" in their name, or in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Hcware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the white label, and Dr. Soule'a name blown in tho glass. Trust, nothing else. Druggists and Chemists aro warned against dealing in imitations or counterfeits.

EAST COAST ELECTORATE.

Mr W. It. Roes Interviewed.

He is Determined to Fight Sir JnlVaa Vogel for tho Vacant Seat

Tin-, approaching election to fill tho vacant East Coast scat promises to bo one of the most keenly-contested that haß taken place in this colony for some time. Two veteran Richmondsarealrcady in the field in the per sons of Sir Julius Vogel and Mr W, L. Rees Both gentlemen formerly figured very p ro ! minontly in the arena of colonial politics one has for fome considerable time been residing in England, while the other has been engaged in his professional duties at Gisborne since his retirement from the House. The present election serves to bring the?e two old political opponents once more promfu?ntly before the people of the colony and it is 0"ly natural under the circum stances that a great deal of interest should be centred in the result of the contest, which is of more t_an local importance! Mr XV. L. Rees arrived in town from the South yesterday, and, recognising the fact that his views on the " burning; questions" rf the hour would be received ;vith more thaii ordinary interest at the present juncture, ft representative of this journal interviewed him, and in the course of con versation was faroured with his views on a tariety of subjects. >_r Rees Determined, to Stand. Opinions in well-informed circles in town have been divided during the last two or three days as t- whether Mr Rees would really contest the scat or not. It has re peatedly been stated that he would, but there were always some claiming to speak on s_eh matters with a degree of authority who considered it doubtful, if not im probable. All uncertainty on this head was set at rest by tho answer to onr first question. We inquired if Mr Rees was dg. ter'mined to contest the seat against Sir Julius Vogel and any other candidates who might come forward, and his reply was "Certainly I do," To this emphatic de claration he added that he would stand not withstanding any opposition that might be brought forward, and that he would not re tire Under any circumstances. En pas sant, wt; may state that Mr Kee. is really in honour bound to oppose Sir Julius. Many of our readers will remember that prior to the departure of the ex- Premier of the colony, he addressed a crowded meeting at the Mechanics' In stitute, when his reception was anything but enthusiastic. On that occasion Mir ijftsss challenged Sir Julius to resign and contest the City East seat with _i_y and -mids- hoots and yells _ the un popular representative made his escape.- Mr Rees theft rfcounted the platform,' and declared that Wherever Sir Julius Vogel appeared in the coionj^there he would be— prepared to oppose hi» election. Years have elapsed since then", and strangely enough the opportunity is at last afforded Sir Rees of keeping his threat. Questions of Importance. In the conversation which followed the I declaration of war, Mr Rees said he con sidered the grave questions of interest at tho present time were the opening of native lands and the settlement of the native difficulty, voluntary immigration accom panied by capital, the throwing open of {he country by the main trunk line, audit* building of a few harbours of coloured importance,Buch as CisbornejßO as to tap all the different districts and give f?ood outlet? for produce, thu_ assisting to increase the commerce nnd wealth of the country. Thia synopsis having touched upon tho question of native affairs, wo inquired if Mr Rees Was in fff7-_r of the

