SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH VATtej[gSgSSS*ffl«'M9 SUNSET.—This Evening, 6.20 SUNRISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.8 MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 271h 4.33 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Saxon, schooner, McClyniont. from Lyttelton Mary Campbell, brigantiuo, Brothers, from Groymouth

TC-DAY

Rowena, 5.8., Norris, from Mercury Bay Olenelg, s.s., Stephenson, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

last evening. Te Anan, s.s., McGee, for Sydney lona, 3.3., Amodeo, for Barrier

TO-DAY. Wairarapa, s.s., Chatfleld, .or the South Mariner, schooner, 02 tons, for Russell

EXPORTS.

Per Te Anan. for Sydncy-5 boxes gold, 220 sacks oysters, 93 bales flax, 250 cases meat, laO bundles mantelpieces, 117 doors, 50 kegs beef, li bales fungus, 28 bales metal, 15 bales zinc, 520 bags potatoes, 400 bags sharps, 300 sacks oats.

Inwards Coastwisk. — Reward, schooner, from Mongonnt, with 32.000 feet timber, for the Auckland Timber Company; Mary Camnbell, schooner, 114 tons, from Greymouth, with 141 tons coal and 49 tons coke, for King, Walker and Co. Saxon, schooner, 58 tons, with 300 sacks oats, 70 tacks wheat, and 50 2001b bags flmr.

The barque John Knox, from Tairua, arrived at Newcastle on tho 14th inst.'

The barque KUlarney loft Molbonrne for Kai para on the 10th inst.

The barque Loongana. for Mauiitius, and the brigantino Milan Dorian, for Auckland, left Newcastle on tho 16th inst.

Tho Helicon, which sailed from Hull on March 31st for Sydney, and is consequently 205 out, has been posted at Lloyds' ns overdue.

The 8.8. Triumph left on her official trial trip at 11 a.m. to-day, and will probably return early this evening.

Tho brigantino May Campbell, which arrived ofl'Norlh Head yesterday,ciime up ihe harbour this morning. She left Greymouth on tho 16th instant.

Tho schooner Saxon arrived from Lyttelton last evening, after a 24 days passage, during which very bad weather was experienced.

The following arrivals aro notified in Sydney papon received per Wairarapa: Robin Hood, brig, from Kaipara, on the 14th inst.: Chieftain, brig, from Mercury Bay, 15th inst.; Dcvonport, schooner, from Kaipara, 14th inst

Tho master of the cutter Leo wishes us to state that his vessel did not meet with any accident at opita Bay on Friday laßt. The Leo, It may bo remembered, was reported to be "in a peculiar position near shore."

Tho s.s. Te Anan left for Sydney, via Russell, last evening,'with the following passengers:— Messrs Jackman, Rye, A. Bennett. J. G. McCon, Mrs Rye and family (I). Misses Youl, Dodney, Marriner, and 6 inUhe steerage.

The B.S. Glenclg arrived from Tauranga this morning. Passengers: Mesdamcs Gibson, PatoD, Thornton, Misses Munro, Robertson, Ross, Messrs Arndt, Briscoe, Brown, Carr, Chambers. Cossar, llalo, Paton. Ross, Slade, Vogan, Whltaker, Winter, Rev. Mr Smith, and 3 in the steerage.

Tho S.S. Wairarapa sailed for Gisborne and Southern ports at noon to-day. Passengers :— ForGi.borr.o: Miss Fulton, Mr J. Finlay, Mr Tulchen. For Napier: Mcsss KecrouEe, Turnbnll, Joshua, Mrs Joshua; For Wellington —Misses Maei? regor and Hall, Mesdames Ber nard and Collins. Hon. J. Williams, Roy. Kcmpthorne, Judge Wilson.' For Lyttelton: Mesdames Gibson, Bright, and Hannan. Messrs Crease, Nutter, Wire, Tcichmake. Dr. Hannan, Mr Bright. For Dunedin: Messrs Annot, Hon 1 derson, and Seelyc.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

' 1 ARRIVALS. Slormbird, s.s., Doile, from the South

DEPARTURES. Argyio, s.s., Mc Arthur, for Waitara

The Northern Company's as. Argyle left for Waitara at 1 o'clock this morning, with 120 cases and pncl_agcs sundries, and Messrs Frank Dela morc and Connor as passengers.

The s.s. Stornibhil arrived from the South at noon to -day, with 193 sacks bran, 60 sacks pota toes, 75 sheep. 55 hides, 21 bales skins, 20 cases butler, and 30 packages snndries, and Mrs Jacobson and family (I), Messrs Jones, Foley, Hango, Tofria, Henderson, Kennedy. Thornton, King, nnd 4 in tlio steerage as passengers. She leaves again at 1 o'clock to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellixqton, yesterday.—Arrived: Plelone, ahip, Reuant, 109 days from London. ThoPleione was in company with the Pareora on October, when tho lnttorhadlostherforetopgallantmast.

- Port, CnALMKHS. yesterday.—Failed: Roto j mahana, for the North. Passengers for Auck land : -Miisses Topham. Perriman, Mr* and Miss Thomson and 3 children, and Mr Heron. For Sydney: Mr Pettit. .*

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Maim will Cr.os- as undbr i—

Tats Day.

For Tauranga, Ohinemntu. and Opotiki, per Glcnolg, at 4 p.m. For Whitlangi, Upper Mill, and T_tirun, per Kowona, at 5 p.m.

Friday. 24th inst

For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Storm

Bird, at 11 a.m. For Cowcs and Coromandel, per Coromandol, at

1,30 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahnnn, at 3.30 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Tarua. Waipu, Whan garei, Kamo, Tangihna, and Mangapai, per Macgregor, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 25th inst.

For Waitara, per Hannah Mokau, at 7.40 a. in. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga-

wai. etc.. per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Katl Kati, Tauranga, etc., per Rotomahana, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 4.30 p.m.

Tuicsday, 11th Nov

Per Zcalandia, as follow

For Navigators Islands, Sandwich lalands. United- States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South Amerloa, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For Money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra feo of six pence in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will bo due In London on Satur day, December 20.

S. B. BIBH, Chief Postmaster, Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

October 23, 1881.

Abbott's Opera Houso — " Comedy, Sbak spere, and Burlesquo," by the Thornton Family, 8 p.m.

• Choral Hall-Grand Art Exhibition, 7 till 10 p.m. i. .'

i Newmarket Hall-Good Tomplara' Wolcomo to Tawhiao, 7.30 p.m. , V.MC.A—Devotional, 7.30 p.m. St. James's Hall—Servico of Song, 7.30 p.m. St. David's Band ot Hope Entertainment, 7.30 p.m.

St. Sepulchre's M.I. Society, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

GOODWIN.—On October 22, at Remuera, the

wif 3 of John S. Goodwin of a son. McINDOE.—On the 22nd October, at her resi dence, Abercromble-strcet, the wife of W. Mclndoc of a son.

Marriage.

McFARLAND-PATON.-On tho 22nd October, at St. Andrew's Church, Epsom, by the Yen. Archdeacon Dudley, assisted by the Rev. W. E. H. Peroival, Charles William, third son of R. J. McFarland, C.E., Ellerslio, to Annie, fourth daughter of Thomas Puton, Esq., Epsom,

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1884.

For the cause that lacks asststanee. For the wrong that needs reslstaw* For the future in the distance, And the seed that we can do.

