SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

_K__'i_ iv atitr JThls i-vening, 8.29 Hf »VATKR 5 Tomorrow Morning 5.47 KM . N_ET.—This Evoning. 5.30 v.S 'M'tTSE.—To-morrow Morning, G. 35 v; MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 2Uth, 3.21 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

I.ASTEVEXINO. •: Hawk, si'lioon.r, Johnson, from Whangarei I ' TO-DAY. I Rowcna, s.s., Scott, from Mercury Bay

i Neptune, s.s., Mustart, from Mercury Bay i> Wellington, s.s.. Farquhar. from Tauranga > Glenolg, 5.8., Stephenson, from Russell

DEPARTURE.

A. LAST EVENING. ■' Macgregor. s.s., Johnson, for Whangarei 1 Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarei • - Swallow, schooner, Subritzky, for Ohorc ,

Hs Inwakds Coastwise.—Sovereign of tho Seas, ■j from Barrier, with 30 tons firewood.

B ' Outwards Coastwisk.—Sovereign of the !„:; Seas, for Great Barrier. WBS The barque John Knox has cleared at the Cus l."-vfonts for Newcastle. A'"' The s.s. Glenelg arrived from Russell and ports this morning with the following ''-passengers:—Mrs Walmsley, Messrs Knee, B Harvey, McKay, Hands, Laurence, Fraser, -o MoCamtnon, Decry, Archdeacon Clarke, V aster Davison. ';'■ The s.s. Wlllington arrived from Tauranga !}. this morninejlwith the following passengers :— Jt- iMr and Mrsß.. anter, Captain Turner, Master ' Hulme, Rev. Mr Slade, Mrs Nelson, Messrs A. ';- T. Blocke, C. Allen, Carnegio, A. D. Smith, I Kensington, Baker, Gordon, Te Wara, Fisher, :-»Crossley, Buddie, Samuels, and Miss Bain. The following Union steamers are due here r;.'?next week: Penguin, from Dunedin and If". Timaru; and Hawea (at MaDukaui. from ■ .'South, on Sunday, early; Manapouri, from Mcl- B -bourne, via the South, nnd Tarawera, from i. | Sydney, Tuesday morning.

EXPORTS PER RANGITIKEI.

[■: ' The ship Rangitikoi cleared at the Customs ! ,' to-day for London with a full cargo, as follows: _•'.'. Gum, valued at £11.781 Wool 5,172 , . Leather 1.185 I Copra 4.83G ! Tallow 3,407 Flax 735 • Linseed Cako .100 Sundries 510 Total value £31,220

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

S ; London, August 20.—The s.s. Ruapohaarrived I yesterday at Rio de Janeiro. Her refrigorator B was working well, and the meat was in primo I. condition. Tho steamer has had a stormy m passage. .•I: Port Chalmers, yesterday.—Arrived: Nel- m W; ship, from London. H SVDNBY, August 22.—Arrived, yesterday: A Hauroto, from Wellington. Sailed, this after fc_ noon: Tarawera,for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

','" Evening Star Office, this day. '''vMhssbs Carbines and Taylor held their L: usual Friday sale of poultry, produce, shrubs, 11 Jtruit trees, plants, groceries, furniture, fancy ;:j. goodsanddrapery.andreport a goodattendance ; I and fair prices ruling in all departments. B Poultry: Fowls.t.ls 6d to 2s 9d; spangled Ham :" burgs, Ss 9d; ducks, 3s sd; game bird, 2s Od; jlj dorkings. 3s 3d; young turkeys,-2s to 2s Od ; 11 Cochin China fowls, 5s each; young chicks, li d ■Reach; young; pigs, 6s to lis, in good demand ; Sv game fowls, 5s each; green linnets, Is each. H Produce: Potatoes, £315s to £4 5s per ton; seed H potatoes, £4 to __ 10s per ton; onions, ljd to2Jd; _ good onions are very scarce; cabbages, lsfid to H2s sack; turnips, Is 6d; cauliflowers, 2s to 2s 3d; _B hams and bacon aro very scarce; superier ft*' hams and bacon, 7d to lOd lb inferior, 2d to S-.,M; keg beef, Id to Ud; keg butter, 3jd to ■ 9d, according to sample; apples per ease. IS medium, 8s Sd; fruit trees, shrubs, and plants all IS cleared; bran, 63; sharps, 0s; chaff, 2a Od; oats, 'jr.. 2s 9d to 3s; wheat, 3s 3d to 3s 6d. Groceries: ffl- Tea in half-chests. Is Id to 2s ; tea in boxes, o 7 __8 6d to 21s; sugar, 3d to 3Jd; kerosene, Is 8d to £v"ls lOd per gallon; soap, 8s 6d to 15s per box; ■ flour, £9 to £12 10s per ton; oatmeal, 3s 9d per £ ■ 251b bags ; mixed bi_c_i_, 4d to s_d. Jewellery, hi- - fancy goods, furniture, and a ccceral assortment H of drapery, all cleared at prices satisfactory. • - CATARRH OF THE BLADDER.-stius!.* irrit. ■:- ' tton,__— raatioQ. aUKlduey _tl similar Uiu.lßim*, -unM I>j M 3 _t_c_._«_i- At _rog_U__ , 'V.'-o Ktnurthorne, P__er*Co„Ag_ts, Auckland. The Italian Bedstead is a new and very m pretty style. You will And a large assortment of Iron and Brass, and Nickel-plated Bedsteads Hat -the Cheap Furnishing Warehouse. Gar lick H andCran well's. Queen-street Auckland.— [Advt

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

lails will Close as under 1— MONDAY, 25th inst For Waitara, Sec, per Argylo, at 11 a.m. or Coromandel, per Coroinandel. at 11.30 a.m. For Thames, por Rotomahana, at 3.30 p.m. .or Samoa, perMalietoa, at 4 p.m. or Tauranga. Ohimomutu, and Osotiki, per Glenelg. at 4 p.m. For Russell. Kawakawa. Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. Voc Whltiangi Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Rowona or Neptune, at 5 p.m. Tor Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Tuesday. 2Gth inst Tor Wnhvcra, Kawau, Omaha, Matakana, and Warkworth, per Roso Casey, at 10 a.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parua, Waipu, Whan garci, Kamo, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Macgregor or Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Mangawai and Kaiwaka. per Ruby, at 5 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, and Suva, por Pen guin, at 1 p.m. / Wednesday, 27th inst Por Manapouri, as follows :— For China, Japan, Suez, Brindisi, and Con tinent of Europe, and France,' Algeria, Mauri tius, Cape Town, &c. (por French Packet from Sydney), at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies and United King dom, via Suez and Brindisi or Naples, per Orient steamer, for letters. Sec, specially so prepaid and addressed, at 11 a.m. For Money O ders, Registered Letters and Nowspapers, at 10 am, Late letters for Sydney and Mel bourne only at 11.20 a.m .

I-"or Australian Colonies, etc., per City of Sydney, immediately after her arrival from Honolulu, Sec. Kiir Taranaki, Southern ports, and London, via Rio de Janeiro and Plymoutti, from Lyttolton (per Tongareira), per Hawea, immediately after arrival of City of Sydney. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

August 23, 1831.

Abbott's Opera.House — WiUmott's Dramatio and Comedy Company, 7.45 p.m, V.M.C.A.— Devotional, and Address by Rev. J. S. Hill, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

tiRBEN.—On August 19th. at her residence, Newmarket, the wife of T. M. Green of a daughter; both doing well. LEMPRIERE. - On August 19, at Park Road, Sirs Philip Lempriere of a son. PAUL.—On August 21, at her residence, Cross street the wife of B. C. Paul of a son. SLOMAN.-On August 21, Mrs J. F. Sloman, Grafton Road, of a daughter.

Deaths.