Resumption of Pre-emptive Right over Native Lands

by the Government. Mr Rocs replied tilt he was not in favour of pre-emptive right solely. He believed in the natives being allowed to sell to the Government or through the Government to private individuals' ) companies or anyone else. His plan, and , ;he considered it the only plan that would i I meet the views of the natives and provide justice m dealings with lands, was to step all individ-fl! dealings. By that term ho meant native Jn_ivrd_ale selling. He con sidered that they Bho-Id be made to sell or lease in public at tribal meetings, such dealings to be ratified by the JNcw Zealand Land Land Court. Our ne_t qntstion was in reterence to the North Island Trunk Railway. Mr Rees expressed himself very strongly in favour of proceeding without further de lay in the construction of this line. He .aid he would undertake to settle tho whole native difficulty without cost and without violence, and get the natives to give the .] land required end all reserves necessary for j j stations, _c. Wahanui and the lending" Ngatimaniapoto chiefs, he added', promised him last year that this should be done. Mr Rees then proceeded to say: " I would undertake to go into the Waikato in a fortnight, and get this done, but not while the present wretched Go vernment is in office. Those natives both hate and fear Bryce." Immigration. We were given to understand by Mr . Rees that he Is not by any means aa admirer of the present immigration policy of the Government. He said ne believed in the introduction of people of all classes, including both employers and employed, but tbey should not be paid for by the State: They should rather be induced to come by the lands being thrown open, and especially native lands. He believed in special settle) s who came to the colony paying their own passages and with money to commence life here. Settlers of the old colonial type, such as those to America, Australia, and New Zealand, he considered desirable. Education, Taxation, &c. In answer to further questions, Mr Bees expressed himself in favour of reducing the cost of administering the Education Act as far as consistent with efficiency. He was inclined to leave the question of Bible * reading to the districts, but was not in', favour of making any hard ond fast rule on the subject. Be thought taxation should be largely borne by thoso most able to do so, and would oppose any increase of the Customs duties. Amalgamation of the city constituencies was a question more of local interest here, and he had not devoted any special attention to it. In conclusion, Mr Rees declared himself an uncompromising opponent of the present Government. Our representative having thanked Mr Rees for his courtesy, withdrew. ' '■' -

TELEGRAMS.

(from our own correspondent,)

Thames, this day.—An eccentric indi vidual attacked the windows of the Bank , of New South Wales this morning, and ■ I

destroyed several large squares of plate glass. The damage is estimated at £20.

Cambridge, Monday.—Several tenders were received for Hewott's new horse bazaar hero Carter's tender, £478, was the lowest, and was accepted.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Christchurch, this day.—The President of Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association has offered a cup, value 75 guineas, to be presented to the highest prize-taker in breeding sheep, cattle nnd horses at next November Show. Tho trophy is to be awarded according to point' gained for breeding stock only.

INCENDIARY SCARE IN INTER CARGILL.

(BY TEL_GKArH. —fRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Invercargill, Monday. Three attempts to fire buildings in town havo been made within throe days. The culprit in the case of tho south public school is said to have been a boy of nine years, who had been told that he would get holidays if the school were burnt, and went under the building and put a match to the übbish. He was severely chastised to day. The second case was the Presbyterian Mission Hall, East Invercargill, found on fire between the lining and wall. A hole had been cut with a knife through the weatherboards, and it is supposed a boy had dropped a match in there. The fire was extinguished without much damage. To-night an attempt was made to fire the premises of Mr Ashley, car>enter, Don street. Material had been piled against the side door and fired. The door was burnt half way up, and a quantity of Baltic timber stacked adjoining was badly charred. Two men passing got water and extin guished the lire, which would speedily have consumed half a block, as there was no water on the street. Great excitement prevails over the incendiarism scare and frequency of fires.