The debate on the North Island trunk railway in the House of Representatives last night was temperate^and well-sus tained. The Auckland members who spoke made the most of the evidence in favour of the Stratford route, and if the House should decide against them it will not be from any lack of earnestness in pleading the claims of Auckland and Taranaki. Three of the Southerners who addressed the House avowed a charitable wish to shelve the. work altogether.' This is what we have most to teaii and our members must guard against advantage being taken of flieir diffeienees to reverse the verdict of a former Parliament authorising the con struction of this railway, U now stands., In the way of all othe? y Northern works—being voted over and'over j again as Auckland's share of tfi£ public works- appropriations. Until it has been got rid of, no other undertaking,- however important, has a, chance of fair consideration. The tope i of Ministers on the subject was satis-1 factory. That they favour the central . line may be regretted; but their recogr 1 nition of the work as one to which the' colonyhas been irretrievably comM mitted, and which should be pressed! forward without delay, improves the; prospects of the line. Upon the whole,' the South Island members have aj>' proached' the subject in a very fair.l spirit; and if the Government mean! what they say, the surveys should bej placed in a condition for letting a con tract early in the recess, whichever route receives the sanction of Padiar ment. Mr Richardson's opinion that Auckland may easily be connected with Wellington by railway in three years if the central route is adopted, will tend to reconcile the North to what the people of Auckland are gradually coming to recognise as. the inevitable.

Telephone Charges.

Giving all due credit to the Telegraph De partment for judgment in bringing the. charges to subscribers within the means of all who can profitably use the telephone, we think there iB ample room for reduction and revision in the suburban rates. The charge to any person using the Ponsonby or other _ •of the suburban bureaus is one shilling, equal to the cost of a telegram to Invercar gill,: This is bad enough, but to send a meffiige^Devotiport, wMcti can be reached in ton minutes from Queen-street, the charge.is fls 6d, fifty perc ent, higher than the'tolegraphic. charge to the ( nfoßt distant part of flew Zealand. Those rate's ought to Be reduced by at Jeast pnejhalf,; at present they are alrppst.prohibitory, and we cahpot

doubt that such a reduction would be fol lowed by an enormous increase in business, bringing a more substantial balance of profit to the Department.

In cousequence of tho Triumph excursion, the whole of tho cases set down for hearing at tho R.M. Court to-day were adjourned until to-morrow morning.

On behalf of Patrick and Matthew Walsh. Mr Cayo today applied for and obtained from Mr Justice Gillies a writ of injunction restraining James Scott Ingram from selling, mortgaging, or in any way dealing with tho scrow steamer Maori, of which the plaintiffs claim to own a two thirds share. The application was made in consequence of Ingram transferring the steamer to his own name (the partnership being by verbal agreement), registering himself as the owner, and executing a mortgage to the Union Bank for £200.

Mr Joseph Cunningham, Clerk of the Police Court, who had been suffering from a severe attack of gout, resumed his duties yesterday.

Mr W. W. Crawford, of this city, has made application for letters patent to be issued for a Factory Refrigerator Butter Package invented by him. This is intended for conveying pats of butter from tho factories to tho storekeepers in a hard and firm condition in tho hottest summer weather. Those storekeepers who have been compelled in previous summers to buy butter in a liquid state will probably ap preciate this boon.

Tawhiao has been overwhelmed with do light at tho news that a Maori lad nainod Wiremu Wiopo has taken the position of an articled clerk in Mr F. Earl's office, with a view to graduating as a full fledged barrister and solicitor. Ho is the only Maori studont of British law in this colony, and Tawhiao evidently anticipates great things from his success. As a mark of his especial favour, he has invited Mr Earl to wait upon him at his lodgings as soon as possible.

Tho Auckland unemployed havo resolved to draw up a petition for presentation to the Government through tho city authorities, praying that they may, be given throo days' work per week at the ruling rate of wages or that the City Council should let largo works to them, but not by tender, as they consider they could do them at a cheaper rate. A meeting of the unemployed was held on the reclama tion, near the Waverly Hotel, at 10 o'clock this morning, under tho presidency of W. G. Garrard. Thero wore 100 men prosont, most of whom wero snid to ba out of work. Mr Garrard spoke lengthily against, tho action of tlio Courjetl in employing single mon on tho Corporation Works. Ho said that tho marriod mon with familios should got that kind of work, and that singlo mon should go to the country. It was decided to draft a petition to tho Mayor embodying this opinion Mr Garrard states that ho has been requested to stand for tho City Council whon the first vacancy occurs, so that tho working men may have a champion near tho throne.

Sir S. Y. Collins is about to issue a large number of summonses against persons who have not replied to notices to show causo why they should not be struck off the elec toral roll, viz., Parnell, 98; Ne,vton, 111; and City West, 118-a total of 327 for theso three districts alone. Electors should remember that non-attendance at Court on summons will incur additional expense

• A meeting of the Auckland Gardonors' Horticultural Society was hold at Parnell last evening, when there was a good atten dance of membora. Mr C T. McDonald occupied the chair. Tho principal business before the meeting was tho appointment of judges and stewards for tho forthcoming show to be held nt the Drill-shed on Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22.

A meeting of the Auckland Rowing Association was hold last evening, when tho rules were revised and several additions made. One now rulo was adopted requir ing that in all races each competing boat must have a separate turning buoy. Tho opening of the boating season was fixed for Saturday week, November 8, and a com mittee consisting of one member from each club was appointed to wake all arrange ments.

To the Editor: Sir,—The Home news, via San Francisco, published in your Mon day's issue states that it was through tho Confessional that the story of the unfor tunate men, Casey and fhillibin, was made known re the hanging of Myles Joyce. It was not so. Casey stood up in the church just as the Archbishop of Tuam was about to administer holy communion, and, to the horror of tho whole congregation, he for tho first time poured forth his tale, the veracity of which yet remains to bo proven.—Yours, etc., Correct.

The service of song, " Christy's Old Organ," which has been under rehearsal for some time past by 200 performers, will be given to night in St. James's Hall, under the auspices of the Sunday-school Union. Mr Charles Blomfield conducts, and Mr Thomas Buddie delivers the connective readings. The choir and instrumentalists are requested to be present at the Hall at 7 p tn. Bharp. To-morrow evening the prizes gained in the recent scholars' examination will be distributed, and addresses given by Revs; J. S. Hill and W. S. Potter.

Arthur Collinge, who was committed for trial at the Police Court this morning on a charge of the larceny of a portmanteau from the Hobson Hotel, is said to have been at one time an official of the Bank of England. The total value of the articles Collinge is accused of stealing is £100.

Miss Louise Crawford, with a select dra matic company, is announced to open in Abbott's Opera House on Saturday next. Tho combination, which contains the cream of two very good dramatic companies, is piloted by Mr R. B. Wiseman, an old Auckland agent, who has not visited this 'city for eight years past. For the'opening night, Wilkie Collins'B emotional drama of. " The New Magdalen " is to be produced, the part of Mercy Merrick being allotted to Miss Crawford. This should be a popular piece with the lovers of sensational drama. To tho Editor : Sir, —Notwithstanding. Solomon's advice, "Spare not the rod," 1 quite agreo with your correspondent, "Pater," that caning boys on the open hand is rather a painful operation, but then we should bear in mind that no affliction for the present is joyous, but grievous, nnd to the boys caning is an affliction. Fifty years ago, when I was a boy, fathers, as a rule, did not object to their boys getting a whacking when deserved) but in those days the ordinary mode of punishment was the "tawse," not a cane. I hear that teachers down South use a piece of India rubber tubing on the end of their canes so as not to hurt the boys' hands; nnd after seeing "Pater's" letter, I have no doubt but Sir George Grey will at once .give notice of a bill for the purpose of com pelling all teachers to give boys chloroform before giving them the dane. Larrikinism would thus he effectually stamped out of the colo#y.—l am, &c, (jtßandfather.

. The annual meeting $i members of the Auckland Naturalists' Field filuh was held last evening at the Auckland Mu'setim, Pro fessor Thomas in the chair. The report of the Committee showed that during'the year seven expeditions had been made. The financial statement showed a credit balance Of £121055 d. The following-officers were appointed:—President, Professor Thomas; Committee: Dr. Bond, Colonel Haultain, Messrs Marthi, Po"d ai^d "Cooper. It was 4ec'4ed t^ ie opening ,escur. sion pf* the season gh,puld t#ke plajc.S on Noy.omber 10th, the place to be visited ijo be Maraeti or Waiheke (as the weather permits^ <tnd t.iie following places were re coipmonded (is w.ortl.l yiSting during fhe season.—Waifakereji palls, Motuihi, Tiri tiri, Little Muqldy Greek, NJh,ot^pu Falls, Maketu, &c. It wa? decided to. pernijjfc membors .of -the Auckland Photographic Society a»d sijpilar organisations to join in the excursions on the saipe terrps as members of .the Clul.. Jt wijs (jleeiojed t<? offer Btnall prizes for Dftturftl history, col lections to be made between Movember Ist. ISB4, and October Ist, 1885. A vote of thanks to the Honorary Secretary, My Checreman, and a similar compliment to the ChttijFman ; concluded the proceedings.