FOLEY.—On August 23, Mr Edmund Foley; aged 73 years. The funeral will leave his daughter's resi dence, Wyndham-street. on Monday, 25th inst, at 3 O'clock. Friends please accept this notice. PO ULSON.—f n August 22, at Lower Hepburn street, Laurits, youngest son of Lam-its and Mary Poulson ; aged 1 year and 5 months. The funeral will leave his parents' resi dence at 2 p.m. to-morrow (Sunday), 24th inst. Friends please accept this intimation. WHIBTON.-0n August 23, at her parents' resi dence. Cobden-street, Newton, Janet Eliza beth, youngest and beloved daughter of James and Fanny Whiston; aged i months. Interment at i o'clock to-morrow (Sunday).

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 1884.

For the cause that lades assistance. For the Wrong that needs resistance, For the future In the distance, And the good that we can do.

The failure of Mr Thomson to form a Ministry, although expected, further illustrates the complication of parties in Wellington. Although not a bril liant man, Mr Thomson is personally very much respected on both sides of the House, and he might have been taken as a suitable medium for effecting/1 a compromise. This was evidently #he idea which induced him to undfgrtake the formation of a Cabine>r^ and he entered upon the task mm strong faith in his ability to healtlj^divisioiis in the T_ife_¥!_. par^vjflrwhich he has always been die^kslay attached. \Ve can easily understand, however, as our special correspondent indicates, that the events of the past fortnight have produced bitter asperities. The Mac andrew-Montgomery party cannot for get in a day that it was Mr Thom son's motion, backed by Sir George Grey's influence, that led to their overthrow, and thoiigh they were themselves the authors of their own downfall through nheir deliberate, unnatural, and needless alliance with the most Conservative members of the House (an act which left no alterna tive to the members who voted against them), people are not usually more reasonable and forgiving because they know tkat their own folly has been the cause of their misfortunes. Mr Thorn son might probabjiy have fevaid allies among the men who are politically opposed to him, but he consistently avoided the error which he had so strongly reprehended in his recent opponents, and he acted with ,wisdom and prudence in resolving not to fur ther delay the business of the coiMtry ;i:o\--i:ii—--Oooo:0.ooi: '.■:'■'■-■:. :.;v '-k"

tifte. it had become quite clear to his mind that there was no prospect of forming a Ministry which would com mand even a temporary majority of the House. Throughout his action in this delicate business, Mr Thomson has acted with discretion, and he rather ~,ains than loses in reputation by his failure.

This admission, however, does not clear the way for a termination of the deadlock. The country must havo a Government of some kind, and it ex pects the newly-elected House of Representatives, which contains a large amount of ability, to provide one. The task has now been entrusted by His Excellency to Sir George Grey, who would have been summoned a fort night ago if the advice of the late Cabinet had been asked. It is beyond the power of any man to predict what the issue will be now. The posi tion is one of the most difficult and complicated that can possibly be con ceived. It is not merely the feelings and wishes of the leaders that have to be considered, but each of the four parties in the House is made up of units, which may be driven away by the slightest false move. How these are to be conciliated and held together in a compact workable body, is a problem requiring tho greatest skill, patience, and forebearaucc for its solu tion, and we can only trust that Sir George Grey and Major Atkinson will, out of a particular regard for tho welfare of Now Zealand, dis play those qualities in setting up together a Government which shall conduct the business of the colony and adjust its finances for a period long enough at least to enable the disturbing elements to be eliminated and political parties to settle down on moro definite lines.

Public attention is still attracted by the attempt of tho goldfields members to obtain tho abolition of the gold duty, absolute so far as the South is con cerned, permissive as regards Northern goldfields. We have already depre cated the course proposed, because it would inflict an injury on tho North ; and we hope the solution of the matter will be found in the goldfields members giving up the attempt to have the duty abolished. Looking at the general dis position to materially limit further bor rowing, and at the necessity which such a course involves for the cost of chari table institutions, roads, and possibly education being largely provided for out of revenue instead of out of loans, we fail to see tho wisdom of abolishing tho gold duty. We know, of course, that on the alluvial goldfields of the South the gold duty is a direct tax on miners. But it must not be forgotten that the administration of goldfields is specially costly. The rugged nature of the country, the discovery of new fields, the construction of roads and water races, all involve a large expenditure either by Government or by local boards. In future, this expenditure must bo largely met by local revenue. In this view we think Parliament may justly refuse to abolish a duty every shilling of which is expended for gold field purposes. We know very well that the abolition of the gold duty has long been a popular election cry on Southern alluvial goldfields. But we have seen many other election cries disappear in the melting-down process characteristic of Parliamentary exigencies, and if this demand for the abolition of the gold duty disappears also, no injustice will be done. No body benefits from the Southern gold duty but the miner who pays it. Even on the Northern goldfields, which are quartz-reefing and not alluvial, the miner derives the chief benefit from the expenditure of the duty, though he does not pay it. Being paid by the day, or at so much per foot or fathom, the miner's payis not affected, whatever may be the prico of gold. Take for instance the Te Aroha goldfield, where from some mines east of the master reef the gold realises £3 Gs per ounce, whilst in those to the west of the same reef tho gold is worth about £2 15s. Yet in all these mines the daily pay is the same. It is clear the Northern miner does not pay the duty, whilst he largely benefits by its expenditure.

The Northern goldfields members are well aware that the abolition of the gold duty would inflict great injury on gold-mining interests in the North, and they have very wisely insisted that its abolition shall be only permissive so far as the NortheriLgoldfields are con cerned. We have not the least fear that the gold duty will be abolished. No Treasurer would be so unwise as to recommend it.

Infanticide.

The recent sad tragedy at Parnell—wo refer of course to the case of supposed cbild murder—is fitted to suggest mingled re flections. The verdict of the coroner's jury yesterday, favourable as it was to the un happy acc-sed, makes the philosophic mind question the wisdom of infanticide being declared a capital offence. The student of the problems of human existence, who takes a comprehensive review of the subject, cannot fail to see that nearly all the evils which afflict 'our present existence —the unepv.al distribution of wealth, the monopoly p _ land, and the inadequacy of wages included —re- solve themselves ultimately iofco a question of population; and ip the regulation of the increase of the human fairiify lies the only solution of the gigantic -./ problems of life. Our forefathers recognised this, and ac cepted War, Pestilence and Famine—the three most dreadfnn scourges of society—as the divinely-anrpointed a*htidotes for over, population. spread of humane feeling and the advance of knowledge have—or very Boopf will _aye—completely eliminated these o_iecks to naturhl increase ; and the question may pertinently be asked—What iyxo take their place 1 In a natural state fbl sociefy, such as we find in some savage communities, infanticide is the remedy which is unsparingly applied; and in a Materialistic community of civilised men we also imagine the same rule would be enforced. But in Christian States, the basis of Society is fixed upon the com mand—" Thou shalt not kill;" and on equal S^ount of authority hangs around that other ah_ sjrlier injunction—" Be fruitful and multiply aii. replenish the earth." Hence in a community" such as oura the act of child-murder is regarciea __ a crime of the deepest dye—as an offence againsti Natural and Divine, as well as against human laws, and is punishable by the ex treme penalty of dfcafli. We do not mean to assail that position ; but if the conten tion of advanced thinkers be correct, if the regulation of population forms the great secret of human happiness and progress, and if increase must be Gfcrtailed, they will also by-and-by maintain that infanticide is at once an easier, safer, and more merciful method than either Hunger, Disease, or the Sword. Society must therefore pre pare itself to meet this new doctrine. Other and sadder thoughts are aroused by the special circumstances of the Parnell case. Here a mother is suspected of having deprived her offspring of life. This is a thing so opposed to maternal instinct that its occurrence might almost be accepted as pre sumption of insanity. It is certainly to be as much presumed as in the case of suicides, and almost invariably coroners'juries return a verdict of " unsound mind " when anyone ends his own earthly career. The other day, in Victoria, a young woman was re- I leased from prison, after having been sentenced to a long term for child-murder, ' through a petition based upon the state ment that she was suff.ring from puer peral mania when she committed the crime. Even when there is no sign of puerperal mania, the mental eohdition of a young