Special Advertisements. TGIDWIN XONEs! (Late ot T. & S. Morrin & Co.), IRONMONGER, Begs to announce that he will commence Busi ness on or about MONDAY. 19th May (Inst.), In the Shop vacated by Mr Moore, Tobacconist, PONSONBY R/.AD. (Near the Three Lamps), Pending; alterations and improvements to larger promises adjoining. Being determined to meet all requirements, a Large and Well-assorted Stock of first-class OENBRAL FURNISHING AND BUILDERS' IRONMONGERY ANT) '':'■'l CARPENTERS' TOOLS Will be kept and sold at Moderate Prices. PonßOnby, flth May, 1881. OALB! SALBII SALEM! OT READ THIS AND SATE M6NEYI ■«_ 1. FBRNANDEZ Having Purchased at an ENORMOUB SACRI FICE the Entire Stock of A. Rknnie, Draper. Karanttahape Road, is now almost GIVING AWAY DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. Not having sufficient space, a Full Price List can not be given; but this being really a Genuine Sale, in tending Purchasers may rely on getting the GREATEST BARGAINS EVER OFFERED IN AUCKLAND. Head the Prick List :— s. d. Men's Good Twoed Suits IS 0 Men's White Shirts .. ... ■.. .. 211 Men's Working Shirts.. .. .. ..16 Men's Coloured Mole Trousers .. .. 311 Men's Tweed Trousers 5 11 Men's Trousers and Vests, warranted to wear .. ... .. .. 10 6 Men's Undershirts .. .. .. .. 11l Me__Hato.. .. : .. 1 I Men's Socks, per pair 0 I Strong Winter Dress Material in nice dark colours, per yard, 0 6 Boys' Strong Tweed Suits 5 11 Ladies' Good Tweed Ulsters .5)1 liadles'Winter Skirts, nicely braided .. 211 Really Good Wincey 4J Splended Cashmeres and Merinos, in black and oolours, per yard .. ..11l 0-1 White .Witney Blankets, each.. .. .11 Welsh Flannel .: 7} Scarlet Flannel, per yard 10* Good White Callcft1- 2} Btrong Grey Calico .. 2 Good Flax SMBting i\ Best China Matting, ono yard wide .. 8. Splendid Bedroom Carpet, por yard ..10 -Till-sized Loco Curtains, por pair.. .. 2 11 Strong Cotton Ticking 4| Floor Cloth for passages, 27 Incheß wide, nice patterns ..- '. 9. Children's Bocks 2 Women-Hose .. 4. . A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF NEW MILLINERY, STYLISH, CHEAP, i AND GOOD. NOTE THE ADDRESS FERNANDEZ, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, KARANQAHAPE ROAD. NEWTON, directly Op iioslte Mr Lambourne's. FIRTH'S FREE STORES, ALBERT STREET. TO FARMERS, MERCHANTS, AND OTHERS. The Undersigned will receive for Storage- Wheat, Oats, and other Grain. Also, Merohan diso,- at lowest rates. Terms on application. J. EDMISTON, Manager. /CRYSTAL IVORY-TYI'E PAINTING. True as Life.—Lasting as Time.' PROFESSOR F. A. BROOKES,. Having boon tho flrßt to discover and introduce this remarkably accurate and durable method of Portrait Painting las now practised byProf J. W. Hainm, of New Orleans), is preparod to givo PRACTICAL LESSONS TO PUPILS At his rosidonco, or at their own houses in town or country. Term 3 Modorato, and within tho reach of all. PORTRAITS TAKEN AND PAINTED TO ORDER, At Reduced Prices. * Professor Brookes has established a popu lar ART CLUB, so 08. to bring his unequalled Paintings within the roach of the working classes, by Weekly Payments. Terms on ap plication. Note the addreßs— PROFESSOR F. A. BROOKES Top of Edinburqii-bt., Newton. qheap and good cutlery. thomalTsamuel, Importer of Cutlery, has just reoeived a good supply of all kinds of TABLE AND POCKKT CUTLERY, PnS t tinS- ot IroF nud Bon° Table Knives, Pocket Knives, Loekwood's and Johniton'q Scissors and Razors, superior makers 3 ELECTRO-PLACED WARE .ii . -Forkß- Spoona, Cruets, etc. wn.L,^ B a^_,_S 1 . BBellifl«atvorylow P rlc.B,.. i<_ n_ THOMAS SAMUEL, 108, Queen-t. (next Mr Weatpfahl. BootmakerJ