!An extraordinary ecenp took place in j Ballarat during the dcMvevy sf Gerald i Massey's lecture in the Mechanics' Institute '•'On the question propounded by man ' Friday to Robinson Crusoe, ' Why does not God kill the Devil _'" Mr Massey main tained that the devil ia a j»yth transferred from mythology into theology. Tbo devil foe believes in as the Nemesis which follows natural laws and dogs tho lawbreaker. The deyil, lie said, is wore terrible to drunkards, the libidinous, and the gold-greedy than the devil of theologians. Massey a belief is based upon Spiritualism. When he spoke of the orthodox God, Mr Walker (Mayor of Bal larat East), who was presiding, got up and said, " For my part J? cannot listen to this twaddle, and to the terrible manner in which he alludes to God. I ask every Christian man who has a regard for himself, for his Maker, for Christ, and for the Bible' to leave the hall, and not listen to such twaddle.", Mr Walker then left the plat form and was followed by,some persons, amid hisses and a scene of great confusion.

It will bo seen from advertisement else where that Woodyear's Electric Circus, which is now playing to crowded houses in Sydney, will return here early in December.

S. Coombos and Co. havo secured the stock by tender from tho trustees of A. O. Stophenson. There were 19 tenders.

Tho Right Rev. Dr. Stuart, Bishop of Waiapn, is a brother of Mr Stuart, Premier of New South Wales.

The Resident Magistrate's Court was ad journod until 10-morrow morning, in con sequence of tho Triumph trial trip.

Tho sloumor Coromandel has been doluycd in order to bring up Willmott's Theatrical Troupe to Auckland. The steamer' loaves Coromandel to-morrow morning.

Gas consumers are reminded that Monday, the 27th inst., at Aye p.m., is the last day on which discount is allowed on gas und coke accounts.

Mr Joseph Philip Klein., formerly news paper proprietor in Hokitika, has died sud denly nt Melbourne

Divers havo examined the wrecked ship Lastingham, pud report that tho be_it part of her cargo can bo got out.

Chrlstchurch Benevolent Society Inst year relieved 297 cases of distress, giving fuel, boots, clothing, and food, besides money in special cases.

The annual show of Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association takes place next week, and tho entries, which are about 300 over those of lost year, givo promise of a most successful gathering.

Mr Mumford has received a shipment of cricket bats and other requisites for tho game, solected to his order from tho best makers by a first-class judge.

At the meeting of Chrlstchurch Diocesan Synod last night, it was resolved on tho motion of Archdeacon Harper to petition Parliament to amend the Education Act so as to provide for tho communication of religious instruction by tniniatorsof religion, or persons authorised by them, during school hours.

At Paris lately, no fower than 1,800 in fonts were entered for a baby show.

Woman's rights are being asserted in an unexpected branch of industry. Garotto robberies by women are becoming common in Dublin, and in London several highway robbories by females havo lately been com mitted.

Mr Brough, farmer, of Soaham Harbour, who witnessed Lord Byron's marriage, and know Lady Byron intimately, died lately, aged 100 years.

An itom which should bo of £rent interest to tho disciples of Darwin appoarcd in tho "Christian World " tl\p other day. It is to tho effect that in a " collogo " in London monkeys are being taught to speak.

An official trial of the torpedo boat in tended for Auckland was made at Welling ton yesterday afternoon, Captain Fairchild being in chargo, and several members of Parliament being on board. Tho 'engines mado G3O revolutions por minute, which is computed to bo equal to 174 knots per hour. The fan which blows the fire was travelling from twelvo to fourtoen hundred revolutions per minute.

A dramatic performance embracing comedy, tragedy, and burlesque (an un common combination) will bo given to night in tho Opera House by Mr Novillo Thornton and his duughtors Aimiso, May, and Daisy, Miss Nellio Symonds, and "a number of ladies and gcntlemon. The pieces solected for performance nro :— "Out to Nurse," "Romeo and Juliet" (balcony scene), " Tho Fomalo Detective," and "Tho Village Belle."

A lato issuo of the "Bay of Plenty Times " says:—"Rocont arrivals from tho gum fields speak of tho great accession of num bers of native diggers, who aro nil en couraged by theft-nit of their labours. Ono drawback, however, is noticed, and fears are entertained that mischiof may result thorofrom. That is the freedom with which spirits can be landed on tho coast at katikati, Mataora, Whangnmata, and Tairua. There is no protection apparently, and tho results aro what may bo antici pated."

There is some littlo advantage, wo sup pose, in sending a "sturdy beggar" to Wellington during the Parliamentary ses sion ; but to spend public money in such a way is not quite an regie. Mr Durrieu, auditor for Auckland Provincial District, says in his report on financial administra tion in counties :—" Tho only item in county expenditure which I havo criticised unfavourably is a paymont (in the Thames County) of LIOO for a member of tho Council deputed to visit Wellington during the session of Parliamont to watch legisla tion in tho interests of the county. With this exception I havo to report favourably on the transactions submittod, and tho mode in which tho accounts are kept."

The gathering last evening at Pitt-street Church of tho friends and teachers in con nection with the Auckland Sunday-school Union wns all that could be woll desired. The church was comfortably filled. The first part of the service was conducted by tho Rev. Mr Macnicol. Tho annual sermon was preached by tho Rev. Mr Rico (Baptist); the text was, "Learn of Me." It is needless to say thai the subject was well chosen, and tho remarks theroon were fitted to holp the band of workers in the enterprise of Sunday-school effort. Mr Rice's stylo was simple, but forcible. The communion service nt the closo was administered to a vory large gathering, and in this department of the service the Rev. McKenzie Frasor took patt. Tho singing by tho congregation was hearty.

Yesterday's " Thamos Advertiser " says : "Amongst tho arrivals by the mail wero; 14 queens of the Apis Melliftca, to tho order of our leading local apiarist, Mr L. J. Bagnall. They are of the Ligurian or Italian breed, and were roceivod from two of the principal bee-keepers of America —Mr James Heddon, of Dowagiac, Mich., and Henry Alley, of Wenham, Mass. The time occupied from Chicago to Auck land, via San Francisco, was 30 days. Mr Bagnall received them by the Rotomahana on Monday night. On opening the boxes yesterday morning he found that nearly all .the worker bees were dead, and only seven of thofourteenqueenboesworedead. Thocauso of thedeathof so many beos andqueons is duo in some cases to insufficient food, and in two instances the frame containing the food got loose and crushed the boes through its shaking about. Mr Bagnall is well pleased with the appearance of tho new queens, which will form a valuable addition to his apiary."

Wicked fob Clergymen.—" I believe It to be all wrong and even wicked for clergymen or other public men to bo led into giving testi monials to quack doctors for vile stulfs called medicines, but when a rGaily meritorious article In made up of common valuable remedies known to all, and that all physicians use and trust in daily, we should freely commend it. I therefore cheerfully *nd heartily commend Hop Bitters for tho good 'iicyhavo done me and my friends, firmly belie?lng they have no equal for family use. I will not be without thorn."— Rev. —, Washington, D. C Road.

Adam Bede's second Consultation on the Melbourne Cup (2,000 in vestors at£l eacli)isnow filling rapidly, and will be drawn shortly in the presence of the Press and Investors; and don't you forgot it.—[Advt.]

We would draw attention to "Welles ley's" Consultation of intending investors, as tho drawing will take placo early, and will bo open to ticket-holders.—[Abvt].