mother for several weeks aftor confinement is not to be relied upon. If thoro are irritating circumstances, the worst results ofton ensue. When, for oxamplo, sho is in the sad position of being " a mother but no wife " — when she is tho victim of base deception and heartless desertion — when she has poverty and disgraco alike staring her in the face—the wonder is, not that she should become insane and perpetrate some dreadful deed, but that she should preserve her sanity. Yet two other thoughts—one of righteou. indignation nnd ono of earnest protest —are suggested. Our law roquires amending in the direction of punishing those saoundrels who betray and desert confiding women. We punish for inciting to commit a felony ; why should we not punish those who drive others into crime ? There is no satisfactory answer to the question, since there is no reason why guilt, flagrant and unblushing, should be allowed to go un punished, or why ruffianism of tho worst stamp should bo permitted to Hourish nt the expense of Innocence, Purity, and Worth. The chief aim of law should be to prevent crime ; but while declaring infanticide to be n capital offence, it makes no provision to prevent its com mittal. This brings us to tho last aspect of the question, viz., the attitude of society towards hapless women of tho class indi cated. Why should they bo branded as "fallen," shunned by the "respectable," and in too many instances driven to de graded courses? Is it not rather tho duty of society to give sympathy and support to the victim 1 Thero should be no " pariahs " in a Christian community—no outcasts from respectable society. "It's an ill bird tliat fouls its own nest," and whon Society awakes to the truth that it is ono great family—that like a chain, its strength is only tho strength of its woakest link—that consequently itsintolloetunl and moralstntus is no higher than that of its most degraded member—it will take steps to elevate the weak, the erring, nnd the unfortunate, in stead of treading them underfoot by a social ban as cruol as it is unjust.

We rogrot to learn that Mr Gamble, who for some months has beon in failing health, has been compelled to resign tho ngoncy of the P.M.S.S. Company, Mr Eckardt, tho representative of Messrs Gilehriat, Watt, nnd Co., general agents for tho Company in the colonies, being now in Auckland, has arranged with Messrs Brown, Campbell, and Co. to take over tho agency. During the timo ho hus hold tho agency for tho San Francisco steamers, Mr Gamble has given tho utmost satisfaction to tlio publin, his urbanity and attention having beon most marked. We trust that his health may soon bo completely reestablished. Though giving up tho agency named, Mr Gamble still continues to net as Consul for tho Unitod States during the absence of Mr Griffin, and should tlio latter gentleman obtain hia well-deserved promotion, no better successor in his oiiice could be found than Mr Gamble, tho present Acting- Consul.

Mr Charles Atkin and Mr \\". G. Connolly, are candidates for tho vacant seat in the City Council. Mr i'eter Dignan is also spoken of as a probable candidate.

Cr. Holland has given notice of the fol lowing motions :—(1) That in future when any footpath is asphalted, nil neeo.sary crossings connected therewith bo done at the same timo when practicable. (2) That tho Engineer be instructed to report to the Council what othor crossings ho would recommend should bo asphalted throughout the city.

Yesterday afternoon n ceremony of a most pleasing nature took plnco at tho railway otiicos, when tlio employe's of tlio depart ment presented Mr C. Hudson, District Traffic Manager, with a liandsomo mat .lo clock on tho occasion of his marriage. This is an act tending to show the high esteem and friendly relationship existing between hem.

Mrs P. Hansen (tho wife of tyio man who lately caused such a sensation by eloping with a _Irs Cntnpton) writes complaining that Mrs Cntnpton is circulating a false report to the effect that Hansen's marriage was not legal. Mrs Hansen challenges tho alleged slanderer to proro hor words, and claims that the Auckland Registry Oliico books would give tho lie to the slander and prove tho marriage legal. Shcstatcs that Hanson has settled las a week on his lawful wife, and is now living in a scparato houso with Mrs Cntnpton. It does seem just a littlo hard that Mrs Hansen should not only lose her husband, but should also be the victim of misrepresentation.

Mr E. Bartley, architoct, to-day oponed tho following tenders for the erection of a villa residenco at Dovonport for Mr Lo Sieur: —Dryhan, £995 ; Smith;and Rowo, £845 ; Chitham and Moselem, £532 10s; Grey, £785 ; Julian, £780 ; Holiday, £764 18s ; W. Smith, £753 ; Cowott, £753 ; Davis and Evans, £G95. No tender has yet been a.cepted.

The Auckland Agricultural ond Mercan tile Company (Limited) havo filed a potition at the Supreme Court praying that John Peter Oakes, master mariner, may be ad judicated a bankrupt.

A sculling match between Robt. Edwards and Neil Mattorson, whioh has attracted considerable attention in Sydney recently, was arranged to take placo this afternoon over the Parramntta champion oottrse, the stakes being £100 a-side. Mattorson, who is a very promising young sculler, is said to be acquiring a style something like Hanlan's. He is quite a youth in appearance, but was nevertheless oxpocted to give a good ac count of himself in to-day's match. Ed wards, who has not been in the bost of health, according to latest accounts was getting all right again, and was expected to " pull a great race with Mattereon."

Emily Smith alias Wilson, the woman charged with the wilful murder of her infant, will be brought up at the Pollco Court on Tuesday, but it is probable Viiat the police will ask for a further remand/.

Mrs Martin, of Lower Hobson/street, nearly 75 years old, was operated _pon for blindness from cataracts by Dr. yVilkins, of this city, a few days since, witAl the satis factory result that she cap. now see very well, both distant objoct. and ordinary print. She was long blip «_ in both oyes, and in one eye for upward/i of 20 years. The old lady is of course.i.ory much gratified in unexpectedly seeing daylight again at hei' age,

The superiority of the "Hornsby" machine rover other reapers and binders has ju__ beon testified at the annual trial held _y the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The trial took place a few days ago, and the result has been cabled to Messrs T, and S, Morrin nnd Company, the sole Auckland agents for tho successful machine, The cable message states that the first prize of £100 was taken by the "Hornsby" machine, beating three well known American and two English reapers and binders which also entered for competi tion,

Tho approaching concert of the Choral Sooiety promises, musically speaking, to excel even itß last, which was acknowledged to be one of the most suocessfull perfor mances of recent years, The music of "Psyche" is such as to stamp its author, Gade, as being the most charming of composers in the modern German style. Though tfrfkr recently produced, it has already attafced a wonderful popularity in England, It possesses the peculiar merit of pleasing anient musicians the more it is heard, while its dramatic characteristics catch even tho fancy of casual listeners. Should the weather be favourable, the per formance cannot fail to further exalt tho already high reputation of nur leading musical institution.

Some time ago tho principal residents of Upper Symonds-streot and Kybcr Pass petitioned the Government authorities for permission to establish a telephonic "bureau" offico in a central part of tho neighbourhood, for purpose, pr inter-com mui_C- tt'on ltl caso of lire, accident, com : mercial event/ Of incoming mails. The petition, numerously signed, Was duty pre sented^ the Government, and the prayer of the inhabitants granted. It wob shown satisfactorily that a telephone was much needed in these populous and growing dis tricts, and as the house of Mr Tyer, grocer, is centrally situated, his houee was fixed upon for the "bureau," which will be available at all hours in the event of fire, accident, or in any case of emergenc3r. Mr Tyer, therefore, has fitted up an office for the accommodation of his neighbours, which will enable the public generally to send and receive messages at a merely nominal charge.