Special Advertisements. — ~*! ; "" i ■ ' j ■ : ! ; HANDSOME VOLUME FOR PRE- : SENTATION TO FRIENDS, pNTftUBD, "VIEWS OF AUCKLAND & HOT LAKES,' Consisting o( a largo number of Choicest Views, Bound in ~ i Hioii-Y Polished Mottled Kauri Covers, [ With gilt edges, etc., forming a most j ELEGANT WORK OF ART. Exactly the thing to send Hortß fts a Choice Colonial Gill. FrV'TY SIJDSCRiKERH are required to enable the producer to fssuc tho Volumes at the ordi nary price at which the Views alono can be ] obtained. «»-,►. SPECIMEN COPY will bo ready-on \\ED NK3DAY. and on view at Mr %V II HKl< ORD S Intercolonial Advertising Agency, Shortland- BTREET. "P|R. MACMULLEN can be Consulted at Hoslett's English Pharmacy, Qneen-streot, froM 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.;; find _t his Resid-hce, Pon ' sonby Road, from 6.30 to f.SO p.m. TBLErftOME SOMBER, 188 TO PRIVATE HOUSE, 1 TMPORTANT.— To parties desirous of X obtaining a good Hotel Business in ono of the most thriving country districts in tho pro vince. This Is really a good invostmont, an a sure fortuno tea suitable man with moderate capital. Principals only dealt with.—Apply at Rainey & Co.. Scherff- Buildings, Fort-street -pk IS EASES OF THE EYE, ARTHUR RICHARDSON, M.D., , SPECIALIST AND OPERATOR ON I DISEASES 0> THE EYE/ MAY BE CONSULTED AT HIS RESI DENCE. KARANGAHAPE ftGAD. ' From 1 to 3 In the afteteoon. After April Dr. Richardson win not attend in Town, but from 1 to 4 at his otvn Residence. TpURNISH - THROUGHOUf i fi ARL.CK & pRANWELL ARK THE |C|H|E|A|P| CHEAP I I CHEAP HOUSE FURNISHERS. HOUSE FURNISHERS. LARGE I LARGE STOCK I STOCK TO SELECT FROM, QUEEN-STREET, I AUCKLAND. FROM 1 Garlick - and - cranwelL. _ _- i nEMOVAL OF BUSINESS. jyjILNE^QHOYCE Are now Opening in THEIR TEMPORARY PREMISES, CORNER OY \ WELLEBLEY AND LORNE-STREETS, n riASES, EX BRITISH KING, OF THE VERY LATEST STYLES IN MILLINERY, FEATHERS, FLOWERS, HEADDRESSES, JACKETS, DOLMANS, ULSTERS, • FOUR-IN-HANDS, W. P. CLOAKS, FUR CAPES, ftc, &o. ALSO, 1 CASE DENT'B GAUNTLET KID ' GLOVES, in several Colours and Lengths A VERY LARGE VARIETY IN STOCK OF DRESB MATERIALS. SILKS, VELVETS, VELVETEENS, HOSIERY GLOVES, : WOOLLEN GOODS. BOYS' JERSEY?. UNDERCLOTHING, BABY LINEN, I BLANKETS, MANCHESTER GOODS, &0., &-., &0. 5 % DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT CASH. MILNE & CHOYCE,' .'. . .} CORNER WELLES-EY AND LOHNE-STBBETS. \ ' ' , d LOVES! GLOVES I GLOVES I , COMMERCIAL HOUSE, i COMMERCIAL HOUSE, 172, Queen-street. ! 1 WILSON, WILLIAMS, & McCULLAGH Have just opened a Large Parcel of theabove, in i and 6-buttou TAN KID . and 6-button SWEDE TAN KID EMBROIDERED SWEDE MOUSQUETAIRE (in 8-button lengths) GAUNTLET KID 1 and 6-button BLACK AND COLOURED JOSEPHINES, and A Large Assortment of CASHMERE and SILK GLOVES, all colours. WILSON, WILLIAMS. AND McCULLAGH, 172—QUEBN-STB-ET—l72. May 1,18.1. BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKF.TS? FLANNEI.S BLANK-ESS FLANNELS FLANNELS BLANKET FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS BLANKETS KLANN-LS BLANICETS FLANNELS BLANKETS SHIRTINGS HOSIERY SHIRTINGS. HOSIERY SHIRTINGS HOSIERY SHIRTINGS HOBIERY -HIRTINGB HOSIERY HOSIERY SHIRTINGS HOSIERY SHIRTINGS HOSIERY SHIRTINGS HOSIERY SHIRTINGS HOSIERY SHIRTINGS ' ALL NEW ZEALAND WOOL ALL NEW ZEALAND WOOL ALL NEW /ZEALAND WOOL ALL NEW ZEALAND WOOL ALL NEW ZEALAND WOOL EVERY SIZE AND PRICE EVERY SIZE AND PRICE EVERY SIZE AND PRICE EVERY SIZE AND PRICE I EVERY SIZB ANI) PRICE TEE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, 158 and ISO, Queen-street, Are now Showing a GRAND VARIETY OF THE .' ,_BOVE SEASONABLE GOODS. He; ids of Families are Invited tn Inspect before . _*ying-in their Winter Syjjpließ.



Bicycles, unequalled for finish, prico, and I quality, at Shakepear and Co.'s (opposite the \ Slarket) Queen-Btreet.— [Apvil. ...... |