BLUE RIBBON MEETING.

Tawhiao In tho Theatre Royal,

A wpll-attended Blue Ribbon mooting was fcety laat jilgb,t in tho Theatre Royal for the special purpose of bidding wolcomo to a'awhiao and the members' of"his' mission. Thiso dusky gentry, along with tlio locial leaders of the temperance movement,' graced 'tho plat form with their ■presence. After addresses had been delivered by tho Rev. 'A. Reld, Rev. W. S. Potter, and Messrs- Spoight and Brame (the latter reading the ' pbtition), Tawhiao spoko (Mr G. Tawhai Interpreting). Ho said that ho had taken the pledge through seeing the evils of drink when-'thoy had boon explained to him. He then; with several other Chiefs and his own son, agreed that driftk Should be abolished. Soon after ho loft, for Port Jackson, and he saw a greaS ijumoer' of people—many, many—and not a dnjhkai'd to be found, and he nercr hcar,^ bad Jangjuage used. In Auckland boys in Jhe streets called them black Maoris, but never in Australia, ffe tli,en w,ept to Melbourne, and thero those wore no drunkards. The numbers of the people wore like the sands of tho sea, but thero was not a drunkard t# bo found. He had now mentioned two towns without' %■ single blot t> be mentioned against thorn. He then went to Adelaide Ho found nodrunkards thore, and not a bad word was ultored against them. Tho people t'nre weie like women— that is to say, the people wero so kind and tender, and evgryfhlng wont on quietly. '■ Then he reaohed England, the placo of great men and great learning, and other wonderful things, of which we often hear in thfll great land of England. He started from thp,t side pf England to thatside, all round, and then 'hrbugh file middle, but npt a drunkard was to bo foupd. Here frequent exclamations of "Qh !" Oh!' and surpriso manifeoted by t)io audience caused the King to explain that there might bo found ono drunkard; but on tho whole the peoplp were not drunkards.—After describing tho presenta tion'of his regalia and how he was tttod, Tawhiao said j—The love of fnther or mother to a ohild cannot be compared to the love of tho freat English nobles to us when in England, quite forgot New Zealand and its people when over there; but when word was givon to return the romembranco flaßhed across my mind, and when I got an invitation to go and see tho Queen, I said "No, I must return to New Zealand," and, when leaving, I kopt think ing of Auckland and the pakehas and Maoris.— Graham Tawhai then sang asong, and Topia Turoa delivered an address, after which the meeting concluded.

CABLEGRAMS.

BY CABLE.—COfYRIOUT.]

Changes in the Imperial Cabinet

London, October 21.—1t is announced that the Right Hon. J. G. Dodson bos been raised to the peerage. The Right Hon, G. O. Trevelyan, Chief Secretary for Ireland, succeeds Mr Dodson as Chuncellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, with a seat in tho Cabinet. Mr If. Campbell-Bannermnn, Secretary Lo the Admiralty, has boon ap pointed to succeed Mr Trevelyan as Chief Secretary for Iveland.

The Franco-Chinese War.

London, October. 22 The Chinese are blocking, by submarine mines, the rive Takin, on which is situated the town of Ningpo.

(Received October 23—1.15 p.m.)

Commodore Ersklno Sails for New

Guinea,

Sydney, this/Iay.—IT.M.S. Nelson, with Commodore Erskine on board, sailed yes terday for Now Guinea.

New South Wales Borrowing,

Additional loan estimates amounting to over a million sterling have been introduced in tho Assembly.

Now Railways "Approvod,

A majority of the now lines of railway proposed by the Government havo been agreed to by tho Legislative Assembly.

THE TRIUMPH.

The official trial trip of tho s.s. Triumph took place to-day. She left tho Queen street Wharf at 11 a.m. with about 300 persons on board. Mr George Frascr, owner of tho vessel, Mr George Fraser, junior, and Mr Nancnrrow, Government Inspector of Machinery, wero amongst those present. Tho Triumph was docorated with flags in honour of the occasion, as also wero several of the ships in port. The steamer went down tho harbour in fine stylo, proceedings being enlivened by music provided by Impoy's band.

SPORTING NEWS.

Pakuranga Hunt Club Mooting. Dcuino the week thero has beon a good doal of wagering on tho principal ovents of the Pakuranga Hunt Club Meeting, which takes placo at Ellerslio on Saturday noxt. Fly has a largo number of followers for the Hunt Cup, and 00 to 15 being taken about him to-day has had tho effect of making him advance to 4to 1 wanted. Fly coupled with King is tho favourite double for tho Cup and Members' Hurdlo Race, at 10 to 1 taken. The following are tho prices for the Hunt Cup: — 4 to 1 against Fly 5 to 1 — Sir Garnet 15 to 1 — Chieftain Sto 1 — Corrlgan Bto 1 — Topthorn 8 to 1 — Jedwater 10 to 1 — King Don 11) to 1 — Tidal Wave lOtol — Artist It is intimated in our advertising columns that the new Tattorsall's Club-room, next to the Occidental Hotel, will bo opened to morrow night for members only. Swoot William and Wallangra havo boon scratched for the Melbourne Cup. Nominations for the Onehunga Racing Club Spring Handicap and Hurdles ■ closo to-morrow night. All entries must bo sealed and addressed to tho Secretary, One hunga, or Mr W. Adams, 157, Queen-street, Auckland. CiinisTCHURCH, this day. Pearl, Leonora, and Marksman, by Musket —Aconite, accompanied by their trainers, ,P. Martin and W. C. Edwards, havo arrived from tho North for tho C.J.C. Spring Race Meeting.

FILTH AND DISEASE AT PARIHAKA.

(BY TKLKllUAl'll. —OWN CORRESPONDENT),

Wellington, this day. Government have received from Dr. O'Carroll, of New Plymouth, who has visited Parihako, a report showing the pah there to bo in a terrible stato of filth. There are 05 cases of cellular erysipelas there, and seven deaths have occurred from tho disease Tohu and To Whiti desired the doctor to thank tho Nativo Minister for sending him to attend. Tho Nativo Minister has authorised a supply of medicine and medical comforts for the patients.

GIRL RUN OVER ON THE RAILWAY.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

Donkoin, this day. A serious accidont occurred at Ravens bourne yesterday to a girl ofeloven years, named Melita Millinger. She was engaged plucking flowers on tho railway bank, and foil on to the lino just as tho midday train from Palmerston was passing. Nothing could bo done to save her, and one of tho carriages passed over her left leg, completely crushing it. She was immediately con veyed to tho Dunedin Hospital, whoro tlio limb was amputated below the thigh. The truin coming round a corner startled her so that she fell.

MR BRACKEN'S POETICAL ENTERTAINMENTS.

Mr Thomas Bracken, author of several volumos of oxcellont poems, and "Paddy Murphy's " humorous lucubrations, gave the third of his entertainments last evening at Abbott's Opera House, entitled "Selec tions of Poetic Gems," comprising Bkotchos and poems from the works of Lover,. Macrao, Hood, Tennyson, Aytoun, Browning, Keegan, and from Mr Bracken's recpnt "Lays of the Land of the Maori and Moa." The audience was not so large as the enter tainment merited. Mr Bracken displayed good taste in his selections, and his delivery was clear and appreciative. We notice that Mr Brackou has con sented to give his popular lecture on " The Triumph of Democracy " on Friday evening, under tho auspices of tho Auck land Liberal Association;. This locturo was attonded by 1,000 people in Christchurch, and is regarded as. one of Mr Bracken's best efforts It is by no means of tho dry as-dust charactor which distinguishes electioneering addresses, but is pervaded by a rich voin of humour, and is inter spersed with choice recitals, as advertised elsewhere. On Monday evening Mr Bracken will probably give a 6ories of recitals at the North Shore. -

POLICE COURT.- This Day.

(Beforo F. L". Primo, Esq., J.P.)