The dedication pf St. Thpmas's organ is announced to take place on Thursday even ing next, the 28th inst. There will be a special service of thanksgiving at 9 a.m., and in the evening a choral service with dedicatory address by the Bishop, followed by an organ recital. The Church will be open in the evening at 7, and the festival service will commence at 7.30. Parishioners and friends ef St. Thomas's are notified that cards containing the order of services are obtainable from the pastor, the wardens, and the vestry at the church deor on the evening of the feetival,or at Hamilton Bros., Queen-street. ~ o '

Church announcements will be found in the usual column. Rev. J. Robertson will corhmence a new sories of sermons to young men on "Thoßattloof Lifo" in Borosford stroet Church. Sermons in tho Anglican Churches in|commemoration of St Bartholo mew's Day. Evangolistic service at Grafton Rond Church. Collections morn ing and ovening at the Wesleyan Churches in aid of Foreign Missions. Rev. T. M. Fraser at St. David's Presbytorian Church on " Elijah " in continuation of Scripture characters. Temperance Hull, lecture on the " Origin of Man." Evangelistic service in the ovening at tho Theatre Royal.

The half-yearly meeting of the J. E. Red mond branch of tho Irish National League was hold last oviviing. Thoro was a good attendanco, and thoroportandbalance-sheot, which wero favourable, wero road and adopted. Several now members wero initiated. The proposod roadings from populor authors woro postponod, owing to pressure of special businoss.

The now uniforms of the llobson Com pany have at length arrived. They are in good order, and ready for delivery. The uniforms are of tho same material and colour as those worn by the Victoria Com pany, and white belts nro to be substituted for tho ones at present in use.

Frank llonry Tanquaray James, alias Frank Jackson, appeared in tho 1 .lico Court dock to answer to charges of forging an order for the payment of money, larceny as a baileo of a camera, and two charges of larceny of an album and photographs, of tho estimated valuo altogether of £51 4s, but owing to tho latonoss of the hour.it was determined to take the cases on Tuesday morning noxt.

At the fortnightly meeting of the Fronch Literary Soeioty this ovening, Mr C. de L'Eau will read an original story by him solf.ontitled " Tho 87th Anniversary of the Emperor William nt Berlin."

A number of looal politicians havo re solved upon forming a Liberal Association for tho purposo of holding regular meotings on current ovonts,, nnd on Monday ovoning tho inaugural mooting will bo held in tho Temperance Hall with a viow to its for mation, and to discuss the roportof a pro visional committee appointed to draw up a constitution and programme of operations.

Students intonding to request that Juris prudence may bo tho subject of tho law lectures in connection with tho University Collogo during tho ovoning term, are notified that such applications are to be roceivod not later than Saturday next,-tho 30th inst.

Mr Hammond will deliver a lecture on Monday evening noxt before the mombors of St. Sepulchre's Mutunl Improvement boeioty, in the Symonds-streot School-room, lho public admitted free. The subjoct will bo " Tho Maoris, thoir Customs and Traditions," n most interesting subject, and ono with which Mr Hammond well is ac quainted.

Tho Roy. J. Hascldcn has resignod the incumboncy of St. Luke's, Mount Albort; in order to dovoto his whole time to his work as organising clergyman in connection with tho Homo Mission of the diocoso.

At a special mooting of Auckland Harbour Board to bo hold on Tuesday noxt, there will bo a discussion of considerable public importance Tho objoct for which the meeting is convoned is to consider the Auckland Harbour Board Bill, 188-1, and Manukau Harbour Board Bill, 1884. Tho object of tho first-named measure is to reconstitute tho method of appointing tho Board, and to uuthoriso tho pay ment of v salary to; tho Chairman; but it also embraces sovoral other matters of less importance. Tho other Bill is a brief measure to onablo tho Auckland Harbour Board to assume control of the Manukau Harbour, and to take possession of all lands, wharves, buildings, otc, in connection with tho port of Onehunga.

A show of children up to soven years of ago was hold yostorday in connection witli tho Industrial Exhibition nt Dunedin. Thoro wero over 70 entries oach of boys and girls. A special prize was given to the motlior with tho most children alivo for tlio number of years married. This was taken by Mrs Wallace, who had beon oight years and throe montl_ married, and had soven children.

Blister .ncwTempcrnncoßoarding-houxo, in Cook-street, has boon completed, and henceforward hot pies, cofleo, etc., can bo procured thoro at all hours of the night. Tho building is thrco storios high, with a frontago of 33 feet to Cook street and a depth of 71 foet. It is built of brick, tho front boing executed of Portland cement. The shop is situated on tho stroet corner, and tho ttppor storios aro dividod into bed rooms, sitting-rooms, etc, all suitably fur nished. Tho building waa erected by Mr Blowden, and tho total tqat will be about 13,000.

From advicos received from the South, it seems tho Roy. Ralph Brown, who lectures on " Heads and Faces " in St. James's Hall, Wellington-street, on Monday and Tuesday next, has created a very favourable impres sion. Ono exchange says :—"lt is sufficient to say that audionoe amd loeturer wero con vulsed with roars of laughter for the space of over an hour. Yet, amidst all tho fun, there is excellent teaching and practical truth made clear. , Wo urgo all our readers to go and hear for themsolvos." The wholo of the proceeds of the lectures are divided among the loco., churches. We expect to find tho scienco of phrenology to tho fore in Auokland during the ensuing wook. Tho chair is to bo,taken by tho Rev. R. Bavin, of Grafton Road, on Monday, and by F. L. Prime, Esq., on Tuesday evoning.

We hr.vo to acknowledge receipt, from Mr N. G, Lennox, of Queen-street, of a copy of the first number of " Once a Month, a Magazino for Auetralasi■>." This is a very creditable-looking venture, which has been started in Melbourno, where it is published by Wm. Inglis and Co. Tho price is Is a month, or 12s 8d por annum, nnd as it is registered as a newspaper, it is transmissible at choap rates, which should add greatly to its popularity. Tho editor is Rev. Dr. Mercer, and judging of the con tents of tho opening number, fie bids fair to prove a successful conductor of a literary journal. Two articles are of special in terest, "An Episode in the Joint History of Great Britain and Australia," and "Ono Hundred Years Ago." The paper entitled " Experiences of a Pioneer" is a telling exposure of the wealth points in the land laws of New South Wales, and of the flagrant corruption which used to prevnil among Government officials. Fiction is represented by "MaryMarston," a serial tale by Dr. George Mac Donald; and shorter stories, The other contents comprise articles on " Sir Thomas Browne," " Irrigation in Colorado ;" "Howl Learned to Ride a Bicycle;" and Education from a Parent's Point of View; Science Notes, Poetry, Humour, See, On tho whole, '<" Once a Month" promises to be a healthy periodical, well-conducted, and deserving of success.

Tho inquest on the child Emily Wilson was not concluded till 7 o'clock last evening. After we went to press yesterday, Mr Wakoliam, Detective Twohey, and Con stable Hobaon were examined. TJhere was nothing new in Mr Wakeham's evidence, but the following extract from it is interesting :—" He deposed that on Mon day he asked the accused to show him the placo where sho had left the child on Satur day. She went with him to Newton. When thoy got to a house (Mrs Liddle'., North-street), Mrs Wilson told him to remain outside while sfep wont in, and in 10 minutes after she camo out with Mrs Liddle. Mrs Wilson said to Mrs Liddle, ' Did I not leavo my child horo pn Saturday night ?' nt the same timo nudging Mrs Liddlo. Witness then charged Mrs Liddle to give a true answer. Mrs Liddle said Mrs Wilson did not bring any child to her houso on Saturday night. He then asked her had there been a woman hero -by tho name of Mrs J. Wilson, from the Waikatp. Mrs Liddle replied np, npt for some months. He then asked when sho had last seen Mrs Wi!soP> pointing to her. She said that it was npt Sirs Wilson, b\]p 3|iss Smith, and had not see{t her fof some tno. tha." At tlio aoncVusicn of tho evidence Mr Superintendent Thomson intimated that the analysis of the stomach pf the child had not yet bsen completed by Mr Pond. The report of that gentleman would be considered at the Supreme Ceurt. < The Coroner, in summing up, remarked J that the evidence did not discloso whether the death had been accidental or otherwise. I The jury then retired to consider their '■ verdict, and after half-an-hour's deliberation founds "That Emily Wilson, being an; infant of tender years, was found dead on ' the 19th day of August, 1884, in tho pro vincial district of Auokland, New Zealand, having been buried in certain nursery gar dens therein situate, known as Mason's Gardens, Manukau Road, and that the \ manner of death was by asphyxia or< suffocation, but how suoh suffocation was caused no evidence thereof doth appear to the jurors. The jury are also of opinion that further investigation into the circum stances attending the case are required." Mr Thomson said that further proceedings would be taken by the police, notwithstand ing the verdict returned by tho jury, and it would be his du£y to re-arrest the accused, and'take what furt_er action he .thought necessary. ' -

A very enjoyable social re-union is projected for Wednesday evening next in the largo school-room at the cornor of Pitt and Wellington-streets, the proceeds being designed for St. Mary's Orphanage. An active and well-selected Committee have been appointed to manage the affair, and all possible means are being taken by thorn to ensure a thoroughly successful result. There is s strong demand for tickets, and a highly sociable party is eagerly antici pated.

Mr J. Levy, clothior, has completed two now shops u'nd an upstairs set of 10 new offices on his premises formerly known ns the Exchange Hotel, facing Queen and Durham streets. The offices are substan tially fitted with water and every necessary convenience, at considerable expense. The central staircase is elegant, and in modern stylo. Tho shops will be open noxt week. Wo may mention that the nrehiteet was Mr Bartley, the builder Mr Watson, and the decorator Mr Henderson.

Tho time for opening tenders for the erection of the Jewish Synagogue lias been postponed till next Monday week.

Wednesday next is the latest day for entering actions for the Civil Sittings of the Supreme Court, whioh open on Monday week.

Mr Isaac Selby lectures to-morrow night in tho Lorno-street Hall on " Freewill, Pre destination, and Man's Responsibility."

The Ponsonby Football Club has been in existenco since 1876, and since then has played 54 matches, won 37, lost 9, and drawn 8. A paragraph in reference to this published on pngo 4 of this issue under tho heading of "Field Sports" has been ren dered incorrect owing to the omission of several words.

Cr. Dovoio has given notice of tho follow ing very necessary motion :—" That Hie Streots Committee be invited to consider the practicability of tho principal streots in the city being pat in good repair and main tained by contractors ; and also consider tho expediency of calling for tenders for such repairs and maintenance for a term of, say five years, commencing Ist January, 1885."

Somo vory fine views of the steamship Triumph, as she now lies in dock, have been taken by E. Pulman, on a large scale, and aro now on exhibition in Queen-stroot shops.

Considerable excitement was caused last night botweon 9 and 10 o'clock by an alarm of (iro in Arawa-street, Kybor Pass. The wind was blowing sovoroly at tho timo, and the flame was brilliantly reflected upon tho neighbouring houses. Tho fire-bell rang, but before tho arrival of tho Eden ongino the (ire had beon satisfactorily sup pressed. Several porsons mounted tlio roof of the house, and by means of wot sacks, which were thrust down the chimney, tho fire was subduod beforo any niatoriul damage was done. We under stand that tho igniting of a foul chimney waa the cause of tho alarm.

Tho following account of an aocidont to tho cutter Roso and narrow escape of hor crew is published in the Bay of Plenty "T«mes" of Tuesday last:—"Tho cutter Roso (Captain O'Mooro), on hor way from Kiitikati on Friday last with a full cargo of gtitu, valued at £200, was compelled], through stress of woathor, to anchor under shelter of Motuhoa Island, mid-way to Mr Potior _ settlement. Tho wind during the night was terrific, and, veering suddenly, struck tho vessol, laying her on her beam ends. Tho cutter was swamped, and finally went down, Tho crew scrambled on to tho keel of the boat, whora they remained for some hours, when Mr Borell's son saw thorn, and, having obtained assistance, wont to the roscuo. But for this timoly aid, neither Mr O'Mooro nor his companion, John Allan, would have managed to escape. Thoy wero for upwards of eight hours iv I heir perilous position. Tho gum may be recovered ; it was a consignment forwarded to L. 1). Nathan by Mr Clarke, of Katikati."

Tho Manukau Rowing Club hold their first mooting of tho season in tho Manukau Hotol, Onohunga, on Thursday ovoning last, about 20 members being present. This Club was organised about four months ago. and purchased a four-oarod gunwalo gig and n string-tost from tho Auckland Row ing Club, in which they havo practised at intorvals, and aro becoming proficient. Stops havo been taken to join the Auckland Rowing Association, and a boat shed, 50 feet by 20 feot, is boing oroctod on the oast sido of Mangoro Bridge, so as to have access to tlio water at any time of tide. An ordor has also beon given to Mr Bailey, of Auckland, to build a whaleboat gig, which will be finished about four weeks licnco, in order to make active preparations for tho forthcoming regattas, in which thoy intend to compete. It is to bo hoped that success may attend this Club, as the members are'sparing neither time nor money to mako|lt ono of the best clubs in tho province.—[Correspondent.]

Inspeotor Goldie has beon mado tho fortu nate recipient of an elegant revolving chair at the hand of some unknown admirer. The article of furniture was conveyed to the Council and loft thoro for him, and ho is now eagerly trying to solvo the idontity of his bonefactor. Ho is hardly sure yet whothor it is not tho expression of an elaborate "goak." Tho following letter, ad dressed to the caretohor, is tho only due to tho mystery :—" 22nd August, 1884.—Mr Lovell, —Pleaso put Library chair left with you last evening into MrGoldie's office, and oblige Tho Donor. For Mr Goldie." At the samo timo that this piece of good fortune befol the Inspector of Inuisancee, tho Town Clerk proved tho victim of an adverse fat.. While inspecting the lately-imported steam roller, a spark from tho engine descended upon his bran now gingham and burst into fltttno before he was aware, A troop of alarmed citizens rushed to his rescue, but the outward glory of tho parachute had disappeared. In other words, when the firo was quonched tho staff alone re mained.

George McCaslin, a well-known carter, who has jftst entered the Bankruptcy Court, was examined this morning on oath before the Official Assignee, and for a person in such a position,dißplaysromarkablo candour. He stated that he had been a master carter for 15 years, and that between 8 and 9 years ago, being in difficulty, he had to file his schedule. A friend started him on his feet again, and he did so well that at the etui of four years he was the proud possessor of 9 horses and 3 drays, all paid for. In his own words he foolishly gave up good paying work in 1880, and tendered for City Council carting. His tender was accepted, and the result was that he had to secure additional teams. As a good deal of supervision was necessary he paid £30 for a pony to rido about on. Tho success of the contract, however, was too much for him. " I got too big for my boots, became reckless, nnd drank heavily ; got frequently into the hands of the police for furious riding, and othor breaches of tho law, and I reckon these troubles cost me at least £200." His business was neglected, and at the end of three years he was completely sold out. Shortly before he took the Council contract, he had bought a three-roomed house and two allot ments for £5Q and settled them upon his wife. Subsequently his wife got loans of £100 and £350 respectively from the Build ing Sooiety, giving the deeds of her pro perty «8 secur»ty, The first loan was for tho purpose of olearing off a bill of sale upon the horses, and the second was applied to the paying of a mortgage. He worked at the Calliope Dock until Jackson failed, and since then had been two weeks out of on.iplpymen,t;. 'Phe debtor's un secured liabilities amount to £}83 Ss 2d, i against winch there are £}0 of assets. In addition, Mr Edward. Copper holds a bill of salo for £25.0 over ±1.5 10s worth of property.