Larceny.—Arthur Collinge was brought up on several charges of larceny. (I) A portmanteau, and coat, 2 vests, and other articles, value £11 12s 6d, property of Arthur Pearce; (2) portinan t-ata, and clothing, value £12, tho proportyof Frederick Lloyd; (8) Carpet bag; etc., _33.pro porty of Chas. Taylor; (4) hand-bag, £2, on or-about the Ist Ootdber.—Sergeant Pratt con ducted the- cases.—Arthur Poarco deposed that he was a commercial travollor. He was stayirg at tho Hebaon, Hotel for sevoral weeks, On leaving liWLsf t-Jiis portmanteau in charge of Mr Milno.. .'(Wittjfcss" enumerated its contents)'. Did nof kno.vJVihe pbißOtieif. ' Had never to his .|_nowleOy_p-licn the prisoner before. Ho..'wos^it. Holensvllle at tho: time of'the robl.pi's_xho*w.is now staying at tlio Gover nor Bro vvnoj lot el.—.Tohn Stuart M ilno, losseo of the'llahson Hotel, deposed that the nrUonor had boarded aWils hotel for ten days. He loft on a TneailnjiSjveniiig. Tho portmanteau in Court was ItsMby Mr Pcarce; it was placed in the bath-room. Missed it about tho Ist instant, with others. He gave information to Detective Twohcy. Prisoner had no. authority to tako the property away.—Bernard 11. Keesing, licensed pawnbroker, Victoria-street, deposed to know ing the prison or. Had called at his shop so vcral liaeL On the Ist inst., ho brought a portman toau containing sundry articles otunderololhing and offerod them for sale. He purchased thorn. Handed them over to Detective Twohey. Prisoner appeared to be resectable. The articles wero of trifling value. — Detective Twohoy received information of this and other robberies on the 10th inst. Suspicion pointed to the prisoner, and he arretted him at the Wynyard Hotel on thp changes. Took prisoner to My Jtoesing's shop, and when npar th,e place, prisonov handed him a cheque on tho Oom r moroial Bank of Sydney for £9 isGd.apd dgsirpd himtogiveittoMrMllue.Bayingthatheexpectpd a remittance froni Sydney ip a fow days, when he would pay whatever was ni___ossa|.y, On searching the rpom occupied by prisoper at tho Wynyard Arms, he found a number of letters which Mr Peayce identified as his property Tho depositions were read over to the prisoner, who was fully committed fo.r trial. — Ser geant Pratt said thero were throo other charges azainst the prisoner, but as the owners of tho property wore away from Auckland at present, he would ask for a romand. If the owners should not appeter in time, the prisoner would bo charged with stealing from Mr Milno. —Prisoner asked for bail, but His Worship could not grant bail until the remaining cases had been heard, which would he on Wednesday next. This was all tho business.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(BY TELEGRAPH-SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. The business at yesterday afternoon's sitting of the House was not of special importance. The Destitute Persons Act Ameridment Bill was read a second time, on the motion of Mr Tole. It provides that before information can bo laid against a husband for deserting his wifo, tho conaont of tho latter must be obtained.' Tho Drainage of Mines Bill and Waikato Land Bill passed through Committee, and the Life Assurance Policies Bill was read a second time.

The Public Works Statement.

An opinion appears to prevail that the Public Works Statement will be brought down next Tuesday, but I think it is more likely to be Friday of next week.

Construction of the North Island

Railway.

The Minister of Public Works says if the contral route is adopted, there is no reason why Auckland should not bo connected with Wellington by rail in three years,

Sunday Offences,

Tho debate on tho Sunday observance clause in the Police Offences Bill occupied the Houso till the 5.30 adjournment, some members waxing wroth because the clause proventod cricket-playing, boat-sailing, and gardening _an Sunday. One member even went so far as to say it would prevent piano-plnying on that day. The opposition to tho clause was strong. The Government has informed Mr Hamlin that they have received the necessary infor mation on tho petition of John Duncan and others, hut the matter was of such a com plicated character that it was occupying the attention of tho law officers of tho Crown. They hoped to havo thoir report in a few days

Petitions.

Tho following petitions were presented in tho Houso yesterday:—From Michael Furly, Coromandel, praying for the refund of 1.39, costs incurred in a civil action brought against him for tho recovery of the value of a horse (Mr Cadman); from John Moffit and 43 other residents of Devonport and Wade, and Mnclurdy and 42 other resi dents of Lucas Creek, against any altera tion in tho Education Act (presented by Mr Mitchelson for Mr Hurst).

Mr Thomson ixtends to ask Government to-day if they will havo tho lecture reeontly delivered at Wellington by His Excellency the Governor on defences of the colony publishod for general circulation throughout tho colony. The amendments mac o in Committeo on tho Public Works Amendment Bill and Government Insurance Bill, have been agreed to by the Lowor Houso. Govern ment abandoned tho clauses in the latter measure providing for foreign business, and also investment of funds in Australian and foreign securities.

Penalties on Printers,

Sir George Grey's bill to amend the Printers and Newspapers Registration Act provides that tho lino for not placing an imprint on a document shall not exceed £5 for each of tho first 25 copios; that it shall not bo lawful for any other person than the Attornoy-Genoral to prosecute; and that no part of tho penalty sholl go to the in former.

Binder Twine,

While tho Houso was sitting yesterday, Mr Peacock read a telegram from Mr Messongor, of tho Auckland Fibro Com pany, stating that sales of binder twine manufactured in Auckland had already been made to tho extent of 180 tons, and that 20 tons of so-called binder twine re cently imported into tho colony had been recoived from Otago to bo converted into ropo, nQt being suitable for tho purpose for which it was imported. Tho communication appeared to cause groat surprise amongst Southern mombers, who wero not aware of tho existence of this industry, and Messrs Macandrow, Reoso, and Duncan wero im mediately afterwards seen in conversation with Mr I'eacock on the subjoct.

North Auckland Railway,

Mr Hobbs intends to ask the Minister of Public works on Friday next if he will have n dotailed survey made of tho railway route from Kawaknwa to Hokianga.

Tho Trunk Railway Debato.

Tho debato on the railway routo las-t night wasaremarkably interesting one, and it was a noticeable fact that the best speeches wero thoso delivered in favour of the Stratford routo. Sir Geo. Grey made an admirable speech on behalf of that lino, and Messrs Peacock, Moss, and Atkinson also spoke exceedingly well. Mr Thompson asks Government to-day if thoy will givo effect to the recommenda: tion of tho Petitions Committeo on the petition of 11. P. -Hodge. Mr Smith drow the attention of tho Government to the claims of postmasters and telegraphists who are compelled to work extended hours under tho new regula tion, and a reply was given to the effect that a sum will be placed on the Estimates to givo a small gratuity to each of tho officers in charge of country post and telegraph offices. In regard to telephone offices, the gratuity would be according to the feos received. In offices where there are two or more officers who could relieve each other, no such paymont would be mado. .

Proposed Disfranchisement of Wei

lington.

In tho House yesterday, Mr White (for Mr Holmes) gave notico that ho would movo on going into Committeo of Supply that, in the opinion of this Houso, if Wel lington is to continue to be the seat of Government, it ,is detrimental to the interest of the colony that tho district embracing the city of Wellington and the surrounding country within five miles of the boundaries of that city should bo repre sented in tho House, or that any person permanently resident and interested in proporty withjn such district should be a member of the Legislative Council.

Questions Answered.

The following information was elicited from Ministers in the Houso yesterday :— By Mr J. B. Whyto-That tho rule refer ring to ago over which no one can be em ployed on Government railways does not refer to labourers, and no such reason had boen given for refusing employment;. By Mr Seddon—That Government could not review tho decision of magistrates, and could not express an opinion as to whether they concurred in the decision of Warden Kenrick at Thames relative to miners voting nt countyoleotions. Thequestion was pressed furthor, and the Promier said his private opinion was that miners should be on tho roll. The difficulty likely to arise at ap proaching elections was pointed out, and tho Premier gave it to be'understood that, if necessary, Government might take up the Counties Aot Amendment Bill, which pro vides for the difficulty. By Mr J. B. Whyto —That tho petition of settlers in the southern portion of Thames County, pray ing to be severed from tho county, was under tho consideration of the Colonial Secretary.