The Rev. E- Walker, lately on a. visit to England on a mission connected with the Con gregational Union of New Zealand, preaches in T.ercsford-street Church, to-morrow morning. Ho also delivers an address ata meeting at the samo place on Tuesday evening, giving some account o£ his visit home, which is oxpectod to be of an interesting charter.

Baths for Working Mon.

(_o the Editor.) §;_,—When Mr Gruhh inaugurated the Newton baths, blessings, "not loud, but deep," welled up from hundreds of grateful hearts on his "flourery ppw," Tho work in- men then enjoyed the precious privilege through the hot water baths of cloansing ( themselves from the week's acpumulatipns of \ sweat and soil on their bodies through six I days' toil before putting on their Sunday j shirts, Early morn on Sundays used to witness these healthful aots of purification ; but, sir, the usageg of the past aro extinct in the present. Hot water that was obtain able then at U a.m. oannot he got now until 10 a.m. What earthly use is that to work jing men? If Mr G__bb retains the (management of the baths in his own \ hands, I for one vote him a humbug; if, however, it has passed into the hands of others, then I say he is deserving of genu, me sympathy, and the hest advice I oan give him is to klok out the " sloths," re sumo the management, let working men have hot water baths before breakfast, in* stead ef waiting, as they npw do, until tho Sabbath bells are ringing, Nuf sed !— Yours faithfully, T. B. Hannatokd.

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

Tbe British Relief Expedition.

(DV CAULK—COPYRIGHT.)

London, August 22. Five thousand British troops, under the command of General Earle, are expected to reaoh Dongola on December 6th, en route to Khartoum, to the relief of General Gordon. It has transpired that the authorities at Horso Guards insist on the expedition to Khartoum proceeding by the Nile and not via Souakim. The British Foroe to Number 5.000. (Received August 23—n00n.) Alexandria, August 22. It is announced that Major-Genernl W. Earle will command tho Anglo-Egyptian expedition which it is proposed to despatch by the Nile route to Khartoum in October. The British troops in the expedition will number 5,300.

THE CHOLERA IN EGYPT

Further Spread In Italy. -Outbreak at Geneva.

Rome, August 22. Ciiolbra continues to spread in the North west of Italy. Several casos aro now re ported at Milan, Turin, nnd Genoa.

Gknkva, August 22. Cholora has mado its appearanoo in this city.

DEATH OF MR E. FOLEY

It is with sincere regret wo have to chronicle the death of Mr Edmund Foley, at the ripo old age of 73. Mr Foley arrived in the Province [of Auckland in 1839 with his wife and family, and settled in Karangahape, now known as Corn wallis, situated at the north side of the Manakau. In 1843 he removed to Queen-street,' Auckland, where he opened a butcher's shop, near the premises of the South British Insurance Office, and carried on a most successful business. Vacating this occupation, he openod the first licensed hotel at Otahuhu, which he conducted for many years, ultimately disposing of it to Mr I _sseniskie. At Otahuhu he held a large farming interest, the extensive operations of which were carried on at both sides of tho Otahuhu Bridge. In 1858 ho repre sented the Northern Division, now named North and South Franklin, in the Provincial Council, his colleagues boing Messrs Good fellow, May, and the lato Patrick Lorrigan. During the Maori war ho went to Tauranga, having had largo commissariat contracts there, and was an eyo-witness of the histori cal Gate Pah disaster. From tho begin ing of provincialism to 1870, his political influenco in Auckland, South division, and among the pensioners' settlements was con siderable. Since this period he has taken little or no interest in politics. Ho leaves a largo family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom have been comfortably provided for. His youngest son is a partnor in tho firm of Messrs J. Dignan and Co., lato of Quick's stables. Mr Foley was born at County Tipperary, Ireland, as was also his wife—sister of tho late Sir John O'Shaugh nessy, the well-known Victorian Premier, who was also created a Count of tho Roman Empire by Pope Pius IX., in recognition of services rendered to tho Roman Catholic Church in Australia.

A DUNEDIN BANKRUPTCY

Is an Insolvent Tradesman Entitled to

Speculate 7

(BY TEI.EfJRAI'II—OW.N COKKESPONDEN'T.)

Du.nedi.v, this day. On Georgo Turnbull coming up for his dis charge, the Judge said that the bankrupt had stated that his purchases were made in 1878, before tho failure of the City of Glas gow Bank. He then had sufficient money to pay deposits on various properties, and hoped to recoup himself very shortly for his additional outlay. His Honor had no doubt the failuro ofr the City of Glasgow Bank upset thoso calculations, and ho did not feel in a position to say that at the time tho speculations were entered into tho bankrupt was doing an unjustifiable thing. Before suspending his discharge on that ground, he would have to be satisfied that when tho bankrupt went into tho speculations thoy were transactions which a prudent man of business in the bankrupt s then position would not have entered into. Ho was not able to say the transactions wero such that a prudent man would not have entered into. One could hardly blame the bankrupt for not foreseeing the subsequent events which actually took placo. Tho only other point that seemed to demand explanation was why the bank rupt did not call his creditors together earlier.

Mr. Denniston pointed out that nine tradesmen out of ten strugglod on in the hope that with the assistance of friends they would be able to tide ovor their difficul ties.

His Honor: No doubt that may be a good reason for a man not declaring himself in solvent, but as soon as he gets into difficul ties ho should tako his creditors into his confidence.

Mr Denniston urged that colling a private meeting of creditors in Dunedin waa as bad _s insolvency. His Honor replied that it practically meant insolvency, no doubt. On the report before him ho saw no reason for withholding the discharge.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

Willmott _ Dramatic Company.

" East Lvnne " waa produced last evening, and dr.vv a largo audience, although the weather proved most unfavourable.

"Tho Woman of the People" To-night

This great temperance drama, which has created such a furore in England and Aus tralia, is to be performed in Auckland for the first time to-night. Great pains have been taken to stage it effectively, and we are informed that the performance is under tho special patronage of the Rechabites, the Good Templar lodges, and the Blue Ribbon Army. The following letter was re ceived by Mr Willmott yesterday :— " Princes-street, Auckland, 22nd August, 1884. F. M. Willmott, Esq., Opera House, Auckland.—My Dear Sir, — Pardon the liberty I now take in addressing you, an entire stranger to me, but I nm compelled by the force of circumstances to do so, trusting that the lessons taught, the morals inculcated, and which influenced my course of life, may have the same direot blessing to many in this city who shall attend the production of one of the greatest moral dramas over produced, 'The Woman of the People.' With your permiss_io7i I will relate the circumstf y iC6 g, A f was at that time living i n Sydney^ and to be _ marr__ ft. about a fortnight, whfi£ ihilj play was brought out at the Gaiety. In the usual course I took the lady to see its production on the first night, and never shall I forget it. I was so con vinced of tho evil influence of drink over a man, and how insidiously it works into his morals, corrupting and depraving them, that I resolved to give up what I then saw to be a most pernicious habit, and it is with the heartiest pleasure I can testify of the bene fits which I have received ever since, and I wholly attribute them to the forcible argu ment* whioh are put forth in this play, and which had far greater beneficial results than many able loctures and addresses I have heard on that subject. Allow me, sir, to con gratulate you on having acquired tho sole right of producing in New Zealand ' The Wom,n,n of the People,' and to wish you as great a success with it as you wish yourself, fuHy believing that were such dramas more often given, we should not hear so. muoh talk by some of ' tho necessity of elevating the stage to a more healthy tone.' As a guarantee of good faith, I herewith enclose my earU.—l am, my dear sir, yours faith fully, Ose of ti?e Peqpws."

The following are the scores of the games played in the chess tournament up to the present time s—Ashtpn won 4, lost 8 ; Boy lan won 4, lost 4 3 Bruford won 0, lost 4 ; Burton won 0, lost 4; Cousins won 3, lost 2 ; Garlick won 2, lest 1 5 Garrie won 2, lost 1; Green won 4^, lost 4i ; Hosking won 4_ lost H j Jakins won I_, lost 3, s James won J, lost , 1 liusk won Bs, lost 9, j Ridings won 0, lost 2 s Sloman won 2, lost 0; Wat kins won 3, lost 41 Wood won 3_ lost _. The match will be resumed on Thursday next.

FLIES AND BUGS, brau^.tawts. _«*_, <_,H __ bIUB, ratßjpalce, goplvera. clil. mu-lu, de_eG out by " Rough o_ Kenapth-r-e. p roasej a Co., Agents. A_kl_d Sewing Machines for everybody.—D. S. Chambers, 20, Queen-street.

The Roy. J, Robertson, M. A., delivers to morrow evening the first of a series of lectures on "Young Men in the Battle of Life, the subject being the " Bivouac of Life

CABLEGRAMS.

Onmaru Harbour Loan.

[BY CAI3LE.-COPYRIGHT.]

(Received August 23—11.30 a.m.)

London, August 22.—The tenders for the Onmaru Harbour Board Loan were aliened to-day. The nmount tendered was fifty-two thousand pounds, the average being one hundred and one pounds. (Received 23rd August, 1.15 p.m.) London, August 22nd.—Tenders for the balance (£20,000) of Oatnaru Harbour Board Loan have been opened. Those at £101 and upwards, will receivo allotment in full. Boer Republic Proclaimed. Cape Town, August 21.—Telegrams to hand from the Transvaal state that the Re publican Executive havo issued a proclama tion at Pretoria announcing the creation of a Boer Republic in Zululand, and its refusal to further recognise the independence of the native Zulu chieftains. London Wool Sales. London. August 21.—At to-day's wool sale, 11,800 bales wore offered, making a total of 94,700 catalogued since tlio opening of the series. Withdrawals amounts to 5,000 bales. The English share list of the new Oriental Bank Company closes on September 1, The Australian list will close on the loth of the same month.

AUSTRALIAN.

Market Reports,

Sydney, August 22.—New Zealand wheat, per bushel, is 3s 3d; New Zealand oats, 3s 8d ; maize, 4s 4d; Sugar Com pany's No. 1 pieces, per ton, £ 31, Adelaide, August 22.—Wheat is quoted at3s7d. The market is quiet, and little is doing. Flour: Town brands, £8 17s Cd; country ditto, £7 17s Od. Freights to Lon don : Steamers, 30s ; ditto sailing, 25s to 30s. The markot is weak, except for freights on wool.

FRANCO-CHINESE WAR.

THE ATTACK ON FOOCHOW.

Chinese War Material to be Destroyed

(W CABLE —COPYRIGHT.)

Hono Kong, August 22. It is now definitely stated that Admiral Courbet has been instructed to bombard the Chinese Imperial arsenal, which is situated three miles from Foochow. It is under stood that the attack will bo mado at sun rise to-day, and that under cover of the fire tho troops will be landed, and the material and stores in tho arsenal will bo destroyed.

The French Fleet to Attack.

Paris, August 21. I.n consequence of the definite refusal of tho Chinese Government to accept the French ultimatum, till hope of averting a war has been abandoned, and diplomatic relations with China were formally interrupted to day, when M. Ferry forwarded his pass port to Li Fong Pao, the Chineso Am bassador. Instructions has. been sent to Admiral Courbet to take steps to obtain reparation from China on account of theLangsoii affair without further delay, and it is expected that active hostilities will at onco bo com menced by the French war vessels in the Chinese waters.

Tho Chinese Government has forbidden the evacuation of Lnngson.

THE OUTRAGES AT MANGERE.

A Private Detective Makes SomS

Discoveries,

It will be remembered that some time ago, Mr George Macrae, a settler at Mangere, complained of a species of persecution and spoilation to which he was sub jected. Ho lost several valuable animal through malicious mutilation, and he was continually missing articles from his farm in a mysterious manner. His fences were also frequently broken down, so that the cattle of neighbours grazing on tho road got into his fields and injured his crops, Finding no redress followed his complaints to the local Road Board and police, Mr Macrae hit upon the plan of employing a man to act as private detective on his farm. This person kept a vigilant watch, and has been successful in obtaining such informa tion as will, it is hoped, secure immunity from lawless acts and all annoyance in the future. On Thursday last, a small farmer in the district was seen in the act of taking rails from Mr Macrae's fence, and there was also a strong suspicion that he had abstracted a number of eggs from a nest, which were missing, but, being marked with the date, could be easily identified. Information was conveyed to Sergeant Greene, Onehunga, who with Constable ll aslett at once set out to search the house of the suspected party, William Atkinson by name. He was known to be a powerful and desperate fellow, hence the need for all the police obtainable, who were also rein forced by Mr Macrae. These precautions proved not in vain. Atkinson's house being searched, resulted in the discovery of the stolen fence rails, marked eggs, and also various carpenters' tools missed from the farm, On the constable proposing to take him in charge, Atkinson declined to go, re^ fused to put on his coat, and made a des perate resistance to being handcuffed. Ultimately he was overpowered, and the "darbies" clapped on his wrists, but not before he had seriously kicked the con stablo. His legs wero then tied, and Mr Macrae having provided a dray, the violent prisoner, uttering wild threats of ven geance, was conveyed to Onehunga lock-up. There his violence continued, and he had to be manacled to a ring-bolt in the floor to keep him comparatively quiet. Yesterday the prisoner was brought up at the One hunga J.P. Court, before Dr. Scott and Mr T. Ball, J.P.s, when, the larcenies being clearly proved, he was sentenced to four months' imprisonment. For assaulting the police ho got another two months addi tional, making six months in all. We are informed that the " private detective " has succeeded in obtaining other information which may lead .0 several other parties in the district being charged with offences against Mr Macrae. There was rather a feeling against the latter gentleman—many of his friends thinking that he was unduly contentious and apt to grumble; but tb_ discoveries made amply justify him, and should gain sympathy for hi__ _mong his well-meaning neighbours.

POLICE COURT.-This Day

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.)

Drunkenkess.—Four persons wero fined 10s each.

Neolectino a Wipe. — Charles Walter Langstone was charged with neglecting to provide fpr Margaret, his wife, and family. —Mr Cetter appeased for defendant, and said that ho had been instructed to say that dofondant had loft his wife, and occasionally sent her money. He was willing to pay £2 per week towards the support of his wife and four children at Rangitikei.—Mr Thom son wished for a remand, in order that ho might communicate with Mrs Langstono on the matter. —Adjourned until Friday next.—Bail extended.

ATTE.iriEO Suicide.—Michael Haydeii was charged with attempting to poison himself on the evening of the 15th instant.—Sergeant Gamble appeared to prosecute, and said prisoner" was pro pared to plead guilty and find sure ties, lip would not object to moderate bail. The prisoner, a respectablo-lcpking young man, had been lodging at a board ing-house (formerly Maiden's) in Queen street, where he took the poison, "Rou.h on Rats" {particulars of which have already appeared)..—The caso was adjourned for a week, and prisoner bound over, himself in £3.0, and one or two sureties to the same amount.

This was all the business.

TELEGRAMS.

Thames, this day —Two local fishermen have erected refrigerating machinery to enable the preservation of their daily takings while awaiting an opportunity for shipment to Auckland.

Tk AwAMCTtJ, this day.—A large and influential meeting of settlers from various parts of the district was held here last night—Mr Sloane in the chair—to consider tho proposed alteration of the railway time-table. Resolutions wore passed con demning the proposed change, and also tho Waikato "Times " for its persistent advo cacy of the same. ... :;'v;..; ■/. -~, AAAAA-

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

SIR GEORGE GREY SENT FOR,

(BY TE_EGRAPH.-!_PECIA_ REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day.