MINING NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— r-RESS association.)

Thames, this day. Cambria.—The winze on the hanging-wall reef .produced 401bs of specimens this morn ing, and an excellent show of gold remains, on tho hanging-wall portion of tho lodo while large blotches of metal are also visible in the footwall portion. The quartz is heavily mineralised, and gold embedded in tho mineral. Crushing operations havo boon commenced". s

SOUTHERN CROSS PETRO LEUM COMPANY.

(BY TELKCIRAMI—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Chrjstohdrch, this day. The following extracts from tho weekly report of the drilling at the Southern Cross Petroleum Company's Works is published today :—October 6th.—Rock still hard j gas in sufficient quantities to light at any time. October 7th.— No change in rock by driving pipe as fast as I drill. It will be seen that oil and gas aro shut off in upper strata. We have now the same indications at the bottom of the hole. October Bth.—No change in rock; depth 22-1 feet; everything looks favourable, rock being broken and full of oil.and gas giving every indication that we are on the right location. October 9th.— Total depth 243 feet; rock we are going through to.day shows greater inejications of sand than any before found, and what water there is is Small in quantity and brackish; roclf is saturated with oil, and gas got through flag rook at 255 feet. Now in a soft slab rock ) indications still favourable. The directors have also received a telegram giving the depth on Saturday last as 370 feet, with the same favourable indications.

NORTH ISLAND TRUNK RAILWAY.

Debate on the Rival Routes.

(BY TELEGRAPH-SPECIAL REPORTER.)

WELHNfITON, this day.

The House was well filled last night in anticipation of tho debate on tho selection of route for the North Island trunk rail way. The debate was particularly good, and cortuinly was ono of tlio best of tlio

session,

When the House assembled at 7.30 p.m., Hon. Mr Richardson rose to move that the report of the Committee bo taken into con sideration, and that tho central refute be adopted, subject to any deviation in the way of improvement of details that may bo considered desirable during tho course of construction. He said one feature of the public works scheme of 1870 was that Auckland should he connected by rail with Wellington, During tho twelve years that elapsed till 1882, a considerable amount of information was gathered relativo to the country through which the railway was ex pected to pass; that information was before the Committee which had decided in favour of tho central route. It was only right that ho should state that the Committeo was actuated by a desire to come to the decision that would be productive 'of most good to the colony. They desired that the line selected should be ono that would open up the most country, that would bo the most direct, the most free from engineering difficulties, and tho one which, at the same time, would give a fair rate of speed. Te Awamutu lihd been fixed upon as the starting point for the con tinuation of the main trunk lino south wards, and the evidence went to show that somewhero about Marton was whore the trunk lino must join the present railway. Tho country between furnished all the requisites to make it tho best route for the main trunk line. Tho evidence on the Mokau-Waitarn route wont to show that the objects in view would not be attained by this route. The country, on the Strat ford routa was shown to be so much broken, and the engineering difficulties so much greater, that tho opinion of tho Committee was that, despite the greater area of land settled on this route, its advantages were not so great as 'those of tho central route. The gradients on the Stratford routo wore 1 in 25 and 1 in 27, as against 1 in 40 and 1 in 45 on the other route, while it had sharp curves on five or six chains in radius. Tho difference in length was only about 34 miles in favour of the Stratford route. The nature of tho country on the route from Marton to Te Awamutu, via Stratford, was such that a greater speed than 12 miles an hour could scarcely be ex pected. A routa more suitable for the trunk railway than tho one known as the central could hardly be obtained. He did riot see why the distance between Auck land and Wellington by the route recom mended should not bo traversed in 16 hours. When the railway from Napier to Palmerston was completed, it would place Napier nearly as close to Auckland as Wellington is. Tho estimated cost of the lino, so far as he could estimate it, was little short of £1,300,000. There were ample materials, including valuable timber, on the central route for use in tho construc tion of tho lino. The central line would open by far tho largest amount of land for settle ment, and ho had no hesitation in recom mending it as tho best for the country. Whatever routo would bo decided upon, Government was prepared to carry it out as spoodily as poßsiblo. Mr Richardson de livered this speech in a tono scarcely above that of a whisper, and he was frequently in audible.

Mr MoSTOOMBItV said there was conflict ing evidence, to some extent, but lie thought that Mr Percy Smith, a man of authority and oxperienco, summed the position up as well as possible, and ho was favourable to the Stratford routo, Mr Montgomery made quotations from the evidence, and drew special attention to the evidence given by Messrs Northcroft and Cousins that tho country traversed by the central routo was pumice country, and valueless except for the timber on it. Tho central route would cost £1,300,000, and the Stratford route short of a million. When he arrived at a decision ho took into consideration tho nature of tho country and which would bo best in tho intorcsts of tho colony. He felt sure that, Wellington and Auckland having both good ports, there would bo but littlo transmission of goods over the line be tween theso cities, and that it would have to depend principally on passenger trafiic. He quoted figures to show the cattle trade between Auckland and Waitara, and said it had occurred to him whether the line was to bring tho produce of progressive districts to market, or to connect two large centres of population. It had always been understood that the lino should go by way of Taranaki. He did not think of tho interests of either Wellington or Auckland, but of tho people in the up-country districts, who were keeping them up, and on whom the Houso was now about to per petrate a cruel wrong by refusing them the communication so long promised. What he thojght thoy should do was this : Con struct the Stratford route, and run a line of fifty miles from Marton to open up that country. This would all bo done at a cost not exceeding £1,300,000. He concluded by expressing the hopo that the country north of Murimotu should bo settled in sections of 400 and 500 acres, and not al lowed to go into tho hands of big specula tors in large blocks. Dr. Newman assorted that in the original public workß scheme brought ' down by Sir Julius Vogel in 1870, it was provided that the line should go from Wanganui to Auckland. Then there arose a cry to have Auckland and Taranaki con nected by rail. The curse of the colony had always been coastal railw ay routes. He pointed out the number of small ports on the West Coast, and ridiculed the idea of the railway also being close to the coast. He asserted that no part of that country would be more than 25 miles from either a railway or a port. Either line would open .jip a. large amount of country, but the central route was preferable, as it diverged more deeply into the heart of the country than the other, and opened up forests of most valuable timber. He con tended that the land to the eastward of the central route was some of the finest in the colony, and while admitting that pumice existed in the centre of the island, he showed that there was a great deal of pumice in the most fertile districts of Hawke's Bay. Then there was such grand scenery and so many valuable mineral springs close to the route that ore long there would be ah extensive tourist traffic to theso places of interest. The fertile terraces reached away to Wanganui, while the timber country that would bo oponod up would keep mills going for many years. Evidence had gone to show that no less than two million acres of splendid land would be oponed in Wanganui alone. A vast extent of coal-prod ucing country would also be tapped by the central lino. Dr. Newman proceeded to describe a largo part of tho country on tho Stratford route as villainous and wretched, and ho failed to see why Auckland and Taranaki should be connocted by rail when the distance seaward was so short. He spoke commiseratingly of the poor province of Taranaki, which lie said might be lost in the provincial district of Wellington. He held that the engineer who estimated the costof thelinefrom Stratford to To Awamutu did so under very glowing conditions when he said it would be under a million. One advantage which could bo claimed for the central route was that it would havo tlio effect of settling the native difficulty. dVIr W. F. .BtroKLAND said Dr. Newman had mado assertions regarding things which he oithor knew vory little about, or wilfully misrepresented. Ho was con vinced that Wellington coveted to be in solo communication with Taranaki. He assured them that a great part of the pumice country opened by tho contrnl routo wns a perfect desert, and would not support a grasshopper. Tho fight for the central rputo was simply to cut Auckland out of the Taranaki trade. Ho denied that mairi timberwas so valuablo'as had been said, and held that it was scarcely marketable except for wheel'axles in Auck land. He believed tho Stratford lino had not had justice from the first." Ministers themselves, were in favour of the Marton route from the first, and they had been dosed with Marton. Ho did not think the distance by the Stratford route would occupy more time than the Marton route, and held that tho Stratford line would open by far the largest amount of good land. An impartial inquiry would, in his opinion, decide in favour of the Stratford route, and he was sure that the decision now arrived at was in order that Wellington might gat tho West Coast trade. The native difficulty was on the Stratford route," iijjd it was on}y by that route they could settle the difficulty.

Mr Fergus gave a word of advice to Auckland and Wellington. If the country on the central route was so bad as described by the member for Franklin North, then it showed there was no necessity for a railway there, and if the land on the Stratford route was so bad as described by the member for Thorndon, that also went to show that there was no necessity for a railway there. In deed, if j tho country in the North Island as a whole was so inferior as they were now

given to understand by lion, members, it would be better to have tho money spent in the South Island, whore it would be of more use. lie admitted that some injury might be done to the settlers on the West Coast if tho railway did not go there, but he felt that the question was not to be looked at from an Auckland, Taranaki, or Wel lington basis, but as what would bo best for the country as a whole. They had it on evidence that the line recommended was easier than that over the Canterbury plains, but it opened up more country. Since they knew that Government, had acquired largo blocks of laud on that route, and were negotiating for others. Besides this, the construction of the central line would open up entirely new markets. There was constant steamer traffic between Auckland nnd Taranaki, and ho felt sure that steamers could carry passengers at one-half of the rates that would be charged by rail. Then thoy had it on evidence that either lino would settle the native difficulty, but tho central line passed through the greater amount of disaffected native territory. Ho was convinced that if the House that night decided in favour of the Stratford route, there would, ere another year passed, be an outcry from both Auckland and Wellington to have the central route constructed in the course of time. It was show n that a short line could bo run from tho central lino to Stratford, and he would be glad to sco it constructed when the time arrived.

Mr Peacock submitted that amongst the conditions which influenced the Committee in coining to a decision, that of economy of tho colonial funds should have had some weight. He admitted that on the Stratford route there were parts that were broken and not available for settlement; but taking the line as a whole, ho believed there was as much good land on the Stratford, as on the Marton route, in comparison with its length. Ho quoted portions of tho evidence to show that the engineering difficulties of tho Stratford route were not so great as stated, and he regretted that tho late Go vernment had devoted so much attention to obtaining full information respecting the Marton route, when a map of tho other route was left so barren of details. He held thi>t three-fifths of the difficulties of rises, &a, were on seventy miles of route from Stratford to Marton. It should be for them to consider whether they could not make tho line within the amount already authorised by Parliament without extend ing the limit. The member for Thorndon could not have studied tho question if he thought the Stratford route would not equally serve the coal deposits as the Mar ton route, while he submitted that the best authorities agreed that the native difficulty would be more effectively settled' by the Stratford route. Ho found by a compara tive statement in his hand that it would be cheaper to carry cattle from Hawera to the Auckland market by rail than by steamer. Ho considered that the Stratford route should be adopted as being more direct, more economical, likely to serve a settled population equally well, and open up equally good land in proportion to length.

Sir George Grey said he rose to move, as an amendment, that the word "Central" be omitted, and that the word " Stratford " be substituted. He held that Wellington had been, manifestly favoured in the con struction of railways in the past. There wasno doubt that Taranaki and the West Coast province possessed soil of extraor dinary value, while Hawke's Bay or the East Coast also included some splendid land. Largo concessions had been made to the Manawatu Company. Wellington had a lino of railway on the West Coast to Tara naki, and were getting a lino on tho East Coast to Napier. Thus thoy wero to havo two great rivers of commerce draining tho produce of theso fertile districts tc Welling ton. He did not envy Wellington its good fortune, but ho asked on what principle of justico or expediency wore tho people of Taranaki and Hawke's Bay to be prevented from sending thoir produce to Auckland if they desired to do so. Wero not tho pro son t linos from Wellington to tno East and West. Coasts sufficient? Why should Audklan<l be cut out of communication with those fertile districts ? Why was it not to have one littla rivulet of commerce with either Taranaki or Hawke's Bay? Tho first thing that should be dono, he thought, was to givo a direct lino of traffic to the neglected harbour of Auckland. Was it fair that they should shut out all possi bility of Auckland participating in the trade of tho East and West Coasts? He had walked through a great part of the country, and he was convinced that the greatest portion of good land in proportion to the length of line was on the Stratford route. Over one hundred miles of the Stratford country was amongst the best in the colon}', lie pointed out that by the construction of the Stratford route they would save L 400,000, which might be expended in pro longing tho line whioh at present goes from Auckland in the direction of Napier. Then the produce of the fertile districts of the : East and Wosts Coasts might be drained to tho ports of cither Auckland or Wellington, which would be equally provided for, and the North Island would bo covered with a network of railways.

Major Atkinson seconded tho amendv merit. He said anyone who listened to, the*! Minister of Public Works must have been' struck with the eijual advantages of either line. He admitted that a strong case had been made out in favour of the central route, but it did not outweigh the pledge to connect with Taranaki in proportion to length, and he considered evidence was .even in favour of the Stratford route, but he believed both lines would have to be con structed beforeavery great time had elapsed. Kef erring to the West Coast trade, Major ■Atkinson said it might be askedr-"Why not send your produce to Wellington?'" But Wellington would not give the same prico as Auckland. He was convinced that for years to come Auckland must be the market for that strip of country extending from Foxton to White Cliffs, and hence the necessity for communication. Then they should remember that they had a rail way ready made from Marton to Stratford. It was not paying very well, and they wanted^more traffic on it; but they were actually proposing to divert the traffic to a new line. It Was said that this lino was twenty miles shorter,, hut that should 'not bo an important consideration. What they wanted was to servo the population, and: send their railways through the good country. Malor Atkinson dwelt on the point brought but by Mr Peacock, th?_t so much stress should not be placed on the cost of working the Stratford line, seeing that the country was at present bearing the cost of working part of that line. Respect ing the Minister of Public Works' statement that he did not believe the line could be constructed for-the estimate, he drew at-' tention to the fact that the estimate in ques tion had been .made by the Engineer-in- Chief on. good data. He considered it was an unfortunate thing that Mr Eochefort was not put on the Stratford instead of_ -the central route, and said if this had been dono the House would now be voting for the Stratford line instead of considering the rival routes. He held that the people of Taranaki wero entitledto consideration, seeing that they were pre pared to support the line if it wero made, nnd that a pledge was originally given that they should havo railway communication with Auckland. Before tho Houso decided on tho question it should- call on Ministers to show why they were expending this ad ditional money without opening more land. The Premier denied that any pledge was given in tho Governor's Speech for a railway from Te Awamutu to Taranaki, but simply to construct the North Island main trunk railway. Thoy gave it dis tinctly to be understood that the question of routo would be referred to a select com mitteo. Ho asked why 'tho lato Govern ment had surveyed tho contra! route and not tho other if thoy had not thought the former the propor routo. Ho had no feel ing as to either routo, and know nothing. All lie know was from the evidence brought before the Committee. In deciding upon the routo, they must consider which was the most direct, which was tho easiest of construction, which opened most land, had fewest engineering difficulties, and was most cheaply worked. He admitted that there was a great deal to be said in favour of tho Stratford route,- which would connoct Taranaki with Auckland, but he asked whether it was thought the steamer trade would- coaso when tlio railway-was constructed. He held thore would stilLboa trade with Auckland and Taranaki even after the lino was constructed. Taranaki had littlo reason to complain, seeing it had more money spent in it for harbour and railway works in proportion to population than any other district in"the colony. It was true that the central line would cost more, but the conveyauce of goods by the Stratford route meant an additional total haulago of 58 miles. •In ■ construct ing railways they must consider not only the present cost, but also the cost of futuro working. The Premier proceeded to have a sly dig at tho members for City East and. Thorndon. ge* said those gentlemen had littlo reason to appeal to the South Island members when they ahowodjso little consideration for Southern people in their antagonism to. tho District Railways Bill; which was to relieve the poor, oppressed ratepayers down South. ..." Mr Hobbs characterised as a gross breach of faith the neglect to connect Auckland with TaVanaki. He said it could not be denied that the'present line from Welling ton to. New Plymouth was part of the

main trunk line. It was true that a line through the "centre of tho island sounded woll, but the pledges that hud been given should bo adhered to, and the West Coostdistricts placed iv communication with a good market. It had been sneeringly said that Auckland could avail itself of steam communication, but thesame remark applied to Wellington. The present action of Wel lington members was simply to get a second line.