Mr Thomson, of Clutha, notified the Governor, shortly before 4 o'clock yester day, that he was unable to form a Ministry, and soon afterwards his Excellency sum moned Sir George Grey, and asked him whether he was prepared to undertake the office. A long conversation took place on the complicated condition of parties, and Sir George Grey asked for timo to consider the mntter before definitely accepting the task proposed by his Excellency. This was granted. The Cause of Mr Thomson's Failure. I learn that before resigning the position he had accepted, Mr Thomson used his best efforts to bring about a union between the i leading elements of tho old Opposition party. In this endeavour lie was aided by , Mr Wakefield, but ho found that very bitter feelings had been engendered, and that his task was an impossible one. He, of course laboured under the disadvnntage of having no recognised position in the House. Somo members think he ought to have called a meeting of those who voted for the want of confidence motion, and placed the matter in their hands, but this would pro bably have ended only in confusion and new difficulties; and he pursued tho best course open to him, and which has at last assisted.in showing how matters stood without causing any loss of time. On the whole, considering that two Ministries havo held office, one of which brought down a large policy, and another Cabinet maker has tried his diplomatic skill and failed, there has not been much time wasted. It was only a fortnight last Thursday since Parliament opened.

An Otago View of the Situation.

(BY TELEGRAni—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. The "Otago Daily Times" says: "Mr Thomson would earn the thanks of the country if he handed over to Mr Ormond the task of forming a Ministry, aliowin. him to choose his own colleagues. Mr Ormond could, if he were not hampered as was Sir Julius Vogel, get together a Go vernment that would be completely satis factory to the country, and would command a working majority ; in fact, an Ormond Ministry, with Sir Julius Vogel as Trea surer, would be the most satisfactory out come of the present position." Tho "Star" ridicules the idea of Mr Thomson undertaking tho task.

THE LATEST.

SIR GEORGE GREY AND MAJOR ATKINSON IN CONSULTATION.

No Hope of a Coalition. Wellington, this afternoon. Sir George Grey invited Major Atkinson to confer with him to-day, and a long con . sultation took place, in which the situation was discussed. I understand that the pro position submitted by Sir George Grey, and considered was whether they could act jointly in setting up a Ministry for the f_Bßion which both could support. Major Atkinson thought a temporary Ministry impossible, because permanent provision will have to be made for the • finance of the colony to prevent public works coming to a standstill. It was also urged by Major Atkinson that difficulties existed in the management of the two parties which rendered the securing of a large majority of the Houso under a coalition a matter of great uncertainty, and that in the event of another failure the Governor would probably consider the proper course to pursue would be to grant a dissolution to the Government that was formed by Sir Julius Vogel, the House having been com pletely exhausted. Tho differences between Sir George Grey and Major Atkinson personally were not considered so great as the party difficul ties, but the interview has ended all chance of a coalition Government of the kind medi tated at present. ' Sir Georgo Grey's Course of-Action. Sir George Grey's friends are now ascer taining the feelings of the Auckland and other members of the House on the subject of undertaking the formation of a Govern ment, and his reply to the Governor will depend entirely upon the result of their inquiries. The Atkinson Negotiations. Regarding the interview with Major At kinson, I have ascertained that the conver sation was general, a dissolution being only spoken of as ameng the possibilities of the situation, and no distinct propositions were advanced. The net result, however, is that thoy failed to settle any basis of co-opera tion. ' "Grey or Hades!" A good story is being circulated in the lobbies to the effect that one of the Waikato members had received a telegram signed by Mr F. A. Whitaker, Mr Hewitt (of Cam bridge), and other prominent " watchmen," whose names I have not heard, inquiring as to the situation. Ho replied "Grey or Hades," to which this ansvter came back : "Hewitt says Grey; .he others prefer Hades !" I have not _een able to sco the receiver of the message yet, but send the story in the form in which it is generally being retailed. » (BY -OELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) 'He Confers With tbe Stout-Vogel Party. It is reported that Sir George Grey will this afternoon have a conference with the members of the late Government.

ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN CRICKET.

(BY TELEGRAPH—COPYRIaHT.)

London, August 21. The Australian cricketers commenced a match to-day at Nottingham against eleven representing that county. The following were the names of the home team:—Dinon, Attewell, Barnes, Flowers, Gunn, Scotton, Selby, Shaw, Sherwin, Shrewsbury, and. Wright. The attendanco of spectators was large, nnd the weather during the day was splendid. The visitors went in first, and remained at the wickets all day, scoring 223 runs for the loss of eight wickets before the stumps were drawn. The principal scorers were: Murdoch, c, 39 ; and Black ham, b, 51.

The Bad and Worthless.

are never imitated or counterfeited. This _ especially true ot a family medicine, and it is positive proof that the-remedy imitated is-ef the highest valae. As soon as it had been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitten was the potest, best, and most valuable famllr medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up. and began to steal the notices in which the Press and the people of tbe country had expressed the merits of H. 8., and In every way trying to induce '.uffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B. Many others started nostrums put up in similar stjhi to H. B„ with variously devised names, in which the word " Hop or "Hops" were used in a way to induoe people to believe they were tha same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, lo 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. Boware 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's name blown in the glas3. Trust nothing else. Druggists and chemists are warned against dealing in Imitations or counterfeits.

A correspondent writes: — " Some Heaven-born genius has been cramming tho ' Herald' to the effect that the limbs cf gum trees fall from age when about 25 years old, and that the wood is valueless for firewood, or npt worth splitting, in con sequence of which the trees which formerly grew around St. Matthew's Church are to bo had for taking away; as in reality it makes the very best of firewood, hardly anything else being used in Australia, and where hale trees hundreds of years old maybe found anyv,'here. The ■' crammer' should take care that some of the boughs of the birch tree do not fall upon him, as there aro people uncharitable enough to say that it would serve him right if they did so."

On the subject of establishing a Partta* mentary debating club for Auckland, "Elector 1' writes strongly approving of the suggestion. Mr P. Chappell Browne also writes, and in reference to the question ' of "initiative" says: "I beg to suggest) -' that some few who feel interested and would help tho writer to carry into effect this long-talked of idea, write a line or two to the undersigned, care of the Stab office, intimating their willingness, and doabtles. with a long pull, and a.strong pall, and a pull altogether, we shall bo able to re«c_ii|fl the goal of our desires."-, ;...j.A xt ___________

THE AUCKLAND EVENING' ST_UEt, SATUiti-AI AUGUST 23. 18gi.

2



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Special A<lvei-i_c_ieuts. Milne & Choyce. ANNUAL STOCK TARING. GREAT SALE OF REMNANTS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS FOR 14 Days ! v Ays. 14 Days ! COMMENCING TUESDAY, sth AUGUST. REMNANTS DRESS MATERIALS REMNANTS SILKS, &c. REMNANTS RIBBONS REMNANTS LACES REMNANTS TRIMMINGS REMNANTS CALICO-S. &0. ALSO, THE BALANCE OF WINTER JACKETS, DOLMANS, ULSTERS, ANT. MILLINERY, AT A GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR. MILNE & CHOYCE, WELLESLEY AND LORNE-STREETS. Mr Alfred S m i th, ARCHITECT (Fellow of the Rovat, Institute), HAS REMOVED TO 18, SHORTLAND-STREET. O I C H M O N D TT ILL. no choice"_Tlotments FOR SALE, ON EASY TERMS. J. T. BOY LAN, Colonial Bank. LITHOGRAPHS NOW READY. DR. C. NEWBERRY COBBETT, M.8., M.S., EDINBURGH (Uite Resident Physician, Accoucheur, Rotunda Hospital. Dublin. Sec, Sec), ALFRED-STREET. ALBERT PARK, Near Choral Hall. Hours of Consultation. At Hems: 9-11 a.m., G-7, and 8-9 p.m. At Mr Aiokin's Pharmacy, Queen-street: 12-1, nnd 1-5 p.m. Special practice in Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children.