Mr IJuKSTnot.SE pulled Dr. Newman's speech to pieces. He thought neither lice should be mado at the present time, as they wore both premature. About nine teen twentieths of the land along the route was at present in the hands of natives, and by far the largest portion of the land to be opened up was either bush or scrub, which would require a largo expenditure of time and money to make it available for settle ment. There was plenty of land suitable for settlement in Wellington, Taranaki, and other parts of the colony. If those new railways soughtto be made were constructed, hewascanvinced thatthere would be a falling off in tho receipts. He thought it would havo been better if tho Government had gone on with the construction of the line south of Te Awamutu common to both routes for the present, and left the decision of the further route till next session. If the question were decided now ho would voto for the central route, although when he commenced to read the evidence ft was with a bias in favour of the Stratford route. The speaker, in conclusion, laid stress on the fact that the evidence of Mr Mitchel son, late Minister of Public Works, ran in favour of the central route. If he was iv order ho would move an amendment as fol lows : "That no detail surveys having been mado of the Stratford routo, it is net advisable to fix tho route of the railway until such survey is made ; therefore, this Houso is of opinion that the portion of the railway from To Awamutu common to both lines should be at once proceeded with, but the continuation from that point should be delayed until the country is explored and the surveys are complete."

Mr Joyce quoted the experience of Mr Keny Nicholls in his trip through the King Country in support of the Marton line./ He did not think that Auckland should count upon the West Coast trade, but believed that both Kawhia- and New Plymouth, w-ould ere long be shipping frozen meat and other produce direct to London.

Mr J. C. Buckland agreed to a consider able extent with the remarks of Mr Hurst house, and did not consider that either line should be made until large concessions in the way of land were obtained. So far as the two routes were concerned, he was of opinion that the central routo stood alone.

Mossrs Bruce and Smith spoke on the question, the former supporting the central route, and the latter deprecating the action of Auckland in going in for tho West Coast instead of the East Coast lino. • '.-!,_,

Mr Samuel moved the adjournment of the debate, which was agreed to. 7Y« Captain Russell moved, and Mr Gbigg seconded, that the debate be adjourned till. this day six months. _i •■

Mr Moss made a good, speech, in which he pointed out *that it -was not for the House to decide now whether, the line should be made. That question, was already settled, and the House had only now to settle tho question of route. While strongly supporting the Stratford route, he showed that Auckland interests /were not dependent upon.the selection, of either route. :

Capt. Russell's- amendment was nega tived on division by 51 to 8, and. the debate was adjourned till Friday, at 2.30 p.m. )

TELEGRAMS.

To Aroha Tramway.

Cambridge, this day.—At a meeting-pf Piako Council lost night, the Chairman oft tho Tramway Committee submitted vthjS; monthly roport of the tramway. 784 trttdk¥ had passed down the line, bringing, a' revenue of £170 Bs. Tho up qarriago amounted to £27 Cs 7d, making a total revenue of £203 I3s 7d. The pay-sheet for the month amounted to £16917s 7d. Should .the weather keep fino next month, 'the 1 manager expects slightly to reduce this item. Cr. Cooper did not take his seat as threatened, and no reference wtis madettfs the failure of the county loan or the matter, :of leading the tramway. This is the last fleeting of the Council.

Success of the Farmers' Co-operative society.

Hamilton, this day.—At a meeting of the Co-operative Association yesterday, tins 'information submitted was of a most satts^ factory and encouraging character. The amount of business done fat exceeds the most sanguine expectations, whilst tho coat of management has been small.' The turn over for August was .£2,800, and for Sep tember £3,600. v

Blenheim, this day.—At the Supr-eiritjJ Court to-day, the trial of Storey v. Casey, was concluded. The action was 7 brought for damages and injunction in cohsb ■quence ot defendants having dammed up a watercourse. Justice Richmond granted injunction, But as no present or, prospective damage was ' shown, ' -aSft! as the action was brought to merely assert the right, he awarded only 40s damages,, and costs on the lowest scale. Leave wasj given to plaintiff to move to set aside judg.* ment or for a new trial; One civil case, six, bankruptcy examinations, and one compen sation case remain to be heard. The Judge leaves for Nelson on Monday. ' '' '"".-.

\ Christciiurcii, this day.—The Ancient Order of Druids have purchased tho free-. hold of the Good Templars' Hal! for £950;' The Christchurch Gas Company Have.l mounted their lamp-lighters oft* bicycles,*? thus effecting a great saving of expense, i

FANCY DRESS BALL.

Last evening the Newmarket and Remuera. Social Union brought their season to a dostf by a fancy dress ball in tho Newmarkeit Hall, which was a .most decided.success. From 85 to 40 couples composed the com pany, a very convenient,number for,the size of the hall. The'proceedings opened ■ a little before nine o'clock with, a/nandl promenade march, which was exceedingly i effective; a large number of friends; were onlookers. The programme WaijP* then commenced, and the dancing kept" up till 2 o'clock, Hanncken's band wasinl attendance, and gave exfcellent music. The' ladies' costumes showed, very great tested Amongst the most noticeable ones Verb" Mrs Laurie, Normanby Peasant; MissTait, Harliquinette; Miss Nellie Kilgour; Europa;s Miss Minnie"' 'Kilgour, Cantiniere,; :Mjsa. Connolly, Nancy : Lee ;. Miss Xegge, Fairy Queen ; Miss Coffee, Leaji th 6 Gipsy; Miss _ McNeil, Gipsy Queen ; and MMi McKinlpn, who was a charming and pleas- . ing type of a Highland Scotch Lassie:'* Miss Thornton's dress, representing; the:", Auckland presa, was rather unique, '<___$•■'< skirt being composed of the headings of all tho Auckland papers. She wore a diadem? of stars, indicative of the " Herald " of morns and. the Evening Star. The honour of la belle was divided between Miss Nellie Kilgour and Miss Taifc. The casting vote,'" if any, might have been given to the' former. Certainly both dresses were ex-" ceedingly neat and effective, but with the characteristic amiability of these two young* ladies, each pronounced most decidedly in favour o£ the other. Only afew of the gen-1 tlcmen wero in evening dress—soldiers,| Bailors, cyclists, cricketers, jockeys, hunts men all had their representatives, whilst^ thoso personifying the past were alitrue to character. Mr TaitmadeanexcellentCharles I. MrMcNeilwastruetobluffKingHal. Mr Sceats represented the Barber of Seville; Mr Leedham a Mexican Don. Mr West wood completely lost his identity as a Chinese mandarin. Mr Lumsden was * dressed magnificently as a gotitleman of the 16th century. Mr Chas. Jamos not only kept up the character of Jack Tar to life, but did not shame him as a dancer; Whilst his brother Ernest was richly drossed as '&,_ Turk. Mr' Hare's get-up as day and night, one side black and the other vvhito, from the' parting -of his hair in a straight line downward?, must have given him some, considerable trouble. Some littlo while after the dancing com-' menced a Maori in native blanket costume, ". and elaborately tatooed, entered the room. He was at first taken for Tawhiao, and bo well was tho character maintained thai.it " was sonio- time, before it was ascertained that this dusky individual chief 's-name was John Jenkins, Esq7 The Master of Ceremonies, Mr Littlewood, represented Sir Walter Raleigh. - ... . .-• f .

EVENING-' STAR, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1884



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